Why go to Confession? - Father John Flader - CTS Living the Sacraments Series

Why go to Confession?

CTS Devotions

Father John Flader

Catholic Truth Society
ISBN 9781860826269

eISBN 9781784694982

ASIN B076HSSL8V

CTS Booklet D716

Over the last several years, I have read almost 200 volumes from the CTS. I have read books from many series. And many authors. I have read several books that are part of the CTS Devotions and Prayer Series. I have read many in the CTS Biographies and also Saints of the Isles Series, and the Great Saints Series. This was the second by Father John Flader that I have read. A few years ago, I stumbled across the books and booklets from the Catholic Truth Society quite by accident. I was researching an author I had run across, and was trying to track down all of her works. Soon I had a long lost of books from the CTS on my Wishlist, and it seems that for everyone I read I end up with 1 or 2 more on my wish list. The description of this booklet is:

“The purpose of this booklet is to help those who make use of the sacrament to appreciate it more, and to encourage those who do not, to reconsider its many benefits. Describing the sacrament as 'one of the greatest treasures of the Catholic Church', this booklet considers both the human and spiritual perspectives of Confession. It includes notes on examination of conscience and a helpful Rite to Confession itself.”

The chapters in the book are:

A gift from Christ

Why did Christ institute a sacrament for the forgiveness of sins?

The dedication of priests

The benefits of Confession

The frequency of Confession

Helping others to go to Confession

Recourse to Mary, refuge of sinners

Examination of Conscience

The Rite of Confession

The book was first published by the Catholic Adult Education Centre, Sydney, Australia in 2008. That same year the CTS edition released, and the eBook was released in 2017. I read this booklet in a single sitting; I could hardly put it down. And I know it is a book I will return to and read again and again. The first time I read this book I highlighted 21 passages. A sampling of the passages I highlighted are:

“This situation is most unfortunate, because, in my opinion, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is one of the greatest treasures of the Catholic Church.”

“The answer must surely be that Our Lord instituted a sacrament for the forgiveness of sins because he knew human nature and he knew we needed it.”

“Cardinal Silvio Oddi, the then Prefect of the Sacred Congregation for the Clergy, said in Philadelphia in 1982: “It would be consoling to be able to maintain that there are now more Communions and fewer confessions because fewer sins are being committed. The headlines of the daily papers, however, do not permit us to be satisfied with that explanation. What has happened, of course, is that the people’s sense of sin has been eroded systematically.””

“Pope Pius XII summed it up graphically in a radio message in 1946: “The sin of the century is the loss of the sense of sin.””

“In a pastoral letter for Advent 1998, Archbishop George Pell, at that time Archbishop of Melbourne, elaborated on this aspect of the sacrament: “It would be ironic in an age where we are encouraged to verbalise our problems, and speak about our concerns, when so many more people are helped by competent counsellors, psychologists and psychiatrists, that the personal exchanges necessary in individual confession to a priest should be falling into disuse. Many people are helped wonderfully in the First Rite of Penance, because the combination of personal confession, sincere repentance, absolution, advice and penance are the best means to deal with guilt.” Indeed, it has often been said that many people would not need to have recourse to a counsellor or psychologist if they made more regular use of the Sacrament of Penance.”

“Commenting on the difference between human tribunals and the tribunal of God, a 20th century champion of the Sacrament of Penance, St Josemaria Escriva, writes in his popular book The Way, “What depths of mercy there are in God’s justice! For, in the judgments of men, he who confesses his fault is punished; and in the judgment of God, he is pardoned.” (TW 309) This sacrament is truly, in the words of St Josemaria, “a miracle of God’s love”.”

“Also, in confession we grow in sincerity or truthfulness. In confessing our sins we cannot beat around the bush – we have to be clear. To acknowledge to ourselves and then to tell the priest in clear terms what we have done, is an exercise of and a means of growth in sincerity.”

