Penance?

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kay975

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So I went to confession and told the priest about how I was holding a grudge against my aunt and uncle (that’s a long story), but for my penance he told me to do something nice for them and suggested sending them a Christmas card.

I don’t normally send Christmas cards, and I have nothing wrong with sending them a Christmas card this year, but if I send them one I feel like I have to send others in my family a card too because when I see my aunt and uncle at Christmas they will probably thank me for the card and others in my family might wonder why they didn’t get one.

Would it fulfill the penance if I send my aunt and uncle a Christmas card AND others in my family?

Sorry if the answer to this is obvious, thank you for any responses! 🙂
 
Of course it would fulfill your penance. Pray for you aunt and uncle while you fill out the additional cards.
 
I get FREE Christmas cards from
organizations I contribute to so
sending the cards is no big deal,
but if you have to shell out $5+
for each one, it may be a problem!!
Do what you think is reasonable and
considerate, like CALLING them and
wishing them a great Christmas or
having a mass said for “special intention”
for them.
 
It would fulfill the penance if you sent your aunt and uncle a card.

Sending it to anyone or everyone else is irrelevant to the penance.

As to your feelings, feelings come and feelings go, and not all feelings are really related to what they attach to. If you are worried that your aunt and uncle are going top blab far and wide about your card, it is highly unlikely. Highly.

And even if they did, so what? You do not owe anyone an explanation, and particularly an explanation including that it was a penance.

Likely, however, is that others in the family know there is some sort of dustup between you and your uncle and aunt. all you need to say is “I needed to sent it” and say nothing further. There is no need to detail the reasons for every last thing you do.

I don’t send cards. And if I should choose to send cards, I would not apologize to anyone for someone else I did not send one to, or to someone I did not send one to.

Sending a card to others would be nice. Not required, but nice. Your choice.
 
otjm said:
It would fulfill the penance if you sent your aunt and uncle a card.

Sending it to anyone or everyone else is irrelevant to the penance.

As to your feelings, feelings come and feelings go, and not all feelings are really related to what they attach to. If you are worried that your aunt and uncle are going top blab far and wide about your card, it is highly unlikely. Highly.

And even if they did, so what? You do not owe anyone an explanation, and particularly an explanation including that it was a penance.

Likely, however, is that others in the family know there is some sort of dustup between you and your uncle and aunt. all you need to say is “I needed to sent it” and say nothing further. There is no need to detail the reasons for every last thing you do.

I don’t send cards. And if I should choose to send cards, I would not apologize to anyone for someone else I did not send one to, or to someone I did not send one to.

Sending a card to others would be nice. Not required, but nice. Your choice.
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Clear and to the point.

God bless you for your insights.

And God bless you, OP, during this Advent and Christmas Season. Hope you’re able to be reconciled to your aunt and uncle.🙂
 
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