Strengthen Your Brethren

It has often been remarked that too many bishops today are much more corporate executives than spiritual fathers. A new book would seem to go some way in at least one instance towards changing that: J. Peter Sartain, Strengthen Your Brothers: Letters of Encouragement from an Archbishop to His  Priests (Liturgical Press, 2012), 192pp.

About this book the publisher tells us:

In recent years, Archbishop Peter Sartain has written to the priests of the Diocese of Joliet (where he served from 2006-10) and the priests of the Archdiocese of Seattle (where he currently ministers). These intimate, thoughtful letters of encouragement and support are collected here. From a place of commitment and care, Archbishop Sartain addresses a variety of spiritual, theological, pastoral, and personal situations that challenge priests. His personal experience and spiritual insights come together in a moving pastoral way, offering the reader a deep sense of God s care for the world and those who shepherd his people.

Archbishop Sartain's confidence that God is in charge and ministry is based on surrendering control to God s truth, love, and simple presence permeates this book. Priests will find it uplifting, as will others who serve in ministry, and the people who care about them.