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Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Monday, March 15, 2010 8:30 AM
A few years ago, our parish was graced with one of the most dynamic priests I had ever met. Fr. Brett had such a contagious love for Jesus that just being around him made me want to be holy, to do better, to be better.
Fr. Brett didn’t stay long at our parish—he was soon offered a position at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary to help with priestly formation. While I was sad to see him go, I couldn’t think of a better use of his tremendous gifts, namely his great love for Jesus and his desire to serve the Church.
As Vice Rector at the seminary, Fr. Brett offers invaluable advice and wisdom to men praying through their vocation. In the midst of that, he was inspired to compile this information in his first book, To Save A Thousand Souls. The book is essentially a field guide for young men who are discerning a vocation (specifically a vocation to the diocesan priesthood). It answers all the questions that arise during this exciting and challenging season; it’s all here in one comprehensive volume.
When I first heard about the book, I thought I would flip through it and then pass it along to a young man who might possibly have a vocation. Maybe it would be a gentle nudge in the right direction. I also figured as a mom with five sons I could use the information to spark conversations with my boys, that Paul and I could use the book to encourage our sons to be open to the priesthood.
Then I started to read it. While it’s true the book will be good for those reasons, I realized this book is for me as much as it could be for my brother or my son. After reading this book, I walked away inspired in my own vocation. Reading about Fr. Brett’s experiences as a priest made me want to better serve Jesus, to do the best job as a wife and mother, to best build the Church in the way God has called me.
I highly recommend this book. You might want a copy for someone discerning the priesthood, but you yourself will find equal inspiration. I promise you will go away feeling encouraged, appreciative of our priests, and with a desire for deeper conversion in your own life.
Here is my favorite excerpt from the book.
We are giving away two copies of the book. Leave a comment to enter!
From reading what was said about the book, I think this would be a great book for parents to read as well. I know several friends who do not want to encourage their sons to be priest as they feel it would be a difficult life. They have fears as well. I woudl love to pass this on to one of those moms.
This book is not on Amazon? I did not think I would win a copy, so I went order one but it is not there.
I’m our church librarian, and since I have been advised there won’t be any money in our church budget for the library this year I would be most thankful to receive a copy. It would then be available to all parishioners and featured in our Sunday bulletin.
I also have a son discerning a call to the priesthood. This book sounds great!
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