Confession and Sacraments
Resisting Temptation and Overcoming Sin
by Venerable Louis of Grenada
The Sinner's Guide is the most famous work of one of the most prominent and exceptional spiritual teachers of the sixteenth century. It has been compared to The Imitation of Christ for its breadth, intensity, and usefulness for devotion and has been translated into Italian, French, German, Polish, Latin, and Greek. Covering what many spiritual writers neglect, Venerable Louis discusses both virtue and vice—how to both do good and avoid evil.
Included in this volume are chapters on:
- Eleven motives for practicing virtue
- Twelve privileges of virtue
- Cautions against deferring conversion
- Remedies for the seven deadly sins and others
- Virtues and duties of our state
- And far more!
Venerable Louis stands as a master of the spiritual life throughout the whole Christian tradition. Born in extremely poor circumstances, his mother was widowed when he was five, and the pair subsisted on alms gathered from outside the gate of a Dominican priory. Eventually, Louis became a Dominican himself, and began a career of preaching that resulted, at length, in traveling throughout Spain and Portugal. He attained—despite the humble friar's best efforts—various posts in the Order of Preachers and served at courts of nobles and the queen regent of Portugal. He was offered bishoprics and the cardinalate, but declined all offers. He suffered much in his life, accused by the Spanish Inquisition of heresy unjustly; he was later vindicated by the Council of Trent and the witness of subsequent saints. Indeed, he counts among his readers and recommenders such pillars of sanctity as St. Rose of Lima, St. Vincent de Paul, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Charles Borromeo, St. Louise de Marillac, and St. Francis de Sales, who recommended Venerable Louis's works be read as a "second Breviary."
But Venerable Louis's primary mission, quite unusually for his time, was to write and preach for the laity. Indeed, a disapproving observer said Venerable Louis wrote for "wives of carpenters," maybe forgetting who the Blessed Virgin was. Let, then, the words of this venerable Spanish preacher illuminate your heart with the light of Christ, speaking, as it were, straight from the bosom of the Master.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 496 pages
My Confession Book
by Sr. M. Andrine Welters, OSB
Are your children about to make their first confession or looking for a better understanding of the sacrament? First published in 1958, give them all the instruction they need with this timeless, best-selling work: My Confession Book.
Still relevant and fruitful today, this booklet is still one of the best resources to help children understand the sacrament of Reconciliation.
Inside you will find:
- Preparation for confession
- The conditions necessary to receive the sacrament worthily
- An examination of conscience based on the Ten Commandments and Catholic teaching
- Instructions for how to make a good confession
- Instructions for what to say and do in the confessional
- The Act of Contrition
- Instructions for after confession
- Suggestions for prayer after confession and for the reception of Holy Communion
All of the essential and most important parts of making a good confession are described clearly and with detail. The beautiful illustrations and simple instructions make this small booklet perfect for children making their first confession or wanting a better understanding of the sacrament.
The instructions, prayers, and lessons in this book are ones that your child will never forget, and that they will be happy to have access to through this booklet. They will return to them again and again as a source of guidance in their spiritual life. There is no better resource to give your child while they pursue the graces bestowed by the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
“He that has My Commandments and keeps them, he it is that loves Me.” (John 14:21)
Booklet, size 6" x 3.75", 48 pages
Bound by the Seal
Based on the True Story of a Priest who Sacrifices all to Maintain the Seal of Confession
by Fr Joseph Spillmann, S.J.
It is the year 1888 in the idyllic southern French village of Sainte Victoire. Its pastor, Father Francis Montmoulin, is loved by his faithful parishioners and even grudgingly respected by the local anti-clericals.
Tragedy suddenly strikes, however, when a charitable old parishioner is brutally murdered under the priest’s own roof, and a large sum of money destined to build a hospital for the poor is stolen from her.
All the circumstantial evidence points to the innocent priest as the murderer and he becomes the prime suspect. However, Father Montmoulin knows through the confessional who the real culprit is. He is faced with a decision: either break the seal of confession or face shame, scandal and certain death at the guillotine.
This is an entirely revised and re-typeset version of “A Victim to the Seal of Confession”. The language has been updated to suit a modern readership.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 296 pages
by Donald F. Miller, C.SS.R.
The Examination of Conscience for Adults is a comprehensive examination based on twelve virtues for the twelve months of the year. The object of this booklet is to initiate lay people into the practice of concentrating their efforts at self-perfection on one virtue a month. It provides a fairly complete list of mortal sins to be avoided, of venial sins to be corrected and of helps and counsels that may be practiced.
