Catholic business

When God Becomes Our Safe Place: Attachment, Faith, and the Healing of the Heart

/ chicoinematt

Sponsored: This article is made possible by The Elijah Institute, supporting quality and engaging Catholic content.

There’s a quiet moment that happens sometimes in prayer. It’s that pause when the words dry up and what’s left is something simpler: a reaching out. We may not even know what we’re reaching for, only that we need Someone.

Psychologists have a name for that reaching: attachment behavior — the human drive to seek closeness, safety, and reassurance from someone we trust. It’s the instinct that makes a child run to her father after scraping her knee or a friend call someone they love when grief hits hard. But it’s also at the heart of our spiritual lives.

According to attachment theory, developed by John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth and expanded in later research, our earliest relationships with caregivers shape the patterns of connection that follow us into adulthood. The secure, anxious,avoidant, and fearful avoidant ways we bond with others don’t disappear when we start praying. They often reappear in how we relate to God, particularly during dark and desolate times.

That’s what Pehr Granqvist and Lee Kirkpatrick explore in “Attachment and Religious Representations and Behavior” from The Handbook of Attachment. Their work invites us to see that the God we love is also the God we attach to. Grace often works through the same relational pathways that once taught us how to love, fear, trust, or withdraw.

Continue reading →
Thank you for sharing!

The Simple Catholic’s Christmas Gift Guide

/ chicoinematt

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through the links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support of The Simple Catholic.

‘Tis the season of lights, laughter, and little miracles in our front-yard football games—but also the season of gift-giving. As a Catholic elementary teacher, husband of four lively children, and founder of The Simple Catholic, I’ve learned that the best gifts are those that reflect more than the wrapping paper. They reflect truth, virtue, and wonder.

This year I’m delighted to share a curated Christmas Gift Guide featuring small Catholic and Christian-owned businesses I’ve had the joy of partnering with. These aren’t just products; they’re invitations to faith, family, beauty, and home. I’ve organized this guide by kids → parents → home so you can easily scroll, sip your cocoa (or eggnog), and find something meaningful for everyone on your list.

Continue reading →
Thank you for sharing!

A 1084 Word Interview with Brooke Joiner from Catholic Owned

/ chicoinematt

Editor’s Note: Matthew Chicoine interviewed Brooke Joiner, co-founder of Catholic Owned® via phone call on October 17th, 2025. Some of the questions/answers have been rearranged, edited, and paraphrased to provide the best reader experience without losing any integrity of the answers given.

From Calcutta to Catholic Commerce

You and Matteo met while serving with the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta. How did those experiences among “the poorest of the poor” shape the spiritual foundation and mission of Catholic Owned?

Great question! I went to Calcutta by myself to serve and my husband went there with a group. We had met and were introduced by seminarians. We were married the next year and lived in Italy for the next four years. 

We consistently try to say yes when God is calling us to do something. And that started with both of us saying yes to going on the mission trip to Calcutta. 

We experienced a similar call from God to leave both of our jobs to start Catholic Owned. 

The Call to Radical Trust

You both left successful business careers to go “all in” on Catholic Owned. What did discernment look like in that season, and how did you recognize that this was truly God’s call for your family?

We were working in the yachting/marine industry in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. At the time of us thinking about doing something different we had three children. We have done (and are still doing) Mother of Divine Grace Homeschool. Part of the preschool curriculum is to listen to the Glory Stories from Holy Heroes and we had heard the Our Lady of Fatima story so many times. We started doing the First Saturday devotion, and this led to us praying the Rosary daily. This devotion started to create a chasm between our work and who we desired to be. God told my husband that we needed to start this business, so we started working on it on the side. The chasm just grew and it got to the point that we were willing to do whatever we needed to do to go “all-in” with Catholic Owned, which we did a month after our fourth child was born.

Continue reading →
Thank you for sharing!

Saint James the Greater: Apostle, Pilgrim, and Model for Evangelization

/ chicoinematt

Sponsored: This article is made possible by Follow My Camino, supporting quality and engaging Catholic content.

