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 life
• How to avoid perfectionism and scrupulosity while still striving for holiness
• Practical steps for turning your faults into fuel for growth

Whether 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 cinematography
• The director's approach to storytelling as a spiritual meditation
• The 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.

What happens at the Rite of Consecration of a Virgin?

In this episode, host Jessica is joined by liturgical expert Chris Carstens and Elizabeth Black, a Consecrated Virgin, to explore the ancient rite of Consecrated Virginity.

Together, they unpack:

• What makes the vocation of a Consecrated Virgin distinct from religious life
• The beauty and symbolism of the Rite of Consecration, including the veil, ring, and prayer of consecration
• What it’s like to live out this vocation in daily life, rooted in both solitude and service to the Church

Whether you’ve never heard of this vocation or have attended a consecration yourself, this conversation will deepen your appreciation for one of the Church’s most hidden treasures.

Elizabeth Black has worked in Catholic liberal education for seventeen years, most recently as principal of Saint Stephen School in East Grand Rapids. As Dean of Faculty and Curriculum at Oakcrest School, she developed the school’s liberal arts educational vision. Elizabeth is trained in the Ward Method of Music Instruction, holds a B.A. in Classical and Early Christian Studies from Christendom College and a M.A. from the University of St. Mary of the Lake. Elizabeth is a consecrated virgin living in the world.

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 episode, Jess sits down with Cheryl Hansen, a Tribunal Advocate, to talk about what it looks like to walk closely with someone going through the painful and often confusing journey of divorce and annulment. 

Jess and Cheryl discuss:

• How to support someone considering divorce while still encouraging hope for healing in their marriage.
• Why people often seek validation from faithful friends—and how to respond with both clarity and love.
• What words and attitudes are most helpful (and unhelpful) when someone is navigating the annulment process.

Cheryl Hansen serves as a Tribunal Advocate in the Diocese of Bismarck, North Dakota. She is also the President of the Michelle Duppong Guild.

The Church has declared this the Jubilee Year of Hope- but what does that mean for you? 

In this episode, Fr. John Ezratty joins Jessica to explore how this special year invites you to delve deeper in the virtue of hope and increase your trust in God.

Fr. John and Jess discuss:

• What makes hope different from mere optimism
• How to navigate desires, dreams, and unanswered prayers with trust in God's will
• Practical ways to grow in the virtue of hope in your everyday life

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

What will Pope Francis be remembered for?

In this episode, Dr. Edward Sri joins Jessica to reflect on the defining themes of Pope Francis' papacy- and what may come next. From his pastoral heart to his global vision, Dr. Sri and Jess explore the impact of a pope who led with compassion.

Dr. Sri and Jess discuss:

• Compassion at the Core- Dr. Sri shares how Pope Francis' papacy emphasized mercy, encounter, and a deep awareness of human suffering.
• Wounds and the Human Heart- Dr. Sri shares how the Holy Father's understanding of brokenness shaped his approach to evangelization and accompaniment.
• The Road Ahead- Dr. Sri responds to questions about ambiguity in Pope Francis' communication and offers insight into what Catholics can expect as the Church prepares for the next conclave.

Dr. 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.

What was Jesus doing on Holy Saturday? While the world lay silent, Christ was at work- accomplishing in His Spirit what He had completed in the flesh. 

In this episode, the hosts of the FAD & Dad podcast, Fr. Andrew Dickinson and Joshua Burks, join Jessica to explore the hidden glory of Christ's descent into the realm of the dead and what it means for us today.

Fr. Andrew, Josh, and Jess discuss:

• What the Church means when it says Jesus "descended into Hell"
• The famous Holy Saturday reading from the Office of Readings- and what it reveals about Christ's mission to the dead
• How to pray and live the missionary spirit of Holy Saturday, even in silence

This episode also includes practical advice for entering into prayer on Holy Saturday, a day that invites us to trust that God is working- even when all seems still.

Father Andrew Dickinson is a priest of the Diocese of Sioux Falls. Ordained in 2006 he has served in the diocese in various capacities, including 11 years as the director of the Pius XII Newman Center serving the campus of South Dakota State University where he had the privilege of working with FOCUS missionaries those 11 years. Father Andrew currently serves as the pastor of 4 parishes in the diocese aided by 2 priests and one deacon. He also serves his Bishop as a Vicar General. If he has a FOCUS claim to fame it is through his brother, who was in the original bible study led by Dr. Sri in the 1990s. 

Joshua Burks is an Associate Teacher at The Emmaus Institute for Biblical Studies in Lincoln, NE. He teaches primarily on New Testament texts and themes, but enjoys any opportunity to bring clarity and conviction to engaging with Christ in the Scriptures. Previous to his time teaching, Joshua spent four years as a missionary and Team Director with FOCUS at South Dakota State University. Next to love of God is his love for his wife, Elizabeth, and their four rambunctious boys. 

 What if one of the most hauntingly beautiful liturgies of Holy Week is also one of the least known?

In this episode, liturgical expert Chris Carstens unpacks the rich tradition of Tenebrae, a service that blends candlelight, psalms, and silence to draw us deeply into the mystery of Christ’s Passion. Jess and Chris discuss:

•  What Tenebrae is, where it comes from, and how it fits into the rhythm of Holy Week 
•  The meaning behind the extinguishing candles and the chanting of psalms
•  Why Tenebrae is making a comeback—and how to prepare for your first experience of it 

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.

You can check out Chris' book here: A Devotional Journey into the Easter Mystery

Doubt can feel like a lonely place, but the truth is- you're not alone. Even the most devout Catholic experience struggles with faith.

In this episode, Fr. John Ezratty joins Jess to talk about what it means to wrestle with doubt and how to navigate these difficult seasons with trust and perseverance.

In this episode, Fr. John and Jess discuss:

•  How Lent is a time not just to “repent” but also to believe, as Jesus calls us to in His first public words—making faith an essential part of our Lenten journey 
•  Why even faithful Catholics sometimes struggle with their faith 
•  How to respond when doubt creeps in (without guilt or shame) 
•  Practical ways to grow in faith, even when belief feels hard 

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