SSPX and confession before Easter

[Sarah25]

OK… I need some help here. I’m hoping this won’t turn into a huge debate, I’m just looking for an answer/advice.

I will be confirmed and receive first communion this Saturday at the Easter Vigil. I have already made my first confession a few weeks ago since I was previously baptized.

Well I messed up and now have a mortal sin I need to confess. The only problem is that there are no parishes around me hearing confession between now and Easter. I tried to go last night which was the last time I could find for confessions and even with three priests hearing for an hour they still were not able to get to me and a majority of the other penitents. The only priest hearing confession that I can find between now and Easter is an SSPX priest.

I’m somewhat aware of the difficulties with their Reconciliations from what I’ve read on here. But if I can’t find another priest that will hear my confession, is there some provision that would make an SSPX confession valid? And if not, then what am I supposed to do?

Thanks in advance for replies.

 

[damooster]

Wow, that’s an excellent question.

The whole argument centers around the SSPX having/not having jurisdiction. It is a technical question, so you have to determine for yourself if you are comfortable with having an SSPX hear your confession. Personally, I would not hesitate to have my confession heard by an SSPX priest, but that’s strictly my opinion.

Have you talked to your priest, RCIA director, and/or sponsor about this? I wonder why confession was weeks ago when you are being confirmed this weekend? That’s a long time for someone to not sin. And since you said there was a large crowd whose confessions went unheard, maybe they will try to offer it today and/or tomorrow?

And, are you sure that you committed a mortal sin and that you’re not being scrupulous?

 

[gentle_atheist]

No problem. Just make an act of perfect contrition now with the intent of going to Confession as soon as possible. Just be sure to follow through with Confession as soon as possible.

I’m very sympathetic to the SSPX but their power to grant absolution is questionable due to jurisdictional issues. On the other hand, SSPX priests are very orthodox. You never know what you will get with a diocesan priest.

1983 Code of Canon Law
Canon 916 A person who is conscious of grave sin is not to celebrate Mass or receive the body of the Lord without previous sacramental confession unless there is a grave reason and there is no opportunity to confess; in this case the person is to remember the obligation to make an act of perfect contrition which includes the resolution of confessing as soon as possible.

Catechism of the Catholic Church
1451 Among the penitent’s acts contrition occupies first place. Contrition is “sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again.”
1452 When it arises from a love by which God is loved above all else, contrition is called “perfect” (contrition of charity). Such contrition remits venial sins; it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible.
**1453 **The contrition called “imperfect” (or “attrition”) is also a gift of God, a prompting of the Holy Spirit. It is born of the consideration of sin’s ugliness or the fear of eternal damnation and the other penalties threatening the sinner (contrition of fear). Such a stirring of conscience can initiate an interior process which, under the prompting of grace, will be brought to completion by sacramental absolution. By itself however, imperfect contrition cannot obtain the forgiveness of grave sins, but it disposes one to obtain forgiveness in the sacrament of Penance.

 

[momor]

OK… I need some help here. I’m hoping this won’t turn into a huge debate, I’m just looking for an answer/advice.

I will be confirmed and receive first communion this Saturday at the Easter Vigil. I have already made my first confession a few weeks ago since I was previously baptized.

Well I messed up and now have a mortal sin I need to confess. The only problem is that there are no parishes around me hearing confession between now and Easter. I tried to go last night which was the last time I could find for confessions and even with three priests hearing for an hour they still were not able to get to me and a majority of the other penitents. The only priest hearing confession that I can find between now and Easter is an SSPX priest.

I’m somewhat aware of the difficulties with their Reconciliations from what I’ve read on here. But if I can’t find another priest that will hear my confession, is there some provision that would make an SSPX confession valid? And if not, then what am I supposed to do?

Thanks in advance for replies.

That is just awful in my opinion. The priests should have stayed until every confession was heard. What could they have had to do that was more important? And this during the Year of the Priest and St. John Vianney too!

I also don’t understand why there are no confessions on Holy Saturday (none in my diocese either and it was not announced ahead of time). It seems to me there should be even more opportunities rather than fewer. Is there a liturgical reason for this?

 

[damooster]

1983 Code of Canon Law
Canon 916 A person who is conscious of grave sin is not to celebrate Mass or receive the body of the Lord without previous sacramental confession unless there is a grave reason and there is no opportunity to confess; in this case the person is to remember the obligation to make an act of perfect contrition which includes the resolution of confessing as soon as possible.

Begging your pardon, but I do not believe this constitutes a grave reason.

 

[Red_Meg]

Pick up the phone and call the pastor of the parish where you will be received at the Easter Vigil. Explain your situation and ask him for a convenient time between now and then for you to pop into the rectory or confessional for a really brief confession.

He’s your pastor, “shepherding” you into the Church is just a few days, and even if he is busy and there is nothing officially scheduled, I’d be very surprised if he wasn’t willing and able to carve out five minutes for you.

