311. Can this sacrament be celebrated in some cases with a general confession and general absolution? (part 2 continuation)

 311. Can this sacrament be celebrated in some cases with a general confession and general absolution? (part 2 continuation)    

(Comp 311 repetition) In cases of serious necessity (as in imminent danger of death) recourse may be had to a communal celebration of Reconciliation with general confession and general absolution, as long as the norms of the Church are observed and there is the intention of individually confessing one’s grave sins in due time.

 “In brief”

(CCC 1497) Individual and integral confession of grave sins followed by absolution remains the only ordinary means of reconciliation with God and with the Church. 

To deepen and explain

(CCC 1483) In case of grave necessity recourse may be had to a communal celebration of reconciliation with general confession and general absolution. Grave necessity of this sort can arise when there is imminent danger of death without sufficient time for the priest or priests to hear each penitent's confession. Grave necessity can also exist when, given the number of penitents, there are not enough confessors to hear individual confessions properly in a reasonable time, so that the penitents through no fault of their own would be deprived of sacramental grace or Holy Communion for a long time. In this case, for the absolution to be valid the faithful must have the intention of individually confessing their sins in the time required (Cf. CIC, can. 962 §1). The diocesan bishop is the judge of whether or not the conditions required for general absolution exist (Cf. CIC, can. 961 § 2). A large gathering of the faithful on the occasion of major feasts or pilgrimages does not constitute a case of grave necessity (Cf. CIC, can. 961 § 1). 

On reflection

(CCC 1484) "Individual, integral confession and absolution remain the only ordinary way for the faithful to reconcile themselves with God and the Church, unless physical or moral impossibility excuses from this kind of confession" (OP 31). There are profound reasons for this. Christ is at work in each of the sacraments. He personally addresses every sinner: "My son, your sins are forgiven" (Mk 2:5). He is the physician tending each one of the sick who need him to cure them (Cf. Mk 2:17). He raises them up and reintegrates them into fraternal communion. Personal confession is thus the form most expressive of reconciliation with God and with the Church. [END]

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