8 Catholic YouTube Celebrities You Need to Check Out Today
We’re in the information age, and everybody’s sharing their favourite STUFF online. Take a break from funny videos of Fritz (the dog who can’t catch) or Carpool Karaoke, and check out these awesome Catholic YouTubers who will make you laugh, cry and (most importantly) help you grow in faith:
1. Bishop Robert Barron — Word on Fire
Subscribers: 116, 336
From deep explanations of theology and philosophy, to commentary on political news, to movie reviews of The Hunger Games and James Bond, Bishop Barron’s channel has something for everyone. He’s a veritable expert in unpacking complex topics, having written over a dozen books and produced several documentaries (including the ‘Catholicism’ series) with the Word on Fire media group. In 2017, he even guest lectured at Facebook’s California headquarters on the best way to have religious arguments online. His style is very intellectual, but also very personal, as if each video is an after-class conversation with your favourite teacher.
2. Fr. Mike Schmitz — Ascension Presents
Subscribers: 85, 289
I dare you to watch one of Fr. Mike Schmitz’s videos and not smile, chuckle or even laugh out loud. While tackling very relevant topics like prayer, suffering and relationships, he keeps it light and energetic, usually cracking a joke at the top of each video. He also deals with current cultural issues, which can spark some interesting controversy (check out his video on Mixed Martial Arts, for instance). Fr. Mike Schmitz is the quintessential YouTube vlogger, and after watching a couple videos, you’re going to wish he was your parish priest.
3. Chris Bray — #AllThatCatholicStuff
Subscribers: 644
Don’t let the number of subscribers fool you, Chris Bray is a rising star in Catholic media. Not only does he produce great #AllThatCatholicStuff videos that explain…well…all that Catholic stuff (anything from the Saints, to the priesthood, to sacraments), but he’s also a phenomenal musician. His most recent album Joy in my Heart is full of very powerful and insanely catchy songs like In The Name and King in His Kingdom. Bonus: Did I mention Chris is Canadian??
4. Br. Casey Cole — Breaking in the Habit
Subscribers: 7, 496
Hard not to spot this young Franciscan! As the trailer video for his channel suggests, Br. Casey is on a mission to spread the Gospel using new media. He’s focused on creating high quality content that’s both entertaining and thought provoking. Not only is he active on YouTube, but his Instagram account also features short #AskBrCasey videos, where he answers questions from his followers. He’s young, charismatic, and probably not the first thing people think of when they hear “Franciscan friar”…thanks, Friar Tuck!
5. Brian Holdsworth
Subscribers: 2, 681
Another Canadian made the list! If you’re looking for really thoughtful explanations of Catholic teaching from a passionate convert to Catholicism, you have to check out Brian Holdsworth. His videos are fairly short (under 10 mins) but they are jam-packed with enough ideas to kick-start the next 100 conversations around your dinner table. Speaking calmly and directly, Holdsworth tackles interesting topics like Euthanasia, Political Correctness, Catholic Architecture, Homeschooling and much more. These videos are great tools for easing into more difficult conversations with your friends, Catholic or otherwise.
6. New Catholic Generation
Subscribers: 21, 598
This is like a Catholic YouTube Super Group! The channel is a big collaboration between YouTubers like RebornPure Catholic, The Catholic Apologist, & CatholiContrast. Together, they produce movie reviews, theological discussions, and hilarious skits (A Youth Group Leader’s Worst Nightmare is a classic!). They’re young, light-hearted and deeply committed to the faith. Browse their videos, and let me know who your favourite cast member is!
7. Christopher Stefanick — Real. Life. Catholic.
Subscribers: 16, 314
With his channel of very short, inspirational videos, Chris aims to empower a generation of bold, passionate Catholics who will share the faith in the secular world. His videos are almost like movie trailers highlighting the beauty of the faith, and getting viewers excited to call themselves Catholic. In a way, his style is more casual, not too heavy on doctrinal lectures, but the videos are no less impactful, and can be easily shared on other social media.
8. Heather Johnson — A Catholic Mom’s Life
Subscribers: 1, 487
Are you Catholic? Are you a Mom? Do you want practical tips for running a Catholic household? If you answered yes to any of these, check out A Catholic Mom’s Life! Heather’s vlogs are down-to-earth and call us to sainthood through our ordinary lives. Everything from Halloween to Homeschooling to Budgeting with a big family is discussed in a very thoughtful and personal way. This channel is super relatable for Catholic families, and helpful for Moms and Dads alike.
