Book description
In his groundbreaking study, Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti, the leading
American authority on the Catholic priesthood and former director of the
Saint Luke Institute, finds that American priests enjoy an
extraordinarily high rate of happiness and satisfaction, among the
highest of any profession. Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti, a psychologist,
professor of pastoral studies, and the bestselling author of books for
priests, recently conducted the most comprehensive survey of priestly
happiness and spiritual lives ever undertaken. Contrary to popular media
portrayals, Rossetti finds that priests, as a group, are very happy men.
They like the priesthood and are committed to it. In fact, 92 percent
say they are happy in their ministry, among the highest rate of
satisfaction of any profession in the United States. This accessible,
fascinating study compares priests to the general male population with
respect to human intimacy, sexual difficulties, burnout, psychological
problems, physical health, and self-care. It identifies fourteen factors
that contribute to happiness among priests, examining the contribution
of spirituality to their psychological health. Rossetti's cutting-edge,
hopeful work will be a must-read not only for priests, but for anyone
interested in the priesthood and the Church. "A wonderful example
of how the sciences and the candid survey of priest respondents reveal
the reasons why the Catholic priesthood remains among the happiest
vocations to be studied. ...refreshing and enlightening at the same
time."--Most Rev. Wilton D. Gregory, Archbishop of Atlanta "At
last some good news about priests! A must read for the laity,
seminarians, priests, and especially bishops."--Cokie Roberts,
Journalist and Author "By clearing away the debris of myth and
public prejudice, [Rossetti] helps the Church focus on the very real
challenges facing the priesthood."--From the Foreword by John L.
Allen Jr., Senior Correspondent, National Catholic Reporter "Useful
and sage advice to ensure the health and wellness of our present and
future priests and provides an invaluable tool for those responsible for
their formation. Indeed, all the faithful would benefit from reading
it!"--Msgr. Robert Panke, President, National Conference of
Diocesan Vocation Directors "This will be an important study for
priests and all those involved in their formation and care."--Rev.
Benedict J. Groeschel, C. F.R., Author of I Am With You Always "At
long last, there exists a highly scientific and large-scale study from a
well-respected expert on the challenges of the American priesthood! It
reveals a 'secret' joy in the celibate priestly vocation of today--a
high level of satisfaction, happiness, and psychological health! Thanks
Msgr. Stephen Rossetti!" --Msgr. Peter J. Vaghi, Author of The
Commandments We Keep Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti, a priest of the
Diocese of Syracuse, is a licensed psychologist, bestselling author, and
sought-after expert on clergy and religious. He served as president and
CEO of Saint Luke Institute in Silver Spring, Maryland and is currently
a 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.
