Reception of Sacraments in times of emergency

The role of an ordained Catholic priest and the sacraments

On May 4, Mrs. Kathy Redig, a chaplain at Winona Health Hospital, attempted a priestly ordination ceremony at Winona State University. As the Roman Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Winona, it is especially important that I inform the clergy and laity of this diocese that such an ordination is both null and void and invalid and illicit.

It is important for Catholics to know that in order to receive the sacraments of the Eucharist (Holy Communion), Reconciliation (confession) and Anointing of the Sick (in time of illness or danger of death), they must receive these sacraments from a validly ordained Catholic priest. Your parish priest or the Catholic Chaplain at the medical facility, such as the Mayo hospitals, is the priest to contact in these times of emergency. If someone other than a validly ordained Catholic priest attempts to administer these Sacraments in the name of the Catholic Church, these actions are null and void and invalid and illicit and carry with them no sacramental grace.

It is important that Catholics know this information so that they are not misled or confused by the actions of other ministers. The priests of the Diocese of Winona have been working closely with local hospitals to keep the hospital personnel informed how they can be contacted at time of emergency. Proper information and compliance with these directives will avoid difficulty and confusion in time of need.

In our Diocese, we have been blessed with faithful validly-ordained priests who are devoted to offering sacramental service to their parishioners at all times. For additional information on these topics, talk with your local parish priest or go to the Diocese of Winona’s web site at www.dow.org.

+ Most Rev. Bernard J. Harrington, Bishop of Winona

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

"Reserving Priestly Ordination to Men Alone" -- Pope John Paul II

"Pastoral Response on Ordination of Women" -- United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Frequently Asked Questions -- Why women can't be ordained as priests

"Ordination is a calling, not a right" -- Susan Windley-Daoust

"Saddened bishop: Redig's excommunicating herself from Catholic Church" -- Winona Daily News