Prayer

Sent in Love: Building God’s Kingdom One Heart at a Time

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Guest Post by: David Tonaszuck

Reflection on the Gospel of Luke 10:1-9 

As we gather here today, I invite you to pause for a moment and imagine Jesus sitting right beside you. Not far off, but close; so close you can hear the warmth in His voice as He whispers, “My son, my daughter, I love you so much and am always with you. Come, follow me. Let’s walk this road together, sharing the love God has poured into our hearts.” 

Sent Out Into the World: “The Kingdom of God is at hand for you” 

Today, in the Gospel of Luke, we hear Jesus sending out seventy-two of His followers into the world. He tells them, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few. So ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.” That’s a line that always sticks with me. It’s not a promise that things will be easy. In fact, Jesus warns that following Him means walking straight into places that are hard, sometimes even dangerous. But He also promises that we aren’t alone. 

He sends them – and, by extension, us – to announce something incredible: “The kingdom of God is at hand for you.” Not just for someone else, not just far away or in some distant future, but here, now. This is Jesus’ message: God’s presence, God’s way of life, God’s love; it’s breaking into the world, right where you are. 

The Kingdom of God: Not Far Away, but Here and Now 

So, what is this kingdom of God? It’s not castles or thrones or armies. It’s not about power as the world understands it. The kingdom of God is wherever God’s will is done: wherever love, justice, and peace take root. It’s living the way Jesus teaches us: loving God with all we are, loving our neighbor as ourselves, forgiving as we have been forgiven, offering kindness when it’s least expected, and seeking out the lost and the lonely. 

It’s easy to hear the word “kingdom” and imagine something far off. But Jesus says, “No, it’s happening now. You’re invited into it. You don’t have to wait. You don’t have to be perfect.” That’s good news, because I know I’m not perfect. None of us are. The invitation isn’t based on our qualifications. It’s based on God’s love. 

And that love we’re invited into—that kingdom we’re called to build—flows from the Paschal Mystery itself: the life, suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus. In the Paschal Mystery, we see just how far God’s love will go for us. Jesus gives everything: His very life; to reconcile us with the Father, to heal what is broken, and to open the way for us to share in His own divine life. Every time we love, forgive, serve, or lay down our lives for others, we are living out that same Paschal Mystery. We become living witnesses to God’s saving work, carrying Christ’s light into the world. 

Becoming the Kingdom: Asking, Trusting, and Overflowing with Love 

How do we step into this kingdom? Jesus makes it simple – ask. Ask the Holy Spirit, who already lives in your heart, to fill you with God’s love. Ask for the courage to let that love overflow into kindness, generosity, forgiveness, and prayer. When we ask, God answers; and not with just a little, but with abundance. God’s love can’t help but spill over into the lives of those around us. That’s how the kingdom grows, one heart at a time, one act of love at a time. 

We all have a part to play. Maybe you feel like one of those seventy-two disciples – sent out, a little nervous, wondering if you’re really up for it. Jesus says, “I am with you. I love you. Let’s go together.” When we live this way: loving God, loving neighbor, trusting the Spirit; we become the kingdom of God in the world. We become the hands and feet of Jesus. We help others catch a glimpse of God’s presence and God’s promise. 

So today, as you go out into the world, remember: you are deeply loved. You are never alone. And you are called, right now, to be part of something bigger than yourself; to help build the kingdom of God, not with grand gestures, but with simple acts of love and faithfulness, day after day. 

Go out, then, with love. Give praise, thanksgiving, and glory to God in all you do. Love those around you as Jesus loves you – and know that He walks with you, every step of the way. 

Amen.

Learn More about the Bread of Life

About Live the Eucharist

About Our Guest Blogger

Blessed Carlo Acutis once said, “Not me, but God.” His words echo deeply in my own spiritual life. This blog is not about me, but about the work of the Holy Spirit. I choose to remain anonymous because the voice behind these reflections isn’t what matters — the One speaking through them is.

I am a lifelong Catholic with a deep love for Scripture, the sacraments, and the quiet ways God speaks through everyday life. Live the Eucharist was born from my desire to share how the Gospel and the Eucharist shape not just my Sundays, but every step of the journey.

My hope is that these reflections bless you, challenge you, and draw you closer to Jesus — truly present in the Eucharist and profoundly present in your daily life.

Thank you for sharing!

Catholic Meme Monday— Issue 191

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Hope you had a blessed Sunday! 🙏✝️

Time for another Catholic Meme Monday.

