Monsignor Dennis Murphy consults the difficult environment in which priests work today: declining and aging parishes; priest shortages; growing disrespect for priests as fallout from the sexual abuse crisis; the challenges of aggressive secularism. Through an "environmental scan," he reads the signs of the times to understand the social context for today's diocesan priesthood.

Turning to Catholic tradition, including Scripture, theology and modern Church voices from Popes Benedict and John Paul to Joan Chittister and Donald Cozzens, Murphy builds a case for a distinct spirituality for the diocesan priest. In doing so, he reviews the relationship of the parish priest to his congregation, to other priests, to women, and to his bishop. Along the way, he reflects profoundly on particular challenges, such as celibacy, facing the suspicion of a larger culture, and the question of obedience to authority.

The book ends with an inspiring appeal to Christian hope and the need for a strong life of prayer and love in community to face the challenges ahead.

Dennis Richard Murphy was a successful film and television writer, director, producer and teacher whose documentary series appeared in 70 countries in 33 languages. His short stories were published in Ellery Queen’s and Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazines as well as in several anthologies, and in 2007 he won the Crime Writers of Canada Arthur Ellis Award for Best Short Story. Sadly, Dennis Richard Murphy passed away in June 2008, shortly after completing Darkness at the Break of Noon.

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