When there is danger of death can a lay person hear confessions?

[AlanTaylor]

So I know that under danger of death a lay person (or one with good intentions) can baptize and that baptism will be valid but, let’s say that someone who has already been baptized and is in danger of death needs to give their confession can a lay person hear it if their is no way an ordained man is able to?

 

[Lea101]

I don’t think so. I believe what the person should do would be to say the act of contrition before passing, instead of confessing to anyone.

 

[snarflemike]

I suppose anybody can hear a confession at any time, but only a priest can give absolution.

 

[VanitasVanitatum]

Only the priest has the power to absolve sins in the person of Christ. Aside from God Himself of course.

 

[phil19034]

As the previous posters said, an Act of Contrition would be the only thing a person can do.

A lay person and even Deacon cannot grant absolution. So the Sacrament of Reconciliation cannot take place without a priest or bishop.

HOWEVER, I guess if confessing your sins to a lay person helps you make a Perfect Act of Contrition (perhaps for humbling reasons), there would be no harm in confessing to a person, as long as you still confess to God too.

But there would be no Sacrament taking place.

I hope this helps.

God Bless

 

[po18guy]

Practically speaking, a lay person, even an atheist, can hear confessions right now. HUGE CAVEAT: It is not a Sacrament and they have no authority to absolve the penitent of their sin. Neither is there any seal of the confessional. In such a cases, an act of perfect contrition by the dying person would be a far better choice, IMO.

 

[0Scarlett_nidiyilii]

No.

But the lay person can pray with and for the patient.

 

[Edmundus1581]

Good responses, and I agree that confessing to a lay person can be of great spiritual benefit at any time

James 5:16

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Religous communities had (and still have?) the “Chapter of Faults” where members confessed their sins to the community. [See correction below]

So, if it is of benefit at any time then it would especially be of benefit in the danger of death if a priest were unavailable. Clearly it is not sacramental, so a priest should be used if possible.

 

[Fauken]

Religous communities had (and still have?) the “Chapter of Faults” where members confessed their sins to the community.

I’m pretty sure they confess how they broke the Rule of life they all follow, not necessarily their sins.

 

[Edmundus1581]

Edmundus1581:

Religous communities had (and still have?) the “Chapter of Faults” where members confessed their sins to the community.

I’m pretty sure they confess how they broke the Rule of life they all follow, not necessarily their sins.

I’ve looked it up and you are correct, although it seems to be either the rule of life (specific) or outward offences against the community (non specific). Thankyou.

 

[thistle]

So I know that under danger of death a lay person (or one with good intentions) can baptize and that baptism will be valid but, let’s say that someone who has already been baptized and is in danger of death needs to give their confession can a lay person hear it if their is no way an ordained man is able to?

NO. A lay person cannot give absolution so confessing to lay person is a waste of time.

 

[babochka]

AlanTaylor:

So I know that under danger of death a lay person (or one with good intentions) can baptize and that baptism will be valid but, let’s say that someone who has already been baptized and is in danger of death needs to give their confession can a lay person hear it if their is no way an ordained man is able to?

NO. A lay person cannot give absolution so confessing to lay person is a waste of time.

While a person would receive no sacramental Graces from a lay person, I think it is a bit much to say it’s a waste of time. Sacramental confession is helpful psychologically and confession to a lay person could be helpful as well. Articulating one’s sins to another person could help an individual organize one’s thoughts and achieve contrition. I wouldn’t do it myself, but I know people I think more clearly when they are articulating my thoughts to another person.

 

[mdgspencer]

I agree that it can be a good idea. I would be happy to take the chance of hearing someone in this case express his regret and consoling him (and telling him to pray if it was called for) if there was no time to get a priest.
But it would be a mistake if a lay person seeks to give the sacrament of confession, since it would be simulating a sacrament, which canon law calls for a stiff penalty.