Encountering God: As a Traveling Papal Missionary of Mercy

by Chas Allen, John Stowe (Foreword), Ed Bastian (Foreword)

The author of Among Friends returns with a witty, heartfelt account of his adventures as a full-time traveling storyteller for God.
 
In third grade, we talked about what we wanted to be when we grew up. I raised my hand and said, “I want to be the pope!”
Everyone laughed.
But, hey, if you think about it, I’m still in the running.
 
Encountering God is a collection of Father Jim Sichko’s tales about what happened after he left his home parish in the Lexington, Kentucky, diocese to embark on a new role as a papal missionary of mercy. As his former congregation well knew, his warmth, humor, and genuine passion for spreading the message of God’s unconditional love made him an ideal choice for the job, and Pope Francis seemed to agree.
 
Here he reveals what it’s like to live out of a suitcase (and love it) as he engages in the “Ministry of Encountering”—meeting people face to face, connecting through the shared experiences of daily life, and revealing how God’s presence is accessible to us all if we simply open our hearts. Father Jim knows how challenging that can be, but his purpose is to make it easier. He passes along the Holy Father’s message that it’s not just about what we give up , but what we give —because we all have something to offer, and it costs nothing to be kind.
 
Insightful, inspiring, and frequently funny, Encountering God offers a glimpse into an unusual life—and a call to move from “me” to “we” thinking in a world that sometimes seems determined to drive us apart.
 
This book features forewords by Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv., and Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Airlines; and an afterword by Olivia Newton-John.

206 pages, Paperback

Published December 14, 2021

Reviews

[Kimberly Mutchler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seeing him speak in person first before reading this book really helped me read it in my head in Father Jim's voice. Without that, I wouldnt have been able to imagine the inflection or tone of his voice. There is humor in the book, but it is much more pronounced in person so I highly recommend watching him on YouTube to understand.

[Elisa Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading about Father Jim’s adventures. I had the privilege of having him speak for 3 days at our church. It was so amazing and well attended that our Father thought it was Christmas or Easter when everyone comes to church! I will forever follow Fr Jim and his teachings he is truly an inspiration to many. Even if you’re not catholic or you don’t go to church you can feel inspired by his words. Give it a try!

[Lisa Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of amusing, funny, and heartfelt stories from Father Sichko’s unique life experiences as an evangelizing priest tasked by the Catholic Church to travel the world bringing the truth of Jesus’s love to others. Having heard Father Jim deliver his 60 Minutes for Jesus messages before, I can vouch that the book reads very charmingly in his tone and style. I could almost hear him tell each of the stories out loud. Very well done!

[Danielle Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for 75 Hard- phase 1. I saw father Jim talk at my church when they were doing their parish mission a few months ago. He is a dynamic speaker. He makes our relationship with God so simple and so accessible. I LAUGHED OUT LOUD at the price is right chapter. And if I think about it, I still laugh about it. So hilarious.
The work he does simply makes the world a better place. I am so so glad that I listened to his talks and read this book.

[Marisa Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book by Father Jim Sichko. He tells of his life as a traveling papal missionary of Mercy in which he was appointed by Pope Francis. This is a good and positive book that tells of God’s love for ALL of us regardless of our beliefs and how our actions towards other should reflect that. I highly recommend this one.

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the chance to see Fr Jim a few weeks ago at a three night retreat. What a powerful speaker and feel that the book is a fantastic companion to his talks (which always left me wishing I had a notebook to write down notes). Great book and I am so glad I got to see him with my Godfather ❤

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspirational.

[Julie Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this so much. Father Sichko is boisterous, generous, funny and overflowing with benevolent energy that encourages the reader to get on board the flight of life with others and God.

[Doug Schreiber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great stories of how to evangelize.