Can Non-Cath go to Confession?

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Forest-Pine

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Writing a letter to a friend. Anyone who can quickly answer if my Protestant friend could go to Confession?
 
If he wasn’t baptized Catholic, no. Why would he want to? If he believes Confession is a valid sacrament, why doesn’t he convert?
 
Actually, it’s my understanding that the priest can determine if it is appropriate to receive a non-Catholic into confession. I don’t believe it is done with any regularity, but I do know it has been done, especially with those who are in the process of conversion.

I do not know if the priests who have done so have acted improperly. It wasn’t my pastor and I don’t know about the degree of attentiveness to the teachings of the magesterium the priest who did this had.

CARose
 
When we did RCIA, we all made our first confession before the Easter Vigil, so it must be possible.
 
He can talk to a priest anytime he wants, but it wouldn’t be sacramental confession. —KCT
 
The reason I ask is that she commited a mortal sin which, of course, is crushing her soul. She wrote seeking guidance. My initial response is that there is nothing better than the grace and peace that washes over the soul after Reconciliation. I did not want to recommend she talk to a priest if she would not be allowed to Confess and hear the words “I absolve you of your sins…” as it would be even more heartbreaking and not what she needs now concerning this particular sin, or her faith journey. She doesn’t need a lecture, she needs to know she is forgiven. I can think of no other way than the sacrament of Penance to speak this message directly to her soul.
 
A visit with a good priest could offer comfort and hope. I wouldn’t have it in the confessional during regular reconciliation hours, but I’d schedule an appointment to meet with the priest in his office or something. I’d also want to give the priest a ‘head’s up’ about her not being Catholic but feeling very remorseful and seeking absolution, so that he’d be prepared to receive her properly, knowing she’d probably feel very intimidated just going to the location.

If there is a reason he cannot offer absolution, he could at least offer it to her someday - should she choose to convert. He could say a prayer over her which would help calm her and reduce her anxiety, and hopefully, the longing for true absolution - knowing it’s attainable - will lead her to RCIA.

If for some reason, he could offer her absolution, then that would be icing on the cake, don’t you think? It still lends the opportunity to the priest to speak to her soul, planting the seed to come into the faith in gratitude for Christ’s mercy through His Church which she received.
 
:tiphat: Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!! Didn’t even think to look there. Doh. :whacky:
 
Forest-Pine said:
:tiphat: Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!! Didn’t even think to look there. Doh. :whacky:
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When I do not know the answer, Ask an Apologist is one of the first places I go.

PF
 
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Forest-Pine:
Writing a letter to a friend. Anyone who can quickly answer if my Protestant friend could go to Confession?
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According to the doctrines as I understand them, all she needs to go to confession and recieve absolution is baptism(if she is protestant it is fine) and to agree with the faith. If she agrees with the faith she could go to confession and recieve absolution for her sins. Someone who does not profess the faith of the Church can not recieve the sacraments in the Church. She is always welcome to go to Confession and confess her sins, but the preist can not absolve her if she does not profess the faith.
 
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