Does a Communal Penance Service take the place of individual Confession?
A Communal Penance Service INCLUDES individual Confession. So it IS the sacrament of Confession. The communal form is used usually during times like Advent or Lent and usually involves community prayers and then simply and briefly standing in front of the priest to celebrate the sacrament, rather than going into a confessional. You can also make an appointment for individual Confession when convenient for you. P.S. Confession/Reconciliation has changed a lot over the years. It’s a celebration of God’s forgiveness, not an inquisition of details. I usually recommend that people try to celebrate it mayber 2 or 3 times a year to keep tabs on how they and where they most need to grow in their relationship with God and others. Try it! You’ll like it!!
