Which Confession/Reconciliation type is best in your opinion?

[Marian_Man]

I believe that the Eastern practise involves the priest standing next to the penitent as they face an icon and confess their sins. The priest then places their stole on the penitent’s shoulder as he absolves them. I’m not sure whether the penitent kneels or stands.

I personally prefer the traditional confessional; kneeling—I believe everyone should kneel who can, regardless of whether it’s face to face or if you’re behind a screen—behind a screen. Whenever I’ve had to confess without the luxury of a confessional—in the sacristy before serving, when the confessional has been locked a there’s a visiting priest just came in the door , etc.—I’ve knelt next to the priest—who sits—so that I’m not face to face with him.

 

[TheRealJuliane]

The time before last, I wasn’t paying enough attention - as usual, very nervous and feeling about to throw up - and as I went to open the door to go into the confessional, I opened the PRIEST’S door!!!



“Woops, sorry Father!”

:blushing:

At least my nervousness disappeared and I was more aghast after that. Talk about a bad way to break the ice! LOL

 

[Student09]

I have only confessed at two parishes-the one I was received into the Church at, and after I moved, the one here by my house-and both had the same type of Confessional room-a little room with a kneeler and screen, with the option to walk around the screen and sit in a chair facing Father.
.

This is how ours is too and I think it’s a good way to give people both options.

Personally, I much prefer the screen. It’s less scary for me and less distracting. I have trouble looking at people’s faces when I’m talking or thinking and sometimes while listening too - I end up being unable to concentrate. That’s more of an issue for me than anonymity - I kind of doubt the priest doesn’t know who I am, anyway!

I wonder if there’s any correlation between introverts liking the screen and extraverts liking face to face, or how social anxiety and neurological issues factor in.

 

[Khalid]

I believe (could be wrong) that some of the Eastern Churches observe the same practice as some of the Orthodox, they dont have confessionals like ours, but confess in a normal room. Perhaps even in the main body of the church. In which case they would need to speak in a low voice so nobody else could hear! I think this may be what Khalid was indicating when he said “Whispering somewhere”. I used to have a pocket prayer-book, in English, which was aimed at Eastern Catholics, and this indicated that it was normal for confession to be face to face in a normal room rather than in a confessional.

That is correct - often it is in the main body of the Church, where the Liturgy is celebrated, sometimes behind a screen, sometimes elsewhere or in the pews - thus “whispering somewhere”. Father’s office is also common. That is the case in Coptic Orthodox, Greek Orthodox, and Melkite Catholic churches I have attended.

 

[acadian]

This is how ours is too and I think it’s a good way to give people both options.

I wonder if there’s any correlation between introverts liking the screen and extraverts liking face to face, or how social anxiety and neurological issues factor in.

Interesting question…

I am an introvert and I much prefer face to face. I just don’t like talking through a wall. However, it is not a look 'em in the eyes kind of thing. When I am confessing, I usually look down…reading my list… and when I have glanced up, the good father is sitting with his eyes closed. We make eye contact if he has some counsel and when he explains my penance. Then I close my eyes to make my AoC and to receive absolution.

My two cents…

 

[anp1215]

This is how ours is too and I think it’s a good way to give people both options.

Personally, I much prefer the screen. It’s less scary for me and less distracting. I have trouble looking at people’s faces when I’m talking or thinking and sometimes while listening too - I end up being unable to concentrate. That’s more of an issue for me than anonymity - I kind of doubt the priest doesn’t know who I am, anyway!

I wonder if there’s any correlation between introverts liking the screen and extraverts liking face to face, or how social anxiety and neurological issues factor in.

I am very much an introvert and prefer the screen.