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Question Title Posted By Question Date
Confession James Monday, May 16, 2005

Question:

I'm not guite sure if this is the correct forum but, I thought I would ask your opinion on what I should do. The problem, most of the local parishes have regular hours for confession. The trouble is, no one seems to be following them. Our church is on Sat at 1pm. Sat I went to go to confession and there was a note posted on the door just saying, no confessions today. So I and another lady went to another church across town that had the same hours for confession. We entered and there were at leat 25, 30 people waiting. I said nothing and sat and prayed. After about an hour went by no priest was available. They were having a church festival in their parking lot. One of the gentlemen in the church went out to ask Father when he was coming in to hear confessions, Father told him he was busy with the festival and there would be no confessions today. I then went to The Society of Borthers of St. Francsis, and had my confession heard. I would like to say that this is not a one time ocurrence, this has happend a lot in the past few years. I feel this is infair to the pentanent as many were older and traveling to another city is really a burden for them. Am I wrong to be concerned, even a bit miffed at this? Even though the Brothers always find time(through a Priest) to hear mine and others confession, I feel our own parish should be doing this. I realize we all have a life but this, sadly is a common occurence. I thought about writing to our Bishop at the Diocese but do not want to cause trouble, especially if I am wrong. What exactly is the correct way to handle this, or, am I being selfish, and ignorant of church law reguarding confessions? Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek

Dear James,

Yes I would be miffed also and I have been.  Honestly I don't know what to do though since it is the priest's responsibility to make himself available, not your responsibility.  The Rite of Penance says that:

"The confessor should always show himself to be ready and willing to hear the confessions of the faithful whenever they reasonably request this"  (n.10, b)

I believe it to be reasonable to request that the priest be ready at the scheduled times.

If you really are upset about this and this has happened with several parishes, go ahead and write the bishop.  I wouldn't mention any specific priest's names but rather say that you noticed a problem with several parishes in the diocese.  That's what I would do anyway.

Mr. Slavek
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