Ask Father Josh (your Catholic Question And Answer Podcast)

Fr. Josh answers questions about non-Catholics receiving Communion in the Catholic Church, whether using essential oils is spiritually dangerous, and what St. Paul teaches about salvation and grace. Snippet from the Show “If a person receives Holy Communion and says ‘Amen’ without believing in the True Presence, they act dishonestly.” SHOWNOTES Glory Story (2:13) Listener Feedback (5:37) Holy Communion to Non-Catholics (7:45) Hi Fr Josh, Thank you for the gift that is your podcast and for all of the wisdom, guidance, and advice you offer to us, your brothers and sisters. I am recently engaged to the love of my life. I am a devout Catholic and he is a devout non-Catholic Christian. We have come a long way in our relationship with understanding each other‘s faith and beliefs and are excited to venture into the sacrament of marriage. One thing that we continue to struggle with and have conversation about is taking Communion at Mass. He feels rejected by the Church knowing that he cannot take Communion and it

Fr. Josh answers questions about what happens to our guardian angels after we die, whether it’s OK to listen to explicit lyrics if you only pay attention to the music, and how to respond to someone who says all you have to do is love Jesus to get to heaven. Snippet from the Show “We cannot name our guardian angels because we’re implying that we have authority over them, and we don’t.” SHOWNOTES Glory Story (2:55) Listener Feedback (7:41) Guardian Angels (10:18) Good evening! I listened to your podcast for the first time yesterday. I was intrigued and learned much. On today, this feast of the guardian angels, this question came to mind: What happens to our GA when we die? What if we go to hell? Is there any biblical reference to what happens? I teach 7th grade theology so I could use your insight to help them as well....oh another question....should we name our GA? Can we pray for God to tell us their name? I have talked with various priests and received differing opinions. What is yours? -Patti Explicit Lyr

Fr. Josh answers questions about what to do when you feel angry at God because of unanswered prayers to alleviate the suffering of a loved one, if cohabitation is a good solution to handle an unexpected pregnancy before marriage, and which translation of the Bible is the best to get started with. Snippet from the Show “The more you perceive your prayer to be unanswered, the more intense your prayer becomes and the more you lean into the person of Jesus Christ and are drawn into an intimacy with him.” Get the shownotes at ascensionpress.com/askfrjosh (https://media.ascensionpress.com/category/askfrjosh/)

Fr. Josh answers questions about how to minister to a coworker who looks at horoscopes and practices “white” witchcraft, what’s the deal with ember days (periods of fasting for vocations throughout the year), and why Catholics venerate saint relics and images. Snippet from the Show “Vatican II invites lay people to go out into the work environment (a place where clergy can’t go) and be the image of the body of Jesus Christ.” SHOWNOTES Glory Story (2:14) Listener Feedback (6:00) Ministering to Coworkers (8:15) Hi Fr. Josh, I‘ve been wondering whether I should keep up a friendship with a coworker whose lifestyle and beliefs are pretty opposite of mine. This coworker puts a lot of faith in horoscopes and said something about how people would be surprised if they knew that a big part of witchcraft is about natural remedies like herbs and essential oils. We don’t agree about sex or that marriage should be between a man and woman. I just listen when she talks about all of this because I don’t know if it’s my place

Fr. Josh answers questions about what to do when a consecrated Host is dropped during Communion, if the devil and demons can read our thoughts when we’re tempted, and what to do about a congregation that doesn’t kneel during Mass. Snippet from the Show “Fight the devil the same way Jesus fought the devil. Whenever you recognize some temptation, quote Scripture out loud, and say ‘Get behind me Satan’. The word of God will fight for us.” SHOWNOTES Glory Story (2:20) Listener Feedback (4:58) Dropping Hosts (6:51) Last Sunday, during Communion, as I was peeking at the consecrated host from my hand I dropped it, and it fell to the floor by my feet. I gasped, and immediately grabbed it up and put it in my mouth. I was beyond mortified. I know part of it was embarrassment of those who may have seen me but I couldn't believe I’d been so careless with our Lord. Why wouldn’t I be more attentive during those few minutes I’m receiving Holy Communion. I prayed deeply about this and I heard him chuckle and say “Really, i

