Two questions about the validity of Sacraments

[WoundedIcon]

One, when I was confirmed (alone) the priest only extended his hand over me and didn’t place it on me. Was that valid? I know when the bishops confirm, if there’s a large group, they may extend their hands in lieu of individual impositions, but I’m not sure about individual confirmations. It only adds a bit to my anxiety that he did a general absolution on me before the rite (!) Maybe I should just ask what it takes for the rite to be valid so I can check my experience against the proper way.

And also, are their any rules about the validity of the anointing of the sick? I ask because when I’ve had it done it private it was done differently each time.

 

[1ke]

You are being scrupulous.

 

[Bookcat]

If he did not touch you at all on the head (oil is used…)…in terms of Confirmation…give a call to the Catholic Answers apologist line. They can discuss it in more detail with you.
Also one can contact the Chancery of your Diocese. (but perhaps you mean something else) (see the Catechism)

As to “general absolution” such would not seem to be something he should have done…and if you had any mortal sins (not that you did!) you need to confess them as soon as possible…perhaps he was praying instead an act of contrition–penance?

 

[dans0622]

One, when I was confirmed (alone) the priest only extended his hand over me and didn’t place it on me. Was that valid? I know when the bishops confirm, if there’s a large group, they may extend their hands in lieu of individual impositions, but I’m not sure about individual confirmations. It only adds a bit to my anxiety that he did a general absolution on me before the rite (!) Maybe I should just ask what it takes for the rite to be valid so I can check my experience against the proper way.

And also, are their any rules about the validity of the anointing of the sick? I ask because when I’ve had it done it private it was done differently each time.

Hello WoundedIcon,

If you were anointed with chrism on your forehead and the proper words were spoken by the minister (“Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.”), the Sacrament is valid. This is stated in the introduction to the Rite of Confirmation, #9.

Regarding Anointing of the Sick, the necessary elements are: anointing with the blessed oil on the forehead and hands with the words “Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit.” and “May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.”

If necessary, only one anointing can be done along with the recitation of both the above formulas. This is stated in the introduction to the Rite of Anointing, ## 23-25. There are other variations possible in the location and number of anointings but the words given must be used.

I hope this helps.
Dan

 

[AJV]

One, when I was confirmed (alone) the priest only extended his hand over me and didn’t place it on me. Was that valid? I know when the bishops confirm, if there’s a large group, they may extend their hands in lieu of individual impositions, but I’m not sure about individual confirmations. It only adds a bit to my anxiety that he did a general absolution on me before the rite (!) Maybe I should just ask what it takes for the rite to be valid so I can check my experience against the proper way.

The imposition of the chrism with a thumb is regarded as equivalent to the imposition of the hand necessary for validity. The first extension of the hands is not required for validity and has only a significative value.

Where there would be a problem is if the minister did not use the hand/thumb, but something else (like a small brush or something) to sign you with the chrism.

A helpful, though long, document to read is the Apostolic Constitution Divinae Consortium Naturae