Confession for non-Catholics

[KnightIHSV]

A few years ago, when I was serving in Iraq, our Chaplain was publicizing the availability of confession. A number of non-Catholic troops came to Mass and would come to Catholic events. One or two soldiers asked me whether they as non-Catholics could go to Confession as they were repentant sinners and wanted absolution from the Chaplain. As it was a very dangerous time and I did not know the sacraments as well as I should but wanted “to do the right thing”, I said I thought it was okay. I realise now that this was wrong. I do not know what happened to these men and whether their confessions were heard.

My questions are:

(1) is it still the case that a Protestant in an extreme case like a war zone cannot go to Confession even if he or she sincerely believes in the Sacrament?

(2) have I committed a mortal sin by referring an ineligible Christian to a Catholic sacrament? I did not really know my sacraments then so I hope not.

Thanks to all who can help.

 

[PaulfromIowa]

1. There are cases in which a protestant Christian can go to Confession:

jimmyakin.com/can-protestants-go-to-confession

“844:4 If the danger of death is present or other grave necessity, in the judgment of the diocesan bishop or the national conference of bishops, Catholic ministers may licitly administer these sacraments to other Christians who do not have full communion with the Catholic Church, who cannot approach a minister of their own community, and on their own ask for it, provided they manifest Catholic faith in these sacraments and are properly disposed.”

1. No, you committed no sin. You should have told them to ask the priest.

 

[agnes_therese]

(2) have I committed a mortal sin by referring an ineligible Christian to a Catholic sacrament? I did not really know my sacraments then so I hope not.

Thanks to all who can help.

For something to be mortal sin, it requires full knowledge on your part that it IS a mortal sin, and the decision to do it anyway.

 

[Loving_disciple]

A few years ago, when I was serving in Iraq, our Chaplain was publicizing the availability of confession. A number of non-Catholic troops came to Mass and would come to Catholic events. One or two soldiers asked me whether they as non-Catholics could go to Confession as they were repentant sinners and wanted absolution from the Chaplain. As it was a very dangerous time and I did not know the sacraments as well as I should but wanted “to do the right thing”, I said I thought it was okay. I realise now that this was wrong. I do not know what happened to these men and whether their confessions were heard.

My questions are:

(1) is it still the case that a Protestant in an extreme case like a war zone cannot go to Confession even if he or she sincerely believes in the Sacrament?

(2) have I committed a mortal sin by referring an ineligible Christian to a Catholic sacrament? I did not really know my sacraments then so I hope not.

Thanks to all who can help.

Lol sorry but no have not sinned. You didn’t know first off and second do you really think God will be angry with you for encouraging his children to repent of there sins and get closer to him. Even if they where not able to confess their sins and of they died God knows their hearts so if they where sorry so I am sure he would have mercy on them