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The Lost Art of Walking on Water: Reimagining the Priesthood
With bursting congregations, shrinking ranks and a priest sexual abuse scandal in the headlines, no group seems more beleaguered of late than Roman Catholic priests. This book of essays by a priest is candid, thoughtful, honest, sometimes funny and filled with hope and practical suggestions for parish priests today. Facing such challenges as prayer, obedience, celibacy, depression and church leadership, he offers a call to greater transparency and trusting faith. Even turbulent times are graced. Father Heher believes priests can do more than survive this difficult time; they have the capacity to grow more resilient, relaxed, effective and loving. ―there are many books about priests but few to priests themselves by one of their own ―engagingly written ―insightful reading for lay people †
192 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 1, 2022
This is a book for priests by a priest who has served in a number of different ministries to be able to speak to priests of different generations. This is not some pie in the sky DisneyWorld that Fr. Heher describes; it is the real world in which priests work day after day. He describes some of the problems we face but does not hold himself aloof from them. His message is most often a "we" and "us" message rather than "they" and "you". We're reading this book in my book club which comprises priests of different education, background, and age. All of us find something to which we can relate which spurs us on to the discussion. Fr. Heher writes in a simple style that is readily understandable. He might throw in a Latin word or phrase here or there, but it is easily understood and he doesn't do it to show off his erudition. He also uses other authors from other disciplines to illustrate his point.
Running through the whole book is the image from whence he takes his title. The Apostle Peter was able to walk on water by keeping his focus on Jesus. When he lost his focus, he began to sink. It's like the fact that according to the laws of aerodynamics a bumblebee cannot fly, but nobody told the bee, so it does. The same is true for us; once we focus on ourselves and lose sight of Jesus we too begin to sink. In keeping our focus, we can and will do great things, like walk on water.
Running through the whole book is the image from whence he takes his title. The Apostle Peter was able to walk on water by keeping his focus on Jesus. When he lost his focus, he began to sink. It's like the fact that according to the laws of aerodynamics a bumblebee cannot fly, but nobody told the bee, so it does. The same is true for us; once we focus on ourselves and lose sight of Jesus we too begin to sink. In keeping our focus, we can and will do great things, like walk on water.
March 5, 2023
A thoughtful and informative book that helps even lay members of the church. It brings to light issues facing the clergy. This is a respected source and can enlighten the general population in ways to improve relationships between clergy and parishioners.
January 24, 2012
I loved this book! It gave a very honest and realistic portrait of the day-to-day life of the priest, beyond the outward appearances, and outlined some of the common struggles and pitfalls of that vocation.
As a lay woman, it gave me an insight into their life and led me to have an increased sense of empathy toward my priests and a renewed desire to support them however I can, especially with my daily prayers.
Not only does Fr. Heher outline some common pitfalls, but he also makes some great suggestions for overcoming these (or even just to recognize them in the first place) to his brother priests.
I would definitely recommend this book to any priest I know, and also to anyone with a heart for our shepherds. :)
As a lay woman, it gave me an insight into their life and led me to have an increased sense of empathy toward my priests and a renewed desire to support them however I can, especially with my daily prayers.
Not only does Fr. Heher outline some common pitfalls, but he also makes some great suggestions for overcoming these (or even just to recognize them in the first place) to his brother priests.
I would definitely recommend this book to any priest I know, and also to anyone with a heart for our shepherds. :)
May 25, 2012
Highlights some of the issues of priesthood for a contemporary U.S. diocesan priest. The chapter on Near Enemies was the most interesting to me. His perspective is an interesting one but not one I share.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews