New Tool Guides Catholics during Confession

MEMPHIS, TN - Catholic Andy McNutt says a few Sundays ago he brought his iPhone along to confession. McNutt is one of many Memphis area Catholics trying out a new $1.99 confession application.

"If a priest understands what you're doing with it, that you're not just checking emails or texting while you're in the confessional, I think he's cool with it. But you may have to explain. This is a pretty new app."

McNutt says make no mistake. The app, called Confession: A Roman Catholic App, cannot take the place of a priest. You cannot confess to your phone. The app is only a tool to take with you to confession in giving each user a personalized examination of conscience.

To help you, the app lists the 10 Commandments as a reference. But it can get even more specific. Using your age, sex and career to customize possible sins not already listed.

McNutt says the app allows you to save things you've chosen to your confessional. Then it acts as a kind of script, cueing you through your lines with the priest during confession at church.

"For the most part I've gotten a lot of positive feedback," said Suzanne Aviles with The Catholic Diocese of Memphis. The Diocese is calling the app a useful tool. Saying it's similar to hard copy guides to confession. But different because of how adaptable the app is.

"Say for instance a teenager, who puts in their age and gender would get a set of questions that's applicable to them, as opposed to someone of my age and my state in life as an older, married woman," she said.

As for reaction from local priests themselves, well Aviles says reaction will likely be mixed as more and more people test the digital tool.

"There are going to be those who are tech savvy that think it's a great idea that use iPhones themselves. Then they'll be those who'd rather not have a cell phone in the confessional."