Priestly Life and Ministry: A Bibliography compiled by Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D.

Ecclesial Documents (available online)

• Documents on Priestly Life and Ministry (Vatican II, Popes, USCCB, etc.):
  See https://catholic-resources.org/ChurchDocs/Ecclesial_Ministries.html

 
Recommended Books (alphabetical by author)

• Bishop Robert Barron. “Optatam Totius and the Renewal of the Priesthood.” Pg 169-192 in: Renewing Our Hope: Essays for the New Evangelization (Catholic University of America Press, 2020).

• Fr. Brett A. Brannen. To Save a Thousand Souls: A Guide for Discerning a Vocation to Diocesan Priesthood. Ignatius Press, 2010. (404 pages)

• Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap. Shepherds and Fishermen: Spiritual Exercises for Bishops, Priests, and Religious. Liturgical Press, 2020. (280 pages)

• Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens. A Living Image of The Bridegroom: The Priesthood and the Evangelical Counsels. Institute for Priestly Formation, 2020. (414 pages)

• Fr. Scott P. Detisch. From Hero to Servant to Mystic: Navigating the Deeper Waters of Priestly Spirituality. Liturgical Press, 2019. (168 pages)

• Fr. Scott P. Detisch. Being Claimed by the Eucharist We Celebrate: A Spiritual Narrative for Priests and Deacons. Liturgical Press, 2022. (176 pages)

• Fr. Timothy M. Gallagher, OMV. The Discerning Priest: Ignatian Wisdom for Daily Life in Priesthood. Institute for Priestly Formation, 2021. (108 pages)

• Dr. Thomas H. Groome, Richard Lennan, Richard R. Gaillardetz, et al., editors. Priestly Ministry and the People of God: Hopes and Horizons. Orbis, 2022. (224 pages)

• Fr. Michael Heher. The Lost Art of Walking on Water: Reimagining the Priesthood. Paulist Press, 2004. (192 pages)

• Fr. Dave Heney. Luke 10 Leadership: How to Succeed at Parish Ministry. Ave Maria Press, 2020. (128 pages)

• Fr. Paul A. Holmes. A Pastor's Toolbox: Management Skills for Parish Leadership. Liturgical Press, 2014. (190 pages)

• Fr. Paul A. Holmes. A Pastor's Toolbox 2: More Management Skills for Parish Leadership. Liturgical Press, 2017. (186 pages)

• Pope John Paul II. Letters to My Brother Priests: Complete Collection of Holy Thursday Letters (1979-2005). 5th edition. Midwest Theological Forum, 2006. (382 pages)

• Cardinal Walter Kasper. A Celebration of Priestly Ministry: Challenge, Renewal, and Joy in the Catholic Priesthood. Crossroad, 2007. (192 pages)

• Fr. J. Ronald Knott (all by Sophronismos Press):
  Intentional Presbyterates: Claiming Our Common Sense of Purpose as Diocesan Priests. 2013. (60 pages) 
  From Seminarian to Diocesan Priest: Managing a Successful Transition. 2013. (114 pages) 
  The Spiritual Leadership of a Parish Priest: On Being Good and Being Good At It. 2007. (144 pages)

• Fr. Thomas J. Lane. The Catholic Priesthood: Biblical Foundations. Emmaus Road, 2016. (282 pages)

• Fr. James Mallon. Divine Renovation: From a Maintenance to a Missional Parish. Twenty-Third Publications, 2014. (271 pages)

• Fr. James Mallon. Divine Renovation: Beyond the Parish. Word Among Us Press, 2020. (256 pages)

• Fr. Gerard J. McGlone, SJ, and Len Sperry. The Inner Life of Priests. Liturgical Press, 2012. (190 pages)

• Fr. Thomas J. McGovern. Priestly Identity: A Study in the Theology of Priesthood. Wipf & Stock, 2010. (320 pages)

• Fr. Jacques Philippe. Priestly Fatherhood: Treasure in Earthen Vessels. Scepter, 2021. (162 pages)

• Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti (all by Ave Maria Press):
  The Joy of Priesthood. 2005. (221 pages)
  Our Journey into Joy: Ten Steps to Priestly Holiness. 2009. (32 pages)
  Born of the Eucharist: A Spirituality for Priests. 2009. (175 pages)
  Why Priests Are Happy: A Study of the Psychological and Spiritual Health of Priests. 2009. (256 pages)
  Letters to My Brothers: Words of Hope and Challenge for Priests. 2013. (192 pages)
  The Priestly Blessing: Rediscovering the Gift. 2018. (192 pages)
  Priesthood in a Time of Crisis: A New Study of the Psychological and Spiritual Health of Priests. 2023. (192 pages)

• Archbishop J. Peter Sartain. Strengthen Your Brothers: Letters of Encouragement from an Archbishop to His Priests. Liturgical Press, 2016. (188 pages)

• Michael J. Sanem. Becoming the Good News: A New Approach to Parish Evangelization. Liturgical Press, 2023. (136 pages)

• William E. Simon, Jr. Great Catholic Parishes: A Living Mosaic - How Four Essential Practices Make Them Thrive. Ave Maria Press, 2016. (202 pages)

• Matthew Warner. Why They Follow: Lessons in Church Communication from That One Lost Sheep. Word on Fire, 2023. (236 pages)

• Sherry A. Weddell (all by Our Sunday Visitor):
  Forming Intentional Disciples: The Path to Knowing and Following Jesus. 2012. (256 pages)
  Becoming a Parish of Intentional Disciples. 2015. (144 pages)
  Fruitful Discipleship: Living the Mission of Jesus in the Church and the World. 2017. (232 pages)

• Fr. Michael White & Tom Corcoran. Rebuilt: Awakening the Faithful, Reaching the Lost, and Making Church Matter. Ave Maria Press, 2013. (pages)

 
Even More Resources:

• About 40 other books related to various aspects of priestly life and ministry are published by “The Institute for Priestly Formation” in Omaha, NE:
  https://priestlyformation.org
   
  

See also my compilation of Official Documents of the Catholic Church on Ecclesial Ministries

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