• 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
"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
