In 1973 the Sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation/Confession was revised and approved by Pope Paul VI. There are three forms. The first being individual confession that most of us are familiar with. The second is communal gathering like we are here, proclamation of the Word, homily, examination of conscience, then individual confession when we have numerous priests available. The third form is like the one previously described but with general absolution. The directives are very clear on this and I quote from Canon Law paragraph 961.
"In case of grave necessity recourse may be had to a communal celebration of reconciliation with general confession and general absolution. Grave necessity of this sort can arise when there is imminent danger of death without sufficient time for the priest or priests to hear each penitent's confession. Grave necessity can also exist when, given the number of penitents, there are not eough confessors to hear individual confessions properly in a reasonable time, so that the penitents through no fault of their own would be deprived of sacramental grace or Holy Communion for a long time. In this case, for the absolution to be valid the faithful must have the intention of individually confessing their sins in the time requred. [Cf. CIC, can. 962 1] The diocesan bishop is the judge of whether or not the conditions requred for general absolution exist. [Cf. CIC, can 961 2] A large gathering of the faithful on the occasion of major feasts or pilgrimages does not constitute a case of grave necessity." [Cf. CIC, can. 961 1] (C.C.C. #1483)
It has been a tradition in this diocese and many dioceses throughout the world to celebrate the "third form." It has been made very clear by the Vatican and directed to bishops throughout the world that this is no longer permitted. I know from personal experience how powerful, healing, and spiritual this has been for us in the past but at ordination I took a vow of obediance to the bishop under whom I serve. For Advent we will have a solemn evening prayer. In Lent we will have a Reconciliation service at St. Cyril and I will try to get some priests in for individual confessions.