Semantics.
Well, a priest can't absolve us either. Only God can give grant forgiveness, for all sin is against him.
Believers are being sanctified by the Holy Spirit, not a by a man. Sanctification being the on-going process of being made holy. Also, scripture states that when we sin if we confess our sins (to him directly), then he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us of all unrighteousness. Penance is also works based.
That being the case, then what would one need a priest for? Besides that, Jesus told us that when we pray to go into our rooms and close the door behind us and pray to the Father who sees in secret and that He would reward us openly.
Friend, you are immersed in the teachings of the RCC, which are not scriptural, and God is calling you and all those who belong to him to come away from her practices and rituals. Trust in Christ only! I'll keep you in prayer.