Msg Base:  AREA 5  - ASK FATHER            CIN ECHO   AMDG
  Msg No: 108.  Sun  7-28-91 15:58
    From: Father Mateo
      To: Chip Wilson
 Subject: Absolution of Non-Catholic

Dear Chip,
 
Canon 844, sec. 3 says:  "Catholic ministers may licitly administer
the sacraments of penance, Eucharist, and anointing of the sick to
members of the oriental churches which do not have full communion
with the Catholic Church, if they ask on their own for the sacraments
and are properly disposed.  This holds also for members of other
churches, which in the judgment of the Apostolic See are in the same
condition as the oriental churches as far as these sacraments are
concerned."
 
Canon 844, sec. 4 says:  "If the danger of death is present or other
grave necessity, in the judgment of the diocesan bishop or the
conference of bishops, Catholic ministers may licitly administer
these sacraments to other Christians who do not have full communion
with the Catholic Church, who cannot approach a minister of their own
community and on their own ask for it, provided they manifest
Catholic faith in these sacraments and are properly disposed."
 
                                  Sincerely in Christ,
                                  Father Mateo