Confession preference

ChicanaRose · Sep 27, 2019

Please vote in the poll above, and feel free discuss additional preferences.

Rhamiel · Sep 27, 2019

I voted anonymity
I think it emphasizes the priest acting In Persona Christi instead of acting as an individual

Michie · Sep 27, 2019

Anonymity. But the strange thing is, I have never confessed this way. It has always been face to face. Which at times, I think can be a stumbling block.

Lady Bug · Sep 28, 2019

I would never be able to do it face-to-face, I would rather die (well not if I don't die in a state of grace lol). But even if one does it anonymously, isn't it still likely that the priest will know your voice anyway?

AvilaSurfer · Sep 28, 2019

I didn’t vote. I do it behind the screen most times, although I’m pretty sure the priest recognizes my voice. I believe they try to tune that out during Confession. But anyway when I meet with my Spiritual Director, different priest, Reconciliation is always part of that, so it’s face to face.

Michie · Sep 28, 2019

My priest told me once that he rarely remembers what is said in confession. He said he thought the Holy Spirit had something to do with that.

pdudgeon · Sep 28, 2019

In our parish we have a special time twice a year (during Advent and pre Christmas) during an evening, when our priest brings in three other priests from the diocese, and all 4 priests (including our own) are available to us for confession.
They all take part in this, volunteering their time, and going from parish to parish one evening a week for 4 weeks.

Each priest has their own station apart from the others, so it's just you and the priest of your choice.

So essentially that gives us the connection with a priest, yet in a way that is truly anonymous for both priest and the person. It works well, and we have a good turn out.

Michie · Sep 28, 2019

pdudgeon said:
In our parish we have a special time twice a year (during Advent and pre Christmas) during an evening, when our priest brings in three other priests from the diocese, and all 4 priests (including our own) are available to us for confession.
They all take part in this, volunteering their time, and going from parish to parish one evening a week for 4 weeks.

Each priest has their own station apart from the others, so it's just you and the priest of your choice.

So essentially that gives us the connection with a priest, yet in a way that is truly anonymous for both priest and the person. It works well, and we have a good turn out.

We do the same thing at our parish as well.

Gnarwhal · Sep 28, 2019

Rhamiel said:
I voted anonymity
I think it emphasizes the priest acting In Persona Christi instead of acting as an individual

This, exactly.

The screen seems to guide a more conventional and traditional confession, whereas I've heard some weird stories about face-to-face confession.

thecolorsblend · Sep 28, 2019

ChicanaRose said:
Please vote in the poll above, and feel free discuss additional preferences.

I selected anonymous because I think that is the ideal model.

Having said that, sometimes a face-to-face/personal Confession is the only way to go. The one time I ever did it, I must say that it was a rather positive experience. But I emphasize that it was an unusual circumstance and I had an unusual confession. It was so far outside the norm that face-to-face was the only way to go.

When it was over, Father even agreed that an anonymous Confession wouldn't have been as effective. But I suspect that even the clergy prefer anonymity; that's based on exactly nothing so take that remark with as many grains of salt as you see fit.

Chrystal-J · Sep 28, 2019

I can focus more in a confessional and I don't like the face to face because it feels more like a conversation than a confession.

Stabat Mater dolorosa · Sep 29, 2019

I dont care particularly for the anonymity to be honest. I find it to be a depersonalizating thing altogether. The priest should know you in order to provide good spiritual advice and directions. Still I tend to prefer the confessional behind a screen as it makes it more about Christ and less about the priest.
Sooo, I chose the first option though I'm not particularly in favor of anonymity in the sacrament.

charsan · Sep 29, 2019

I voted anonymity, though I am sure the Priest knew it was me when I made all kinds of noise with my wheelchair scooter getting in and out of the confessional

Confession preference

What is the confession setting you prefer?

I value anonymity and prefer a screen between me and the priest

I value connection and prefer a face-to-face confession

I have no preference

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