When Attending Mass Virtually Just Doesn’t Cut It 

I’d love to be able to go to church every week, I’ve been chronically ill and disabled and housebound for nearly two decades.(Please pray for my healing!) I so appreciate the online masses, I can’t imagine choosing to watch online when you could easily attend in person. What a privilege it is.

I've missing mass in person recently for reasons I can't control. If anyone is reading this please pray for me and my family. it's really has been a soul sacrifice not attending in person

I went to Mass in Spain on holidays once and I knew the order and responses. I answered quietly in english. I got 'smiles' from my fellow brothers and sisters and it warmed my heart to be kinda known as part of our Communion. They knew, so did I...we were adoring together! I wouldn't have missed this, and I'll never forget it.

I’m going through chemo and my Catholic doctor told me I shouldn’t go. Our parish has a ministry to bring communion to the sick and home bound. I hope anyone attending on line mass avails themselves of this service. I’d much rather go, but I’m grateful I can watch on line and receive the Eucharist a bit later in the same day.

When the Holy Spirit tells Fr. Mike to speak something that I need to hear... Been lacking on my Sunday obligation. No reasons, just excuses here.

This is something every parish should be saying if they’re putting the mass online. My parents think that by watching the mass online it counts and I started telling them it doesn’t and they really need to start going again.

I remember my late father sharing this, "Why is it we often complain about Mass going over an hour but don't complain about a 3-hour movie...or standing in line and even camping for over 24 hours for the newest gadget or concert." If Catholics, we consider the Eucharist as the pinnacle of our faith but we only devote an hour (or none) of our time to Him, then are we any better than Judas? This reminder serves me well when I struggle in my faith. Stay strong and persevere, my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Actually online mass brought me back to the church. Working in Healthcare, I was made to feel like unwelcome unless could make it every Sunday I wasn't welcome. The pandemic and on-line mass showed me love. Then I started going to mass in person Christmas Eve. Now I try to go once a week and watch a mass on the days I don't actually go in person. As well, doing my rosery online, RCIA and my Alpha classes on -line. There is a place for this and both can be a beautiful thing

This was me. I wasn't watching or going at all. I found this channel during lockdown and father mikes masses made an impact on me to get back to taking my faith seriously. I had been distant from God. Father Mike's homilies sparked something in me, that I actually looked forward to listening to mass. But then our churches opened up and I was hesitant to go, while I do have chronic and autoimmune disorders , sometimes out of nervousness I wouldn't go in person, or sometimes I wasn't interested enough because the homilies at my church "didn't do anything for me", or I had just grown so used to being at home I didn't want to go out anywhere. Then I learned the biggest point of mass is the eucharist and what a blessing it is to be able to participate in the in person and recieve the sacrament. (Because of father Mike again) Little by little I've been getting back going in person and I still watch father Mike's masses often. I'm grateful for this channel and for father Mike. God is using you to bring us back to God. I have a long ways to go but I've never had more clarity than now. Thank you Father Mike. How blessed we are to have priests like you guiding us.

Mass in my youth: If it fits into my schedule. Mass now: Everything must be scheduled around Mass.

Hi, Father Mike! I’m not Catholic but this message hit my core! I have made excuses on my lack of church attendance but you made it plain and simple that it matters.

My grandma used to say, “Can’t you give just 1 hour to God? God wants you to praise Him.” My mom always keeps me in check with the Holy Days of Obligation (I forget some dates but I know when to look for them lol). When we go on vacation, we make sure to find a Catholic Church near us and find the times (this is before iPhones and tablets, wifi, etc). My grandma taught me and our family, that God is always first. And you’re right Father Mike, I do ask myself, if I’m planning on going grocery shopping or out to Costco (which is a good half hour to 40 minute drive from my house), then I can definitely take a 5 minute drive to mass around the corner from my house. As a kid, I used to want to go out and play, and not go to CCD on Wednesday nights, but once I was there, I was so happy to see my friends in CCD and to see the nuns and the priests. And now when Covid shut down all the churches, I REALLY missed the mass. It made me realize how precious it is and how much of a blessing it is to be in God’s presence and to receive God in the Eucharist. I don’t go to mass when I’m sick, out of respect of not spreading any germs to anyone else and if I’m that sick, then I need to stay in bed. But that’s when it is good to be able to watch mass, that’s my opinion. But thank you for keeping me in check. I swear I can hear my grandma agreeing with you and probably putting in her own words to add to get her point across. ❤️ God Bless 💕

Fr Mike. My life changed when I read these words on the Altar- “ I WAS WAITING FOR YOU”. Your talk brings back those memories. God bless you. Thanks for your videos.

