Convert confirmation question

[CarrieH]

Hello, I am a convert who went through RCIA about 10 years ago in a different city from where I now live. I was previously baptized Methodist, so I didn’t have to be baptized again. At that time in that community, they were into those general absolution services instead of “real” confession (a new bishop later made them quit doing this), so I never made a real confession before my confirmation. As I have grown in my faith, I have come to realize that I was guilty of a couple of mortal sins at the time of my confirmation. That priest was very liberal and basically instructed us to “follow our consciences,” but now I see that my conscience was flawed. I also now realize that this priest was guilty of other liturgical abuses as well. My question is, does this make my confirmation invalid? Or am I OK because I didn’t really understand at the time that those sins were mortal and I didn’t know that I needed to specifically confess them? Am I just being scrupulous (I do have those tendencies)? What, if anything, should I do now? Thanks in advance for any advice. CarrieH

 

[SMHW]

Hello, I am a convert who went through RCIA about 10 years ago in a different city from where I now live. I was previously baptized Methodist, so I didn’t have to be baptized again. At that time in that community, they were into those general absolution services instead of “real” confession (a new bishop later made them quit doing this), so I never made a real confession before my confirmation. As I have grown in my faith, I have come to realize that I was guilty of a couple of mortal sins at the time of my confirmation. That priest was very liberal and basically instructed us to “follow our consciences,” but now I see that my conscience was flawed. I also now realize that this priest was guilty of other liturgical abuses as well. My question is, does this make my confirmation invalid? Or am I OK because I didn’t really understand at the time that those sins were mortal and I didn’t know that I needed to specifically confess them? Am I just being scrupulous (I do have those tendencies)? What, if anything, should I do now? Thanks in advance for any advice. CarrieH

Your confirmation is still valid. If you were in fact guilty of mortal sin the graces from Confirmation may have been ‘unavailable’ to you but the sacrament was valid.

The only thing you need to do is confess those sins if you haven’t already done so. And I’d mention the situation to your pastor.

 

[1ke]

As I have grown in my faith, I have come to realize that I was guilty of a couple of mortal sins at the time of my confirmation.

Mortal sin requires grave matter, full knowledge, and free will. You did not have knowledge that the action was a sin at the time you committed it, therefore it was not a sin. It was objectively wrong, but not a mortal sin. If you feel you need to confess it, then discuss it with your priest/confessor.

. My question is, does this make my confirmation invalid? Or am I OK because I didn’t really understand at the time that those sins were mortal and I didn’t know that I needed to specifically confess them?

Yes, your confirmation is valid.

Am I just being scrupulous (I do have those tendencies)?

That is possible. Talk to your priest.

What, if anything, should I do now? Thanks in advance for any advice. CarrieH

You don’t really need to do anything, but I suggest you talk to your priest if you are feeling like you need to confess these things from your past.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Hello, I am a convert who went through RCIA about 10 years ago in a different city from where I now live. I was previously baptized Methodist, so I didn’t have to be baptized again. At that time in that community, they were into those general absolution services instead of “real” confession (a new bishop later made them quit doing this), so I never made a real confession before my confirmation. As I have grown in my faith, I have come to realize that I was guilty of a couple of mortal sins at the time of my confirmation. That priest was very liberal and basically instructed us to “follow our consciences,” but now I see that my conscience was flawed. I also now realize that this priest was guilty of other liturgical abuses as well. My question is, does this make my confirmation invalid? Or am I OK because I didn’t really understand at the time that those sins were mortal and I didn’t know that I needed to specifically confess them? Am I just being scrupulous (I do have those tendencies)? What, if anything, should I do now? Thanks in advance for any advice. CarrieH

A Sacrament such as Confirmation can never be invalid if celebrated with the proper Form, Matter and Intent. The Grace received may be blocked from achieving it’s full effect however. This impediment is removed when you do go to Confession. Go and set your mind at ease, **If **there is still something blocking the Grace of Confirmation it can be removed by Confession.

 

[decn2b]

Mortal sin requires grave matter, full knowledge, and free will. .

It is however possible to be guilty of a Mortal sin and not know it. Most protestants are walking around guilty of mortal sin.

Three conditions.

1. Full Knowledge
2. Deliberate intent
3. Grave Matter.

I do not know of a single human being that has not 1) recognized somthing was wrong 2) did it anyway 3) and it was a serious matter. Using the lords Name in Vain comes to mind.

 

[All_Saints]

hi all, i am currently going through private instruction. i was wondering if i can go to confession before i am recieved into the church. over the past few weeks i have been reflecting on my past sins. ‘there are quite a few’. it’s jusi i don’t want my first confession to be too long.

 

[puzzleannie]

OP’s confirmation is valid, so is the absolution he received in any of those former penance service. If he was never instructed on the need for individual confession he was not under that obligation. Now that he has better information he simply needs to make a general confession of every grave sin he can remember from his past life at the next opportunity, and also see the many fine links available here for help. search under examination of conscience.

 

[puzzleannie]

hi all, i am currently going through private instruction. i was wondering if i can go to confession before i am recieved into the church. over the past few weeks i have been reflecting on my past sins. ‘there are quite a few’. it’s jusi i don’t want my first confession to be too long.

this question should be addressed to the priest who is preparing you for reception into the Church, as getting ready for your first confession is part of the process, and you are required to confess all grave sins of your past life before receiving confirmation and first communion. Length of time is not an issue, it takes as long as it takes. If times for confession are limited in your parish, make an appointment.