Catholics: What kind of penance does a priest set?

Question

Just curious. Is it still Our Fathers or Hail Marys or is it something else now? All I have to go on is the movies, and movies are not always accurate.

Answer 1

It varies. Most often it is a few prayers to be said. Some priests are a bit more imaginative. For example, if you confess holding a grudge against a co-worker, a priest might assign a penance of doing something thoughtful for that person. Once, my wife confessed being short-tempered with the children and for a penance the priest told her to read the kids an extra bed time story.

Answer 2

Yes, many do ask you to pray a certain number of "Our Father's" and "Hail Mary's." However, I know a few priests who ask you to read certain scriptures and meditate upon them! Some, prefer walking confessions too. Another words, face to face and just talking things through.

There is ONE exceptional priest I know who HATES the traditional confessional and preaches that you go to GOD for forgiveness! He is awesome!

Answer 3

It's usually Hail Mary and Our Father, but other times it is to pray for other people who need prayers or for the person who you have hurt.

Answer 4

The penance relies upon on the sin. as an occasion, if a man or woman lied or cursed, they could acquire prayer as a penance. in spite of the shown fact that, in the event that they stole or committed homicide, they might could desire to grant back what they took or turn themselves in to police alongside with prayer. God bless.

Answer 5

That depends, if it is for a murderer he would advise him to give himself up.
I am not sure what penance, he would give to another priest, who turned to be a bit of a bad apple. We had one in Glasgow not that long ago involved in a murder trial.
He brought a prostitutes into the Chapel House and paid her 100 pounds to walk about his room in the nude, and admitted to having sex with the Murder victim. Murder at St Patrick's Church Glasgow.on google. People were surprised he got off.

Answer 6

2 our fathers and 3 hail marys. It all depends on your sins

Answer 7

Depends completely on the person confessing and their "attrait". In 15 years, I have never given "prayer" (i.e., Our Fathers, Hail Marys) as "Penance"...I never thought that was proper, even when I made my own Confessions as a kid.

I won't say what I do give out....even in general. That would be a violation of the seal.

Answer 8

Forgiveness does not depend on penance.

When you ask God for forgiveness, with or without a priest, your sins are forgiven.

However, raised up from sin, the sinner must still recover his (or her) own full spiritual health. One way to help restore your spiritual health is to do penance.

Penance can consist of prayer, an offering, works of mercy, service of neighbor, voluntary self-denial, sacrifices, and above all the patient acceptance of the cross we must bear.

Such penances help us be more like Christ, who alone makes amends our sins once for all.

The Code of Canon Law, Canon 981 states: The confessor is to impose salutary and suitable penances in accord with the quality and number of sins, taking into account the condition of the penitent. http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P3G.HTM

For more information, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, sections 1450 and following: http://www.nccbuscc.org/catechism/text/pt2sect2chpt2.htm#1450

With love in Christ.

Answer 9

Well, sometimes your right. Sometimes act of contraction. All the same! One god, holy trinity! It is written, one must confess his/her sin! It doesn't have to be a priest, maybe your best friend! Have done that allot, and catholic too! Just confess your sins period, doesn't matter to who, as long as you do!

Answer 10

i think it is still the hail marys