Fr. Josh answers questions about what to do when you’re single but feel called to marriage, what to do when you’re discerning marriage but aren’t ready for kids, and what to do when the person you’re dating isn’t Catholic. Get 15% off Jackie and Bobby’s new book, [Pray, Decide and Don’t Worry](https://ascensionpress.com/products/pray-decide-and-don-t-worry-five-steps-to-discerning-god-s-will?utmsource=podcast&utmmedium=media&utmcampaign=discernment&utmcontent=afjangels) at ascensionpress.com with promo code: DISCERN Snippet from the Show “God loves you. He has a plan for your life. And he is calling you to be a saint. ” SHOWNOTES Glory Story (5:20) Listener Feedback (8:30) Single, But Called to Marriage (12:20) Hey Fr. Josh! I never thought I would be writing into a podcast, but yet here I am! You have brought so much light to my life and have helped me apply my Catholic faith to my daily life. Ok, here's my question. I'm probably the most single person you could ever meet. I'm 26 years old and have never b

Fr. Josh answers questions about holding hands when we say the Our Father during Mass, what to do about a dry spiritual life, and whether it’s possible to reconcile a love of rap and a religious vocation. Snippet from the Show “Holding hands is not a required posture during Mass. The only thing required in the GIRM is that we’re standing during the Our Father.” SHOWNOTES Glory Story (2:32) Listener Feedback (9:50) Holding Hands During the Our Father (12:10) What's up with holding hands during the Lord's Prayer? I don't see anything wrong with it but question why people do it to begin with. What's the history behind this and what does the Church say about it? -David Loss of Zeal (18:20) I recently found your podcast and I love listening to it as it is down to earth and practical. I'm a young religious sister recently professed (1 yr). Since my profession, I have been in a desert period and I'm tired of being in this place. I want to regain the zeal I once had to spread the love of Christ. How can I overcome

Fr. Josh addresses questions about the salvation of family members who have committed suicide, what to do if a person is allergic to the Eucharist (Body and Blood), and whether natural family planning is still a good choice for women with health issues that would make pregnancy potentially life-threatening. Snippet from the Show “The Church in her two thousand year history has never condemned a single person to hell. We believe in hell, we believe it exists, but we have never said we know for sure that a person is in hell.” Resources * National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 * Suicidepreventionlifeline.org (https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/) * Creighton Model Fertility Care System (https://www.creightonmodel.com/index.html) * Broken and Blessed: An Invitation to My Generation (https://shop.ascensionpress.com/products/broken-and-blessed-an-invitation-to-my-generation?utm_source=website&utm_medium=media&utm_campaign=brokenandblessed&utm_content=afj) by Fr. Josh * Pocket Guide to the Rosary (htt

Fr. Josh and Kevin McCall talk about prayer, asking God for signs and how to have a relationship with the Holy Spirit. If you have a question, comment, or response for Fr. Josh, email us at askfrjosh@ascensionpress.com. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode! Snippet from the Show “When you pray with someone, it’s not about the level of revelation that you have, it’s about when you finish, does that person feel like they’ve been kissed by Jesus.” SHOWNOTES Glory Story (1:39) Listener Feedback (4:08) Kevin’s Story (7:22) Praying for a Sign (26:44) Hi Father Josh, I really love your Podcast. Thanks so much for helping me grow in my faith. I was raised in a Christian home but never attended Catholic school. I became Catholic as an adult. I still feel like I have so much to learn. ( I just graduated from a medical residency, so I struggle with finding time and constantly working on balance) I was wondering when you pray is it ok to ask for a sign from God? Or like say “Lord show me

Avera Maria Santo and Fr. Josh answer questions about choosing a vocation when experiencing gender dysphoria and how to respond to a family member in a same-sex relationship. Avera also shares her story about same-sex attraction and finding her identity as a beloved daughter of God. If you have a question, comment, or response for Fr. Josh, email us at askfrjosh@ascensionpress.com. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode! Snippet from the Show “Because I am so weak, because of the amount of suffering I have gone through, it has drawn me closer to Christ crucified. And if I stay near that Cross, there is the promise of the Resurrection.” SHOWNOTES Avera Maria Santo’s Glory Story (1:52) Gender Dysphoria and the Desire for Marriage (25:43) Dear Father Josh, First of all, I would like to say that this is my favorite podcast of all time! I look forward to every episode and hearing what answers the Church has to the questions of her faithful. Thank you so much for all the time and eff

