Confession and Penance

[Twilight_Crow]

This might be a silly question, but…

I go to a church where I am blessed to have a set of priests willing to hear confessions before every mass. This is amazing, but it led me to a question today.

Both of the priests have certain patterns in their assignment of penance. Usually it’s a scripture reading or a prayer. However, I was running late and was assigned a lengthier penance than I am used to. Since I wanted to go to mass, I did my penance, but I felt a bit rushed.

So my question is this: is it permissible to attend mass before completing one’s penance, with the full intent to do so later?

Thanks!

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

So my question is this: is it permissible to attend mass before completing one’s penance, with the full intent to do so later?

Thanks!

Absolutely!

My spiritual director usually gives me penances that start “for the next week, take some time each day to…” and then he adds something about praying about something, reflecting on something, doing something in particular. It would be impossible to complete the penance before the next Mass.

 

[Twilight_Crow]

Great. Thanks!

 

[Bookcat]

Yes

 

[puzzleannie]

So my question is this: is it permissible to attend mass before completing one’s penance, with the full intent to do so later?

Thanks!

of course it is permissible, you can do your penance any time, that day is best so you don’t forget, but there is no rule it has to be immediately after confession.