From the Inside Flap
Few today would contest that the priesthood is in a state of crisis. The nature and implications of that crisis, however, remain the subject of considerable discussion and debate. In The Changing Face of the Priesthood, Fr. Donald Cozzens offers insight into the crisis by reflecting on the issues, challenges, concerns, and realities of the priesthood today. The same year that Pope John XXIII surprised the Catholic world with his call for an ecumenical council, Cozzens began his formal study of theology. As a seminarian he felt the shaking of the priesthood?s foundations. The very face of the priesthood was evolving even as he arrived at his first parish assignment. A generation later, the face of the priesthood continues to reveal new contours, fascinating features, and sadly, some tragic blemishes. In The Changing Face of the Priesthood, Cozzens takes a long, honest look at the present state of the priesthood. He provides this examination not merely from an empirical, scientific perspective but also from a personal, pastoral perspective. Drawing on clinical data, church documents, and his nearly forty years of pastoral experience, Cozzens gives shape and form to the changing face of the priesthood. Through his reflections he leads readers to both concern and hope for the priesthood of the twenty-first century. Chapters are ?Discovering an Identity,? ?Guarding One?s Integrity,? ?Loving as a Celibate,? ?Facing the Unconscious,? ?Becoming a Man,? ?Tending the Word,? ?Considering Orientation,? ?Betraying Our Young,? and ?The Changing Face of the Priesthood.??. . .honest and frank treatment of the issue of homosexuality in the priesthood.? Publishers Weekly?It gave us insight into what?s going on at the seminary.? In Trust"Two aspects of this book make it a bestseller: its subject matter and its usefulness. . . . Father Cozzens offers a serious approach to understanding the priesthood in the modern day." Priests and People"Although written by an American diocesan priest, it is of universal interest. . . ." Intercom"The Changing Face of the Priesthood is a fresh look on a problem that will not go away without vigorous conversation at all levels of Church life. To write such a book filled with wisdom and courage, the author is clearly grounded in hope, faith and trust. This book is a bold challenge to Church leaders to face honestly the crisis of soul among today's priests. It is a book worth reading for anyone in the Church today." St. Anthony Messenger?For Catholics and non-Catholics alike who have thought?or need to think?about the underlying issues that have precipitated the crisis, this is a must-read book.? Los Angeles Times?This volume is an insightful and penetrating look at the human dimensions of Catholic ordained ministry. . . . It is recommended not only for the clergy, but for anyone who works with clergy.? Liturgical Ministry?John Paul II wrote in Pastores dabo vobis that priesthood is essentially relational. This book is mostly about relationships, relationships in flux that beg for careful dialogical reflection. Cozzens hopes his work encourages and serves that reflection. We think it does.? Church?I found this little book hard to put down, compelling reading for all priests. . . . We can only hope that those in places of influence will not just read this book, but will fearlessly support and effect open dialogue during what is, in fact, the ever-changing face of the Priesthood.? Tui Motu InterIslands New Zealand ?What?s valuable about this book is that Cozzens does more than simply name the issues. He points to where faith lies within all of this.? Ron Rolheiser?This book is both courageous and timely. It should be required reading for bishops, priests, seminarians, and ministerial students who wish to find a reliable and balanced assessment of the priesthood based on clinical data, church documents, theological research and pastoral experience.? Catholic Library World?Cozzens? most important virtue is his courage to say what his experience has taught him. For this alone, his book deserves a wide and respectful readership.? Commonweal?Drawing from years of experience and study, Fr. Don Cozzens artistically paints the very soul of the priesthood. The result is a masterpiece which captures its triumphs and tribulations, hopes and doubts, loves and disillusions, and the mysterious powers that sustain it. The Changing Face of the Priesthood could not be more timely as we enter the new millennium in hopes of a renewed priesthood.? Rev. Eugene F. Hemrick Syndicated Columnist, Catholic News Service Research Associate, The Catholic University of America Research Director, The Washington Theological Union "The signs of hope he finds are encouraging. 'Behind the changing face of the priesthood remains the saving face of Jesus the Christ.' This study helps to reveal that saving face." Prairie Messenger". . . what Father Cozzens . . . has embarked upon is as comprehensive and honest an examination of conscience of the American priesthood as we have seen." America"It is Cozzens' love for the priesthood that motivates the book. He speaks warmly of the majority of priests in whom he finds great hope." National Catholic Reporter "This is the most important book on the priesthood I have read for many years. It is a breath of fresh air in that it is authentic, helpful, and open." Dean R. Hoge Life Cycle Institute The Catholic University of America?This is the most honest assessment of the American priesthood I have read in years. I found myself continuously underlining passages, and putting ?yes!? in the margins.? Paul WilkesAuthor of The Good Enough Catholic: A Guide for the Perplexed and In Mysterious Ways: The Death and Life of a Parish Priest?It is full of wisdom and insights, success and failure, hope buttressed by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.? Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C. President Emeritus University of Notre Dame?With boldness and wisdom, with enormous sensitivity and unflinching honesty, Fr. Donald Cozzens skillfully analyzes the issues and challenges that throw both shadow and light upon today?s Roman Catholic priesthood. An enlightened study that draws on empirical data as well as pastoral experience. Should be a must read for all bishops, priests, seminarians.? William H. Shannon Professor Emeritus, Religious Studies Nazareth College of Rochester?. . . speaks with deep reverence and raw honesty about issues, challenges, concerns and realities impacting on priests and the Church in today?s world. . . . The reading and discussion of this work by priests and parishioners alike will provide insight, argumentation, challenge and hope. The author demonstrates great courage in facing the agonies and ecstasies of the priesthood today.? Bishop Robert Morneau
About the Author
Donald Cozzens, PhD, (1939–2021) a priest and an award-winning writer, was author of a number of best-selling books published by Liturgical Press including The Changing Face of the Priesthood, Sacred Silence: Denial and the Crisis in the Church, Faith That Dares to Speak, Freeing Celibacy, and The Spirituality of the Diocesan Priest. He was writer in residence at John Carroll University where he taught in the religious studies department.
