Ask Father Josh (your Catholic Question And Answer Podcast)

Father Josh and Father Paul Gros answer questions about OCD and anxiety, family members with mental illness, and navigating life changes after therapy. For full episode shownotes, visit AscensionPress.com (http://media.ascensionpress.com/?post_type=podcast&p=34967) or text ASKFRJOSH to 33-777.

Fr. Josh answers questions all about Christian fasting. Learn about fasting before Mass, fasting if you have an eating disorder, and the spiritual benefits of fasting. For full episode shownotes, text ASKFRJOSH to 33-777.

Fr. Josh answers the question, “What’s the point of Lent?" He then asks a set of questions to help you determine which Lenten practices will be best for your soul this year.  Snippet from the Show  When we enter into the Lenten season, we enter into spiritual warfare. Expect Satan to discourage you, but don’t talk to the snake … go directly to Jesus.  Glory Story (3:10)  What’s the Point of Lent? (5:40) Figuring Out What Your Soul Needs This Lent Add more silence to your day: give God some extra time to speak to your heart, teaching you to become more like him (we become like those we hangout with).Choose your fast wisely: make sure you’re picking a fast that will really challenge you and that you’ll feel all of Lent.Stop hitting the snooze button: replace those extra few minutes of sleep with a few minutes of prayer each morning.Get off social media: we can waste a lot of time on social media that could be spent with God or our brothers and sisters. Kick that habit during Len

Fr. Josh answers questions about whether Catholics should do yoga, whether we should forgive the Devil, and whether Mary truly had free will. **Glory Story (5:00) **Feedback (9:19) *Yoga (10:58) * Hi Fr. Josh, I thank the Lord for leading me to your podcast. I am learning a lot with regards to the beauty of our Catholic faith, though late in the game. Anyway, my question is about yoga. I have read that it stems from another religion and it's called a practice. I am currently attending classes at the gym because I find that among the many I have tried, it works for my aches and stiffness. I consider it as mindful stretching as opposed to a practice of the philosophy it purports to be. My question is: am I violating my Christian faith if I view yoga as just a workout and not the religious practice that others view it? Any information will be appreciated and again, thank you. - Joi Should we forgive the devil? (21:50) Hey, Fr. Josh! I'm going to get right to it: should we forgive and love the devil? God loves

What kinds of physical acts are morally acceptable when it comes to sex in marriage? What do you do when one spouse embraces NFP and the other insists on using contraception? How can an engaged couple recover chastity and peace after giving into sexual temptation together?  *Disclaimer: Parents may want to listen to the podcast before sharing with young kids, as we discuss some very mature topics about intimate relationships. Snippet from the Show  "When you bring to the Mass all that you’ve experienced, you allow Jesus to redeem those things that are most dark, bitter, and painful by taking them into the mystery of his sacrifice and casting them into the ocean of his mercy." Glory Story (3:55)  Feedback (9:26) Disagreement on Contraception in Marriage (11:33) Thank you for your podcast. It’s been a big help to me. My husband and I have been married for 18 years. We are now in our early 40’s. We have three wonderful kids who are 4, 6 and 8. We are both Catholic but experience our faith

Father Josh answers questions about fear of the Lord, explaining transubstantiation to children, and whether a grandparent should secretly baptize their unbaptized grandchild. Glory Story (2:49)  Feedback (6:32) Baptizing a Grandchild (11:15) Hi Fr. Josh! Thank you so much for your priesthood and your ministry via this podcast. It has been so encouraging to me and many friends too!  Here’s my question—my oldest daughter is married to a very nice Jewish man and now has a one year old baby boy. For a while she was attending a nondenominational church but now is not going to church at all, and they have not baptized the baby. I asked her once if she would consider baptism, and she said she would think about it. That was months ago, and she hasn’t brought it up again. Do you have any suggestions for how I can encourage her to come back to church and baptize the baby? My husband and I are heartbroken about this. A friend said I should take some holy water and baptize the baby myself the n

Fr. Josh answers three questions about the priesthood: Why can’t women be priests? Why can’t priests get married? And how can you look past the human flaws of the priest when he is acting in persona Christi? Snippet from the Show Jesus Christ was radical, he broke many customs. If he had wanted women to be priests, he would have chosen them to be priests … Mary [Mother of God] was far holier than Peter. Mary Magdalene showed up to the foot of the Cross. Guess who wasn’t at the foot of the Cross—Peter, Thomas, Matthew. Many of these women were far holier than the first priests. However, in God’s will, he chose men to be the matter for the sacrament of priesthood. SHOWNOTES Glory Story (3:05) Women Priests (7:49) Hi Father, I know you mentioned before you wanted to do a themed show. So I recently heard you speak on church tradition, and the difference between big “T” and little “t” tradition which I’m sure you would elaborate on, maybe even sing about. I wanted to suggest that as a possible theme for the show

