Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)
Ask Fr. Josh is a Catholic Q&A podcast where Father Josh answers listener questions about faith, moral dilemmas, and relationships. Each episode addresses three to four questions, offering guidance rooted in Catholic teaching and pastoral experience. The show aims to help listeners navigate life's challenges when clear-cut answers aren't available. Listeners can submit their questions at ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh.
Episodes
Show Update
Fr. Josh shares an update about the show.
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Submit your questions and feedback to Fr.Josh by filling out a form at www.ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh
Easter Special: Fasting Beyond Lent
In this special Easter episode, Fr. Josh answers a question about continuing the practice of fasting beyond Lent. He encourages us to reflect on our own fasting and prayer practices that can strengthen our spiritual life. Stay tuned for a new season of Ask Fr. Josh this fall!
Snippet From the Show
"Throughout the year, the Church invites us to remember Fridays as a day of penance."
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Is Self-Care Prideful? (With Dr. Brian Pedraza)
How do we practice self-care without falling into vanity or pride? Dr. Brian Pedraza joins Fr. Josh to explore the sin of pride, the deadly vice at the root of all sin. Together, they answer a question about how to care for ourselves while staying humble.
Snippet From the Show
Humility allows the light of Christ to shine through us, while pride focuses all the light on ourselves.
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Greed: How Much Money Should Catholics Have? (with Dr. Brian Pedraza)
How much money should Catholics have? Dr. Brian Pedraza joins Fr. Josh to discuss the vice of greed and how Catholics should understand the gift of money in relation to their individual vocations and responsibilities. Together, they answer a question about building wealth while keeping in mind God’s call to stewardship and detachment.
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When the Noonday Devil Strikes (with Dr. Brian Pedraza)
Have you noticed that busyness, laziness, or procrastination often hinder your efforts to pray? Dr. Brian Pedraza joins Fr. Josh to discuss the sin of acedia or sloth, also known as the "noonday devil". Together, they answer a question about the struggle of maintaining a consistent prayer routine in the face of sloth and explain how developing the virtue of diligence helps us overcome it.
Conquering Lust in an Oversexualized World (with Dr. Mario Sacasa)
Do you feel discouraged trying to combat lust in your life? Dr. Mario Sacasa joins Fr. Josh to discuss the sin of lust. Together, they answer questions about strategies to avoid falling into lust and how parents can raise children with a healthy understanding of sexuality in an over-sexualized culture.
Snippet From the Show
"Avoiding the near occasion of sin is crucial for overcoming lu
Gluttony: Food Addiction vs. Overindulgence (with Dr. Mario Sacasa)
What does the sin of gluttony exactly look like in our lives? Dr. Mario Sacasa and Fr. Josh delve into the vice of gluttony, exploring its definition, manifestations, and the psychological and spiritual dimensions associated with it. They discuss the difference between gluttony and food addiction, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's behavior and seeking help when necessary.
Avoiding the Comparison Trap (with Dr. Mario Sacasa)
In today's competitive society, it's easy to fall into the comparison trap. Dr. Mario Sacasa joins Fr. Josh to explore the sin of envy through the lens of evolutionary psychology and the teachings of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Together, they answer a question about how to find peace with the reality that others may be "better" than us in certain areas. They also provide practical advice on e
How Do We Let Go of Control? (with Sr. Josephine Garrett)
Pride can mislead us into believing we are the center of everything and that we have complete control. Sr. Josephine Garret joins Fr. Josh to discuss the sin of pride and its various expressions in our lives. They answer a question about relinquishing control in life, particularly when things do not go as we desire.
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We are finite, our intellect is fragile, our hea
Navigating Attractions and Lust in Relationships (with Sr. Josephine Garrett)
What do our attractions reveal? Sr. Josephine Garrett joins Fr. Josh to answer questions about navigating attractions we may experience outside of marriage and how to discern a relationship with someone who struggles with lust.
Snippet From the Show
Our attractions reveal the desires of our hearts, but they must always be examined to ensure they are leading us toward the good.
Text
When Does Anger Become Sinful? (with Sr. Josephine Garrett)
We all experience anger for different reasons, but how do we prevent anger from turning into wrath? Sr. Josephine Garrett joins Fr. Josh to answer questions about dealing with anger, conflict, and unforgiveness in our families and communities.
Snippet From the Show
To prevent anger from becoming wrath, we need to invite Jesus into our experience of anger and allow him to heal us.
