Just joined the Church - a question on a forgotten penance

[nesguy]

My wife and I just joined the Church last night during the Easter Vigil. We really enjoyed being Candidates in the RCIA process. One of the things they said we had to do prior to joining the Church was to go to confession. I went last week, spoke to the priest and did my penance (an Our Father).

Yesterday morning, I had some more things I wanted to talk to the priest about in Confession before we went through with the Vigil last night. He told me my penance was to say a prayer of thanksgiving to God when we arrived at the Vigil last night. With the hustle and bustle of the night’s activities (and bringing our baby along to be baptized into the Church), I forgot to do my prayer of thanksgiving. I remembered in Church today, and said my prayer. I’m just worried that I messed up something spiritually by not doing my penance from my second confession before being welcomed into full communion with the Church. Is it something I should talk to a priest about, or am I just being paranoid? I’m pretty new to the way a lot of things work in the Church, so I’d appreciate any help and advice.

 

[puzzleannie]

say a prayer of thanksgiving now

there is no way you can sin by accident, or by forgetting
sin requires full free will consent and intention

 

[Lintaro]

Yesterday morning, I had some more things I wanted to talk to the priest about in Confession before we went through with the Vigil last night. He told me my penance was to say a prayer of thanksgiving to God when we arrived at the Vigil last night. With the hustle and bustle of the night’s activities (and bringing our baby along to be baptized into the Church), I forgot to do my prayer of thanksgiving. I remembered in Church today, and said my prayer. I’m just worried that I messed up something spiritually by not doing my penance from my second confession before being welcomed into full communion with the Church. Is it something I should talk to a priest about, or am I just being paranoid? I’m pretty new to the way a lot of things work in the Church, so I’d appreciate any help and advice.

Dear friend, if it was unintentional, you have absolutely nothing to worry about!
The Lord will forgive small, unintentional things like this, and, by remembering it and saying the prayer in Church, you did the right thing!

If it still bothers you, talk with your priest. But I assure you that everything is all right! The Lord loves you and your family, and He is very happy that you are striving hard to be a devout Catholic. May The Lord bless your family, especially your recently baptised baby. I will pray for you.

 

[nesguy]

Thank you for the encouragements. Is there anything I can read on this to help settle my thoughts? Something out of the CCC perhaps?

 

[Lintaro]

Thank you for the encouragements. Is there anything I can read on this to help settle my thoughts? Something out of the CCC perhaps?

If it still bothers you, nesguy, then I suggest you bring this up the next time you go to confession. I try to confess myself at least once a week. Here’s what the CCC says about confessing regularly:

CCC 1458 Without being strictly necessary, confession of everyday faults (venial sins) is nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church. Indeed the regular confession of our venial sins helps us form our conscience, fight against evil tendencies, let ourselves be healed by Christ and progress in the life of the Spirit. By receiving more frequently through this sacrament the gift of the Father’s mercy, we are spurred to be merciful as he is merciful.

http://catholiceducation.org/images/religious general/penance.jpg

God bless

 

[Bookcat]

Since he “specified” for you to do it then…one would have done so then (otherwise…there is no specified time)…

So in this case:

In your next confession…just mention what happened. He can then give you a new penance…

No worries!!

You just forgot!

Live now in the grace and joy of Easter and in the true life you now have in Christ Jesus the Risen Lord!