[Ken522]

Sorry if this seems a little off-topic but when a person goes to Mass, there are so many prayers that are specifically directed to purify members of the congregation before they go to Communion, whether they've gone to Confession or not. I am not saying that Confession can or should be dispensed with because it is necessary even if a person confesses only venial sins. I thinkit is wrong for any priest to say, "Pick a sin, any sin ... " because these actions demean Confession.

[franky]

Part of the Introductory Rites of the Mass.

THE INTRODUCTORY RITES

The Act of Penitence

51. Then the priest invites those present to take part in the Act of Penitence, which, after a brief pause for silence, the entire community carries out through a formula of general confession. The rite concludes with the priest's absolution, which, however, lacks the efficacy of the Sacrament of Penance.

On Sundays, especially in the Season of Easter, in place of the customary Act of Penitence, from time to time the blessing and sprinkling of water to recall Baptism may take place.56

The Kyrie Eleison

52. After the Act of Penitence, the Kyrie is always begun, unless it has already been included as part of the Act of Penitence. Since it is a chant by which the faithful acclaim the Lord and implore his mercy, it is ordinarily done by all, that is, by the people and with the choir or cantor having a part in it.

As a rule, each acclamation is sung or said twice, though it may be repeated several times, by reason of the character of the various languages, as well as of the artistry of the music or of other circumstances. When the Kyrie is sung as a part of the Act of Penitence, a trope may precede each acclamation.

Venial sins are forgiven at this point. All mortal sins (grave sins) must be confessed one to one. No one may receive communion with grave sin on the soul.