Happy Feast of the Epiphany! There has been a lot of good news to announce lately and I’m afraid that I am two months late in letting you know that a book based on the first wave of the National Study of Catholic Priests housed at The Catholic Project at the Catholic University of America has been released! Edited by Dr. Brandon Vaidyanathan, Ms. Sara Perla, and Dr. Stephen White, Rebuilding Trust: Clergy Morale in the Wake of the Abuse Crisis, explores a survey of bishops, a survey of priests, and additional interviews with priests to understand how the sex abuse crisis has affected priests, their morale, and their ministry. I authored two chapters for this book. My first chapter, “Priestly Morale: Internal and External Sources of Support,” examines the interview data to see how structures of support, especially from their bishop and other clergy, affect their morale as priests. The second chapter, “Clergy Burnout and Implications for Wellbeing,” looks more closely at experiences of burnout before considering what both chapters suggest for better practices in supporting clergy wellbeing. These are very important and concise reads for those supporting priests in their vocations, and the book as a whole offers additional insights from a range of perspectives. I’ll offer the back-cover blurbs below:

“Rebuilding Trust: Clergy Morale in the Wake of the Abuse Crisis presents the findings of the National Study of Catholic Priests and offers some views as to the possible historical causes that led to the current state of the bishop-priest relationship. It also provides some practical insights for the strengthening of those presbyteral-episcopal ties. It is clear from the study that all, priests and bishops, are unwavering in their commitment to victims/survivors; at the same time, the study evidences the need for greater support for our priests and deacons, particularly expressing sincere appreciation as they continue to labor in the vineyard of the Church. This study by the Catholic Project deserves our gratitude as we seek to heal wounds and spread the Gospel.” ~Bishop Earl Boyea, Bishop of Lansing, Chairman of the Committee of Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations

“Rebuilding Trust provides a thoughtful, multi-dimensional look at not only the factors that have contributed to a challenging priestly morale landscape, but also begins to surface some actionable next steps for where we collectively go from here.” ~Dan Cellucci, President & CEO, Catholic Leadership Institute

“Whether we like it or not, the Catholic Church turns on the well-being of her priests and bishops. In many respects, and according to many measures, priests in the United States today are flourishing to an extent not seen in decades. This book dives into one of the most important and alarming exceptions to that trend. Among many priests, a chronic fear of false accusations of sexual abuse, coupled with a chronic mistrust of bishops, has created a toxic blend of suspicion that eats away at their morale and happiness. This book provides not only a data-driven analysis of these trends among priests but also sober and thoughtful reflections on how we can break out of this cycle of distrust. The authors do not flinch from uncovering sicknesses within the Church; but neither do they hesitate to offer strong and effective remedies to heal and restore her strength. It is a great read for bishops and priests and anyone who desires the good of the Church and of those men, upon whom so much depends, commissioned to serve the needs of her people.” ~Fr. Carter Griffin, Rector, St. John Paul II Seminary

“This thoughtful and erudite book contains science-based insights and practical advice that provide a clear path forward for fostering the wellbeing of priests and bishops. It is an invaluable and wise guide for anyone concerned about strengthening the priesthood.” ~Matt Bloom, former director, Flourishing in Ministry