Confraternity of Penitents Handbook- almost 500 pages. Contains Rule and Constitutions, Induction and Pledging Ceremonies, all formation lessons for postulancy, novice 1, novice 2, novice 3, samples of ongoing formation, symbolism of San Damiano Crucifix, various Marian prayers, CFP Directory of Governance, several articles on Penance, and much other information. All in loose leaf binder format so that CFP formation lessons and other information can be easily inserted and kept. 

If you are looking for a way to foster conversion in your soul or if you want to learn more about the Rule of Life and the governance of the Confraternity of Penitents, the CFP Handbook will meet your needs. The Handbook is the only text, other than a Bible, a breviary, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, that a penitent needs to complete formation and pledge to live a life of penance in the Confraternity. The articles alone can be read multiple times to assist one on the spiritual journey. Here are some quotes from the Handbook:

A friend becomes an enemy when he would lead us to sin, and he deserves to lose his friend when he would destroy his soul. (St. Francis de Sales on Friendship, in the Ongoing Formation Section of the CFP Handbook)

Jesus said in the prayer He taught us, "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive others" (Matthew 6:12).  He also said in John 14:23, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him and we will come to him and make our home with him."  Is this not the best reason in the world to forgive?  To keep His word results in our becoming a dwelling place of the Holy Trinity and preparing for union with Jesus. (Lucy St. Michael in the Articles on Penance Section of the CFP  Handbook)

This distinction between a public and private vow is not exact because members of some secular institutes and some associations of the faithful take vows which are accepted by a legitimate superior, yet these are considered private vows or, in the case of secular institutes, "semi-public vows." A more accurate distinction, modeled on the difference between solemn and simple vows, is simply this: a public vow is one which is recognized as such by the Church; otherwise it is private. (From the Canon Law section of the CFP Handbook)

"Love for creation and grateful recognition that all is a gift from God is the underlying characteristic of the authentic penitent. . . . The joyful experience of giving something to God out of pure love, imitating very poorly the completely gratuitous gift of love God makes to us, is inexplicable for those who have not begun to fall in love with Jesus crucified. . . . (it is) a spiritual experience . . . the fullness of love and freedom." (Segundo Galilea, Temptation and Discernment, Institute of Carmelite Studies in the Frequently Asked Questions section of the CFP Handbook).

Praise for the CFP Handbook:

"I ordered the Handbook last week and I wanted to say I appreciated getting it so fast! I am so impressed with it. I wasn't expecting anything this nice. Thanks again." -- Van Gignilliat

Suggested donation for Handbook: $35.00

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To learn about a disciplined, Catholic, joyful Rule of Life that can help you draw closer to God while living in your own home, consult the Home Page of the Confraternity of Penitents, linked to in the link box at the top of this page.

Thank you and God bless!