In this week’s pro life themed episode, Father Josh addresses questions about abortion after rape, the often-misunderstood Church teaching on excommunication, and a unique challenge of single motherhood. Glory Story (2:39) Feedback (6:16) Rape and Abortion (10:50) My name is Brianna and I live in Kyle, Texas! I absolutely love your podcast and a lot of your episodes have brought so much clarity to my life and helped me grow in my faith, so thank you! My question is, with new abortion laws being made, particularly making abortion illegal for women who have been raped, how do we react to such situations with grace? I’m honestly torn on how to feel about this issue because as a woman, I couldn’t imagine being raped and then having to bear that child. I feel women may view having to give birth as a punishment, instead of a good thing. I was wondering what your views on this very sensitive issue are? Thank you for your time! - Brianna Excommunication of Pro-Choice Politicians (19:40) First, I just wanted to t

In today’s episode, Father Josh answers questions about the call and the challenge to pursue a chaste life. He answers a question from a mother who suspects her son is gay, a young woman who wants to enter the religious life but lost her virginity in college, and a listener looking for recommended chastity speakers. *Snippet from the Show *There’s no person in this world that can ever satiate the infinite ache that exists in your heart—only the infinite God can quench that thirst. *My Son Might Be Gay *Father Josh, We love our son unconditionally. The struggle is not our love for our son but the struggle he will have. We suspect that he is gay. He has not told us, but we don’t want to confront him, but do not want him to feel he has to hide. We raised him Catholic and know he has an incredible love of people and is so kind. My fear is the teaching of the church will push him away from it. He deserves to be loved and have a family. Besides loving him how can we help him and walk with him? He is a good be

Andy Lesnefsky from Vagabond Ministries joins Father Josh to discuss how to find/build Catholic community, being judged by Catholics for having tattoos, why you shouldn’t worry about fitting a perfect Catholic mold, and how to avoid burnout when you’re always serving others. Today’s podcast was recorded live last week in Phoenix Arizona at the FOCUS Student Leadership SLS conference. Tune in to hear the first ever glory stories from audience members and a even a question from the audience. Thank you for all your prayers for this incredible conference and all the young Catholics who attended! Glory Story (0:45) ** **Fitting a "Catholic Mold" (12:07) Hello Father Josh, I want to thank you for your podcast. I appreciate how you bring your full personality to each recording. It has been especially helpful to me because I often get this sense that I need to change and fit some mold in order to be acceptable or rather leave behind my culture and my personality and become a woman who is meak, quiet, and soft. This

Happy New Years Y'all! I'm taking one more week off from my regular recording schedule, but tune in next week when we kick off 2020 with the first ever LIVE recording of Ask Father Josh! Sidenote: this week I'm in Phoenix, Arizona for the FOCUS SLS20 conference, so if you're here too, come say hi and see me podcast LIVE on Tuesday at 4:15 at the Media Feed (check the FOCUS app for the location). I'm hoping I'll get to meet some of y'all there!

Father Josh prays for grace and peace to fill your soul as you approach this Christmas season.

In today’s special episode, Sister Miriam James Heidland joins Father Josh to talk favorite childhood Christmas memories, YouTube videos, books, saints, and more. Snippet from the Show Christmas is a tender time that reminds us that we must become like little children to inherit the kingdom of God. Favorite Christmas Memories Fr. Josh—Christmas Eve Mass and then opening a present before bed Sr. Miriam—seeing Christmas lights and the magic of waking up and to all the presents under the tree; having cinnamon rolls and hot cocoa after Mass Favorite Youtube videos Fr. Josh: Video of the Mass: The Veil Removed Sr. Miriam James: New research about how the brain heals itself from trauma, resources from Dr. Bob Schuchts Favorite Book (s) Katharine Drexel: The Riches-to-Rags Life Story of an American Catholic Saint The Soul of Shame Island of the World by Michael O’Brien Saint Most Present to You Now Father Josh and Sr. Miriam- Saint Joseph Rejoice! Advent Meditations with Joseph Favorite Christmas/Advent Hy

Father Josh answers questions about how to talk about corruption in the Church’s history, whether the saints know our thoughts, and whether Mary knew that Jesus was God. **Glory Story (2:05) Feedback (3:59) ** Do Saints Know Our Thoughts? (9:04) Dear Fr. Josh, In one of your podcasts, you said that the Devil does not know our thoughts. Do the saints know our thoughts? I have always prayed silently to them. Thank you. Angela Corrupt Church History (11:22) Hey Father! Thank you for your ministry. You're my commute buddy on the way to teach grade eight American History in a public school ... Given that the Catholic Church was the only game in town for 1500+ years if you loved Jesus, we've been talking a bit about the role it played in history. I was well formed by my experience in RCIA ... so I am able to answer student questions about the Church teachings. I had a good humanities education, so I can also answer about other faiths and protestantism in general enough ways. Here's my question⁠—how do I address

