PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A new app for devices like the iPhone and iPad aims to take the intimidation factor out of Confession for Catholics — and the Church is giving it the thumbs-up.

You’ll still have to tell a priest your sins in person, but “Confession: A Roman Catholic App” holds your hand through the process via your hand-held.

Nicole Brewer reports…



Katie, a Temple University sophomore, likes how the app takes you step-by-step, preparing you for the sacrament by asking questions that might point out a sin or two you’ll want to divulge.

“I like how you have the ‘in the name of the Father’ — like what they should say,” Katie said.

Teresa, a senior at Temple, says that’ll help — as long as you’re not blasting Jay-Z when you enter the confessional.

“Confession for some people can be kind of intimidating, so I think this will make it a lot easier for them to go through it,” Teresa said.

Father Jerry Wild at the University’s Newman Center says when it comes to absolution, touchscreens can’t replace the face-to-face, but support for the app shows the Church is keeping up with the times.

“We certainly live in a technological age, so the Church has to be aware of that and respond to that reality.”

Reported by Ian Bush, KYW Newsradio