Learn more about her most recent books and purchase inscribed copies.
Jean P. Kelly believes in the power of stories, both hers and others, to give hope, build faith, and improve communities.
Over the last 30 years, her essays and feature articles have been published in local, regional and national publications and websites. She regularly contributes essays, cultural commentary, and stories to both the online and print edition of U.S. Catholic. She often explores in her work the intersections of faith, intellect, and writing and reading as forms of prayer.
Jean considers herself a “lectio-divina evangelista,” who teaches in the award-winning podcast, Read. Pray. Write. that spiritual reading is sometimes the only prayer that works, especially in times of desperation. The ancient monastic practice of slow reading and contemplation saved her from destructive and co-dependent relationships by offering easy access to peace of mind. In a heart-centered space even the suffering can listen, heal and accept insights that come from a loving God through words, music, and life experience.
She is Associate Professor of Journalism at Otterbein University in Central Ohio where she teaches writing, branding, graphic design and podcast storytelling. Together with her students, Jean puts faith in action through community-based research and service learning projects in urban neighborhoods and student-directed production of her podcast. She teaches community leaders and students alike how storytelling can change the world for the better.
Jean earned her Ph.D. in mass communication at Ohio University where she was a Scripps Howard Teaching Fellow. She also holds a bachelor of fine arts degree in painting, and a master’s degree in journalism.
Jean Kelly is an experienced presenter available for appearances on panels, interviews, and keynotes on topics of faith, lectio divina, and reading and writing as a form of spiritual practice. Book her here.
If you can read, you can meditate. If you can write, you can pray: An interview on NPR Radio, WOSU.org.
Interview, Catholic Chicago, April 23, 2024.
Reflection on Gospel for November 13, 2022, U.S. Catholic.
Oct. 31, 2021, Lunch and Learn, Otterbein Alumni Association. Recorded panel session link .
In Good Faith, BYURadio (Sirius XM): I explain my practice of sacred reading, as well as how I help college students serve. “If they feel a little uncomfortable,” I tell them, “they’re probably in the right place.”
Monthly inspiration. Subscribe now.
PodcastRead. Pray. Write. Seeking Answers, Finding Grace. offers audio spiritual readings to help you heal difficult relationships and develop a contemplative life of wholeness and mercy.
Helping readers sort through the chaff to find mustard seeds for spiritual growth on “Bookstagram” and Goodreads.
Jean P. Kelly, Intentional Path Media 