“And finally, as the fruit of all we have mentioned, confession invariably gives great joy and peace of soul, through the knowledge that we are forgiven and that the burden that was weighing on us has been lifted.”

One of the most important is:

“If confession offers so many benefits, and if Christ gave this sacrament to the Church as a gift, it is only natural that we should want to take advantage of it often. We need it and it will give us the vitality, the self-knowledge, the humility, the sincerity, the grace, etc., that we need to be truly effective leaven, salt and light in society.”

I hope those few passages will pique your interest and challenge you to pick up the book and give it a heartfelt read. This is one of the best booklets I have read from the Catholic Truth Society, and I have read many. It is an amazing read. I highly recommend it.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.

For reviews of other books in the CTS Living the Sacraments series click here.

Books by Father John Flader:

Understanding the Rosary

Why go to Confession?

A Tour Of The Catechism - The Creed

…

Question Time Series: 

150 Questions and Answers on the Catholic Faith

150 Questions and Answers on the Catholic Faith Volume 2

150 Questions and Answers on the Catholic Faith Volume 3

150 Questions and Answers on the Catholic Faith Volume 4

150 Questions and Answers on the Catholic Faith Volume 5

…

A Simple Glossary of Catholic Terms - Edited by Father Jerome Bertram and Dr Raymond Edwards - The Catholic Truth Society

A Simple Glossary of Catholic Terms

Father Jerome Bertram (Editor), 

Dr Raymond Edwards (Editor)

Catholic Truth Society

ISBN 9781860825743

eISBN 9781784693848

ASIN B073GZJHFY

CTS Booklet DO806

A few years ago, I stumbled across the books and booklets from the Catholic Truth Society quite by accident. I was researching an author I had run across, and was trying to track down all of her works. Soon I had a long lost of books from the CTS on my Wishlist, and it seems that for everyone I read I end up with 1 or 2 more on my wish list. At the writing of this review I have read almost 200 titles from the CTS over the last 3 years and currently have over 200 either in my ‘to be read’ pile or on my wish list still. I have read many in the CTS Biographies and also Saints of the Isles Series, and the Great Saints Series. This book was originally published in 2007 with Father Jerome Bertram as the editor. It was revised in 2009 by Dr Raymond Edwards. The eBook edition was released in 2017.

The description of this booklet is:

“Like every human family, the Catholic Church has a lot of special words and phrases which have a clear and concise meaning to members, but can be very puzzling to those outside. This glossary, now considerably expanded and revised, is intended to explain some of the curious words and usages found in Catholic terminology. It is an ideal guide for all Catholics, and very suitable for giving to those entering communion with us.”

There is a chapter for each letter of the alphabet. Some with as few as one entry like Z for Zucchetto. And some like M have over 20 entries. This was not a book I could read from cover to cover. But I did read it in a few settings over several days. In the introduction it states:

“The Catholic Church uses a lot of special words and phrases which have a clear meaning to Catholics, or to most of them, but can be puzzling to others. This word-list is intended to explain some of these words and usages. It is not meant as a substitute for the Catholic Encyclopaedia, or for theological and Scriptural dictionaries, although inevitably some terms used in theology are included; but it might help clear up confusion. Words relating to the Church of the past have also been included, because even if the things they describe (like Prime or maniples) are at present not in use, readers will benefit from a degree of completeness especially if reading older books or accounts of older events. Obviously, no booklet this size can pretend to be comprehensive; but we have tried to include all the obvious words, and also some others of particular interest. It is meant to be not primarily a glossary of “hard words” but of commonly used terms. There are some words (apocrypha, attrition, chapter, fraction) which have a meaning in general usage that differs from the special sense they bear for Catholics. These too have been covered. Some Catholic expressions (devil’s advocate, moveable feast) have passed, modified, into general usage; their original meaning is given below.”

But it was an interesting book to read through. And would that would come in handy for Catholic school kids to have on hand. My son plans to read it, but I will see if her makes it all the way through. 

