The First Five Years of the Priesthood: A Study of Newly Ordained Catholic Priests Paperback – July 1, 2002

As a young priest I found this study very enlightening and helpful for me to understand myself and what I am experiencing.

The First Five Years of the Priesthood is a good book not only for those currently in leadership within the Church but also for those men who are discerning possible vocations to the priesthood. The data in this book gives a good inside look at what priests think about their jobs. The real benefit of this book is the candor of the interviewed priests. To often books about religious vocations are overly romanticized and not very realistic. This book gives hard numbers and allows priest both active, retired, and resigned a chance to tell their stories. Those who are discerning a possible religious vocation would do well to read this book because it takes the time to show multiple views of the priesthood. For those interested in the subject of selection and formation of future priests, check out Goodbye Brave Men by Michael Rose.

Excellent study on what the main contributors are for those satisfied in their vocation and those that aren't. It differentiates between three groups: Diocesan, Religious, and those that have left the priesthood. The book is an easy read and well structured.