Frequent question: Who can confess to a Catholic priest?

Can priests confess?

Under Roman Catholic law, it is forbidden for a priest to disclose information — under any circumstances — obtained in the form of religious confession. If a priest breaks what’s called “the sacred seal of confession,” he will be subject to excommunication from the church.

Can a Catholic priest baptize a non Catholic?

The baptism does not need to be performed by a priest; any baptized Christian (even a non-Catholic) can perform a valid baptism. … In other words, if he intends what the Church intends—to baptize the person into the fullness of the Catholic Church—the baptism is valid.

Where can I confess?

Go to your local church and look up confession hours.

You can usually find them in the church bulletin, on the door of the confessional, or by asking a priest or church staff member.

Is there a confession app?

The app received an imprimatur from Bishop Kevin C. … It is the first known imprimatur to be given for an Android app.

Can a lay person hear confessions?

However, some member churches make provision for individual confession to a deacon or lay person when a priest is not available. … If a deacon or a lay person hears a confession, a declaration of forgiveness may be made in the form provided”.

What sins can a priest not forgive?

New Testament passages And so I tell you, any sin and blasphemy can be forgiven. But blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.”

What are the 4 mortal sins?

They join the long-standing evils of lust, gluttony, avarice, sloth, anger, envy and pride as mortal sins – the gravest kind, which threaten the soul with eternal damnation unless absolved before death through confession or penitence.

What sins should be confessed?

All mortal sins must be confessed, while confession of venial sins also is recommended but not required. The priest may emphasize repentance and offer counsel, and always proposes a penance which the penitent accepts and then recites an act of contrition. The priest imparts absolution.

Can a priest refuse confession?

According to Roman Catholic canon law, “The sacramental seal is inviolable; therefore it is absolutely forbidden for a confessor to betray in any way a penitent in words or in any manner and for any reason.” The confessor is always an ordained priest, because in the Catholic Church only ordained priests can absolve …

Can a priest testify against you?

Statements made to a minister, priest, rabbi, or other religious leader are generally considered privileged or confidential communications. State laws generally exempt a pastor from having to testify in court, or to law-enforcement, about what was discussed in a church confession.