Everything in God’s time. 🙏⏳
We honor the holy ones in Heaven. 🙏
The Beloved Disciple is also the Dashing Disciples 🥇🏃‍♂️
🥓🥓🥓🙏🙏🙏
Amen! 🙏
Some days I don’t even need three drinks 🙈😄🤦‍♂️
Important decision to make! 🙂
😄😄😄
And they say, “Finally! My human listened!” 🙂😄🙏
Gotta be on time 😄
The Synoptic Students 😄🙂✍️
🙂😄😄
Mary crushes the head of the serpent. 🙏
Love your enemies!

That’s all I have this week. Stay tuned for next week’s Catholic Meme Monday. Receive updates straight to your email inbox by subscribing to The Simple Catholic blog.

P.S. If you prefer receiving quality Catholic humor in daily doses follow me on Instagram @thesimplecatholic.

Thank you for sharing!

An 818 Word Interview with Nichole Lanthier

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Editor’s Note: Matthew Chicoine interviewed Nichole Lanthier via phone call on May 14th, 2025. Some of the questions have been rearranged and edited to provide the best reader experience without losing any integrity of the answers given. 

Your story includes a 10-year break from visual art before rediscovering it in 2018. What was that moment of rediscovery like, and how has your artistic voice evolved since returning to your creative roots?

It wasn’t so much as a break as I really didn’t pursue art beyond a hobby. I was focused more on music ministry before having kids. 

I pulled out the art supplies and started drawing a picture for my friend’s  (Katie McGrady) daughter for her birthday. 

Drawing was a way for me to pray. I started making prints for people and eventually opened an Etsy Shop. I have taught myself the more technical aspects of artwork and am still trying to learn. 

I’ve noticed your “pixel art” design of the Blessed Virgin Mary fighting Satan (My son and I love our t-shirts!). Could you share the inspiration behind this striking imagery and what message you hope it conveys?

There’s an old illuminated manuscript of a priest who sold his soul to the Devil and the Blessed Virgin Mary was protecting the priest’s soul. The kids and I thought this was a great story and decided this needed to be one of our pixel shirts. 

How does your Catholic faith specifically inform your artistic choices, themes, and the subjects you choose to create?

It is everything I create. It’s what I do specifically, faith-based work. It is impossible to separate my faith from what I’m doing. As someone who creates for a living I feel like I have an obligation to create something that can inspire others and bring them to God. 

What type of music ministry did you do?

I was a singer-songwriter. From 2003-2018 I did ministry music around our diocese. We worked at a lot of the youth events in our diocese. Now I get to sing in our cathedral choir and I prefer this type of music, so it’s been very nice. 

Your art helps support your children’s Catholic education. How has this practical purpose influenced your approach to your business, and how do you balance the commercial aspects with the ministry side?

It’s really hard. Since we got married we agreed that I would stay home with the kids. We also prayed about sending our children to Catholic schools. And once we sent our first child to Catholic school my art work started to pick up. We have had to put a lot of trust in God. 

Interestingly enough, I don’t have a ton of time to draw due to running the other facets of the business. 

It has been a struggle to balance the commercial and ministry sides. I have had a desire to give away my work for free at times, but I have had to tell myself that my work still deserves pay. At the same time there have been various ministries and circumstances to donate. I do try to price my art to be as low as possible to make it affordable. 

Many artists struggle with vulnerability in sharing their work. As someone who describes feeling “very green with art,” how has putting your creations into the world as expressions of faith challenged or strengthened you?

It has definitely challenged me and has been an exercise in humility. I get nervous putting some of my stuff out there. Part of it is vanity, worrying about what others think of me. I start picking myself apart and thinking about what others more advanced in art would say. I have learned to push through those things. Some days it is tough. I follow so many talented Catholic artists and sometimes compare myself to others. 

If you could create a dream project that perfectly encapsulates what your ministry means to you, what would it look like?

I’m always wishing I could do some large oil paintings. I do have a very long list on my phone of things that I want to paint. The crazy thing is it’s tough to find time to create. Honestly, I would really love to get professional art training. 

Have you ever thought about iconography?

I have thought about it, but my husband is much more interested in that. He actually has an art degree, he took his career in a different direction. 

How do you prepare yourself in terms of devotions or prayer before you create an artwork? 

