Priests in the park

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The Vicariate hosted its first “Priests in the Park” event in May, which was strictly priests hearing confessions in the park. For the June event, they added a Catholic speaker, some professional musicians, and a booth with holy cards, saint medals and other information about the Catholic faith.

www.ncregister.com

‘Priests in the Park’ Offer Public Witness of Confession, Catholicism in Michigan

The Vicariate hosted its first “Priests in the Park” event in May, which was strictly priests hearing confessions in the park, but for the June event, they added a Catholic speaker, some professional musicians, and a booth with holy cards, saint medals and other information about the Catholic faith.
www.ncregister.com www.ncregister.com
 
As I always say, confession is a monkey see, monkey do sctivity. Put 10 priests in the open air at a park, shrine, or mall and a big line forms. The same people can’t motivate themselves down to church on Saturday at regular time, but they will stand in line for an hour to go in a park if they see others going.
 
I think seeing others going is the key. It’s like “what do they know that I don’t know.”
 
I think it’s a powerful reminder for all those who’ve carried a “heavy conscience” for years and don’t see any way of returning to God’s grace.

I know I felt like that for several years until finally a close friend offered to take me to confession with him.

God bless him, and the priest, for it.
 
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Ah, why not cut them just a bit of slack. The point is that they are confessing, and the devil absolutely hates that. If they will not come to you, why not go to them? As well, public appearances crate a positive vibe, as everyone has a question about the Church.

I see a win-win.
 
I don’t mind it, I just find the psychology of it interesting. It’s like how at Christmas and Easter, people will go to the penance services and stand in line for 20 minutes with a full church to get to see one of the numerous priests they bring in for these events, whereas if you had just gone a couple days before on the Saturday, there would be like 3 people in line instead of 33. I think part of it also is that many people find confession very scary, like I used to, and seeing a crowd and/or a public setting helps defuse the anxiety.
 
There was an article in a newspaper/magazine during the Year of Mercy writing about what dioceses did in the UK. One diocese had a bus going around the diocese with priests so people could go to confession or talk with one of them. Seems like a good idea as the bus stopped at places where there were a lot people like town squares, local markets and celebrations.

It seems like it is easier for some to “sneak in” when there are several standing in the same area than when there are only a couple of people that you likely know, but don’t want them to know, that you need to go to confession or have a talk with a priest.
 
Tis_Bearself said:
I don’t mind it, I just find the psychology of it interesting.
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Our broken human nature on display. Human nature, via observed behavior is repeated and predictable. We’re “pattern people.” Just please, do not look into my personal psychology!
 
I think things like this are great. Mass in Nursing homes, or Cemeteries, or in a park…We just had our parish picnic, and got permission to block the street in front of the church for the picnic…thats great. It lets people know that the catholic church is alive and thriving.
 
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