They Call Him Pastor: Married Men in Charge of Catholic Parishes

They Call Him Pastor focuses on twenty parishes, located in all four census regions of the United States, that are administered by married men (ten deacons and ten laymen). In each parish the author conducted individual interviews with these men, their wives, their children, the sacramental minister (priest), the bishop, and a representative group of parishioners. The research reveals that these new parish leaders tended to practice collaborative leadership, and that their marital status was a key factor for their parishioners' acceptance of and cooperation with them.

The wives, most of whom worked outside the home, were mature, well educated, and enthusiastic supporters of the role played by their husbands. Children helped their father "break the ice." Parishioners, inspired by a new sense of ownership, devoted more time to parish committees and contributed more financial support to the parish. A key source of support for these married leaders was their formal installation in the parish church with the bishop as presider.

This timely and original work will be of interest to:
--students and professors of theology, sociology, psychology and American studies.
--members of various sociological associations.
--members of associations dealing with, and anyone interested in, church life, lay ministry, and pastoral planning.