To Save a Thousand Souls: A Guide for Discerning a Vocation to Diocesan Priesthood

by Brett Brannen

"Includes Melchizedek Project discussion guide."--P. [1] of cover.

Genres: Catholic, Religion, Christianity, Theology, Spirituality, Faith, Christian

404 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Joe Furka]

I have many things to say about how male discernment is viewed among Catholics. To spare you all my rant though, I’ll simply say that every Catholic man should feel obligated to read this or an equivalent book. It gives great insight into why we discern God’s will for our lives and some practical information how to do so.

I’ll say that I read through this more so as a way to gain information about Diocesan Priesthood and practical discernment steps, but I think there is a mountain of things in this book to sit and really pray with.

One thing that really stuck with me: God’s will for your life IS the happiest, holiest, and more fulfilled path you possibly live with the gifts he has given you. No exceptions.

[Fr. Daniel Carr]

This book helped me "seal the deal" so to speak, and encouraged me to take the next step in the discernment process. It had a lot of great insights into the life of a priest while removing many of the fears and anxieties of that kind of lifestyle.

I strongly recommend reading this if you feel even the smallest inkling of a call to the priesthood or religious life.

[Tom Willis]

Excellent book covering all the facets of both discerning a vocation to the secular priesthood, and the requirements of such a job. Good for any man wondering if the life of a parish priest could be for him.

[Patrick Broussard]

Great book for anyone discerning a call to the diocesan priesthood, or for those who simply want to learn more about what their friend, brother, son, relative is going through in his discernment.

[Fr. Jeffrey Moore]

Helpful resource. I read it post-ordination, so only made it through Chapter 8. But the book up to that point was an inspiring reminder of why I love being a priest.

[Anthony Copes]

I cannot fully express how much this book has meant to me. As someone actively discerning a vocation to the Catholic priesthood within my local diocese, reading it has been both eye-opening and deeply affirming. When I began reading, I found I could hardly put it down—I was so drawn in that I read several chapters in a single day. That momentum helped me make steady progress through this fairly thick book.

Father Brett Brannen’s words are truly inspiring. He offers practical, heartfelt, and spiritually grounded advice that speaks directly to the heart of anyone discerning God’s call. His guidance strengthened my desire to say “yes” to the priesthood, should that be the vocation to which God is truly calling me.

I am incredibly grateful for Father Brannen’s ministry, both as a priest and for his service as a vocations director and vice rector. His “yes” to his own calling continues to bear fruit in the lives of so many, including mine. I’m also thankful that my vocation director recommended this book to me. It has deepened my prayer life and left me desiring even more from my relationship with the Lord.

I highly recommend this book to anyone discerning the priesthood or wrestling with uncertainty. It may very well be the confirmation or clarity you've been seeking.

[Jason Townsend]

Since converting to Catholicism a few years ago I've always admired priests, despite the fact that my own discernment has led me away from ordination.

I encourage any Catholic to know and understand the ministerial priesthood. In this way they can better appreciate the work that priests do on their behalf and the sacrifices priests must make in that service.

This book is a valuable resource for anyone discerning diocesan priesthood. It's packed with useful info, good advice, and the authors wisdom. A powerful resource that allows me to appreciate my parish priests all the more.

[Patrick Santino]

Very thorough about process of discerning the priesthood. Plainly written, so very easy read....He hits every step in the process from first sense of a Call to seminary & ordination, with a particular focus on the discernment before entering seminary; ... his best section was perfectly nailing the 7 Stages of discernment, I’m pretty sure every guy reading the book no matter which stage they are on can say: “Yup, totally nailed it, that’s exactly where I’m at right now.” Glad this was written, May it continue to bear fruit. 

[Reynerio Sanchez]

Absolutely loved this book. I really enjoyed the section in the beginning with testimonies of priests, ending with the sentence "That's just what priests do". I can clearly tell that Fr. Brett Brannen is a man of prayer and has a deep relationship with the Virgin Mary, as he constantly asks those discerning their vocation to invoke her name to be able to better understand God's call in their life. I am incredibly thankful to Fr. Brannen for having read this book, and may God bless all those who are discerning vocations in their life.

[Tyler]

An outstanding book that was full of wisdom and holy guidance! Fr. Brannen writes in a very straightforward and clear way. Every word in this book is useful and important in understanding. Fr. Brannen takes you from the very beginning of considering priesthood all the way to ordination day of a diocesan priest. As someone who didn’t know a lot about the formation process, I learned a lot from this book and it has given me a good base to really begin my own discernment. I’d recommend this book to anyone discerning holy orders.

[Tyler Pronobis]

A great book for any Catholic, man or woman, to learn about what life is like as a Priest. I recommend this especially to all the men who have thought even for a passing moment that maybe they are called to be Priests. This book will help you on your discernment journey.

If you end up not called to this vocation, that’s okay. Your faith will still be strengthened, and your heard glad you read this book.

[James]

Overall, this book is a what you make it. It is not a sales pitch for the priesthood. It is, however, an honest text that gives you an idea of how to discern properly, details of every step along the way to becoming a priest, the duties of a priest, and what it means to be a priest. If you go into it with an open and honest mind, it is a wonderful companion for any Catholic man discerning their call.

