Open-ended penance

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DarkLight

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I had a confession a while back, while I was in grad school. I think it was something along the lines of uncharitable thoughts. The penance I received was something along the lines of “when you think a certain type of thoughts, pray this prayer.” It was quite definite that that was a penance, not simply a suggestion.

Now, at this point, I’m not really sure what either the type of thoughts or the prayer was. Instinctively I don’t feel like I’m guilty of not doing the penance, but is there some official teaching to back this up?
 
I don’t really think that penance was open ended.
He gave you a scenario wherein you could pray a certain prayer that would bring about a change of heart. I would much prefer that kind of penance than the standard “prayer 3 Hail Mary’s” because I would do that anyway. 🙂
Sounds purposeful to me. Unless you didn’t actually know the prayer…in which case, you could have asked for a copy or a reference to use.
 
DarkLight said:
Can you clarify? So if a priest does in fact give an open-ended penance, is it simply invalid?
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Sacraments have validity, not penances.
You were absolved. Your forgiveness is not contingent on the penance.
 
pianistclare said:
I don’t really think that penance was open ended.
He gave you a scenario wherein you could pray a certain prayer that would bring about a change of heart. I would much prefer that kind of penance than the standard “prayer 3 Hail Mary’s” because I would do that anyway. 🙂
Sounds purposeful to me. Unless you didn’t actually know the prayer…in which case, you could have asked for a copy or a reference to use.
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I mean, I knew the prayer at that point in time. I have no clue what it is now.
 
Despite whatever may have been said, it was pastoral advice, not really a penance. Avoidance of future sins and occasions of sin is advice. Penance is for/about past sins. You are not guilty of anything by forgetting.
 
You’re good, but if it will help ease your mind go talk to a priest, he can help you out.
 
The prayer was simply an aid to avoiding the occasion of sin. It seems to have worked. May God Bless you!
 
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