We had a small coffee/donuts gathering after the last Mass on Christmas Day. I struck up a conversation with Fr. and mentioned that I was making a real effort to get back into a groove with my prayer life, Mass attendance and obedience to the Church laws. He commended me, which was nice. I told him that one thing that could help facilitate this for me would be more frequent confession times. Right now we have once-monthly confession with the option of trying to make an appointment which is usually at least a three-week wait. During Lent there are a few more options. He told me that before they switched from 30 min a week to 45 min a month, the average number of parishioners per month receiving the sacrament was about 20 (about 5 per Saturday.) Now, he says he sees about the same amount per month during monthly confession and a few appointments. I was astonished because we have, now, over 4,000 registered households in our parish (not sure how many are active but Masses are packed.) Does this seem right? I thought every Catholic should be going to confess at least a few times a year. I hate confession and feel awkward and humiliated by it, but I try to go at least every few months and I don't accept communion if I have mortal sin on my soul (which I often do.) Everyone else at Mass seems to accept communion. Father said that most people just ask God for forgiveness and move on. He seemed redigned to it. Is this normal?
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