He Leadeth Me

Ben and Eliza Kelly are here to share their experience of living our joyful sacrifice in marriage. This fun and honest episode gives listeners a glimpse of the challenges of parenthood as the Kellys share how missionary life has prepared them to embrace these sufferings. Ben and Eliza encourage listeners to know that joyful sacrifice is more than just grin and bearing hardships.  Ben and Eliza Kel...

Kathleen and Sabrina Sanchez unpack the virtue of Joyful Sacrifice in light of the missionary experience. They discuss the role of freedom in joyful sacrifice and Sabrina shares some practical ways FOCUS missionaries can grow in this virtue: recognizing circles of influence and turning joyful sacrifice into an offering to the Father.  Sabrina Sanchez is in her 7th year with FOCUS. Originally from...

Jess and Travis are back to take a deep dive into our next cultural virtue: Joyful Sacrifice.  Travis explains the root of the word “sacrifice”, the role of mercy in sacrificial love, and where joy actually comes from. You don’t want to miss this! Joyful Sacrifice: Joyfully offering our sacrifice as a gift to the Father, confident that he transforms them for His glory.   Travis Todd is a convert t...

In this episode, liturgical expert Chris Carstens and Fr. Daniel Eusterman walk step-by-step through one of the most beautiful and powerful liturgies in the life of the Church: the ordination of a priest.  Whether you’ve attended an ordination before or have never experienced one, this conversation will help you understand the meaning behind the symbols, prayers, and sacred moments of the Mass. To...

In this testimonial episode, Kathleen is joined by Josh Fatzinger who has served the last twelve years as a campus missionary. Josh shares the little ways he has tried to practice Vital Unity in mission and in family life, how to have personal boundaries and yet be generous, and why sins of the tongue are so divisive.  Josh Fatzinger has served as a FOCUS missionary for 12 years with his wife, Kat...

Kathleen is joined by Rachel Bieker to discuss the practicals of living out Vital Unity as a FOCUS missionary. Rachel describes the common obstacles she sees in FOCUS to living this out and provides some incredible tips on how to navigate conflict. Rachel Bieker currently serves FOCUS as Senior Manager of Talent and Leadership Development. Originally from Nebraska, she attended Benedictine College...

Welcome to the first episode of a 9 part series on FOCUS’s cultural virtues! Jessica and Travis Todd share what the cultural virtues are as a whole, provide a deep dive into the virtue of Vital Unity, and discuss the Church’s four bonds of unity.  Vital Unity : Laying aside our own ambitions to elevate the gifts of those around us and serve the greater Body of Christ.  Travis Todd is a convert to...

Ever feel like giving up just when you've been praying the hardest? In this episode, Eve sits down with Fr. John Ezratty for a deeply practical and hope-filled conversation on discouragement- something every Christian faces, especially in seasons of waiting. Together, they unpack how discouragement works, how it differs from spiritual desolation, and how the Lord invites us to persevere with...

In this episode, Jess sits down with Dr. Edward Sri for an honest conversation about zeal vs. indiscreet zeal, and how even good, holy desires can quietly slip into pride, rigidity, or judgment. Together, they explore what it means to live with passion for God that is shaped by humility, charity, and peace. In this episode, they discuss: What true Christian zeal looks like — and why prudence is es...

Recorded live from SEEK26, Kathleen and Sr. Jacinta discuss the following points about vocational discernment:  Why this topic brings up mixed emotions for young adults Principles of general discernment The purpose and call of each vocation  Practicals to help you discern your vocation Kathleen Calvin and Sr. Jacinta Man, OP, both serve on the FOCUS Spiritual Development Team.

In this episode, Kathleen and FOCUS Director of Collegiate Outreach Ben Kelly dive into the spiritual challenges and opportunities that come with heading home for a holiday or break.  Kathleen and Ben discuss:  The importance of having a plan going into a break. How breaks can be a time of true growth and maturity in your prayer life.  The unique challenges of being at home and out of routine. Opp...

When you say “yes” to something you genuinely believed God was asking of you—a mission trip, graduate school, even becoming a FOCUS missionary—what do you do when later everything feels too heavy, too complicated, or simply not what you expected?  In this episode, Jessica sits down with Fr. John Ezratty to explore the tension between commitment, freedom, and discernment through the lens of St. Ign...

In this episode, Kathleen and Chris Vander Woude reflect on the extraordinary life of Tom Vander Woude — a devoted husband, father, and disciple of Christ.  As Chris shares personal stories of his father, the conversation honors Tom’s quiet heroism, deep Catholic faith, and unwavering love for his family. Tom gave his life to save his son Joseph, who has Down Syndrome.  With discussions on fatherh...

