Fr. Pat Brennan – a Priest of Integrity

Author of fourteen books, Fr. Brennan’s most recent, The Mission Driven Parish (2007), received a third place award from the Catholic Press Association of the U.S. and Canada in the category of pastoral ministry.

Fr. Pat is also included in Paul Wilkes Best Practices from America's Best Churches (2003) and Excellent Catholic Parishes: The Guide to Best Places and Best Practices (2001). He is quoted as saying, "Evangelization, I have found, is what draws people to church. It might be done by word of mouth, the example of members, or advertising. The warmth of the congregation, the quality of the liturgy, music or art are what keep them coming. And, very importantly, preaching."

The people of Holy Family Catholic Community are in need of our prayers as they painfully struggle along with Fr. Pat with his eventual departure. He faces leaving the community following two extensions as pastor while a large addition has been built, the Center for Families and Youth. The community wrestles with the competing reality of compliance with Cardinal George's directive of moving Fr. Pat despite a request by his parishioners to keep him through retirement.