There’s really no excuse for not attending Mass when one is on travel. . . Bravo to the young lady on her rock climbing trip ❤️

For myself, I go to Mass in person, then watch your homily when I get home too. I've seen other people comment that they do something similar.

Amen Father! Amen! I pray that my grown adult children will realize this one day. Mass is not an option even when you have little ones. Viva Christo Rey!

God Bless you father for still sticking to the people that can’t go to mass for certain reasons. Also, if anyone could please pray for me, I have a competition this Friday, and would really appreciate any support and prayers! God bless you all!

Fr Mike, I truly appreciate your online front pew masses. I had several strokes 5 yrs ago and had to sell my truck and cant get to mass. I really, truly want to go to Mass but cannot get there. I can walk about 50 yards with my walker. Our church is from the early 1900s, stairs and long aisles. I go early to snag place in the back by the confessional. Ive not been to Mass but once since covid hit, I pray with you and our parish every Sunday. Thank you.

I watched Father Mike’s online masses when Covid first hit and I was living with my senior aged mom and didn’t want to risk her health by “ bringing anything back” from outside the house. I now go to mass in person- but tell anyone that I know truly can’t, because of real illness or physical limitation- to watch Father Mike online. His sermons are excellent ! 👍. Too bad my 58 year old sister in law -who is home bound due to degenerative disk disease- chooses not to investigate my recommendation and watch him.

I think one of the most difficult things that has come out of the pandemic is that people weren't happy in their parishes, found good priests, but the only way to attend their mass is online. I live in the Diocese of Trenton NJ and we barely have a priest who isn't retired running the parishes, all the Catholic schools were closed except a handful, and the complete lack of supernatural faith got thrown in your face with your local parish closing. You search and find good, reverent, well spoken, dedicated priests who went out of their way to serve the faithful online and in finding better shepherds than what you had it's hard to go back to a parish that slammed the door in your face. I want to attend mass with reverence, not a passing glance at the Tabernacle, or being told to be generous to the basket. I don't want to leave Mass annoyed, disheartened or ready to give up the faith...that is what attending mass is my diocese inspires. I watch mass online from EWTN and Our Lady of Walsingham in England I am never annoyed or left wanting after watching those masses...In my local parish Sunday Mass 35 minutes tops...It may be a sin for people to watch if they can go, but when you go and are cursing through the whole service, that doesn't help either. The Church and it's people have been left in a sad state of affairs because I think people feel let down by the Church's response to this entire situation.

There is a time for everything. And God knows it. I am 76, Live alone and I gave up my car 7 years ago because it was too expensive to maintain. Before this I was a registered adorer every Friday night at 11 pm. I went to weekly Mass on Sundays and attended the special ceremonies during the year. I was also divorced by now with both my children grown up and in their own homes. I was enjoying the extra time to devote to Our Lord so He kept me company when I was going thru my divorce and after the divorce, I kept Him company in gratitude for pulling me through a very bad time. Suddenly I had terrible back pains, could hardly lift my legs to climbing any stairs and now after 20 years, I have Congestive heart failure with an oxygen tank assisting my breathing. Going to any church is impossible so I rely on the televised Mass and for me, this is my sacred time. God comes to me, in my home. For 3 years I had a lady from church that brought me Communion on Saturday after the evening Mass but now I moved back to my old neighborhood in the suburbs and only had Communion 3 times in 3 YEARS but I still have the Mass on TV. Father may not approve, but God knows I'm doing the best I can.

