Can I go to confession if my penance isn't finished?

[Binary]

Yesterday I received a penance to attend two weekday masses. I went to mass yesterday, so there’s one. I have the opportunity to go to confession today, and I’d really like to, but I won’t have the chance to go to mass beforehand. Should I hold off going to confession until I’ve completed my penance?

 

[Cristiano]

You should never hold off confession if you are in a state of mortal sin and you are contrite. The penance that you were given is constrained by events outside your control and it sounds like you are still planning to complete it. If you go to confession simply tell your confessor that you have not completed the previous penance, why you did not, and that you still strive to complete it.

 

[Binary]

Great. Thanks!

EDIT: I think I read elsewhere on CAF that it is appropriate to say something along the lines of “and I also accuse myself of any sins I have forgotten” after confessing everything that one rememebers. Is that correct?

 

[marty1818]

There are two punishments we receive as a result of sin: eternal (Hell) for mortal sins that are unforgiven and temporal for venial sins and forgiven mortal sins. We are given penance to make some sort of satisfaction for our temporal punishment. With that being said, you may go to confession regardless of if you have completed your penance or not. Of course your penance should be completed as soon as you are able to. If you are unable to complete your penance you should ask for one that you can complete next time you go to confession. It sounds as though you are able to and are planning to complete your previous penance which is good. Lastly, it’s good to wrap up your confession by saying that you are sorry for all your sins including the ones you cannot recall. While those sins that you legitimately forget (intentionally omitting mortal sins is itself a mortal sin) are forgiven, you should still confess them at your next confession if you should recall them.

 

[Cristiano]

…I think I read elsewhere on CAF that it is appropriate to say something along the lines of “and I also accuse myself of any sins I have forgotten” after confessing everything that one remembers…

…Lastly, it’s good to wrap up your confession by saying that you are sorry for all your sins including the ones you cannot recall…

I think that it does not make any sense of accusing yourself of sins that you have forgotten; however, being sorrowful for all the sins that you committed whether you remember them or not is a different story and part of real contrition. Accusation is charging of a specific offense, contrition is remorse of having offended God.

 

[nickybr38]

Yeah, I read once that one should say at the end of their list of sins: I am sorry for all these sins and any that I have forgotten.

 

[Luvtosew]

Yesterday I received a penance to attend two weekday masses

never heard of that, I’ve never had to say more than a couple prayers.

if you commited a mortal sin go to confession.

Is the above a common penance?? thank you.

 

[Bookcat]

One may confess prior to the completion of a penance. (of course one still intends to do the penance).