Rev. Melvin C. Blanchette, P.S.S., Ph.D., S.T.B.

Having completed a doctorate in clinical psychology at Alliant University in San Diego (1975), Fr. Blanchette is a licensed psychologist in Maryland and the District of Columbia. With his training in both theology and psychology, his primary career focus is to bridge the gap between theology, spirituality, and psychology, particularly by aiding clergy and other religious professionals to integrate their lives and ministries more effectively. With this goal in mind, Fr. Blanchette chaired the Department of Pastoral Counseling at the Columbia, Maryland, campus of Loyola College. Fr. Blanchette has written and contributed to numerous books and articles on ministerial formation and psychology. These include: A Primer on Sulpician Spirituality (2017), Pastoral Counseling (edited with Barry Estadt and Jack Compton, Prentice Hall, 1983); The Art of Clinical Supervision: A Pastoral Counseling Perspective (edited with Barry Estadt and Jack Compton, Prentice Hall, 1987); Grace Under Pressure: A Study of Effective Priests Ordained Ten to Thirty Years (NCEA, 1995), and Stewards of the Mysteries of God (edited with Paul Philibert and Dan Danielson, Liturgical Press, 2004).
Fr. Blanchette is a member of the Catholic Theological Society of America, the American Psychological Association, and the Maryland and District of Columbia Psychological Associations. In 2000, the National Catholic Education Association bestowed on him the Pope John Paul II Award for outstanding service to American and Canadian seminaries. The following year, he received the Pope John XXIII award from the National Organization for Continuing Education of Roman Catholic Clergy for his contributions to the continuing formation of priests and religious.