So today I went to Mass at the FSSP chapel I recently discovered (only my second time there), and I wanted to go to confession. I went into the parish, not knowing where the confessional was and just sat down at a pew. On their website, it said that confessions were 20 mins. before each Mass, but Father didn't show up until 5 mins before, so I wasn't even sure if I was standing in the right place. In the "line", there were a couple of people standing in frot of the door, facing the altar, so I wasn't sure of whether or not they were waiting for confession. I asked this one old man if he was waiting, and he said yes and pointed to the side of him. I figured that because there was a big gap in between the person "behind" him and the next person, she wasn't waiting for confession. So I stood there and waited, and the woman said nothing so in to confession I went. It wasn't until after that I realize I had just cut in front of a group of people who didn't say anything.

So now I feel bad for cutting in front of their "line" (it did NOT look like a line to me), an they probably think I'm a jerk now.  :surprised:

Why do people do this? Someone could have said something to me, but no one did. Just because I am a 200+ poun, 6ft tall black male does not mean I will do anythin to anyone! It sucks to be a reserved person an hesitant to talk to people. :sad:

PS: forgive my iPod typing skills

Man, I feel bad for you, but at the same time, you gave me a good laugh!   (I know, I'm not helping any...)

Seriously, though, as one ultra self-conscious person to another, all I can say is tomorrow will be another day. Life will go on. Even if they did think you were a jerk, they'll quickly forget about it. Also, I don't know if you're new to your parish or not, but perhaps you could introduce yourself to some of the parishioners, or better yet, have someone else introduce you to everybody (the priest, perhaps, or an older parishioner). That way, they can get to know you for you, and not as that tall black dude that cut in line at confession.  :wink:

What makes this better is simply the fact that the priest actually took his time with me, unlike N.O. confessors who are like automated robots and say the same thing to everybody and always seem to be in a rush. He gave me some advice (that's new! There's only ONE (out of 4 priests) N.O. priest who regularly gives me advice in the confessional and he is Polish) and had me do penance.