I try to listen to chant and get into as much of a contemplative state as possible. I love Saints Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross. I also have a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother of God. I really do enjoy drawing images of the Holy Family in their humanity and in their daily life. 

I have plans in my list of doing more artwork focused on the Holy Family. 

Where is the best place for my readers to find more of your work?

Right now everything is on my Etsy shop. 

About Nichole:

Nichole Lanthier is a wife, mother of five, and artist living in Lake Charles, Louisiana. She strives to create pieces that will encourage others to turn their hearts and minds to God. Her work can be found in her etsy shop, at nicholelanthier.etsy.com.

Thank you for sharing!

A 747 Word Interview about the Sainthood Video Game

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Editor’s Note: Matthew Chicoine interviewed Bisong Taiwo via phone call on June 21st, 2025. Some of the questions have been rearranged and edited to provide the best reader experience without losing any integrity of the answers given. 

“Sainthood” is such a unique blend of cozy gameplay and Catholic spirituality. What inspired you to create a strategy game rooted in faith and virtue?

Well, I looked around and I couldn’t find anything that I could be proud of my faith in the game industry. The games I found where Christianity was present was either a parody or present as a conquering mechanic in those games.

I wanted to create a game that helped people pray and serve their community. And to remind the players the core tenets of Christianity.

The game invites players to grow in both Faith and Charity. How did you decide which Catholic practices and values to weave into the core mechanics of gameplay?

In the game, you pray the Rosary, attend Mass, and unlock Saints from all over the world. The game takes place in my home continent of Africa, and the way Christianity got brought to Africa was a bit unique. The game takes place in the 1500s in the Kingdom of Kongo (not to be confused with present-day Congo), so I tried to stay true to the historicity of Catholicism of that era. 

You’ve included 25 real-life saints from across the globe. How did you choose which saints to feature, and what do you hope players take away from learning about them?

That was interesting! I wanted to tackle it. Due to Catholic media, I was mostly familiar with European saints. I went to each continent and picked a few unique stories that I found interesting. The Church is global and I thought it was cool to take saints from around the world to represent the catholicity/universality of our faith. 

The game hints at mystery and spiritual discovery—uncovering the island’s past and the player’s purpose. How does that narrative tie into Catholic themes of vocation, discernment, or the universal call to holiness?

There is a very hidden story, which I can’t spoil. The prioress in the convent who you talk to every day in the game gives you speeches about how to grow your faith in times of hardship. There’s a lot of hardship on this island. I constructed this prioress to give you life lessons, who journeys with you, but also gives you these funny stories. She’s an interesting character who I have never seen on television and definitely not in video games.

Many Catholic parents and educators are always on the lookout for faithful digital media. How do you see Sainthood fitting into the broader conversation about wholesome, mission-driven entertainment?

The reality of the situation is that video games are the dominant form of entertainment for this generation. A lot of kids are playing Fortnite or Roblox. For me it’s an opportunity to bring the faith to this generation. The game has to be entertaining, beautiful, and has to have great graphics. This game is a way to make the faith more compelling to the youth. Video games are part of the culture. Sainthood was created to be a part of this culture and to bring the Gospel to this generation through this type of entertainment.

What’s been the most surprising or rewarding feedback you’ve received from Catholic (or even non-Catholic) players?

I love reading reviews! That’s the primary source of knowing how it’s doing. Some people have purchased the games on multiple platforms. Some people aren’t Catholic but they mentioned how they love Christian games. And some reviewers aren’t even Christians and still say they value the concept of service within the game. 

Any plans for expansions or future Catholic games?

This is always a tricky one, it’s a good question. It depends on what the Lord has in store for me. I would say that if there are any business partners to be made (schools for example) that would be the way to go for expansions. 

I do have a prayer mode in the game. It is separate from the main story, but I have wanted to add more prayers in this mode. Currently, I have the Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. 

I think it would make more sense to branch out to different genres of games. Sainthood is a strategy game. There’s many different genres and thousands of Saints to feature in different games. 

Saints are a big part of our Catholic tradition and there’s so many I would love to bring to the forefront. 

Where is the best place for my readers to find Sainthood and learn more? 

Sainthoodgame.com

About Bisong:

Bisong Taiwo is a filmmaker, software developer, and game designer. Born in Nigeria and currently based in Canada, he has worked across the mobile games, indie film, and tech industries, contributing to a range of projects either as a solo director or as part of a collaborative team. At his core, Bisong is a passionate gamer with a deep love for all kinds of games.

