The First Five Years of the Priesthood: A Study of Newly Ordained Catholic Priests

Catholic Press Association Award Winner!

Reports indicate that many newly ordained men are feeling demoralized and some are resigning. The accounts raised many questions. How widespread is the problem? What difficulties are the recently ordained priests facing? Is the problem due to changes in lay attitudes or to changes in the ordained themselves? Is the situation different from what it was ten or twenty years ago?

The First Five Years of the Priesthood is a collaborative work of the National Federation of Priests' Councils and the Life Cycle Institute of The Catholic University of America that considers this phenomenon. It explores the experience of early priesthood and is based on a pilot survey of two groups - recently ordained priests active in service and those who have resigned.

The research team minimized interpretative work on the findings and engaged credible voices in American Catholic life to write commentaries on the implications of the findings. The First Five Years of the Priesthood includes both the research findings and commentaries.

Chapters are The Setting of the Priesthood Today," "Attitudes of Newly Ordained Active and Resigned Priests," "What Makes for Satisfied Newly Ordained Priests?" "Four Types of Resigned Priests," "Life Experiences of Newly Ordained Active and Resigned Priests," and "Recommendations Made by the Priests."

Dean R. Hoge is a professor in the department of sociology at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He has done sociological research serving American churches for 31 years and has authored several books and articles on American religion.

Reports indicate that many newly ordained men are feeling demoralized and some are resigning. The accounts raised many questions. How widespread is the problem? What difficulties are the recently ordained priests facing? Is the problem due to changes in lay attitudes or to changes in the ordained themselves? Is the situation different from what it was ten or twenty years ago? The First Five Years of the Priesthood is a collaborative work of the National Federation of Priests' Councils and the Life Cycle Institute of The Catholic University of America that considers this phenomenon. It explores the experience of early priesthood and is based on a pilot survey of two groups?recently ordained priests active in service and those who have resigned. The research team minimized interpretative work on the findings and engaged credible voices in American Catholic life to write commentaries on the implications of the findings. The First Five Years of the Priesthood includes both the research findings and commentaries. Chapters are "The Setting of the Priesthood Today," "Attitudes of Newly Ordained Active and Resigned Priests," "What Makes for Satisfied Newly Ordained Priests?" "Four Types of Resigned Priests," "Life Experiences of Newly Ordained Active and Resigned Priests," and "Recommendations Made by the Priests."?This is an important study and should be read by all those involved in priestly formation, as well as those working with the newly ordained in parishes and other settings. Priesthood never was an easy vocation, but based on what is contained in this volume, it is getting to be more of a challenge than ever before. It will take a cooperative effort of both clergy and laity if it is to survive within the present context of limited numbers and increasing demand.? Tom Sweetser, S.J. Parish Evaluation Project?Shakespeare has one of his characters say that all difficulties are easy once they are known. Dean Hoge does the Church and world a commendable service in identifying with keen insight and perceptive analysis some of the difficulties faced by the newly ordained. He also examines with equal care and attention those elements that give life and meaning to diocesan and religious priests. This is accomplished through rigorous research and through asking the right questions. With impressive and firm data, he distinguishes between those who are likely to remain committed as well as those who might leave the priesthood. The results of his research are presented without bias or prejudice, and he makes no pronouncements. He simply presents the facts, and allows others to make interpretations and offer commentaries. Hopefully, this book will be read with great care by those in leadership positions including: bishops and personnel directors; seminary rectors and formational personnel; and certainly by priests in all age categories so that these insights may lead to better understanding and mutual appreciation.? Melvin C. Blanchette, S.S. Director, Vatican II Institute Menlo Park, California?Dean Hoge and his colleagues have performed a great service for everyone interested in shepherding our shepherds. This study of the first five years of the priesthood will be especially helpful as we begin the implementation of the U.S. Catholic Bishops? Basic Plan for the Ongoing Formation of Priests. While this study points out many areas where serious attention needs to be given to the spiritual, emotional, and professional formation on a continuing basis; it also points out areas of strength in our young priests for which we all have to be very grateful.? Bishop John R. Gaydos Diocese of Jefferson City Chairman of the U.S.C.C.B. Committee on Priestly Life and Ministry?The First Five Years of the Priesthood is a scholarly and informative survey of social science research pertaining to issues in this critical period of a priest?s life: attitudes of new priests, what promotes satisfaction for newly ordained priests, types of resigned priests, and life experiences of both active and resigned priests. In the midst of the current controversy surrounding priesthood, the book provides an important scientific study of what factors most influence both success and recidivism in the priestly life.? The Catholic Journalist?This helpful book will assist the Church in fostering and promoting a healthy priesthood. Written with brevity and clarity, the text offers insights that should continue a lively and purposeful discussion for priestly ministry and how it connects with the larger church.? Conversatio