Question
I recently first encountered "group ceremonies" in which the priest and penitents recite some prayers and read some scripture. The priest then "absolved" all present. Is this really valid? And can a person who was in a state of mortal sin then receive the sacraments? Or is "regular" reconciliation, one on one with a priest necessary first?
-- Absolved in Albuquerque?
Answer
There are four rites of reconciliation or penance in the official ritual books of the church. The first rite is the traditional one known to most Catholics, that which is officially called "Rite 1: Rite of Reconciliation of Individual Penitents." The others are "Rite 2: Rite for Reconciliation of Several Penitents with Individual Confession and Absolution"; "Rite 3: Rite for Reconciliation of Several Penitents with General Confession and Absolution'; and finally the rite for an emergency when someone is dying. They are all valid and opportunities for the person to see that they are part of a community, the church, in need of God's forgiveness. Each one is an opportunity for forgiveness. Once a person is absolved from their sins, they are free to receive the sacraments. This is a powerful symbol of our being in community again with each other and god.