Margaret

 

[Sarah25]

Have you talked to your priest, RCIA director, and/or sponsor about this? I wonder why confession was weeks ago when you are being confirmed this weekend? That’s a long time for someone to not sin. And since you said there was a large crowd whose confessions went unheard, maybe they will try to offer it today and/or tomorrow?

And, are you sure that you committed a mortal sin and that you’re not being scrupulous?

I’ve emailed my priest to see if he can squeeze a couple minutes in Saturday morning after our Vigil practice, but I haven’t heard back. And even if I’d gone to confession last Saturday during the normal time it wouldn’t have mattered, b/c I messed up Tuesday evening As for the scrupulous part, I’m not entirely sure.

gentle atheist: No problem. Just make an act of perfect contrition now with the intent of going to Confession as soon as possible. Just be sure to follow through
with Confession as soon as possible

I thought about this however I’ve read that a perfect act of contrition is very difficult to make. Am I mistaken about this?

momor:
What could they have had to do that was more important?

Apparently the parish’s practice for their Easter Vigil was more important. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t VERY upset about that, to me everyone’s souls who were there yesterday should have been a little more important than a practice.

 

[Mrs_Sally]

Call your parish and make an appointment. Confession time isn’t usually scheduled during the Triduum, but priests will make time for someone who needs to confess a mortal sin.

 

[gentle_atheist]

Sarah,

Are you sorry for your sins because they hurt God? Or are you sorry for your sins because you are afraid of God’s punishment. If your answer is the first reason, or primarily the first reason, then it’s perfect contrition. But if it’s only for the second reason, then it’s imperfect contrition.

As for being a grave reason, I say “yes.” You’ve been preparing for this day for some time, correct? If you called it off you would be telling everyone that you’re in mortal sin. Would God expect you to do that? Suppose this were your wedding day, would you call that off?

Don’t be scrupulous. Don’t be Martin Luther.

 

[m134e5]

I’ve emailed my priest to see if he can squeeze a couple minutes in Saturday morning after our Vigil practice, but I haven’t heard back. And even if I’d gone to confession last Saturday during the normal time it wouldn’t have mattered, b/c I messed up Tuesday evening As for the scrupulous part, I’m not entirely sure.

Call the priest today and ask if he can hear your confession. E-mail depends on the priest checking it often, and is not good for time-sensitive things (especially since not everybody checks their e-mail very often). Tell him it will only take a minute, and if he agrees to do it, arrive early for the time you set up, and be as brief as possible when you are in there. Pray that you are able to go to confession.

 

[gentle_atheist]

Call the priest today and ask if he can hear your confession.

He’s undoubtedly very busy right now and he’s not going to like that. Go to the SSPX priest if you feel that you must go to confession beforehand. Then go to the diocesan priest later.

No one can ever be sure that they’ve made a perfect act of contrition. That’s why it always includes an intention to go to confession later. You just have to try your best.

It’s the sin of presumption if you think that God is too lenient. But it is the sin of scrupulosity if you think that God is too strict.

 

[damooster]

As for being a grave reason, I say “yes.” You’ve been preparing for this day for some time, correct? If you called it off you would be telling everyone that you’re in mortal sin. Would God expect you to do that? Suppose this were your wedding day, would you call that off?

I still beg to differ. Read this from Catholic Answers:

The requirement for sacramental confession can be dispensed if four conditions are fulfilled: (1) there must be a grave reason to receive Communion (for example, danger of death), (2) it must be physically or morally impossible to go to confession first, (3) the person must already be in a state of grace through perfect contrition, and (4) he must resolve to go to confession as soon as possible.

While I completely sympathize with Sarah wanting to receive her First Communion at the Easter vigil, her concerns should be focused on not offending God further by receiving Him in a state of mortal sin.

Sarah, we are all sinners but we must also face the consequences of our actions. If you are not able to confess your sins, please do not present yourself for Holy Communion. Who cares what the people around you think; at least you know you will be doing the right thing. No one said it would be easy, and this could be a life-lesson for you.

I agree with the other posters: track down your priest and tell him your situation. I’m sure he can make time for you. Don’t email; call him!

If you still want to consider the SSPX priest, maybe you can read what they have to say about the situation. Again, I’m not trying to lobby for them…I’m just saying.

 

[Sarah25]

While I completely sympathize with Sarah wanting to receive her First Communion at the Easter vigil, her concerns should be focused on not offending God further by receiving Him in a state of mortal sin.

Sarah, we are all sinners but we must also face the consequences of our actions. If you are not able to confess your sins, please do not present yourself for Holy Communion. Who cares what the people around you think; at least you know you will be doing the right thing. No one said it would be easy, and this could be a life-lesson for you.

I agree with the other posters: track down your priest and tell him your situation. I’m sure he can make time for you. Don’t email; call him!

