Penance

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Greetings my fellow Catholics, Orthodox Christian brethren, and any others who choose to respond to this querry. I am a sinner who is seeking ways to do Penance before recieving the Sacrament of Reconcillation. To my understanding there are many ways to do penance ranging from fasting to Mortification. So I seek advice on the best ways to repent.
 
Self-imposed penances are always proper, but if I am not mistaken, the Church teaches that well-performed penances that are received at confession ahve the greatest efficacy becuase they are linked to the Sacrament. I would not advise you on your pre-confessional penance, but would suggest you consider that perhaps an Our Father and five Hail Marys imposed by the priest, observed with great charity, faith, and focus are probably even more important.

God bless,

Rory
 
I applaud your desire for penance, however as Rory said don’t hold off on confession.

My advice on penance is to keep it simple. I’m kind of traditional so I’ll suggest you go for the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy:

  1. *]To feed the hungry
    *]To give drink to the thirsty.
    *]To clothe the naked.
    *]To visit and ransom the captive, (prisoners).
    *]To shelter the homeless.
    *]To visit the sick.
    *]To bury the dead

    1. *]Instruct the ignorant;
      *]Counsel the doubtful;
      *]Admonish sinners;
      *]Bear wrongs patiently;
      *]Forgive offenses willingly;
      *]Comfort the afflicted;
      *]Pray for the living and the dead.

      Volunteer at Church. Make a meal for someone homeless. Visit a nursing home. Spend 1 hour at Adoration praying for people you don’t know. Forgive a hurt. Heal a relationship.
 
Newfie_Catholic said:
Greetings my fellow Catholics, Orthodox Christian brethren, and any others who choose to respond to this querry. I am a sinner who is seeking ways to do Penance before recieving the Sacrament of Reconcillation. To my understanding there are many ways to do penance ranging from fasting to Mortification. So I seek advice on the best ways to repent.
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Fasting and abstinence are good, habitual practices, especially combined with the Works of Mercy.

Anything that you would like to do should be discussed periodically with a priest or other spiritual director.
 
Newfie_Catholic said:
Greetings my fellow Catholics, Orthodox Christian brethren, and any others who choose to respond to this querry. I am a sinner who is seeking ways to do Penance before recieving the Sacrament of Reconcillation. To my understanding there are many ways to do penance ranging from fasting to Mortification. So I seek advice on the best ways to repent.
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Lets start by saying that every penance offered to GOD should be done so silently as you can see from Scripture - GOD does not want you to sound a Trumpet and then do penance or to fast and appear as fasting. Make certain the penance is known to you and offered to GOD purely.

As for specific types of penance - every single day offers ample opportunities to do penance. And you dont have to limit your penances to your own salvation but likeiwise for the sins of your neighbor or reparation for them to GOD. Offer up that backache instead of taking aspirin. Give your lunch to that homeless person and offer up the hunger to GOD. Turn off the airconditioning and offer the discomfort to GOD as a penance. The list is endless.

Get in the practise of examining your conscience before you turn in at night and offfer and act of contrition . Offer an act of contrition every time you are aware of comitting any Sin.

If you fall and happen to commit a mortal sin - dont fret - but offer an act of contrition immediately and then confess as soon as possible.

The idea behind the Sacrament of Penance is not just in performing penance but in repentance.

A good confession has to have the elements of amendment of Life. Truly saying to GOD I am sorry for this sin and will not commit it again to the very best of my ability and meaning is. Where many people make their mistake - is in thinking they can go to confession so they sin knowing they can go to confession. Not only is that sin not forgiven - most of the past sins are not forgiven either because the sinner has no intention of amendment and GOD knows it. Remember , sins are of thought word and deed not only deed. Repentance means also being sorry you sinned. Some people are not as sorry as they should be. Think of the Publican and the Pharisee in Luke 18 - the Publican was a sinner and had many sins but when he decided to repent - he went to Temple for forgiveness. Not to proclaim his holiness like the Pharisee. We have to have the attitude of the Publican in Penance. We are to confess our Sins - do penance and amend our lives. Every Catholic sins. But its what we do after we Sin that proves our love for GOD. So let us strive to do our very best in that area for GOD is always watching.

Pax
 
Thankyou for the wonderful insight and advice. One more question my local priest (who really is a great clergyman) on occasion fails to use the proper formula or assign prayers other than the Act of Contrition or for the sick and the dying. Was the sacrament administered validly or do I have to confess these same (mortal) sins again?
 
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