Fr. Josh answers questions about how to stop being selfish in relationships, whether it’s better to prioritize personal prayer or daily Mass, and how to tell family you’re thinking about entering seminary or religious life. If you have a question, comment, or response for Fr. Josh, email us at askfrjosh@ascensionpress.com. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode! Snippet from the Show “Don’t let the enemy speak lies and tempt you with discouragement. Whenever you feel those temptations, quote Scripture and say ‘Get behind me Satan.’” SHOWNOTES Glory Story (1:41) Fr. Josh shares a story about how Chris Benzinger (the husband of Michelle, host of the Abiding Together podcast) leans into prayer. Listener Feedback (7:26) Talking to Your Family About Discernment (10:02) Hi Fr. Josh, I’m a 20 year old cradle Catholic and about to be a junior in college. I’ve recently felt a pull to discern religious life, and I’m currently working on finding a spiritual director. Is this something I sh

Fr. Josh answers questions about how to forgive deep wounds caused by family members, what to do if you’ve grown bored with prayer, and what are some prayers we can say for souls in purgatory. If you have a question, comment, or response for Fr. Josh, email us at askfrjosh@ascensionpress.com. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode! Snippet from the Show “As people were actively attacking Jesus on the cross—mocking him, cursing him, spitting on him—he said, ‘Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ He still felt hurt, betrayed, abandoned, and rejected, but he chose to turn that into intercession.” SHOWNOTES Glory Story (1:36) Fr. Josh discovered this song: Spirit Lead Me (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ko4yroBP0A) by Influence Music & Michael Ketterer! Listener Feedback (3:52) Forgiving Deep Wounds Caused by Family (10:49) Hello Fr. Josh. Thank you, first of all, for all you do. I stumbled upon your podcast and it is helping me examine things in myself that I otherw

Fr. Josh answers questions about how to respond to a same-sex couple who wants their child baptized, how to help family understand Church teaching, and how to stop feeling guilty about sins from the past. If you have a question, comment, or response for Fr. Josh, email us at askfrjosh@ascensionpress.com. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode! Snippet from the Show “God, help me to see myself the way you see me. God, help me to love myself the way that you love me. God, help me to forgive myself the way that you forgive me.” SHOWNOTES Glory Story (1:03) Fr. Josh is writing another book! Stay tuned for more details :) Listener Feedback (4:53) Prayer from Thomas Merton: "My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you

Fr. Josh answers questions about if our prayers can apply to people who are no longer alive, why there are priests who have been married, and if it’s OK to check someone out. If you have a question, comment, or response for Fr. Josh, email us at askfrjosh@ascensionpress.com. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode! Snippet from the Show “God can use our prayers to transcend time: past, present, and future.” SHOWNOTES Glory Story (0:56) Fr. Josh shares an amazing revelation about Moses and the face of God! Listener Feedback (4:17) Prayer Transcending Time (8:22) Fr. Josh, Hello and thank-you for your consideration of my question! I am wondering about the possibility for our prayers to transcend time. I have read about consoling the heart of Jesus, that even though He is now in heaven, I can comfort Him in His passion and death. I have also heard that God is present to me now as a 37 year old woman, just as He is present to me as a little girl. I am wondering if it is possible,

Fr. Josh answers questions about whether bad confession experiences are valid, how to avoid scrupulosity (obsession with avoiding sin), and how to invite people back to the Church. If you have a question, comment, or response for Fr. Josh, email us at askfrjosh@ascensionpress.com. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode! Snippet from the Show “The second Peter took his eyes off of God, and fixed his eyes on the storm, he began to sink. The same thing happens to us.” SHOWNOTES Glory Story (1:11) Fr. Josh shares a story about the lay vocation to become a saint! Listener Feedback (6:15) Bad Confession Experiences (7:47) Dear Father Josh, Thank you so much for your ministry. I have enjoyed listening to your podcast and I can tell that you truly take all of our listeners’ questions to prayer seriously and answer them thoughtfully and prayerfully. My question is about what to do when you have a bad confession experience. I’m a lifelong Catholic and I truly believe that the sacrament of

