Winter 2013/14

Our Fall selection was the great Catholic classic, Confessions by St. Augustine.  Our Winter recommendation is a brand new book about confession by the popular Catholic author, speaker, and musician, Vinny Flynn.  It is his second “7 Secrets” book, and this time he writes about the 7 Secrets of Confession.

It’s certainly no secret that most of us tend to drag our feet when it comes to going to Confession.  It’s not easy to face our sins, even in the safe confines of the confessional.  And we get discouraged when we have to confess the same sins over and over again. 

Lacking a genuine understanding of the sacrament, many of us approach the confessional out of a sense of obligation, carrying our “laundry list” of sins, and completing our penance as a means to receive the Eucharist.  Or much worse, and for a multitude of reasons, many people avoid the Sacrament of Reconciliation altogether, separating themselves from the great mercy and love of God that comes to those who approach him with humility and sincere contrition.

As Pope Francis has said, going to confession is more than just “going to the dry cleaner.”  In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we have a real encounter with Christ—no different than what we experience in the Eucharist or in Adoration.  And yet, while there are long lines to receive the Eucharist, there doesn’t seem to be the same fervor for Reconciliation.

In 7 Secrets of Confession, Flynn reveals truths about the great sacrament of forgiveness, mercy, and grace.  While reading this book may not entirely eliminate the anxiety you have about going to confession, it will help you to approach the sacrament in a new light—seeing Christ lovingly reaching out to you, waiting for you to be reunited with him and fill you with his abundant grace.7 Secrets of Confession is a beautiful little book for readers of all ages and stages of faith.

From now until February 28, 7 Secrets of Confession will be available for purchase at St. Patrick's Book & Gift for 20% off the regular retail price.