For Joanna King, storytelling is more than a profession – it’s a ministry. As director of communications for the Diocese of Jackson and editor of Mississippi Catholic for the past six years, Joanna has used her talents to uplift voices of faith from every corner of the diocese.
Born in Jackson, Joanna’s Catholic roots run deep in Mississippi. After moving to Natchez as a child, her formative years were spent at St. Mary Catholic Church – now Basilica – and attending Cathedral School. “I was baptized, received First Communion, graduated from high school, and even got married at St. Mary’s,” she said.
Today, Joanna lives in Madison and attends St. Paul Catholic Church in Flowood with her husband, Justin, and their son, Chris. Her journey into ministry communications grew out of her early career in the nonprofit world, where she spent 13 years serving as a director of public relations and marketing – and often much more. “With a small staff, I was also a case manager, volunteer director, store manager, event coordinator – whatever was needed,” she said. “I worked with families in crisis, often providing the most basic necessities: food, clothing, shelter and a listening ear.”
That time had a lasting impact. “I spent a lot of time simply listening to people’s stories,” Joanna shared. “Their resilience and strength stayed with me and inspired me. That desire to tell meaningful stories ultimately led me to Mississippi Catholic.”
Joanna also sees communications as a way to unify the far-reaching parishes of the diocese. “Our diocese is geographically large, but Mississippi Catholic helps us stay connected,” she said. “It’s a blessing to help bridge those distances through stories that remind us we are one family in faith.”
Her role today allows her to continue that work of compassionate listening – now within the context of the Church. “Each story reveals how God is at work in ordinary – and extraordinary – ways across our diocese,” she said.
Since joining the diocese, Joanna has found that her ministry has deepened her own faith. “I definitely pray more,” she said. “I’m inspired every day by the faith of others across the diocese – it strengthens my relationship with God.”
One story in particular continues to move her: the tribute she wrote for Father Brian Kaskie, a beloved priest who passed away in 2021. “He was just out of seminary when he came to St. Mary’s in Natchez, and he made it seem cool to love Jesus. He was also a family friend, and re-reading that piece still makes me misty,” she said.
Joanna’s work – and the communication ministry she leads – is made possible in part by the Catholic Service Appeal. “To all who give, thank you. Your generosity makes ministry like ours possible,” she said. “If you’re considering a gift, know this: You’re helping tell the stories of our church, stories that bring people closer to Christ. That’s something truly special.”
