A Saint and a Sinner: The Rise and Fall of a Beloved Catholic Priest

I could not put this book down. Of course being from Long Island, I knew all the places he referenced. But the book shows it is never too late to change for the better. Didn't have to be about a priest, anyone could have the struggles Mr. Donnelly had. A great read and glad that even with continued problems, he never turned back to the bottle or drugs. Keep up the good work.

We considered Father Donnelly our family priest: he was the officiant at our daughter’s wedding and later baptized her triplet sons. As a parishioner of St. Patrick’s Church in Huntington I heard a rumor that he had written a book. I was aware of his sobriety but soon discovered a lot more than I had expected about this man; I consider him very brave for sharing his story. The book also helps clear up some rumors of why he left St. Patrick’s Church and about that cryptic note in the bulletin from the Diocese about Father Donnelly’s departure. The book is beautifully written: I cried, I laughed, I felt proud at times, while I also worried about his sanity as he struggled between Satan and God. Overall great book. I would have enjoyed it whether or not I knew Father Donnelly.

Know folks who know him otherwise I wouldn't have bothered. If anyone shouldn't have been a priest, it's this man,

It's about a local guy who had his ups and downs in life

An amazing true story about the incredible life journey of a priest that anyone who has ever known him or attended his masses will tell you has a kind heart and wonderful soul. But, we are all human with human faults. This is an incredible story of his lifes journey from childhood to adulthood of family issues, addiction, love, faith, sobriety, and betrayal. You just have to read it for yourself! Totally Captivating and just a Really Great Book! So glad I bought it!

This book has been a long time coming and it did not disappoint. It gives us a glimpse into the real world that clergy face behind the scenes. So much is expected of them, but people forget that they are human, and face the same problems that they are expected to counsel their parishioners through.Fr. Stephen’s sharing his story is a reminder to us all that of the loneliness and difficulties that they face, and that we need to extend the grace to them that we expect from them.Fr. Stephen gave so much to our community; I hope he knows we are still grateful and think of him often.

I loved this book and the way it portrayed Father as a human being. He worked in his shortcomings everyday.It broke my heart that he tried so hard to comfort this crazy woman only to have her turn on him. She was a vulture.Celibacy is a church rule, not the word of God.

The book is too long. It could and should have been condensed by 20%. I admired, certainly, the priest for his courage and desire to share his story to inspire others, but at some point I could not help but feel it sent overboard about how great he is, and cherished by the community. Codependents do have need to feel superior. I found that a little much to deal with. OTOH, admitting weakness is a sign of strength, and telling your story to inspire and help others is very kind and charitable. So I think the book was good. This book and another has opened my eyes to the fact that some laity did take advantage of the opportunity to assail priests for no valid reason. And regarding the power hungry in charge Sacristan mentioned, I have some across these, and gone to my battle stations.