Priests are not keeping anyone out of heaven. True contrition is required for absolution. Even if the penitent is wrongly denied absolution by the priest, the penitent can appeal to heaven.
Oh?
HOW??
Through a 'saint' or 'Mary'???
Because I doubt if they feel they can actually talk to 'heaven' on their own; being Catholic and all.
Where is that in your catechism??? I've been led to believe that your priests while in the confessional are actually God speaking...
Then there's no need for the priest.
1 John 1:8-10 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
1 Timothy 2:5-6 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.