Question about returning Catholics and Confession

[TBolt1000T]

I am unclear on something. What must a Catholic who has received Confirmation, Eucharist, etc, do, if he/she leaves the Catholic Church for a Protestant denomination, then returns to the Catholic Church? Have they committed heresy, and are they therefore automaticly excommunicated? Can they just go to Confession, then receive the sacraments again, or must an excommunication be lifted? If Confession is enough, then what sin do they confess? Would it be heresy, schism, or some other sin?

 

[MarkThompson]

I am unclear on something. What must a Catholic who has received Confirmation, Eucharist, etc, do, if he/she leaves the Catholic Church for a Protestant denomination, then returns to the Catholic Church? Have they committed heresy, and are they therefore automaticly excommunicated? Can they just go to Confession, then receive the sacraments again, or must an excommunication be lifted? If Confession is enough, then what sin do they confess? Would it be heresy, schism, or some other sin?

Yes, just confession. Priests are authorized to lift the excommunications resulting from things like adhering to other religions.

As to what to confess, the penitent does not need to scrutinize canon law to find the appropriate technical term. It is sufficient to say something like, “Father, I left the Catholic Church five years ago and I’ve been going to a Methodist church for the last three years.”

 

[lauraabarlow]

Hi-I was in the same boat-was mainly raised catholic and attended catholic schools for 12 years (I was baptized lutheran but switched by parents to catholic faith at age 6). Upon joining the air force, I attended non-denominational churches (in Southern Calif) and eventually became a baptist. Strangely, I had a neighbor and friend who was like a mom to me who learned I was raised catholic and done everything she can through prayers and giving me pamphlets on praying the rosary-anything to get me to come back to the faith. Years later, in SC after my divorce and the great pope’s passing, I felt pulled-back to my catholic faith. Had reserve drill (yep-still in the air force but reservist) April 2005 weekend and went next door to the chaplain’s office to talk with a sgt there on finding a catholic chaplain with questions I had about maybe returning. She wasn’t there but a familiar chaplain was there-knew him over the yrs in passing and waving hellos to him but not knowing his denomination)-he offered to help. Awkwardly, I told him that I am looking for a catholic priest and explained my situation-didn’t have far to go. He was the catholic priest Never knew that. So I asked him about coming back-signing up for RCIA or what? and he said no-just confession. I was so surprised how easy it was to come back to the faith. Oh-and I feel that God’s hand with a sense of His humor was on this encounter with not finding the Sgt but the actual priest himself. And I thought he was baptist or methodist the whole time So-in your case-all you need is to make a good confession-make an appt for a general confession, if possible. I confessed schism-not sure how many years exactly-the civilian priest I went to helped out a lot-he will help you. Take care and best of luck-welcome home! :thumbsup:

 

[lizaanne]

What a wonderful story!!!

My dad left the Church for many many years, and just went to a priest and made a 30 year confession. Now he’s rock solid in his Faith.

God bless all the reverts! (And converts as well!)

~Liza

 

[JRKH]

Absolutely great advice so far.

I do feel the need to insert one caveat here though.
All you need do is to go to confession and you are good to go - so long as there is no other impediment…
Take my case for example…
I was married in the Church but then left. Many years later, I divorced and remarried.
Several years after this I felt the tug of the Eucharist. I could not and would not leave my wife both because she is the absolute love of my life and also because, by this time, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. I was certain that I could not be granted an annulment. I could only Trust God to understand my situation.
Eventually my godfather (God rest his saintly soul) prevailed upon me to apply, the annulment was granted, and my wife and I both returned to the sacraments.

Now - I know, from experience that marriage issues can be an impediment. What others, if any exist i don’t know. So I would suggest that a person wishing to return to full communion, go to cofession and talk it over breifly with the priest. If there is no impediment other than a good confession - then you are good to go. If there is an impediment, then the priest will be able to advise and/or make an appointment to discuss the matter further.

One thing I do know is that God, and His Holy Church will do all they can to get you home.

Peace
James

 

[lisa179ny]

I am unclear on something. What must a Catholic who has received Confirmation, Eucharist, etc, do, if he/she leaves the Catholic Church for a Protestant denomination, then returns to the Catholic Church? Have they committed heresy, and are they therefore automaticly excommunicated? Can they just go to Confession, then receive the sacraments again, or must an excommunication be lifted? If Confession is enough, then what sin do they confess? Would it be heresy, schism, or some other sin?

God’s Blessing! This is an awesome question. I was baptized in the Catholic Church and went to Catholic School but my parents was non-denominational. So after I graduated Catholic School I no longer had any catholic affiliation. So I was an evangelical for 18yrs. and never in a million years would I think I would come back home to the Catholic Church…I did everything to keep away from Catholics… Crazy huh!!
I met my hubby who was “CATHOLIC” Thank the Lord. Everything happens for a reason. RIGHT? Well that goes to show how long I went without confession. and the day i set foot into confession i just said everything about what i thought about the church straight from the heart. everything i thought and said about the church. The priest knows when u r giving ur confession what its all about and they are so happy you even set foot into the confession booth. Remember the priests will ask you questions about ur confession if needed. They are so special… I love them! God is so delighted…
Now I am proud to say this Easter Vigil I finally was able to celebrate my “SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION” yeah my story is complicated. I am so in love with the “Catholic Church” Its awesome. words can’t explain it.
I am so happy you are asking about confession… God Bless You…

 

[puzzleannie]

I am unclear on something. What must a Catholic who has received Confirmation, Eucharist, etc, do, if he/she leaves the Catholic Church for a Protestant denomination, then returns to the Catholic Church? Have they committed heresy, and are they therefore automaticly excommunicated? Can they just go to Confession, then receive the sacraments again, or must an excommunication be lifted? If Confession is enough, then what sin do they confess? Would it be heresy, schism, or some other sin?

not enough info. The place to start is with sacramental confession and ask the priest these questions.

welcome home

people don’t commit heresy or schism unless they use the occasion of their leaving the Catholic Church to start their own religion.

 

[TBolt1000T]

Just to make something clear, I’m not in this boat, but I just wanted to know what is done for people who are.

 

[lauraabarlow]

Hi James-I forgot about the marriage and its’ impediments. Yes-you sure brought up an interesting points-in my case, I was married in a lutheran church due to my mom just having weeks to live and so, if I ever met anyone else, which I am sure I won’t, due to my marriage having a lack of form, my annulment should be fairly simple. God bless all us reverts and converts-:thumbsup:

 

[halleone]

I am unclear on something. What must a Catholic who has received Confirmation, Eucharist, etc, do, if he/she leaves the Catholic Church for a Protestant denomination, then returns to the Catholic Church? Have they committed heresy, and are they therefore automaticly excommunicated? Can they just go to Confession, then receive the sacraments again, or must an excommunication be lifted? If Confession is enough, then what sin do they confess? Would it be heresy, schism, or some other sin?

Hey Josh,
I was in that same boat; I was gone for a **whole **lot of years. At one time I had briefly attended the Episcopal Church, which never felt right or good. I missed my Catholic faith, so I made an appointment to see the pastor of my childhood parish; best thing I have done for myself, ever, I am convinced. He was very helpful, not judgemental, and never pressured me in any way. After a few days of thought, and a lot of soul-searching, I made an appointment with him to hear my confession. It was far easier than I expected, and I left feeling like a million bucks. The priest will help you through it, so don’t worry too much about what to call your “sins”. Good luck!!

 

[JRKH]

Hi James-I forgot about the marriage and its’ impediments. Yes-you sure brought up an interesting points-in my case, I was married in a lutheran church due to my mom just having weeks to live and so, if I ever met anyone else, which I am sure I won’t, due to my marriage having a lack of form, my annulment should be fairly simple. God bless all us reverts and converts-:thumbsup:

If I may suggest, if you are no longer married to this person, you might wish to go ahead and apply for he annulment now. That way you will know if you can even consider pursuing a relationship should the occasion arise.

Peace
James