The Sacrament of Reconciliation

Thanks to Fr. Tim Finigan from The Hermeutic of Continuity for providing this.

The following is an excerpt from a document (The Priest, Pastor and Leader of the Parish Community) issued by the Congregation of the Clergy that was to be passed on to parish priests via their bishops. Sadly, it seems that some parish priests may need a reminder.

It is notable that the Code makes specific mention of frequent reception of the Holy Eucharist and of the Sacrament of Penance. This would indicate that the parish priest, in establishing the times for Masses and confessions in his parish, would take into consideration those times which are convenient for the majority of the faithful, while bearing in mind also the need to facilitate those who have difficulty in easily attending the celebration of the sacraments.

The parish priest should devote special attention to individual confession, understood in the spirit and form established by the Church. He should be mindful that confession must precede first Holy Communion. Moreover, the individual confessions of the faithful, for pastoral reasons and for the convenience of the faithful, may also be received during the celebration of the Holy Mass.

Care should be taken to ensure respect “for the sensibilities of the penitent concerning the manner in which he wishes to confess, either face to face, or from behind a grill”. The confessor may also have pastoral reasons for preferring the use a confessional equipped with a grill.

As always, remember to pray for your own parish priest and all priests, especially those from whom you have received the sacraments.