While most strategy games emphasize combat, Bisong is drawn to designing altruistic strategy experiences that focus on helping and serving others rather than conquering or controlling them. His most recent game, Sainthood, exemplifies this vision. As Director, Designer, Writer, and Programmer on the project, he led a small team of contractors to bring the game to life. Sainthood was partially funded by the Xbox Developer Acceleration Program and has received strong reviews and ratings on both the Steam and Xbox stores, resonating with religious and secular audiences alike.

Thank you for sharing!

Saint Peter and Saint Paul: Keepers of the Keys and Witnesses of Love

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Guest Post by: David Tonaszuck

A reflection on the Gospel of Matthew 16:13-19

My beloved brothers and sisters, today we hear the gentle voice of our Lord calling out: “My son, my daughter, I love you so very much and am always with you; come and be by my side and together our hearts shall be one; one with our Father in heaven, united with the Holy Spirit.” These words, so simple and so intimate, are at the very heart of our faith. They remind us that Christianity is not just a set of rules or distant promises; it is a relationship. God wants to be close to us, to make our hearts one with His.

And yet, as close as God draws us, He also sends us. Today, we remember our calling as Christians. We help others move closer to God and walk with them on the path that leads to our Lord. This task doesn’t belong to priests or saints alone. God calls each of us, like Saint Peter and Saint Paul, to keep the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven.

The Keys to the Kingdom

What are these keys? They aren’t something we can hold in our hands. They are brought to us by faith; by our simple Yes to God’s love. When we open our hearts and welcome the Father’s love, the Holy Spirit draws us closer to Jesus, especially through prayer and the sacraments. In the Eucharist, we encounter Christ’s living presence, the Paschal Mystery made real: He is our Lord, our Dearest Friend, our Guide, our Support, our Savior. The more we partake of Him, remembering His sacrifice and resurrection, the more He transforms us into His likeness. He then sends us to share Him with others.

Peter’s Confession: The Foundation of Our Mission

Today’s Gospel from Matthew highlights this very mission. When Jesus poses the profound question, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon, whom Jesus would later call Peter; meaning Petra or “rock” in Greek, steps forward as the first to proclaim: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus responds, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.” Peter’s declaration of faith becomes the bedrock upon which Jesus establishes His Church. This mission isn’t exclusive to Peter; it is entrusted to all of us, the entire Body of Christ.

The Keys Entrusted to the Church

Saint Augustine reminds us that the keys were given to the entire Church, considered as one. When Jesus said, “To you I give,” He meant it for all who make up His Body: for all times, past, present, and future.

So what does this mean for us, here and now? It means we follow Peter’s example: we confess our faith, claim Jesus as the Son of God, and share this Good News. We trust, obey, and love our LORD God, deepening our relationship with Him and entering into His covenant of love.

Strength in Faith

This isn’t easy. From Peter’s day until now, many have given everything, even their lives, to build up the Body of Christ. But as Saint Paul writes to Timothy, “The Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed…and I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly Kingdom.” We are never alone. The Lord is always with us, protecting us and giving us strength to help others find their way home.

live purposefully

Called to Proclaim God’s Love

As key holders to the kingdom of heaven, we proclaim the Father’s love—revealed through Jesus—in everything we do. When we allow the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts, love pours out of us so abundantly that we cannot help but share it. We begin to see our neighbors as God sees them; we recognize Jesus in the faces of those around us. In this, we find true peace, joy, and love.

This is how we fulfill our calling: by loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving our neighbor as Jesus loves us. We say yes to the Father’s will and help build up the Body of Christ around us, united with the Holy Trinity and in community with each other.

My dear children, you hold the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Go out with love. Give praise, thanksgiving, and glory to our Father in heaven, and love those around you as He loves you.

Amen.

Learn More about the Bread of Life

About Live the Eucharist

About Our Guest Blogger

Blessed Carlo Acutis once said, “Not me, but God.” His words echo deeply in my own spiritual life. This blog is not about me, but about the work of the Holy Spirit. I choose to remain anonymous because the voice behind these reflections isn’t what matters — the One speaking through them is.

I am a lifelong Catholic with a deep love for Scripture, the sacraments, and the quiet ways God speaks through everyday life. Live the Eucharist was born from my desire to share how the Gospel and the Eucharist shape not just my Sundays, but every step of the journey.

My hope is that these reflections bless you, challenge you, and draw you closer to Jesus — truly present in the Eucharist and profoundly present in your daily life.

