Confession: Its Fruitful Practice

This wonderful and practical little book explains clearly and thoroughly how to make a good Confession — but in much greater detail than covered in most catechisms. It includes an examination of conscience (plus a discussion of lax, scrupulous and doubtful conscience), contrition and its necessary qualities, the purpose of amendment and its necessary qualities, avoiding the near occasion of sin, the actual Confession of sins to the priest, and the penance given by the priest. This booklet also explains perfect and imperfect contrition and how to make acts of perfect contrition. It then considers sacrilegious Confession, how to rectify a bad Confession and the reasons for a general Confession. Confession of venial sins is also discussed, as well as the many, unheralded benefits of frequent Confession. 

After these beautiful, clear explanations, the booklet then guides the reader through preparation for a good Confession, including an Examination of Conscience based on the Ten Commandments of God, the Six Precepts of the Church, the Seven Capital Sins, the duties of one's particular state of life, and the Corporeal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. Also included are considerations to excite contrition and prayers before and after Confession.

This is truly a most valuable little handbook about Confession, packed with the traditional teachings of the Church on the Sacrament of Penance — a Sacrament which is both the salvation of those in mortal sin and a much-neglected and easy means of growth in holiness for all Catholics.

The Benedictine Nuns of Perpetual Adoration are a monastic community with a ministry dedicated to prayer. Founded by Mother Mary Felber in 1874, the nuns now live under a Rule and a Prioress, and are strongly devoted to the practice of Eucharistic Adoration. Their monasteries are located in Missouri, Arizona, and Wyoming, and their dwellings are united under a central Congregation.

The Benedictines support themselves by working with altar bread, correspondence, and handcrafts. Their largest monastery, located in Clyde, Missouri, houses seventy-four sisters, and also serves as a central administration and health care facility. In addition to St. Michael the Archangel, the Benedictines have also published Spirit and Life magazine and run the Monastery Creations gift shop.