Among Friends Stories from the Journey

A priest’s inspiring story of bringing people together and bringing them closer to God—with some help from Dolly Parton, Martin Short, and others.
 
This book is my Midrash. With these words, Father Jim Sichko draws us into a life story full of laughter, tears, and service, filled with insightful lessons gained during his many travels as a clergyman and motivational speaker. Whether recounting his sobering flying experiences, the time he met the pope, or his encounter with the “Weed Man,” Father Jim instructs through powerful storytelling.
 
As he takes us along on his journey, from getting kicked out of seminary to hosting celebrities—including Dolly Parton, Harry Connick Jr., Martin Short, and former first lady Laura Bush—at his small Kentucky parish, Father Jim shines a light into the corners of the human heart to expose our need for God and the love He alone can give. With humor and striking honesty, Father Jim reveals what it means to worship God, have compassion for others, and live life among friends.

Jonathan Ryan is an author, screenwriter, columnist, blogger, and member of the Horror Writers Association. His debut horror mystery novel, 3 Gates of the Dead (Open Road Media), earned rave reviews from the New York Journal of Books, the Midwest Book Review, and Library Journal. The second book in his 3 Gates of the Dead series, Dark Bride, is set for release in 2015.

A practiced public speaker, Ryan incorporates topics of writing and religion into his lectures. He has contributed to the Huffington Post, Christianity Today, the High Calling, TAPS ParaMagazine, Intrepid Magazine, the popular horror site DreadCentral.com, and Patheos.com, where he has a regular blog called the Rogue. Ryan took his vows to become a Benedictine oblate novice with St. Meinrad Archabbey. He lives in South Bend, Indiana.

Father Jim Sichko is a priest of the diocese of Lexington, Kentucky. He was ordained to the Ministerial Priesthood of Jesus Christ on May 23, 1998. He travels throughout the United States giving missions, retreats, and days of recollection. Known for his storytelling, Father Jim weaves everyday life experiences with the rooted messages that lie within the Gospel. He is booked for speaking engagements through 2015. Each engagement lasts a minimum of three days and averages three thousand people per night. Father Jim completed his undergraduate work at New England Conservatory of Music in vocal performance and received a master of divinity degree from Sacred Heart School of Theology.