A Priest in the Family
A Guide for Parents Whose Sons Are Considering Priesthood
By Father Brett Brannen
Vianney Vocations, 2014
141 pages, $13
To order:
vianneyvocations.com

 

During his 16 years as a vocation director and seminary vice rector, Father Brett Brannen had enough conversations with families of new and prospective seminarians to understand that parents sometimes have more concern than joy about their son’s possible future as a priest.

To help parents dialogue with their sons, Father Brannen compiled dozens of questions that emerged during these conversations and paired them with well-researched answers in his new book, A Priest in the Family: A Guide for Parents Whose Sons Are Considering Priesthood.

Focused on the diocesan priesthood, the book addresses real concerns, serves as an introduction to seminary life and holy orders and also is a source for spiritual reflection.

While Father Brannen’s previous book, To Save a Thousand Souls: A Guide for Discerning a Vocation to the Diocesan Priesthood, was directed at young men in discernment, his new book is for parents, as well as other family members, relatives and friends. Father Brannen is currently pastor of Most Blessed Sacrament in Savannah, Ga.

Each of the 12 chapters looks at a different set of issues, including: “Why Would Anyone Want to Be a Priest?” “What Exactly Does a Priest Do?” and “Is My Son Too Young?” He even explains the spectrum of parents’ feelings about their son’s decision.

Father Brannen makes a strong case for becoming a priest — and the importance of prayer (essential for carrying out the lengthy list of priestly duties).

Throughout the book, he weaves in numerous inspiring quotations, along with anecdotes about his own vocation and about priests from St. Francis of Assisi to Pope Francis and their parents. Along with stories of priests, Father Brannen offers scenarios of men at different stages of discernment and seminary life.

He emphasizes that the call comes from God and that a man will not be a priest unless it’s right for him and for the Church. Father Brannen makes clear the need for diligent discernment, stressing the important roles of vocational and spiritual directors.

Skeptical parents may turn directly to the chapter listing the 10 most common objections to the priesthood, from celibacy to a lack of understanding of the seminary and lack of grandchildren. Father Brannen considers whether men should date before seminary and explains the application process as well as what seminary life is like.

He closes the book with advice on how parents can support their sons through the process: “If your son is called to be a priest, he will bring Jesus to the world in a powerful way. Like the Blessed Mother Mary and St. Joseph, you, parents, have done your part in bringing Jesus to the world. And you still have an important part to play. I hope you can thank God that he may be calling your son to be a priest.”

Susan Klemond writes from St. Paul, Minnesota.