What types of things have you received as penance?

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If you feel like sharing, what type of penance have received after Reconciliation?

My first one after 12+ years was a Rosary (which led me to love the Rosary and dedicate myself to praying it more). Since then, it’s a variety of prayers, usually Hail Mary or Our Father, up to 3.

I hope it’s not inappropriate to ask; I’ve received similar penances whether in another parish, city, area than my own. I saw someone who received a ‘cleaning’ penance, or told to make reparations.

Thanks.
(MOD: please remove if not allowed; and my apologies)
 
Usually it’s prayer but last time it was an act of kindness.
 
I was taught in grammar school that it is inappropriate to ask someone this question. :o
 
The most difficult penance I’ve received was fasting. Usually it is prayer. I’ve never had a Byzantine priest give “Three Hail Marys” or “Two Our Fathers”, but that has been the standard when I go to a Latin-rite priest. Sometimes, it has been to pray for a particular intention, occasionally to pray a psalm, and it is almost always directed toward the particular sins that I have confessed.
 
Lormar said:
I was taught in grammar school that it is inappropriate to ask someone this question. :o
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I think it is inappropriate to ask, as your fellow 3rd grader is walking out of the confessional “What did you get?”, and compare. I don’t find this question to be inappropriate at all.
 
babochka said:
I think it is inappropriate to ask, as your fellow 3rd grader is walking out of the confessional “What did you get?” and compare. I don’t find this question to be inappropriate at all.
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You are free to do as you wish, Babochka! 🙂
 
Typically just assorted prayers (Our Father, Hail Mary, Act of Contrition, etc.) One time, though, the priest added the clause “at Adoration” because there was Adoration going on at the time.
 
What difference does it make, what you got , and what other people got, is it going to matter to you what other people got- no, because it has nothing to do with you , :signofcross: this is what is meant that some Catholics are not Catechised properly. Its confidential what the priest gives one in the Confession, its between God and you, Grow up.
 
The last penance I got was to recite the Hail Mary slowly and often throughout the day and anytime I’m running short on patience. But once I was at a penance service while my husband was deployed. It started at 5 PM and and by the time I got to confess it was after 9. The priest was told me that I had served my penance already just by sticking around so long. I think he noticed my 6 kids (at the time–5 under 8 yrs old) and just felt bad for me. I still prayed a decade of the Rosary which was the normal penance I receive because it didn’t feel right to “get off free” just for waiting to confess.
 
I have a regular confessor, so my penances are usually “tailor made” for my temperment & situation, and always foster some spiritual growth, which is why I prefer to have a “regular” confessor.

My last penace was to attend two daily Masses in the next week.

Doesn’t seem too difficult, but it has been a challenge, just because of my crazy work schedule, but I am guessing that was the point! 😉
I have been having some struggles “prioritizing” my life, and this penace has been a very good way for me to see exactly where my priorities have been.
 
Celtic Woman I believe you were a bit harsh - this was an innocent question no one forced you to answer. Pretty consistently my penance is a decade of the rosary (priest 1) or to spend quiet time with God (priest 2). I often feel like I am getting off easy. Does anyone else ever feel this way?
 
One time the priest told me to help someone in need. I left the confessional wondering what I can do, and as I opened the door to leave the church building, an elderly woman with a walker was just outside and having trouble with the door. So I held the door open for her.
 
Celtic_Maiden said:
:signofcross: this is what is meant that some Catholics are not Catechised properly. Its confidential what the priest gives one in the Confession, its between God and you
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Where in the catechism does it state that this is confidential? The priest is bound to the seal of the confessional, the penitent is not. It might be reasonable to say that it is in poor taste to discuss such matters, but I don’t see what this has to do with being properly catechized.
 
JReducation said:
My Jewish mother. 😃

Before I even converted.
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After having yet another “challenging” moment with my son I am rethinking this and now I beleive it is more ironic than funny.:cool:

I am beginning to beleive God gave us to each other as a form of penance for each other.:o

But also so that we could know His love and forgiveness too!🙂
 
Celtic_Maiden said:
What difference does it make, what you got , and what other people got, is it going to matter to you what other people got- no, because it has nothing to do with you , :signofcross: this is what is meant that some Catholics are not Catechised properly. Its confidential what the priest gives one in the Confession, its between God and you, Grow up.
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Pardon? I didn’t ask anyone’s sins; I didn’t ask for specifics of the confession that led to a penance. Just a POLL, because I was curious what other priests across the nation/world give out as penance.

I remember as a kid that penances seemed a lot harsher than now, or else now I have actually ‘grown up’ and accept the penance with a better understanding. Plus, all of this is ‘optional’ and not required reading or answering. 🙂

Thanks to those who have answered, either in thread or poll (which I made sure was anonymous). 🙂

And for the record, I actually WASN’T catechized much growing up, so thanks for pointing that out. Ignorance is not a sin. There wasn’t a need to be rude or catty; the ‘grow up’ remark was childish in itself. And didn’t I also say
I hope it’s not inappropriate to ask…Thanks.
(MOD: please remove if not allowed; and my apologies)
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(argh, biting my tongue is NOT easy; I did leave out some of my harsher retorts…please pray for me!)
 
ccmcmg said:
Pardon? I didn’t ask anyone’s sins; I didn’t ask for specifics of the confession that led to a penance. Just a POLL, because I was curious what other priests across the nation/world give out as penance.

I remember as a kid that penances seemed a lot harsher than now, or else now I have actually ‘grown up’ and accept the penance with a better understanding. Plus, all of this is ‘optional’ and not required reading or answering. 🙂

Thanks to those who have answered, either in thread or poll (which I made sure was anonymous). 🙂

And for the record, I actually WASN’T catechized much growing up, so thanks for pointing that out. Ignorance is not a sin. There wasn’t a need to be rude or catty; the ‘grow up’ remark was childish in itself. And didn’t I also say

(argh, biting my tongue is NOT easy; I did leave out some of my harsher retorts…please pray for me!)
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Don’t worry–it is not improper–this is an anonymous internet forum and no one is identified, and what penance is assigned is not under the seal of the Confessional. I never was taught you could not talk about your penance. In fact, penances used to be public acts at one time in Church history, so everyone could know you were doing one. You did not deserve the rude responses, and, as a penance, I suggest certain people apologize to you.😉
 
Penances can be discussed, but the priest may not reveal the sins he has heard in the confessional.
 
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