Was this invalid absolution?

[LP4H]

Quick question. Maybe I’m just being scrupulous here, but yesterday, during the confession, the priest’s absolution was a little different. He didn’t do the whole formula, but he did say the “I absolve you…”, then he said something else (“In His Holy Name”? Maybe? I honestly can’t remember), and then he said “In the name of the Father…”. Despite the fact that it struck me at first as if he wasn’t going to say “In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit”, he did, it’s just that little thing in the middle that has me worried. Would that breaking of the formula invalidate the absolution?

Correct me if I’m wrong, the bare minimum is “I absolve you of your sins, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit”, right? As long as that’s said, I’m in good shape?

Also, and this doesn’t have me quite as worried, but I am concerned, he mentioned that a young, Non-Catholic confesses the same thing I confessed to him. He didn’t say that he absolves this man (though I far as I can tell, he does, which I know wouldn’t be valid). However, that doesn’t bother me so much as the fact that that’s dangerously close (if not completely) breaking the seal of the confessional. Since I of course did not ask for this information, I would think I would be safe, but would this somehow invalidate the absolution?

Like I said, maybe I’m being scrupulous. Wouldn’t be the first time. It’s just that I had a good confession otherwise (if not a particulary pleasant one, but then again, it never is).

 

[Genesis315]

From what I have read, the bare minimum is simply “I absolve you”

 

[PhilotheaZ]

Correct me if I’m wrong, the bare minimum is “I absolve you of your sins, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit”, right? As long as that’s said, I’m in good shape?

Also, and this doesn’t have me quite as worried, but I am concerned, he mentioned that a young, Non-Catholic confesses the same thing I confessed to him. He didn’t say that he absolves this man (though I far as I can tell, he does, which I know wouldn’t be valid). However, that doesn’t bother me so much as the fact that that’s dangerously close (if not completely) breaking the seal of the confessional. Since I of course did not ask for this information, I would think I would be safe, but would this somehow invalidate the absolution?

I think you are correct, the words “I absolve you of your sins, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit” are the “bare minimum.” You are fine.

I agree that the priest should not have revealed anything that another person has confessed, even without naming names. But that is the priest’s mistake; it does not affect the validity of your confession.

If you tend toward scrupulosity, you should find ONE priest-confessor whom you really trust (the one you described may not be the best choice, since his practices seem a little less than trustworthy), confess ONLY to this one trustworthy priest, and obey his advice.

 

[Petergee]

I agree that the priest should not have revealed anything that another person has confessed, even without naming names. But that is the priest’s mistake; it does not affect the validity of your confession.

I agree it’s probably skating a little too close to breaking the seal (I don’t think it is actually breaking it, as from the information I have, neither LP4H nor anyone s/he told would be able to identify the non-Catholic.) But I presume that the priest thought that this information would help LP4H’s spiritual growth in some way; maybe LP4H was overly worried that his/her sin was uniquely bad or confined to Catholics etc. (not that I’m asking what it was!)

Also if a validly baptised non-Catholic goes through the proper form for Confession, does not that make it a valid sacrament?

 

[LP4H]

I agree it’s probably skating a little too close to breaking the seal (I don’t think it is actually breaking it, as from the information I have, neither LP4H nor anyone s/he told would be able to identify the non-Catholic.) But I presume that the priest thought that this information would help LP4H’s spiritual growth in some way; maybe LP4H was overly worried that his/her sin was uniquely bad or confined to Catholics etc. (not that I’m asking what it was!)

Also if a validly baptised non-Catholic goes through the proper form for Confession, does not that make it a valid sacrament?

No, I couldn’t identify the non-Catholic, and the priest mentioned this person to presumably give me some piece of mind (I did not ask for this info, but his intentions to ease my mind, and I’ll dmit, it did help a bit).

Anyway, thanks for all the help! You folks are great!

 

[followerofGod]

I cant figure out how to post a new thread so sorry ill try to make it relevant but i have a few questions connected to this.

1, So I went to confession a couple of times I cant ever remember hearing the words " I absolve you" I caught the tail end of a prayer were the priest kinda goes in a trance and says something about Jesus coming to earth and stuff and the Priest says and “may the lord absolve you of your sins.” I will say that I was not fully paying attention to the words it was kind of hard to follow and i was focusing on my part. He may have said it but I might have missed it. He did say go in peace at the end. what is your thoughts?

2, having said that I have done the confession yet I still get caught up in guilt. I mean I believe I am forgiven my sins because the bible tells us how to be forgiven and I have done this and the bible is the word of God so it must be true but I still have trouble with guilt is this scrupulous and would that make my forgiveness invalid?

 

[puzzleannie]

please get over this need to do an instant replay of every confession, consecration or other priestly action. it is damaging to your spiritual health. you worry about what is your responsibility, let the priest worry about his. Depending on his age, and location, you may encounter priests who say the words so low, or while you are saying your act of contrition, that you don’t know what was said, or even in what language, so don’t sweat it.