The Whole-Life Confession: Four Weeks of Awakening to Mercy, Healing and Peace

by William M. Watson

Modeled on the practice of a life confession St. Ignatius made early in his conversion, The Whole Life Confession is a step-by-step four week process with spiritual exercises for each day. It culminates in the grace-filled experience of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Whole-Life Confession is a very dynamic and holistic method that helps you to integrate your spiritual, intellectual and psychological/emotional history. Those who have completed it have been amazed how it allowed them to "see their whole life" as if for the first time. Done any time of year, individually or with a faith community, your life will be changed by learning how to bring your entire life's history--your story-- to Christ in this intensely holistic, deeply personal and healing method of Reconciliation.

149 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 8, 2017

About the author

Fr. Bill Watson, S.J. specializes in building enduring Ignatian-based programs that stand the test of time. The Encounter program at Jesuit High School in Portland, Oregon will turn 40 in 2019 and has transformed the school. The 5-Day Ignatian Retreat at Georgetown University will have its 30th anniversary in 2017 and the Georgetown Freshman ESCAPE retreat celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2016.

Many evangelization programs have a shelf-life or become the victims of unplanned obsolesce. The evangelization programs of Sacred Story Institute, based on Fr. Watson’s past track record, will become part of your faith community and endure in their relevance and effectiveness for decades to come. Invest in programs that will carry your faith community forward, built on the time-tested spirituality of St. Ignatius Loyola.

Reviews

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually did use this book as it is intended and found it life changing and unlike any other book I have read. It was also nothing like I expected. I thought it would walk me through time periods of my life, help me remember my individual sins and make a list for a General Confession. That is not what this book is at all. It helps you, through God's grace, look at your whole life and link patterns of sin. It is not perfectly edited or 100% clear on instructions and I had to read and re-read to understand what I was being asked to do on a few days but once I understood it...wow! I recommend it.

[Fr. Jeffrey Moore · Rating 2 out of 5]

GRANTED, I did not engage with this book at Fr. Watson intended, doing the exercises in real time, etc. Had I, maybe the rating would be higher.

Generally, Fr. Watson has simply taken a well-known spiritual tradition and packaged it up into easy to digest steps. This is certainly a service to those who want to engage this tradition.

However, I did not find that Fr. Watson offered anything insightful or all that helpful in prompting these reflections. This book is likely best used in a prayer group or as an aid during a guided retreat.

[Isabella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vocabulary is too new agey for me. There are so many wonderful Catholic books out there. No need to read this one.