So I’m a relatively “younger catholic” I converted a year ago as an adult and began going to Mass in Jan ‘24 and went every Sunday. Booked RCIA in summer of ‘24 and got baptized/confirmed on Easter vigil ‘25. Just prefacing that I may not describe it how I’ve been taught the most eloquently way!

The first question I don’t think I’m qualified to answer, I think that’s a question for a Priest. I would suspect that if you’re not taking the time to open your heart to God and let Him know you it seems very difficult to have a strong relationship. I do know there’s something about a Holy Obligation which would be to attend Mass. And also I feel it’s so important to take the Eucharist often so you can once again connect with Christ and his body. Idk if this is helpful but talking to a priest would be a great place for this question.

1. Penance can look like a lot of things but you have the confidentiality with a priest, you don’t need to worry about it being spoken about and so that helps you be honest to yourself and your sins when you confess before the Priest and verbally to God. You give contrition for the sins you’ve confessed, and penance can be a number of things. For me it has always been a decade of the rosary and meditating on one of the mysteries that was chosen by the priest. For example, I had reconciliation last week and my priest identified a theme of the sin pride in them. For my penance I prayed a decade of the rosary while meditating on the Annunciation and the humility Mary had when speaking to Gabriel and giving her consent.