Thank you for pointing out there are absolutely legitimate reasons for watching mass online. Like being immunocompromised, being chronically ill with very limited energy etc. When I am able to go to mass in person again I will be so joyful! But I am also grateful for the reminder of how sacrifice may be necessary to make it to Mass

Amen ❣️ Thank you so much Fr. Mike. Honor, Thanks, Praise, and Glory to GOD. He alone directed my path unto Him whom I LOVE with all my heart, mind, body, and soul. GOD used you Fr. Mike as an instrument of His Peace, Joy, and Love. I was very much grieving my loss for months. And you Fr. Mike popped up on my RU-vid screen. The rest is His-story. I do listen to your online Sunday Mass, belongs to BIY and CIY, and began my journey back to Mass near where I live, at the start of Ash Wednesday. I have thus been going, as my Lupus body has been cooperative, at the 8:30am Mass. I am feeling God's grace, providence, and presence in my life once more. I am grateful to GOD alone and for All the Blessings upon Blessings He has gifted me with. Fr. Mike, those in tge Ministry, and Ascension, you are all a part of my journey. Thank you❣️ My continued prayers for all, God Bless. 🙏🏻 ❤️

Amazing father! Let's worship The Lord every Sunday they way He command us to worship Him!

Excuse vs Reason ... what a deep way to make a distinction. Thank you for making this reflexion.

Thankyou Father for the enlightenment. I really needed to hear this. ❤

I only used a TV/online mass on 2 occasions in my life when I couldn't get out to church. I also see an online mass as a teaching tool when children or non-Catholics have questions about why we do what we do. A BIG thank you to the parishes who make this possible for those who really need it.

Thank you for making this Crystal Clear! I have never heard any Priest make this so crystal clear about missing Sunday Mass when on vacation or for convenience. I have always made it a priority to attend Mass while on vacation (which I also enjoy) as a part of our vacation, at the criticism of family and friends. I have always said, “….we are not on vacation from God, we are on vacation because of God and we should give Thanks, Praise and Glory to Him for be able to and having the privilege to find and go to Church” Thank you for putting this message out there and God Bless. I appreciate all your evangelization and videos that you put out there and the Hallow app., what great resources!

Thanks Fr. Mike! You're awesome!🙌🙏🕯🎚📿

It is very interesting that this popped up the first time I decided to attend online mass instead of in person. God is good ALL the time! Thanks for reminding me that my presence in the mass is important.

what a beautiful thought. im crying. yes God matters to me, His mercy each day is essencial to me

I love finding and going to mass at different churches when I travel. I’ve seen some beautiful and sacred places.

Thanks, Father Mike. This hits home in a few ways for me & was recently confirmed by a friend. I can be very anti-social and so this period of lockdowns & restrictions was paradise for me because it freed me of what I saw as unnecessary social obligations. While going through a rough patch, I withdrew from everyone & didn't attend Mass. I didn't call, text, or email people and the only time I ventured out was to get groceries every other week. A couple of my friends showed up at my house Sunday afternoon. I explained my reasoning for keeping to myself & my buddy's wife told me I was being unbelievably selfish by hiding myself from everyone. She also told me, "John, there is a woman out there you are going to marry. You're making it hard on her because you won't even meet her halfway." While I don't subscribe to that sort of romantic sentiment regarding personal destiny, I could appreciate that she does. Point is, I can't sit around and wonder why the Church appears to be growing weaker when I can't be bothered to stand with it.

God Bless Father Mike Your awesome mate Im on day 42 of bible in a year Im learning so much and loving it! You rock!

Thank you Fr. Mike for this message. I can see and hear your genuine passion and Love for Christ. The Holy Spirit pours through you in a way I cannot describe. God bless you!

How beautifully put and so so true. Where before I was mostly a Sunday Mass person, I'm attending daily Mass for more than a year (glory to God), I say to Jesus 'Too late have I loved you...' May God continue to help me be there every day.

Considering how fast father mike speaks, his homilies must be a joy for the whole congregation

I always have felt going to mass was being obedient to God for all the blessings he gives me I feel his presence when I am at mass. Listening to the Bible in a Year with Father Mike totally makes the Mass one of the most important sacraments that we are a part of. Recently during lent listening to Scott Hahn’s talk about the Mass and how when we are present in Mass we are in Heaven on earth! During Mass we have all the angels and saints ,the Priests ,the lectors,and us the apostles and most important we have the Eucharist which means Jesus Christ is there with us and I feel him! If you read Revolution it quotes all the scripture which we say in the Mass. How wonderful to have Heaven on Earth every week! 🙏♥️✝️

Maybe it's because I was away from the church for such a long time but for me, not being able to go to Mass would break my heart. Like I say, perhaps it's because I have decade's worth of non-attendance to atone for but I like to think it's because I feel at home in my Heavenly Father's house. I like to say that He left the light on for me and for me to not take Him on His invitation is just plain old bad manners. Anyway, I do understand and feel for people who are just unable to attend and I'm betting God does too. Here's hoping your situation changes. 🙏

Thank you, Father! Speaking truth with love 🙏

Thank you Father Schmitz. I've been giving myself excuses out of fear. You've helped me a lot over the past few months. I think this might be the most helpful thing you've said (at least for me) in that time. Thank you, and thank God.

