SPEAKING

SPEAKING

Besides writing about Christ and His Church, I love talking about Him and His Bride, too. Whether it’s a day of recollection for school teachers or a fervorino for parents of confirmandi, my joy comes from sharing my passion and zeal with others.

Besides writing about Christ and His Church, I love talking about Him and His Bride, too. Whether it’s a day of recollection for school teachers or a fervorino for parents of confirmandi, my joy comes from sharing my passion and zeal with others.

Watch

Want to see me in action?
Here’s a sampling.

Listen

I’ve spoken to hundreds of audiences—here’s the tip of the iceberg.

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I would love to come speak to your group! Let’s talk.

What others are saying...

“The Catholic women's faith formation group which I represent is comprised of women who take their Catholic faith very seriously and they are some of the most joyful, loving, holy women I've ever known. Joannie fits right in with us like a glove! We've had the beautiful privilege of having Joannie speak to our group on 3 different occasions, and each time, she has been one of our favorites. Our women always request Joannie to come back and speak to us again.”

- Karen Giermek, TASTE

"Joan Watson has that uncanny ability to make the pages of the Bible and Catholic doctrine come alive for you so that you have a greater understanding and appreciation for your faith."

- L. H., Burns, TN -

“Joan Watson was excellent.  Not only did her personal passion and love for our Lord, our Faith, and our Church come through in each of her talks, but she modeled for us how an excellent catechist teaches.”

- J, Harrodsburg, KY -

“Joan is a dynamic speaker, and I know by the goosebumps I experienced several times during her talks that the Holy Spirit was present.”

- A, Lexington, KY -

"Our Church needs young leaders like Joan Watson. She puts her gifts and talents at the service of others. Having attended many of her speaking engagements, we are always edified with her words spoken in charity and clarity. Her greatest gift is her love of the one, holy, and apostolic Catholic Church!"

- Marilyn, Nashville -

"Joannie has the gift of making the most arcane theological history and terminology accessible to all, and even fun, with just the right dose of wit." 

- Michael, Goodlettsville, TN -


LIFE IS A PILGRIMAGE
One of the earliest places we find the word pilgrim in the Church is when Augustine describes the life of the Christian – our spiritual journey – as a type of pilgrimage. Approaching life in this way helps us to understand our struggles, our relationships, and our mission.


IS HOLINESS WEIRD?
What does our call to holiness mean in real life? The saints, such as St. Francis, give us examples – but how can we imitate the radical life of the saints when we have a job, families, or other responsibilities?


THE BATTLE OF PRAYER
This talk begins by giving an overview of prayer with suggestions and tips, and then introduces the ancient way of praying with Scriptures called Lectio Divina.


PRAYER IN THE STORM
Based on Pope Francis’ Urbi et Orbi address of March 2020, this talk examines how the storm of life affects our relationship with God and how we approach prayer in the midst of the struggles of life.


WHY I LOVE THE UNLOVEABLE CHURCH
Are we called to love an institution full of sinners?  Or just be a part of it?


WHEN YOU’RE TOO BUSY FOR ADVENT
We’ve all been there; we know we need to celebrate Advent, but the world is celebrating Christmas – and we have so much to do! How do we practically incorporate Advent into our lives (without looking like a Scrooge!)?


HOW CAN I LIVE LENT BETTER?
In addition to the  what, why, and how of Lent, we’ll look at a few common traps in the way most people approach the season and how we can live the season more fruitfully. 


THE LUMINOUS MYSTERIES AND THE EUCHARIST
Pope John Paul II instituted the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary and encouraged them to be prayed on Thursdays, the traditional day to celebrate the Eucharist. By looking at these five mysteries through the lens of the Eucharistic mystery, we will increase our devotion to the Eucharist and the Rosary.


FOOD FOR THE JOURNEY
The Greeks had a custom of giving a meal to those setting out on a journey. While we use this same word, viaticum, to refer to receiving the Eucharist on our deathbed, we are all pilgrims on a journey to heaven here and now. This talk will examine our life as a pilgrimage and the role that frequent reception of Communion and Eucharistic Adoration should play on that pilgrimage. 


A MISSION NO ONE CAN ACCOMPLISH
This talk examines our role as the baptized to answer Christ’s call to make disciples. Originally given to teens and parents, it can be adapted to suit your needs.


ANOINTED & STRENGTHENED: THE WHAT AND WHY OF CONFIRMATION
This talk is aimed at parents, to refresh the theology of the sacrament of Confirmation, to inspire them to live their faith, and to help them call their teens to live theirs.


THE JOYFUL MYSTERIES
Delving into Luke’s Gospel, this five-part retreat examines the Scriptural stories of each of the Joyful Mysteries to unpack the rich mystery of the Incarnation.


THE WOMEN OF SCRIPTURE
What can the modern woman learn from the ancient woman? This three-part retreat covers several women in the Bible. It can be adapted to suit the needs of the day or the group.


OUR IDENTITY IN CHRIST
This three-part women’s retreat focuses on our identity as daughter, helpmate, and disciple.


CALLED TO BE A DISCIPLE OF CHRIST
What does it mean to be a disciple? It seems like something for other people, doesn’t it? Perhaps those who don’t live in the world? In this talk, we’ll look at the idea of a “witness talk,” whether you have one, and what it actually means to be a disciple of Christ.


