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GMAC,

In my experience, there's a very wide range of practice among Latin parishes. I would say too that in my experience of Latin parishes the most widespread arrangement is to be pretty accommodating to the various needs or preferences of penitents, offering the sacrament at certain scheduled times in a more anonymous setting and by appointment for those who prefer to sit down with the priest face to face. I have confessed to Latin priests in confessional boxes, in private rooms dedicated to the purpose, in a confessional box converted into a very small private 'room' dedicated to the purpose, in priests' offices, in the academic offices of professor-priests, sitting side by side in a pew, sitting side by side on bench outside, walking on grass under trees. I think the Latin Church and its tradition of reflection on the sacrament is a little less rulish than you seem to think. Bring a contrite heart, find a priest, God supplies the rest.

eastwardlean?

Christ is in our midst!!

Your mention of so many options reminded me of the many times I've had the chance to confess with a Latin priest after returning from a cemetery and in the car before I let him off at his rectory. Sometimes it's tough for a funeral director to get to scheduled times and places, but it's easy when father is sitting right next to me in my car.

Bob

Dear Bob,

You remind me of the time when Vladyka Kyr Isidore Borecky came to bless my grandparents' tombstone at the cemetery.

My parents invited family and friends for this, but Vladyka was a bit late.

When he finally did pull up in his car and emerged to see everyone standing there, he said, "I'm very sorry to keep you all waiting - but then, is there a better place to wait than here?"

When I needed to speak to our funeral director, I was directed to go downstairs to his office.

His office was right across the room that had all the model coffins on display. And there he was eating a submarine sandwich at his desk . . . with a small model coffin at its corner . . .

It was all a bit too much for me and I apologised for interrupting his lunch, but there was a matter of grave concern I needed to speak to him about . . .

Alex

Pun intended?

They say that the funeral business teaches its professionals not to fear death - why should they? They get 70% off . . .

No more PUN-ishment sir!

Alex

No such luck. I don't own my own place so I have to pay full freight.

Bob

Dear GMAC,

As a fellow Latin, I can share with you my experience of confessing in Byzantine-rite parishes. Usually, in my experience, it's been during during Orthros (Sunday Matins), before the Divine Liturgy; priests will come and stand by the icons on both sides of the church near the front, and penitents will walk up and stand next to a priest. Both priest and penitent face the icons; the priest will help you through the ritual if you are unfamiliar. There is definitely a lot of chanting going on; no chance of anyone overhearing. It all feels quite natural, actually. Looking at an icon of the Resurrection of Christ gives you a sense of what this Holy Mystery is all about.

I must say, I'm fascinated! I, like GMAC, am a Latin Rite catholic and I find the sacrament of reconciliation to be quite intimidating. To be able to enter the church and stand next to my confessor in front of a beautiful icon...that sounds way too good to be true, but I know it must be. Thank you all, especially theophan, for reminding me that Christ is indeed in our midst.