Expert: Edward Bode - 1/25/2010

Question
I realize that under 99% of the time confession is between a Catholic person and his or her cleric.  My question is that if a person is dying and there is no cleric available such as on a battlefield or a remote area and death will occur before a priest can arrive to hear the confession, "can a lay person hear the confession and then at the next opportune time give the dying person last confession to the priest, and would it be a valid confession?"

I have been trying to find cannon law or Church policy on this without any success.

Thank you for your time!

Regards,

Mike

Answer
The answer to your question is: No.
However, there is a realistic solution: perfect contrition.  "Perfect" means motivated by a love of God above all else, one has true sorrow for sin and resolution to make amends and not to sin again.
In any situation, perfect contrition with the intent to receive the Sacrament of Penance brings forgiveness.  However, in ordinary circumstances, that Sacrament needs to take place before reception of Holy Communion.
For a further detailed explantion, check The Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 1450-1460, 1486-1497; the catechism is available online at: www.usccb.org/catechism/text/index.htm
Also, the Code of Canon Law, #916, 960, 987-991, covers some of the material presented in the Catechism.
If you would like more from me, please feel free to write again.
Best wishes, Mike.