If I have no access to the sacraments, can I baptize myself, or will I be damned?
The short answer
You cannot baptize yourself. But if you die without any chance to be baptized, your desire for baptism suffices. Likewise, lack of access to confession does not shut you off from God's forgiveness: perfect contrition obtains it, with the resolve to confess when possible.
Baptism
Self-baptism is not possible. Still, if you should die with no opportunity to be baptized, your desire for baptism is enough. The Catechism teaches that in such cases the desire for baptism brings about its fruits without being a sacrament (CCC 1258).
Confession
Being unable to reach the sacrament of penance does not exclude you from forgiveness either. The Catechism explains that contrition holds first place among the penitent's acts: sorrow for and detestation of the sin, with the resolve not to sin again. When it arises from love of God above all else, it is "perfect" contrition. It remits venial sins, and it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to go to sacramental confession as soon as possible (CCC 1451-1452).
Never underestimate God's desire to save everyone and his readiness to forgive those who truly repent.
Continue exploring
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