This book presents an integral approach to formation during the vocational synthesis stage, weaving together the human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral dimensions of priestly preparation. It is responsive to the Church’s vision articulated in Pastores Dabo Vobis, Ratio Fundamentalis, and the Program of Priestly Formation (6th edition), offering formators a comprehensive framework for accompanying transitional deacons in their final preparation for priesthood. By providing formators with both a synthetic vision of integral formation and practical tools for implementation, it enables mentors to accompany transitional deacons through the vital process of vocational synthesis, helping them integrate their years of formation into a coherent priestly identity. May this work be for God’s glory and the good of His devoted servants.
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Father John P. Cush, STD, a priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn, is the Editor-in-Chief of Homiletic and Pastoral Review. Fr. Cush serves as a full-time Professor of Dogmatic and Fundamental Theology, Director of Seminarian Admissions and Recruitment, and Formation Advisor at Saint Joseph’s Seminary and College in New York. Before that, he served in parochial work and in full-time high school teaching in the Diocese of Brooklyn and had served as Academic Dean/Assistant Vice-Rector and Formation Advisor at the Pontifical North American College Rome, Italy. Fr. Cush has taught theology and Church History at the Pontifical Gregorian University, the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (the Angelicum), and the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross (Santa Croce), all in Rome, Italy.
Julie McPhillips, OCDS, is a lifelong Catholic, wife, mother, and grandmother. In 2009, she began her journey as a secular Discalced Carmelite and pursued ten years of 
“In this new collection of articles, Father William Waters, OSA offers a number of blessed insights into some of the recurring challenges priests encounter in pastoral ministry. His understanding of human nature and appreciation of the ordinary daily struggles make his reflections real and realistic for both laity and priests. If you are looking for practical approaches, tinged with self-deprecating humor, for some of today’s problems, I encourage you to pick up and enjoy these essays.” – Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes, Archbishop Emeritus of New Orleans
“Marriage preparation, building projects, separately celebrating the seasons of Advent and Christmas in a society where celebrating Christmas usually begins immediately after Thanksgiving and ends before a new year begins, are among the many challenges that priests face in their ministries. Exploring these, and many other topics, the author shares the realities, as well as the frustrations, of being a priest and pastor today. People sometimes think that priests are knowledgeable about every aspect of their ministry. While Fr Waters admits: ‘I do not pretend to have the answers, but I know some of the challenges,’ he also has plenty of practical wisdom, acquired from serving over fifty-three years of ordained ministry, to convey to priests of all age groups. It is evident that Fr Waters understands priesthood with its many hats to wear. This book is a refreshing read and priests, particularly pastors, will readily identify with his experiences and benefit from his insights.” – Bishop Timothy Senior, Bishop of Harrisburg
“When Fr Bill left our wedding reception, we told him not to change his process of helping engaged couples prepare for marriage. Under his guidance, completing our Marriage inventory forced us to ask the tough questions, ensuring we understood each other’s values. Creating our Marriage Gameplan gave us the confidence to face any rough waters together, knowing we’d never abandon ship.” – Mark and Marisyl Alvino
Fr. Peter Grover, OMV is a religious priest with the Oblates of the Virgin Mary. Presently he is the director of St. Clement Eucharistic Shrine in Boston. He also teaches classical languages and biblical studies at St. John Seminary, the Theological Institute of Boston, and Pope St. John XXIII Seminary. He is an avid fly-fisherman and enjoys wreaking havoc in the kitchen.