Editor’s Note: Matthew Chicoine interviewed Father Edward Looney via phone call on July 1st, 2025. We have rearranged and edited some of the questions. This provides the best reader experience without losing any integrity of the answers given.
You’ve written and spoken extensively about the Blessed Mother. What first sparked your devotion to Mary, and how has that relationship deepened over time?
What really started it was—I joke—I came out of the womb loving Mary. My mother and father were separated by the time I was born. I grew up in Oconto, WI, and in my hometown, there was a woman who organized pilgrimages to Medjugorje. And I think she had a great influence on Marian devotion in our parish. I remember starting later with rosaries.
Once you realize our Catholic tradition is 2,000 years old, and once you start reading the Early Church Fathers, it only deepens your devotions. The writings and quotes of the saints inspired me too.
In your book A Heart Like Mary’s, you offer practical ways to imitate Our Lady. What’s one Marian virtue you personally find the most challenging to practice as a priest?
Editor’s Note: Matthew Chicoine interviewed A.R.K. Watson via phone call on June 30th, 2025. We have rearranged and edited some of the questions. This provides the best reader experience without losing any integrity of the answers given.
What inspired you to launch Catholic Reads?
When I converted to Catholicism (from the Church of Christ) in college, I was taking a diversity in literature class. My professor said things in the class that seemed prejudiced against Catholics. I talked to the professor and she mentioned that she was actually Catholic herself. I then realized that I had projected my own anti-Catholic bias onto her.
And I was awoken to how literature can help in your spiritual growth through literature. I grew up in Tennessee (less than 3% of the population is Catholic) so I was surrounded by a lot of anti-Catholic bias.
In Flannery O’Connor book’s Wiseblood, I was provoked by how she portrays the South. I didn’t realize as a Protestant that her book was a dry satire. Once I became Catholic I found the jokes and learned how laughter and story can be tools to fight against prejudice.
Converting was like walking around with those old fashioned 3D glasses with one lens red and the other blue. I had my gut-Protestant reaction but also saw things from the Catholic perspective.
In your experience, what sets Catholic fiction apart from other genres?
Editor’s Note: Matthew Chicoine interviewed Tom Gould via phone call on June 11th, 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.
You’ve been faithfully posting a new comic every Friday since 2014, what inspired that commitment?
I graduated from John Paul the Great Catholic University in California. Matt Martinusen was starting a Catholic men’s blog called The Catholic Fellows. He thought it would be fun to start a comic for the Men’s blog. While the other writers moved on, Matt encouraged me to continue. There wasn’t a meaning to Friday at first, it was originally a deadline for the blog. But as I continued Tomics after the blog ceased, I figured I would keep posting on Fridays as that day has significance for us as Catholics.
How has your creative process evolved over the years?
I think I definitely look stuff up more. It used to mostly be Bible puns, but now I like to use the knowledge I have or acquire to teach the faith. So I’ll be more careful when looking up stuff. I use a Wacom Tablet, and I like to handwrite the lettering. I found a free website where I could turn my handwriting into a font, and have turned my handwriting into a font to save time. It helps with spacing and sizing of letters. I have tried to both streamline and keep the process personalized.
Your comics bring Scripture to life with humor and visual storytelling. How do you strike the balance between being reverent and being funny—especially when depicting scenes with Jesus and the apostles?
That’s a tough one. There are certain lines I don’t cross and not everyone is going to agree with where that line is. My approach to humor is to invite people into the stories. It’s trying to encourage people to the Gospel but understanding that people often think in turns of puns and jokes. I try to make the apostles look silly during the Gospels because they were bumbling fools at times in the Gospels. I don’t do that with Jesus and I don’t recharacterize individuals from how they are portrayed in the Bible.
You occasionally dive into the Old Testament and the lives of the saints. What’s been one of your favorite “non-Gospels” comics to create, and why?
For the Old Testament, in the story of Adam and Eve I portrayed Satan as a sock-puppet. Besides that, Moses puns are fun. The Israelites are freed from slavery and can’t help but complain soon after. Like what’s God done for us lately? I dial up the denseness about Exodus and the Israelites to point out the ridiculousness of their complaints.
Here’s the sock-puppet Satan popping up again in the New Testament this time.
You contributed artwork to the Council at Daybreak game from The Catholic Card Game. What was that collaboration like, and how did your style fit into the world of Catholic tabletop gaming?
Matt had made the Catholic Card Game already. He was great with reaching out to people to collaborate with. He got Fr. Mike Schmitz and Pints with Aquinas to make suggestions for the cards.
A few years later Matt had this idea to make a Catholic Mafia game (based on One Night Werewolf). This game was more illustration focused. I had fun making this game! Matt had all the names of the cards and concepts. I gave him a few test things and he either approved them or added adjustments. I was pretty free to design the cards/characters how I envisioned them.
If a young Catholic artist approached you wanting to evangelize through comics or visual storytelling, what advice would you give them—spiritually and artistically?
That’s a tough one, but I think definitely being knowledgeable about the faith. I have to relook up stuff about Catholicism to make sure I get it right. Before college, I had my Catechism. During college I had philosophy courses to help build up the faith. Nowadays, I look up things in the Bible, the Catechism, and Catholic Answers. I think I take for granted at times how valuable having this knowledge is.
Another thing is not to wait until the art is perfect to start. I think having a deadline where you have to post something helps you get over perfectionism. And the main thing is you are serving God in your art. As long as you are trying to represent the faith well and God well that’s the main thing.
