“Funny, charming, inspiring and wise—this is a memorable memoir.” ~ Stephen Colbert

Father James Martin, an author and Jesuit priest, is a familiar figure in national media and the podcast world, often speaking on complex Church issues and promoting a more welcoming Catholicism, particularly towards LGBTQ+ individuals. 

In his new memoir, Martin tells humorous stories of his career path as a busboy, dishwasher, caddy, usher, factory worker, bank teller, corporate tool, and, finally, his life calling–a Jesuit priest. 

“My summer jobs, crazy and funny and varied as they were, had something to do with who I am. As we Jesuits would say, the lessons I learned helped to ‘form me,’” Martin said.

Work in Progress teaches small but important life lessons that recall a kinder, gentler era in America:

• Work hard and be on time, 
• Don’t be mean, apologize when you need to, and forgive frequently, 
• Ask if you don’t know something, 
• Don’t misuse power,
• Pay attention to those who are struggling, 
• Listen 
• Above all, be kind.

Jases Martin is widely known as the host of The Spiritual Life podcast. With interviews ranging from faith journeys to finding spirituality in aging, he has interviewed notable guests, including Pete Buttigieg, Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe, Brené Brown, Jim Gaffigan, Whoopi Goldberg, and Adriana Trigiani. He has garnered more than 700,000 Facebook followers.

Father James Martin has been interviewed on Fresh Air, On Being, Fox & Friends, The Colbert Report, PBS’s NewsHour, the History Channel, BBC, and Vatican Radio and quoted in major newspapers and magazines. Before entering the Jesuits in 1988, he graduated from the Wharton School of Business.

He has written numerous books, including Jesus: A Pilgrimage and The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything, both New York Times bestsellers. Two others–My Life with the Saints and Between Heaven and Mirth–were named by Publishers Weekly as a best book of the year (2006 and 2011).

Event Details

This is a virtual event only. If you’d like to purchase a book, there is a ticket option to purchase a virtual ticket and book by either picking it up at Horizon or having it shipped. The optional ticket/book bundles offers a 10% discount on the book so you’re getting a good deal! If you have questions on your order, please contact Horizon Books at 231-946-7290.

The virtual event begins at 7:00 p.m. ET. You will receive a link to the livestream on February 10. Once the event has aired you may watch anytime using the same link.