A Confessor's Handbook: Revised and Expanded Edition

by Kurt Stasiak

Many today suggest that the sacrament of reconciliation is in crisis. The number of practicing Catholics who seek out the sacrament has, according to many studies, greatly diminished in recent years. No one is suggesting that the need for forgiveness and reconciliation has diminished. Bishops, priests, and other pastoral ministers are often frustrated in their efforts to invite Catholics to the sacrament. Confessors are often left wondering about their role in the crisis. Father Kurt Stasiak offers a major contribution to the dilemma with this very practical, contemporary, and realistic guide, now revised and expanded, for those who "hear confessions." Written with the perspective of modern sacramental theology and the best insights of pastoral care today, this book will help confessors to revive their own interest and commitment to the sacrament. This book has received an imprimatur from Most Reverend Daniel M. Buechlin, OSB, archbishop of Indianapolis. Priests, whether newly ordained or veterans, seminarians, and professors in seminary who teach courses on the sacrament of reconciliation, will find this to be an indispensable help in their work. †

Genres: Theology, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 1999

Reviews

[Peter Davids · Rating 5 out of 5]

You cannot say everything in a book. First, one cannot violate the seal of the confessional. Second, situations are too various, But this book is and excellent practical handbook. It is a must read for confessors and in many ways a helpful read even for Protestants who take moral guidance seriously.

[Michael Vidrine · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is particularly meant to give guidelines for priests in offering counsel during sacramental confession, even though, as Stasiak himself admits, this is extremely hard to do given the uniqueness of every confessional encounter and the fact that many confessions either do not necessitate or do not even benefit from counsel.
There is a lot here that I disagree with, some of it that I have encountered in my own confessions and have found to be extremely bad form, and much of it being far too voyeuristic for my taste. Most of the advice is good advice, but what is good here is more commonsensical than informative. All in all, the book is not very helpful.

[Dcn. Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great practical helpful guide for priests and seminarians to better hear Confessions in a way most helpful to the one confessing. Seems like the standard book for such in seminaries. Very easy to read with great principles and many examples (though I haven't gotten to apply them in practice yet - six months to go!).

[Kevin Estabrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the more helpful books I've read in my seminary formation.