Jesuit Priest James Martin Reflects on His Unconventional Path to the Priesthood

In his new memoir, the popular author and speaker shares how his diverse work experiences as a young man shaped his spiritual journey.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Father James Martin, one of the country's most prominent Jesuit priests, has written a new memoir titled "Work in Progress" that chronicles his unconventional path to the priesthood. Growing up in a "lukewarm" Catholic family outside of Philadelphia, Martin initially thought he would pursue a corporate career in New York City. However, after several unfulfilling years, he realized his true calling was with the Jesuits. In his memoir, Martin reflects on the valuable lessons he learned from his various summer jobs as a youth, including as a busboy, dishwasher, caddy, usher, factory worker, bank teller, and more, and how those experiences prepared him for a life of service as a priest.

Why it matters

As a high-profile Catholic leader, Father Martin's story provides an inspiring example of how one can find their true purpose through self-reflection and a willingness to explore different paths. His memoir also offers insights into the evolving role of the Catholic Church and its clergy in navigating modern moral and political conflicts.

The details

In "Work in Progress," Father Martin recounts how his various summer jobs, from bussing tables to working in a factory, helped him develop essential skills and a deeper understanding of the human experience that would later inform his ministry. Despite initially thinking he would pursue a corporate career, Martin realized his true calling was with the Jesuits after a few unfulfilling years in New York City.

  • Father Martin grew up in a "lukewarm" Catholic family outside of Philadelphia.
  • Martin worked a variety of summer jobs as a young man, including as a busboy, dishwasher, caddy, usher, factory worker, and bank teller.
  • After a few years working in the corporate world in New York City, Martin realized he hated his life and found his true calling with the Jesuits.
  • Martin has now written a new memoir titled "Work in Progress: Confessions of a Busboy, Dishwasher, Caddy, Usher, Factory Worker, Bank Teller, Corporate Tool and Priest."

The players

Father James Martin

A prominent Jesuit priest and author who has written a new memoir about his unconventional path to the priesthood.

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What they’re saying

“Growing up, I had a largely transactional relationship with God. But my various summer jobs taught me so much about the human experience that would later inform my ministry.”

— Father James Martin (whyy.org)

What’s next

Father Martin's memoir "Work in Progress" is set to be released on February 15, 2026.

The takeaway

Father Martin's story offers an inspiring example of how one can find their true calling through self-reflection and a willingness to explore different paths in life. His memoir provides valuable insights into the evolving role of the Catholic Church and its clergy in navigating modern moral and political conflicts.