YOUCAT Confession: A New Resource for Teens

Liz Lantigua reviews a resource for teens who need encouragement to return to the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

YOUCAT Confession

By Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Dr. Klaus Dick, Rudolf Gehrig, Bernhard Meuser, and Father Andreas Suss

Published by Ignatius Press

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a gift, a blessing, and an armor against falling into sin again. Many young people are not aware of this today. Here is where the new YOUCAT Confession comes to play an important role.   

There are hardly any books out there for young people addressing this powerful and much-needed sacrament. As a marriage prep facilitator for over thirty years, I see manyyoung couples coming to get married today who express how they have fallen out of the habit of going to Confession. The last time they remember going is when they were in Catholic school. They can’t really remember why they stopped going. Some teenagers go out of habit because they never truly learned its many benefits.  

Designed with Young People in Mind

YOUCAT Confession is very appropriately designed for young people in mind with short paragraphs similar to social media posts, symbols with side Q & A of many frequently asked questions, plus saints' quotes on the subject and even a section on scrupulosity. Short prayers are also included. It’s more than just a Confession guide. It goes into the steps for a good confession, but it has information from both the priest and young person’s perspective with a very understanding and encouraging tone.   

There are several memorable quotes from Pope Francis, including this one: 

Accept the risen Jesus into your life. Even if you have been far away, take one small step towards him: He awaits you with open arms.  

The authors who contributed to this book, published by Ingatius Press, are: Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Dr. Klaus Dick, Rudolf Gehrig, Bernhard Meuser, and Father Andreas Suss. They write with a familiar and engaging voice as if talking among friends. This is not a textbook or a title deep into theology.   

My favorite section is when it explains questions that may cross the mind of a young person, such as why confess to a priest? Will the priest think bad of them? What is the seal of confession? Why penance? How often should they confess? What actions are sins and why? Sins such as co-habitation are also discussed, as well as the difference between mortal and venial sins.

The authors did great work in packing lots of information in 95 pages with illustrations. This lightweight paperback is visually very appealing to read and small enough to fit easily in a purse or small backpack. So leave the cell phone, pack the YOUCAT, and head to Confession to start new again! 

Is this a book you'd like to read? Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2025 Liz Lantigua
Images: Canva