Whether we are uncertain what real forgiveness looks like, are tired of forgiving, or don't know where to start, Forgiveness: A Catholic Approach offers spiritual considerations and practical guidance.

"In Forgiveness: A Catholic Approach, Father R. Scott Hurd writes of the spiritual, psychological, physical, and social benefits of learning how to forgive and find peace. Drawing from his pastoral experience, in twenty-four short chapters, Father Hurd examines how human weakness affects such things as our ability to forgive and reconcile, our capacity to trust, and how we cope when a plea for forgiveness is rejected by a person we have wronged. We learn that through these very experiences, we find in Jesus Christ and the sacraments a way to move forward toward healing.

"The first question Father Hurd addresses is one that perplexes many people, "why forgive?" Here we learn that forgiveness is essential for human growth and flourishing. Forgiveness is not only a human experience; it is an expression of God's love and mercy. Forgiveness is at once deeply personal and an opportunity for sharing the Good News. As participants in the New Evangelization, our acts of forgiveness and reconciliation offer people an experience of God's love. Father Hurd writes, "Forgiveness from our hearts can turn others' hearts toward God."

"All of us know that there is more to forgiveness than simply saying 'I'm sorry.' In the section entitled, 'Hallmarks of Forgiveness,' Father Hurd deftly outlines seven such marks of forgiveness that reflect the teaching and example of Our Lord. In Jesus, we learn how to forgive others as God has forgiven us. Forgiveness is a decision, a process, and a gift.

"Equally challenging today is the question of how to forgive. In Forgiveness: A Catholic Approach we find an entire section on this topic. With priestly wisdom, Father Hurd examines a wide variety of experiences of forgiveness and reconciliation. With examples from Scripture, Church tradition, literature, and his own ministry, he offers a useful ten-step process to aid people ready to make the decision to forgive."
-Cardinal Donald Wuerl, from the Introduction


To learn more about Scott Hurd's book Forgiveness: A Catholic Approach, click here.

Reverend R. Scott Hurd is a priest of the Archdiocese of Washington. He currently serves as Executive Director of the Archdiocese's Office of the Permanent Diaconate, assists at St. Hugh of Grenoble Church in Greenbelt, Maryland, and is liaison with the USCCB for the implementation of the Apostolic Constitution, Anglicanorum coetibus. Fr. Hurd began his ordained ministry as an Episcopal priest and entered the Catholic Church in 1996. He holds degrees from Oxford University and the University of Richmond. He and his wife Stephanie live in Virginia with their three children.

Fr. Scott Hurd Speaking Tour:

ANNAPOLIS , MD

R. Scott Hurd on tour for the book Forgiveness

I'll be speaking on "When Faith Feels Fragile."

When:	Wednesday, September 18, 2013 9:30 AM
Where:	St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 N BESTGATE RD, ANNAPOLIS , MD, United States 21401-2116 Get directions to this location at Google Maps

Davidsonville, MD

R. Scott Hurd on tour for the book Forgiveness

This is the first of two talks I'll be giving on "When Faith Feels Fragile" at this parish. The other is scheduled for October 24.

When:	Thursday, October 10, 2013 7:00 PM
Where:	Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 W. Central Ave., Davidsonville, MD, United States 21035 Get directions to this location at Google Maps

White Post, VA

R. Scott Hurd on tour for the book Forgiveness

I will be giving a retreat for the Immaculate Heart of Mary Carmelite Community from October 11-13. Our theme will be "When Faith Feels Fragile."

When:	Friday, October 11, 2013 5:00 PM
Where:	San Damiano Spiritual Life Center, 125 Old Kitchen Road, White Post, VA, United States 22663 Get directions to this location at Google Maps

Calgary, Alberta

R. Scott Hurd on tour for the book Forgiveness

I'll be celebrating and preaching at morning Masses, and speaking later in the day (time TBD) on "When Faith Feels Fragile."

When:	Sunday, October 20, 2013 10:00 AM
Where:	Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 1421 8 Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2G 0N1 Get directions to this location at Google Maps

Davidsonville, MD

R. Scott Hurd on tour for the book Forgiveness

This is the second of two talks at this parish on "When Faith Feels Fragile." The first is October 10.

When:	Thursday, October 24, 2013 7:00 PM
Where:	Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 W. Central Ave., Davidsonville, MD, United States 21035 Get directions to this location at Google Maps

FREDERICK, MD

R. Scott Hurd on tour for the book Forgiveness

This is the first of my two November visits to this parish. I'll be speaking on "Forgiveness: A Catholic Approach."

When:	Sunday, November 10, 2013 4:45 PM
Where:	Saint Katherine Drexel Catholic Church, 8428 OPOSSUMTOWN PIKE, FREDERICK, MD, United States 21702-2408 Get directions to this location at Google Maps

Greenbelt, Maryland

R. Scott Hurd on tour for the book Forgiveness

On December 2-3 I'll be leading a parish mission at St. Hugh's on the theme of "When Faith Feels Fragile."

When:	Tuesday, December 3, 2013 7:00 PM
Where:	Saint Hugh of Grenoble Catholic Church, 135 Crescent Road, Greenbelt, Maryland, United States 20770 Get directions to this location at Google Maps

Palmyra, VA

R. Scott Hurd on tour for the book Forgiveness

From April 4-6, I'll be leading a parish mission on "forgiveness" at this parish near Charlottesville. The times are TBD and will be updated.

When:	Friday, April 4, 2014 7:00 PM
Where:	Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 4309 Thomas Jefferson Parkway, Palmyra, VA, United States 22963 Get directions to this location at Google Maps

Palmyra, VA

R. Scott Hurd on tour for the book Forgiveness

Today is the second of my three-day mission at this parish on "forgiveness. Time is TBD and will be updated.

When:	Saturday, April 5, 2014 7:00 PM
Where:	Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 4309 Thomas Jefferson Parkway, Palmyra, VA, United States 22963 Get directions to this location at Google Maps

Palmyra, VA

R. Scott Hurd on tour for the book Forgiveness

Tonight will conclude my three-day mission on forgiveness at this parish. Time TBD.

When:	Sunday, April 6, 2014 7:00 PM
Where:	Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 4309 Thomas Jefferson Parkway, Palmyra, VA, United States 22963 Get directions to this location at Google Maps