Hello all
Some years ago, my first confession was done face-to-face, although there were and still are confessionals at that Church. I prefer confession in the booth, the old-school way. Most of the Churches I go to, even if they are relatively new or have been “renovated” have retained the booths. However, most parishes never have confession, its always by calling in for an appointment. I have also gone to confession and was the old form was used; ie. “Ego te absolve a peccatis tuis in nomine Patris…” When I go to the EF, it is done the old school way. An interesting thing is that by the parish near my house, the new priest from the Philippines is using the old form in latin. This is in an ordinary parish. {The funny thing about this church, my honarary parish since it is closest to my home, is that it was built during the council. Big large circle auditorium style building. The altar was obviously built for versus populum masses. However, it was built with altar rails, and the choir loft is above in the back with the organ. Candles and shrines, but around the top are “mosaic” stain glass windows. I guess this church was built during the transition, with elements from before and after. I couldvbe better, but other churches are a lot worse. The thing that keeps me going there is the same priest absolving in latin. If I do not go to the EF, which is far away and across the Golden Gate Bridge( with a $6 TOLL
) I go there on saturday at 4:30 for the vigil. Its not as loud and rambunctious as it would be on sunday. This new priest does not use altar girls, and he tried to stop EMHC’s, but apparently someone snitched or complained and he used them the following week.} The weirdest confessions are at my high school. Twice a year, during Advent and Lent, students in religion classes are taken out of class and there is a “Reconciliation” in the auditorium. We all take our seats, then some readings are read, and a few prayers prayed. Then everyone says the act of contrition. In each corner of the auditorium, there are priests sitting in chairs. So those who want to go sit down. I did not like it, and I felt very uncomfortable, because the priest was just like tell me your sins. He did not use the old way Sign of the cross then Bless me father… When was your lat confession etc. I believe last year the priest did not even give me absolution. He just gave me advice, and said bye. I have also experienced those large rooms with the priest sitting down. One could either choose the chair beside him or kneel behind a screen. I choose the latter. Face to face confession is better than no confession at all, but I prefer the box.
