Penance and women

[a83192]

I have heard that in the 1917 Code it said that the Confession of women had to be anonymous or behind a screen.

Is it dangerous for a priest to hear a face to face Confession of a young lady due to unpleasant thoughts on the part of the priest hearing the Confession?

 

[LittleHannah]

The Priest is there as a ‘‘Spirtual father’’ to the penitent.

 

[FrDavid96]

Here are the rubrics for the rite of Confession

1. The confessional for female penitents should always be located in an open and conspicuous place, generally in a church or otherwise in a public or semipublic oratory designated for women. The confessional should be built so that there is a stationary perforated grating between confessor and penitent.
2. Confessions of female penitents should never be heard outside a confessional, except in the case of illness or some other real necessity, and observing then such precautionary measures as the local Ordinary deems opportune. Confessions of men, however, may be heard even in a private home.
   sanctamissa.org/en/resources/books-1962/rituale-romanum/26-the-sacrament-of-penance-general-rules.html

I do not know if this was stated in the 1917 Code itself.

 

[Lokabrenna]

I have heard that in the 1917 Code it said that the Confession of women had to be anonymous or behind a screen.

Is it dangerous for a priest to hear a face to face Confession of a young lady due to unpleasant thoughts on the part of the priest hearing the Confession?

There’s also the possibility that the woman might be a target for assault during a confession. I don’t think it’s so much an issue nowadays.

 

[Deo_Gratias42]

There’s also the possibility that the woman might be a target for assault during a confession. I don’t think it’s so much an issue nowadays.

The issue now is when you get the Fr. Luvstohug. I don’t do reconciliation rooms now that there’s a hugging fest going on these days. Not everyone loves to hug people, especially after Confession.

 

[NewEnglandPriest]

Is it dangerous for a priest to hear a face to face Confession of a young lady due to unpleasant thoughts on the part of the priest hearing the Confession?

Actually such situations are “dangerous” for both parties. Its not unique to priests. There’s lots of stories out there about psychologists/counselors who fell in love with their patients and vice versa.

The norms for hearing confessions of females are there to protect both parties from possible human issues.

 

[LilyM]

Actually such situations are “dangerous” for both parties. Its not unique to priests. There’s lots of stories out there about psychologists/counselors who fell in love with their patients and vice versa.

The norms for hearing confessions of females are there to protect both parties from possible human issues.

But I should think that hearing the voice of a young woman (and the priest can usually tell by the voice) might be enough, depending on what she was saying - people pay money for adult phone services, after all.

 

[Luna_Lovecraft]

I like the way the confessionals are set up at our parish. They’re rooms with the screens and kneelers about four feet inside the door. The rooms themselves have large windows that face either the courtyard or parking lot, and the curtains are kept open during confessions. The doors themselves have large windows (I’d say 24 inches by 48 inches) in them. The result is that while outsiders can’t hear what’s being said, both the priest and the penitent are visible.

Luna

 

[NewEnglandPriest]

But I should think that hearing the voice of a young woman (and the priest can usually tell by the voice) might be enough, depending on what she was saying - people pay money for adult phone services, after all.

LOL, I guess so. However, the norm for a screen is not there to prevent momentary thoughts.

 

[joanofarc2008]

It would be interesting to know what the history is. In this case it almost seems like the rules for women are the same types of rules that are there for children.

 

[Deo_Gratias42]

But I should think that hearing the voice of a young woman (and the priest can usually tell by the voice) might be enough, depending on what she was saying - people pay money for adult phone services, after all.

Not always. Some priests mistake me for a man in the Confessional. I get odd counsel when that happens.

 

[joanofarc2008]

Not always. Some priests mistake me for a man in the Confessional. I get odd counsel when that happens.

 

[KCT]

I don’t know, but I remember a wise, old priest saying, “What was the church thinking putting a man and woman (or child) together in a closed room? Didn’t they realize the allegations that could be made?”

It’s true. Anyone could come out and claim something happened.

 

[Deo_Gratias42]

I don’t know, but I remember a wise, old priest saying, “What was the church thinking putting a man and woman (or child) together in a closed room? Didn’t they realize the allegations that could be made?”

It’s true. Anyone could come out and claim something happened.

All the more reason to ban reconciliation rooms. In the old school confessionals nothing can happen.

 

[thomas_jd]

I have heard that in the 1917 Code it said that the Confession of women had to be anonymous or behind a screen.

Is it dangerous for a priest to hear a face to face Confession of a young lady due to unpleasant thoughts on the part of the priest hearing the Confession?