Saint James the Greater, son of Zebedee and Salome, was one of the first called by Jesus along the shores of Galilee. Along with his brother John, he left behind nets, boats, and family to follow the Lord immediately. Scripture captures this moment with striking simplicity: “They left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him” (Mark 1:20). That willingness to leave everything behind is at the heart of why James remains such a powerful figure for pilgrims today.

James was part of Christ’s “inner circle,” along with Peter and John. He witnessed miracles and mysteries most did not—the raising of Jairus’ daughter, the Transfiguration, and the agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. These moments of glory and suffering shaped James into a disciple who understood that to follow Christ was to share both in His triumph and in His Cross.

Nicknamed with his brother as “Boanerges,” or “sons of thunder,” James had a fiery temperament. At one point, he even asked Jesus if he should call down fire on a Samaritan village that rejected Him (Luke 9:54). Yet this zeal, when purified by grace, became a driving force for evangelization. James eventually grew into a disciple who no longer sought honor for himself but laid down his very life for Christ. Around A.D. 44, James was martyred by King Herod Agrippa, making him the first of the Apostles to receive the crown of martyrdom.

The journey from fisherman to martyr reminds us that holiness is not instant perfection but faithful transformation. Like James, we too are called to be formed by both the joys and trials of following Christ.

The Camino and the Legacy of Saint James

James’ story does not end with his martyrdom. According to ancient tradition, his remains were carried miraculously to Galicia in Spain. There, at Compostela—meaning “field of the star”—pilgrims began to venerate his tomb as early as the 9th century. This place became the heart of one of Christianity’s greatest pilgrimages: the Camino de Santiago, or “Way of Saint James.”

The Camino quickly became more than a route to a shrine. It was, and still is, a living metaphor for the Christian journey. Pilgrims walk with blisters, burdens, and unexpected companions, just as Christians make their way through life with joys, sufferings, and surprises. To walk the Camino is to echo James’ original act of leaving behind nets and securities to follow the Lord wherever He leads.

For centuries, countless faithful—from medieval peasants to modern seekers—have made their way across Spain to Compostela. Some walk for penance, some for healing, others simply for the chance to rediscover faith through the rhythm of step after step. The Camino remains a spiritual school of humility, conversion, and encounter.

This is where groups such as Follow My Camino play a special role today. They help modern pilgrims enter into this centuries-old tradition with guidance, preparation, and support. For those longing to walk in the footsteps of Saint James but uncertain where to begin, such accompaniment makes the pilgrimage more accessible while preserving its deeply spiritual heart.

Symbols of a Pilgrim Apostle

Christian iconography developed rich symbols for Saint James that still resonate with pilgrims. He is often depicted with a wide-brimmed hat, a staff for walking, and a scallop shell. Each of these speaks to his enduring role as the patron of pilgrims.

The staff represents both physical and spiritual support. It is the reminder that we do not walk alone: God’s grace sustains us on the road. The shell, perhaps the most famous emblem, became the badge of those who had completed the Camino. Just as water fills the grooves of a scallop shell from different directions but flows into one point, the Camino gathers pilgrims from all over the world to converge at Compostela, united in Christ.

In some depictions, James appears on horseback as Santiago Matamoros, a figure connected to medieval legends. While this image reflected the historical struggles of the time, the deeper truth it represents today is the triumph of faith over fear. James remains a symbol of courage and steadfastness, urging us not to lose heart in the face of trials.

Even in Orthodox iconography, James is pictured with scrolls or books, emphasizing his identity as a bearer of the Gospel. Whether carrying a pilgrim’s staff or a holy book, the iconography always highlights his dual mission: to walk and to proclaim. He is both traveler and evangelist, disciple and teacher, reminding us that every Christian journey is meant to overflow into witness.

Get your pilgrim Tiny Saint James today.

Saint James as a Model for Evangelization

What makes Saint James a compelling model for evangelization is not his perfection but his transformation. At first, he was ambitious, fiery, even impulsive. Over time, through closeness to Jesus and the power of the Spirit, he became courageous, faithful, and willing to give everything—even his life.

His story shows that evangelization begins with listening to Christ’s call and stepping out in faith, even if we don’t have everything figured out. James immediately left his nets behind, a reminder that discipleship often requires surrendering comforts and securities. Evangelizers today can take inspiration from that same readiness to go where Christ sends.