Thankyou for this, I have Multiple Sclerosis, can't drive, blind in 1 eye and Online Mass has truly helped me saved me but I've asked myself is this the same so I'm thankful once again for Online Ministry to tell me the difference 📖📖🙏🙏💜💜

Father Mike, I have suffered from Depression and Anxiety since 1998 and only leave my home to do food shopping and doctor appointments. I will freely admit, in my younger years I did not bother to attend mass, but now that I have grown closer to the Lord, I do watch your mass online. I pray that the Lord will forgive me and I pray for you and the holy catholic church.

Thank you Fr Mike 🌟 At the Holy Mass we receive the Holy Eucharist the most precious gift 🌻

The rock climber story was amazing! I am a mom of 3 toddlers whose husband is always working during mass. It is so easy to wake up and let myself feel it’s impossible to get everyone out the door really early and get through mass alone with the chaos. But it ISN’T. ❤️ Pushing through will help me grow. And help my kiddos. Thank you!

I can't describe how much it has benefitted my wife and I to be able to attend mass online when she or I or our children have been sick. It is such a blessing that I never knew I missed before this became a major opportunity after COVID. Yet another example of how God brings blessings out of evil circumstances. The issue Fr. Mike is addressing, is an example of how the devil works on us to bring evil out of blessings.

Father Mike This really hit home for me. Thank you

Hi Fr.Mike, thank you very much from my heart for this sweet, gentle genuine message abt going to mass. I crave for mass. Mass is what healed my aching broken heart from the loss of my son and a sad unnecessary divorce. What stood out was that I mattered to The Father. I can sit all day in one spot to take part in all the masses for that day and want even more.Each mass is different and unique, wonder if you and others have noticed that. May God bless you abundantly. Thank you 😊!!

Thank you! My husband even changed jobs so we could start attending mass on sundays again. We have been on lockdown for too long here in Canada and we couldn’t go but I’m thankful to go again!

I praise, bless and thank God for the on line mass, adoration and Word of God teachings. It's very helpful for people who are sick, unable to move out, living far away from the church and can't afford to pay for auto or cars. Amen. Ave Maria.

Thank you Father, you always help us have a better understanding and help us the reflect!🙏❤️🙏

Thank you father for keeping us accountable and not sugar coating it.

Thank you father Mike for the enlightenment 🙏 I struggled with attending mass (off/on) but it's getting better for a year and few months now, and actually I ended up liking both ways (both have their different kind of Peacefulness to me), and sometimes I attended both in a day 😇 thanks for reading through my comments! God bless ♡

Praise the Lord Jesus Christ 🙏 Mother Mary Pray For Us 🙏Abba Father Bless us and we Adore You 🙏Holy Spirit Guide us and direct our paths 🙏

This needed to be said. Thank you Fr. Mike.

Thank you Fr Mike, that was a really clear explanation, so glad you posted🦘🐨🇦🇺

Thank You so much for this Father. I need to share this with some of my neighbouring friends who are constantly skipping Sunday Masses for something worth important to them.

I recently moved to France, and I don’t speak much French. So, even though I go to French mass sometimes, I don’t understand much and just use it as a time to reflect and connect with God. But online mass is a lifesaver for those moments when I need to hear the Gospel and not miss any detail.

When we were little (1950’) we went on overnight fishing trips. We STILL attending Sunday evening Mass when we returned. 60 yrs later, I have health issues, and I can’t get to Mass. however, I am going to check about having the Eucharist brought to me, because I miss receiving my Lord!!

Amen ✝️ 🛐 🙏❤🙏 Beautiful father Mike God-bless you

YES THANK YOU FATHER MIKE !!!! Preach the TRUTH !!

