Podcast
He Leadeth Me
Hosted by Jessica · EN
A spiritual formation podcast for FOCUS staff, students, and friends.
13episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Set Apart for Christ: The Ordination Mass Explained
6d ago00:52:14Tap to summarizeIn 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, the vesting of the new priest, and the anointing of his hands with chrism. Fr. Eusterman also shares personal reflections on what it was like to lie prostrate before the altar, receive the sacrament of Holy Orders, and begin his priestly ministry.This episode is both a guide to the ordination liturgy and a meditation on the mystery of the priesthood itself.Christopher Carstens directs the Office for Sacred Worship in the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin; coordinates the Institute for Liturgical Studies at Christendom College; and edits the Adoremus Bulletin. He serves as a consultant to the USCCB’s Committee on Divine Worship, and he is author of A Devotional Journey into the Mass and A Devotional Journey into the Easter Mystery (Sophia), as well as Principles of Sacred Liturgy: Forming a Sacramental Vision (Hillenbrand Books). He and his family live in Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin.Fr. Daniel Eusterman serves the Archdiocese of Denver as the Vice Rector of St. John Vianney Theological Seminary. Fr. Daniel was ordained as a priest in 2017 and also teaches sacramental theology at the seminary.
Transcribe →How to Fight for Vital Unity in Family Life
3w ago00:34:00Tap to summarizeIn 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, Northern Arizona State University, the University of Maryland, and the United States Naval Academy. Josh and Katie have 5 children.
Transcribe →How to Live Vital Unity When Life Gets Messy
Apr 3000:35:41Tap to summarizeKathleen 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 apostolate for the homeless. Since joining FOCUS 12 years ago, she has served in a number roles, including Office Manager, Talent & Leadership Development, and now Staff Care.
Transcribe →Vital Unity: What Makes- Or Breaks- a Mission
Apr 1400:25:05Tap to summarizeWelcome 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 missionary and team director before accepting a role at the FOCUS Denver Support Center. He currently serves as Sr. Director of Formation. Travis resides in Arvada, Colorado, with his wife, Rebecca, and 7 children.
Transcribe →Don't Give Up: Overcoming Discouragement
Mar 1900:39:28Tap to summarizeEver 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 will meet you right there.In this episode, Eve and Fr. John discuss:The difference between discouragement and desolationHow Satan uses discouragement to undermine petitionary prayerHow discouragement shows up in seasons of waiting- and how to overcome it with hope and perseveranceFr. John Ezratty is a priest in the Archdiocese of Denver. He serves at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary and is a popular speaker and retreat director.Eve Doran serves FOCUS as the Spiritual Development Program Director. She and her husband, Stephen, reside in Texas.
Transcribe →Holy Zeal: Loving God and Others with Wisdom
Jan 2900:56:31Tap to summarizeIn 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, and spiritual languageHow to grow in authentic zeal while responding to others with patience and wisdomDr. Edward Sri is a theologian, author, speaker, and FOCUS' Sr. Vice President of Apostolic Outreach. Dr. Sri has written several best-selling books and is also the presenter of several Ascension Press and Augustine Institute faith formation film series. He hosts the acclaimed podcast, "All Things Catholic" and is an adjunct professor at the Augustine Institute. He and his wife Beth reside in Littleton, Colorado. They are blessed with 8 children and one grandchild.
Transcribe →What Am I Meant to Do? A Discussion on Vocational Discernment
Jan 2100:39:58Tap to summarizeRecorded 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 vocationKathleen Calvin and Sr. Jacinta Man, OP, both serve on the FOCUS Spiritual Development Team.
Transcribe →Home for the Holidays: Navigating a Prayer Life During Break
Dec 1800:35:55Tap to summarizeIn 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 with FOCUS and currently serves as Director of Collegiate Outreach. He has also served as a missionary at Bowling Green, George Washington University, and Harvard University. Ben and his wife Eliza reside in Rhode Island with their 4 children.
Transcribe →Did God Really Ask Me to Do This? Discernment When Life Gets Hard
Nov 2000:41:18Tap to summarizeWhen 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: • What if I discerned something well, but now I feel overwhelmed and want to step back? • What if I didn’t pray about a commitment beforehand—am I still bound to it? • Can difficult circumstances be a sign that God is redirecting me? • How do I know when perseverance is holy… and when letting go is faithful?Drawing from Ignatian wisdom, Fr. John offers practical steps, prayerful tools, and spiritual clarity for anyone wrestling with a “yes” that suddenly feels uncertain. Whether you’re tempted to break a commitment or unsure what God is communicating through your current season, this conversation will help you discern with peace, freedom, and maturity.Fr. John Ignatius Ezratty is a priest with the Archdiocese of Denver. He is also a popular speaker at SEEK and a former FOCUS national chaplain.
Transcribe →A Father's Legacy: The Life and Faith of Tom Vander Woude
Oct 3000:39:23Tap to summarizeIn 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 that has led to early steps toward Tom’s potential canonization. Chris Vander Woude is the 5th of 7 sons born to Tom and Mary Ellen Vander Woude. He has worked in Catholic education for 18 years, serving as Dean of Students and Athletic Director. Chris lives in Virginia with his wife of 18 years, Katie, and daughter Zellie.
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