Mortal sins and Clergy and lay ministers

[SGrizzly]

Something I’ve always wondered about. What does a priest or deacon do if they find themselves in a situation where they have to say mass or participate in mass and are in a state of mortal sin with no way of going to confession prior to the service? Are they exempt until they can go to confession ? If so what is the rule or law that permits it and does it apply to lay ministers as well?

 

[nohself]

That’s a good question. If a priest is remorseful and confesses his mortal sin can he absolve himself or does he still need another priest?

Jamie

 

[Scout]

He has to confess to another priest. He cannot absolve himself. Whether or not he can celebrate Mass or not I don’t know.

Scout :tiphat:

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

SGrizzly:

Something I’ve always wondered about. What does a priest or deacon do if they find themselves in a situation where they have to say mass or participate in mass and are in a state of mortal sin with no way of going to confession prior to the service? Are they exempt until they can go to confession ? If so what is the rule or law that permits it and does it apply to lay ministers as well?

A Priest who finds himself in this situation can “for the benefit of the Faithful” repent, say an act of Contrition and confess as soon as possible after Mass. Since a priest MUST receive both forms of Holy communion for he Mass to be valid. For a Deacon, his reception of Holy Communion is not necessary for the validity of the Mass and should do the same as above then participate in the rest of the Mass without receiving Holy Communion. A lay EMHC who is aware of serious sin before Mass begins should tell the priest or refrain from participating. Once Mass begins as with a deacon they should not receive Holy Communion but may assist with the distribution of Communion.

Other specific circumstances might also change the situation.

 

[Brendan]

I would also like to point out that the validity of the Mass itself is not affected by the spiritual state of the presider.

Even if the priest is in Mortal Sin while celebrating Mass, it is still a valid Mass and the Eucharist recieved will be the True Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ.

 

[Deacon_Ed]

The priest can celebrate Mass – this situation was resolved a long time ago. Do a web search on the “Donatist controversy.”

The priest may also make a firm intention to go to confession and receive communion (since that is a requirement for the Mass to be valid). Since a deacon is not required, he should simply attend Mass but not go to communion. The same would be true for a lay minister.

Deacon Ed