He Leadeth Me

How does church architecture assist us in deepening and celebrating our faith? In this episode, architect Adam Hermanson joins Jessica to discuss church architecture. Adam and Jess discuss:The 5 hallmarks of Catholic church architecture: verticality, permanence, transcendence, iconography, and orientationThe significance of the altar as a table of sacrificeThe symbolism of the center isle as a microcosm of the Christian journey to HeavenTraditional ways for architecture to depict the nuptial mystery of the MassHow the interior of the church should be formative to the faithful and the exterior should be evangelicalAnd much more!Adam Hermanson is the founder of Integration Design Group, an architecture firm in Denver, Colorado, which focuses on churches and other ministries with an emphasis on the renewal of beauty in liturgical design. Adam has been an architect for 17 years. He resides in Denver with his wife, Nicole, and their 6 children.

In this episode, Formation Specialist Sarah de Silva joins Jessica to talk about Servant of God Takashi Nagai, a Japanese Catholic convert on his way to canonization. Sarah and Jess discuss:Takashi's Shinto upbringing and conversion to CatholicismHis work as a doctor in radiologyHow he lived through the nuclear bomb being dropped on NagasakiThe last years of his life, when he preached forgiveness to the Japanese peopleSarah de Silva has served FOCUS for 5 years as a campus missionary, team director, and now Formation Specialist. She is married to Niru and they are expecting their first baby.

There's a lot of talk about healing in the Church today. Are we becoming too focused on healing? In this episode, Fr. James Brent, O.P., joins Jessica to talk about healing. Fr. James and Jess discuss:The culture's naturalistic understanding of healing vs. an understanding of healing from a Catholic worldviewJesus' healing ministry in the Scriptures and His desire to heal todayWhy doesn't Jesus heal everyone?How Jesus uses healing and every aspect of our lives as a formation for HeavenFr. James Brent, O.P., is a priest in the St. Joseph Province Dominican Friars. He is a professor at the Dominican House of Studies and a popular retreat master and preacher.You can listen to Fr. Brent’s homilies at his Soundcloud site:https://soundcloud.com/james-dominic-brent-o-p

A new school year is beginning! In this episode, Fr. Kevin Dyer and Jess challenge listeners to make the phrase "Conquer Yourself" their motto for the year. Fr. Kevin and Jess discuss:One of the early biographers of St. Ignatius of Loyola stated that there was no phrase more commonly on the lips of St. Ignatius than "Conquer yourself!"God sometimes allows difficulties in our lives so that we have opportunities to conquer ourselves and grow in virtue.Practical ways to conquer yourself through the Examen prayer and other spiritual practicesTo learn how to pray the Examen prayer, please listen to this episode from Season 1 of He Leadeth Me, The One Prayer You Shouldn't Neglect Praying: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-one-prayer-you-shouldnt-neglect-praying/id1634970581?i=1000570122175Fr. Kevin Dyer, S.J., is a priest in the Society of Jesus and serves FOCUS as Senior National Chaplain. Fr. Dyer completed studies at St. Louis University and Boston College and was ordained in 2010. In 2019, he became a part-time FOCUS National Chaplain, and in 2022 he stepped into the role of Senior National Chaplain. Fr. Dyer resides in Denver, Colorado.

In this episode, FOCUS East Area Director Marcus Schoch joins Jessica to do a deep dive into fasting, penance, and mortification. Marcus and Jess discuss:The difference between fasting, penance, reparation, and mortificationHow fasting helps us recognize our dependence on God3 reasons to fast according to St. Thomas AquinasHow to know what types of fasting are too extreme or too lenientAnd much more!Marcus Schoch is in his 13th year with FOCUS and currently serves as the East Area Director. Marcus oversees 170 FOCUS missionaries serving at 42 campuses from Maine down to Virginia. He and his wife Kelsie live with their 6 children near Augusta, Georgia.

How can penance heal your soul?  Fr. James Brent joins Jessica to talk about St. Thomas Aquinas' teaching on penance. In this episode Fr. James explains:How penance is "medicine for the soul" and corrects the disorder of sinThe effects of penance, which include: restoring right order in the soul, restoring order in relationships, eradicating bad inclinations, and conducing a person to receive a change of heart.How penance is a participation in the satisfaction that Jesus made on the CrossFr. James Brent, O.P., is a priest in the St. Joseph Province Dominican Friars. He is a professor at the Dominican House of Studies and a popular retreat master and preacher.You can listen to Fr. Brent’s homilies at his Soundcloud site: https://soundcloud.com/james-dominic-brent-o-p

FOCUS National Chaplain Fr. Gabriel Gillen joins Jessica to talk about suffering and the tremendous power it has when "offered up." Fr. Gabriel and Jess discuss:The most common questions people ask when they are suffering, such as, "Is my suffering my fault?" "Is God punishing me for my sin?" "If God is good, why isn't He putting an end to my suffering?"The most important question to ask when you are suffering: "What should I do with my suffering?"Fr. Gabriel tells the story of a young boy who was healed of a snakebite after receiving a blood transfusion from a man who had built up immunities to snakebites. He compares this to the healing power redemptive suffering can have for others when it is offered up.Fr. Gabriel gives advice on how to offer up your sufferingsFr. 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.

In this episode, Fr. James Brent joins Jessica to explain St. Thomas Aquinas' teaching on grace.  Fr. James explains:How grace enables us to participate in the very life of GodSt. Thomas Aquinas' teaching on the 3 things that happen when God dwells in a soul: he gives the soul illumination, divine help, and inclinations of the heart.3 things we can do to grow in graceAnd much more!Fr. James Brent, O.P., is a priest in the St. Joseph Province Dominican Friars. He is a professor at the Dominican House of Studies and a popular retreat master and preacher.You can listen to Fr. Brent’s homilies at his soundcloud site:https://soundcloud.com/james-dominic-brent-o-p

Angela Schnieders, a wife, mother, and internationally recognized speaker, dives into the powerful virtue of modesty. She discusses how modesty serves both men and women, posing key questions about what our clothing communicates regarding dignity. The conversation emphasizes balancing self-expression with respect in fashion choices, especially in church settings. Angela highlights how personal presentation impacts self-worth and encourages dressing with intention to honor oneself. Ultimately, it's about fostering a positive self-image while navigating modesty with care.

In this episode, Hilary Draftz joins Jessica and Fr. Kevin to discuss the impact of movies on the spiritual life. Hilary, Jess, and Fr. Kevin discuss:The principles Hilary and Fr. Kevin use to decide if they should see a new movieThe question: Should Christians watch horror films?Hilary and Fr. Kevin's top 4 recommendations for movies to watch with your disciples.Hilary Draftz became a full-time FOCUS missionary in 2005 after earning a bachelor’s degree in Film Studies and English Literature from the University of Colorado in Boulder. Hilary is currently serving as director of the West Area, leading over 200 missionaries on more than 40 college campuses. Hilary and her husband Tim adopted five amazing kids in 2021.Fr. Kevin Dyer, S.J., is a priest in the Society of Jesus and serves FOCUS as Senior National Chaplain. Fr. Dyer completed studies at St. Louis University and Boston College and was ordained in 2010. In 2019, he became a part-time FOCUS National Chaplain, and in 2022 he stepped into the role of Senior National Chaplain. Fr. Dyer resides in Denver, Colorado.