The last forty years have brought great ferment and change, both in the world and the Church. What has all this meant to those in the priesthood during that time? What pressures have they faced and what issues have they had to wrestle with? Above all, how have they responded to these? This book provides a fascinating snapshot, following the paths of a group of young men who, having trained together at St John's Seminary, Wonersh, were ordained in 1963. Joined in the same year by two other ordinands from Ireland, these comprise the Class of '63.

Often moving, sometimes amusing and always absorbing, their stories - mostly autobiographical - offer, in the words of Tony Castle, the book's editor, a compelling insight into 'how those young men coped, adapted and followed their consciences in a difficult and turbulent period in the history of their Church'. As that Church faces the challenge of a new millennium, the insights in this collection need to be carefully considered by all whose decisions will shape the future of both the priesthood and the Church at large.