Q. During this virus pandemic, if Mass can be watched on television or online why can I not go to confession over the phone?
A. Good question; I have received this question from my parishioners several times.
While watching the celebration of Mass on TV or online allows us to remain connected insofar as we are able to in these extraordinary times, it does not and cannot take the place of being an essential part of the Eucharist in person. The same is true of the other sacraments.
For example, one might be able to watch a Baptism via live streaming, but one cannot receive the sacrament of Baptism virtually, that is, online. The same is true for confession. The sacrament of Penance requires what is called the moral unity of time and place. In other words, it requires a personal encounter between the penitent and the confessor.
From another viewpoint, there is no way that one could guarantee absolute strict confidentiality online or over the phone. I do not know of any person who would want to risk having their sins being known publicly. Thank goodness we do not have telephone party lines anymore! (You have to be of a certain age to get that one.)
Just a reminder, in most parishes in Nebraska, weekend Mass is open to the public and attendance is allowed up to 50% of the seating capacity of the church and/or other facility. Every parish I know is taking every precaution and following every protocol from state and local health directives in order to make the celebration of Mass safe for those who wish to attend. If you choose to attend Mass, I know your pastor would love to see you. If it is safe for you to do so and if you wish, I strongly encourage you to rejoin your parish community for the celebration of Sunday Mass.
Write to Ask the Register using our online form, or write to 3700 Sheridan Blvd., Suite 10, Lincoln NE 68506-6100. All questions are subject to editing. Editors decide which questions to publish. Personal questions cannot be answered. People with such questions are urged to take them to their nearest Catholic priest.
