Easter Vigil/Baptism/confession

[Rogerteder]

This came up in one of the theology classes I teach.

Question: If a non catholic (who hasnt yet been baptized) converts to the Catholic faith. He is baptized, (at the Easter Vigil Mass) goes to confession, recieves communion. If baptism removes all sin and all temporal punishement for sin then why does the individual go to confession after being baptized. My response to the question was (my opinion) confession isn’t necessary, but it is still a good thing to do at this point in time. Certainly one would have to confess any mortal sins after baptism. Is this correct? Anyone have anything else to add?

 

[nicolep]

That’s a strange order to do things. Typically, baptism, first Holy Communion and confirmation are all done at Easter Vigil. Confession comes afterward.

If the person has already been baptised, confession is held a week or two before Easter Vigil. Then they receive Holy Communion and confirmation at Easter Vigil.

 

[1ke]

There is no confession for the newly baptized at the Easter Vigil.

At the Easter Vigil, the Elect (those who are unbaptized) are baptized, and then receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. Baptism washes away Original Sin and all actual sins. There is nothing to confess. They would then go to Reconciliation in the future.

Candidates-- those already baptized in another denomination-- go to First Reconciliation before the liturgy in which they will be confirmed and receive Eucharist whether that is also Easter Vigil or another Mass. They would typically go to Confession about a week or two before their are to be received into the Church.

 

[Joannm]

This came up in one of the theology classes I teach.

Question: If a non catholic (who hasnt yet been baptized) converts to the Catholic faith. He is baptized, (at the Easter Vigil Mass) goes to confession, recieves communion. If baptism removes all sin and all temporal punishement for sin then why does the individual go to confession after being baptized. My response to the question was (my opinion) confession isn’t necessary, but it is still a good thing to do at this point in time. Certainly one would have to confess any mortal sins after baptism. Is this correct? Anyone have anything else to add?

Baptism removes all sin. The person does NOT have to go to confession until he commits a mortal sin following his baptism or when he feels as if he needs it for veniel sins. At the Easter Vigil the person is baptized, receives Confirmation and then receives Communion, at the same Mass. Following the question posed to you, was the suggestion that the person go to confession before receiving First Communion? That, in a sense, denies the grace and effects of baptism. There is no need to go to confession before baptism because, as stated, baptism removes all sin.

 

[Rogerteder]

Ok that clears it up. If the person is baptized (at the Easter Vigil) he doesnt go to confession… Ok makes sense—THANKS!!!

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

This came up in one of the theology classes I teach.

Question: If a non catholic (who hasnt yet been baptized) converts to the Catholic faith. He is baptized, (at the Easter Vigil Mass) goes to confession, recieves communion. If baptism removes all sin and all temporal punishement for sin then why does the individual go to confession after being baptized. My response to the question was (my opinion) confession isn’t necessary, but it is still a good thing to do at this point in time. Certainly one would have to confess any mortal sins after baptism. Is this correct? Anyone have anything else to add?

A Catechumen would not go to Confession before or after Baptism, before being Confirmed and receiving the Eucharist. They would need to go when they commit a serious sin after receiving the Sacraments of Initiation. Remember that ALL three (Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion) are received at the same liturgy.

 

[puzzleannie]

This came up in one of the theology classes I teach.

Question: If a non catholic (who hasnt yet been baptized) converts to the Catholic faith. He is baptized, (at the Easter Vigil Mass) goes to confession, recieves communion. If baptism removes all sin and all temporal punishement for sin then why does the individual go to confession after being baptized. My response to the question was (my opinion) confession isn’t necessary, but it is still a good thing to do at this point in time. Certainly one would have to confess any mortal sins after baptism. Is this correct? Anyone have anything else to add?

the unbaptized candidate is baptized, confirmed and receives first communion at the Easter vigil (or other celebration at time set by the bishop.) During the period of mystagogy after Easter, the weeks and months of support and additional instruction for the neophyte (that is Greek for newbie) he is instructed on the sacrament of confession itself and makes his first confession in due course. You are correct, not only original sin but all actual sin is removed at Baptism.

Bear in mind if you are in an RCIA class there may be baptized candidates with you, and their preparation is going to be somewhat different, as they will make a general confession sometime before their confirmation and first communion.

 

[eva6206213]

thanks for the post!