Same Call, Different Men The Evolution of the Priesthood since Vatican II

This book is a "must read" for anyone who would like real data on crucial issues in the U.S. church.

Same Call, Different Men is a must-read for bishops, priests, any Catholic, or any person seeking to know and understand what priests feel on a wide range of issues. The current research builds upon previous studies giving one a sense of what has changed and what remains the same in the lives of priests. What fulfills priests, what frustrates and upsets priests, what challenges them in their ministry are all addressed in the research as well as how the sexual abuse crisis has pained and burdened priests. Programmatic follow up to this research is critical and would help address the need for more priests.

This thorough and thoughtful study compiles responses, by both diocesan and religious priests, to questions on the impact of such factors as changing demographics, collaboration patterns, and satisfaction levels on their ministry. The responses will confirm your intuitions, encourage you with some positive perspectives, challenge some of your presuppositions, unsettle you with implications, and offer you substantiated insights into generational differences. This readable and enlightening text deserves a reflective reading by laity, religious, priests, and bishops alike.

A great strength of the book, as of the prior 2003 volume in the series, is the inclusion of reflections from four thoughtful Catholic leaders and the extensive use of quoted interview material to flesh out the survey findings. CARA's practical focus comes to the fore in a final chapter providing concrete advice for encouraging new vocations to the priesthood.

Anyone wanting the facts about priestly self-understanding in the last four decades should read this book. Based on solid sociological research and filled with even-handed judgments, the book continues a long line of professional studies that demonstrate that the Catholic priesthood, though sorely tested, is hardly down and out. To the contrary, priests generally remain faithful, productive and happy. CARA, NFPC and the authors are to be congratulated for this useful and up-to-date study.

This fascinating study is required reading for anyone who wants to understand the Catholic priesthood in the United States. Many otherwise intelligent commentators base their conclusions about the lives and experiences of priests on hearsay or anecdote. The great virtue of this sociological study is that it lets American priests speak for themselves. And what they say may surprise those who do not know them: they're happy.

The strong suit of Same Call, Different Men is that Gautier, Perl and Fichter gives us a data-driven research study with a human face. The narrative character of their reporting-with numerous personal accounts from selected priests on issues facing today's priesthood-makes for an engaging and enlightening read.

Same Call Different Men is an important book. It describes a number of trends among priests (e.g., they are getting older), probes specific issues (the effects of the sexual abuse scandal on other priests), spots emerging concerns (the demands of serving multiple parishes), and suggests ways to address these challenges (training in collaborative ministry). The book clearly documents to the complexities of the priesthood and the real-life experiences of priests, such as the personal satisfaction that can accompany a life of service in the Church and the working conditions that can limit that satisfaction. It offers readers a balanced interpretation of good news and bad news, an honest mixture of predictable findings and surprising results, and an even-handed inventory of problems and signs of renewal. The thoughtful reflections of Archbishop Gregory Aymond, Sr. Katarina Schuth, Msgr. Jeremiah McCarthy, and Dr. Dianne Traflet are a bonus. Same Call Diffeent Men proves, once again, that, when it is conducted by competent professionals, social research is a valuable resource for everyone who wants to understand and strengthen the Church.