Thank you for sharing!

An 1192 Word Interview with Sacred Art Icons

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Editor’s Note: Matthew Chicoine interviewed Vivian Imbruglia via phone call on May 12th, 2025. Some of the questions have been rearranged and edited to provide the best reader experience without losing any integrity of the answers given. 

How did you get into creating sacred icons?

It’s been over 20 years. My mother asked me to take an “art” class but I didn’t have time with my kids being in high school. But I heard a talk by my priest about honoring your parents and so I took my mother to this class on Tuesday. 

I loved this sacred art class. I had such a love for this art and studied on my own. When our teacher left, I took over the class. I felt called to teach sacred iconography full-time and left my job. I put my trust in the Lord that God would take care of us. It’s been amazing! I just finished a huge altar piece and am now getting ready to begin an Adoration piece. 

Your work is described as “writing” rather than painting icons. Can you tell me more about this? 

This is how I learned in iconography you can’t take credit for anything you do. How can I say that I painted the Wedding of Cana, the Baptism of Our Lord, all these other stories from Scripture. It would seem rather arrogant to me to say I painted this scene. I am writing these stories anew. I feel incredibly underqualified to say that I am painting. In real iconography one never signs their name on the front. It is only on the back of the icon and the signature is in small letters. 

I will hide the letters AMDG in the icon as a reminder to myself that this image I made is for the glory of God. 

Could you elaborate on this spiritual distinction and how it affects your approach compared to other forms of religious art?

You have to live within your faith at all times. There were times I was struggling with a piece and I had a friend say, “When’s the last time you went to Confession?”. I have Gregorian chants in the background and don’t listen to secular content when I am working on the artwork. Your mind must be immersed in the holy. My husband is now a deacon and I have a lot of friends who share the same faith, so it helps to be in the environment that helps get me in the right theological soil. 

You mention dialoguing with saints as you create their icons. Could you share a particularly memorable conversation or inspiration you’ve received during this process?

I had to read up on Saint Philomena about ten years ago. I learned she was known as the wonder-worker. My grandson was being tested for autism. I was talking with her and received a call from a friend who had a prayer request for her aunt. My friend called me back saying that her Aunt Ella received a vision from a woman in blue. Many times I had conversations with the saints. For example, I go to Saint Michael the Archangel. I had a relic and blessed salt and asked him for his guidance on a car ride (I’m not a fan of car rides). He was instrumental in protecting me during this occasion where a car was coming directly from us from the wrong direction, my husband swerved and went between two semis. There were several fatalities. But in hindsight I learned that Saint Michael protected me and my husband. 

Many of your icons incorporate physical elements like sand from holy sites or blessed water. How did this practice develop in your work, and what impact have you seen it have on those who receive these icons?

This is really interesting, I was working on a piece about Saint Oscar Romero. I took this dirt my priest gave me from El Salvardo where a massacre took place. I mixed it in the paint and put the 24 carat gold over the paint as a symbol of these individuals going to Heaven (as martyrs). We were blessed to have a first class relic of Oscar Romero in the icon. 

There’s a sense of awe and gives people something to think about. Having the relic present while I am writing the icon is incredible and a blessing. 

The eyes seem particularly important in your iconography process, as you pray specifically that they will “draw in” the right viewers. Have you witnessed any powerful encounters or conversions that stemmed from this spiritual connection?

Oftentimes my images go and I don’t see them again. I pray that those who need to see it will be drawn in. It might be an image of Divine Mercy or a particular saint. That’s the prayer: that those who need to see it will see it. I ask the Lord “Give me the grace to see the eyes.” The eyes are like the soul of the icon. 

There was an image of “Eucharistic Jesus” the eyes have drawn people to see Jesus truly present in the Eucharist. It was originally written for a retreat; now it is hanging in the Adoration Chapel, Saint Peter and Saint Paul in Altaloma, CA. During the Eucharistic Revival we reprinted (10 x 8 frames) and gave one away to a family each week. We gave the families pamphlets about Eucharistic Adoration.  So that image really helped a lot of people learn about Jesus in the Eucharist. For over a year we gave out images to families and ended up giving about 1,000 images. 

As Catholics increasingly seek to strengthen their domestic churches, how have you seen your icons transform family prayer life and devotion in homes?

