The hierarchy may believe that the use of general absolution could lead to carelessness on the part of penitents and diminution of the priest’s authority and spiritual contact with the faithful.The solution to the increasing disuse of the Sacrament of Reconciliation might be to introduce general absolution, but only as the final act in a structured service of Reconciliation.This week our parish AGM will be asked to consider the draft of such a service. It would consist, briefly, of an introduction and three spiritual readings separated by two one-minute silent examinations of conscience – one to reflect on purely internal sins and the other on sins that have affected other people – and between them a short homily during which the priest would invite penitents to arrange