[sharkdiver]

"And during mass" how in the world are priests supposed to hear confession during mass. I have always thought that we gathered for mass with the express purspose of putting us into a state of grace where we were preparing to receive the blessed sacrament of the euchurist. Please correct me as I am very confused with your statement.

[redhead]

"how in the world are priests supposed to hear confession during mass.">/i>

obviously, the priest who is celebrating will not be hearing confessions during mass, but other priests who are with that parish may.

[ninenot]

The POPE suggested that confessions be heard right through Mass, if necessary--not I.

Sunday obligation MAY be the only time some people can get to Confession. ONe can certainly participate in the Mass while standing in line--and insofar as the Confession will ALSO gain graces, missing the 5 minutes of Mass necessary for the good confession is NOT the same as missing Mass altogether. (That's just the practical aspect.)

Besides, a soul in the state of mortal sin NEEDS forgiveness--precisely what the Pope is driving at with this instruction.