The Collar - by Jonathan Englert (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

What does it mean to take up God's work? What motivates a man in these times to leave the secular for the spiritual life? In The Collar, Jonathan Englert finds the answers in the journey of five men toward the priesthood at Milwaukee's Sacred Heart Seminary. Like many modern seminarians these men have chosen a "second career" as priests. With unprecedented access to this closed world, Englert introduces us to a divorced father and avid hunter from Wyoming, an ex-salesman and Marine with ADHD, a recently widowed father of four, a blind musician, and a fifth-year pupil close to ordination. With wit and sometimes heartbreaking candor, they face the challenges of priestly life -- from the traditional hurdles of obedience and chastity to the modern day skepticism of their friends and families.

Review Quotes

"This is not a nadve book, or an apologetic one, but it is one filled with empathy and wonder." --Samuel G. Freedman, author of "Upon This Rock: The Miracles of a Black Church"

"Compassionate and eye-opening...it should be required reading for anyone thinking about becoming a priest." Publishers Weekly

"An engaging look inside a Catholic seminary dispels many mysteries . . . Puts a human face on the word 'priest.'" Kirkus Reviews

"Gripping...Englert deftly illuminates a milieu foreign even to most Catholics." --Matthew Hay Brown The Baltimore Sun

"As compelling as a good novel." --Andrew Hudgins News and Observer

"Wrenching and darkly humorous." --Kimberly Marlowe Hartnett The Seattle Times

"Englert is a sensitive eye-witness. His book is a needed eye-opener." --Leonard Gill, Memphis Flyer