[It's me]

That's why we have "communal penance".

Uh, what's "communal penance"?

[Ronly Bonly Jones]

That's why we have "communal penance".
Uh, what's "communal penance"?
>>>

It's a nonsacrament where you pretend to confess your sins and the Church pretends to forgive them.

[Just Lori]

Communal penance is a special service (held alot during lent) and in many parishes it is held every first Friday. I know it is used in my home diocese of Kansas City, St. Joseph, and others as well, but I'm thinking it may not be held everywhere. Might be at the discretion of the Bishop. It's a service that makes going to confession a bit easier on the priests and the parishoners, but it is not supposed to be used for serious sin. It's actually a very uplifting service, where instead of getting in line for communion, you get in line to confess your faults, shortcomings, small sins....like that. Everyone there prays for forgiveness and for each other. "Communal".