James also shows us the importance of zeal. While his thunderous temperament needed refining, his passionate heart became an instrument for proclaiming the Gospel with courage. Evangelization today requires that same blend of passion and humility: a love so great it cannot remain silent, but also a service so humble it always points back to Christ rather than self.

Finally, his connection to pilgrimage reminds us that evangelization is itself a journey. It is not simply about delivering information but about accompanying others step by step, sharing joys and sufferings, and pointing toward the hope found in Christ. Just as pilgrims encourage one another along the Camino, so too evangelizers walk alongside others in faith.

Organizations like Follow My Camino remind us that the physical pilgrimage of Santiago is also an icon of the spiritual pilgrimage every Christian undertakes. Whether we set out on the Camino across Spain or live our daily journey at home, the invitation remains the same: to walk with James in following Christ wholeheartedly and to share that joy with others.

Conclusion: Walking with Saint James

Saint James the Greater’s life is a testament to what it means to follow Christ without reserve. From leaving his nets behind, to standing at the Transfiguration, to sharing in Christ’s agony, to finally drinking the cup of martyrdom, his story embodies the call to discipleship in its fullness.

His association with the Camino de Santiago ensures that his witness continues to inspire millions of pilgrims across centuries. His symbols—the staff, the shell, the book—still speak to us today about the Christian life as a journey of faith, service, and evangelization.

If we long to become better witnesses to the Gospel, we can look to Saint James as our guide. His transformation gives us hope that God can shape our weaknesses into strengths. His zeal encourages us to share the Good News boldly. And his patronage over pilgrims reminds us that every step we take, in prayer or on the road, can bring us closer to Christ.

Get your Pilgrim Mary Tiny Saint today!

Thank you to today’s sponsor! Discover more by visiting Follow My Camino today.

Related Links

Pilgrims of Faith: A Catholic Journey Homeward

There’s More to St. James than Meets the Eye

Thank you for sharing!

Catholic Financial Planning for Peace of Mind

/ chicoinematt

This article is made possible by Campos Financial Group, supporting quality and engaging Catholic content

Money is one of the most common sources of stress in family life. Whether it’s bills, savings, retirement, or unexpected expenses, financial burdens can weigh heavily on our hearts. But what if managing money didn’t have to be a source of anxiety? What if, instead, it could be a pathway to peace, trust, and even holiness?

Catholic financial planning offers a way to approach money that’s both practical and spiritual, helping families align their resources with God’s providence and the teachings of the Church.

Peace in Stewardship: What the Church Teaches

In the Parable of the Talents, Jesus tells of servants entrusted with different sums of money while their master is away. Two servants invest wisely and double what they received, while one buries his talent in fear and returns only what was given. The first two are praised: “Well done, good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of your master.” The last is rebuked for failing to use his gifts responsibly.

This parable isn’t only about financial investments; it’s about the stewardship of all God’s gifts. Catholic tradition reminds us that everything we have is entrusted to us for wise use, not just for ourselves, but for others. As Pope Benedict XVI writes in Caritas in Veritate:

Continue reading →
Thank you for sharing!

Pilgrims of Faith: A Catholic Journey Homeward

/ chicoinematt

Sponsored: This article is made possible by Follow My Camino, supporting quality and engaging Catholic content.

Growing up in a Catholic household, I learned early that life is just play, work, sleep and repeat. It is a sacred pilgrimage. My parents instilled this by showing us how the Mass is a gift. The rosary beads that adorned my grandmother’s hands, the statues of saints watching over our home, the rhythmic cycle of the liturgical year, spoke of a journey far deeper than mere physical movement. All these incarnational moments hinted at a deeper reality.

Called to Pilgrimage

The Catholic understanding of life as a pilgrimage is rooted in our most fundamental beliefs. We are not simply inhabitants of this world, but travelers passing through, with our true citizenship in heaven. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us, “Pilgrimages evoke our earthly journey toward heaven and are traditionally very special occasions for renewal in prayer” (CCC 2691).

