The Gift of Confession: a Positive Approach to the Sacrament of Reconciliation: 25 Benefits for You / Fr Michael de Stoop

Foreword by George Cardinal Pell

Our consumer society has conditioned us to ask ourselves such things as, “What do I get out of it? What is in it for me?” Rather than fight against this mentality, why not use it in our efforts to help people have a renewed interest in Confession? Surely the best way to help people appreciate this sacrament is to elucidate the many benefits we receive from it. To that end, this book focuses on 25 striking things Confession affords. This positive approach is a welcome alternative to viewing this sacrament simply in relation to sin. It demonstrates that Confession gives us much more than it takes away! Taking “negative” things (sin) away is one thing for which this sacrament is well known, but how many people think of the Sacrament of Reconciliation in terms of the “positive” things it provides for us? It is informative and entertaining as it is illustrated with interesting analogies, true stories, Church teaching, quotes from the saints and answers to popular questions.

Fr Michael de Stoop is a priest of the Archdiocese of Sydney. He was ordained in 2001 and is currently an Assistant to the Dean at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney. He is also the Cardinal’s Deputy Master of Ceremonies, the Archdiocesan Director of Vocations, the Catholic Youth Services Chaplain, and the State Chaplain for the Knights of the Southern Cross. He is the author of the book, Spiritual Direction: Who is it for & What are its Benefits?

“The Gift of Confession is a timely and positive exposition of Church teaching regarding the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The rich theology of the sacrament expressed in a clear manner, invites the reader to a new appreciation of its integral place in the spiritual life of every Catholic. It is a valuable resource for religious educators as they communicate the life giving nature of this sacrament." John Graham, Assistant Director Religious Education & Faith Services, Catholic Education Office, Lismore

“Given the fall off in recent years it is refreshing to find a book that urges people to take up again the practice of confessing their sins. Readers will be moved and convinced by the real spiritual benefits of Confession. These benefits go beyond the forgiveness of sins to the wider and perhaps, today, the more fundamental matter of reorienting ones life towards Christ. This is a book about God’s unfailing mercy.” Most Rev B J Hickey, Archbishop of Perth

“At a time when the Sacrament of Penance needs to be re-discovered, this book focuses on the great gift of God’s mercy in a way that will help many, especially perhaps the young, to see anew the power and beauty of what the Church offers in the name of Jesus”.
+Archbishop Mark Coleridge

We often hear that the Sacrament of reconciliation is in crisis today. But every crisis is a ‘growing pain’. Indeed, many people today are discovering that this wonderful sacrament does far more than alleviate guilt; it brings the penitent into the loving embrace of the Father. I pray that this gem of a book brings more and more people to this realization.
- Rev Fr Michael Kennedy P.P., S.T.L.

I would have heard more confessions that Fr De Stoop has had hot meals, but he has taught me so much, reminded me of so much, and shown the way to yet more in my use of this Sacrament both sides of the grille. Yes, this book is truly a gem.
- Gregory Jordan, S.J.