The book takes place in a Catholic Seminary called Sacred Heart in Milwaukee, which specializes in preparing of older men, even retired and widowed men, for ordination into the Catholic priesthood. Englert takes a different approach by narrating the story as if the reader had been living alongside the men in their time in the seminary. There are some interesting characters that bring the story to life, although at times their personal lives take the spotlight away from their experience in the seminary.
Englert’s take on the Catholic seminary really opened my eyes to all that our priests go through before ordination. Many men are called to enter, but many don’t make it through. The reasons range from problems with authority and hierarchy to old ex-girlfriends. He explains how each seminarian goes through phases and at times come very close to losing their faith, but at the last minute it is renewed and fulfilled. Our Catholic priests are good men, but this book helps us to remember that they are just that, men.
I recommend this book to all my fellow Catholics, as well as my non-catholic brothers and sisters. At just under 300 pages it’s not a difficult read. The Collar will enlighten you to the truth about what happens behind the scenes at the seminary and you’ll understand and appreciate your priest even more. I give this book a four out of five, for the slow parts, but as a whole it’s great addition to my collection.