Of all the definitions there were only 2 or three that I was not familiar with, or that had older meanings I was unaware of. It was a fun book to work through. And would be great for creating Catholic word games such as word searches, hangman, fill in the blanks for kids, tweens or teens. 

I am glad I have worked through it. It is another good resource for all parent, teachers, and school children from the Catholic Truth Society! If you are tracking it down make sure you find the revised edition.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.

Books by Dr Raymond Edwards:

A Simple Glossary of Catholic Terms

Catholic Traditionalism

The Dowry of Mary 

Handbook of Novena to the Saints

Handbook of Novenas for Feasts and Seasons

Handbook of Scriptural Novenas for Various Needs and Intentions

J.R.R. Tolkien - His Life, Work & Faith

Prayer on the Go

Simple Glossary of Catholic Terms

Stories of World War I

The Miraculous Medal

The Reformation in England

Tolkien

A Book of Novenas

...

Books by Father Jerome Bertram:

A Simple Glossary of Catholic Terms

Jesus, Teach Us to Pray

Vita Communis: The Common Life of the Secular Clergy

Heresy Through the Ages

Traditions of the Oratory

Doctors of the Church: The 33 Great Catholic Teachers

Anointing: Christ's Healing Touch 

The Life Of Saint Edward, King And Confessor 

…

Scrambled Eggs Super! - Dr. Seuss

Scrambled Eggs Super!

Dr. Seuss

Random House Books for Young Readers

1953

ISBN 9780394800851

Recently because of some media spotlight on Dr. Seuss and his works. I decided to reread the 6 books in question and two others. But alas only had 5 of the 6 on hand. This is the first of the reviews.

Dr. Seuss is famous for his many children’s books. Books that spark the imagination. Surprise, and amaze. There is a large collection of old animated shorts based on them. And these has been several movies both animated and life action. He also wrote two books that though written and illustrated in a similar style and format are considered adult books they are The Seven Lady Godivas and The Butter Battle Book. Butter Battle is a commentary on war and is often found in the children’s sections in bookstores and libraries. Godivas I believe is long out of print, I believe the last printing was in 1988. And I am only aware of it because it is the favorite book of a friend.  

I do not know a child who has not engaged with these books on some level. My youngest and my wife have a few of them memorized. And recite them to each other before bed, as much as read. My children loved the old, animated shorts, and like most of the movies. I was less fond of the live action movies but appreciate most of the animated ones. But back to this book.

This is a story, about a boy telling a tale to show off to his younger sister. Weather he expects her to believe it or not is unknown. But the tale gets larger and larger. He is suppose to be making scrambled eggs that do not taste like normal scrambled eggs, and is on a quest from eggs from all over the world and the imaginative world of Seuss. 

A hilarious read, a brother showing off to his younger sister!

Note: I recently heard that 6 of the books by Dr. Seuss were being taken out of print. The 6 are: And to Think I Saw It On Mulberry Street, If I Ran the Zoo, McElligot's Pool, On Beyond Zebra!, Scrambled Eggs Super!, The Cat's Quizzer. We had 5 of the 6 in our collection so I gave them a reread. The 6th The Cat's Quizzer I can only find used in Canada, the lowest price is $740. 

Books by Dr. Seuss:

And to Think I Saw It On Mulberry Street 

If I Ran the Zoo 

McElligot's Pool 

On Beyond Zebra!  

Scrambled Eggs Super! 

The Seven Lady Godivas 

The Butter Battle Book   

The Cat's Quizzer

You're Only Old Once!

The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins

...

