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RC DAILY MEDITATIONS

“Ask a Priest: Can General Absolution Be Given at Mass?”

Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC
Q: Our parish priest gives general absolution at Mass, inviting all to take part in receiving Communion—surely this cannot be right? How is he to know the gravity of people’s sin and their sincerity in true repentance? I understand his efforts to welcome us all, but it’s basically giving an opportunity for sacrilege. — Anthony  

Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC A: The use of general absolution requires a bishop’s approval. It is usually reserved for rare and serious conditions, such as when soldiers are heading into battle or firefighters are rushing into a burning building to save people. Even then, someone with mortal sin who receives general absolution must intend to go to confession as soon as possible. A Holy See document explains the conditions in depth. That parish priest seems to be abusing general absolution. It would be good to approach him, even if by e-mail, and send him a link to the document cited above. If he doesn’t halt the practice, it would be good for the chancery to be notified. And please pray for that priest.  

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Alex Kucera

Atlanta

Alex Kucera has lived in Atlanta, GA, for the last 46 years. He is one of 9 children, married to his wife Karmen, and has 3 girls, one grandson, and a granddaughter on the way. Alex joined Regnum Christi in 2007. Out of the gate, he joined the Helping Hands Medical Missions apostolate and is still participating today with the Ghana Friendship Mission.

In 2009, Alex was asked to be the Atlanta RC Renewal Coordinator for the Atlanta Locality to help the RC members with the RC renewal process. Alex became a Group Leader in 2012 for four of the Atlanta Men’s Section Teams and continues today. Running in parallel, in 2013, Alex became a Team Leader and shepherded a large team of good men.

Alex was honored to be the Atlanta Mission Coordinator between 2010 to 2022 (12 years), coordinating 5-8 Holy Week Mission teams across Georgia. He also created and coordinated missions at a parish in Athens, GA, for 9 years. Alex continues to coordinate Holy Week Missions, Advent Missions, and Monthly missions at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Cumming, GA.

From 2016 to 2022, Alex also served as the Men’s Section Assistant in Atlanta. He loved working with the Men’s Section Director, the Legionaries, Consecrated, and Women’s Section leadership teams.

Alex is exceptionally grateful to the Legionaries, Consecrated, and many RC members who he’s journeyed shoulder to shoulder, growing his relationship with Christ and others along the way. He knows that there is only one way, that’s Christ’s Way, with others!