Sacrament of confession.

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As you will have probably read in other threads, I am new to the Church. I am looking to sign on to RCIA at the end of this week. The question I have relates to the Sacraments, I know I can not receive Holy Communion in my current form but would I be able to go to confession.
 
I don’t see why you couldn’t go to confession since you are planning on attending RCIA. Usually going to confession is included in RCIA but if you really feel like it’s vital for your soul to go now, I would try to.
 
Smeone more knowledgeable should address this, but here is my experience. I began RCIA in Sept. 2012 with weekly meetings after that. We did not to go the Sacrament of Reconciliation until shortly before the Easter Vigil. In my case a little less than one month. In all likelihood you won’t be permitted to do so until then. If you are going to be baptized at the Vigil you won’t go to Reconciliation because your sins will be forgiven when you are baptized.
 
If you have not yet been received into the Church, then no, you may not receive the sacrament of reconciliation.
 
juno24 said:
If you have not yet been received into the Church, then no, you may not receive the sacrament of reconciliation.
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Incorrect. This person will receive appropriate formation so that he can make a good confession and then receive the sacrament shortly before reception into the Church. In fact, it is critical that the Sacrament of Penance be celebrated before reception in order so that the graces may flow freely from reception of Confirmation and that he may receive the Eucharist worthily.

To the OP: inform your priest of your situation. He may allow you to make an early confession if you exhibit the right attitude and knowledge.
 
What I was told in RCIA was that you could arrange an interview or a discussion with a priest if you had concerns that you felt needed to be addressed, but it would not be a sacramental confession. Normally, only non-Catholics who are about to receive the sacrament of Confirmation may go to confession and receive absolution, and if you were going to receive Catholic baptism prior to Confirmation, confession would not be necessary until afterward.
 
It is not normal to go to confession until shortly before your first communion. If there are things bothering you, I would encourage you to go to the priest and discuss them. Some priests, although not all, will give you guidance and a blessing, which should give you some peace.
 
marcaevans said:
As you will have probably read in other threads, I am new to the Church. I am looking to sign on to RCIA at the end of this week. The question I have relates to the Sacraments, I know I can not receive Holy Communion in my current form but would I be able to go to confession.
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You need to discuss this with your priest.
 
If you are not a baptized Christian, then you cannot validly approach the other sacraments. Your baptism will wash away Original Sin plus all your personal sins since the time of your birth. You will receive First Holy Communion shortly thereafter with a clean conscience in a state of grace. After your initiation, you will begin to frequent the Sacrament of Penance. RCIA should prepare you adequately to approach this sacrament.

Right now, since (I assume, as an agnostic) you are unbaptized, it would not help you to approach the Sacrament of Penance or Eucharist or any other sacrament except Baptism. This is the gateway to all other sacraments. Your desire to be baptized is taken into account, should you unexpectedly die before it happens. You will be assured a Christian burial. In fact, if there is any time at all should you be sick or injured, someone, anyone, can baptize you in an emergency. So do not worry too much about your past or current sins. Just follow the direction of your priest and enjoy the mysteries of Christian life.
 
juno24 said:
If you have not yet been received into the Church, then no, you may not receive the sacrament of reconciliation.
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Candidates (as opposed to catechumens) must receive the sacrament of reconciliation before reception into the Church. It’s normally done much closer to the time of reception, however. 🙂
 
aspirant said:
Candidates (as opposed to catechumens) must receive the sacrament of reconciliation before reception into the Church. It’s normally done much closer to the time of reception, however. 🙂
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Yes, you are absolutely right. Thanks for the correction. I was under the impression that the person was not even baptised, but you are correct about the baptised who are not yet fully Catholic.
 
juno24 said:
I was under the impression that the person was not even baptised
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And you may be right about that! 😃

My own not knowing whether the OP is a catechumen or candidate was what made me add some clarification. 🙂
 
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