Should parishes consider eliminating face-to-face confessions?

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The correct form for the absolution is I absolve you from your sins in the Name of…(Trinitarian Formula)

“I absolve you” are the words to look out for. That was the valid formula for absolution formally defined at the Council of Trent for the Latin Rite ( Ego te absolvo) . Eastern Rite Churches have different formulas.
 
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Priest almost always know when they are hearing the confession of another priest, I believe. They are recommended to tell that if it isn’t know.
 
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No, priests have the same right as any other Catholic to anonymous confession.
 
Personally, I’m comfortable either way. I go face-to-face with our parish priest. We’re friends with a lot in common, what with him being a retired Army colonel, and me being a retired intel analyst. On the other hand, at the OLAM Shrine they have the old-fashioned confessionals, and that’s fine, too.

That said, if the laws change to try to force priests to rat on those whose confessions they hear, I can definitely see the logic of arranging things so that there is a separation, at least where visual recognition is concerned.

D
 
My parish put in a confessional for the first time (within the last 2 years). Those using wheelchairs, canes, crutches etc. can not use the confessional due to the small size. Before this was built, confession was done in the kitchen adjoining the chapel. The disabled could not use it due to the stairs.
 
I use assistive devices (at different times I use each of these). Traditional confessionals have not been a problem as long as they are on the level with the floor. If I could not enter the confessional I would arrange for the priest to hear my confession in some other anonymous way.

Parishes should take those who use assistive devices into consideration with any refurb or remodel.
 
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I don’t think it would help with accusations thrown at the priest years later. The accuser could say it happened on a retreat, in a parish office, in a home, or anywhere, really. Confession is not confined to a box for a reason. I"ve gone to confession at a hospital, for example. You can’t eliminate that situation.
 
That is horrendous.

Who wants to see my tear-stained ugly mug during confession?!
 
TheLittleLady said:
No, priests have the same right as any other Catholic to anonymous confession.
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I believe 2️⃣©️ it is mistaken that anyone has a right to anonymous confession. Every parish, however, should afford both penitent and confessor the opportunity to confess with a fixed grill separating the two.

(I believe too that priest penitents are to identify their state of life. Certainly the ordered priests who taught me said so, since for instance I, as a layman, may disobey his superior or bishop without committing sin, whereas the priest may not)
 
I am pretty “traditional” myself, but I see value in face-to-face confession and often utilize it myself. I see no reason to abolish it, despite the abuse situation. Frankly, I don’t think abolishing it would have a big impact anyway. One can make a false accusation anywhere, not just the confessional. (Of course, I understand that confession is a little different because of the seal.)
 
I agree. Plus, I’d feel like I’m in a fishbowl and people might be watching me and that’s just creepy.
 
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Titivillus said:
I believe too that priest penitents are to identify their state of life.
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Actually, we all are. There are actions that are sinful for one state of life that are not in others. For example, (some) priests and deacons are bound by pain of sin to recite the Liturgy of the Hours. As a lay person, I am not bound by pain of sin if I miss an office (thank God!).
 
That would actually be a really good solution. Spread the word! 🙂
 
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TheLittleLady said:
Which is a terrible idea. I would not go to Confession if someone can gawk at me.
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You wouldn’t go to confession in many parishes in Europe where the penitents are in full view even if they are in a confessional. Or in my parish the odd times that we have a Penitential Service and both priests & penitents are in full view except for the priest who’s assigned to the reconciliation room.
 
I do not attend the large “communal penance” services for just that reason.

I’ve attended in Europe, in the Vatican even! The Confessional that I used had a privacy panel between the penitent and the big wide world, a beautifully carved bit of wood.
 
I am not sure it matters either way. Very few people still go to Confession.
 
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