Reconciliation

[gdgross]

So… I’m in the process of converting - I’ve been slow to enroll in RCIA, but it will happen probably within a couple of months or so. I’m doing a lot of self prep, though: reading through the catechism, etc.

Here’s the question - is there anything stopping me from going to confession on my own and beginning to receive the Eucharist at mass? Before I start RCIA? I have been baptized.

Kids go to their first confession a few years before they are confirmed, right? I know there are classes and all of that but the order of the sacraments would be the same…

 

[MarkThompson]

So… I’m in the process of converting - I’ve been slow to enroll in RCIA, but it will happen probably within a couple of months or so. I’m doing a lot of self prep, though: reading through the catechism, etc.

Here’s the question - is there anything stopping me from going to confession on my own and beginning to receive the Eucharist at mass? Before I start RCIA? I have been baptized.

Kids go to their first confession a few years before they are confirmed, right? I know there are classes and all of that but the order of the sacraments would be the same…

Kids do it that way because they were baptized into the Catholic Church. If you were baptized in another tradition, you are not presently a Catholic, and so cannot be admitted to Communion until you join the Church through confirmation. You ought to talk, if you haven’t already, to the pastor at your local parish. RCIA is really designed for non-Christians, and it can be waived, or a lesser plan used, for someone who already lives as a Christian, has studied the faith, etc. (See here). The pastor ought to be able to evaluate what would work for you. In no event, though, unfortunately, should you just go to confession on your own, at some time of your own choosing, and then deem yourself to have joined the Church.

 

[LilyM]

So… I’m in the process of converting - I’ve been slow to enroll in RCIA, but it will happen probably within a couple of months or so. I’m doing a lot of self prep, though: reading through the catechism, etc.

Here’s the question - is there anything stopping me from going to confession on my own and beginning to receive the Eucharist at mass? Before I start RCIA? I have been baptized.

Kids go to their first confession a few years before they are confirmed, right? I know there are classes and all of that but the order of the sacraments would be the same…

I can read all the medical texts I want, doesn’t mean I’m ready to practice medicine.
I can read all the legal texts I want, doesn’t mean I’m ready to conduct a court case.

In both cases I need outside verification - by my local Medical Association or Bar Association or whatnot - that I am ready for practice. That’s because there’s a whole lot more than mere book-learnin’ involved in the formation of a doctor or lawyer.

Same with the sacraments - these children receive instruction before they make their first confession and communion. Priests or other teachers do this not just to ensure that they have the requisite knowledge, but also to check, by observing their preparation, that they are ready emotionally and spiritually for these sacraments.

Talk to your priest or whoever’s taking you through RCIA about it - they’ll let you know if they think you’re ready. Otherwise - you’ve waited this long, another few months can only mean you’re that much better prepared.

 

[Annabelle_Marie]

So… I’m in the process of converting - I’ve been slow to enroll in RCIA, but it will happen probably within a couple of months or so. I’m doing a lot of self prep, though: reading through the catechism, etc.

Here’s the question - is there anything stopping me from going to confession on my own and beginning to receive the Eucharist at mass? Before I start RCIA? I have been baptized.

Kids go to their first confession a few years before they are confirmed, right? I know there are classes and all of that but the order of the sacraments would be the same…

Yes…process. My husband is converting as well. He was told that he can not receive the full sacrament of reconciliation. That is fine…he went in and prayed with the priest. He would love to receive the Eucharist at Mass…but to do so outside the process would be to recieve it unworthily. Please be patient. It will be such a blessing when you finally do get to receive it. There are lots of other people out there in the same boat.

God Bless you on your journey!

 

[DebChris]

When my grandson was younger, I took him to Mass with me. He was fine until it came time for Communion which he could not receive. He threw a temper tantrum. The priest responded by saying “Would that everybody had such a longing for the Eucharist.”
Yes, this is a difficult time in which your hunger and longing are growing. Trust that it will be worth the wait just as it is worth the wait for a young couple to wait to consummate their relationship until after marriage.

