Can you make a 1st confession before RCIA is finished?

[athenaluvsdoves]

I wondered if I would have to wait until I complete RCIA classes before I make a first confession?If I wanted to do it right away, could I? Also, can you go to any Catholic Church and do this or should you go to the church where you’ll be confirmed? Thanks for all your help.

 

[1holycatholic]

I wondered if I would have to wait until I complete RCIA classes before I make a first confession?If I wanted to do it right away, could I? Also, can you go to any Catholic Church and do this or should you go to the church where you’ll be confirmed? Thanks for all your help.

RCIA doesn’t end the moment you are received into the Church. There is a period in RCIA from Easter to Pentecost called Mystagogy.

You should talk to the priest at the Parish where you will be taking RCIA. IIRC first confession was the weekend before being received into the Church, after declaring your intent to become Catholic and undergoing the Scrutinies.

My first confession was not heard by either of the priests from my Parish. They had six or eight priests hearing first confessions for RCIA candidates and catechumens.

After you are received into the Church you can go to any bishop or priest (with faculties) for Confession.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

I wondered if I would have to wait until I complete RCIA classes before I make a first confession?If I wanted to do it right away, could I? Also, can you go to any Catholic Church and do this or should you go to the church where you’ll be confirmed? Thanks for all your help.

If you are going to be baptized you don’t need to go to confession ahead of time. Baptism removes all your sins. So your first confession will come after your baptism.

If you have already been baptized you’ll have an opportunity to go to confession shortly before you’re received into the church.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I wondered if I would have to wait until I complete RCIA classes before I make a first confession?If I wanted to do it right away, could I? Also, can you go to any Catholic Church and do this or should you go to the church where you’ll be confirmed? Thanks for all your help.

It will be necessary for you to consider Reconciliation before being Received into the Church if you are already Baptized. If you are being Baptized at the Easter Vigil you cannot celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation until after your Baptism.

 

[PhilotheaZ]

I wondered if I would have to wait until I complete RCIA classes before I make a first confession?If I wanted to do it right away, could I? Also, can you go to any Catholic Church and do this or should you go to the church where you’ll be confirmed? Thanks for all your help.

I am assuming that you are already baptized (an unbaptized person cannot receive any of the other sacraments). Most baptized Christians who are preparing to be received into the Church make their first confession shortly before their reception into the Church, perhaps a week or so before the Easter Vigil.

But if you strongly desire to do so earlier, talk with your priest. If you are prepared and understand the meaning of the sacrament, he may allow you to do it earlier.

You should be able to make your first (and any subsequent) confession to any priest of your choosing.

 

[athenaluvsdoves]

I am already baptized. Now I understand better how the process works.

I also wondered if I have already repented and confessed sins to God while a non- Catholic Christian,do I still have to confess them before a priest?

 

[PhilotheaZ]

Yes, you will need to confess at least all serious (mortal) sins commited since your baptism.

Have no fear, this is a wonderful, freeing sacrament!