New Book about Discerning Priesthood is the First Book-Length Treatment of the Subject

FYI:

For a man thinking about the priesthood, there are dozens of websites and pamphlets available on the subject. But until recently, there has not been a single, comprehensive guide to answer deeper questions and offer clear-cut guidance.

To Save A Thousand Souls is a recently-published 400-page book that provides the answers commonly asked by men discerning the priesthood. This book by Fr. Brett Brannen has been called the most comprehensive guide ever written for men praying through their vocation.

“I always wanted a single resource I could hand to a man—something that answered all his questions about priesthood—so I started writing a few chapters,” said Fr. Brannen, who serves as Vice-Rector of Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland. “I love being a priest and I know that Jesus is calling a sufficient number of men to be priests in his Church. I hope this book will help these men overcome their fears and respond to God’s call.”

Fr. Benedict Groeschel phoned Fr. Brannen last summer after reading a transcript of one of Fr. Brannen’s talks on vocations—which the famed Franciscan mistakenly thought was a manuscript for a book. “Fr. Groeschel called out of the blue and told me, ‘This is fantastic. What can I do to help bring this book to publication?’” recalled Fr. Brannen. “I had to tell him that he couldn’t have possibly read my manuscript because I hadn’t given it to anyone! But his call was one more confirmation that the project needed to go forward.”

Much of the book contains stories—many from the author’s personal experience—that elucidate important aspects of discerning a priestly vocation. Many reviewers have commented that it manages to convey important concepts without use of heavy theological language. “I enjoyed the book’s conversational style and anecdotal stories, and was especially impressed by the chapter on celibacy and chastity,” said Archbishop John Myers of Newark, NJ.

Before To Save a Thousand Souls, no comprehensive guide was available for men discerning a vocation to diocesan priesthood. “It’s the best book-length treatment of discerning a priestly vocation I’ve seen,” said Bishop William Lori of Bridgeport, CT. The subtitle says it best: A Guide for Discerning a Vocation to Diocesan Priesthood.

Fr. Brannen had previously served as Vocation Director in the Diocese of Savannah. In 2007 that diocese gained national attention for its unusually large numbers of ordinations. That success was part of the reason Fr. Brannen was tapped to help train future priests in the seminary setting. “He’s the perfect priest to write this book,” said Fr. Luke Ballman, Vocation Director in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. “His wisdom, knowledge, and obvious passion for priestly formation shine through on every page.”

Bishops and vocation directors are hailing the book’s insights, humor, and thoroughness. Fr. Len Plazewski, the president of the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors, gave it a glowing review: “Fr. Brannen’s book is tremendous—inspirational, imminently practical, and amazingly comprehensive. It is a clearly written “how to” manual filled with solid advice for men discerning the priesthood. A marvelous work of immense value.”

To Save a Thousand Souls is available for purchase at www.vianneyvocations.com.

“When Pope Benedict declared the Year for Priests, it was confirmation to me that the Holy Spirit wanted me to finish it,” said Fr. Brannen. Further confirmation came when Vianney Vocations—a new organization that helps promote vocations—agreed to publish the book. “The purpose of a priest is to bring people to Jesus and Jesus to people. I cannot imagine a more fulfilling life in this world!”

Praise for
To Save a Thousand Souls
A Guide for Discerning a Vocation to Diocesan Priesthood

Tremendous.
Fr. Len Plazewski
President, National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors

Outstanding.
Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel, C.F.R.

A breakthrough work.
Most Rev. John J. Myers, Archbishop of Newark, NJ

balanced & comprehensive.
Most Rev. William E. Lori, Bishop of Bridgeport, CT

A Treasure Chest.
Most Rev. J. Kevin Boland, Bishop of Savannah

An amazing labor of love.
Fr. John Horn, S.J., Institute for Priestly Formation

nothing else like it in print.
Msgr. Steven P. Rohlfs, Rector of Mount St. Mary’s Seminary

a feast of information.
Deacon James Keating, Ph.D., Institute for Priestly Formation

required reading.
Msgr. Rob Panke, Vocation Director
of Archdiocese of Washington D.C.