The "new" rite of reconciliation

[Bookcat]

PS: Scripture readings etc can be part of either face to face or behind the screen…

And got mentioned even in Pope Benedict XVI’s recent Apostolic Exhortation.

Either the Priest or Penitent can read such… There are ones too that are particularly provided.

(though make it short !)

 

[GKCT]

Cheeseman,

The priest cannot direct you to sit face-to-face if you choose not to. I recently went to confession at another parish; the priest told me to sit before him. I just said I prefer it this way. But at my own parish I do face-to-face.

 

[puzzleannie]

The

I’ve had this happen in an individual face-to-face reconciliation though -where the priest reads something first. I don’t question its validity–just wondered why some priests do it so differently. And mostly wondered if people find one or the other more helpful in their road to holiness.

this is an option, not a requirement, and most priests try to do what works best for the needs of the person in front of them, as they perceive. Some may find it helpful at times, not at others. The whole purpose of the flexibility in the right is to acknowledge that fact.

 

[Corki]

Thank you, this explains it then. I had no idea it was changed in 1973 but just knew there were two different things going on.

What you described in your OP was not a new rite. The “old” way of going into a confessional, naming your sins in number and kind and receiving absolution is still the most usual way. Some priests just do more spiritual counseling between the listing of sins and the absolution. This can happen either behind the screen or face-to-face.

Even if you go to Confession using Form B, you still list your sins and receive individual absolution.

 

[cheese_puff]

Cheeseman,

The priest cannot direct you to sit face-to-face if you choose not to. I recently went to confession at another parish; the priest told me to sit before him. I just said I prefer it this way. But at my own parish I do face-to-face.

Thank you! this much I did already know and had no problem with the face to face thing. After all it’s not like theres much difference at the little window, since its wide open with no screen LOL

But thank you for the information :thankyou:

 

[domandcarols]

Oh I don’t doubt that - I’m more wondering if, proper wording aside, it would be valid anyway…since I didn’t actually confess my sins to the Priest, he just “absolved” the entire congregation right then and there.

What is the world coming to…