Is confession always a sacrament?

[Binary]

This is actually a two part question.

1. Can we confess venial sins directly to God?
2. If so, does this confession constitute a sacrament?

 

[Della]

Binary:

This is actually a two part question.

1. Can we confess venial sins directly to God?

Yes.

1. If so, does this confession constitute a sacrament?

No. In order for this sacrament to be valid/licit, a priest must give absolution. Of course, we receive absolution for our venial sins from the priest in the Penitential Rite at the beginning of Mass, so that is sacramental. Still, it is good to confess even venial sins so that your confessor can help you towards not committing them again.

 

[itsjustdave1988]

Binary:

This is actually a two part question.

1. Can we confess venial sins directly to God?

Yes. We can and should also confess mortal sins directly to God.

1. If so, does this confession constitute a sacrament?

No.

 

[Binary]

Wow, that was fast. Thanks!

 

[AndyF]

Binary:

1. Can we confess venial sins directly to God?

yes.

We can expiate these sins by a sincere act of contrition, or by receiving other sacraments, or by other methods. However a person should confess even venial sins if possible, as an indicator of understanding of the seriousness of all sins against God, and not taking lightly the recognition that the degree of the venial sin could be more serious than thought.

1. If so, does this confession constitute a sacrament?

yes,

In either case every sin must be attoned with penance either in this world or the next, purgatory or hell.

Confession falls under the main group of the Sacrament of Penance, of which contrition,confession,reconciliation are it’s components. Absolution, or the retention of it, is the choice of the priest. Mortal sin requires confession and absolvement by a priest.

Once passed away in a state of mortal sin, a sinner negates all the good he has performed, but once absolution is given while living, all his past merits of good works are returned to him.

Andy

 

[itsjustdave1988]

AndyF,

AndyF:

Quote:
2. If so, does this confession constitute a sacrament?
yes

Without proper matter, form, and intent, it is not a Sacrament. Contrition, confession, and satisfaction (ie penance) are the matter (called quasi matter) of the Sacrament. However, without the proper form, it is not a Sacrament properly so-called. “The form of the Sacrament of penance, wherein its force principally consists, is placed in those words of the minister: “I absolve thee, etc.”” (Council of Trent, Sess. XIV, c. 3).

 

[itsjustdave1988]

Della,
I’m not sure what you mean by “it is sacramental.” However…

We do not receive sacramental absolution at Mass. In other words, the Penitential Rite does not provide the proper form of the Sacrament of Penance.

No. 51 of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal states:

“Then the priest invites those present to take part in the Act of Penitence, which, after a brief pause for silence, the entire community carries out through a formula of general confession. The rite concludes with the priest’s absolution, which, however, lacks the efficacy of the Sacrament of Penance.”

Thus it is clear that the absolution formula that concludes the act of penance is not sacramental absolution, which alone would constitute valid form for the Sacrament of Penance.

Prayer is sufficient to remit venial sins.

 

[AndyF]

Hi Dave.

The way I read it.

Newadvent.org(Penance,Sacrament of)

“Venial sins by which we are not deprived of the grace of God and into which we very frequently fall are rightly and usefully declared in confession; but mention of them may, without any fault, be omitted and they can be expiated by many other remedies” (Council of Trent, Sess. XIV, c. 3). **Thus, an act of contrition suffices to obtain forgiveness of venial sin, **and the same effect is produced by the worthy reception of sacraments other than penance, e.g., by Holy Communion."“The effect of this sacrament is deliverance from sin” (Council of Florence). The same definition in somewhat different terms is given by the Council of Trent (Sess. XIV, c. 3): “So far as pertains to its force and efficacy, the effect (res et effectus) of this sacrament is reconciliation with God upon which there sometimes follows, in pious and devout recipients, peace and calm of conscience with intense consolation of spirit”.

The effect is the same. For all intents and purposes, they have received the sacrament of Penance if they are forgiven.

Penance is a sacrament of the New Law instituted by Christ in which forgiveness of sins committed after baptism is granted…

If we compare the last paragraph, with the first outlined in bold, then we see the offender was able to obtain forgiveness for his venial sins. If he was, then wouldn’t you say the criteria for obtaining the Sacrament has been met.?

Andy

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

AndyF:

Hi Dave.

The way I read it.

Newadvent.org(Penance,Sacrament of)

“Venial sins by which we are not deprived of the grace of God and into which we very frequently fall are rightly and usefully declared in confession; but mention of them may, without any fault, be omitted and they can be expiated by many other remedies” (Council of Trent, Sess. XIV, c. 3). **Thus, an act of contrition suffices to obtain forgiveness of venial sin, **and the same effect is produced by the worthy reception of sacraments other than penance, e.g., by Holy Communion."“The effect of this sacrament is deliverance from sin” (Council of Florence). The same definition in somewhat different terms is given by the Council of Trent (Sess. XIV, c. 3): “So far as pertains to its force and efficacy, the effect (res et effectus) of this sacrament is reconciliation with God upon which there sometimes follows, in pious and devout recipients, peace and calm of conscience with intense consolation of spirit”.