Following your Bible in a year…I am learning more…lots of family not going to mass because of sinful priest…I try going every week look forward to it also to your Bible in a year.God love you

So timely 🙏🏾

I am house bound and disabled. Sure hope it counts for me.

Fr you have said it so rightly. Our conscience tells us whether it's an excuse or whatnot in our hearts. I pray for myself and all, that Jesus will always be there to help us through this unconcious behaviour.

Thank you Father for answering this question that I couldn’t find the answer to. .. God bless. 🙏🏼👌🙏🏼

Thank you, Father Mike. God Bless you.

During this time of pandemic it is a part of out every day schedule to attend online mass. In fact in one day we can attend 3 to 4 masses online besides attending 1 mass physically. Attending online mass is a good preparation before going to mass physically for the readings of the day. Likewise it is also a good follow up after a physical mass for meditation.

It brings tears to my eyes because I can’t get to Mass-I’ve suffered with agoraphobia for the last ten years and have suffered from MS for twelve years 😢 If I had a car, could walk and drive, and didn’t suffer with agoraphobia, I’d be at Mass in a heartbeat. In fact I’d be there daily! But it’s good to know that online Mass is okay, but it’s gut wrenching to not be able to participate in the Eucharist. 🙏🏻 I do also try to pray the Rosary daily.

I usually attend church on Saturday evening, because I am able to find the temple peacefully quiet. It gives me the opportunity to talk to Him in a peaceful way. One week I could not go on Saturday so I went to Sunday morning, hoping that I would find it peacefully quiet. I was very wrong. People carrying themselves very casual, going in and out of the temple. Talking about their week and day. I felt annoyed by it. I had to get out. I went to the water front and search for Father Mike's mass for that Sunday morning. I wish people would have a little more respect for the Father and for people that are trying to connect and communicate with Him.... because at the end of the day, the time should be for Him

I have always taken Sunday Mass very serious in my life. I make sure I go to mass even if its too cold or even if its raining.... But I must say that I attend weekday Mass online and this is because I rely on my husbands car since the church is in another town and I can not make it during the week... I will have to get 2 buses and a train then walk... Of course its worth it for my God.... But I'm a human being a sinner.... We always do what we think it's right with us... I'm sorry Jesus 😭... Give me a solution... Thank you 🙏 Jesus... Thank you Father for letting me know all this... God bless you 🙏🙏. Viva Cristo Rey 🙏

Totally agree. The online masses have been great for the peaks of COVID and when I’ve personally been sick, but one should always go to in-person mass when able.

I have multiple disabilities. Every minute is enough just to breathe. I am so grateful for your weekly mass. I am also very grateful that I am blessed with a personal eucharistic minister and the father from my church, comes 8 miles to give me confession, anointing of the sick, and even blesses my little service animal. I am so happy to have so many catholic opportunities. Including Father Mike's mass every single Sunday, without fail.

Fr. Thankyou so much for this topic. I was going to church everyday since i was young until the lockdown was announced in India in Apr2020. During the lockdown until now I suffered slip disc and now even when churches are opened I cannot attend mass. Online is an alternate but I am not happy with online mass since you miss the beauty of taking the pain to reach the church, be seated on benches, meet your parish people and parish priest face to face and most importantly receiving the body and blood of Jesus in person which you do not get online. No situation, no circumstances, no season, no excuses ever stopped me from going to the church everyday and I thank God for spiritually uplifting me through the personal mass attendance. I look forward to attend daily mass in the church as soon as I am healed in the mighty name of Jesus.

I can focus more during online masses because I can see and hear more clearly. I can also go back and repeat portions that I did not get the first time I hear or see, or portions I like to hear/see again.

Thank you for speaking the truth, for being salt and not sugar in the world.

It matters to me going to mess I'm a returning Catholic . Because of father Mike listen to all his different topics Got me to come back to the Catholic Church. Did all my confessions Is going to mass regularly Taking holy communion Jesus on body and blood.

Every Priest and even the Bishops should all be sending the same message! Good for you Father Mike! At least we can count on you to keep us on track! THANK YOU

Father Schmitz thank you indeed for the enlightenment you bring to us Catholics. I’m a convert but have been practicing catholic prayers for decades before my confirmation. I’m 60 years old and I’m disabled and in constant pain. Walmart trips are once every two months or less. I used to go to church regularly but for health issues I was advised to watch Sunday mass online. Is health issues can be exception?

