"Father Joe: The Man Who Saved My Soul," by Tony Hendra (Random House, 2004)
This book, written by the former editor of "National Lampoon" and former cast member of "Monty Python," details the author's spiritual journey from his teenage years to mid-life. Throughout all of the challenges of that journey, one thing remains constant - the remarkable life and ministry of a Benedictine Priest who provides wisdom, insight, and forgiveness at every stage of the author's life. This book describes one man's journey of faith, and one priest's important contribution to that journey. Since the author is quite honest about his own struggles, this book is appropriate for college and young adult readers.
"What Does God Want? A Practical Guide to Making Decisions," by Fr. Michael Scanlon, T.O.R. (Our Sunday Visitor Press, 1996). Fr Scanlon is a popular author and speaker, and in this book he draws together a great deal of insight and practical assistance to those who seek to make major decisions about the direction of their lives. Each chapter provides much food for thought and prayer!
Articles on-line
Discernment
- Are you weak enough to be a priest? (Michael J. Buckley, S.J.).
- ESPN: Chase Hilgenbrinck, from the pitch to the priesthood (October
2008, ESPN.com) - The Vocation to the Priesthood by Archbishop Timothy Dolan (January, 2008 Assembly, A Journal of Liturgical Theology magazine)
- A Good Fit for You? Life as a Priest, Brother or Sister (AmericanCatholic.org)
- Dare to Consider: Religious Life and Priesthood (AmericanCatholic.org)
- Heart Searching and Life Choice (.pdf doc, Archdiocese of Los Angeles)
- The Vocation Question: Answered in the Heart (US Conference of Bishops)
- The Great Spiritual Traditions (.pdf doc , Archdiocese of Los Angeles)
- Is It for Me? (Archdiocese of Melbourne, Australia)
- What people fear most in a vocation decision (Archdiocese of Melbourne, Australia)
The Vocation
Celibacy
The Priesthood
For Parents
Vocations in Other Arch/Dioceses and Organizations