Sacrament of Reconciliation & Alzheimer's

[MarieVeronica]

My 89 year old mother suffers from mid-stage Alzheimer’s Disease. She lives with me and I care for her, full time. She is no longer “herself”, in the sense of being able to reason and communicate with other people. Aside from this, she is doing well… <as far as her basic health; although she does suffer from several other physical challenges>.

The Pastor of our parish is aware of my mothers condition… but he has told me that she still needs at least once-a-month General Absolution.

I’m not questioning my Pastor’s judgment. But I am trying to understand it. It is my belief that my mother is no longer capable of any personal sin… as she is now quite un-responsible for her own behavior .

I’m hoping that I will receive a response from a priest reading this forum… to help me understand why my Pastor feels that my mother is in need of once-a-month General Absolution. I will continue to bring her, whether my question is answered or not… because my Pastor has told me to do so. But I would sure like a better understanding.

Thank you and God bless.

 

[Spirithound]

Perhaps he simply wants her to receive the graces of the Sacrament.

 

[Corki]

I think something has been misunderstood here. General absolution is given only when a person has no opportunity to go to Confession and receive individual absolution. It is an absolution given to a group, for example, soldiers going into battle.

Here’s the canon law cite

In case of grave necessity recourse may be had to a communal celebration of reconciliation with general confession and general absolution. Grave necessity of this sort can arise when there is imminent danger of death without sufficient time for the priest or priests to hear each penitent’s confession.

Either Father mispoke or you misunderstood.

 

[jmjconder]

**My family was in the same situation. The decision was made to have Mom receive the Anointing of the Sick whenever her condition changed. Even in the earlier stages of Alzheimer’s she did not meet the conditions of a mortal sin.

The Sacrament of the Sick also graced filled ~ and forgives sins.

Prayers as your family lives with this. It was so difficult for us - however I know that Mom saw Jesus and Mary long before her death. She would reach for them talk with them all the time.

Blessings and prayers.**

 

[Phemie]

Either Father misspoke or you misunderstood.

Bet you dollars to donuts that neither is the case.

 

[Waiting]

**My family was in the same situation. The decision was made to have Mom receive the Anointing of the Sick whenever her condition changed. Even in the earlier stages of Alzheimer’s she did not meet the conditions of a mortal sin.

The Sacrament of the Sick also graced filled ~ and forgives sins.

Prayers as your family lives with this. It was so difficult for us - however I know that Mom saw Jesus and Mary long before her death. She would reach for them talk with them all the time.

Blessings and prayers.**

More than likely the pastor was referring to the Anointing of the Sick, a Sacrament where healing is spiritual and physical. The general absolution referred to the removal of all sins, even though not confessed, as the mother was unable to confess.

 

[MarieVeronica]

I think something has been misunderstood here. General absolution is given only when a person has no opportunity to go to Confession and receive individual absolution. It is an absolution given to a group, for example, soldiers going into battle.

Here’s the canon law cite

Either Father mispoke or you misunderstood.

Thanks. It is certainly a possibility that I somehow misunderstood… however, Father did say “General Absolution”. The canon law cite is helpful. But I’m still left with the question of “why” she needs this, monthly.

I think “Spirithound” has probably gotten the closest to Father’s reasoning; it makes sense that he simply wants her to receive the graces from the Sacrament; so I will continue to take my mother with me… when I go for my own monthly Confessions. Thank you all… for your responses. God bless.

 

[Waiting]

Thanks. It is certainly a possibility that I somehow misunderstood… however, Father did say “General Absolution”. The canon law cite is helpful. But I’m still left with the question of “why” she needs this, monthly.

I think “Spirithound” has probably gotten the closest to Father’s reasoning; it makes sense that he simply wants her to receive the graces from the Sacrament; so I will continue to take my mother with me… when I go for my own monthly Confessions. Thank you all… for your responses. God bless.

If your mother is incapable of a real confession, it would be better to go to a church that offers periodic services for Anointing of the Sick. Many people receive this Sacrament monthly. It removes sin and punishment for sin, and at times aids in physical healing. This would be of the greatest benefit to your mother.