I make a point to ask families that if someone walked into your home would they know you are Catholic. Have at least an image of the Sacred Heart. It’s kind of been my thing to spread the beauty of our faith through my images. People have forgotten the beauty of our Catholic faith and made our homes the domestic church. Especially when I speak at marriage retreats. I ask how you can fight with your spouse in front of an image of Jesus or have something inappropriate on TV when you have the Blessed Virgin Mary in the living room. 

If Jesus walked into our homes today would he see a picture or image of Himself? If not, then you should get sacred art or statutes to remind you of Jesus, Mary, and the saints. 

For those interested in learning iconography as a spiritual practice, what advice would you give about approaching this ancient tradition with the proper reverence and understanding?

We don’t see a lot of Catholics doing this. Our Greek Orthodox brothers and sisters aren’t always the kindest with us on this matter. Read about Catholic sacred art. Think of iconography as windows into Heaven. Icons are a small window into Heaven. I try to write as much about the saints on my website but research any way you can. Learn about the saints! Again think of it as a window into Heaven and wanting that for your home. Remember that we are not only looking at the saint but they are also looking at us! 

Icons are prayers.

About Vivian: 

Vivian Imbruglia, a devoted wife and mother of two, serves alongside her husband, Deacon Tom, at St. Peter & St. Paul Catholic Church in Alta Loma, California. She is also a loving grandmother to five. As a cradle Catholic, Vivian discovered her passion for iconography and sacred art over two decades ago. Since then, she has created over 200 icons and sacred artworks that have been featured globally. Guided by the Jesuit motto, “Ad majorem Dei gloriam” (For the greater glory of God), she incorporates the letters AMDG into all of her work. Her mission is simple: to spread the beauty of the Catholic faith through images. 

Thank you for sharing!

A 1280 Word Interview with a Melkite Catholic

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Editor’s Note: Matthew Chicoine interviewed Jocelyn Abyad via phone call on June 2nd, 2025. Some of the questions have been rearranged and edited to provide the best reader experience without losing any integrity of the answers given. 

For those who may not be familiar, how would you describe the Melkite Catholic Church and what makes its liturgical and spiritual traditions unique within the Catholic Church?

I think if we are talking about the Melkite Church specifically, we are oneof the 23 Eastern Churches in full Communion with Rome. Our ancestry goes back to Antioch. That’s the most basic explanation.

Our Liturgical Rite isByzantine. Historically and geographically the Melkite Church has largely been based in Syria, more generally, the Levant and Egypt.
The various churches aren’t culture clubs but complete liturgical expressions of the Catholic faith.

I grew up Roman Catholic in Arizona and had no idea that the Eastern Catholic Churches existed. I had this narrow view of what Catholicism looked like. All the Eastern Churches bring universality through diversity to the table. 

Before I married my husband I only thought of the Church as Roman Catholic. I truly never heard of Eastern Catholicism. 

The MelkiteChurch does allow for priests to be married. A man may get ordained a priest after he is married, but if he is already a priest he cannot get married. My husband got ordained in 2022. He was a deacon for about 8 years prior to that. 

As both a priest’s wife and a homeschooling mother of seven, how has your faith shaped your family life and vocation?

It’s everything! I think first and foremost, that our faith is the priority. Most Eastern Catholic parishes are smaller, so when you are in a leadership position you are kind of like a jack of all trades. As our responsibilities grew, we decided that homeschooling was the best option. It was a decision driven by our faith life. 

My husband actually has a secular career as an aerospace engineer. It is a common practice in the Eastern Church for priests to work another job. In his work he has shaped his schedule to cater to his priesthood to make sure he is there for the community. For example, being available to celebrate funerals and take hospital calls. 

Everything is second to God and his Church. 

Liturgical living is a big part of your ministry. Can you share some practical ways Melkite traditions enrich liturgical life at home?

I think maybe other Eastern Catholics would say similar things. What I think is beautiful about our faith is that nothing is watered down. I helped to pick the vestments my husband wears, the meal planning is liturgically based. In the Melkite tradition we fast from meat on all Wednesdays and Fridays (not including Easter). And we are basically vegan during Great Lent. We also have a Dormition Fast (two weeks before the Feast of the Dormition of Mary); the Nativity Fast (two weeks before Christmas); the Apostles’ Fast (two weeks before the Feasts of Peter and Paul- June 29)

I love that the Divine Liturgy draws children into the mystery. One of my favorite memories in my heart is watching my children get baptized. They receive all the Sacraments of Initiation at once. I heard the Divine Liturgy being described as the chaos of life crashinginto the structure of the liturgy. Liturgy is immersive. When the priest processesthe children touch the priest’s robe like how the woman touched the hem of Jesus’ garment. I love that in the Melkite tradition we truly have an incarnate faith.