[Moses]

EVERYONE should read this cover to cover

This is more than a behind the scenes of a vocation that's critical to the world.
All of us have our thoughts and views of the priesthood but this book gives us a great look at what really happens, how it happens, why it happens, and the importance of it.
This is for men AND women but especially for parents, grandparents, and Godparents.
I can't wait to read it AGAIN.

[Damien Rappuhn]

A must-read for anyone discerning priesthood or religious life. Fr. Brannon provides a practical look at the discernment process, which (thankfully) includes some essential beginnings at prayer and discernment of God's will. This is a most excellent place to begin.

[Photovy]

Good book for any young man who even has the smallest thought of becoming a priest. Also helpful for those who take the vocation of marriage seriously.
"The biggest human temptation is to settle for too little".

[Chris Favre]

Powerful insight into the priestly vocation

I’ve been a Catholic my whole life and I have so much more respect for our priests. I love how the author breaks down discernment into steps. This is a great guide for men, not just those who feel called, but rather for ALL men.

[Carmen Garland]

Helped me see where my son is coming from. He was only 17 at the time and discerning the priesthood. I wasn't discouraging him, but would encourage college first or travel first or dating first. I see not to do that now.

[Chase Hagemann]

This is by far the best resource I’ve used in my process of discernment. It was not only informational, but was entertaining and easy to read. Fr. Brett Brannen has given me a lot to pray and reflect on. Using many of the exercises he recommends in the book have already proved helpful.

[Santiago Brunet]

Father Brannen puts words to those feelings that everyone discerning priesthood has felt in a clear, practical and compelling manner. It came between my hands at the perfect moment, at the end of a journey and beginning of the next, and wildest of adventures.

[Tom Barmaryam]

If you are discerning to be a Diocesan priest, this book is your Bible.

[Diego Estrada]

Aprendí del discernimiento y de cómo es la vida de mi mejor amigo en su diócesis, muy bonito todo.

[Cole Jensen]

This book has not only answered plenty of questions but it has also raised many more. There is still much to think about but thanks to this book I can discern in a much more complete way.

[Fr. Wirth]

Great book for anyone discerning the seminary/priesthood.

[Gab Nug]

This one is self explanatory. I've probably read this as many times as I've entered seminary (more than once).

[Marc-André Renaud-Palardy]

Livre solide pour ceux qui discernent leur vocation.

[Joey Jones]

This was a very insightful book and I am happy I read it. Very useful.

[Matt Ebenroth]

Priesthood and the Jedi Council are the same

[Ben Daghir]

I used to avoid, laugh at, and disregard the idea of a "vocation." I always lived with this mentality, "I know what is best for me. I'm going to do what I want to do. What I want is good enough for me and the world."

Lately, over the past few years, I've questioned my understanding of how I see who I am and how I see the future.

Now, I can honestly say that searching for and being open to my vocation has been one of the most exciting, exhilarating, stressful, and beautiful journeys of my entire life.

This book has been radically different than any book I've ever read, heard of, considered, and especially delved into.

Regardless of my future, this book has tremendously helped me in appreciating the particular vocation of priesthood.

Undoubtedly and beautifully, this book has helped me view Christ in an ever anew way.

Christ is the essence of priesthood.

I recommend this book for anyone who wants to see Christ, see others they know, and see (possibly oneself) as an authentic priest.

"What is God calling me to be?"

I used to laugh, disregard, and ignore that question.

Now, I want the answer more than anything.

Something tells me there are many more people in this world in the same boat - luckily, there are "fishers of men."

Take care,

[Elena]

My son is a seminarian and he suggested I read this book. The author is a priest from U.S.A, so one has to assume that there is a difference between how are things done south of the border and up here. Regardless, the call to be a seminarian, discerning and studying for years, answering yes to God and finally being ordained is a journey full of wonder and self discovery. While I've gone through some of the steps for entering the seminary as my son applied to St Agustine Seminary, I learned a lot about the process, the expectations, reasons to apply or not to apply, struggles and how seminarians are encourage to face themselves warts and all; what kind of courses they take, etc. The chapter that moved me like no other was about the ordination itself. What a wonderful moment for any man when he finally becomes 'in Persona Christi'! The subject of finding one's vocation is prevalent in the book. Listening to the Holy Spirit, loving our fellow men, using our talents is all part of being a christian. I copied this prayer and plan to memorise it.

Dear God, I want to want what you want
Even if I don't want it right now;
Even if I am afraid right now,
I want to want it.
Help me to want to be what you want me to be
Amen

[Father Faceless]

A book for any and every Catholic Boy or Man.

I was gifted this book by my Diocese Vocation Director after a phone interview. I tore through it faster than any other book I read before and hungered to keep reading. This book brought me to both tears of joy and being overwhelmed with beauty.
Not until I read this did I really understand what it means to give oneself, totally to Christ. Before I thought it meant being locked up in a far distant Monastery and chanting being my only vocalization. But as we are an Apostolic Faith we are to Evangelize into the world and being everyone into Christ.
What better way to tip the spear than a Alter Christus?
There is little more I can say that will truly tell you about this book. Save that it is both usefully practically; by detailing requirements for the Priesthood and form a Seminary education takes. But also spiritual and moral knowledge.