Confession Rules

[Shaylynblu]

I visite a most beatifull Cathlic church and a beatifull experience. My question is can a non Catholic recieve the sacrament of cofession?

 

[PhilotheaZ]

Usually not. The following is from the Code of Canon Law:

Can. 844 §1 Catholic ministers may lawfully administer the sacraments only to catholic members of Christ’s faithful, who equally may lawfully receive them only from catholic ministers, except as provided in §§2, 3 and 4 of this canon and in can. 861 §2.

§3 Catholic ministers may lawfully administer the sacraments of penance, the Eucharist and anointing of the sick to members of the eastern Churches not in full communion with the catholic Church, if they spontaneously ask for them and are properly disposed. The same applies to members of other Churches which the Apostolic See judges to be in the same position as the aforesaid eastern Churches so far as the sacraments are concerned.

§4 If there is a danger of death or if, in the judgement of the diocesan Bishop or of the Episcopal Conference, there is some other grave and pressing need, catholic ministers may lawfully administer these same sacraments to other christians not in full communion with the catholic Church, who cannot approach a minister of their own community and who spontaneously ask for them, provided that they demonstrate the catholic faith in respect of these sacraments and are properly disposed.

So normally only Catholics may receive the Catholic sacraments. Exceptions include members of eastern Churches with valid sacraments, and a person in danger of death or other grave situation who requests it and is properly disposed.

Your profile says you are Catholic. If you are not yet a member of the Catholic Church, have you considered joining so you can take advantage of all the sacraments Christ has given us?

 

[Joe_Kelley]

While I have no experience with such a case, I think you can go in and discuss your sins with the priest, if you wish. He can give you a blessing, but cannot forgive the sins.

I would definitely explain the situation to the priest before starting and get his permission to proceed.

 

[Sir_Knight]

Why would a non-Catholic want to receive the SACRAMENT of Confession? If one believes in the truths of the Catholic faith, then one should be or take steps to become a Catholic. If one does not believe in the truths taught by the Catholic Church, then there is no point in going to confession.

 

[Allen537]

A lot of canonical statues must be met, but it is possible.

In Carmel,

Br. Allen

 

[jmcrae]

I visite a most beatifull Cathlic church and a beatifull experience. My question is can a non Catholic recieve the sacrament of cofession?

Not ordinarily.

If you feel that God is calling you to participate in the Sacraments, you should ask at the same church about becoming a Catholic.

 

[Shaylynblu]

I am Catholic, I was just asking for a friend, stupid me. Sorry.

 

[FrDavid96]

I am Catholic, I was just asking for a friend…

The answer is no, unless the situation is extreme (as in time of war, famine or natural disaster). But the reason is likewise important. In Confession, we are forgiven and absolved. Absolved means that we are reconciled to God and to the Church. One who is not a member of the Church in the first place, cannot be reconciled to Her–by becoming a member, yes, but not by Confession.

If we think about this, we realize that a person who does not want to be a member of the Church is likewise not in a position to ask to be reconciled to the Church. It just doesn’t make much sense. On the other hand one who does want to be reconciled to the Church would go through the process of becoming a member.

 

[ConstantineTG]

Usually not. The following is from the Code of Canon Law:

So normally only Catholics may receive the Catholic sacraments. Exceptions include members of eastern Churches with valid sacraments, and a person in danger of death or other grave situation who requests it and is properly disposed.

Your profile says you are Catholic. If you are not yet a member of the Catholic Church, have you considered joining so you can take advantage of all the sacraments Christ has given us?

You have to be baptized to receive the graces of a Sacrament. Baptism opens that possibility. So if a person is unbaptized and in danger of death, they can be baptized and that will also wash away their sins.

If they were validly baptized as Orthodox or Protestant, then they can receive the Sacrament if they seek it and under danger of death.