How do these Catholics go to Confession?

[Nelka]

I just wondered how does a deaf person that cannot speak go to confession whether that be someone who can speak but cannot hear or someone that cannot speak or hear?

What about somebody confined to a wheelchair, would they have to make an appointment to see the priest face to face?

Thanks.

 

[Jennifer_G]

I just wondered how does a deaf person that cannot speak go to confession whether that be someone who can speak but cannot hear or someone that cannot speak or hear?

What about somebody confined to a wheelchair, would they have to make an appointment to see the priest face to face?

Thanks.

We had one man who couldn’t walk very well, so the priest would always sit next to him in the middle of the church (handicap seating) and hear his confession. (I haven’t seen this elderly man in a few years, though…). For a deaf person (I’ve asked this once, having a hearing loss myself), there can be a sign language interpreter (they’d also be bound to the confessional seal), or they can write on a piece of paper.

 

[Cider]

When my husband was unable to use the confessional because he couldn’t kneel due to mobility issues the priest sat in the pew with him. No one was nearby.

 

[kenmiller]

I just wondered how does a deaf person that cannot speak go to confession whether that be someone who can speak but cannot hear or someone that cannot speak or hear?

What about somebody confined to a wheelchair, would they have to make an appointment to see the priest face to face?

Thanks.

I am sure God would accomodate even if all us sinners may not -

 

[SyroMalankara]

I am sure God would accomodate even if all us sinners may not -

God and His Church are merciful and don’t require more than what is humanly (with Divine help) possible. For a person needing an interpreter, one should be provided and that interpreter is bound to the same standard as the priest on never revealing that confession under pain of excommunication.

 

[tee_eff_em]

For a deaf person (I’ve asked this once, having a hearing loss myself), there can be a sign language interpreter (they’d also be bound to the confessional seal), or they can write on a piece of paper.

Yes, such situation is provided for in Canon Law:

Can. 983 §1. The sacramental seal is inviolable; therefore it is absolutely forbidden for a confessor to betray in any way a penitent in words or in any manner and for any reason.
§2. The interpreter, if there is one, and all others who in any way have knowledge of sins from confession are also obliged to observe secrecy.

Can. 990 No one is prohibited from confessing through an interpreter as long as abuses and scandals are avoided and without prejudice to the prescript of ⇒ can. 983, §2.

Can. 1388 §1. A confessor who directly violates the sacramental seal incurs a latae sententiae excommunication reserved to the Apostolic See; one who does so only indirectly is to be punished according to the gravity of the delict.
§2. An interpreter and the others mentioned in ⇒ can. 983, §2 who violate the secret are to be punished with a just penalty, not excluding excommunication.

tee

 

[Nelka]

Very interesting.

 

[kenmiller]

God and His Church are merciful and don’t require more than what is humanly (with Divine help) possible. For a person needing an interpreter, one should be provided and that interpreter is bound to the same standard as the priest on never revealing that confession under pain of excommunication.

Don’t make so complicated , God Forgives with or without an interpreter