I'm not a church-goer, haven't even been baptized by any faith. So, of course, one of my characters is a Catholic priest and another is a devout Catholic seeking forgiveness.

I only plan on having one scene in the church for the sake of not having to do too much research. I want to do a confession scene. I've seen bits in movies, but don't really know any particulars.

I just want to know- what is said by the priest/person visiting? Is there a script that either follows? Where does confession take place? Anything else you think I need to know for accuracy?

Also, does anyone know if priests can get vacation time or something? Is it excusable to disappear from their church for a month or two, provided they notify the correct authorities (who would the be?) ahead of time?

Thanks very much!

Confessional will usually take place in a confessional (the booths used in movies and on television) anonymously behind a screen although you can also chose to make your confession face-to-face if you wish.

In terms of the structure/script within confession.

1 - Before going to confession the confessor should prepare by an examination of conscience, essentially preparing what it is you will be confessing and when you last confessed.

2 - When you enter the confessional the priest will greet the confessor with the sign of the cross. The confessor will then make the sign of the cross themselves and say

‘Bless me Father for I have sinned. It has been [insert time duration here] since my last confession. These are my sins…’

3 - The confessor will then tell the priest their sins.

4 - When the confessor has finished telling their sins they say

‘I am sorry for these sins and all the sins I cannot remember’

5 - Having heard the sins the priest will offer advice to the confessor and a penance for them to redeem themselves. The penance varies greatly from priest-to-priest and sin-to-sin.

6 - The confessor will then perform an act of contrition for their sins, essentially a prayer.

My God,
I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.
In choosing to do wrong
And failing to do good,
I have sinned against you
whom I should love above all things.
I firmly intend, with your help,
to do penance,
to sin no more,
and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.
Amen.

7 - The priest will then finish by saying

‘Your sins are truly forgiven. Go in peace.’

The confessor responds with

‘Thanks be to God’

8 - The confessor leaves the confessional and should perform their penance as quickly as possible.

You can still do Confession in a confessional, but in my Catholic days, I never did. It was always face-to-face with the priest. Also, they called it the Sacrament of Reconciliation, not Confession. (This may have been my somewhat hippie-dippy diocese, though.)

And yes, priests get to take vacation. Depending on the diocese, it's either a sabbatical or just a vacation. They have to ask their bishop, which is sorta like getting permission from your boss at work (which bishops are, actually), so he can find a replacement (or be assigned one by the archbishop).

Trivia: in most dioceses, priests are NOT allowed to wear their collars during vacation.

That's exactly what I'm looking for! Thanks sooo much!

Help! I have another question I should know!

What is the main area-the place with all the pews and where the service takes part- of a Catholic church called?

If someone came into the church in the middle of the day to pray, would they do it in the main part of the church or somewhere else? Can priests hear confession at any time if asked, or only at certain times?

Priests can hear confession anytime. It is called Sacrament of Reconciliation everywhere now. It's really unusual to use the confessional booths found alongside the walls of older churches; some churches have closed them off completely; newer churches are built without them. Depending on where the church is--most churches now are locked during the day so there's no slipping in for a quiet prayer. I've never been good on knowing the names of the parts of the church. I've never heard anyone refer to anything except the "sacristy" which is an area usually behind the altar where the priest gets ready for Mass (and wine and communion wafers are stored, etc.)

Looks like it's called the nave: http://www.stmaryssaffronwalden.org/parts_of_a_church2.htm

I'm not catholic but my friends are. There is a certain time for confession. I'm not sure when it is. As far as I know, the main worship place would be simply, the Chapel. Unless you are referring to a more mideival Catholic church and then I couldn't tell you.

I disagree with Christfirst. There's no particular time for the sacrament of Reconciliation. It's common to go before Easter (during Lent) and before Christmas (during Advent); but you can go at other times. Most Catholic churches may have a schedule for the sacrament (as they do for Masses), but most priests will also hear your confession at your request any time (any place).

Saipanwriter is absolutely correct. There are certain times of year when Reconciliation is made a bigger deal out of, but more hardcore Catholics will do it year-round. The only times I ever did it were face-to-face with the priest.

In an old-school cathedral that still offers Latin masses on Sunday, you may still find the confessionals along the side still being used. This kind of cathedral will usually still have votive candles that you can pay a few cents for to light.

If you meant "time" by like, time of day, then most of the parishes in my area have a certain time, like "2-4 PM Thursday afternoons" (totally random, I think most are on Saturdays?). But my aunt's parish lets you make an appointment with the priest, so you can come in when it's convenient for both of you (since some people have to work on Saturdays, etc.).

That help at all?

Also, I don't remember if anyone mentioned it, but before a Catholic receives the Sacrament of Confirmation, they're supposed to go to Reconciliation. (Not sure if it's required or just recommended, but our teachers made us go when I got confirmed.)

I'm pretty sure it was required when I did Confirmation.