Questions about 1st Confession

[SMEDIA]

Hi; I’m writing a novel and I need more info on how 1st Confession works.

*Does the priest wait in the booth before everyone can see him enter?
*If the priest knows who you are, does he talk to you personally or does he put up the facade of anonymity?
*In line with the last question, if the priest is certain you aren’t confessing every sin of yours, what would he say/do?
*What would be the penance for someone who eventually confessed that he took satisfaction in his father’s early death (note: this character is a ten year old boy)?

Thank you for any and all responses

 

[CatholicSpirit]

Here is my mighty response: (applause)

Ok, as a Catholic we attend Sunday school. At certain grade levels, they incorporate a holy sacrament into the teaching. The confessional is around 1st or 2nd grade and we conclude around grade 8 for Confirmation.

In my case, we did not see the priest directly and took turns in a line within the church. Then, we all came together (once completed) at the front of the church for pictures and congratulations. Many families may present the children with religious items such as a blessed crucifix and/or savings bonds (like a bar/bat mitzvah) depending on the financial status of the family. (But this is not mandatory)

Know this was around 1990-1993 for me so… yeah

And if this book has anything sexual about it, note I was an altar server and we wear everything above regular clothes. Meaning, we never undress under any circumstances.

Also note, when I went through, we were taught that a priest takes a vow to never reveal your sins to anyone (or he faces excommunication). So if a kid said he murdered someone, nothing would come of it but forgiveness.

If you are really confessing serious stuff, you may be told to go home and pray a rosary (50+ prayers). Mild is a few prayers and/or reflection on something. And, if the priest is especially merciful regarding sinners, he may incorporate prayers for the holy souls in purgatory.