Priest Confirmations

[TomH1]

Generally, I think one can safely conclude that if a priest confirmed somebody, he was permitted to do so.

If that were true there would be no need for the Church to have laws and procedures for when clergy do things that they should not or cannot do.

With respect to validity as a priest is an extraordinary minister of this sacrament and does not require jurisdiction, like he does for penance or matrimony, I would think he administers confirmation validly. However, if a priest confirms someone without permission granted to him in canon law or without his ordinary’s consent, if required, the confirmation must be illicit.

 

[acanonlawyer]

The law says that the baptism of adults, at least those who are 14 or older, is to be referred to the bishop (c. 863). But, if you are asking if a bishop can say “Ok pastor of St. Matthew parish, you go ahead an baptize Jane D. 25 year-old Adult but don’t confirm her. I’ll do that later.”, that is a different story. I’ll be diplomatic and say that I’ve never seen or heard anything like that before.

Dan

 

[acanonlawyer]

If that were true there would be no need for the Church to have laws and procedures for when clergy do things that they should not or cannot do.

I don’t see how you came to that conclusion. My only point in the comment you replied to was to assert that I think priests are generally aware of when they can and when they can’t (most of the time, they can’t and they are fully aware that they can’t) confirm–it’s not that complicated.

With respect to validity as a priest is an extraordinary minister of this sacrament and does not require jurisdiction, like he does for penance or matrimony, I would think he administers confirmation validly. However, if a priest confirms someone without permission granted to him in canon law or without his ordinary’s consent, if required, the confirmation must be illicit.

If a priest (presbyter) attempts to confirm but does not have the “faculty” to do so, it’s not only illicit but invalid, too (canon 882).

Dan

 

[TomH1]

I don’t see how you came to that conclusion. My only point in the comment you replied to was to assert that I think priests are generally aware of when they can and when they can’t (most of the time, they can’t and they are fully aware that they can’t) confirm–it’s not that complicated.

I cannot mind read. Whether that is an advantage or a disadvantage I don’t know. Therefore, I can only comment on how a post reads. I cannot know what the post’s author’s intent was.

 

[acanonlawyer]

I cannot know what the post’s author’s intent was.

Indeed, I tend to say less than I could say and so explanations tend to be lacking and/or much goes unsaid. Yet, I am always willing to entertain questions such as “what do you mean?” So, if you want to know what my intent was, please ask.

Dan