 

[FrDavid96]

So… I’m in the process of converting - I’ve been slow to enroll in RCIA, but it will happen probably within a couple of months or so. I’m doing a lot of self prep, though: reading through the catechism, etc.

Here’s the question - is there anything stopping me from going to confession on my own and beginning to receive the Eucharist at mass? Before I start RCIA? I have been baptized.

Kids go to their first confession a few years before they are confirmed, right? I know there are classes and all of that but the order of the sacraments would be the same…

No, you can’t go to confession or receive Communion until you’re received into the Church. In your case, confession happens just before you’re formally received (by Confirmation and First Communion)–in a certain sense, confession and reception are a single event. You can’t go to confession yet because confession (actually the absolution in confession) reconciles us to the Church. At this stage, because you are not yet a member of the Church, you can’t be reconciled to Her–one cannot return to a state if he was never in that state in the first place. In your case, that process just takes a little longer.

The same applies to receiving Communion. Because you’re not yet a member of the Church, receiving Sacramental Communion just isn’t possible. You can consume the consecrated Host, but you would be doing so unworthily, and that would only cause more problems. For one thing, when you present yourself to the priest to receive (assuming he doesn’t know you) you would be lying to him by implying that you are a Catholic in good standing. Do you truly want to do this? If you’re simply asking if you are able to receive Communion from the priest who knows you (but not in any deceptive way) the answer is no.

Go through the RCIA process. Becoming a member of the Church is too important not to do it right.

 

[Annabelle_Marie]

No, you can’t go to confession or receive Communion until you’re received into the Church. In your case, confession happens just before you’re formally received (by Confirmation and First Communion)–in a certain sense, confession and reception are a single event. You can’t go to confession yet because confession (actually the absolution in confession) reconciles us to the Church. At this stage, because you are not yet a member of the Church, you can’t be reconciled to Her–one cannot return to a state if he was never in that state in the first place. In your case, that process just takes a little longer.

The same applies to receiving Communion. Because you’re not yet a member of the Church, receiving Sacramental Communion just isn’t possible. You can consume the consecrated Host, but you would be doing so unworthily, and that would only cause more problems. For one thing, when you present yourself to the priest to receive (assuming he doesn’t know you) you would be lying to him by implying that you are a Catholic in good standing. Do you truly want to do this? If you’re simply asking if you are able to receive Communion from the priest who knows you (but not in any deceptive way) the answer is no.

Go through the RCIA process. Becoming a member of the Church is too important not to do it right.

Fr. David…I assume this applys even if someone was baptized Catholic but raised Protestant…correct?

 

[FrDavid96]

Fr. David…I assume this applys even if someone was baptized Catholic but raised Protestant…correct?

Actually, no. One who was baptised into the Church is already Catholic–just a non-practicing Catholic. This is different from one who was never a member of the Church at all. Such a person could go to confession to any priest at any time. Please read-on though because although this could be done, it’s not the right way to do it.

One who was previously baptised Catholic need only go to Confession to receive Communion at any time. It’s not quite that simple though because one also has to be properly prepared and properly disposed for any sacrament. First Confession and First Holy Communion are “special” cases and a Catholic should approach his own proper pastor before receiving either of these–for children, that’s a given because they usually prepare by taking some kind of classes. For adults, that usually happens in RCIA (which, by the way, refers to any and all forms of initiation for adults–it’s not limited to those who will be baptised at Easter).

What I am getting at here is that before a person receives either confession or Communion for the first time, the pastor has to be satisfied that the person is properly prepared and educated about the meaning of these sacraments, as well as “not impeded by law” (so, for Communion, that means not in an irregular marriage, etc. etc.).

While it isn’t proper to receive first confession or first Communion outside of one’s own parish, or without first talking to one’s proper pastor, it isn’t invalid or outright illicit either. An adult who was baptised Catholic, but never raised in the faith, could (in theory) simply walk up in the Communion line and receive, also assuming that he’s gone to confession recently beforehand. But I caution (strongly) that it shouldn’t be done this way.

