Jewels of Our Faith

Ep. 31 - Finding Christ in the Present Moment: Spiritual Mentorship and the Beauty of the Cross

In this episode of Jewels of Our Faith, host Julie Lassiter concludes an enlightening three-part interview with Father David Coon from the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. Father Coon shares his experiences with the Spiritual Mentorship program through the Holy Family School of Faith and offers a deeply moving reflection on finding the face of Jesus within the "crosses" of our daily lives. From the challenges of visual impairment to the grace of caring for his aging mother, Father Coon illustrates how radical dependence on God and the support of a parish community can transform personal struggles into a vibrant ministry of hope.

Ep. 30 - The Virtue of Care and Spiritual Accompaniment

Host Julie Lassiter explores the profound virtue of care, discussing the stewardship of life and the challenges faced by caregivers. This episode features the second part of an interview with Father David Coon, pastor of Sacred Heart in Dexter, Missouri. Father Coon shares personal stories regarding his family, the difficult discernment of nursing home care for parents, and the transformative power of spiritual accompaniment in the life of a believer.

Ep. 29 - The Poverty of Spirit and Providential Grace

Join host Julie Lassiter on the latest episode of Jewels of Our Faith as she explores the virtue of poverty—not just as a material lack, but as a beautiful spiritual state of detachment that allows us to be filled with divine love. This episode features the first part of a moving interview with Father David Coon, pastor of Sacred Heart in Dexter, Missouri.
Father Coon shares the incredible story of his visual impairment and how God’s providence was woven through his life from the very beginning—including a surprising connection to Saint Lucy and a Baptist grandmother who helped "make a priest for Jesus" by recording thousands of pages of theology onto cassette tapes.

Ep. 28 - A Deep Dive into the Eucharist and Adoration

Join host Julie Lassiter on Jewels of Our Faith as we embrace the joy of the Easter season. In this episode, we explore the ancient and beautiful Regina Caeli prayer and take a profound look at the word "Eucharist," which literally means Thanksgiving. Julie shares a classic interview on the sacrifice and peace of late-night Holy Hours and provides a practical "Top 10" list for making the most of your time in Adoration.

Ep. 27 - The Way of Light: Keeping the Joy of Eastertide Alive

Join host Julie Lassiter and her daughter Cecilia on Jewels of Our Faith as they explore the "week of weeks"—the 50-day celebration of Eastertide. Discover the beautiful tradition of the Stations of Light (Via Lucis), a scriptural journey from the Resurrection to Pentecost that mirrors the Stations of the Cross. Learn practical ways to maintain a culture of gratitude and joy in your home long after the Easter lilies fade.

Ep. 26 - Jesus, I Trust in You: Embracing the Ocean of Divine Mercy

Join host Julie Lassiter for a special 26th episode of Jewels of Our Faith dedicated entirely to the profound devotion of Divine Mercy. Explore the history of St. Faustina Kowalska, the significance of Divine Mercy Sunday, and the transformative power of the word "trust". This episode features a communal praying of the Divine Mercy Chaplet and insights into how this devotion can protect our homes and families.

Ep. 25 - Finding Fruitfulness in Stillness and Spiritual Direction

Join host Julie Lassiter on Jewels of Our Faith for an insightful exploration of spiritual fruitfulness and the transformative power of silence. In this episode, Julie welcomes back Fr. Jesse Heitt, Chaplain and Director of the Newman Center at Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO), to conclude their moving conversation on spiritual direction. Discover how "wasting time" with the Lord and seeking a spiritual guide can clear the noise of a busy life to reveal God's true path for you.

Ep. 24 Cultivating Fruitfulness with Father Jesse Hiett

Join host Julie Lassiter on Jewels of Our Faith as she concludes an inspiring two-part interview with Father Jesse Hiett from the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. They explore the transformative role of spiritual direction, the necessity of silence in a "busy" world, and how to remain connected to the Vine to produce true spiritual fruitfulness.

Ep 23: Pause, Ponder, Proceed: Finding Peace in the Waiting with Deacon Jim Schlueter

Join host Julie Lassiter on Jewels of Our Faith as she welcomes back guest Deacon Jim Schlueter for a deeply personal conversation on the power of the "Lenten Pause" and the beauty of God’s timing. Deacon Jim shares the incredible story of discovering his birth family and reflects on balancing the demands of family life with his vocation in the diaconate.

Ep 22 - Walking the Way: Finding God in the Seasons of Discernment and Family Life

Join host Julie Lassiter for an uplifting conversation on navigating life's transitions with faith and grace. This episode features an insightful interview with Deacon Jim Schlueter from Immaculate Conception in Darden Prairie, who shares his personal journey from professional engineer to the diaconate. Together, they explore the power of the Stations of the Cross, the beauty of the "first vocation" of marriage, and the small, quiet promptings God uses to lead us home.