The Secret of Confession: Including the Wonders of Confession - Father Paul O'Sullivan

The Secret of Confession: 

Including the Wonders of Confession

Father Paul O'Sullivan

TAN Books

ISBN 9780895554598

eISBN 9780895557865

ASIN B00DOGWNOI

This was the fifth volume from Father Paul that I have read, so far this year. I picked the first, The Wonders of the Mass, book up because it was promoted by TAN books in an email blast. They were promoting a bundle of books by Father Paul O'Sullivan. I know I have seen the covers before. After reading the first one I picked up a few more. And I realizes I should have grabbed the whole bundle. Each of the books I have read so far has been great. And particularly during lent this is an excellent read. The description of this book is:

“Probably the most intriguing and consoling book ever written about the Sacrament of Confession. This little gem contains a host of true stories about Confession, plus quotes from the Bible and the Saints of the early Church. Shows how even Protestants admire Confession, how it comes from Our Lord Himself, and gives renewed courage and youthfulness of spirit to the heart and soul. Says that by means of weekly Confession any sin can be conquered! Filled with warmth and love.”

And the chapters are:

Letter from Apostolic Nuncio, Lisbon 

Part I The Secret of Confession

      1. Was Confession Introduced by a Bishop? 

      2. Confession Was Instituted by Christ 

      3. What a Storm Would Have Arisen!

      4. What Protestants Think of Confession 

      5. Facts Are Stubborn Arguments 

      6. Why Does God Oblige Us to Confess Our Sins to a Man?

      7. “Come to Me, All You Who Labor and Are Heavily Burdened” 

      8. All Men Need a Friend 

      9. The Choice of a Confessor 

Part II The Wonders Of Confession 

      10. Cardinal Mermillod and the Actress 

      11. The Two Tribunals 

      12. Jesus and Sinners 

How to Go to Confession

I have said it before and I will state it again, two of the greatest things about Catholicism are daily communion and confession. Or the sacrament of reconciliation. For those not familiar as I was not:

“Fr. Paul Henry O'Sullivan, O.P., S.T.L., P.G., E.D.M., was born in Tralee, Ireland in 1871 and died in Lisbon, Portugal in 1958.”

Many of his books are available in English and some even in different editions. This one was first published in Portugal around 1936. It was retypset and reprinted in 1992 by TAN books, and then again in 2012 by the Saint Benedict Imprint. It received the Imprimatur on October 15th, 1936. The first words in the volume are a quote from page 74 of this same text, they are:

“The writer has conferred with many

experienced confessors,

and all, without exception,

agree that no vice is so gross,

so deep-rooted, so vicious

that it will not yield

to frequent Confession …”

In the letter of introduction, it is stated by P. Ciriaci Apostolic Nuncio that:

“I approve most heartily of your booklet on Confession. It supplies a need much felt, viz., a clear and practical explanation of the strength and consolation which Confession gives to the faithful. 

You rightly emphasize the fact that Confession does not only pardon sin but that it efficaciously helps the greatest sinners to sin no more; it gives the weakest strength and consoles the most abandoned, if only they confess frequently. 

You touch on points which are little understood, even by many Catholics, and your book will afford most interesting and useful reading, not only to Catholics, but also for those who do not be long to the Church.”

I have a great personal appreciation for confession. I am a better man than I was, and confession plays a big role in that. And I strive to be better each day. Confession was one of the key factors that drew me back to the Catholic church, while I was studying to become an Anglican Priest. Part I of the volume The Secret of Confession states that it includes:

Confession Was Instituted by Christ

What Protestants Think of Confession

Facts Are Stubborn Arguments

Why Does God Oblige Us to Confess?

All Men Need a Friend

The Choice of a Confessor

If you look at the list of chapters above for this section Most of these are titles of Chapters or they can be inferred. There are a few other chapters. A difference in translation or emphasis can be seen in comparing the chapter title:

Was Confession Introduced by a Bishop?

with

Confession Was Instituted by Christ

The book like others by Father Paul is powerful in that it is written in a clear, clean and crisp fashion. It is written from personal experience. And he includes enough stories to drive home his points. Without it being just a collection of his stories. One story he tells is about a young man who comes to him wanting to convert so he can marry a Catholic girl. Father Paul tells him that is not a good reason to become Catholic, he recounts:

““Evidently George was not prepared for categorical questions. He hesitated an instant, and then replied: ‘I wish to become a Catholic in order to go to Confession.’ 

