Tag Archives: confessional

Different confessional practices/customs around the world

Posted on 14 June 2013 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Under another entry concerning “confessional etiquette” a commentator raised the good point that people from different language/ethnic backgrounds have different formulae for beginning and ending their sacramental confessions.
Most Americans of a certain age learned to begin “Bless me Father, I … Continue reading →

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, GO TO CONFESSION, Linking Back, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged , , , | 49 Comments

QUAERITUR: Confessional etiquette

Posted on 14 June 2013 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From a reader:
When going to confession, if you know the priest is a Monsignor (name plate on confessional) would you begin, “Forgive me, Monsignor, for I have sinned,” or stay with the simple, “Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned?”
There … Continue reading →

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, GO TO CONFESSION, Lighter fare | Tagged , , , , | 21 Comments

A priest on hearing confessions for three hours

Posted on 5 March 2013 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

I don’t know if I have mentioned it lately but… GO TO CONFESSION!
For that to be possible priests have to get into the box and hear confessions.
To this end, I point you to an amusing post by Fr. John Valenchek, … Continue reading →

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Mail from priests, New Evangelization, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged , , , | 42 Comments

QUAERITUR: Face-to-face confession. Fr. Z rants.

Posted on 4 October 2012 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From a reader:
I am trying to figure out what was the rationale to change the rite of confession to allow for face-to-face confessions. I have read the documents of Vatican II, but did not see anything there specifically addressing this, … Continue reading →

Posted in GO TO CONFESSION, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Our Catholic Identity, Wherein Fr. Z Rants | Tagged , , , , , , | 60 Comments

QUAERITUR: Priest walking around outside the confessional, able to see penitents.

Posted on 18 February 2012 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From a reader:
I went to make confession at a local parish, but saw the priest walking around near the confessional. Since it’s not a priest I wanted to make my confession to, I left to go to another church. On … Continue reading →

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, GO TO CONFESSION, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 | Tagged , , , | 58 Comments

QUAERITUR: Long confession lines, having only venial sins, and blocking someone else’s chance to confess

Posted on 23 December 2011 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From a reader:
Last week I was in line for a long time, and finally entered the confessional around 3:25. As I was leaving, the sacristan came in behind me to tell Father it was time to prepare for Mass. There were still a … Continue reading →

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged , , , , , , | 48 Comments

QUAERITUR: Priest’s role, duty when someone “misuses” confession

Posted on 16 November 2011 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From a reader:
When does the Seal of Confession actually take affect in that the priest can’t say anything outside of the Confessional? For example, if someone goes into the confessional/reconciliation room with no intention of confessing, but some form of … Continue reading →

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box | Tagged , , , | 15 Comments

BISHOPS & PRIESTS: a revival of the Sacrament of Penance is critical for a revival of our Catholic identity.

Posted on 23 October 2011 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

It is critical to our identity as Catholics to revive the use of the Sacrament of Penance. I think there are some moves in that direction on the part of younger priests, but we need also a grassroots effort … Continue reading →

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Brick by Brick, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Our Catholic Identity, The Drill, The future and our choices | Tagged , , , , , | 36 Comments

QUAERITUR: I did something stupid when the confessor thought I was a man.

Posted on 10 October 2011 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From a readerette:
I went to Confession tonight and did something stupid that might have either invalidated it, or possibly was considered a sacrilege, but I’m not sure.
I have a slightly embarrassing/awkward/frustrating problem that
surfaces from time to time. I’m a woman with a … Continue reading →

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Waiting and waiting and waaaaaiting in line for confession. Fr. Z rants.

Posted on 2 October 2011 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From a reader:
If you’re sitting in the box and no one’s coming, double-check to make sure the other side isn’t stuck in the “occupied mode”.
Father, I went to confession last night, as did several other people.
We patiently stood in line … Continue reading →

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Wherein Fr. Z Rants | Tagged , , , , , , | 40 Comments