I went to a really nice class on the Mass at a local parish. The instructor spoke about"engagement"and we all looked around. What he meant was how engaged are we at what is taking place? Do we listen, or just hear? Watch, or really see? Those are the times when Jesus speaks to us: when we actively open ourselves to Him!
What you said about Confession really make sense, especially in light of the priest in persona Christi Jesus is there and guides what they say; the priests also pass no judgement... What I find funny sometimes is when you're in the Confessional for awhile, and a line accumulates while you're in there, and the people in line all kind of look at you funny!