Strengthen Your Brothers: Letters of Encouragement from an Archbishop to His Priests

by J. Peter Sartain, Cardinal Francis George OMI (Foreword)

As Cardinal George aptly states, "This book is an invitation to trust, made by an archbishop who loves his priests." In recent years, Archbishop Peter Sartain has written to the priests of the Diocese of Joliet (where he served from 2006-10) and the priests of the Archdiocese of Seattle (where he currently ministers). These intimate, thoughtful letters of encouragement and support are collected here. From a place of commitment and care, Archbishop Sartain addresses a variety of spiritual, theological, pastoral, and personal situations that challenge priests. His personal experience and spiritual insights come together in a moving pastoral way, offering the reader a deep sense of God's care for the world and those who shepherd his people. Archbishop Sartain's confidence that God is in charge and ministry is based on surrendering control to God's truth, love, and simple presence permeates this book. Priests will find it uplifting, as will others who serve in ministry, and the people who care about them.

172 pages, Hardcover

First published August 14, 2012

About the author

Archbishop Emeritus of Seattle

James Peter Sartain, better known as Peter Sartain, is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as the fifth archbishop of the Archdiocese of Seattle in Washington State from 2010 to 2019.

Sartain previously served as bishop of the Diocese of Little Rock in Arkansas (2000 to 2006) and as bishop of the Diocese of Joliet in Illinois (2006 to 2010).

Reviews

[Tom]

I had the privilege to attend high school with Peter Sartain back in the mid 1960s. Archbishop Sartain was voted most likely to succeed in his senior class. Always friendly and we knew that he was a special young man, people seemed to be aware of his presence when he entered a room. The stories in his book express the growth of a family in the Memphis area and how they developed. I plan to share the book with 4 priest at my current parish in St. Petersburg, FL, St. Jude the Apostle Cathedral.