“‘Now, my friend,’ I returned, ‘frankly that is an extraordinary reason. It is precisely because of Confession that many of your co-religionists fear to embrace the Catholic Faith. And you mean to tell me that you actually wish to become a Catholic in order to be able to confess?’ 

“George at once, with unmistakable sincerity, gave me his ideas on Confession in words so clear and convincing as would put to shame many Catholics. He had grasped the full significance of the Sacrament and clearly understood what peace, strength and consolation it must give if properly practiced.”

That is in part what this excellent volume does for us. It helps us seen again the importance, and centrality of confession to our faith and our growth. He draws quotes from the church fathers and even protestants on the importance of confession to the Catholic Identity. At one Point Father Paul informs us:

“A Swiss Protestant journalist received permission to visit the advanced posts of the Allied Forces and was given ample opportunity to speak with the soldiers. On his return home he published beautiful accounts of the chaplains. 

“Among the wonders of this awful war,” he wrote, “one of the most extraordinary is the appearance of a new kind of hero, the priest hero, of whom too much cannot be said. He is the admiration of everyone and a wonderful help to the men.””

Another story he shares is:

“The South African War. A Catholic soldier was brought in dying. He asked for a chaplain. The nearest priest was in an encampment 200 miles away. The fact came to the notice of Field Marshal Lord Roberts, who at once ordered a train to go and fetch the priest. On the return journey the small party was ambushed by the Boers and had to surrender. 

On hearing, however, that the British Commander-in-Chief had sent a train such a distance to fetch a priest for one dying trooper, they were astounded. Giving the salute, they wished the party God-speed.”

But the most important part of the book will be about the impact on your, your confession and your life. It is another fantastic read from the pen of Father Paul O’Sullivan. This book helps us realize the importance of Confession. It is another excellent volume that any Catholic would benefit from reading. I highly recommend it.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Father Paul Henry O'Sullivan, O.P:

All About the Angels

An Easy Way To Become A Saint

How to Avoid Purgatory

How to Be Happy - How to Be Holy

My Lord and My God, Or, Visits to the Blessed Sacrament

Our Lady of Fatima

Read Me or Rue It

St. Patrick and the Irish

St. Philomena: The Wonder-Worker

The Divine Office: How to Say it Devoutly, How to Make it a Pleasure

The Glorious Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Holy Ghost, Our Greatest Friend

The Secret of Confession: Including the Wonders of Confession

The Story of a Great Man: Doctor Antonio de Oliveira Salazar

The Ten Commandments: For Real - For Now

The Wonders of the Holy Name

The Wonders of the Mass

What Ireland Owes to Portugal

…

Child of Destiny - Mina Ambrose - Shadow of the Sun Book 2

Child of Destiny 

Shadows of the Sun Book 2
Mina Ambrose
Full Quiver Publishing
ISBN 9781987970258

ASIN B08TV5GT15

 

I had some mixed feelings about the first volume in this series. And to some extent even more so this second offering. If I would have started with this book, I would have given up fairly quick and not bothered with the series any more. But because I had read the first volume and had an idea where the story was going I persisted. It did pick up but overall I was underwhelmed. 

The story starts with the Vampires, and their plots and schemes to rule the world. As mentioned, If I had not read the first book I never would have made it through that first chapter. And then the story completely shifts from the first series. All human characters, are left behind and we begin a new tale with a young boy, half human half vampire. Being raised by strangers. And he fell from the sky like a meteor like Superman. He needs to keep his differences hidden. He has visions, encounters, and more.

With the first story it was too much romance for my taste. This one feels too disjointed and like way too much is being crammed into a single story. In some ways it feels like the first Lemony Snicket movie where they tried to cram several of the stories into a single film. This too feels like 2 or even 3 stories crammed into one, and as such none get the attention, that they are due. The story of Jude is an interesting one. The history of Charon’s quest is interesting as well. As well, Father Paul Schultz’s family history and legends. But it all felt like too much.

