Friday Penance

[MagiDragon]

I've heard that we don't have the option of making up our own penance for fridays, but rather must follow a penance set by our bishop. If this is the case (i don't really think it is . . . it seems too legalistic) then how do we find out what the prescribed diocesan penances are for fridays? If we can't find them, does that obligate us to abstain from meat on friday?

Thanks and Peace,
Joe

[Pio Nono]

JMJ
12/5 - Second Sunday of Advent

MagiDragon,

If you're really concerned about this, you can call your diocesan chancery (often called the "Pastoral Office" or something to that effect) and ask them. Otherwise, the American bishops have given you full freedom to enact your own penance on Fridays [i]if it exceeds the penance that would be felt by giving up meat[/i]. For instance, giving up meat would be pretty hard for me, but giving up coffee would be even harder. Should I give up coffee on Fridays, meat would be permitted for me. Hope this helps.

Yours,
Pio Nono