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So, why is it that a person who is not Catholic cannot go to a Catholic priest, confess their sins and receive absolution? This question is very similar to, "why can't non-Catholics receive communion at mass?" The answer is equally similar and it has to do with what it means to receive these sacraments. As a catholic receiving communion, I am saying I believe not only what the Church teaches about the Real Presence of Jesus in that sacrament, but also that I believe everything the Church teaches and am in full communion with the Church. Similarly, when I go to confession, I acknowledge the priests' authority given to him by God to forgive my sins and absolve me. But Holy Mother Church in her wisdom has placed conditions for the priest and penitent before absolution can be granted. Consider the following text:
In virtue of Christ's dispensation, the bishops and priests are made judges in the Sacrament of Penance. The power to bind as well as the power to loose has been given by Christ. The minister therefore must have in mind not only his own powers, viz., order and jurisdiction, but he must also keep in mind the dispositions of the penitent. If
(a) the penitent is well-disposed, he must absolve;
(b) if the penitent lack the requisite dispositions, he must endeavour to create the proper frame of mind, for he cannot and may not absolve one indisposed;
(c) when dispositions remain doubtful, he employs the privilege given above in conditional absolution.
When the minister sees fit to grant absolution, then he pronounces the words of the form (supra) over the penitent. It is commonly taught that the penitent must be physically present; consequently, absolution by telegraph has been declared invalid, and when questioned in regard to absolution by the telephone the SacredCongregation (1 July, 1884) answered Nihil respondendum. http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01061a.htm
So we see here that the Church requires things of the penitent before absolution is granted. This is for CATHOLICS. So even members of the Church can be denied absolution. Ultimately we must submit ourselves to the authority of the Church as given by Christ. In both the gospel of John (chapter 20) and Matthew 18 the Apostles (and only the apostles) are given the power to bind and to loose, to forgive and retain sins. Furthermore those decisions would be ratified in Heaven. It is this acquiescence to authority that divides protestant Christians from the church. It is also only in formal membership in the Church that She knows the penitent knows and understands Her teachings and submits to them.
So, what does all this mean for the non-Catholics seeking the sacraments of the church? I guess it means that the Church has decided to withhold absolution in confession and reception of Holy Eucharist from them because to allow it would be a lie to God. It would be a lie because that person receiving the sacrament is openly not in full communion with all the church believes. Just imagine a person entering the United States and saying, "I refuse to formally become a citizen and pledge allegiance to this country, but I insist you allow me to vote and will take offense if you refuse!" This is all well and good for the Church, but what about those outside the Church seeking grace through absolution? Well, if God has placed this desire in your heart (and if you are seeking sacramental confession I would say this is the case) perhaps He is calling you home to his Church: the only ordinary way this side of eternity He he gives us Grace. Perhaps the non-Catholic with this desire for absolution would consider the possibility he needs to prayerfully discern a call to becoming catholic. Something tells me if God is drawing someone to the sacraments, He might also place good people in that persons life to help and support him on the journey.
(a) the penitent is well-disposed, he must absolve;
(b) if the penitent lack the requisite dispositions, he must endeavour to create the proper frame of mind, for he cannot and may not absolve one indisposed;
(c) when dispositions remain doubtful, he employs the privilege given above in conditional absolution.
When the minister sees fit to grant absolution, then he pronounces the words of the form (supra) over the penitent. It is commonly taught that the penitent must be physically present; consequently, absolution by telegraph has been declared invalid, and when questioned in regard to absolution by the telephone the SacredCongregation (1 July, 1884) answered Nihil respondendum. http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01061a.htm
So we see here that the Church requires things of the penitent before absolution is granted. This is for CATHOLICS. So even members of the Church can be denied absolution. Ultimately we must submit ourselves to the authority of the Church as given by Christ. In both the gospel of John (chapter 20) and Matthew 18 the Apostles (and only the apostles) are given the power to bind and to loose, to forgive and retain sins. Furthermore those decisions would be ratified in Heaven. It is this acquiescence to authority that divides protestant Christians from the church. It is also only in formal membership in the Church that She knows the penitent knows and understands Her teachings and submits to them.
So, what does all this mean for the non-Catholics seeking the sacraments of the church? I guess it means that the Church has decided to withhold absolution in confession and reception of Holy Eucharist from them because to allow it would be a lie to God. It would be a lie because that person receiving the sacrament is openly not in full communion with all the church believes. Just imagine a person entering the United States and saying, "I refuse to formally become a citizen and pledge allegiance to this country, but I insist you allow me to vote and will take offense if you refuse!" This is all well and good for the Church, but what about those outside the Church seeking grace through absolution? Well, if God has placed this desire in your heart (and if you are seeking sacramental confession I would say this is the case) perhaps He is calling you home to his Church: the only ordinary way this side of eternity He he gives us Grace. Perhaps the non-Catholic with this desire for absolution would consider the possibility he needs to prayerfully discern a call to becoming catholic. Something tells me if God is drawing someone to the sacraments, He might also place good people in that persons life to help and support him on the journey.
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