No Penance Given During Confession?

[Laudate_Dominum]

Several times while going to confession the Priest has not given me a penance at all! Is this still a valid confession? When this has happened I'll usually make up some penance for myself later. I've requested penances after but last time I went through confession and didn't realize until after I was out of the confessional that the priest never gave me a penance. What to do?

Thanks.

[cappie]

I never cease to be amazed with what happens in other places!!!

The Code of Canon Law says "Can. 981 The confessor is to impose salutary and appropriate penances, in proportion to the kind and number of sins confessed, taking into account, however, the condition of the penitent. The penitent is bound personally to fulfil these penances."

As the act of penance is part of the Sacrament, the other parts being Contrition, confession and absolution, I would say the priest is at best a bit sloppy, however you would be forgiven because we have the saying: "The Church Supplies" in other words it makes up for the omission or otherwise of the priest

If you can, ask him what he is on about. If you can't find another priest or say your own penance.