He Leadeth Me

Osad

• 
  Joyful Sacrifice: The Art of Self-Giving in Marriage 01.07.2026 50min

  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 Kelly met while studying at Harvard University and joined FOCUS as an engaged couple. They ha...
• 
  Joyful Sacrifice: Lessons from the Mission Field 22.06.2026 32min

  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 Texas, Sabrina is a proud alumna of Texas A&M. She served as a missionary at the Unive...
• 
  Joyful Sacrifice: The Secret to Happiness 11.06.2026 29min

  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 to Catholicism and has worked for FOCUS for 18 years. Travis served 9 years as a campus ...
• 
  Set Apart for Christ: The Ordination Mass Explained 29.05.2026 52min

  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. Together, we explore the Litany of Saints, the laying on of hands, the Prayer of Ordination, t...
• 
  How to Fight for Vital Unity in Family Life 14.05.2026 34min

  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, Katie. They have served at the University of Pittsburg, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, North...
• 
  How to Live Vital Unity When Life Gets Messy 30.04.2026 35min

  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 in Atchison, KS before moving to Colorado to spend a year with Christ in the City, an apostola...
• 
  Vital Unity: What Makes- Or Breaks- a Mission 14.04.2026 25min

  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 Catholicism and has worked for FOCUS for 18 years. Travis served 9 years as a campus mi...
• 
  Don't Give Up: Overcoming Discouragement 19.03.2026 39min

  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 trust. If you've ever felt like giving up in prayer or questioning whether God is moving, this episode...
• 
  Holy Zeal: Loving God and Others with Wisdom 29.01.2026 56min

  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 essential for it to remain a virtueCommon ways indiscreet zeal shows up in prayer, penance, mission...
• 
  What Am I Meant to Do? A Discussion on Vocational Discernment 21.01.2026 39min

  Recorded live from SEEK26, Kathleen and Sr. Jacinta discuss the following points about vocational discernment: Why this topic brings up mixed emotions for young adultsPrinciples of general discernmentThe 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.
• 
  Home for the Holidays: Navigating a Prayer Life During Break 18.12.2025 35min

  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.Opportunities for evangelization with family and friends.Ben Kelly is in his 9th year wi...
• 
  Did God Really Ask Me to Do This? Discernment When Life Gets Hard 20.11.2025 41min

  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. Ignatius of Loyola. Together they walk through real situations missionaries and students face: ...
• 
  A Father's Legacy: The Life and Faith of Tom Vander Woude 30.10.2025 39min

  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 fatherhood, faith, and pro-life convictions, this episode also explores the inspiring legacy t...
• 
  Why Missionaries Need the Rosary 16.10.2025 32min

  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: Hear Brock's personal story of a renewed love for the Rosary and how it became a powerful par...
• 
  Why Did Jesus Say That? 10.10.2025 45min

  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 – The Woman Caught in Adultery: Why did Jesus bend down to write in the dirt—and what might H...
• 
  Finding Freedom From Scrupulosity 25.09.2025 40min

  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 OCDHow scrupulosity distorts our image of God—and what vision of God brings healingPractical guidance for confessors, missionarie...
• 
  The Church Needs More Sisters: Inspiring a Vocational Revival 18.09.2025 26min

  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 discuss: The sharp decline in women’s religious vocations and what it means for the Church.How FOCU...
• 
  Spiritual Direction 101: Your Questions Answered 11.09.2025 44min

  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. Together, they discuss: Whether lay people can serve as spiritual directors and what the Church say...
• 
  Your Theme For the Year: Begin Again 04.09.2025 31min

  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 founder of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary and his vision for a hopeful spirituality.Why “Begin Aga...
• 
  Behold Your Mother: Growing Closer to Mary 04.08.2025 34min

  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 receive Mary as our motherCommon obstacles to Marian devotion—and how to overcome themSimple, mean...