"Do you go to Confession once a year, or even less frequently? If so, you are missing out. In Confession we can experience one of the most powerful encounters with God available on earth. In this book, Dr. Curran unfolds the five sentences drawn from Confession that will bring you profound peace and spiritual resurrection. Going to Confession once a year will never again be enough."
- Tracey Rockwell, My Catholic Faith Press
The Diocesan Evangelization Committee has chosen "Confession: Five Sentences That Will Heal Your Life" by Dr. Tom Curran as the new One Book One Diocese selection.
Those who have read his book, "The Mass: Four Encounters With Jesus That Will Change Your Life," know that Dr. Curran’s style is very engaging, his outline is always creative and his insights are quite motivational. Those who are new to his writing, as well as those who have enjoyed it in the past, are in for a real treat!
The author outlines his book in three parts, entitled, "On Your Mark." "Get Set" and "Go!" The first part deals with preparing ourselves to receive the gift of God’s mercy. It begins with the simple concept of recognizing ourselves as sinners—that is, seeing ourselves like the blind and the deaf who were healed by Jesus and who are every bit as much in need of His healing touch. And that, Dr. Curran proposes, is the prescription for us all: Be healed!
Part Two deals with five basic parts of Confession, all of which are necessary to enjoy the full benefit of the Sacrament. Catholics learned these steps in some form during their catechism studies: Confession (I did it), Contrition (I am sorry), Petition/Absolution (Please forgive me), Satisfaction/Penance (I will do restitution), and Resolution (I promise to do better). Unfortunately, for many Catholics these steps have become little more than a routine that one goes through on occasion to make ourselves feel better. It is so much more, though, and this section of the book helps us to appreciate how the little sentences spoken in the confessional are important aspects of our everyday spiritual growth, and not just seldom-used memorized phrases.
The final part of the book reflects on our realization that, as the old adage suggests, practice makes perfect. Dr. Curran encourages the frequent use of Confession not because God is keeping track of the total number of times we go, but rather because of the great spiritual fruit that comes from preparing well to receive this gift from God, participating in the Sacrament humbly, and making heartfelt resolutions to improve spiritually. Many of us have a need to improve our mind-set about this great gift. The book cover suggests: "Many Catholics run from Confession. This book will have you running to Confession."
Make a resolution right now to purchase this edifying and motivational book for yourself and also to share it with someone else either by passing it on as a gift or by getting together with others to discuss its contents. The latest edition includes several discussion questions for each of the eight chapters. Reading this book will change your outlook on Confession—if you let it!
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