Be open to criticism if you get the theology wrong.
Who do you consider your patron saint?
For my work and my confirmation saint is Lawrence. I connected with the gallow’s humor and his story is short and almost fairy tale like.
The Holy Family is another one I pray to a lot especially as I draw comics about them. Mary and Joseph are the two saints physically closest to Jesus.
Another saint that’s connected to me a lot is Joan of Arc. Her story is a strange place where theology sticks itself with history. Joan brings God into the reality of the war between France and England. Saints that have a very clear space in history help me.
Anytime I do a comic about a particular saint I ask them for intercession.
Where’s the best place for my audience to read your comics?
Instagram is where I am most active and I like the formatting. I think the slides are nice.
I’m a lifelong cartoonist from a big Catholic family. My art was inspired by animated superhero shows and the ever-popular “Peanuts” and “Calvin & Hobbes” comic strips; my faith was formed by my parents, several church communities, and my small Catholic college. I’ve been posting weekly “Tomics” for just over ten years now, and I hope to continue using my gifts to bring people closer to God in a way that’s accessible, faithful, and fun.
Editor’s Note: Matthew Chicoine interviewed Ana Munley via phone call on June 26th, 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 start your Tiktok?
I had a regular account I made in 2020. I posted something about reading the Bible in 2024 and it was flagged as a violation. It sat under review for several weeks. I was upset and feeling like I was being silenced about sharing my faith. So on December 15th, 2025 I decided to make a new TikTok and this one dedicated to my Catholic faith.
For about a month I only had Tiktok, but with the ban looming, I went over onto Instagram in January 2025.
Your Instagram bio says “Rooted in Christ. Built on Truth.” Can you share how that phrase became your personal mission and what it means in your day-to-day life?
I think it’s because growing up I was a cradle Catholic. My family was Catholic in name only. Being lukewarm, our life was about comfort over our actual faith.. but as I started to dig deep and look at the teachings I realized it is the way it is because it’s rooted in truth. Because of that, my faith was deepened and transformed.
I like to describe the Catholic faith being like the railings on the side of a highway to keep you on the road and safe, to keep you from veering off the road.
I always want to stay rooted in truth. The tagline speaks to the content that I share and the intent I have with sharing it.
You’ve grown a large following on Instagram and TikTok rather quickly. What do you think has resonated most with your audience—and what has surprised you about this journey?
The answer is the same one. What’s resonated with me the most is the rediscovery of my faith and hearing from cradle Catholics. It’s like you are re-catechetizing Catholics.
Bishop Barron said we are taught this “Sunday school” type of catechesis in either OCIA or in Catholic schools,but there’s so much richness in the faith.
People want to learn more but don’t know where to start. I’m not here to debate people and tell them they’re wrong.
My approach is more like bringing light to the truth instead of fighting darkness with more darkness.
You’re the host of the AfterMass podcast. What inspired you to launch it, and what kinds of conversations or themes do you hope to bring to light through that platform?
My first episode comes out next week. I want to provide reverts and new converts more information about the faith in a long-form manner. It’s based on how to be a more devout Catholic and how you can be the best Catholic you can be.
I want it to be a place to have conversations and not just a bite-sized version on the other platforms.
Being an “Unapologetic Catholic” online isn’t always easy—how do you navigate pushback or criticism while staying grounded in truth and charity?
This is something I have taken to Confession. My priest has given me really good advice. When you deal with negative comments especially the ones that bash the Theology of the Catholic Church. My priest told me that the Catholic Church doesn’t need my defense, She has stood before you and will remain after you. Another thing to realize is to keep it charitable for the sake of those people who are watching and reading the comments who may slightly think the same thing as the negative commenters. Can my response help the people reading/commenting? If not, then I don’t comment that way.
I get feisty and a bit sassy at times (you can see that in some of my videos) but I always aim to have my responses be rooted in charity and truth for the sake of those reading.. And that is my approach.
Have there been any particular saints, devotions, or Church teachings that have deeply shaped your spiritual life and how you share your faith online?
Not necessarily any saints that shaped anything online, but Saint Rita has resonated with me. She is the patron saint of impossible causes (victims, the sick, etc). As far as my online work, Saint Maximlian Kolbe inspires me. He played a huge role in online evangelization and his life and death are a great example of not only how to spread the Good News of your faith but also how to live it.
What advice would you give to young Catholics who want to evangelize on social media but are nervous about being too “out there” with their faith?
My number one thing is to start with something that resonates with you. For example, if the Rosary is a devotion you are particularly passionate about and drawn to, start with that.
There’s a way to deliver your faith from a place rooted in faith while also delivering it with love and charity.
Looking ahead, what’s next for your ministry or digital presence? Any projects you’re especially excited about?
The podcast is definitely top of the list, and I am also working with a Catholic shop called Abundantly Yours in designing a Rosary (Saints Jude and Rita design). I’ll be sharing why these specific rosaries are important to me and sharing more of my personal struggles and how these Saints have helped me.
Where’s the best place to learn more about your ministry?
Living in sunny Florida with my husband Joe and our two kids, Emilia and Lucas. I’m a Catholic content creator, corporate professional and host of After Mass, a podcast for Catholics who want more than just Sunday. First podcast episode drops 7/1! Follow along on TikTok & Instagram: @anamunley where I’m sharing Catholic truth with conviction, compassion and zero fluff.
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.
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.
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.
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.
