Back to School: My Journey in Catholic Theology

Happy August, readers! Can you believe we’re almost back to school already? My family has an extra student this year – me! Read on to find out more.

What’s in this Edition:

• I’m a student again! – Back to School with Missionaries of Joy
• Astonished Release Date
• Upcoming Events – Where to find my books in person
• Releasing in August – Other authors’ new releases I’m most excited about

I’m a student again!

I’m excited to announce that this past month, I headed back to school through the Missionaries of Joy program. Over the next year, through both online courses and quarterly in-person sessions, I’ll take a journey through Catholic theology and spiritual growth, developing practical tools for evangelization. It isn’t quite the same as a regular classroom program – for one, there’s less homework – but upon completion, I’ll receive a certificate in Catholic Theology from The Augustine Institute and a Certificate in Evangelization from The Archdiocese of St. Louis. My hope is that this program will not only help me to better express the joy and beauty of Catholic Christianity with my friends and family, but to also do so within my writing. I just finished our first course on Jesus and the Gospels and am already learning many new things. I think the program will truly be a eye-opening experience.

If you’re a Catholic in the St. Louis area, I’d like to welcome you to join the program. The fee is only $150 for an entire year’s worth of professionally-taught online courses and 4 in-person meetings at local parishes. You can learn more and apply at archstl.org/missionaries-of-joy.

Astonished Release Date

Due to the addition of Missionaries of Joy into all the other craziness of life, I’m taking Astonished‘s path to publication slower than my previous novels. I want to make sure that each of the important areas of my life receive the right amount of attention and that I’m bringing you the best novel I can. This one also has some heavier spiritual threads than previous novels. Therefore, I’m taking time to really pray about the story and obtain ample review before releasing it into the world. It’s a lesson in patience and surrender that I know I need, especially when I want to rush through to the end.

As mentioned last month, Astonished‘s story was inspired by the life of St. Christina the Astonishing, whose feast day is July 24. Interestingly, the Missionaries of Joy program ends on July 25 of next year, almost the exact same date. A coincidence? Not when I just mentioned needing to slow down and take my time. More like a God moment. It’s difficult not to rush through this, but every time I think about having the release on July 24, it just feels right. Don’t worry, I’ll still have plenty of updates and behind the scenes information to share each month until then.

Upcoming Events

Craft Fair season is almost upon us! Here’s where to find me over the next few months. I’ll be attending all of these events with historical fantasy author, Susan Laspe. Stop by to purchase our books, get books you already own signed, or just to say hi.

• Kennedy Recreation Complex Craft Fair – August 23, 2025 – Arnold, MO
• St. Joseph Catholic School Craft Fair – October 11, 2025 – Cottleville, MO
• Elks Lodge Craft Fair – October 19, 2025 – O’Fallon, MO
• Read, Write, Rendezvous Readers Retreat – November 7-8, 2025 – St. Louis, MO (I will be attending this multi-author event as a reader attendee, not an author attendee. Advance tickets required.)
• Francis Howell High School Band Craft Fair – December 6, 2025 – Weldon Springs, MO

Releasing in August

Need another read? Here are the new releases I’m excited about:

1. The Curse He Chose by Sr. Allison Regina Gliot FSP – A Catholic Christian take on the YA vampire novel written by a Daughter of St. Paul
2. The Bicycle Messenger by Joan Elizabeth Bauer – A generational story of trauma and grace that stretches from the last days of the Kraków ghetto in 1942 all the way to 2016.
3. The French Kitchen by Kristy Cameron – As Paris rebuilds in the aftermath of World War II, one ex-pat uses the skills she learned in French kitchens during the war to bring long-held secrets to light.
4. Last Light Over Galveston by Jennifer L. Wright – Amid the 1900 Galveston hurricane, one woman must reach for a strength beyond her own if she—and those she loves—are to survive.
5. Hooked on the Heart by Maddie Evans – Christian rom-com where a mixup has yarn-store-owner Natalie teaching her sarcastic neighbor how to cook—never knowing he owns a restaurant.

Want to know what I’m currently reading? Follow me on GoodReads.

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Until next month, happy reading!

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

Kelsey

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