Would I pick up book three when it comes out, yes of course. I want to know what happens next. Or as this one jumped back and forth in time so much, at least the pieces of the story we are shown. 

If you have not read the first story, this one will not stand well on its own, nor incline you to read more. To be honest it is the first book from Full Quiver Publishing that I was rather disappointed in. I did not have exceptionally high expectation. The story did do away with all the mushy romance, but did not put the pieces together well in my opinion. I stated after reading the first book that: “I have to admit I thought I was practically done with vampire novels. Between, print, TV, and film I thought there was not much new that could be done. The last ones I read were by Arthur Slade about a vampire librarian, Amber Fang: The Hunted. To date I have loved everything I have written from Full Quiver Publishing. I was very intrigued to read a Theology of the Body story featuring vampires. FQ states that they were formed to: “make fiction available that celebrated the Church’s teachings on sexuality and marriage.”  from what I have read to date they do an amazing job of that. But as with any author or publisher you have a favorite and a least favorite, this hits that mark.

I was impressed with Moonchild Rising as a debut novel. For this sophomore novel I expected more, I was left underwhelmed. If you are a fan of the genre or YA books in general, I am sure it will entertain. If you enjoyed the first book this fills in a lot of the back story. But I cannot recommend that you just pick it up to read if you are not into the series.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Mina Ambrose:
Shadows of the Sun Series:
Moonchild Rising
Child of Destiny

…

My Saint Patrick’s Day Prayer 2021

My Saint Patrick’s Day Prayer 2021

Mary, you are our mother, and mother of the hermitage, mother of the home and family. Pray that we will be instruments of the Spirit. Pray that we will know when to act and when to wait, when to speak and when to be silent. Teach us how to listen and to know the voice of God in our hearts. Teach us to listen to the Holy Spirit’s and our guardian angels promptings.

We ask you to intercede with your son Jesus on our behalf and on behalf of all those who have asked for our prayers.  

Mother of Mercy, we ask you to help us in Jesus’ name to live more deeply, forgive more readily, and so follow that narrow way and enter that narrow gate which leads to eternal life.

Jesus, you know me better than I know myself. You know my hurts, my fears, my doubts, my sins. Without you, Lord, I am not fine. But with you in my life, I don’t need to forget my past, ignore my present, or fear the future. With confidence in your great love for me, I run to you for help and healing. I need you today and always, Jesus. You alone can undo what has become knotted in me and my life.

Saint Joseph, help us turn to you, to seek your protection. 

Saint Patrick, pray for us.

Saint Bridget, pray for us.

Saint Columba, pray for us.

Saint Josemaria Escriva, pray for us.

Saint Edmond Arrowsmith, pray for us.

Saint John Ogilvie, pray for us.

Saint Vincent Pallotti, pray for us.

Saint Philomena, pray for us.

Saint Damien of Molokai, pray for us.

Saint Ignatius of Loyola, pray for us.

Saint Gemma Galgani, pray for us.

Blessed Don Alvaro del Portillo, pray for us.

Blessed Carlo Acutis, pray for us.

Father Emil Kapaun, pray for us.

Father Vincent R. Capodanno, pray for us.

Father William Doyle, pray for us.

Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us.

Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us.

Our Lady of Knock, Queen of Ireland, Pray for us.

Amen

Note:

I have several prayers I try and pray every day. I also have a list of people I pray for. Often when someone asks specifically for prayer, I created an email reminder to pop up at the same time each day, so that I will pray for that intention. Sometimes it is weeks, sometimes months, and occasionally even years. This pray I wrote for today based on some of my daily prayers. And yes pieces of the prayer above are drawn from some of the Prayers of the Day I have posted, but been rewritten to fit together and be my prayer this day.

Steven R. McEvoy

March 17th 2021

Relates posts and links:

Prayer of the Day Posts

Prayer Book Reviews

My Prayer Notebook. 

My Daily Prayer List April 2024

My Daily Prayer List October 2025

...

