August 24, 2007
Joint Confession
Canonist Ed Peters looks at the canon law and prudent consideration regarding spouses going to joint sacramental confession. He looks at the arguments given by Catholic News Service columnist Fr. John Deitzen in support of this and shows how this just does not meet canon law muster.
Now spouses can be helpful in preparation for individual sacramental confession. If you just can't remember what you need to confess, just ask your spouse. Just make sure you have a couple of sheets of paper to take notes with.
Posted by Jeff Miller at August 24, 2007 4:01 PM | TrackBackMy husband and I went to joint Confession in the Peoria Diocese during an Engaged Couples Encounter a little over 15 years ago. We both enjoyed it - we both felt closer to one another afterwards. It certainly was humbling.
I have such a short memory when it comes to my sins nowadays that I have to write them down. With my dh there that problem would be resolved. It would be like having Padre Pio present. :)
Posted by Jean email at August 24, 2007 6:13 PMI sent an e-mail to Fr. Deitzen concerning communal penance services. This one had no individual confession w/general absolution. I was working with a friend trying to explain the problem. Fr. Deitzen sided with the its ok crowd. So his stance doesn't surprise me.
Bob
Posted by SchuBob email at August 24, 2007 7:43 PMBob, Pope John Paul II provides excellent reasons to prohibit the ordinary practice of general absolution in section 31 of his document on reconciliation and penance. http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_jp-ii_exh_02121984_reconciliatio-et-paenitentia_en.html
So Fr Deitzen is not only ignoring you, he's ignoring Pope John Paul II.
Posted by Burnt Marshwiggle email at August 25, 2007 2:17 PMThis has to be the dumbest idea ever.
Posted by BillyHW email at August 25, 2007 3:30 PMNext up: Family confessions, an excellent way to provide healing and unity to the family, OR for controlling parents to keep track on what their teenagers have been up to.
Posted by Eileen R email at August 25, 2007 9:07 PMIn other news, the assistant pastor at Fr Deitzen's parish is swamped by requests from people wishing to confess privately before going to joint confession - thus avoiding the dilemma of either making a bad confession or divulging information that they know their hurt spouse will be unable to avoid acting upon.
Posted by Burnt Marshwiggle email at August 26, 2007 10:20 AMA few sheets of paper? A notebook, maybe. Oh, wait--most notebooks only have 70 pages...A five subject notebook?
Posted by joanne email at August 26, 2007 12:16 PM