Smell the incense, kiss the icons, taste the Body of Christ. 

Palm Sunday is really big for Melkites. All the people processoutside the church with their palms and decorated candles. During Holy Week we have nightly services that draw you truly into the Crucifixion. On Holy Saturday, we have a “pre-pascha” called the Blessing of the New Light to foreshadow the chains of death falling away and celebrating the Resurrection. 

You co-founded We Carry You Still, a ministry for families who’ve experienced loss. How has your own journey through grief influenced your work in this area?

In 2020 and 2021, my husband and I lost three babies due to miscarriage. Frankly it shook my faith in ways I never experienced before. While we had some resources from my doctor, they were secular and weren’t theologically sound.

Over a year ago, myself and a couple friends started Carry You Still, we vet and share grief, loss, and miscarriage resources. I think this is the aspect of the pro-life movement that’s missing from the Church. 

You can learn more about this ministry at https://wecarryyoustill.org/

There’s incredible healing that can happen after such loss and grief. The Church has answers. 

Many Catholics are curious about the role of married clergy in the Eastern Churches. How do you see the vocation of the priesthood and marriage complementing each other?

I think one of the things God has laid on my heart as far as my end of things, is to be my husband’s number one supporter. Priests have a huge responsibility to serve a community and be the keeper and provider of the holy sacraments. I know that I am my husband’s best friend and comforter especially as he deals with heavy things.

I ask him to tell me as little as possible, as I find the politics of the Church discouraging. So for me to serve him, I like to know as little as possible in that aspect. On the flip side, some of the joys of being a clergy wife are being there for the parishioners’ big life events: baptisms, weddings, funerals. It is such hard work, a privilege and honor. 

My husband has a unique role of serving the community in knowing the struggles and joys of married and family life personally.  Those are some of the ways our marriage supports his vocation as a priest.

Readers may also be interested to know that priest’s wives in the Melkite Church are given the title “Khouria.” People call me Khouria Jocelyn at church.

What are some misconceptions Latin Rite Catholics might have about Eastern Catholicism, and how can we better understand and appreciate the diversity within the Church?

Part of it is the cultural club mentality. My husband and I joke about visitors seeing the “liturgical zoo” to see the “exotic Catholics.” So part of the misconception is that you have to be a member of a specific ethnic group to be a member of an Eastern Church. My husband is Middle Eastern but I am not

The second misconception is Latin Rite Catholics still confusing Eastern Catholics as being Eastern Orthodox. 

We can as a Church and Her members, we pray for unity between the East and the West and that is how we can appreciate the diversity of our faith. Eastern Catholicism liturgical expression looks Orthodox. So the way forward is to embrace both East and West traditions and liturgical expressions in the unity of the Catholic Church.

Finally, if someone wanted to attend a Melkite Divine Liturgy for the first time, what should they expect—and what advice would you give them?

I tell folks that if you are in Phoenix to come see me! I encourage visitors to experience and immerse yourself in the Divine Liturgy. There’s less rules, we stand the whole time, our communion bread is leavened, and we all receive in the mouth but we don’t stick out our tongue. It’s like the chaos of life being bound within the structure of the Liturgy. 

Where can my readers learn more about you and the Melkite Church? 


My Instagram page as I do some more interviews and share homeschool tips. To learn more about the Melkite Church in general you can visit melkite.org. You may also visit my parish Saint John of the Desert. 

About Jocelyn: 

Jocelyn Abyad is the wife of Fr. Zyad Abyad and mother of 7 daughters on earth and 3 babies in Heaven. She holds a degree in psychology from Arizona State University and worked as a finance banker for over a decade before choosing to stay home to homeschool her children. Alongside her husband, she serves at St. John of the Desert Melkite Catholic Church in Phoenix, Arizona.Jocelyn shares insights on homeschooling and liturgical living across multiple platforms as Melkite Momma and is a regular contributor to Byzikids Magazine. In 2024, she co-founded We Carry You Still, a nonprofit ministry offering support and resources for women and families who have experienced miscarriage or infant loss. Throughout her work and personal experiences, Jocelyn seeks to foster faith, family, and community.

Thank you for sharing!