Letters to My Brothers: Words of Hope and Challenge for Priests - Softcover

Rossetti, Stephen J

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1594714614 ISBN 13: 9781594714610

Publisher: Ave Maria Press, 2013

Synopsis

Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti is the leading expert on the state of the American Catholic priesthood. In this collection of letters to his brother priests, he both affirms their work and challenges them to renew their commitment to holiness and fidelity to their vocations, reminding them of the profound joy at the heart of their lives.

Letters to My Brothers is a collection of personal letters from Msgr. Stephen Rossetti, former director of Saint Luke Institute, to his brother priests. Rossetti writes to priests, affirming their dedication and generosity. He acknowledges the heavy demands priests face and the negative opinion many have of the priesthood in the wake of the sexual abuse scandal, but he also calls them to ongoing conversion through a stronger prayer life, a deeper devotion to Mary, and greater care for their health and well-being. Through it all, Rossetti reminds his readers of what research has consistently borne out--that priests are happy and fulfilled in their vocations.

About this title

About the Author

Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti, a priest of the Diocese of Syracuse, served for many years at Saint Luke Institute in Silver Spring, Maryland, where he became president and CEO. A priest of the Diocese of Syracuse, he previously served in two diocesan parishes. He is a licensed psychologist with a doctorate in psychology from Boston College and a doctor of ministry from the Catholic University of America. He is the author of scores of articles and several books including Why Priests are Happy, Born of the Eucharist, and The Joy of Priesthood--recipient of a Catholic Press Association book award.

Rossetti has received a Proclaim Award from the USCCB as well as a Lifetime Service Award from the Theological College of the Catholic University of America. In 2013, he was awarded the Pope John Paul II Seminary Leadership award from the National Catholic Educational Association. In 2010, he received the Touchstone Award from the National Federation of Priests' Councils for a lifetime of work with priests. He lectures to priests and religious internationally on priestly spirituality and wellness issues and serves as clinical associate professor of pastoral studies at the Catholic University of America. Rossetti has been featured on NPR and Meet the Press, and has been quoted in the New York Times, Washington Post, and other major newspapers.

Review

"The media would have us believe that priests are unhealthy, unhappy, and unhinged! Baloney! Msgr. Rossetti, who is well aware of the struggles of priests, shows them to be men of hope who inspire hope. What a refreshing read!" --Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of New York

"An astute examination of the enduring gift that Christ gives in the priesthood and the spiritual challenges all priests face in the modern world. From his years of pastoral care and scholarly research, Rossetti provides wise and welcome advice to priests, young and old alike, for living a fruitful priesthood and being energizing agents for the New Evangelization. It is a pleasure to recommend this thoughtful and serene reflection on why we should be so joyful in our priestly ministry." --Cardinal Donald Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington

"These letters will benefit any priest or bishop who reads them. They are written by a happy and holy priest who has spent many years working with brothers who have, sadly, lost their way. This experience gives his meditations a particular depth, pungency, and power. Msgr. Rossetti knows that the priesthood is, for the vast majority of priests, a path that leads to tremendous fulfillment, peace, and joy. This collection of beautifully written essays shows forth his love for the priesthood and for those who strive to walk this challenging and wonderful path." --Rev. Robert Barron, Word on Fire Catholic Ministries

"Letters are the classical style in which friends communicate their deepest desires and sentiments to one another. For two thousand years in our Catholic tradition, we have used letters to both individuals and communities in order to encourage, inspire, and challenge. Msgr. Rossetti has done just that in this book. These letters of gratitude from a joyful priest remind us how blessed each of us is by the ministry of priests in our lives. For those of us who have been called to the priesthood, he reminds us of the privilege and awesome responsibility to faithfully live it out as servants and friends of Jesus Christ. Rossetti encourages each of us to allow the New Evangelization to be made manifest through our life and ministry." --Msgr. David L. Toups, Rector of St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, Boynton Beach, Florida

"In the heart of the Year of Faith and the excitement surrounding the election of Pope Francis, Msgr. Rossetti offers a New Evangelization of sorts for priests. In a heartfelt collection of letters written to his brother priests, Rossetti gives witness to hope and new life within the context of priestly ministry as we move into the future as Church. With a spirit of profound humility, his letters are encouraging, poignant, and often challenging: filled with courageous zeal for the priesthood of Jesus Christ. Priests and seminarians alike will find wisdom, thoughtful reflection, and love to spur them on in their lives and ministries as they point others to encounter our risen Lord, Jesus Christ." --Msgr. Ross A. Shecterle, Rector of Sacred Heart School of Theology

Edition details

• Publisher: Ave Maria Press
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 1594714614
• ISBN 13: 9781594714610
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 180