Booklet, size 8.5" × 6.75", 39 pages, Impr 1959
The Wonder Series #3
by Marion Ames Taggart
This sweet book for children is just one of a set of four by the same author, which has been lovingly restored from the 1920s originals. Intended for little hands, they all have large, thick, durable pages (not quite a board book, but a step up) and lots of full color illustrations.
Thick card, size 8.5" x 11", 16 pages
by Fr Lawrence G. Lovasik
Introduces and explains to children the Sacraments. Illustrated in full colour.
Paperback, size 7.2" x 5.3", 32 pages
Its Place in the Spiritual Life
by Fr Benedict Baur
In this exceptional book, Fr. Baur shows you how to develop a well-formed conscience, properly confess your sins, and develop a firm, practical purpose of amendment. He also shares how to make a meticulous examination of conscience and daily examen, and offers methods for compiling a detailed inventory of your sins. Moreover, Father provides a reflection on the most common sins of omission that lead many to fall into dangerous self-righteous dispositions.
Most importantly of all, Fr. Baur reveals what is really meant by "Christian perfection" and how to attain it in this life. He describes concrete ways to grow in knowledge of self, acquire the strength to uproot sins, and conquer self-love. You’ll deepen your spiritual life measurably as you learn how to:
- Focus on the root causes of sin and surmount sins that you habitually commit
- Overcome thoughts and impulses that are occasions of sin
- Detect when you are becoming lukewarm and promptly revive your love for God
- Grow in reverential love for God and conform your life to His will
- Atone for the temporal punishment due to sin - now, before Purgatory
With clarity and wisdom, Fr. Baur explains why your conscience is holy and must therefore be obeyed. He conveys how frequent Confession increases sanctifying grace in your soul, gives glory to God, and brings healing, joy, and fulfillment. An invaluable resource, this book will enrich your sacramental life and inspire you to greater charity for your neighbor. It will also move you to more frequent and fervent reception of Holy Communion.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5, 256 pages
by Mother Mary Loyola
Those who frequently avail themselves of these Sacraments will appreciate this devotional aid which presents a fresh perspective. Here Mother Loyola's characteristic child-like devotion is a refreshing breeze in a still room.
The examination of conscience found in this manual is particularly helpful in rooting out our hidden faults and passions.
Paperback, size 4.37" x 7", 178 pages
The Mass, Seven Sacraments, Indulgences, Sacramentals
A Course in Religion II
by Fr John Laux, M.A.
Fr. John Laux's timeless text thoroughly explains the philosophical and theological foundations of Catholic doctrine regarding the seven Sacraments, the Extraordinary Form of the Mass, indulgences, and sacramentals. After reading Mass and the Sacraments, students will enjoy a fuller, more profound grasp of the gift of our Catholic faith.
Topics include the Scriptural basis of each Sacrament, the matter and form, the development of doctrine, and the effects of each particular sacrament on the soul. Recommended for 9th grade students enrolled in TAN Academy’s Pre-Conciliar Theology.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 212 pages
Talks before Confirmation
by Mother Mary Loyola
Any book on the sacrament of Confirmation can explain what Confirmation is, but this is the only book that explains, in the most original and engaging manner, what Confirmation does. It is both a dialogue and a travelogue, taking the reader on a journey from the Crusades to the Crimea; from medieval ceremonies of Knighthood to early modern methods of warfare.What does it mean to be a Soldier of Christ? For the true child of God, life is a daily battle against a well-concealed foe--that is, our own flaws and failings--and Mother Mary Loyola proposes to arm young recruits adequately for this task, leaving no stone unturned in her quest to root out this 'enemy at home'. This is the sort of basic training no young Catholic should be without.
Please note: this is considered a revised edition due to the correction of errors in the original text, the addition of selected footnotes, and minor clarifications in punctuation or phrasing. No material has been removed or rewritten.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 354 pages
This small booklet contains prayers and over fifteen stories to assist parents in preparing their children for First Holy Communion.
Booklet, size 8.5" x 5.5", 30 pages
by Francis McGrade.
Tells children how we should always do what our parents want us to do and if we don’t we should apologize and try to make up for what we’ve done. Tells how confession is the Sacrament of Penance and it is good for our souls, what we should do at confession and what we should remember. Filled with lovely pictures.