May God bless you Father you are a wonderful Priest! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Thank you, Fr. Mike. I watched The Veil Removed webinar, however, and did not take offense at your response. I respect how you wanted to clarify your response though. God bless.

I feel bad. Im based in japan up north and i need to travel to get to the closest church. Pre pandemic, i did it even if the situation was that way. But this time, bus schedules and mass schedules have changed that i couldnt make it. Now i found out a church closer has mass but then i need to spend my entire day considering bus schedules and it is a very small town that in between mass and bus waiting i dont have a place to wait in. May God place me in a place where i there is a church nearby. Planning to chqnge my situation the next school year

I have young kids. It is challenging but its even worse online. I love being able to go on person and lockdown made me miss and appreciate this incredible gift.

I go to my local Parish and I still tune in to your online Mass because I don't want to miss your homily. Now I can watch your homilies on Hallow! 🙏❤

A person can have a spiritual experience attending mass in a quiet atmosphere at home when it feels like you are right in front of the altar experiencing the miracle that takes place at mass.

Thank you Father.

Thank you Fr Mike you made it very clear to us our Father’s request that we attend mass on Sundays unless we have a good reason God bless 🙏🏼🙏🏼

I started to go to mass in person. I was so scared since I moved to a different state, and my nerves get to me. But I put my foot down and went! Now I'm going every Sunday there and it's beautiful 😊. Thanks father Mike for giving me courage.

The day of obligation and attendance to Mass and the excuses people have why not to attend... Well the people's not wanting to attend reminds me of the people who say that heaven will be boring. Those that say that it will be boring I pray for them as extensive as I pray for those that have walked away from the church. Failure to attend is the beginning of the process that we take to distance ourselves from God, I should know because I used to watch Mass over the television or internet too. One day I want back to church and I was no longer starving spitually. My praise were true enjoyable, no longer was I doing them with empty words or left empty after finishing them. 15 minutes of prayers seemed impossible to complete. This was even though I did study the Bible on my own, along with the television. Thank you father for rebuking us. I want to be rebuked by a clergy that I have seen how you teach and attend March For Life. Your examples leaves alot to be desired from other bishops, priests, and deacons alike.

We matter ,Amen.What a grace we have from the Creator

Greetings Father Mike, Ok.. Thanks Father and Ascension Presents Channel.. Being Thankful to Our Lord Jesus Christ for the Lesson of BETRAYAL from INNERMOST CLOSEST SOCIALLY HIGHLY RESPECTED Family People with rememberance in LENT. With respect with Prayers, - RanjithJoseph (R.J)

"I think it matters to you to know, that you matter to him." I do have to opportunity to go to mass daily because I live on a wonderful Catholic campus. I was just watching this because it was Fr. Mike's new video. And his videos of course are always amazing. But today I'm just feeling so worthless. Isn't God so amazing that he can speak to you through the moments where you don't expect him to?

Thanks Fr.Mike.I am going to send this message to my children and grandchildren. Hope our parish priest will be like you, the important of going to mass.

I spent this past summer in the hospital and nursing home due to cancer. There was no way to get to mass and no televised mass. So, I attended mass through my phone. While I felt alone I did have visits from my daughter and son-in-law as well as one of the local priests. Many years ago while my family was in Death Valley we drove 2 hours to the nearest church.

Thank you, Fr. Mike. I really needed to hear this.

When Bishop made video To remind people each home is God's church and home, demonstrated the process of reading prayers, Eating bread,wine...during the covid ngtmares.... Reasurred me of my relationship with God.

So very inspiring Fr Mike!!!❤❤❤ , you matter to me too Fr Mike!!!🙏🙏🙏

I feel that after all Christ did for me, the least I can do is go to Mass and be with Him for an hour

I know that there's no excuse for us missing. I've tried to keep to my alarm for church, but I end up sleeping in too late and then end up going online as a last resort. I am a bit disappointed in myself, but I still have that alarm and I will keep trying to discipline myself to get up and go. God Bless You All @ Ascension Presents

I go to mass daily, and Saturday evening mass instead of Sunday and we need to book in advance, sign-in and it gets booked fast since Covid. I do enjoy doing Adoration online during the week, and at night, on my knees and I want to spend time with Him there. I go to Adoration in person too on a Saturday after confession.