Hi Sarah, I am a cradle Catholic and I also wonder about this important sacrament.
When I was a kid, confession was available before every Mass, except Sunday Mass, when the Masses were scheduled back to back and the priests had very busy days. Making Confession available before Mass seemed logical since a person may need Confession in order to receive Communion.
I assumed that the daily Confession times were discontinued because of lack of interest on the part of the parishioners. The schedules were mostly changed to only Sat. afternoon before the Anticipation Mass and by appointment. Other than situations like the poster who works on Sat. afternoon, what conditions would typically necessitate an appointment? Do the priests get many requests for appointments?
I confess at one of three different Churches in my town. One Church always has a long line for the sacrament, another usually a short line, and the third never has a line. What’s up with that? My suspicion is that the pastors place various import on Confession which is reflected by the congregations.
Confession is “the other” means by which we regularly receive sacramental grace. Frequent Confession is particularly beneficial to one who is actively trying to grow spiritually.
