Before posting the same article, I did a search. As I began to post it, I took a phone call and Alex apparently beat me to the actual posting.
This is a VERY IMPORTANT article. Having once used many of the excuses that appear in this article, I know only too well how the mind can justify this. I was also most intrigued to read that Protestants frequent confession at this Church (though they cannot receive Absolution). I have printed a copy of this article for my pastor who preaches the need for this Sacrament, to deaf ears.
Thank you Alex, for posting this thread.
I know protestants who have approched my mother asking if she could help them arrange a confession at our church. Turns out, Lutherans have a very old, seldom used confession practice themselves. It is very similar to what we do.
That being said, I have no understanding of what this article is talking about. At my parish, where there are over 14 hours a week of confession available, it's still hard to get in. It has taken me four separate trips to get in. At my local parish, which I do not attend, confession is only available for one hour on Saturday. Heaven help you if you arrive on time, there will be at least thirty people in front of you.
Another benefit is that when I am tempted to repeat past sins, I can often remind myself that I do NOT want to have to confess the same thing again!
"I was also most intrigued to read that Protestants frequent confession at this Church"
As was I. I had a friend who was in great need of confession (probably still is) who wanted to know if this sacrament would be available to her. In a sense, all properly-baptized (in the name of the Trinity) could perhaps be considered Catholics, but I don't think without a profession of faith or some kind of catechesis they could receive absolution. But, I don't know what the Catholic Church teaches about this. It must be covered in Canon Law or the Catechism. I'll see what I can find.