He Leadeth Me

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, missionaries, and friends accompanying those who struggleWhether you wrestle with scrupulosity yourself or walk alongside someone who does, this conversation offers clarity, encouragement, and hope in rediscovering a God of mercy.Fr. Denis Nakkeeran has been ordained for 5 years and currently serves as the Dean of Men at St. John Seminary in Boston. He is a moral theologian and formator.

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 FOCUS’ new project is fostering a culture of discernment for young women.Practical ways listeners can support women discerning a religious vocation. Kathleen Calvin is the Spiritual Development Team Manager. She oversees projects such as women religious initiative. Kathleen lives in Philadelphia after serving 6 years as a campus missionary in Boston and Virginia Tech.  Originally from New Jersey, Sister Jacinta Man, OP, is a Dominican Sister of St. Cecilia and currently resides at the motherhouse in Nashville. She served in the apostolate for ten years as a Catholic school elementary teacher in Tennessee, Georgia, and Ohio but now assists with vocation work for her community.  Before entering the convent fifteen years ago, Sister Jacinta participated in FOCUS bible studies while a student at NYU and met the Nashville Dominicans at the 2010 FOCUS conference in Orlando. Providentially, FOCUS missionaries had a profound impact on her spiritual journey, and it is a gift for her to now be a part of the chaplaincy for FOCUS. 

Join Fr. Anthony Weick, a Jesuit priest with 31 years of experience and a background in retreat ministry, as he tackles essential questions about spiritual direction. He explains why anyone can seek spiritual guidance, not just those facing major life decisions. Discover practical tips for seeking a new director and the importance of humility in spiritual growth. The conversation emphasizes the crucial role of both lay and ordained spiritual directors in nurturing individuals' faith journeys, making it accessible for everyone.

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 Again” still matters today—and why discouragement, not pride, might be our greatest temptation.Practical encouragement for missionaries and for you—how this maxim helps us face setbacks, discouragement, and daily challenges with renewed hope. Fr. Mark Yavarone, OMV, is a priest of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a congregation founded by Venerable Bruno Lanteri to spread hope and mercy through preaching, confession, and spiritual direction. He has served extensively in spiritual formation and retreat ministry and has worked closely with FOCUS missionaries as a spiritual director and retreat master. He is a co-founder of the Ignatian Discernment Institute along with Fr. Timothy Gallagher, OMV. You can learn more about the Ignatian Discernment Institute here: Ignatian Discernment Institute. 

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, meaningful ways to begin (or renew) a relationship with Mary todaySr. Gabriella serves as the Vocations Director for the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church. She has been a professed religious for 21 years and is originally from Mexico.

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 feeling spiritually dry, fervent, or somewhere in between, the Sacred Heart offers a deeply personal call to renewal.Jess and Fr. Joe discuss:The promise of transformation: what Jesus offers to lukewarm or weary soulsWhy consecration and reparation are more than devotional extras—they're missionary fuelThe power of the Sacred Heart in history, including the mysterious link between France and the French RevolutionFr. Joe Laramie has been a member of the Society of Jesus for 25 years and ordained a priest for 10 years. Fr. Laramie has served as the director of the Apostleship of Prayer, a 200 year-old prayer ministry dedicated to the Sacred Heart, and now serves as the director of Sacred Heart Retreat Center in Sedalia, Colorado.

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 of the enemy—especially after moments of grace or spiritual growth.In this episode, Fr. Krall and Jess discuss:How military life shaped Fr. Krall’s understanding of spiritual combat and the parallels between physical and spiritual warfareWhat St. Ignatius teaches about desolation, memory, and the enemy’s attempts to regain ground after a retreatPractical ways to "fortify" the soul’s weakest points and stay grounded when spiritual clarity begins to fadeWhether you're returning from a retreat, navigating temptation, or just looking to deepen your discernment, this episode offers encouragement and real tools for the spiritual battle.Fr. Christopher Krall has been a member of the Society of Jesus for over 20 years, ordained a priest for 10 years, and current serves as a chaplain to the United States Navy.

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. Chris walks us through the rich symbols of the rite, from the laying on of hands to the anointing with sacred chrism, and unpacks what they reveal about God’s action in our lives.If you've already been confirmed but find yourself weary in the fight—facing temptation, discouragement, or fear—this conversation will remind you of the spiritual power you've been given and the call to live as a mature disciple.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.

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 intimacy with God.In this episode, Fr. John and Jess discuss:Why becoming more aware of your faults is actually a sign of progress in the spiritual lifeHow to avoid perfectionism and scrupulosity while still striving for holinessPractical steps for turning your faults into fuel for growthWhether you’re feeling discouraged by your imperfections or wondering how to make real progress in your interior life, this conversation will leave you with hope, clarity, and concrete tools for the journey.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.  If you would like to listen to Fr. Ezratty's talks at SEEK, you can find them here: seekreplay.com

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 cinematographyThe director's approach to storytelling as a spiritual meditationThe amount of violence in the film and whether it serves or distracts from the deeper message Whether you're a fan of Catholic cinema or simply inspired by the life of St. Maximilian Kolbe, this episode offers a thoughtful take on a saint brought to life on screen. Fr. Gabriel Gillen, O.P.- Dominican Friar in the Province of St. Joseph. He was ordained in the year 2000 in Subiaco, Italy. Fr. Gabriel resides at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington D.C. along with Fr. Gregory Pine and the Hillbilly Thomists. In 2022, Fr. Gabriel became a National Chaplain for FOCUS.