Dave Posted December 6, 2003 Share Posted December 6, 2003 At my newest parish, the bulletin says confession is offered before Sunday Mass and after the only daily Mass on Wednesday evenings. Well, Father is never in the confessional at those times. Apparently he expects those who want to go to confession to tell him beforehand. But is that really appropriate? I don't think so! I mean, as Catholics, we have a right to an anonymous confession. And having to tell the priest beforehand destroys all anonymity regardless of whether the confession is behind a screen or face-to-face! Furthermore, when parishioners see the priest away from the confessional before Mass, they're going to think, "I don't want to bother Father; he looks busy." I plan to speak to my priest anyway on account of several liturgical abuses he commits during Mass, and now I feel I should bring this up too. But what should I say if he says, "No one would come to confession anyway"? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IXpenguin21 Posted December 6, 2003 Share Posted December 6, 2003 definantly. go to him and ask him if he would sit in the confessional when hes suppose to. i mean, even if it's just once a week, he can take time out of his schedule to do what he's suppose to. write to the bishop if it persists. find out others who feel the same as you. it may make things easier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Petrus Posted December 6, 2003 Share Posted December 6, 2003 The lack of regular confession times at your parish seems to indicate some lukewarmness; is there ever a line? Encourage your priest to stick to the Mass, Adoration, and Confession, and prayer, and people will come. Even if he is in the confessional for an hour, not busy the whole time, he can pray for those who did not come! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironmonk Posted December 6, 2003 Share Posted December 6, 2003 I would pose everything as a question.... "Fr. Joe, I've heard that "this act" should be done like "this", but I've seen you do it differently. Could you please explain to me why the difference?" That way you are still showing respect to him, because after all, a Priest is still a Priest no matter what actions we see them do. We do not know their heart. (I say this for those who tend to be overly critical of our Priest, not to you Dave.) God Bless, Your Servant in Christ, ironmonk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrysologus Posted December 6, 2003 Share Posted December 6, 2003 Don't be embaressed to ask Father to hear your confession if he's not in the confessional. I've found that face-to-face confessions aren't really any different than ones behind a screen. Be proud: we're all sinners, but few are penitents! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foundsheep Posted December 6, 2003 Share Posted December 6, 2003 Can you maybe leave a note at the church office on Friday that says you are gonna want confession before mass? Sounds like a lot to do, but I know how important it is to you Dave. How far away is your bishop? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted December 7, 2003 Author Share Posted December 7, 2003 Don't be embaressed to ask Father to hear your confession if he's not in the confessional. I've found that face-to-face confessions aren't really any different than ones behind a screen. Be proud: we're all sinners, but few are penitents! Can you maybe leave a note at the church office on Friday that says you are gonna want confession before mass? Sounds like a lot to do, but I know how important it is to you Dave. How far away is your bishop? I'm not embarrassed to ask Father for confession, but my point is that others may be. And foundsheep, my bishop is in Savannah. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna Posted December 8, 2003 Share Posted December 8, 2003 Dave, You are absolutely right. The penitents have the right to an anonymous confession, and the priest should make time to offer this to the Faithful. It's like a mom who doesn't cook unless her kids ask her to please make supper. Only worse, cuz she's just being a bit lazy, but this priest is not only shirking his duty, but also putting the penitent on the spot. Most probably wouldn't seek him out and ASK him to make time to hear their confessions. I would simply ask him if he'd please make the time once a month to BE THERE, so you don't have to ask every time. Pax Christi. <>< Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CatholicAndFanatical Posted December 8, 2003 Share Posted December 8, 2003 Can you maybe leave a note at the church office on Friday that says you are gonna want confession before mass? Sounds like a lot to do, but I know how important it is to you Dave. How far away is your bishop? Foundsheep even though that might work, you shouldnt have to leave a note saying you want confession at this time. Its the Priests duty to hear confessions, without exceptions. I think if this persists you should get the Bishop involved in this, but by all means confront him with it. I like Max's idea. put it in a form of a question wont put him on the defense as easily. Make sure you have the new GIRM with you. keep us informed bro, God Bless. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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