For most Catholics the experience of the Sacrament of Reconciliation fits a certain image in our imagination: we go and sit before a priest (or behind the screen) and share our sins and receive a penance and absolution.  And under ordinary circumstances this is really our only way of receiving that great gift of God’s mercy.  However, the Church, in her wisdom and reflecting the immensity of God’s mercy has other tools in the toolkit for extraordinary times.

One of these tools is what is referred to as General Absolution.  In times of great distress where it is not possible for a priest to hear the confession of all those who would desire to be reconciled to God sacramentally, General Absolution may be used.  Pope Francis has given the permission for General Absolution to be used by priests during this time of pandemic.

How is General Absolution different from the traditional experience of Reconciliation?  Sometimes people see it as a “get out of jail free” card since the pentitent doesn’t have the opportunity to confess their sins to a priest specifically before absolution is given.  However, when we understand the purpose of General Absolution it becomes clear that this isn’t the case.

The Church requires us to confess all of our mortal sins to a priest out loud for a number of reasons. First, it is psychologically healthy for us to say what we have done wrong and own it, getting it “outside” of us.  Secondly, and more importantly, it is important for us to have the experience of having Christ, sacramentally represented by the priest, hear our actual sins and speak actual, real words, that have the power to set us free from those sins. There is no guessing involved: “Whom the Son sets free is free indeed.”

Therefore, even with General Absolution, provided the danger and distress pass, we who receive this great gift of mercy are expected to take any mortal sins we received absolution for in General Absolution and confess them specifically to a priest in the traditional way, as soon as we are able to do so reasonably and safely.

In a communal reconciliation service, we begin the sacrament as a community.  Usually there is a song, an opening prayer and a reading from Scripture.  Following the Scripture reading, a priest will give a brief homily and then he or another minister will lead us in an examination of conscience, usually a series of statements or questions to help us more fully reflect upon what we wish to bring to the Lord in the sacrament at this time.  The community then prays an Act of  Contrition together.    Several priests will be present at the service.  Following the Act of Contrition, individuals go to one of the priests who will be stationed throughout the church to confess their sins privately.  The priest who hears one’s confession will suggest a penance and pray the prayer of absolution over them.  Individuals may then return to their pews to pray, offering thanks to God for His mercy and forgiveness.  In many cases, there will be a closing prayer and song after everyone present has had an opportunity to confess their sins to a priest.