Non-Catholics and Confession

[Montie_Claunch]

I was watching the telivision series MASH some time back (and grated I know that what is on T.V. is not always accurate about the faith but, still I am curious) The preist heard the confession of a Jew. Can that be done and would that be valid? Thanks and God bless.

 

[LilyM]

I"m surprised I don’t remember that particular episode - I’m sure I should have seen all of them enough times by now. I don’t think there’s any indication that he actually used the formula of absolution on the guy. Catholics only can have SACRAMENTAL confession, obviously people of all faiths tell their misdeeds to many others (doctors, lawyers, counsellors etc).

 

[puzzleannie]

on that show Fr. Mulcahey is the only chaplain assigned to the MASH unit, and as such is obliged to serve the spiritual needs of all its members, not just the Catholics. I have seen just about every episode multiple times, and while there are many instances where the good priest was depicted in situations not in harmony with the actual conduct of a priest and chaplain, I never recall him giving absolution to a non-Catholic, although he was generally portrayed as someone all the characters could rely on for good advice on spiritual and moral matters.

 

[First_of_9]

.
In that episode, the person confessing was not Jewish, but a Catholic who had taken the identity of a Jewish soldier who had been killed so he could get out of Korea.

IIRC, Father Mulcahy DID NOT grant absolutionbecause the guy did not repent.

 

[LilyM]

First of 9:

.
In that episode, the person confessing was not Jewish, but a Catholic who had taken the identity of a Jewish soldier who had been killed so he could get out of Korea.

IIRC, Father Mulcahy DID NOT grant absolutionbecause the guy did not repent.

If that’s the case, fair enough. Otherwise, nothing wrong if he was just counselling.

 

[Montie_Claunch]

Well any which way, could a Non-Catholic go to Confession? And would it be valid? Thanks and God bless.

 

[LilyM]

A non-catholic could confess in the sense of telling their sins to a priest, as I said people tell their sins to all sorts of people - doctors, lawyers, counsellors … as for absolution …

For the priest to give valid absolution, then at a minimum the person would have to be a validly baptised Christian (which is required for all the other sacraments to be effective).

They would also have to believe exactly as a Catholic believes about the sacramental nature of confession. A bit like someone having to believe in the Real Presence to validly receive Catholic communion.

Even then it might not be enough.

 

[Erich]

Montie Claunch:

Well any which way, could a Non-Catholic go to Confession? And would it be valid? Thanks and God bless.

Do baptized adult converts in the RCIA program go to confession prior to becoming full members of the Church?

 

[cyprian]

Ordinary full membership into the church for an RCIA person would include sacramental confession and then eucharist. Unless they have no sins to confess.

peace