Of course people bring these things up in Confession, but what is said in the confessional takes place in another galaxy, another universe. The priest can never mention or act upon anything he knows from a Confession. It’s totally irrelevant to this discussion.
The issue everyone is talking about is the refusal of Communion to people who are living together outside of Matrimony.
The overarching norm is: They must not be given Communion.
Exception: If they are living chastely, they may receive Communion. But, to avoid scandal, they must receive where they are not known, or let it be known that they are living chastely.
Obviously, if a couple live in a parish where 20 people know their business, and 1,000 people don’t, they have no reason to discuss any of this outside their circle of friends and family.
In my experience, third parties in the parish NEVER bring up any questions about this sort of thing with the pastor.
Thank you.
Freegards