Many of you signed up for this newsletter to read my deep thoughts (and you can get more of those at www.IntegratedCatholicLife.org every Friday, too), but others wanted to know what new projects I was starting, where I might be headed to speak, etc. If you're in the latter group, this week’s newsletter is for you.
The Chosen
Last spring, I watched The Chosen for the first time. Like so many of you, I was quite skeptical when I watched the first episode. I had to watch it a second time even, because I kind of checked out halfway through it. The lighting was dark and I kept getting everyone mixed up. But I stuck with it, partly because my uncle recommended it. I figured he was probably pretty choosy about his Jesus-media, so if it was good enough for him, there was probably something there for me too.
I was glad I stuck with it. After I watched the first season once, I watched it again. And again. In the months that followed, I led two different groups through the series. I ended up watching the first season eight times. Yep, eight times.
Many Catholics want to talk to other Catholics about it, and many people have questions about what they’re seeing and hearing. So I gathered all my thoughts and the questions I had been hearing and led a YouTube discussion about each episode. You can still find them on YouTube, or if listening is more your thing, you can now find the audio as a podcast right here on Substack, on Spotify, and soon to be on Apple Podcasts.
Next week, we’ll start looking at Season 2. Every Sunday and Thursday, I’ll be live on YouTube to discuss the second season, episode by episode. I’ll be honest, I have not watched season 2 eight times...
But I do have plenty of opinions, so come join the fun.
Women’s Retreat
For those of you who are women living in the Nashville area (or any woman who might want to come to the Nashville area), I’m hoping to host a women’s retreat this fall. More information to come, but if you’re interested in getting the details as soon as they’re solidified, email me (joan@joanmwatson.com) and I’ll make sure you are on the list to get the information first. There will be limited capacity, and registration will be first come, first serve.
Reclaiming Faith and Family Conference
I’ll be speaking at the virtual conference Reclaiming Faith and Family in September, along with speakers like Father Jacques Phillipe and Dr. Ralph Martin. Registration opens August 10, or hop over there to get on the wait list.
Other speaking engagements this fall will take me to Atlanta, St. Louis, right across town here in Nashville, and other fun places. I am currently booking other retreats and conferences - so feel free to reach out if you’re looking for a speaker or want to put something together. You can find a list of all my current talks over at my website, organized by audience. I’m also available for virtual events.
Who was Philemon?
Tomorrow (Tuesday, July 20), I’ll be teaching my third virtual Bible study for Patrons. the Bible Study VIP patrons have been voting on the topics each month, and Paul’s Letter to Philemon won this month. If you’re interested in finding out more about this short but rich book of the Bible, it’s not too late to become a patron and join us. You’ll also get access to past studies on the Annunciation and the Visitation.
Buon viaggio
Both pilgrimages with The Catholic Traveler sold out, but we will be announcing our Lenten Station Church pilgrimage to Rome before too long, so stay tuned…
The Podcast
Speaking of The Catholic Traveler, we recorded a fun podcast episode last week on assorted Rome “favorites.” If you don’t listen to the podcast yet, you have a lot to catch up on. What are you waiting for? Find The Catholic Traveler podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever else you listen.
Know someone who might enjoy any of the above? Pass this along and encourage them to subscribe.