Knight Builds Drive-In Confession Booth

Fr. Seamus Griesbach, a Knight from Maine, constructed the confessional booth to fit in his rectory window and installed it on St. Joseph’s feast day

Father Seamus Griesbach, a Knight of Columbus from Rev. William J. Kelly Council 9782 in Wells, Maine, developed carpentry skills after years of learning in his father’s shop. But he never imagined those skills would apply to his ministry, especially his priestly duty to offer the sacrament of confession. However, like every priest around the country, he had to adapt to the outbreak of COVID-19.

That is why he constructed his own drive-in confessional window complete with a door-bell and Act of Contrition placards, which he inserted into the rectory’s window which overlooks the drive-way.

“It was kind of a practical approach trying to meet the needs of a drive-through format,” Father Griesbach said.

The confessional — which he built at his father’s carpentry shop — took three days to construct. When the time came to install it, Father Griesbach called on his brother, his father and a family friend. The installation happened on the Feast Day of St. Joseph.

Father Griesbach serves as the Vocations Director for the Diocese of Portland and Chaplain to St. Dominic Academy in Auburn. He, like other members of the Knights of Columbus, are part of the Knights of Columbus’ efforts to leave no Knight or neighbor behind materially and spiritually. The confessional window is part of that effort.

“A lot of the suffering and trial right now is psychological and spiritual,” Father Griesbach said. “They need more than just mere earthly help and material support, they need spiritual support and encouragement, emotional and psychological outreach as well.”

“And that’s where the Church has always carried out that ministry of Christ to heal the broken hearted, comfort those who are suffering, to bring hope to those in despair, just like Christ minsters to his people,” he continued. “That is a ministry that is precious and has been entrusted to all of us, to Knights, priests, laity, all of us.”

Share your story of how your council is helping strengthen people’s faith and offering support during this time. Email knightline@kofc.org.

Originally published in a special bi-weekly edition of Knightline, a resource for K of C leaders and members. Access Knightline’s monthly archives.