Many Call Me Father, But My Kids Call Me Dad

About the Book

This book was never intended to be a theological study of the Roman Catholic priesthood. Nor does it attempt to explain the moral, doctrinal, and disciplinary philosophy of a Church now struggling to locate a compass that will help re-discover its leadership and restore its relevance in the modern world.

Rather, it is the story of a man who has experienced both priesthood and parenthood and who has diligently searched for the resolution of both., as he has journied from seminary to ordination; from subsequent departure to marriage and parenthood; from government service to bed and breakfast hospitality…. And finally, full circle, to a return to active ministry … a priesthood devoted to the Catholic “diaspora.”

This book is a reflection on a “road less traveled” rather than a schorlarly treatise.

Hopefully, it will help those who read it to better understand both the high expectations as well as the pitfalls in trying to be a full human being.

About the Author

“Jim” Lovejoy is a married Roman Catholic priest. He will always be a priest, whether it be as a celibate clergyman in a midwestern Catholic diocese for 15 years, or as a husband, father, and grandfather for the past 36 years. He has always tried to provide spiritual service to others: to students and faculty on a State campus; to the military services as a Race Relations instructor and education advisor; to guests at his and his wife’s Bed & Breakfast on the coast of Maine, and for the past 5 years as a member of a married priest organization, C.I.T.I., a society of Christ’s priesthood dedicated to serving those who have been disenfranchised from the institutional Church, but who still hunger for the Faith they have never abandoned.

Nearing his 80^th year of life, Jim has “miles to go and much to do before he sleeps.”

He welcomes critics, but only God can be his Judge.