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Resources for Further Reading & Study

"For my son was dead, and is alive again“
(Luke 15:24)

Read and learn more about the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We recommend the following talks, books, and pamphlets:
Bishop William E. Lori's Pastoral Letter on the 2012 Lenten Confession Campaign

The Sacrament of Reconciliation
Catechism of the Catholic Church, # 1422-1498

The Sacrament of Reconciliation
Catechism of the Catholic Church, # 1422-1498

Rite of Penance (Ordo paenitantiae)
Issued December 2, 1974

Code of Canon Law
Book IV, Part I, Title IV:
The Sacrament of Penance, Canons 959-997

Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments
Circular Letter Concerning the Integrity of the Sacrament of Penance, 2000

"The Sins We Commit Distance Us From God"
Address of Pope Benedict XVI delivered before praying the midday Angelus on February 15, 2009, with those gathered in Saint Peter's Square.

Sacramentum Caritatis
Post-Synodal Exhortation to the bishops, clergy, consecrated persons, and lay faithful on the Eucharist as the Source and Summit of the Church's Life and Mission. Pope Benedict XVI, 2007.

Misericordia Dei
Apostolic Letter in the Form of Motu Proprio
on Certain Aspects of the Celebration
of the Sacrament of Penance.
Pope John Paul II, 2002

Wednesday Catechesis on the Sacrament of Reconciliation
Pope John Paul II
September 8, 15, 22, 1999

"Reconciliation and Penance"
Pope John Paul II's Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation to the bishops, clergy, and faithful on Reconciliation and Penance in the mission of the Church today.

Paenitemini
Apostolic Constitution on Fast and Abstinence
Pope Paul VI, 1966

The Untapped Power of the Sacrament of Penance: A Priest's View
by Msgr. Christopher J. Walsh, Pastor of Saint Joseph Parish, Shelton

Frequent Confession: Its Place in the Spiritual Life
by Dom Benedict Baur, O.S.B.

Why Go to Confession?
by Archbishop Bruno Forte

Go in Peace
by Father Mitch Pacwa, S.J., and Sean Brown

A Guidebook for Confession
from Scepter Publishers

Lord, Have Mercy: The Healing Power of Confession
by Scott Hahn, Ph.D.

Pardon And Peace:
A Sinner's Guide To Confession
by Father Francis Randolph

Why We Need Confession
by Russell Shaw

Confession
by Adrienne von Speyr

Beginning Again:
Recovering Your Innocence and Joy Through Confession
by Catherine Doherty

Confession: Quizzes to a Street Preacher
by Father Rumble and Father Carty

Confession: A Little Book for the Reluctant
by Msgr. Louis Gaston de Segur

How To Make A Good Confession
Pamphlet by Father Kris D. Stubna, S.T.D.
from Our Sunday Visitor

What Catholics Believe:
The Forgiveness of Sins
from Catholic Information Service

Penance
Part of the "Catholic Worship" series
from Catholic Information Service

A Pocket Guide to Confession
by Michael Dubruiel

The Sacrament of Penance
by Sr. Joyce Ann Zimmerman, C.PP.S
A clear and readable guide exploring the richness of the Sacrament of Penance: relationship and reconciliation, spiritual growth, experiencing God's love in joy and peace.