Freedom and Forgiveness: A Fresh Look at the Sacrament of Reconciliation

by Paul Farren

Overview

What does confession mean?  Why do I need forgiveness?  How can I reconcile a broken relationship? 
In Freedom and Forgiveness, Father Farren offers an image of God as the first one who confesses. He confesses his love and his forgiveness for us. He confesses that he made us in his own image and likeness, and that we are perfect as he made us.   

In Confession we are reconnected to the voice of God in our soul who whispers — Do not be afraid.  I have redeemed you.  I have called you by your name.  You are mine.  You are precious in my eyes.  You are honored and I love you.  God’s love transforms our lives and affects our relationships with others.   
  
Misplaced guilt and shame paralyze individuals, causing division, bitterness, and blame. Freedom and Forgiveness outlines God’s true nature, explores spiritual graces, and promotes spiritual healing found in the sacrament of Reconciliation. This book aims to take the fear out of Confession and lead the reader into the tender and gentle embrace of the God where they can be free to confess their need for God and God’s forgiveness. 
  
This little book is easy to read, and deeply prayerful. Father Farren’s Irish storytelling background comes to the forefront as he writes simply but effectively, painting a picture of the sacrament of Reconciliation which presents a loving God who longs for a restored relationship with his children. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798893480030
Publisher:	Paraclete Press
Publication date:	01/28/2025
Pages:	112
Product dimensions:	4.25(w) x 7.00(h) x (d)
Age Range:	14 Years

About the Author

Fr. Paul Farren, a native of Ireland, was ordained a priest in 1997 for the Diocese of Derry. He studied in St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth, and The Catholic University of America in Washington DC. He is currently Parish Priest of St. Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry, and Director of the Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre.

Editorial Reviews

In Father Farren’s short book, he explores how confession brings us into the realm of freedom and forgiveness, reveals the nature of God and of ourselves, and produces in us a proper sorrow for our sins. Father Farren also gives practical instruction for those who wish to enter deeper into the practice of Confession, both in its formal parish celebration and in the preparation for it.” —The Most Reverend David L. Ricken, DD, JCL, Bishop of Green Bay

“It is one of the best I have seen of its genre.... Thank you for making the book attractive, easy to read, 'in touch' with current culture but not enslaved, and encouraging not only the sacrament but the experience of forgiving.” —Fr Patrick Dooling, San Carlos Cathedral

“Freedom and Forgiveness takes a hard look at the Sacrament of Reconciliation from the angle as God the Confessor.  He writes, ‘What does God confess?  He confesses his love, his forgiveness, his gratitude, his confidence, his trust, and his belief in us’.   We often go around seeing God as unyielding judge who can’t wait to tally up our rights and wrongs, but fail to see the pursuing God of love for his creation.... I cannot say how much this book was a blessing that points myself and others towards God. This book will surely challenge you to see forgiveness through the lens of God’s love and move you toward a life of forgiveness.” —Spencer Cummins, For All it’s Worth

“Fr. Paul Farren's book is a complete gem, encouraging people to go to confession and to allow that to be a significant way of growing towards God. It is not a particularly technical book, but focuses mainly on the nature of God, an encounter with love. The wonder of this book is that it does not emphasize the centrality of our sinfulness, but emphasizes that God confesses his love and his trust in us. A beautiful way to end God's wait is to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation. We are encouraged to look into the eyes of God to realize the ways we may grow closer to the Divine.” —Anglican Times-William Scott, an Anglican priest who serves as Domestic Chaplain to the Queen at Buckingham Palace

“Father Paul Farren helps guide readers to a place where they want to re-examine this neglected sacrament so it becomes the mode of deeper relationship with God. In this precise book, he discusses this sacrament by looking more closely at the gift of freedom; who is God; who am I; forgiveness; and celebrating the sacrament. His style is gentle yet persuasive as he invites Christ-followers to come closer to the God they love through introspection and outward lifestyle change.”
—Michele Howe, CBA Retailers and Resources


“Freedom and Forgiveness is an excellent resource for all those who teach the Sacrament of Reconciliation, for personal enrichment, and for small group and parish-wide presentations and discussions.  It has enriched my understanding and experience of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and offered new insight.” —eCatechist: Ideas, Inspiration, Resources

 

From the Publisher