For one who was baptised Catholic, but never raised in the faith, it is possible that all that’s needed is confession and then Communion (maybe even immediately). But it’s also possible (and more likely) that the person would need more preparation first.

The difference between the two kinds of situations comes down to the issue of in one case, the person was never Catholic, and so must first be brought into the Church. A Catholic, even a never-practicing one, is Catholic by virtue of baptism, and is eligible to receive the sacraments immediately if the 3 usual conditions are met (properly disposed, at a reasonable time, and not impeded by law).

I know I’ve tried to cram a lot into a little post here. Does that help?

 

[sagrada]

Is there a place online where you can find a Priest to do reconciliation? Has this ever been discussed?

 

[AndyF]

So… I’m in the process of converting - I’ve been slow to enroll in RCIA, but it will happen probably within a couple of months or so. I’m doing a lot of self prep, though: reading through the catechism, etc.

Here’s the question - is there anything stopping me from going to confession on my own and beginning to receive the Eucharist at mass? Before I start RCIA? I have been baptized.

Kids go to their first confession a few years before they are confirmed, right? I know there are classes and all of that but the order of the sacraments would be the same…

You can go to confession. Tell the priest you are protestant for the moment, and if he absolves you, and only if, ask him if you can take communion.

Andy

 

[Alindawyl]

Is there a place online where you can find a Priest to do reconciliation? Has this ever been discussed?

You can go online to the website of whatever diocese you live in and find the location of all the parishes in that diocese. That would allow you to find the closest one and contact them for confession times or scheduling an appointment with the priest. But you have to be physically present for the priest to absolve you. It can’t be done online or over the phone. All of the sacraments take place in person, not remotely. No exceptions.

 

[FrDavid96]

You can go to confession. Tell the priest you are protestant for the moment, and if he absolves you, and only if, ask him if you can take communion.

Andy

The priest cannot absolve him because he’s not yet Catholic. The priest cannot administer Communion because he’s not yet Catholic.

The confession would be invalid and the Communion would be illicit. Both would cause more problems.

Is it possible for someone to “shop around” and find a priest who will disregard his obligation to do what’s right? We all know the answer to that is yes. But that won’t make it right. It will only mean that the OP has participated in a simulated confession and then received Communion unworthily.

 

[Annabelle_Marie]

Actually, no. One who was baptised into the Church is already Catholic–just a non-practicing Catholic. This is different from one who was never a member of the Church at all. Such a person could go to confession to any priest at any time. Please read-on though because although this could be done, it’s not the right way to do it.

One who was previously baptised Catholic need only go to Confession to receive Communion at any time. It’s not quite that simple though because one also has to be properly prepared and properly disposed for any sacrament. First Confession and First Holy Communion are “special” cases and a Catholic should approach his own proper pastor before receiving either of these–for children, that’s a given because they usually prepare by taking some kind of classes. For adults, that usually happens in RCIA (which, by the way, refers to any and all forms of initiation for adults–it’s not limited to those who will be baptised at Easter).

What I am getting at here is that before a person receives either confession or Communion for the first time, the pastor has to be satisfied that the person is properly prepared and educated about the meaning of these sacraments, as well as “not impeded by law” (so, for Communion, that means not in an irregular marriage, etc. etc.).

While it isn’t proper to receive first confession or first Communion outside of one’s own parish, or without first talking to one’s proper pastor, it isn’t invalid or outright illicit either. An adult who was baptised Catholic, but never raised in the faith, could (in theory) simply walk up in the Communion line and receive, also assuming that he’s gone to confession recently beforehand. But I caution (strongly) that it shouldn’t be done this way.

For one who was baptised Catholic, but never raised in the faith, it is possible that all that’s needed is confession and then Communion (maybe even immediately). But it’s also possible (and more likely) that the person would need more preparation first.

