E
ethereality
Guest
There were about five of us in line for Confession when it was time for tonight’s Saturday Vigil Mass to start. The chapel, where Confession is held, is also used as a “cry room” during Mass for parents with infants, babies and toddlers, so Confession was ended and the chapel prepared for them. I had been in line for some time, finally about third in line.
I approached the priest (who is the pastor of our parish) to try scheduling a meeting with him for Confession before tomorrow’s Sunday Mass. I assumed I would go up for a blessing during Eucharist this evening, and receive the Eucharist after Confession tomorrow: I had some grave sins to confess (according to CCC 2351, 2352, 2354, 2358) and still am unsure whether they were mortal.
He asked me whether I had anything serious, I replied, “Er, some grave sins…” and he promptly gave me absolution for them and told me I could receive Communion. Mass was minutes from beginning. I didn’t confess those sins – although I was contrite – but I believed him: He consecrates the bread and wine for the Eucharist, so what reason do I have to doubt what he says now? I asked him about scheduling a Confession, and he said I could call the church office and schedule one later in the week if I wanted to. (The Sacrament of Confession is available about 75 minutes before the Saturday Vigil Mass, and by appointment via the church office.)
I don’t see any reason to doubt what he says about the absolution of my sins, but I am uncomfortable due to the unusual circumstance in which I found myself. I did receive both the Body and Blood of Jesus later during Mass. Was the absolution valid? If it wasn’t, what should I do? What makes an absolution of sins invalid?
Thanks for your help.
I approached the priest (who is the pastor of our parish) to try scheduling a meeting with him for Confession before tomorrow’s Sunday Mass. I assumed I would go up for a blessing during Eucharist this evening, and receive the Eucharist after Confession tomorrow: I had some grave sins to confess (according to CCC 2351, 2352, 2354, 2358) and still am unsure whether they were mortal.
He asked me whether I had anything serious, I replied, “Er, some grave sins…” and he promptly gave me absolution for them and told me I could receive Communion. Mass was minutes from beginning. I didn’t confess those sins – although I was contrite – but I believed him: He consecrates the bread and wine for the Eucharist, so what reason do I have to doubt what he says now? I asked him about scheduling a Confession, and he said I could call the church office and schedule one later in the week if I wanted to. (The Sacrament of Confession is available about 75 minutes before the Saturday Vigil Mass, and by appointment via the church office.)
I don’t see any reason to doubt what he says about the absolution of my sins, but I am uncomfortable due to the unusual circumstance in which I found myself. I did receive both the Body and Blood of Jesus later during Mass. Was the absolution valid? If it wasn’t, what should I do? What makes an absolution of sins invalid?
Thanks for your help.