This isn’t just a metaphorical concept. The rich tradition of Catholic pilgrimages, from the Camino de Santiago to the holy sites of Rome, from Lourdes to Fatima, testifies to our understanding that physical journeys can be profound spiritual experiences. Follow My Camino captures this essence beautifully, reminding pilgrims that the Way of St. James is more than a trip. It is a path of spiritual wonderment. Each step becomes a prayer, each mile a meditation, each encounter an opportunity to receive God’s grace anew.

Sacraments: Rest Stops on Our Journey

In my own spiritual life, I’ve come to see the sacraments as divine rest stops. They are theological waypoints that sustain us on our pilgrimage. Just as a weary traveler finds renewal at a roadside sanctuary, we Catholics find strength in the sacramental life of the Church.

Confession becomes a moment of realignment, washing away the dust and dirt of our journey. The Eucharist is our spiritual food, nourishing us for the road ahead. Matrimony and Holy Orders are vocational paths that shape our pilgrimage, giving purpose to our travels.

The Communion of Saints: Our Fellow Travelers

We are never alone on this journey. The communion of saints, those already home in heaven and those still traveling, surrounds us with support and intercession. As the Catechism tells us, “In prayer, the pilgrim Church is associated with that of the saints, whose intercession she asks” (CCC 2692).

Our Lady, the ultimate pilgrim who journeyed from Nazareth to Bethlehem, from Egypt to Cana, from the foot of the Cross to the Upper Room, leads the way. The saints, from St. James to St. Thérèse, are our companions, our guides, our inspiration.

Creating Sacred Spaces

Pilgrimages aren’t reserved for grand journeys. The Catechism suggests creating sacred spaces even within our homes, a “prayer corner” with Sacred Scriptures and icons. In my own home, a small altar serves as a constant reminder of our spiritual journey, a miniature sanctuary where family prayers rise like incense.

The scallop shell, a profound symbol for any pilgrim on the Camino, speaks volumes about our spiritual journey. Follow My Camino reminds us that this isn’t just a simple maritime emblem, but a spiritual sign. It marks not just a physical path, but our deeper walk with Christ, a constant invitation to reflect on the sacred journey of faith.

The Deeper Meaning

As Thomas Merton beautifully expressed, “The geographical pilgrimage is the symbolic acting out of an inner journey.” For Catholics, this means our entire life is a pilgrimage toward God. Pope Francis captures this perfectly: “Each person carries within his or her heart a special wish and a particular prayer.”

Our Catholic faith teaches us that this journey is not about the destination alone, but about transformation. Each Mass, each prayer, each act of mercy is a step on our path. We are constantly being formed, constantly becoming more Christ-like.

A Call to the Faithful

To my fellow Catholics, I invite you to embrace your life as a pilgrimage. Approach each day with the reverence of a pilgrim, attentive to God’s grace, open to His transformative power. Your daily challenges, your joys, your sorrows all are part of your sacred journey.

Utilize the rich traditions of our faith. Pray the rosary. Attend daily Mass. Seek out the sacraments. Venerate the saints. These are not mere religious practices, but fuel for your spiritual journey. For those feeling called to walk the ancient paths, the team at Follow My Camino understands that the Camino de Santiago is more than a trek. It is a profound spiritual odyssey that can deepen, and maybe even reshape, your entire understanding of our faith. With their deep zeal for Catholicism and expertise in this specific pilgrimage, you will experience the Camino in a truly Catholic way, steeped in the faith and traditions that have guided pilgrims for centuries.

Our Heavenly Destination

Ultimately, our pilgrimage is about returning home, to God, to the ultimate communion of saints, to the eternal liturgy of heaven. St. Augustine’s words ring true: “Our hearts are restless, until they rest in you [God].”

Walk on, fellow pilgrim. Your journey continues, blessed by the grace of Christ, guided by the Church, sustained by the sacraments.

Prayer to Saint James the Apostle

O glorious Apostle, Saint James, who by reason of thy fervent and generous heart was chosen by Jesus to be witness of His glory on Mount Tabor, and of His agony in Gethsemane; thou, whose very name is a symbol of warfare and victory:obtain for us strength and consolation in the unending warfare of this life, that, having constantly and generously followed Jesus, we may be victors in the strife and deserve to receive the victor’s crown in heaven. Amen.

Thank you to today’s sponsor! Discover more by visiting Follow My Camino today.

Thank you for sharing!

