Eucharistic Adoration and Confession

[Olivia_Smith]

Hello,
My question is why is a priest not permitted to hear confessions during Eucharistic Adoration?
Thanks
Olivia

 

[LilyM]

Hello,
My question is why is a priest not permitted to hear confessions during Eucharistic Adoration?
Thanks
Olivia

This is the first I’ve heard of it! I know at least a few churches in my area that DO have the Sacrament permanently exposed (when there’s no Mass going on) and confessions are also heard during this time.

In fact confessions can be and occasionally are heard during Mass itself, in my experience, when there are sufficient priests available to allow this.

 

[lak611]

In fact confessions can be and occasionally are heard during Mass itself, in my experience, when there are sufficient priests available to allow this.

There is a parish in my city that has daily confession followed by daily Mass. The priest who is not saying Mass stays in his confessional until all confessions are heard, even if the Mass has already started.

 

[jpjd]

Where did you hear that it’s not allowed?

In my parish, we have Adoration every First Friday, and the priest hears confessions immediately after exposition until there is no one left in line. So, there are confessions being heard during Adoration.

 

[Olivia_Smith]

Our priest told us he would not hear confessions on first Saturdays while Eucharistic adoration is going on, that it is not allowed during Eucharistic Adoration or during the Mass. Is there something in Church Law or Catholic Doctine that verifies this?

 

[tee_eff_em]

Our priest told us he would not hear confessions on first Saturdays while Eucharistic adoration is going on, that it is not allowed during Eucharistic Adoration or during the Mass. Is there something in Church Law or Catholic Doctine that verifies this?

I think you would get a surer answer if you (politely) ask your priest – I have to weigh in with those who have never heard of such prohibition, and have frequently observed the contrary. I would be intrigued to learn that there is a prohibition.

But no matter how many may share this experience, it is not proof of a negative, only evidence suggesting it.

:twocents:
tee

 

[thistle]

Our church has a perpetual Eucharistic adoration chapel and Confessions are heard three days a week.

 

[puzzleannie]

ask your priest for clarity if he made the statement.
It is a regular feature of shrines and churches here to offer confessions during exposition and adoration.

perhaps he means that during a solemn holy hour, he wants to be present adoring himself and attending, and so will not leave the blessed sacrament during that time for confession, which is certainly his right.

 

[Brian_C]

Our church has a perpetual Eucharistic adoration chapel and Confessions are heard three days a week.

We have perpetual adoration and our adoration chapel shares a door with the confessional!

There is a sign on the door asking adorers to please knock if confessions are too loud. Sadly, we only have confession for 1 hr before saturday vigil mass. I know I could benefit from it being at more convinient times…

 

[John_Lilburne]

Pope John Paul II wrote in a 2002 Motu Proprio “Misericordia Dei”:

“2. Local Ordinaries, and parish priests and rectors of churches and shrines, should periodically verify that the greatest possible provision is in fact being made for the faithful to confess their sins. It is particularly recommended that in places of worship confessors be visibly present at the advertized times, that these times be adapted to the real circumstances of penitents, and that confessions be especially available before Masses, and even during Mass if there are other priests available, in order to meet the needs of the faithful. [footnote 15: Cf. Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, Responsa ad dubia proposita: Notitiae, 37 (2001) 259-260]” The full document is at vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/motu_proprio/documents/hf_jp-ii_motu-proprio_20020502_misericordia-dei_en.html .

So if a priest is available, there can be confessions during Mass. I am not aware of anything as explicit allowing confessions during Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. But it seems reasonable that it be permitted.

The priest needs to decide if he should be present for the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Certainly someone must be present all the time. From the 2004 Instruction Redemptionis Sacramentum: “[138.] Still, the Most Holy Sacrament, when exposed, must never be left unattended even for the briefest space of time.” He may be concerned about security of the Blessed Sacrament.

 

[Olivia_Smith]

Thank you John,
Our priest instructed me to ask EWTN. He did not provide the reason why except that while people are in line for confession or in the confessional they have their backs turned away from Our Eucharistic Lord, even though there are many others at the time facing the Eucharist. I couldn’t find anything that prohibits Adoration and Confession in church at the same time. Thanks for all the (name removed by moderator)ut.
Olivia

 

[Chatter163]

Our priest instructed me to ask EWTN. He did not provide the reason why except that while people are in line for confession or in the confessional they have their backs turned away from Our Eucharistic Lord, even though there are many others at the time facing the Eucharist. I couldn’t find anything that prohibits Adoration and Confession in church at the same time. Thanks for all the (name removed by moderator)ut.

Why would they have to have their backs turned? In my parish people in line for confession during adoration remain kneeling, facing the altar. Their backs are toward the confesional door.

Sorry, it sounds like a copout answer. My response would have been, “Well, I could certainly ask EWTN, Father, but I thought it would be easier to ask you, since you mentioned it. I’ve even heard that Pope John Paul said the contrary, so I thought I would clarify.”