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Hi, William —
Let me concur with my colleague Eric but elaborate.
For any of the seven sacraments to be valid the correct form and matter must be used.
This posting gives you what each form and matter are for each sacrament:
For Confession:
Confession
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Form: Acts of the Priest saying: God, the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of his Son has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church, may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
Matter: Acts of
the Penitent: Contrition, Confession, and Satisfaction for sins. |
Based on your question, it appears like the Confessor was giving you the correct form of the sacrament though his words were either:
- said quickly, or
- slurred.
As Eric said:
Don't worry. God is not a legalist. He is full of grace and mercy.
Now if, instead of saying, "I absolve you from your sins", the Confessor said, "I forgive you of your sins" or something similar, I would notify the local bishop and make him aware that this priest is doing something that he shouldn't be doing.
Hope this helps,
Mike
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