The Case of the Flower Phantom - Karen Kelly Boyce and Sue Anderson Gioulis - Sisters of the Last Straw Book 4

The Case of the Flower Phantom
Sisters of the Last Straw Book 4
Karen Kelly Boyce
Sue Anderson Gioulis (Illustrator)
TAN Books
ISBN 9781505112009

eISBN 9781505112016

ASIN B08DWFRCJ8

I have now read the 6 books that are currently available in this series. And there are two that have been announced but that I have not been able to find release dates for. I read these books completely out of order. I read them in this order: 5, 1, 2, 3, 6, 4. And for the last two my youngest daughter read them to me as part of her daily reading time. And her and I have circled back and am rereading them all in publication order. The books do tell a continuous story and are best read in order. But each story is well enough written that they can be read as standalones. My youngest two children ages 10 and 13 love these books. And in my mid 50’s I really enjoy them as well. They are great reads and fun for the whole family. With each book I have read in this series, I appreciate it more. 

I previously stated that the series reminds me of Tales of a Magic Monastery by Theophane the Monk. These are really fun reads. Bu they also have good lessons. Lessons that kids will pick up on and lean from, but also lessons that we as adults can appreciate and be challenged by. I plan on reading a book a week until I have finished the series. I started out prereading them prior to reading them with my youngest two children. But, as mentioned, let my youngest read me book 6 and this volume.

In each volume in the series, we find out more about Sisters of the Last Straw. How they came to be, and what some of them are working on personally in their process of striving to become saints. They always seem to end up in a awkward circumstances. They still have a grouchy neighbour. And in this story, they have a visitor at the convent, Gabby Fibber. Gabby lives up to both her names, and happens to be cousin to Sister Lovely. If the sisters have a knack for ending up in trouble all by themselves, imagine the results when someone is stirring the pot. And I do not mean the one in the kitchen. All while the sisters are trying to prepare thanksgiving dinner for the parish and the poor.

The sisters in this story are fun, and the tale is often funny. The sisters are:

Sister Krumbles

Sister Shiny

Sister Lovely

Sister Wanda

Sister Lacey

Mother Mercy

In this volume the black and white illustrations by Sue Anderson Gioulis continue to add to the story. The book teaches us about human nature, about living the gospel, and about trusting God. It also teaches us about the different strengths and weakness in different characters, and how to live in community. The nuns seem to end up in strange situations, but with faith, hope, and prayer they usually come to a solution. From the chapter titles you always have a preview of what is about to happen next:

That Darn Rooster

Muddy Messes 

Praying About Problems 

Turkey Turmoil 

Park Pandemonium 

Bathtub Surprise 

Monster in the Closet 

The Phantom Revealed 

A Thanksgiving Feast

In this story we have mysterious flowers and notes being left for the guest. We have rumours and innuendo's being splashed about, and about all the sisters. We have a troublemaker instigating the whole group. And we have sisters who realize something is amiss and try to figure it out and to make it right. And turkey dinner to server, and if lucky maybe even one for the sisters.

There are excellent lessons for the young readers of the series for whom it is written for, and also for us older folks who might read it with or to them. Or even just on our own. It is a great story in a very fun series. And we look forward to reading the series again as we await the two new titles. Pick it up I am certain you will laugh at and with the sisters of the last straw.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Karen Kelly Boyce:
A Bend in the Road: A Year's Journey Through Breast Cancer
Down Right Good
According to Thy Word
Into the Way of Peace
In the Midst of Wolves
…

Sisters of the Last Straw Series:
The Cause of the Haunted Chapel
The Case of the Missing Novice
The Case of the Stolen Rosaries
The Case of the Flower Phantom
The Case of the Christmas Tree Capers
The Case of the Easter Egg Escapades
The Case of the Campground Creature

The Case of the Missing Maps

The Case of the Mixed-up Marathon

The Case of the Saintly Staircase

…

The Hope Trilogy:

Jenna's Journey

…