Valid Sacraments Loophole

[OrbisNonSufficit]

In light of tradition, as entire Vatican II must be interpreted, it probably means that Orthodoxy has sacraments which are proper to Catholic Church. Protestant Baptism still links them to the Catholic Church in special way (though not in way of full communion), so does Orthodox baptism. At the same time, each and every Eucharist, Confirmation/Chrismation, Sacrament of Holy Orders, Matrimony and Confession is proper to Church that Christ established. Orthodox are not fully united to this Church and not fully part of it, though they are indeed closer than probably everyone else. Those Sacraments exist hence outside the unity of the Church- it does not necessarily mean they are illicit, but they could be.

Intent of one who administers Sacrament and one to whom it is administered matters a lot. Though visible Schism has consequences, God does not forsake heretics nor those in schism and provides them with grace through Sacraments. Those Sacraments are illicit for those in state of mortal sin (for example those who are guilty of schism [requires knowledge], but not those who are born to schism etc etc). Now with Confession and Matrimony which require jurisdiction, it is a bit different- since Orthodox Church has schismatic rival jurisdiction to Catholic Church, they are able to administer those sacraments validly.

In other words, Orthodox sacraments are objectively illicit (but in reality culpability is pretty weak in those involved), and are proper to Catholic Church not to Churches outside it’s visible communion.

Would the Catholic Church actually allow it’s members, even encourage its members, to receive “illicit” sacraments?

Probably not, and that is probably not what is meant by communio in sacris. If there is indeed a good reason for it, provided no indifferentism is involved, then Orthodox sacraments can be “last resort” of Catholic who needs sacraments. Under normal circumstances, one should not receive Sacraments outside unity of the Church. Vice-versa though, since Orthodox Christians who come and receive in Catholic Churches do in some regard hold validity of Catholic Church, their culpability is even lesser than under normal circumstances. This is also done mostly to help Orthodox Christians acquire grace and nourish them spiritually- not necessarily to provide false unity. Their beliefs about Sacraments do not provide obstacle, so they are free to receive them if they judge that there is a good reason to do so- provided they are properly prepared. Of course that would under normal circumstances exclude those in mortal sin of schism, but in the end that is up to person receiving (again, culpability).

 

[Aulef]

Exactly.

Recurring to illicit Sacraments is sinful itself. So even if Confession was valid, the person would still be committing a sin not being Confessed. In case one sin is missed (not Confessed), Absolution is invalid.

But wait. “What if a person Confess the illicit Confession while Confessing to s schismatic?”. Well, in this case Confession wouldn’t even be valid because the person would not be contrite for what it is being done (act still in place) and there would be no resolution for not doing it anymore (agsin, because the act is in still going on). Besides, i doubt any schismatic priest would give Absolution to such case. Heh

 

[OrbisNonSufficit]

Other than that, I would also like to mention that wikipedia is pretty clear on this subject:

(Please Note: This uploaded content is no longer available.)

Note the last paragraph. Even if Eastern Catholic is unable to approach Eastern Catholic Priest, he should first seek Western Catholic Priest and if he is unable to find him, he is allowed to seek Non-Catholic minister (western or eastern). This practically means that unity of Church is much more important than Rite itself. Western Catholics can approach sedevacantist Priests under stricter circumstances than Eastern Catholics can approach Eastern Orthodox Priests (and both sedevacantists and Orthodoxy are in similar status with Catholic Church- valid sacraments, but not in full communion).