Beyond the dramatic drop in seminarians and the declining numbers of priests, beyond the sexual misconduct scandals shaking the confidence and trust once readily given to priests, a spiritual deepening and maturing is renewing the spirit and confidence of the diocesan priest. In this collection of essays, twelve priests (including four bishops) reflect on the spirituality of the diocesan priest from their personal and pastoral experience.

Have diocesan priests finally transcended the monastic and religious order spiritualities that have shaped their prayer and interior lives for centuries? Is a spirituality particular to the diocesan priest emerging precisely at a time when the priesthood is under such close scrutiny? The contributors - pastors, theologians, poets, and bishops - grapple with the maturing of the diocesan priest's soul, touch the mystery of the priesthood, and unveil personal, often moving, dramas of grace.

Contributors and their articles include Tenders of the Word by Donald B. Cozzens, Personal Symbol of Communion by Denis Edwards, Confessions of a Pilgrim Pastor by William Hammer, A Kindled Heart by Frank McNulty, A Glorious and Transcendent Place by Robert F. Morneau, The Conciliar Documents and the 1983 Code by Edward G. Pfnausch, Ruminations of a Canonist by James H. Provost, Heralds of the Gospel and Experts in Humanity by Sylvester D. Ryan, Servant of the Servants of God by Robert Schwartz, Speaking Out for the Inside by William H. Shannon, Paul of Tarsus: A Model for Diocesan Priesthood by Richard J. Sklba, and Spirituality of the Diocesan Priest: Using the Wrong Measure? by Kenneth Untener.