Question about validity of Sacraments

[Deidre]

I’m curious about something. My understanding of an annulment is that the Church basically determines that the ‘sacrament’ was not valid to begin with.

So, I’m just wondering. Is it also possible that other sacraments which appear to be valid at the time, may be found to be invalid later?
For instance, can a confession be invalid for any reason after the priest already gives absolution? I’m not actually limiting the question to confession. I’m wondering about all the sacraments and what circumstances may determine they weren’t validly received.

 

[Joan_M]

I’m curious about something. My understanding of an annulment is that the Church basically determines that the ‘sacrament’ was not valid to begin with.

So, I’m just wondering. Is it also possible that other sacraments which appear to be valid at the time, may be found to be invalid later?
For instance, can a confession be invalid for any reason after the priest already gives absolution? I’m not actually limiting the question to confession. I’m wondering about all the sacraments and what circumstances may determine they weren’t validly received.

A confession can, indeed, be invalid after the priest has given absolution. The most likely reason for this would be the person who confessed either deliberately withheld confessing a mortal sin, or had no intention of not committing the sins confessed any more. Such a confession would not just be invalid, but would be another mortal sin.

 

[1ke]

Yes, other sacraments can be invalid as well. The Code of Canon Law governs the sacraments, and ther requirements for validity can be found there.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I’m curious about something. My understanding of an annulment is that the Church basically determines that the ‘sacrament’ was not valid to begin with.

So, I’m just wondering. Is it also possible that other sacraments which appear to be valid at the time, may be found to be invalid later?
For instance, can a confession be invalid for any reason after the priest already gives absolution? I’m not actually limiting the question to confession. I’m wondering about all the sacraments and what circumstances may determine they weren’t validly received.

Yes, there have been instances where a Bishop after investigation has found Sacraments celebrated at certain times or places by a specific priest to be invalid.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

I think there was a case a few years ago, in Chicago I think, where a priest was baptizing in the name of the Creator, the Redeemer and the Inspirer, These were ruled invalid and all had to be redone.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I think there was a case a few years ago, in Chicago I think, where a priest was baptizing in the name of the Creator, the Redeemer and the Inspirer, These were ruled invalid and all had to be redone.

And one in Canada.

 

[puzzleannie]

there was also a news report a couple of years ago of baptisms performed in a mission setting where the words of the trinitarian formula were not pronounced by the person pouring the water, and in and these baptisms had to be regularized.

then there are actions or omissions on the part of the priest which render the consecration of the Eucharist invalid

 

[peary]

I’m curious about something. My understanding of an annulment is that the Church basically determines that the ‘sacrament’ was not valid to begin with.

So, I’m just wondering. Is it also possible that other sacraments which appear to be valid at the time, may be found to be invalid later?
For instance, can a confession be invalid for any reason after the priest already gives absolution? I’m not actually limiting the question to confession. I’m wondering about all the sacraments and what circumstances may determine they weren’t validly received.

Sacraments are NEVER invalid. An annulment is a process which, if possible, shows that a valid marriage never took place due to some disposition of one or the other of the couple which did not fulfill the requirements of the marriage bond.
A Confession can be invalid if the confessee is not repentent.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Sacraments are NEVER invalid. An annulment is a process which, if possible, shows that a valid marriage never took place due to some disposition of one or the other of the couple which did not fulfill the requirements of the marriage bond.
A Confession can be invalid if the confessee is not repentent.

A valid Sacrament can never be invalidated! But a celebration of a Sacrament can later be found to have been invalid, due to lack in Form or Matter. Intent is always presumed unless clearly admitted otherwise.

 

[blackrobe]

One important point that does not seem to have been mentioned: The validity of a marriage and its sacramental character are not the same thing. A marriage can be valid without being sacramental. A decree of nullity bears on the validity of the marriage, not its sacramentality. Naturally if a marriage is found to have been invalid it is also not sacramental. But the marriage tribunal investigates the elements of validity, not sacramentality.

JSA