Is that alternate "absolution" valid?

[rfelderhoff]

My family and I are relatively new to the Puget Sound region, and have found it difficult in seeking a good confession. One priest skips over the part where the penitent makes an Act of Contrition. I’ve also not received a penance. Penance services here unfortunately involve general absolution. Most recently, we encountered a priest who seemed to have alternate words for absolution: “May God forgive you of your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.” as opposed to the traditional “I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.”

My question: Is that alternate “absolution” valid? And if by chance anyone there knows of a parish in the northern part of Seattle (or Everett) that offers Confessions without all the above mentioned bally-hoo, I’d really like to know.

Vivat Jesus!
Ray

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi Ray,

The Church accepts most variations of the formula for absolution as valid for the benefit of the penitents. However, no priest has the authority to change the formula in any way.

As for receiving the sacrament as offered in the proper way, try Blessed Sacrament parish in the university district. It’s that big brick church with the tall spire a block from the I 5.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.