In his overview of the sacrament of penance, Fr. Walsh expresses concern not that this sacrament has undergone more changes than any other through the years, but that Catholics learn to approach it "integrally, meaningfully, and regularly." He describes penance as a sacrament of healing, forgiveness, and reconciliation, and believes that "penance should be the sacrament for contemporary society." That established, Walsh lists and counters three common reasons people avoid confession: (1) feelings of embarrassment and shame, (2) confusion about the sacrament and its forms, and (3) the belief that "basically good persons" have no need to confess. In the chapter on getting back to frequent confession, Walsh explains the benefits of penance or "reconciliation" as the sacrament is now called: grace, ongoing conversion, keeping on track, and moral counsel and spiritual direction. He also addresses the mechanics of confession, particularly examination of conscience, and the role of the priest.

Walsh uses plain language and examples to help make his case, which should be of interest to the large percentage of Catholics who, for one reason or another, are not now or never were in the habit of receiving this healing sacrament regularly.

This is a very interesting book which sheds new insights into the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I would like to recommend this book especially to priests and people who work in spiritual direction.