Hi, we're Colin and Aimee. Sometimes people on planes ask, "What do you do?" and the truth is—like so many families—a lot.
We've spent our lives in Catholic ministries ranging from education to media to retreats to pilgrimage. We love connecting with people and sharing both the freedom and joie de vivre of our Faith. We've authored award-winning books on topics like Theology of the Body, the sacraments, social justice, and Scripture study. We've contributed hundreds of articles, reflections, videos, and other content to various Catholic outlets and apps. Our work has been recognized with publishing honors, Telly Awards, and even a (suitably obscure) Emmy nomination—surprises that remind us how far God can take a simple "yes."
We live with our two children in our favorite place in the world: New Orleans (come visit and we'll show you around—you can even stay with us!). Colin is a musician; Aimee is a writer and artist. We have a crazy dog. We can't seem to keep up with our laundry. In a relentlessly busy life, we have discovered that our deepest closeness to each other—and to God—often comes when we travel. Not always far, not always fancy, but always intentional. Just the act of going somewhere, anywhere, has often led us to conversations, insights, and prayer that we might otherwise never have had. We've experienced travel as a rich gift that opens up relationship and the sacred.
We founded Thy Ship to share that gift with you. We’re here to help you not only go somewhere, but to go differently.
We're so happy you found us.
Captain's log: Aimee
Favorite pilgrimage site
The Basilica of Notre-Dame des Victoires in Paris, hands down. It looks like a neighborhood church from the outside, but behind the bright red doors is a deeply intimate sanctuary. We've had some profound experiences here. A dozen saints are connected to the parish and devotion, including St Therese of Lisieux, St Louis Martin, St Peter Julian Eymard, St Anthony Claret, St John Henry Neumann, and others. It's such a special place.
Travel tip
I make packing sketches for our trips instead of packing lists. Draw your potential packing list and then draw all the outfits you can make with those pieces (it doesn't matter how well you draw; this is just for you!). I always end up taking several things out of my bags when I realize how little I need to make lots of great combinations. Bonus: your packing sketch will be a sweet souvenir.
Best souvenir
Something with fragrance—wear or use it during the trip, and then the scent will always remind you of the experience. The gift shop of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Assisi offers amazing essential oils made by Franciscan friars. My other favorite souvenir is any household good from Monoprix, especially towels. And always, always visit local thrift stores for the best special treasures.
Captain's log: Colin
Favorite make any place a pilgrimage
Disney World can be so much more spiritual than you might think. I take a group of young people there every summer for a fun trip, but there are so many ways to integrate deep encounters with Jesus.
Travel must-pack
Catholic Beard Balm. The beard deserves its own sacred experience.
Best photo ops
Recreating photos from previous trips has been really fun in a visceral way, but also deeply contemplative about the journey of life. The first time we went to Assisi together, we had just started dating. Most recently we got to recreate the same photo taken by our daughter.