Responding to Ma

For reasons far beyond my understanding, Halo Scan does not seem to want to let me post a reply to Ma Beck's question concerning "communal penance services" (it keeps telling me I've "already said that," but it isn't showing up).

Being the clever fellow that I am, I will circumvent the whole process and post my reply here:

Ma, the "communal" thing here is not what it is often in Chicago where general absolution is given.

Perhaps a better term for what we will have this evening is the "Rite of Reconcilliation of Several Penitents with Individual Confession and Absolution." They are very much like a Celebration of the Word of God but with confession attached.

These should include an opening hymn, greeting, introduction and opening prayer. This should be followed by one or two readings from the Old or New Testament, a Psalm, a Gospel and a short homily. Following the homily the congregation should be led in an examination of conscience. Afterwards there is to be a general confession of sins (like the confiteor), followed by a litany beggging forgiveness. This is followed by individual confession and absolution. Afterwards there is to be a prayer of thanksgiving followed by a blessing and dismissal.

The actual rite is - sadly - all but never followed, which has led to hodge podge of penance services, most of which are not terribly effective or well crafted, in my estimation. Too often the Liturgy of the Word is rushed through and any sense of ritual is abandoned in the name of ease and haste.

Nevertheless, if done well they can be quite moving and powerful.