It's no secret our world is suffering and under deep spiritual attack.  In this episode, Kathleen sits down with Brock Martin to dive into a deeply personal and spiritual conversation about the power and beauty of the Rosary. Brock shares his journey from seeing the Rosary as a routine task to embracing it as a vital devotion and spiritual weapon of the Church. We discuss:  Deeper Devotion: H...

Why did Jesus sometimes say things that seem puzzling—or even contradictory—at first glance?  In this episode, Dr. Edward Sri joins Jessica to unpack some of the most misunderstood sayings of Jesus in Scripture. Together, we explore the deeper meaning behind His words and actions, revealing the wisdom, mercy, and divine intention that underlie them. In this episode, Dr. Sri explains: John 8:6–8 –...

Scrupulosity can feel like a prison—distorting one’s image of God, sowing constant doubt, and making the spiritual life heavy instead of freeing.  In this episode, Jess sits down with Fr. Denis Nakkeeran , Dean of Men at St. John’s Seminary to explore the roots of scrupulosity and the path toward healing. We discuss: What scrupulosity is and how it differs from OCD How scrupulosity distorts our im...

In 1965, there were 178,000 religious Sisters. In 2024, there were less than 35,000. In less than 60 years, the landscape of women’s religious life has dramatically changed. Can there be a revival in women’s religious vocations? In this episode, Jessica talks with Kathleen Calvin and Sr. Jacinta Man about FOCUS’ new project to promote women’s religious vocations. Jess, Kathleen, and Sr. Jacinta di...

Have you ever wondered if spiritual direction is only for people discerning big decisions — or if lay people can really be spiritual directors? In this episode of He Leadeth Me, Jess is joined by Fr. Anthony Weick, a spiritual director at Grand Coteau retreat center, and Eve Doran, Program Director for the FOCUS Spiritual Development Team, to answer your top questions about spiritual direction. To...

Have you ever wished you could hit the “reset button” in your spiritual life?  In this episode, we explore the wisdom of Venerable Bruno Lanteri and his timeless maxim: Begin Again. Fr. Mark Yavarone, OMV, joins Jessica to unpack how this simple but profound counsel can transform the way we approach prayer, failure, and discouragement. You’ll hear about: Who was Venerable Bruno Lanteri? The founde...

What if the key to growing closer to Jesus is letting His mother into your heart? In this episode, Sr. Gabriella, Vocations Director for the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church, helps us unpack what it means to know Mary not just as a figure of devotion, but as a real, living mother who wants to walk with us. Sr. Gabriella and Jess discuss: How Scripture invites us to personally r...

Why does Jesus make such bold promises to those devoted to His Sacred Heart—like turning “tepid souls” into “fervent” ones?  In this episode, Jess sits down with Fr. Joe Laramie, SJ, director of the Sacred Heart Retreat Center in Sedalia and former director of the Apostleship of Prayer, to explore how this centuries-old devotion speaks directly to the heart of the missionary. Whether you’re feelin...

What if spiritual warfare is more strategic than we think—and the battlefield is closer than we realize? In this episode, Jess sits down with Jesuit priest and Naval Chaplain Fr. Christopher Krall for a powerful conversation on spiritual warfare . Drawing from his experience as a naval chaplain and spiritual director, Fr. Krall offers insight into how we can recognize and resist the subtle tactics...

What really happens when you're confirmed?  In this episode, liturgical expert Chris Carstens takes us into the heart of the Sacrament of Confirmation—far beyond the idea of a “graduation ceremony.” We explore how this sacrament completes what began at Baptism, and how it becomes a personal Pentecost —a moment when the Holy Spirit is poured out for strength, mission, and spiritual battle. Chr...

In this deeply encouraging episode, Fr. John Ezratty joins Jessica to talk about one of the most misunderstood aspects of the spiritual life: how to view our faults through the lens of faith.  Drawing on decades of experience as a spiritual director and confessor, Fr. John shares wisdom that combats perfectionism and opens a new way of seeing failure — not as defeat, but as an invitation to deeper...

This September, "Triumph of the Heart", a movie about St. Maximilian Kolbe, will hit theaters. In this episode, Fr. Gabriel Gillen joins Jess to review the film. Fr. Gabriel and Jess discuss: Their overall impressions, including acting, pacing, and cinematography The director's approach to storytelling as a spiritual meditation The amount of violence in the film and whether it serve...