I recently went to Illinois (where I grew up) to celebrate my brother in law’s wedding. While there I visited some churches that I lived right down the road from, but never visited. As an evangelical most of my life, I passed these churches almost every day for over 20 years, but only now, being a Catholic Christian, do they take on significance.
The first church I visited was the Holy Convent of Saint John Chrysostom in Pleasant Prarie WI for a morning Divine Liturgy. The nuns were very hospitable, even though I am not Eastern Orthodox.
The second church was St. Sava Monastery where I had the privilege of venerating the relics of the Orthodox Saint, St. Mardarije of Libertyville who founded the monastery. His incorrupt relics, though encased and covered, gave off the odor of sanctity, like sweet perfume. It was a very moving experience.
Finally, the last church I visited was the one closest to my childhood home (where my parents still live to this day). I grew up driving past this church for many many years, and in my ignorance always assumed it to be a Jewish synagogue or something like that. Now I realize it is in fact a profoundly beautiful Serbian Orthodox Church. It was by far the most beautiful Church I’ve seen in person. Took my breath away.
This is the first video reflection for the Great Fast.
Welcome to the Mere Catholicity Locals Community! Here, you will find like-minded Christians with a desire to live ecumenically and pursue Christ in all things.
The Mere Catholicity movement runs only through listener support. The work that I (Jonah) do requires time and money. Without the financial support of my Locals community, I would not be able to continue making content. Simple as that. It is only thanks to this group that I can continue providing you with content that (hopefully) both edifies and challenges!
The good news for you is that joining the community itself is completely FREE! Once you sign up, you will be able to see most posts, live streams, and even content posted by other users. However, you will only be able to observe. You will not be able to comment, post, or see any exclusive content. This might be a good way to see if you want to support later down the line. So please join! Even if you cannot afford to give at this time!
Now, for those who do wish to give ...
Friends - as I consider the various platforms that I operate, I find Substack to the most conducive to the model of online ministry that I am aiming for. Though I still plan to post here, as many of you still support me through this platform, Substack is where I will be focusing the majority of my time. If some of you wish to move your subscription from here to Substack, you are welcome to do that. Those who continue to support here, I will continue to post here — mostly the stuff that is behind the paywall on Substack so that you are getting the exclusive content regardless of where you are subscribed.
Hope you all are doing well. Lord bless you.
- Rev. Jonah
I've been gone again for a time preparing for my ordination. I was ordained a Deacon in the Holy Catholic Church on March 8th, 2025.
It was a joy beyond words. I am now back in full swing with ministry, media, and work.
I hope you all have been doing well. More to come soon.
Good morning everyone. I wanted to quickly update you on the Mere Catholicity Podcast. I’ve been posting videos on my channel, but it has been quite sometime since my channel has had a podcast episode release.
With my new job as a classical teacher, scheduling interviews has been a challenge. However, my plan is to use my summer breaks as time to double down on planning and recording new podcasts. The idea will be to record a ton of interviews that will then slowly release throughout the school year, expiring around the time the following summer arrives. This will ultimately result in a consistent once a month interview.
All that to say, the podcast will resume here in May or June of 2025 with some excellent interviews lined up!
Blessings on your Sunday!
