Is it absurd to approach the priest and ask for anonymous confession?

Commenter Patrick Laws asks a good question, apropos this post about face-to-face confessions, in which I noted that either priest or penitent has the right under canon law to insist on anonymous (behind the screen) confessions:

Does anyone else recognize the absurdity of the notion of a penitent approaching his priest and insisting on "anonymous" confession?

Depends how he approaches the priest. He might call anonymously for a confession by appointment and ask to meet the priest in the confessional rather than in the foyer, or in the office, or whatever.

Or someone — perhaps a woman or child — might insist on using the confessional rather than the priest’s office, not for anonymity, but because of feeling that it’s inappropriate or even risky to meet any man, priest or no, alone in his office.

Thirdly, some people feel more comfortable behind the screen. (Not that confession has to be comfortable — but some people have an easier time opening up and making a complete confession.)  Even if the priest knows who you are, it’s perfectly reasonable to ask to use a confessional, assuming there’s one available. Anonymity isn’t the only reason for the screen — which is why I added "(behind the screen)" as a parenthesis to describe the kind of confession that either priest or penitent is allowed to seek.