If you still want to consider the SSPX priest, maybe you can read what they have to say about the situation. Again, I’m not trying to lobby for them…I’m just saying.

If I cannot talk to my priest I won’t be presenting myself for communion. I’d rather disregard the rule that says you should have communion on Easter than to disregard the one that says you can’t receive the Eucharist while in a state of mortal sin.

Thank you all for your replies!

 

[Onegin]

If I cannot talk to my priest I won’t be presenting myself for communion. I’d rather disregard the rule that says you should have communion on Easter than to disregard the one that says you can’t receive the Eucharist while in a state of mortal sin.

Thank you all for your replies!

I’d put a call into to every Parish office in your nearby area and explain your situation. Chances are someone will be able to help you out, especially as you want to receive your First Communion.

 

[GaryTaylor]

Ironic, I just got off the phone with my Parish. I didn’t recieve the weekly missile thus the schedule for this week.

Anyway this is exactly what I was told. That tonight their a mass at 7pm with confession afterwards. So I asked well isn’t their a schedule where confession is directly before mass this week.

The Act of Contrition was mention here also if you were uncomfortable with this procedure.

I’ll tell ya something even more surprizing. My wife and mother happened to be here when I called since everyone is going to church. Both made mention of the idea that confession doesn’t have to be heard through a priest. But could simply be done in the pue and then communion recieved? Now I must have missed that Mass. because I don’t remember this though I vaguely remember something about this. Thoughts?

 

[Cristiano]

Ironic, I just got off the phone with my Parish. I didn’t recieve the weekly missile thus the schedule for this week.

Anyway this is exactly what I was told. That tonight their a mass at 7pm with confession afterwards. So I asked well isn’t their a schedule where confession is directly before mass this week.

The Act of Contrition was mention here also if you were uncomfortable with this procedure.

I’ll tell ya something even more surprizing. My wife and mother happened to be here when I called since everyone is going to church. Both made mention of the idea that confession doesn’t have to be heard through a priest. But could simply be done in the pue and then communion recieved? Now I must have missed that Mass. because I don’t remember this though I vaguely remember something about this. Thoughts?

In the case of mortal sin you must go to a priest for confession and absolution. In the case of a venial sin contrition and participation to the Mass (including Communion) is enough. I assume that you are talking about mortal sin and so I will say that you must see a priest. My congratulations for your attitude in dealing with this issue, hang in there.

 

[jmcrae]

Ironic, I just got off the phone with my Parish. I didn’t recieve the weekly missile thus the schedule for this week.

Anyway this is exactly what I was told. That tonight their a mass at 7pm with confession afterwards. So I asked well isn’t their a schedule where confession is directly before mass this week.

The Act of Contrition was mention here also if you were uncomfortable with this procedure.

I’ll tell ya something even more surprizing. My wife and mother happened to be here when I called since everyone is going to church. Both made mention of the idea that confession doesn’t have to be heard through a priest. But could simply be done in the pue and then communion recieved? Now I must have missed that Mass. because I don’t remember this though I vaguely remember something about this. Thoughts?

For venial sins, this is an appropriate procedure. Mortal sins, not so much. By the way, you also can’t receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in the state of mortal sin, either.

For what it’s worth, it’s physically impossible to commit a mortal sin by accident or out of habit. I find it hard to believe that someone hoping for her Confirmation and First Holy Communion deliberately went out of her way and committed a serious sin on purpose - however, I suppose it must be possible.

In the event that this is in fact the case, call your local Cathedral - typically, the Cathedral will have Confessions all Good Friday morning, during the Stations of the Cross. Arrive early enough to be first in line.

If your Cathedral doesn’t have this custom, phone all the ethnic parishes, and see who is hearing Confessions and at what times. Then, arrive early enough to be first in line, to avoid the problem you had the other day.

 

[GaryTaylor]

Really I never knew that about commiting a mortal sin out of accident. So then what of all those who use the legal rite of abortion in the past what? 40 years. I’m sure this practice has become so non chalant that its not even thought of as a mortal sin. So this would also apply to them?

 

[jmcrae]

Really I never knew that about commiting a mortal sin out of accident. So then what of all those who use the legal rite of abortion in the past what? 40 years.

It’s impossible to have an abortion without consenting to it, so there is the fact that it is done deliberately. However, if someone is genuinely ignorant of the fact that the unborn chid is a living human being, then, no, they would not be culpable of mortal sin.

They would still incur automatic excommunication, however, if they were Catholic, because the Church, as mother and teacher, desires her children to understand the seriousness of killing one’s own innocent child.

 

[GaryTaylor]

excommunication? Not so…So why would one mortal sin be forgiven and not another? I’m not so sure. I’m 55 so this isn’t my fate. But I’m sure this happens much more than you would think and the seriousness is not even understood. We are so far out of wack with this. I could easily see that. But this is also a matter of mortal sin and confession etc.