Fr. Josh answers questions about why praying to the saints is different from worshiping them, how to remind people about the fast before receiving Communion, and whether it’s OK to go to a different parish for confession (so you don’t have to go to your pastor). If you have a question, comment, or response for Fr. Josh, email us at askfrjosh@ascensionpress.com. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode! Snippet from the Show “The word ‘pray’ actually means ‘to ask’. It’s become synonymous with ‘worship’ but that’s not what it means.” SHOWNOTES Glory Story (1:46) One of Fr. Josh’s parishioners recently gave birth to a beautiful baby girl! As he was leaving the hospital the women’s youngest son ran up to Fr. Josh thinking he was Jesus. Listener Feedback (6:51) Praying to the Saints (11:57) Fr. Josh, I absolutely love your podcast and haven't missed an episode! I am a cradle Catholic and your podcast, in addition to a few other awesome Catholic podcasts, have helped me to grow in my

Fr. Josh answers questions about why some Catholics seem to think traditional Latin Mass is better than the Norvus Ordo, whether witchcraft is demonic or fake, and why only some saints have mystic visions. If you have a question, comment, or response for Fr. Josh, email us at askfrjosh@ascensionpress.com. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode! Snippet from the Show “Just because a priest celebrates one of the liturgies sloppily doesn’t mean that liturgy is bad [traditional Latin Mass or Norvus Ordo]. It means that priest needs to be reformed.” SHOWNOTES Glory Story (2:08) Fr. Josh recalls the very first Catholic book he ever read outside of the Bible: The Mystical City of God by Venerable Mary Agreda. Read it. It will rock your world!! Listener Feedback (5:59) Witchcraft (8:29) Hello Father Josh, Could you please explain what the Church teaches on witchcraft and tarot cards and all that creepy stuff. I know it’s something we as Catholics shouldn’t be part of in general. However,

Fr. Josh answers questions all about drinking alcohol including: Do I need to go to confession after drinking? Is it OK to drink underage? What if I get drunk without intending to? Is that old wives tale of rubbing whiskey on a teething baby’s gums safe? If you have a question, comment, or response for Fr. Josh, email us at askfrjosh@ascensionpress.com. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode! Snippet from the Show “Scripture gives witness to the fact that drinking can be a good thing, but getting drunk is not a good thing.” SHOWNOTES Glory Story (1:35) Fr. Josh flew up to Ascension for a filming of a new product! Stay tuned for more information! He was also able to visit with FOCUS and attended a Steubenville South Youth Conference where fifteen years ago Fr. Josh had his conversion. Listener Feedback (5:44) Drunkenness (8:08) What is the actual Catholic definition of being drunk? How do I know when I have passed the point of drinking too much? When would I need to go to Confessi

DISCLAIMER: Fr. Josh dives deep into details about the first question on same-sex love. Especially for parents listening with children in the car, please discern whether or not your child is ready to learn more about the specifics of homosexual intercourse. Fr. Josh answers questions about why the Catholic Church cannot support same-sex relationships, how to be a conscientious consumer without being overly scrupulus, and what happens to priests who leave the priesthood. If you have a question, comment, or response for Fr. Josh, email us at askfrjosh@ascensionpress.com. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode! Snippet from the Show “If we stop at the creature, and not the creator, we’ll be left unfulfilled. A sexual relationship [in marriage] is not the end we were created for. It can be a means to an end, which is God, but it can’t be an end in itself. ” SHOWNOTES Glory Story (1:11) The past two weeks Fr. Josh’s parish as been holding the Love and Mercy Academy to help their middl

Fr. Josh answers questions about if watching Mass on television fulfills our Sunday obligation, how to find happiness when depressed from past trauma, and how to talk with “cafeteria Catholics” who pick and choose which parts of the Faith to follow. If you have a question, comment, or response for Fr. Josh, email us at askfrjosh@ascensionpress.com. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode! Snippet from the Show “Sometimes it takes a while to accept the difficult teachings that come from Christ. Many of the disciples who were with Jesus in John 6 left when he gave them the bread of life discourse … the ones who stayed did not really understand the teaching but they loved Jesus and over time Jesus gave them the grace to believe.” SHOWNOTES Glory Story (1:15) This past week, Louisiana experienced a few really bad storms. A tornado actually touched down in a few places near Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. Praise be to God, Fr. Josh and his parishioners were unharmed. However, his brother’