Singleness and the Early Church: Encouragement for Living the Single Life in Christ Today

Long before formal religious orders or the discipline of celibacy was mandated for Western priests, many Christians quietly committed themselves to a life of celibacy, prayer, spiritual disciplines, and service. It was not a mere acceptance of being unmarried, but a distinct choice of this way of life. They believed this way would best help them follow Christ. Exploring themes of calling, asceticism, sexuality and community, Kathryn Wehr draws insight and encouragement from early Christian writings for Catholic singles, including those discerning a religious or ordained vocation.