“My Guide to Confession” helps the penitent to advance in the spiritual life by learning how to carefully examine his conscience. This trustworthy guide puts a laser focus on twelve key virtues. So each month of the year, “My Guide to Confession” assists the penitent to tend to the garden of his heart.
 
The structure of this book, focusing on twelve key virtues, provides an ordered and methodical means of spiritual progress. The virtues examined—faith, hope, love of God, reverence for God, love of neighbor (in action), love of neighbor (in avoidance of sin), justice, chastity, temperance, obedience, meekness, and humility—encompass the full spectrum of Christian moral and theological life. Each virtue is not only analyzed in its ideal form but is also examined in relation to its opposing vices, allowing the reader to recognize and combat the specific weaknesses that hinder spiritual advancement.
 
Rev. Donald F. Miller, C.SS.R., provides a structured and practical means by which the faithful may undertake this lifelong journey toward holiness. With pastoral wisdom and spiritual depth, he introduces the laity to the practice of self-examination, guiding them to concentrate their efforts on one virtue per month over the course of a full year.
 
To Father Miller’s original work, Rev. Scott A. Haynes has added an appendix, which includes prayers before and after confession, guidance on how the penitent makes his confession, and a chapter that explains the types of sin (mortal, venial, and material) as it relates to the various kinds of ignorance that must be understood to properly examine one’s conscience.