Welcome to this new series, “Something Psalmic,” in which I invite my guests to share what’s lifting their spirits and offering them healing and hope right now.

In this warm and wide-ranging conversation, I’m joined by Jim Deeds, a pastoral worker, poet, and author whose “yes” to God’s invitation years ago set him on a winding and spirit-filled path. Formerly a social worker, Jim now serves communities across Ireland ~ mostly in the Catholic sector ~ offering retreats, pilgrimages, and spiritual leadership training rooted in listening and discernment.

We talk about that pivotal moment when he first said yes to facilitating a parish group ~ how it unexpectedly changed his life ~ and about what’s psalmic in his life right now: a creative writing community that gathered itself around him, almost out of nowhere. In a local café filled with young people from all walks of life, Jim is now witnessing deep honesty, shared pain, and surprising hope through the simple, sacred act of sharing writing with each other.

“When God calls, God gifts.”

This episode is a reminder that sacred spaces can appear in unexpected places ~ on a pilgrimage, in a café, while walking your dog ~ and that the psalmic invitation to praise, to lament, and to trust is always close by. Jim’s story will leave you smiling, stirred, and perhaps even open to the next quiet yes in your own life.

Jim’s Bio:Jim Deeds is a pastoral worker, author, and poet. He works mainly ~ though not exclusively ~ in the Catholic sector, supporting groups, parishes, and dioceses as they seek to discern God's plan in their lives and communities.

Connect with Jim through his social channels:

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Featured Song:

Psalm 133: How Good Is It

Comparing harmony between kindred with the holy oil used for anointing in the temple of Jerusalem, this psalm claims that such experiences of community bring fullness of life.

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