This Should Never Happen!

I know this is not criminal, but in a Catholic society it would be. I spoke with someone recently who asked me to hear his confession. He told me that he had been to four or five different priests for confession in the last couple months and grew increasingly concerned that none of these confessions were valid.

One priest refused to give the absolution; he just said "we're done you can go now". Another refused to give counsel and shortened the absolution. Some did not give a penance. Most did not have him say the Act of Contrition at all.

Priests can make mistakes or get lazy, but this is an atrocity. These men should be ashamed at what they are doing to the faithful. No Catholic should ever have to question whether the Sacrament of Confession was done validly or not. It is no wonder that dioceses with priests like this are losing members, are short on finances, and are closing parishes.

You cannot tell people that the faith does not matter and expect them to keep attending Mass. You cannot act like it is all just a game and expect people to give money to support it. You cannot be lazy about the faith, and expect people to be passionate about it. Actions have consequences and bad priests are destroying parishes, and leading countless souls away from God. "Woe to the shepherds who neglect the flock and feed only themselves."