Age range from 2-10
Paperback, size 6.3" x 5.2", 32 pages, Impr, 1953
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Preparation for Confirmation
According to the Baltimore Catechism
This book is an easy-to-understand step-by-step preparation for receiving, appreciating and following the rite of the sacrament of Confirmation.
Preparation for Confirmation is divided into three sections:
Part 1: Quiz yourself with regards to the minimum knowledge necessary to receive the Sacrament.
Part 2: Q&A catechism on the sacrament of Confirmation, explaining its 4 principal effects, the 7 gifts and the 12 fruits of the Holy Ghost.
Part 3 Explains the rite of Confirmation.
Booklet, size 8.5" x 5.5", 26 pages
A Little Book for the Reluctant
by Rev. Msgr. Louis Gaston de Segur
Aside from the Holy Eucharist, no sacrament of the Catholic Church is more important to leading a Christian life and growing in virtue than Confession. In it, the torrent of Christ's Precious Blood is poured onto us to relieve us of our guilt for sin and provide the graces necessary to become holier and avoid vice. Why, then, do so many Christians avoid this sacrament instead?
For those who are fearful, dubious, unrepentant, or otherwise reluctant, Bishop Louis Gaston de Segur provides Confession: A Little Book for the Reluctant to allay fears and to give courage in approaching Confession, that Sacrament which will unlock the Gates of Heaven for many. With over 30 common objections answered and put to rest with the good bishop's particular kindness, wit, and wisdom, this short booklet will ensure no one will demur from approaching Our Lord to get shriven in this most holy and readily available sacrament.
Bishop Louis Gaston de Segur organized the first Eucharistic Congress in Lille, France, in 1881. He was a prolific author of apologetic and catechetical works, as well as a leader of charitable efforts. His works span all aspects of the Christian life and have found much use both in the original French and in translation.
Booklet, size 6" x 3.75", 88 pages
With an Examination of Conscience
by The Benedictine Convent of Clyde
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.
Throughout the booklet you will find topics like:
- The Blessings of Confession
- The Five Things Necessary for a Good Confession
- How to Make a Good Examination of Conscience
- Prayers Before Confession
- An Easy Method of Going to Confession
- Prayers After Confession
Whether you are about to make your first Confession or looking to gain all the spiritual benefits of a devout confession, this booklet is the perfect on-hand resource! It will give you easy access to all the basic prayers for Confession, as well as all the traditional resources you need to understand the Sacrament. Confession is the key to salvation and this booklet will help you make use of the many graces that God is offering.
“Your sins are forgiven...Go in peace.” (Luke 7: 48, 50)
Booklet, size 6" x 3.75, 88 pages
For Little Catholics
by Francis McGrade
An invaluable resource for helping little Catholics understand God's personal love for them. It explains in terms children can understand: what sin is and how we must avoid it. This book gives a great examination of conscience for children along with the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and the Act of Contrition.
Beautifully illustrated throughout, this reprint of the 1953 classic will undoubtedly be an excellent aid for families with young children, helping them not only to grow in virtue but also to love and understand the Sacrament of Confession.
Hardcover, size 7" x 5.75", 38 pages
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by St Leonard of Port Maurice
Jesus is the physician of our souls, and it is through his priests that he exercises this healing power in our ailing world. Our hope is that priests and laymen may, through the study of this small volume from one of the great Franciscan confessors of the 18th Century, arrive at a more thorough understanding of, and a great love for, the healing sacrament which reconciles the sinner to the all powerful, all just, all seeing, and all merciful God.
Paperback, size 85" x 5.5", 68 pages
by Mother Margaret Bolton
Mother Margaret Bolton began her career in 1892 as a public school teacher in New York City before entering the Convent of the Cenacle of St. Regis in 1913, where she soon became Director of Religion. To prepare younger children for the series, while also readying them for reception of the sacraments, she developed this series of six booklets called "A Little Child's First Communion."
Book One: God is Love
Book Two: God Loves Truth
Book Three: God Sent His Own Beloved Son
Book Four: The Holy Way, The Straight Way
Book Five: Temples of the Living God
Book Six: Come, Lord Jesus
All six booklets are included in this one volume.
Intended to be used either in parochial schools or in parish catechesis programs, this series involves the parents in their child's formation through stories and activities. When paired with its manual, called Foundational Principles for Catholic Doctrinal Action, the parent or teacher is supplied with an overview of the didactic methods as well as the basis for each of the concepts taught in the series, including quotes from Scripture, the Catechism and the Church Fathers.
Paperback, size 9.25" x 7.5", 256 pages