Father Sean Connolly is a priest of the Diocese of East Anglia. He studied
dogmatic theology at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome where he obtained
a Licentiate in Sacred Theology. His first book, The Road to Holiness, was published by
ST PAULS Publishing in the United Kingdom.Alba House is pleased to introduce him for the first
time to an American audience.
Reviews
"Intimate portrait: Written by a young priest a few years into his ministry, Simple
Priesthood is an honest, critical look at what life is like in the first few years of parish
life. Author Fr. Sean Connolly discusses what his transition from seminary to parish ministry was
like, how he deals with the myriad things calling for his attention, and how he deals with the
other priests with whom he lives. He splits the parts of his journal into separate subsections
and explores each individually: Reality Bites; Vocation; Relationship; Prayer and Praise; Demands
and Expectations; Institutions and Structures; Celibacy and Sexuality; Caricatures; Simplicity.
Fresh and clearly written, the book offers his deep and humorous insights into ministry, parishioners,
and life in the rectory from the associate's point of view. Priests and seminarians will nod their
heads and lay people will get an interesting insight into the calling. In the second part of the
book, three priests and a deacon who is ready to be ordained discuss different aspects of priestly
life: Conversion - The Call within a Calling; Assessing the Task Ahead; Taking Up the Challenge;
Ministering to the Ministers." --Crux of the News, July 8, 2002
"This is a very readable book about the life and thoughts of a young priest in parish life in
England. The author uses many practical episodes from his early priesthood to give a very realistic
picture of both the adventures and the humdrum elements of a priest's life. Father Connolly has
studied the documents of the church and works them into his reflections. This book would be
excellent reading for someone who wants to taste the life of the priesthood and reflect on whether
it appeals to them. Vocation directors and seminary libraries will find a place for this book. Even
though it is written in a British context, the universality of the parish priest shines through."
--Timothy Gollob in Ministry & Liturgy,
August 2001
"Contemporary reflections on vocation: The framework for a new book written by priests
engaged in parish work in England -- a collection of "practical and theological reflections grounded
in pastoral experience" of confreres. Title: Simple Priesthood by Fr. Sean Connolly; with
Foreword by Fr. David Sanders, O.P. Part One is made up of 9 chapters by Fr. Connolly, examining
his experience, reflections, and challenges as a young priest. Part Two offers 4 chapters, one
each by 3 priests and a transitional deacon to be ordained in the Spring of 2001. Chapters include
'Conversion, Call with a Calling... Taking Up the Challenge... Ministering to the Ministers.' Fr.
Connolly writes of equally practical subject matter, and does so with conviction and clear
conversational language. Some topics: 'Vocation... Demands and Expectations... Caricatures...
Celibacy and Sexuality.' Consistent thread in the writings of all 5 -- the reality of faith and
vocations lived out, day by day." --Crux of the News, April 16, 2001
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