Why are some priest silent during confessions?

[CRATUS]

It’s weird. Depending on who you confess to you. Sometimes I will get a small talk or nothing at all. Sometimes they ask to talk to me in person. Sometimes they do not. I wonder. It is always shocks me when I said I did something I consider horrible, I get no reaction. When I do something I think in my eyes is petty, a priest will give a small talk. I do no understand.

 

[CRATUS]

Part of me feels if I said something that is supposed to get me ex-communicated. They will just nod along. Then again, these are my sins. My responsibility. They are just acting as Christ to forgive.

 

[buc_fan33]

Very frequently, we THINK it’s the big sins that we most need to correct. But, the reality in the spiritual life is that it’s usually the little things that ultimately lead to the big things. A tall building rarely just comes crashing to the ground. When it falls, it’s because of a poor foundation, or something along those lines. Correct the foundation, and you correct the big things.

As for why some priests often times won’t say anything, well, there could be a number of reasons. But, speaking personally, especially during Lent, it’s all a priest can do to get through all of the people in line before Mass starts.

 

[pianistclare]

Trust you confessors, and be at peace.

 

[z_0101]

Trust you confessors, and be at peace.

 

[PaulfromIowa]

We do not confess to get a reaction from the confessor, we confess to receive absolution and grace. Counsel is not a part of the Sacrament, although many confessors include some counsel. If one desires counseling and spiritual direction, one should make an appointment for that specifically.

 

[dee_burk]

I think the Holy Spirit gives his gifts in different ways to all, including priest. Some are gifted in the confessional and seem to draw out the things you need to focus on in your spiritual life. I am blessed to have one at my parish. Then some priests are better at homilies, or spiritual direction, or some are better with people in general. One of ours if from Nigeria so there may also be vernacular or language issues they are working through.
We are just so blessed that we have this beautiful sacrament and the graces we receive from it.

 

[KCT]

My take on it is that just as we lay people have a variety of gifts and talents, so do priests. Some are better at confession, some are better at preaching, some better at marriage prep etc.

If you find a priest you like, who challenges you, go to him if possible.

 

[ajecphotos]

Different priest react differently in confession. This is have found out during the years. Some talk quite a bit while others listen and say little. Being absolved is the most important part of confession!

 

[7_Sorrows]

As another poster said, we don’t go to confession to see what kind of reaction we get from the priest. He is there in place of Christ to listen as we ask for forgiveness for what we have done. He is there not to carry on a conversation, but to help you know that God loves you and to absolve you.

 

[JimG]

I guess I’m not quite understanding what the expectation is of the priest when it comes to “conversation.” I go to confession. I tell my sins. The priest listens. He says a few words. Or not. He gives me absolution. What more is expected? I don’t expect him to respond in any particular way. He’s heard it all before.