Eric Clayton is the deputy director of communications at the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States. In his role, he manages the award-winning weekly column “Now Discern This,” a series on Ignatian spirituality and everyday living, as well produces video, audio and other digital content to share the riches of Ignatian spirituality with a general audience. Eric is also the author of three books on Ignatian spirituality:  “Finding Peace Here and Now: How Ignatian Spirituality Leads Us to Healing and Wholeness” (2025, Brazos Press), “My Life with the Jedi: The Spirituality of Star Wars” (2024, Loyola Press) and  “Cannonball Moments: Telling Your Story, Deepening Your Faith” (2022, Loyola Press). Along with Shannon Evans, Eric is the co-author of the children’s book, “Our Mother Too: Mary Embraces the World” (2025, Paulist Press).

In addition to his books and weekly column, Eric writes frequently for a variety of outlets, including National Catholic Reporter, Busted Halo, U.S. Catholic, America Magazine and more, on topics ranging from pop culture and parenting to Star Wars and Disney LEGO. He is a regular contributor at IgnatianSpirituality.com and for the daily prayer book Give Us This Day. In addition to his spiritual writing, his fiction has been published by Black Hare Press, Air and Nothingness Press, Small Wonders Magazine and more. He is a sought after speaker, retreat leader and workshop facilitator.

Eric has previously worked with and for a variety of faith-based organizations, including Catholic Relief Services, Maryknoll Lay Missioners and the Sisters of Bon Secours. He was an adjunct professor in the Mass Communication department at Towson University.

Eric has a BA in creative writing and international studies from Fairfield University, an MA in international media from American University and a graduate certificate in the Ignatian tradition from Creighton University. He lives in Towson, MD with his wife, two daughters and their cat.

Learn more about Eric at his personal website (ericclaytonwrites.com) and subscribe to his Substack (ericclayton.substack.com) .