The effect is the same. For all intents and purposes, they have received the sacrament of Penance if they are forgiven.

Penance is a sacrament of the New Law instituted by Christ in which forgiveness of sins committed after baptism is granted…

If we compare the last paragraph, with the first outlined in bold, then we see the offender was able to obtain forgiveness for his venial sins. If he was, then wouldn’t you say the criteria for obtaining the Sacrament has been met.?

Andy

Just because the venial sins are forgiven does not make it a sacrament. As justdave said, a sacrament has a proper form and matter that must be there for it to occur.

Nothing in the newadvent article states that it is a sacrament.

 

[AndyF]

ByzCath:

Nothing in the newadvent article states that it is a sacrament.

Then it’s library titles needs updating , I found it under “Penance, Sacrament of”

Every slight to God requires a penance of some form, venial or mortal.

Either it is exacted on us has temporal punishments, which answers why some things happen to us that seem non-deserving, or/and, we actively seek out ways to make amends. These occur for a second reason. In God’s mercy, he perhaps wishes to lighten that final deserving punishment by shortening our stay in purgatory.

Not covered so far, is Penance and Baptism by desire for those who know the obligations, but cannot for physical reasons receive them, Pagans and the unbaptized included.

Andy

 

[AndyF]

ByzCath:

Nothing in the newadvent article states that it is a sacrament.

Then it’s library titles needs updating , I found it under “Penance, Sacrament of”

Every slight to God requires a penance of some form, venial or mortal.

Either it is exacted on us has temporal punishments, which answers why some things happen to us that seem non-deserving, or/and, we actively seek out ways to make amends. These occur for a second reason. In God’s mercy, he perhaps wishes to lighten that final deserving punishment by shortening our stay in purgatory.

Not covered so far, is Penance and Baptism by desire for those who know the obligations, but cannot for physical reasons receive them, Pagans and the unbaptized included.

Andy

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

AndyF:

Then it’s library titles needs updating , I found it under “Penance, Sacrament of”

Every slight to God requires a penance of some form, venial or mortal.

Either it is exacted on us has temporal punishments, which answers why some things happen to us that seem non-deserving, or/and, we actively seek out ways to make amends. These occur for a second reason. In God’s mercy, he perhaps wishes to lighten that final deserving punishment by shortening our stay in purgatory.

Not covered so far, is Penance and Baptism by desire for those who know the obligations, but cannot for physical reasons receive them, Pagans and the unbaptized included.

Andy

I would like to add one more thing. The newadvent article as well as anything found in the Catholic Encylopedia does not mean that it is offically what the Church Teaches. The Sacraments have a set form. Now if you can show me something from the CCC that says that praying to God for forgiveness of venial sins is a Sacrament, then I will believe it, but I highly doubt that you will find it.

 

[itsjustdave1988]

AndyF,

One can receive a valid Sacrament without its effect, and one can recieve the effect of the Sacrament without having received the valid Sacrament. Thus, the effect of a Sacrament is not the same as receiving the Sacrament itself.

For example, a valid Eucharist can physically be recieved by one conscious of mortal sin, yet it is not worthily received because consciousness of mortal sin is an obstacle to efficacious reception. Likewise, Cornelius (Act 10) received the effect of Baptism before the Sacrament of Baptism.

The desire for a sacrament brings its effect, but does so theologically speaking, ex opere operantis. That does not mean the desire for the Sacrament is in itself a valid Sacrament. On the other hand, valid Sacraments confer grace ex opere operato.

For example, baptism of desire remits all sin. However, catechumens who desire the baptism still cannot partake of the Holy Eucharist until they actually receive the Sacrament of Baptism.

Perfect contrition which implies the desire to receive sacramental absolution, remits all sin. However, one cannot partake of the Holy Eucharist until one received sacramental absolution at the Sacrament of Penance.

 

[itsjustdave1988]

AndyF:

Then it’s library titles needs updating , I found it under “Penance, Sacrament of”
…

I find nothing I disagree with in that Catholic Encyclopedia article. It should be understood in context with the other articles on the Sacraments. Nonetheless, from the same Encyclopedia,

As regards penance…“because the nature and character of a judgment requires that sentence be pronounced only on those who are subjects (of the judge) the Church of God has always held, and this Council affirms it to be most true, that the absolution which a priest pronounces upon one over whom he has not either ordinary or delegated jurisdiction, is of no effect” (Council of Trent, Sess. XIV, c. 7). Ordinary jurisdiction is that which one has by reason of his office as involving the care of souls; the pope has it over the whole Church, the bishop within his diocese, the pastor within his parish. Delegated jurisdiction is that which is granted by an ecclesiastical superior to one who does not possess it by virtue of his office. The need of jurisdiction for administering this sacrament is usually expressed by saying that a priest must have “faculties” to hear confession (see FACULTIES).

Catholic Encyclopedia - The Sacrament of Penance
newadvent.org/cathen/11618c.htm

Elswhere the Encyclopedia states,

“The priestly Order is required for the valid administration of Penance…” (Conc. Trid., sess. XIV, can.10, can.4).

Catholic Encyclopedia - Sacraments
newadvent.org/cathen/13295a.htm