Penance Service

[newone]

I was hoping someone could explain what this Penance Service is. My church has it on the calender for a Monday night and does not say anything else about what it is.

 

[acadian]

What has usually happened in my experience is that the service starts off with some type of hymn or music. It is followed by a reading or two, perhaps some prayers, and an examination of conscience - usually someone reading it aloud. There is usually more than one priest available to hear confessions, and they will go to their “station”. Then those who are present will have the opportunity for individual confessions and absolution. All things being equal, I rather like these celebrations. There is something comforting about being there with your fellow sinners. In my experience, after you have had your turn at confession, you are free to leave.

 

[JDHallKY]

I love penance services, and they are encouraged by the Church as a clear expression of the Sacrament of Penance & Reconciliation as a community liturgical celebration (not to be confused with General Absolution services, which are forbidden outside of extreme circumstances). Acadian’s description fits the ones I’ve attended, escept that sometimes they will have a circle of chairs set up near the exit to the church. After you’ve had your individual confession, you go there. When 8 or 10 people have assembled, they will have a closing prayer together (led by whoever is organizing that), then that group leaves. That way, you also have a (sort of) communal closing of the service, like the beginning.

 

[THurifer2]

I love penance services, and they are encouraged by the Church as a clear expression of the Sacrament of Penance & Reconciliation as a community liturgical celebration (not to be confused with General Absolution services, which are forbidden outside of extreme circumstances). Acadian’s description fits the ones I’ve attended, escept that sometimes they will have a circle of chairs set up near the exit to the church. After you’ve had your individual confession, you go there. When 8 or 10 people have assembled, they will have a closing prayer together (led by whoever is organizing that), then that group leaves. That way, you also have a (sort of) communal closing of the service, like the beginning.

The only think I don’t like about penance services it there is no actual penance handed out…They are relatively new thing. Unfortunately many are duped by penance sevices into thinking the only sin is corporate sin…

Remember that at the particular judgement you will be alone.

 

[DebChris]

A communal penance service generally includes sacred readings including a gospel reading. This is generally followed by a homily. The homily often provides new insight into personal sinfulness that I might not find when I simply examine my conscience on my own. The faithful are then led communally through an examination of conscience. I find even more insight when I listen to the examination of conscience being read aloud. I can concentrate on the words being read and apply them to my own life. As mentioned in an earlier post, there is the support that comes naturally from being with others who may be having the same struggles. It is not simply me standing in the confessional line.
Part of the communal service does include private confession. The parish priest will often invite brother priests to join him in order to accommodate the number of people who seek the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It is one way to go to a different priest, who may not know you, for a different perspective on how to improve your walk with Christ.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

The only think I don’t like about penance services it there is no actual penance handed out…They are relatively new thing. Unfortunately many are duped by penance sevices into thinking the only sin is corporate sin…

Remember that at the particular judgement you will be alone.

The penance isn’t given out in the overall service but during individual confessions.