Bigfoot Books & Brews to host hybrid conversation with Father James Martin

Join the Rev. James Martin, SJ, in conversation about his new memoir, “Work in Progress: Confessions of a Busboy, Dishwasher, Caddy, Usher, Factory Worker, Bank Teller, Corporate Tool, and Priest.”

The Friday, May 29, event will feature Martin appearing virtually by videoconference from his home in New York City. He will be interviewed in person by the Rev. Castello Vore, current director of vocations of the Old Catholic Missionary Province of North America, at Bigfoot Books & Brews in Marion. The program begins at 7 p.m.

Martin is best known to many as the “Official Chaplain” to Stephen Colbert’s previous show, “The Colbert Report” on Comedy Central. He also serves as a media consultant to the Vatican, appointed by Pope Francis.

“We’re so excited to have Father Castello here in person to host the conversation with Father James Martin for us virtually,” said Stephen Knight, co-owner of Bigfoot Books & Brews. “Father Martin’s memoir will be a great centerpiece to this conversation, but coming on the heels of Stephen Colbert’s last show in late night and Pope Leo’s first encyclical on ‘preserving the human person in the age of artificial intelligence,’ which comes out May 25, this is going to be a rare opportunity to speak with and ask questions directly to one of the Roman Catholic Church’s leading voices today.”

Martin’s memoir, published by Harper Collins in February 2026, is a coming-of-age story set in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. The book is described as a lighthearted tale for readers who enjoy personal narratives and as unlike anything Martin has written before.

“This is a spiritual memoir from a different angle … told ‘slant’ as Emily Dickinson might say,” Martin said.

“Work in Progress” focuses on small but important life lessons: work hard, be on time, don’t be mean, apologize when needed, forgive frequently, ask questions, don’t misuse power, pay attention to those who are struggling, listen and be kind.

Stephen Colbert described the book as “Funny, charming, inspiring and wise — this is a memorable memoir.”

Martin is a Jesuit priest, editor at large of America magazine, consultor to the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication, and author of the New York Times bestsellers “Learning to Pray,” “Jesus: A Pilgrimage” and “The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything.” He is a frequent commentator in national and international media, including appearances on “The Colbert Report,” NPR’s “Fresh Air,” The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal.

Vore serves as the current director of vocations of the Old Catholic Missionary Province of North America, assisting the bishop and tribunal in recruiting, selecting and vetting people seeking ordination or incardination. He is also a spiritual director and leads Christ the Healer, an LGBT-inclusive Catholic community. Vore lives near Charlotte.

The bookstore is asking people to RSVP for the event. Visit bigfootbooksnc.com for more information about the event or learn about other upcoming programs.

Bigfoot Books & Brews is a boutique bookstore and coffee shop in Marion’s downtown social district.

— AKC