I started Messy Jesus Business in 2010 as a religion teacher at a Catholic high school. I needed to reflect on having a constantly messy desk while teaching the Gospel to teenagers. My vocation deepened and my ministries shifted, and this website grew to become a resource center and a community full of passionate voices. We explore the mystery of faith and the real struggle of taking Jesus and his teachings seriously.
I’m glad you’re here, and I hope to meet you one day!
Here’s a bit about me…
The official, high-level stuff:
Sister Julia Walsh is a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration and author of the spiritual memoir, For Love of the Broken Body (Monkfish, 2024), and the forthcoming 2026: A Book of Grace-Filled Days (Loyola Press, 2025). She is also a speaker, educator, retreat presenter, and avid podcaster, passionate about exploring the intersection of creativity, spirituality, activism, and community life. As part of her congregation’s formation team, she serves women who are discerning their religious vocation. Sister Julia has an MA in Pastoral Studies from Catholic Theological Union and is a certified spiritual director. Find her on Instagram as @JuliaFSPA.
The low down:
Grew up on a goat farm in Iowa. Former waitress. A bit wild, creative, and adventurous. Prefers to travel by train. Loud laugh. Believes that fried cheese curds with a pint of Guinness is a well-balanced meal. Prays with poetry. Hugs trees. Sings a little out of tune. Loves cooking vegetarian food for a crowd. Mesmerized by wildflowers and weird animals. Survivor of an accident involving a cliff and a creekbed. Probably wearing a stained or tattered hand-me-down. Loves the smell of fire and freshly baked bread. An outgoing introvert. Can recite all the books of the Bible in order. Visually impaired. Comforted by the presence of books. Splits time between Chicago and La Crosse, Wisconsin. Motivated by food, relationships, and a lifelong obsession with Jesus of Nazareth.
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