BEING WITH HIM AND BEING SENT: JESUS AND THE CATECHIST
Are you confusing your prayer life and your work? As teachers, it’s easy to forget that when we talk about Jesus all day, it’s not the same as talking to Him…


BEING WITH HIM AND BEING SENT: JESUS AND THE TEACHER
Are you confusing your prayer life and your work? As teachers, it’s easy to forget that when we talk about Jesus all day, it’s not the same as talking to Him…


THE TEMPERAMENTS
Why is self-knowledge important? How can knowing our temperament – and the temperament of others – help us in our work, in our families, and in our spiritual lives? Originally given as a faculty inservice, this retreat can be adapted to suit your needs.


THE ART OF WAITING
This talk is primarily geared toward young professionals and those who find themselves in that in-between season of life. What is God calling you to do right now?  Are you waiting or acting?


SIX LESSONS OF EVANGELIZATION I’VE LEARNED FROM WHISKEY
Are we really all called to evangelize? In this talk, I’ll unpack what it means to evangelize and six things I’ve learned about evangelization from my favorite spirit.

Parishes


LIFE IS A PILGRIMAGE
One of the earliest places we find the word pilgrim in the Church is when Augustine describes the life of the Christian – our spiritual journey – as a type of pilgrimage. Approaching life in this way helps us to understand our struggles, our relationships, and our mission.


IS HOLINESS WEIRD?
What does our call to holiness mean in real life? The saints, such as St. Francis, give us examples – but how can we imitate the radical life of the saints when we have a job, families, or other responsibilities?


THE BATTLE OF PRAYER
This talk begins by giving an overview of prayer with suggestions and tips, and then introduces the ancient way of praying with Scriptures called Lectio Divina.


PRAYER IN THE STORM
Based on Pope Francis’ Urbi et Orbi address of March 2020, this talk examines how the storm of life affects our relationship with God and how we approach prayer in the midst of the struggles of life.


WHY I LOVE THE UNLOVEABLE CHURCH
Are we called to love an institution full of sinners?  Or just be a part of it?


WHEN YOU’RE TOO BUSY FOR ADVENT
We’ve all been there; we know we need to celebrate Advent, but the world is celebrating Christmas – and we have so much to do! How do we practically incorporate Advent into our lives (without looking like a Scrooge!)?


HOW CAN I LIVE LENT BETTER?
In addition to the  what, why, and how of Lent, we’ll look at a few common traps in the way most people approach the season and how we can live the season more fruitfully.

 

Eucharistic Revival


THE LUMINOUS MYSTERIES AND THE EUCHARIST
Pope John Paul II instituted the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary and encouraged them to be prayed on Thursdays, the traditional day to celebrate the Eucharist. By looking at these five mysteries through the lens of the Eucharistic mystery, we will increase our devotion to the Eucharist and the Rosary.


FOOD FOR THE JOURNEY
The Greeks had a custom of giving a meal to those setting out on a journey. While we use this same word, viaticum, to refer to receiving the Eucharist on our deathbed, we are all pilgrims on a journey to heaven here and now. This talk will examine our life as a pilgrimage and the role that frequent reception of Communion and Eucharistic Adoration should play on that pilgrimage.

 

Parents


A MISSION NO ON CAN ACCOMPLISH
This talk examines our role as the baptized to answer Christ’s call to make disciples. Originally given to teens and parents, it can be adapted to suit your needs.


ANOINTED & STRENGTHENED: THE WHAT AND WHY OF CONFIRMATION
This talk is aimed at parents, to refresh the theology of the sacrament of Confirmation, to inspire them to live their faith, and to help them call their teens to live theirs.

 

Retreats


THE JOYFUL MYSTERIES
Delving into Luke’s Gospel, this five-part retreat examines the Scriptural stories of each of the Joyful Mysteries to unpack the rich mystery of the Incarnation.


THE WOMEN OF SCRIPTURE
What can the modern woman learn from the ancient woman? This three-part retreat covers several women in the Bible. It can be adapted to suit the needs of the day or the group.


OUR IDENTITY IN CHRIST
This three-part women’s retreat focuses on our identity as daughter, helpmate, and disciple.

 

Catechists and Parish Staff


CALLED TO BE A DISCIPLE OF CHRIST
What does it mean to be a disciple? It seems like something for other people, doesn’t it? Perhaps those who don’t live in the world? In this talk, we’ll look at the idea of a “witness talk,” whether you have one, and what it actually means to be a disciple of Christ.


BEING WITH HIM AND BEING SENT: JESUS AND THE CATECHIST
Are you confusing your prayer life and your work? As teachers, it’s easy to forget that when we talk about Jesus all day, it’s not the same as talking to Him…

 

Catholic School Teachers and Principals


BEING WITH HIM AND BEING SENT: JESUS AND THE TEACHER
Are you confusing your prayer life and your work? As teachers, it’s easy to forget that when we talk about Jesus all day, it’s not the same as talking to Him…


THE TEMPERAMENTS
Why is self-knowledge important? How can knowing our temperament – and the temperament of others – help us in our work, in our families, and in our spiritual lives? Originally given as a faculty inservice, this retreat can be adapted to suit your needs.

 

Young Adults


THE ART OF WAITING
This talk is primarily geared toward young professionals and those who find themselves in that in-between season of life. What is God calling you to do right now?  Are you waiting or acting?


SIX LESSONS OF EVANGELIZATION I’VE LEARNED FROM WHISKEY
Are we really all called to evangelize? In this talk, I’ll unpack what it means to evangelize and six things I’ve learned about evangelization from my favorite spirit.

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