Help with penance

[helpme94]

I went to confession today for a sin i have been struggling with for a long time. my penance was to perform one charitable act. I am a teen and live with my parents. i normally don’t give my own money at church, my parents give a generous amount for the whole family. I thought that tomorrow at mass I could give 5 dollars out of my own money in the offering. Do you think this would fulfill my penance? I really want to do it right and not cut corners.Any other ideas on better things to do?

 

[Tannhauser]

I went to confession today for a sin i have been struggling with for a long time. my penance was to perform one charitable act. I am a teen and live with my parents. i normally don’t give my own money at church, my parents give a generous amount for the whole family. I thought that tomorrow at mass I could give 5 dollars out of my own money in the offering. Do you think this would fulfill my penance? I really want to do it right and not cut corners.Any other ideas on better things to do?

An act of charity is more about your intention… it’s not about how big the thing is. Just offer to do the washing up for your parents; take the dog out; or give some of your time over for somebody’s elses intentions…

Penance is not supposed to be difficult; it’s about bringing us closer to God. Giving 5 dollas would be fine, but it might be better for you to save your money and do something for your family instead…

Remember: Penance is not about punishment: it’s about bringing us back into close communion with God. An act of charity is about an act of kindness from the heart… it’s not about ticking boxes. Look at what the fruits of the Spirit are in Galatians 5:22 and then try to act from these principles (e.g., an act of kindness…).

Hope this helps God knows that you’re not trying to cut corners. Read 1 John 4:7-21.

 

[George_Stegmeir]

Why not do some household chore, like mowing the lawn or washing the family car without being asked. Don’t tell your parents in advance, just do it, but be careful you don’t give your mother a heart attack in the process(lol).

 

[fred_conty]

I went to confession today for a sin i have been struggling with for a long time. my penance was to perform one charitable act. I am a teen and live with my parents. i normally don’t give my own money at church, my parents give a generous amount for the whole family. I thought that tomorrow at mass I could give 5 dollars out of my own money in the offering. Do you think this would fulfill my penance? I really want to do it right and not cut corners.Any other ideas on better things to do?

Donation of money for a good cause is one form of charity. $5 sounds good.
To top it off, you might give you mom a big kiss.

 

[PiousTemplar]

Say ‘Hi’ to me.

Penance completed.

(just kidding, don’t think that would be enough! )

 

[Saburo]

There are a lot of people on this board sincerely asking for prayer. How do you know that your prayer won’t be the one to deliver them? Select a few, then spend ten minutes in the quiet of your room or after mass in sincere and selfless prayer for a stranger. This is a wonderful penace that develops your relationship with God and targets someone in need. I doubt your parents would begrudge you ten minutes after mass to pray. Perhaps they wouldn’t mind allowing the parking lot to clear while lighting a candle for a deceased relative, or saying a decade of the rosary, or visiting with friends while you take care of your penance.

 

[puzzleannie]

I went to confession today for a sin i have been struggling with for a long time. my penance was to perform one charitable act. I am a teen and live with my parents. i normally don’t give my own money at church, my parents give a generous amount for the whole family. I thought that tomorrow at mass I could give 5 dollars out of my own money in the offering. Do you think this would fulfill my penance? I really want to do it right and not cut corners.Any other ideas on better things to do?

yes in fact you should be giving a small token sum out of your allowance or other money you receive already to support the Church and care for God’s poor. You might also start looking for practical ways to actually serve someone, beginning at home, outside your required duties, in ways that person won’t detect, which you do solely out of love. That is harder and therefore more meritorious than just giving money. The works of mercy are the place to start.