I went to the Penance Service Tonight

[Truthstalker]

I was expecting a sort of Calvinist “let’s wallow in what moral pigs we are, woe unto us, for we are doomed without Christ and can’t breathe without sinning; we are trash that needs wiping off the face of the earth” kind of service, or some other kind of excessive emotional service to get those guilt juices flowing or something, or some spectacular abuses.

At the Stations of the Cross last Friday, I noticed hundreds of cars in the parking lot for the fish fry, and a total of eleven people, including myself and my spouse, doing the SOTC. I expected something similar in terms of attendence. While the place wasn’t packed tonight, it was fairly full. Good. It bothers me that while the parish registration is 1400 families, weekly attendence is only around 1000. Evangelical church attendence ratios are often the reverse: 200 members attending, 300 non-members, maybe four to five absentees. I think 8/4000 showing up for SOTC is a low ratio. Is this typical?

I liked it. I watched what happened, the lines and so forth to the various priests they had imported. One was stationed in the church cry-room, with its big glass window, and I looked at the first confesee, nosy little kid that I am, until the line blocked my sight. I’ve never seen this before, so it was interesting. I timed a few, partly because of my Scientific Curiosity, partly because I was concerned at the hour and I have obligations at home.

Is it unusual for confessions to take only between fifty and ninty seconds?

I had to leave before it was done, but they were going to do a group penance of praying the Our Father. Is that unusual? I thought a penance was a little more onerous than that. Do priests give you penances like “restore the million dollars you stole” (not that I have)?

 

[baltobetsy]

Is it unusual for confessions to take only between fifty and ninty seconds?

I had to leave before it was done, but they were going to do a group penance of praying the Our Father. Is that unusual? I thought a penance was a little more onerous than that. Do priests give you penances like “restore the million dollars you stole” (not that I have)?

Confession doesn’t really take a long time. Try it yourself - say aloud, “I robbed two banks of $50,000 each, I dangerously exceeded the speed limit in the getaway car twice, I used the services of a prostitute every week for two years, I missed Sunday Mass every week for a month, and I told three lies.” If the priest feels the pressure of time (as in a Penance service) and does not give much advice (God bless you for your humble confession. Please try not to rob any more banks and try to come close to God in the Mass), it only takes another 40 seconds or so to assign a penance and say the Absolution.

Outside of a Penance service, things can be more leisurely, and there’s time for more advice. You can go more deeply into things and it can take 5 minutes or more. I have waited in line behind people who took 30 minutes more than once. My current favorite priest takes his time with everyone, no matter what time it is and how many are waiting. Last Saturday, it was time for the Responsorial Psalm of the Mass (another priest was celebrating it) before he finished with the last person.

Penances are typically light - usually a few prayers. It reinforces the fact that it is Jesus who has actually atoned for our sins. We could never do it on our own. In the case of having stolen a million bucks, you would normally be required to make restitution, as far as possible.

Hope this helps.

Betsy

 

[acadian]

I usually like to attend confession at a penance service, but since they are limited to once a twice a year, it kind of limits your opportunities. Last time I attended at a penance service, there was not a very big turn out. There is a group examination of conscience, but then everything else is like a regular confession. My kids and I were the end of the line. I asked the good father where one draws the line between talking about someone (exchanging information) and gossip, and got a lengthy explanation in return.

I went a few weeks ago on a Saturday afternoon during the allotted half hours and felt like he was doing his very best to have you out in under 2 minutes. And that was even giving you time to say an act of contrition.

His standard penance is usually for you to pray one Our Father. It would be OK if one wants to say more prayers. It does somewhat reinforce that we’re not doing this on our own, but through God’s great mercy.

 

[mary_bobo]

We have penance services twice a year. There is the examination of conscience, with assistance by a priest and a member of the church. Then the Act of Contrition is said. When it is time for individual confessions, there are more priests who come for the service from other parishes in the city. We had eight last week. No one seems in a hurry and you get to choose the priest you want. I am not able to go on Saturday evenings for the usual confession time and this service helps a lot.