It would certainly seem that way in popular culture (TV, movies, etc), but IMO that's just another area of popular culture that's not really correct. Certainly, the idea that one's penance is simply a matter of reciting a set of words as fast as possible (and nothing more) is not correct ... if that's all the priest tells the penitent to do, the priest isn't really doing his job. My experience has been more along the line of topics for prayer, specific to the nature of what I confessed.
Looks like we are traveling a new trail. Cool.
Are there "rules" for priests in doling out penance? Is these some kind of manual for forgiveness? That is one of the reasons why I pointed to Leviticus. In the Old Testament there were clear rules (set in stone so to speak) of what actions needed to be done to clear the slate with God, like restitution, being removed from the camp, punitive damages, sacrifice, etc.
So if I come to the Priest after having committed the sin of gluttony at Claim Jumper, what would be the "official" penance that I should have to do to clear the slate (other than jogging off the excess weight)?