Life’s journey often resembles a winding pilgrimage, with steep climbs of joy and deep valleys of sorrow. My path as The Simple Catholic began in 2015, emerging from a crucible of intense suffering and anchored by an unwavering faith. Today, I invite you to join me in revisiting this pilgrimage, understanding the mission that drives The Simple Catholic, and exploring how faith, humor, and neurodiversity have shaped this unique ministry.
The Seed of Suffering
The year leading up to 2015 was marked by a series of profound challenges. My wife and I experienced the heart-wrenching loss of our unborn child to miscarriage. This loss was compounded by medical issues, the stress of new jobs, and the diagnosis of our son with autism spectrum disorder. In 2017, we faced yet another miscarriage, deepening our acquaintance with grief.
It was during this “Dark Night of the Soul” that my Catholic faith became more than just a set of beliefs—it transformed into a lifeline, an anchor keeping me tethered to God amidst the tempest of life. Like St. John of the Cross, I found that the darkness, rather than separating me from God, was paradoxically drawing me closer to Him.
The Healing Power of Words
As I grappled with the loss of our son Jeremiah, I turned to writing as a form of therapy. What began as a personal healing balm soon blossomed into something greater. Armed with a Master’s degree in theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville and a background in teaching, I found myself with a wealth of knowledge and a burning desire to share it, even as personal circumstances led me away from formal education.
Thus, The Simple Catholic was born—a mission to inform others about the Catholic faith and to demonstrate how joy can be found in daily life, even amidst suffering. Like St. Francis of Assisi, who found God’s presence in all of creation, I sought to reveal the divine in the ordinary moments of life.
Embracing Neurodiversity
My journey has been uniquely colored by my neurodiversity. Diagnosed with ADHD as a child, I’ve come to recognize this aspect of myself not as a weakness, but as a “superpower.” It allows me to make connections between seemingly unrelated concepts, bringing a fresh perspective to age-old truths.
With the support of my wife (a special education teacher), our four children, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I’ve learned to harness my differences. My quirks and unique thought patterns, once seen as obstacles, have become valuable tools in communicating the richness of Catholicism.
This embrace of neurodiversity echoes the Franciscan spirituality that so deeply resonates with me. Just as St. Francis saw the divine reflected in all of creation, I’ve come to see the image of God reflected in the beautiful diversity of human minds and experiences.
Laughter as a Spiritual Practice
Humor has become a cornerstone of my spiritual life and my approach to The Simple Catholic. It serves as a stabilizing force during times when depression and anxiety threaten to overwhelm. This integration of joy and laughter into faith is reminiscent of St. Philip Neri, known as the “Laughing Saint,” who believed that humor and holiness went hand in hand.
From my love for “The Office” (Threat Level Midnight, anyone?) to my eclectic interests ranging from platypuses to board games, I’ve found that embracing life’s quirkiness can be a form of prayer and praise. After all, as G.K. Chesterton once said, “Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly.”
Saints and Traditions: My Spiritual Roots
The spiritual context of The Simple Catholic has been shaped by a diverse array of saints and traditions. The wisdom of Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross has taught me to seek God in the interior castle of the soul and to find Him even in the darkest nights. The boldness of Catherine of Siena and Athanasius of Alexandria inspires me to speak truth with courage and clarity.
The Carmelite emphasis on interior life and detachment resonates deeply with me, teaching me to seek God beyond the senses and imagination. Simultaneously, the Franciscan joy in simplicity and God’s creation informs my approach to finding the divine in everyday life.
The Mission Continues
As The Simple Catholic moves forward, the mission remains clear: to be the #1 source for funny and inspiring Catholic content. But beyond the humor and inspiration lies a deeper purpose—to walk alongside others on their spiritual journeys, offering hope, understanding, and a reminder of God’s constant presence.
Whether you’re a fellow neurodivergent soul seeking to understand your place in the Church, a parent navigating the joys and challenges of family life, or simply someone in search of a faith that engages both heart and mind, The Simple Catholic is here for you.
Together, let’s embrace the simple yet profound truths of our faith. Let’s find joy in the ordinary, strength in our differences, and hope in the promise of God’s unfailing love. For in the end, it’s not about being perfect Catholics, but about being simple, authentic followers of Christ, journeying together towards the joy that surpasses all understanding.
Welcome to The Simple Catholic. May our pilgrimage be filled with laughter, learning, and an ever-deepening love for the One who calls us each by name.
