Called

Barbara Cawthorne Crafton

Jan/2017, 160 Pages, PAPERBACK, 5x7

ISBN-13: 9780819232915

$18.95

$18.95

• Latest book from best-selling author
• Life journey overview for ordained ministry but applicable to other callings

The life and ministry of a priest are two aspects of the same journey, and beloved author and priest Barbara Cathorne Crafton approaches this journey in four sections, envisioned as embracing a clerical life. The first, "The Dream," contains the early years of discernment, training, and youthful ministry. The second, "Desert," deals with the terrible obstacles (self-created or inflicted from outside), that may end a ministry or wound it deeply. The third, "The Dance," is that period of time in which you know who you are and how you serve, and the flow of life and ministry is effectively graceful. The last, "The Death," deals with the priest's physical decline and death. Crafton lays out this path with all of her usual warmth and humor, offering insights and a companion in the way, not just to priests but to all of us.

Audience: Clergy, fans of Barbara's other books

Read an excerpt

Barbara Cawthorne Crafton is a popular preacher, retreat leader, and writer who teaches at Marble Collegiate Church and at the General Theological Seminary in New York City. Her articles have appeared in the New York Times, Reader's Digest, Episcopal Life, and many other publications. She is the author of many books, including Called, The Courage to Grow Old, The AlsoLife, Jesus Wept: When Faith and Depression Meet, Mass in Time of War, The Sewing Room, Living Lent, and many others.

 

"Called is Barbara Crafton at her best: deep truths embedded in holy storytelling. Rooted in love, encouragement, wit, gentleness, inspiration, and wisdom, Crafton unearths the nuances of what it means for each one of us—lay and ordained alike—to pursue the divine call."
—The Rev. Tim Schenck, author Father Tim's Church Survival Guide

"Called is looking into the full-length mirror of a life well lived. Always candid in her honesty and an artist with her words, Ms. Crafton takes the reader on a journey—from the first timid but brave step forward, through seasons of doubt and fear, to the moment when our work on earth is done. An inspiring read. You will see your face in the reflection. Welcome to the dance."
—Roger Hutchison, author The Painting Table and Under the Fig Tree

"Barbara Crafton has captured the essence of what it is to be 'called.' She has put words to that inner leading or mysterious pull toward a particular profession or vocation that many of us have experienced at one time or another throughout our lives. Crafton writes with an intimate understanding, a deep knowing, about the process of being called. Through gracious generosity she tells us about her own call to the priesthood and enables us to realize a bit of our own process or call through her story and others. Called has helped me define my own journey; allowed me to realize my own call!"
—Julie Anne Vincent, MD; Division Chief, Pediatric Cardiology, Professor of Pediatrics, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York

"Barbara Crafton has a gift for brilliantly clear, perfectly turned phrases that somehow break your heart even as they lift you up. Read this book and be inspired, provoked, delighted, and enriched."
—Mary McCormack, actress

"Barbara Crafton's message in her new book, Called, is both prophetic and transformational. It is a must read. She expands the sacred nature of a 'called' vocation to all walks of life—being 'called' is not just for the priesthood, but also for the bartender to the abstract artist. Called should occupy space on your book shelf alongside Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Augustine."
—Chester Johnson, author of the forthcoming Auden, the Psalms, and Me

Click For a Book Preview

$18.95

You May Also Like

The AlsoLife

Barbara Cawthorne Crafton, Foreword by Nicholas Knisely$19.95

The Courage to Grow Old

Barbara Cawthorne Crafton$13.95

The Sewing Room

Barbara Cawthorne Crafton$26.95

Not All Who Wander (Spiritually) Are Lost

Traci Rhoades, Foreword by Jerusalem Greer$19.95

I Will Arise and Go Now

Herbert O'Driscoll$23.95

Passionate for Justice

Catherine Meeks & Nibs Stroupe, Foreword by Stacey Abrams$22.95

He Called Me Sister

Suzanne Craig Robertson, Foreword by Sister Helen Prejean$29.95

This Band of Sisterhood

Edited by Westina Matthews, Foreword by Catherine Meeks, Afterword by Paula Clark$15.95