Qurstions on penance

[beckie_clark]

i was baptized as a protestant (trinitary formula) i know i cant go to confession till i start classes but was wondering if i can do penance before classes

 

[Vico]

i was baptized as a protestant (trinitary formula) i know i cant go to confession till i start classes but was wondering if i can do penance before classes

Yes. Also, in the USA, a non-Catholic Christian, when in the process of converting to the Catholic faith, can celebrate confession before reception. Ask a priest about it.
36. The celebration of the sacrament of reconciliation with candidates for reception into full communion is to be carried out at a time prior to and distinct from the celebration of the rite of reception.

• National Statutes for Catechumenate (1986)*

Penance has three meanings:

1. the virtue of heart by which one repents of sins and is converted to God
2. the reparation (amends) for sins committed by self or others
3. the sacrament of penance giving absolution for sins committed and confessed after baptism.

Example of reparation for forgiven sins: David, forgiven his adultery with Bathsheba, still he had to endure seeing the child die as a result. 2 Samuel 12:13-4

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

i was baptized as a protestant (trinitary formula) i know i cant go to confession till i start classes but was wondering if i can do penance before classes

Until you’re ready for the sacrament (and even afterward) there are other ways of doing penance. See the Catechism starting with section 1434 (it’s online at usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catechism/catechism-of-the-catholic-church/epub/index.cfm).

1434 The interior penance of the Christian can be expressed in many and various ways. Scripture and the Fathers insist above all on three forms, fasting, prayer, and almsgiving,31 which express conversion in relation to oneself, to God, and to others. Alongside the radical purification brought about by Baptism or martyrdom they cite as means of obtaining forgiveness of sins: efforts at reconciliation with one’s neighbor, tears of repentance, concern for the salvation of one’s neighbor, the intercession of the saints, and the practice of charity “which covers a multitude of sins.”