Sacraments
May a mentally retarded person be a sponsor for baptism or confirmation?
It would depend on how sever the retardation is. Being a sponsor for those sacraments requires that the person have the use of reason. Consult with your pastor before you invite anyone to be a sponsor, especially if there is some question about what may be allowed.
Reprinted from May 16, 1997
Does a couple who receive the sacrament of matrimony receive the full blessing
and benefits of the sacrament when they have been cohabiting before they were
married?
To receive the sacrament of matrimony worthily a person must be in the state of grace, that is, free from unforgiven mortal sins. Fornication is a very serious sin. One who would receive matrimony with such an unforgiven grievous sin on his or her soul would truly be married, but would not receive any grace at all, but instead would incur a further heinous mortal sin of sacrilege. Confession, contrition, repentance, and penance, of course, can remove serious sins from our souls. It is hopped that people who commit sins of fornications before their marriage would approach confession and receive absolution before bestowing or receiving the sacrament of matrimony. Of course, it should be pointed out that many young Catholic engage couples lead lives of chastity and purity, reserving sexual activity for marriage, as God wills and when it is sacred and holy in God's eyes.
Reprinted from May 2, 1997
May a baby have two sponsors of the same gender for Baptism?
The law of the Church states, "One sponsor, male or female, is sufficient, but there may be two, one of each sex" (Canon 873). So, it appears that the answer to your question must be no. Sometimes, in special cases, a priest might all an "honorary sponsor," who would not just be present, but not actually and really be a sponsor.
Reprinted from December 12, 1997
May permanent deacons administer the Anointing of the Sick?
No, only priests may do so validly and licitly.
Reprinted from December 12, 1997
If a sinful priest baptizes a baby, is the child really baptized?
The validity of baptisms does not depend upon the holiness of the minister. As long as the matter and form are correctly used, that is, the sign is correctly placed as Christ instituted it, by someone who is empowered to place that sign, and as long as the correct intention, to do as Christ or the Church desires, is present, the baptism is valid. However, a priest who would administer baptism while being personally in a state of mortal sin, would himself be committing an additional mortal sin of sacrilege.
Reprinted from October 4, 1996
Is it wrong for a Catholic not to receive confirmation?
Yes, it is wrong. The law of the Church (Canon 890) says that the faithful are obliged to receive the sacrament at the proper time. The reception of confirmation is not optional for Catholics.
Reprinted from October 9, 1998
In the sacrament of confession must the priest verbally say the words of
absolution in order for the penitent's sins to be forgiven?
I think that priest must "say" the words and it is not enough for him merely to "think" them. However, the do not necessarily have to be audible to the penitent, although it is very useful if they are.
Reprinted from March 27, 1998