Went to Confession and

  • Thread starter Thread starter sjsander
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
I emailed the parish secretary and she said one of the priests was there BUT I was waiting in a pew for about 20 mins and both lights in both confessionals were off. Didn’t look like anyone was in there and as far as I know they dont sit in the dark…
 
Sarika said:
That’s probably a good idea, however, the priest should not expect people to do this, as it negates their right to an anonymous confession. That also can happen when the priest hears confessions after Mass instead of before. I was in a parish once where this was the norm, and after greeting all of the parishioners after the Mass, the priest proceeded to walk by the line of penitents and smilingly greet everyone that he knew by name!
Click to expand...
I agree with you that the priest really should be available, and he should not expect people to call and make appointments. Unless there have been some extenuating circumstances, he seems to be somewhat derelict in his duties.

The issue of a “right to an anonymous confession”, however, seems to me to be something else. I had always thought, perhaps incorrectly, that it was the content of the confession that was to remain unknown to others, not the name of the person confessing. This would be almost an impossibility in a small parish. So what that you know the first name of others waiting to confess or that they know your name? It’s the Catholic Church, and people go to confession–it’s common, it’s expected, and many people do it. What harm is done by someone knowing the name of another?

In Christ,
Jeff
 
MrPip said:
I agree with you that the priest really should be available, and he should not expect people to call and make appointments. Unless there have been some extenuating circumstances, he seems to be somewhat derelict in his duties.

The issue of a “right to an anonymous confession”, however, seems to me to be something else. I had always thought, perhaps incorrectly, that it was the content of the confession that was to remain unknown to others, not the name of the person confessing. This would be almost an impossibility in a small parish. So what that you know the first name of others waiting to confess or that they know your name? It’s the Catholic Church, and people go to confession–it’s common, it’s expected, and many people do it. What harm is done by someone knowing the name of another?

In Christ,
Jeff
Click to expand...
I see your points. I was just recalling a specific situation. What I meant was the right to an anonymous confession (behind the screen) is somewhat negated when the priest greets everyone beforehand. If there is someone who has a big sin or for some reason feels better going anonymously, this type of behavior might be an impediment to going to confession. Why put up roadblocks for these people?
 
sjsander said:
I emailed the parish secretary and she said one of the priests was there BUT I was waiting in a pew for about 20 mins and both lights in both confessionals were off. Didn’t look like anyone was in there and as far as I know they dont sit in the dark…
Click to expand...
You’re doing the right thing by continuing to try. Keep up the good work!
 
No but today he apologized for being late. At my parish we have a pastor, an associate pastor and 2 priests in residence so I believe they switch off every day. Perhaps those days the other priests got called to do something? Today I saw the actual pastor of the church in a face-to-face confession which was nerve racking but it was well worth it!
 
I spent a couple hours last Saturday trying to get to confession. I went to 3 parishes before I could find a priest. It seems that summer can be a difficult time b/c of mission trips and other events. It sometimes feels like Satan is putting roadblocks in our way, best to keep trying.
As far as anonymous confession, I belong to a small parish and there is no such thing as anonymous. Our priest knows all of us, but this isn’t a problem for most. You can always find another parish, I have found another parish that is “easier” to make confession at.

Congrats on making another valiant attempt to cleanse yourself through reconciliation!🙂
 
I tried to go on Saturday to a church near me but there were no confessions due to some other stuff going on that day.

I did find another local church that offered confessions, and was among about 10 people or so that came. They had a reconciliation room with a screen type thing with a kneeler. I was the 2nd person in line.

In the future, its a good idea to call if possible if you have a long drive. I also looked up a few other local churches to find out their times in case of long lines or if the priest was called away for a sick call, etc
 
I had a kind of hilarious confession situation today. I came to the confession area and there was a priest sitting on the bench in front of the confession booth. I asked him twice if there is someone in the confession booth and he nodded. I assumed he was waiting to confess as well. We both sat there for about twenty minutes and suddenly he went into the confession booth and it turned out HE was the confession priest:o
It was kind of embarrassing going in to confess then but it turned out to be a nice talk. Afterwards he even blessed my new rosary but then he sorta kicked me out because he said it’s time for his dinner:D
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top