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Xandria
Guest
I’m in RCIA now and will become Catholic next Easter. Can I already collect indulgences (partial, of course) before I’m officially Catholic?
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ljubim
Guest
Maybe take this to the Ask an Apologist forum… Really good question!
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Ignatius
Guest
I think if you’re already baptized, you can.
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youngsaint
Guest
Welcome to the family! I don’t think you can, but might as well do it just in case, what is there to lose?
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Wired
Guest
Indulgences require confession and holy communion within 8 days before or after the indulgenced works, so I don’t see how this would be possible if you aren’t yet Catholic.
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Xandria
Guest
I’m pretty sure this is only the case for a plenary indulgence, not partial ones, which I asked for.
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Alindawyl
Guest
The general requirements for receiving any indulgence, be it partial or plenary:
The extra conditions of sacramental confession, reception of the Eucharist and praying for the intention of the pope only apply to plenary indulgences. But even a partial indulgence requires that the penitent be in a state of grace, which is not easy to do without sacramental confession. The only two ways to be in a state of grace without sacramental confession are to either have been baptized and never commit a mortal sin afterward, or to perform an act of perfect contrition after committing a mortal sin. Perfect contrition is only possible if love of God and sorrow for having offended God are the motives behind seeking reconciliation with him, rather than something like fear of punishment or selfish desire for personal improvement.
Still, it can’t hurt to do what it takes to receive a partial indulgence even if you’re not eligible. You may already have perfect contrition. Only God can say for sure on that. The actions to which indulgences are attached help reduce the tempation and allure that sin holds. God is more likely to answer your prayers if you include him in your life and are actively building a relationship with him. And you can pray that even if you aren’t eligible to receive an indulgence, what would have otherwise applied to you would instead apply to the souls in purgatory. If you pray for their intentions, they will return the favor and pray for yours.
- Validly baptized
- Not excommunicated
- In a state of grace at least at the end of the work(s) performed
- Have at least the general intention of receiving an indulgence from the work(s) performed
The extra conditions of sacramental confession, reception of the Eucharist and praying for the intention of the pope only apply to plenary indulgences. But even a partial indulgence requires that the penitent be in a state of grace, which is not easy to do without sacramental confession. The only two ways to be in a state of grace without sacramental confession are to either have been baptized and never commit a mortal sin afterward, or to perform an act of perfect contrition after committing a mortal sin. Perfect contrition is only possible if love of God and sorrow for having offended God are the motives behind seeking reconciliation with him, rather than something like fear of punishment or selfish desire for personal improvement.
Still, it can’t hurt to do what it takes to receive a partial indulgence even if you’re not eligible. You may already have perfect contrition. Only God can say for sure on that. The actions to which indulgences are attached help reduce the tempation and allure that sin holds. God is more likely to answer your prayers if you include him in your life and are actively building a relationship with him. And you can pray that even if you aren’t eligible to receive an indulgence, what would have otherwise applied to you would instead apply to the souls in purgatory. If you pray for their intentions, they will return the favor and pray for yours.
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Wired
Guest
Sorry! You are right. I thought the requirements were the same for both. Learn something new every day!
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