The 1917 code is abrogated.
Afraid I can’t be of any help regarding the danger a confessional can cause a priest.
Interesting post!

 

[Mrs_Sally]

But I should think that hearing the voice of a young woman (and the priest can usually tell by the voice) might be enough, depending on what she was saying - people pay money for adult phone services, after all.

I don’t think it is because of a momentary concern of the part of the priest, but more to prevent possible scandal. In 1917, there were very few places where an unrelated man and woman would be alone together anyway.

 

[odile53]

It would seem to be a matter of prudence. However, I did a general confession (for which I made an appointment) in the rectory/parish office, in the pastor’s office. The door was slightly ajar, and the female parish secretary was on duty, in the reception area. If things got weird, either the priest or I could have easily shouted for help, but the secretary was out of earshot of the content of my confession. It seemed an intelligent solution. Women are as entitled to general confession as men are, and both the priest and penitent’s safety must be protected. I am aware of one case in my diocese where a woman was either confessing or being counseled in a rectory and accused the priest of inappropriate conduct. He has been placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of an investigation. Heaven only knows what did or didn’t happen. It was very telling when my Lutheran husband commented that frequently disturbed individuals seek the counsel of their clergy. Perhaps that is what happened here.

It is worth noting that in the secular world, no male physician would isolate himself with a female patient for examination. This world is litigious. Priests need to keep that in mind as they counsel women faithful.

All that being said I remain a big fan of “the box.” But then again, that’s what I grew up with. I can understand some people (perhaps claustrophobics, or those with an inordinate fear of the dark) being reluctant to use “the box,” but it seems to me that I see most people lined up at “the box,” and fill in at the reconciliation room only when the lines get hopelessly long elsewhere. My parish church has box style confessionals, as would befit a church built in the late 19th century. There is one “box” that has been converted to a “reconciliation room,” and the penitent is given the option of kneeling or sitting behind a screen or face to face with the priest. During posted confession times five pews are cordoned off near the confessionals, to prevent eavesdropping, there is one confessional with a telephone handset for the hearing impaired, pamphlets are in place to provide those who do not confess frequently a framework for a good confession, and to help ensure that no eavesdropping goes on a CD of Gregorian chant is played over the church’s PA system. The whole ambience is conducive to confidentiality and closeness to Jesus.

 

[Annabelle_Marie]

I have heard that in the 1917 Code it said that the Confession of women had to be anonymous or behind a screen.

Is it dangerous for a priest to hear a face to face Confession of a young lady due to unpleasant thoughts on the part of the priest hearing the Confession?

I have face to face confession with my priest all the time…holy cow…there are people outside for crying out loud. The only problem with confessing to the priest was coming back to the Church and catching on my confessions…red face and all. But for the other…never even thought of it for crying out loud!

 

[UnlikelyHomeDad]

I have heard that in the 1917 Code it said that the Confession of women had to be anonymous or behind a screen.

Is it dangerous for a priest to hear a face to face Confession of a young lady due to unpleasant thoughts on the part of the priest hearing the Confession?

It appears that in the olden days, bishops were much more fatherly than they are today. What a great thing to return to. In fact, face to face confessions are way over rated anyway. It seems to cause some priests hardships by their inability to cope with face to face, squinting their eyes, almost afraid to open them.

I wonder if this priest scandal would have been much lower had this practice been in place. Sure it would happen anyway because of the nature of sin. However, it might offer priests a more sure way to protect themselves from false accusations and temptation. Confession door opens from to opposite sides of a wall from non-adjoining rooms. Voila, everyone is protected. Spiritual counseling might best be given in like manner. Contact with a priest would best be combined with the entire congregation or at least in groups. His life should be all Church. Far too many clergy are obsessed with wordly matters, which defies the reason for celibacy as outlined by Paul.

 

[Deo_Gratias42]

It would seem to be a matter of prudence. However, I did a general confession (for which I made an appointment) in the rectory/parish office, in the pastor’s office. The door was slightly ajar, and the female parish secretary was on duty, in the reception area. If things got weird, either the priest or I could have easily shouted for help, but the secretary was out of earshot of the content of my confession. It seemed an intelligent solution. Women are as entitled to general confession as men are, and both the priest and penitent’s safety must be protected.
.

I’m a woman and I’ve never feared for my safety, or felt the need to “protect myself” while going to Confession or making a general Confession. Furthermore, I trust my confessor and don’t jump to the conclusion that he could have dishonourable intentions towards me. Really, I honestly believe far too many people have it in their heads that most priests are untrustworthy rapists/child molesters who are just waiting for an opportunity to attack.