Father Josh answers questions about how to live Advent in a meaningful way, whether Catholics should listen to Christmas music during Advent, and what the “Christmas season” is according to the liturgical calendar. Snippet from the Show _For the secular world, Christmas season begins on Black Friday and ends on Christmas day. For Catholics, Christmas season begins on Christmas day and continues until the Baptism of Christ the Lord in mid-January. _ SHOWNOTES Glory Story (1:56) Feedback (4:20) How to Have a Meaningful Advent (7:52) Hey Fr Josh, What practical advice can you give to have a more meaningful Advent and truly enter into the mystery of the Incarnation? I know the world has a different way of preparing for Christmas, but all that builds up to is simply good feelings and gifts that will probably go obsolete. Also, I’m the only actively practicing Catholic in my family, I want to ensure that my soul is ready to welcome the Baby Jesus and make Him the king of my life. I don’t want to view the Nativity

Father Josh shares four things he’s grateful for and wishes you a Happy Thanksgiving! He also encourages you to send all your Advent and Christmas related questions to him at askfrjosh@ascensionpress.com for a special themed episode in the coming weeks. SHOWNOTES What I’m Grateful For: Sickness: being sick allowed me to draw closer to the Lord and spend more time with him My Brother Priests: they were so kind and helpful to me while I was sick My community: and its beautiful support of religious vocations You! Thank you for supporting the show and sending me your wonderful questions and messages Next week’s episode will be all about Advent, so please send me all of your questions and stories on Advent! Resources Email Fr. Josh: askfatherjosh@ascensionpress.com

Can Catholics support feminism? Why do some people believe women shouldn’t work outside the home? How do the promises of devotional prayers work—can they guarantee salvation? Should we be embracing the current interest in Christianity due to Kanye West and his album, Jesus is King? Fr. Josh answers this and more in today’s episode. Snippet from the Show “Cardinal Ratzinger (who became Pope Benedict XVI) proposes that women who want to stay at home should be able to stay at home, and women to want to work outside of the home, should be able to work outside of the home.” Get the shownotes at ascensionpress.com/askfrjosh

Father Josh answers questions about how to find healing in the midst of anxiety or depression, how to get involved in your parish, and whether or not Catholics can be Freemasons. Snippet from the Show If a Catholic man joins the freemasons, he automatically excommunicates himself from the Catholic Church. SHOWNOTES ** Glory Story (2:13) Listener Feedback (6:30) Anxiety, Depression, and Mental Illness (11:17)** Hi Fr Josh, My boyfriend introduced me to your podcast a few months ago, and absolutely love it. I think it is important to constantly learn more about the Church that Jesus Christ created. Your answers to people's questions and the way you tell stories is truly a gift from God. I recently graduated from college and am in a period of transition in my life before I start graduate school. The transition has been more difficult than I expected and I am now suffering from anxiety. I also already visit a counselor with Catholic Charities. I know the Lord's grace is sufficient and he will deliver me, howe

Fr. Josh goes in depth on two questions: What principles should Catholics turn to when it comes to voting for a political candidate? And is celebrating Halloween morally acceptable? Snippet from the Show “Why would any follower of Jesus Christ vote for a candidate whose policies are diametrically and directly opposed to the core beliefs we hold sacred as Catholics?” SHOWNOTES Glory Story (2:08) Listener Feedback (4:20) Celebrating Halloween (9:49) Hi Father Josh!! First off, thank God for your existence, I appreciate you! I’ve been listening to you since July when a brother named Erik at a conference for men, called Triumph, told me about you (he’s probably listening to this shout out to him). Your content is very informative and it feeds my spirit. My question is, Is Halloween bad to celebrate? I’ve heard things from yes, because you're celebrating the devil to yes because satanic people do things on Halloween. But I wanted to hear from a Father, what’s your opinion on it? - Erik Catholic Voting (15:52) Hi

Father Josh answers questions about wearing rosaries, taize prayer, and spiritual direction. Is it sacrilegious to wear a rosary? Is a rosary without a crucifix still a rosary? Should Catholics engage in Taize prayer, or is Taize prayer a new age practice? Lastly, what’s the difference between spiritual direction and pastoral counseling? Snippet from the Show Spiritual direction is the art of leading souls progressively from the beginning of the spiritual life to the heights of Christian perfection. SHOWNOTES Glory Story (2:40) Listener Feedback (6:08) *Wearing Rosaries (9:03) * Hi, Father Josh! I've been listening to your podcast for some time now and first wanted to thank you so much for the good work you do. There really is no-one out there doing this type of podcast and I'm so thankful that I'm able to tune in weekly and get your insight on so many topics!! I had a twofold question regarding rosaries. One of my hobbies is making rosaries. I restore and use antique crucifixes and centerpieces and do al