The last time I went to confession the priest had a cell phone on a table next to him. He looked at it repeatedly and touched the screen several times. It made me uncomfortable but I didn't say anything. What's the right thing to do? Should I say something to him outside the confessional or ask about it during if it happens again? I appreciate your advice.

Anonymous--

In my opinion, priests should not bring phones into the confessional. Not only do they pose a distraction to the priest -- as you discovered -- but, given the phenomenon of pocket dialing, they also pose a danger to the sanctity of the seal of the confessional. We should hope that bishops will take seriously these dangers and forbid their priests from bringing phones into the confessional with them. (And, before anyone starts asking about "emergencies," please remember that priests managed quite well without cell phones in the confessional for thousands of years. Emergency calls should be routed through the parish office, which can send someone over to the church for a priest if there is a true need.) As for what to do if you know a priest has his cell phone on in the confessional, I think it is within your rights to say politely, "Father, could you please turn off your phone during my confession? The technology is so delicate that I worry that my confession might inadvertently be recorded or broadcast to someone on your contact list."

Michelle Arnold
Catholic Answers

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