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| A fresh look at confession |
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"Bless Me, Father – Can Confession Make A Comeback?" an article by James Martin, SJ, appeared in the May 21, 2007 issue of America magazine. It describes a number of reasons why the practice of frequent confession (Rite of Reconciliation) has fallen into disuse. A new approach to confession was introduced at the Vatican Council, calling it by a new name and providing other options besides telling sins to a priest in "the box." The Council also stressed an understanding of sin that included a wider scope than just the individual, one that covered the social side of sin as well. It also emphasized a concept of God that was more merciful and less judgmental, as well as an understanding of Church that was inclusive and ecumenical. Monica Andrews, quoted in the article, said, "I just don't feel that I need to verbalize my sins. I feel I can confess to God in prayer." The overall result of these changes and new insights has been a radical drop in the number of Catholics participating in the Rite of Reconciliation. And yet, people still feel the need to talk with another about their failures and shortcomings, and to seek forgiveness from God, from others and from themselves. This, in turn, leads to fresh resolve and a new outlook on life.A Problem of Availability : One difficulty with confession these days is availability. Even if a person wanted to participate in the Rite, it is difficult to find a time when it is offered. Many parishes schedule a Penance Service twice yearly, once during Advent and again during Lent. Outside of these times, the Rite of Reconciliation is usually offered on Saturday afternoon, a time that does not fit easily into people's weekend patterns and busy schedules. With the shortage of priests, even this brief time is not always available. Instead, a notice appears in the bulletin that states, "Reconciliation by appointment." Given the opportunity and encouragement from the pulpit, however, people will make an effort to participate in the Sacrament if it is at a convenient time and comes with a non-threatening image and welcoming connotation. One parish, on Ash Wednesday, offered individual reconciliation from morning to night, with two or three priests available throughout the day. People responded in large numbers. Archbishop Wuerl of the Washington, DC Archdiocese asked every parish to provide confession on all Wednesday nights during Lent. Many took advantage of this opportunity. It lasted for only the five Wednesdays during the Lenten season. A Weekend Of Forgiveness: The time most people attend the parish is during the weekend liturgies. If confession is going to be better utilized, then it must be associated with this moment of greatest participation. What if once every other month the celebrant, after greeting people as they leave Mass, were to go to the reconciliation room for twenty to thirty minutes? Others from the staff might also be available for counseling and personal sharing at another location. The homily would deal with the Sacrament of Reconciliation, dispelling fears, showing people how it is done, and emphasizing the healing power of forgiveness and reconciliation. If the celebrant had two or more Masses in rapid succession, then the reconciliation period could be done following the last liturgy he is celebrating. It could become a tradition in the parish that one weekend in January, March, May, July, September and November, following Mass, would be a time for forgiveness. In addition to the Penance Services held during Advent and Lent, people would have a chance to unburden their souls and seek forgiveness, either from a priest who grants absolution or from some other qualified counselor. Tom Sweetser, SJ & Peg Bishop, OSF This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (www.pepparish.org) Parish Newsletter - August 2007 A Service of the Parish Evaluation Project Milwaukee, Wisconsin Reproduced on the OPRFM website with permission
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