VI. Adaptations of the Rite to Various Regions and Circumstances

ADAPTATIONS BY THE CONFERENCES OF BISHOPS

38. In preparing particular rituals, the conferences of bishops have the authority to adapt the rite of penance to the needs of individual regions so that, after confirmation of the conference's decisions by the Apostolic See, the rituals may be used in the respective regions. It is the responsibility of the conferences of bishops in this matter:

1. to establish regulations for the discipline of the sacrament of penance, particularly those affecting the ministry of priests and the reservation of sins;
2. to determine more precisely regulations about the place proper for the ordinary celebration of the sacrament of penance and about the signs of repentance to be shown by the faithful before general absolution (see no. 35);
3. to prepare translations of texts adapted to the character and language of each people; also to compose new texts of prayers for use by the faithful and the minister, keeping the essential sacramental formulary intact.

COMPETENCE OF THE BISHOP

39. It is for the diocesan bishop:

1. to regulate the discipline of penance in his diocese, [54] even to the extent of adapting the rite according to the rules proposed by the conference of bishops;
2. to determine, after consultation with the other members of the conference of bishops, when general sacramental absolution may be permitted under the conditions laid down by the Holy See. [55]

ADAPTATIONS BY THE MINISTER

40. It is for priests, and especially parish priests (pastors):

1. in celebrating reconciliation with individuals or with a community, to adapt the rite to the concrete circumstances of the penitents. They must preserve the essential structure and the entire form of absolution, but if necessary they may omit some parts of the rite for pastoral reasons or enlarge upon them, may select the texts of readings or prayers, and may choose a place more suitable for the celebration according to the regulations of the conference of bishops, so that the entire celebration may be enriching and effective;
2. to schedule and prepare occasional penitential services during the year, especially in Lent. In order that the texts chosen and the order of the celebration may be adapted to the conditions and circumstances of the community or group (for example, children, sick persons, etc.), priests may be assisted by others, including the laity;
3. to decide to give general sacramental absolution preceded by only a generic confession, when a grave need not provided for by the diocesan bishop arises and when recourse to him is not possible. They are obliged to notify the Ordinary as soon as possible of such a need and of the fact that absolution was given.