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Long story short, my priest said, "I forgive you", instead of the correct, "I absolve you" [of your sins] during the absolution. I understand I will have to re-confess my mortal sins again, but
Am I able to receive the Eucharist until I go to Confession again, or do I have to rush back to Confession ASAP?
This is the second time this priest has done this, and he actually argued with me when I requested he say, "I absolve you".
Evan C.
{ If the priest says, "I forgive you", instead of the correct, "I absolve you", am I still able to receive Communion this Sunday? }
Mike replied:
Dear Evan,
I'm sorry you ran into this sad situation. In my opinion, it shows a lack of proper training from Catholic seminaries.
Since you have brought your concern to the priest with no positive result, you should make your local bishop in the diocese aware of this serious problem.
Just tell him that the priest is using an invalid form for the sacrament of Confession and that you would appreciate it if you would talk to him about changing it to the proper form (words) for Confession. Below is a very popularly viewed post on the valid forms and matters for all seven sacraments. If you do not have any success with your local bishop, touch base with a neighboring bishop in a nearby diocese or write to the Papal Nuncio or the Vatican.
Writing a letter to him may be the best way to go -- as long as it is short and to the point.
Am I able to receive the Eucharist until I go to Confession again, or do I have to rush back to Confession ASAP?
This is the second time this priest has done this, and he actually argued with me when I requested, he say, "I absolve you".
My colleagues may have a different view, but here is my two cents:
There is no need to rush back to any sacrament.
Find a faithful Catholic priest, maybe who is not in your local parish, like at another parish or local monastery or convent, who can administer a valid Confession. Until you get to a priest who can give you a valid absolution, I would refrain from receiving Communion but say a Spiritual Communion in the pew.
Spiritual Communion
O Lord Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar.
I love you above all things, (with all my mind, with all my heart, and with all my soul).
I love you because you are infinitely good and worthy of all my love.
Since I cannot receive You now sacramentally, at least come spiritually into my heart.
I embrace myself entirely to You and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You.
Come Lord Jesus and glorify Yourself through my weak, broken body.
Amen.
When I have to say a Spiritual Communion, I also ask that I receive all the graces, that I would normally receive sacramentally, spiritually.
I hope this helps,
Mike
Evan replied:
Mike,
I appreciate the help.
I found an article before Mass that got me to decide to receive the Eucharist, but now I'm worried I wasn't supposed to. This is the article I found:
Any other opinions or thoughts will be appreciated because now I'm worried about sacrilege.
Thanks,
Evan
Mike replied:
Dear Evan,
From top to bottom, I thought this was a very good article.
The only area I would question would be Fr. McNamara's fifth paragraph down starting:
"In this case, God would certainly . . ."
Obviously, if his answer were more faithful to the Church, than mine, I would change my mind and submit to that view, something that requires humility (something satan hates.)
I recommend all our (visitors/readers) read this piece (from EWTN) after reading your original question and reply to me.
Mike
Evan replied:
Dear Mike,
I super appreciate your answers but at a moment of haste I went with that article because Mass was upon me, and I didn't know what to do.
If I'm understanding the article correctly, it's saying that while my mortal sins still need to be confessed again, I may be in a state of grace — kind of like when you forget to mention a mortal sin in Confession. You are forgiven, but they still need to be confessed at the next Confession.
Am I reading this right?
I have a scrupulous conscious, but it's gotten better since I've now been on medication.
Evan
Mike replied:
Hi Evan,
Sorry, it took me a while to get back to you.
I've been a bit busy between work and bad weather in my area. I wasn't aware that medication was an issue.
That said, we are not priests nor doctors. The best way to address your specific situation would be by talking with a faithful pastor or priest of the Church in your parish or a neighboring parish. Share our conversation with him and go with what he recommends.
He'll probably agree with you.
That's the best I can do.
Mike
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