CONFESSION: THE FORGOTTEN SACRAMENT

A 2008 study by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University showed that 45% of Catholics reported never going to Confession, and 30% said they went less than once a year. Only 2% go monthly or more.

That was 9 years ago.  One can only imagine the extent of the decline at this time.

I was ordained in 1974.  I can still remember lines of penitents in my first parish assignment. Over the years, I and my brother-Priests noticed the steady reduction in the number of those who would available themselves of the Sacrament.  Even regular penitents would confess their sins less frequently.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation in its present form and administration has become “the forgotten Sacrament”.  I have addressed this sad reality before in this blog and elsewhere.

The reasons are many and varied.  

Of course, the world is more secular and spiritually cynical in these troubled times.  Many Catholic families are in a state of disarray and parental guidance and discipline regarding the practice of the Faith weakened.  

In the vanity of an age which glorifies the ego, it takes heroic effort and virtue to humble oneself and admit personal fault and sinfulness.

Perhaps to an extent that is beyond determining, the Priesthood  -- itself so wounded by scandal -- does not inspire sinners to come forward seeking absolution from someone equal, if not surpassing, in sinfulness himself.

And finally, the auricular form of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (the confession of sin in the presence of the Priest) is increasingly an obstacle to those who wish to be absolved but are morally incapable of doing so in a setting which they sincerely feel threatened and afraid.

Yet, there is need for the human spirit to experience healing.  Claiming personal responsibility for sin, asking forgiveness of the Lord, attempting an amendment of life allows the soul the opportunity of renewal and refreshment.

Sadly, for the reasons I mention and so many others, God‘s People are denying themselves the relief and comfort which comes from Sacramental Absolution.

Sadder still, our sacred Pastors say little or nothing to encourage Confession in their teaching and preaching, other than an occasional complaint or nostalgic reference to the “old days”.

I feel very alone in speaking of Confession as often as I do and inviting my fellow Catholics to re-experience the unburdening of the soul which Reconciliation affords.

Each day, I pray that the Holy Spirit will enlighten the minds and hearts of the Holy Father and the Bishops to consider an alternative form by which the Sacrament of Reconciliation could be made available to the faithful in a more “user-friendly” way.  

I still pray that General Absolution be included in the Penitential Rite of the Mass with the celebrant inviting the congregation to make a serious examination of conscience, a silent expression of contrition and purpose of amendment, and then bestowing upon them full and complete absolution of all of their sins.  

This would be a truly Grace-filled and sacred moment at the very beginning of the celebration of the Eucharist.  

If the Church is to error, I would prefer it error on the side of the most generous dispensation of Christ’s forgiving Grace.

After 42 years of Priesthood, I still hope and I still pray.  Maybe one day...