A 740 Word Interview with Joe Coleman

/ chicoinematt

Editor’s Note: Matthew Chicoine interviewed Joe Coleman via phone call on March 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.

What inspired you to specifically focus on helping Catholic business owners with their podcasts rather than pursuing a broader market?

We work with pretty much anyone who wants to create Catholic content but our primary focus is Catholic business owners. I have audio-produced a variety of Catholic projects over the years. I really didn’t see serving this specific niche. It seemed to be that Catholics who are running businesses according to the teachings of the Gospel were underserved. It fills a need that hasn’t gotten as much attention as non-profits and ministry. 

How did your experience at KNOM Radio in Alaska shape your approach to podcast production?

That’s a good question, I worked at KNOM as a producer, on-air host, and a writer. I am very grateful to KNOM for teaching me about the fundamentals of audio-production. A large part of what I did was in-studio interviews or longer form audio packages. I got experience in storytelling and what makes a good conversation. I learned how to help guests get their point across. 

You mention that podcasts are “the best medium to build audience trust” – can you share an example where you’ve seen this trust develop between a Catholic business owner and their audience?

We helped develop a  podcast called Making Every Class Catholic by Dr. Brett Falkeld where he talked to Catholic educators. He used the podcast to talk to interesting people like the Archbishop of Vancouver. He provided this content for professional and personal enrichment to show how teachers can make all their classes Catholic. He used the podcast to drive people to his subscription community for educational resources. The podcast was a marketing vehicle to help his business to be the first point of contact. 

One of the best things about broadcasting is that you can talk about a problem that speaks to the listeners and makes them feel like you are having this one-on-one conversation. You can scale this conversation while still keeping it intimate. 

Saint Maximilian Kolbe is your studio’s namesake – how does his legacy influence your work philosophy?

He has a newspaper/periodical that is still in existence: Knight of the Immaculata. Because of this, one of his patronages is that of communication. His biggest claim to fame is his sacrifice in Auschwitz. It is easy to lose sight of heroism in modernity. It is easy to forget that you still can do great things. Our studio is to help businesses tell great stories. We strive for excellence and holiness like the saints. While I will likely not reach the same level as Saint Maximilian, he is still a good model to look up to and inspire myself and my business. 

What’s the most significant transformation you’ve witnessed in a client’s business after launching their podcast?

I think of Dr. Falkeld’s podcast. Using it as a marketing vehicle is powerful. The podcast is still a source of traffic to his community. Podcasts as a medium are playing the long-game. You can play the short game with viral posts on social media. But podcasting in general is playing the long-game. 

I think the reality is that not everyone is going to be seeing immediate success. Think in terms of months and years versus days. It’s tough to say any business is going to be transformed right away when launching a podcast. 

We produce a show called Catching Foxes. It has been going on for ten years. The personal fulfillment the hosts continue to receive from this experience is invaluable to the amount of friends they developed through their podcast. 

Looking ahead, how do you see Catholic podcasting evolving over the next few years?

That’s a good question! I think that space probably expands. It will likely evolve similar to how the podcasting industry in general has expanded. The fact we had presidential candidates this past year going on podcasts. Four years ago this was inconceivable. 

The one objection I hear is that the market is so saturated. While there are a lot of podcasts, there is not a saturation of high quality Catholic podcasts. For every Pints with Aquinas, there are 100 “not- Pints with Aquinas”. 

The Catholic world moves slow in the tech space. There’s still time to hop on and start a podcast that’s high quality. 

Where’s the best way for my readers to learn more about your work? 

They can visit our website at saintkolbestudios.com or email me at joe@saintkolbestudios.com.

About Joe: 

Joe Coleman is the Founder and Director of Audio Production at Saint Kolbe Studios. He started his audio career in 2019 as an on-air host, producer, and writer at the oldest Catholic radio station in the US, KNOM Radio in Nome, Alaska. Now, he lives in Tyler, Texas with his wife and soon-to-be-born daughter. P.S. Want a free podcast studio? Seriously! Saint Kolbe Studios is giving away five full podcast setups to new retainer clients. We want to lower the barrier to entry and help you tell your story. Head to saintkolbestudios.com to learn more.

Thank you for sharing!