[Romulus]

Does confession take place one-on-one, privately, as you imply? Then what does "absolution by all the priests" mean? Do the priest, acting collectively, pronounce absolution over the collective congregation? If so, how is this consistent with individual confession? Furthermore, if absolution is granted individually, what is the nature of the collective action, and what's its point?

[sinkspur]

Do the priest, acting collectively, pronounce absolution over the collective congregation? If so, how is this consistent with individual confession?

Absolution is pronounced over the collective congregation. The requirement for a valid sacrament is the individual confession of sins to a priest, and absolution, which may be individual or collective.

Furthermore, if absolution is granted individually, what is the nature of the collective action, and what's its point?

The Sacraments of Reconciliation (Confession and the Sacrament of the Sick) may be celebrated individually or in community. Ideally, a communitarian celebration affords an opportunity for catechesis as well as the general celebration.