Should confessions be going on during Mass?

[joannzobel]

I visited a Catholic church and was confused during Mass when confessions were going on at the same time Mass was celebrated. I was happy to see confessions, but thought it distracted from the Mass. Are there suppose to be confessions during Mass?

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

Confessions can be heard during Mass, but usually they are not—either because there are not enough priests at the parish to preside at Mass and cover confessions, or because there is a desire to avoid distraction. But, when offered, it is not inappropriate for penitents to take advantage of the opportunity.