View from the Altar: An Insider's Look at the Changing Catholic Priesthood (Paperback)

~ Howard Bleichner (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The flurry of hastily written, ambulance-chasing books on the scandals in the Catholic Church is now dying down, and it's time for serious reflection on the matter.

From the Publisher

This honest but compassionate insider's account is one of the best accounts yet of what the priesthood means and why it still matters deeply. Authority Bleichner offers this fascinating glimpse into the eyes of priests -- what it means to be a priest and to live through the remarkable changes of the past 30 years.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Crossroad General Interest (July 25, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0824521412
• ISBN-13: 978-0824521417
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #967,764 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Book That Offers Both Hope and a Challenge, July 31, 2005

By	Timothy Kearney (Hull, MA United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

VIEW FROM THE ALTAR is one of the many books on renewal and reform of the Roman Catholic priesthood that has emerged since 2002. While offering something distinctive is difficult, Howard Bleichner does offer a fresh and interesting perspective.

Fr. Bleichner is the former rector of the theological college at Catholic University. Since most of his ministry has been spent in the formation of priests, he offers valuable insight into both what ails the priesthood today as well as what is worthwhile. The book is divided into three sections. The first assesses priesthood today, beginning with the present scandal and continuing by comparing and contrasting candidates for priesthood in the past and the future. The second section focuses on what are sometimes called the evangelical councils: prayer, simplicity of life, celibacy, and authority and obedience. In the third section Bleichner focuses on his belief of the theology of the priesthood.

Perhaps what makes Fr. Bleichner's work thought provoking is his vision of the Church. He does believe that the Church needs renewal, and he believes that when the scandals recede bishops have to call for a council regarding the future of the Church, but everyone needs to be at the table. He loves many of the traditions of priesthood, but warns about returning to an outmoded type of living the priesthood. He also calls priests in ministry today to review what it means to be a priest and to rise to the challenges these times present.

In Bleichner's book we find a priest who love ministry and the Church, sees the need for change, and has the ability to articulate his vision in this book. Hopefully all who read it will take his challenges seriously and rise to the call of a being a priest in challenging times.

2 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars In Defense of Catholic Priesthood, October 17, 2006

By	Xavier Thelakkatt (Rush City, MN United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Catholic priesthood faces numerous challenges today. The scandals among priests and the decreasing number of men opting for this way of life have raised concerns in the minds of many well-meaning Catholics. At this juncture what does it mean to be a priest? The basic and essential elements of priestly life need to be rediscovered in the newer lights, for the sake of seminarians looking up to this way of life, priests and bishops. That is the scope of the book of Howard Bleichner.

The author Fr Howard has lived his priesthood for nearly forty years and contributed considerably to the formation of priests as the rector of St Patrick's Seminary, San Francisco and rector of the Theological College of the Catholic University of America. His contributions to the priestly formation in America are valuable and therefore his insights in this book are stimulating. His reflections on the rapidly changing Catholic priesthood provide a true handbook for the spirituality and ministry of the contemporary Catholic Priest. Written with great clarity and precision, the book also demonstrates a great sensitivity to the pastoral and spiritual struggles of contemporary priests. It is a must-read for priests and seminarians; it would provide the lay Catholic with a clearer view of Catholic priesthood from the pew.