The difference between the two kinds of situations comes down to the issue of in one case, the person was never Catholic, and so must first be brought into the Church. A Catholic, even a never-practicing one, is Catholic by virtue of baptism, and is eligible to receive the sacraments immediately if the 3 usual conditions are met (properly disposed, at a reasonable time, and not impeded by law).

I know I’ve tried to cram a lot into a little post here. Does that help?

A little. Our priest would know that we are in a valid marriage as he just did the convalidation. I was baptized and had first communion but not reconciliation nor was I confirmed. I kind of sprung my first confession on Father…now I feel bad about that–I should have told him ahead of time…but I was just coming back to the church and didn’t know how things were quite done…just that I shouldn’t take communion until reconciliation.

But my husband was baptized Catholic but that was it. We both are going through RCIA in the fall. But he see’s me going to reconciliation and was curious. Father told him that he couldn’t receive the sacrament but he would pray with him. So…it just made me curious about what exactly makes one Catholic…baptism or first communion? Why I could receive the sacrament of reconciliation but my husband can’t. Not upset about it…just curious…

 

[FrDavid96]

A little. Our priest would know that we are in a valid marriage as he just did the convalidation. I was baptized and had first communion but not reconciliation nor was I confirmed. I kind of sprung my first confession on Father…now I feel bad about that–I should have told him ahead of time…but I was just coming back to the church and didn’t know how things were quite done…just that I shouldn’t take communion until reconciliation.

But my husband was baptized Catholic but that was it. We both are going through RCIA in the fall. But he see’s me going to reconciliation and was curious. Father told him that he couldn’t receive the sacrament but he would pray with him. So…it just made me curious about what exactly makes one Catholic…baptism or first communion? Why I could receive the sacrament of reconciliation but my husband can’t. Not upset about it…just curious…

Baptism in the Catholic Church is what makes one a Catholic.

As for why your husband “can’t” go to Confession, I don’t know the answer to that. There must be some personal reason because there is no canon law reason; and that would be between the priest and your husband–and it’s best left that way rather than turned into an internet discussion. I’m not implying that you would violate any confidence; what I’m saying is that this issue belongs in the internal forum and perhaps even under the Seal of the Confessional and it just isn’t an appropriate topic to take any further than what you’ve already posted. What you’ve posted so far is fine, though.

 

[JerrySeibert]

Fr David, great information. I have a question for you.
A neighbor of mine is “Hardcore Protestant” but, he is so hardcore he is curious why I go to daily Mass.
“Because, God left alive one more day to give him honor” is my answer. He is insane with his questions. Insane to the point I which I had a theology degree then I may be able to answer all of them. My question is simple.
I assume from the other posts. Confession is out, I did not know that. Obviously he cannot take Communion. Is there a protocol for someone who knows the Bible and our own Sacraments (He studied them) as well as most “Practicing Catholics”, that would save him time. I keep telling him to convert already would you?
Anyway, a shortcut for those very knowledgable? Curious?

 

[FrDavid96]

Fr David, great information. I have a question for you.
A neighbor of mine is “Hardcore Protestant” but, he is so hardcore he is curious why I go to daily Mass.
“Because, God left alive one more day to give him honor” is my answer. He is insane with his questions. Insane to the point I which I had a theology degree then I may be able to answer all of them. My question is simple.
I assume from the other posts. Confession is out, I did not know that. Obviously he cannot take Communion. Is there a protocol for someone who knows the Bible and our own Sacraments (He studied them) as well as most “Practicing Catholics”, that would save him time. I keep telling him to convert already would you?
Anyway, a shortcut for those very knowledgable? Curious?

I’m not quite sure what you mean by the question, but I’ll take a shot at it.

For an already-baptised non-Catholic Christian to come into the Church, this can happen at any time. If your friend is “ready” to become Catholic and the pastor is satisfied of that, he can receive him at any time. There is no required waiting period. RCIA for the previously baptised is available but it isn’t required–the pastor can choose to bypass the whole process if the situation warrants it. I’m not recommending this method, I’m merely saying that it can be done.