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Why Do I Feel Sadness When Others Succeed? ( with Sr. Josephine Garrett)
Why do we feel sadness when others succeed? Sr. Josephine Garrett joins Fr. Josh Johnson to discuss the sin of envy as he begins his season on the seven deadly sins. Together, they answer a question about why it's so hard to desire the success of others and explain how patience and humility help us overcome envious thoughts.
Set Free: Daily Lenten Reflections on Overcoming the Seven Dea
How Do We Overcome Deeply Rooted Vices?
It sometimes feels impossible to stop the deeply rooted sins of the heart. Fr. Mark-Mary joins Fr. Josh to offer advice and encouragement on overcoming persistent vices and allowing God to love us in our messiness.
Snippet From the Show
Sometimes, God doesn't perfect us right away because he wants us to experience his love while we are still imperfect.
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How Should We Prioritize Different Devotions?
Finding time for the various devotions the Catholic faith offers—such as the rosary, adoration, daily Mass, and reading Scripture—can sometimes feel overwhelming. In this discussion, Fr. Mark-Mary joins Fr. Josh to help us understand how to prioritize these devotions as we build our prayer lives.
Snippet From the Show
Jesus is pleased with our desire to spend time with him no matter how
Should We Receive Holy Communion on the Tongue or in the Hand?
Are you receiving the Eucharist on the tongue or in the hand? Is one way better? Fr. Josh Johnson provides clarity on this misconception based on information from the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) and reassures us that the church allows Catholics to receive Communion both ways.
Snippet From the Show
Both are good, both are true, both are beautiful.
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Healing and Hope Amidst Pornography and Masturbation Addiction (with Dr. Sarah Denny Lorio)
What effect does pornography and masturbation have on relationships and marriage? How can we maintain hope in times of doubt? Fr. Josh Johnson is joined by Dr. Sarah Denny Lorio to dissect the assumptions, fears, and practicals of these issues. They also tie the conversation into Dr. Sarah Denny Lorio’s dissertation comparing St. Pope John Paul II and Margaret Sanger’s views on women’s fr
What Does God Think of Divorce?
Divorce is a difficult topic. Fr. Josh Johnson shares sympathy and advice based on Catholic teaching for anyone struggling in this season. We are reminded that throughout the hardest times, Jesus is inviting us to join Him on the cross. He is calling us to bless those who curse us, pray for those who hurt us, and forgive those who do not apologize.
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Nothing is impos
The Truth About IVF (with Dr. Sarah Denny Lorio)
Why is IVF wrong? Fr. Josh Johnson and Dr. Sarah Denny Lorio broach the topic of in vitro fertilization (IVF). They look at the ethics of this subject with a human dignity lens while being sensitive to how deep this cross is for many of us.
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Just because certain medical treatments are technologically possible, does not dictate whether or not they are morally illicit
Do I Need to Go to Mass In-Person Every Week?
Going to Mass in-person can be hard. Can we make our lives easier by streaming Sunday Mass from home? Fr. Josh Johnson explains that going to Mass is not about what we can get out of it, but what we are offering to God. God deserves our worship, and we are invited to show up as we are. Fr. Josh also shares helpful tips on how to prepare for Mass to enrich our experience and dive deeper in
Natural Family Planning: What It Is and What It Isn’t (with Dr. Sarah Denny Lorio)
Fr. Josh Johnson and Dr. Sarah Denny Lorio discuss the many facets of Natural Family Planning (NFP) and share resources if this is something that you are learning or struggling with. There is no one size fits all approach when it comes to fertility awareness methods. There are many approved methods depending on your personality, season of life, etc. While looking at the potential challeng
Suffering: How Can We Carry Our Cross Like Jesus?
Is there a right way to suffer? Should we be suffering in silence or bringing others into our pain? Fr. Josh Johnson reminds us to start by crying out to the Lord in prayer. God can show us if it is time to keep our suffering close to our heart or share our suffering with others and ask for help. Allow Jesus to show you how this suffering can glorify Him.
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When we a
The Church and Contraception (with Dr. Sarah Denny Lorio)
What is the Church’s stance on contraception? Fr. Josh Johnson and Dr. Sarah Denny Lorio answer questions about contraception and abortion. They break down the historic Christian stance on contraception, contraception within marriage, and different types of sexual education. While the world continues to change and shift, the Church has remained steadfast in its teachings on this subject.
Am I Worthy to Walk with Jesus?
Am I enough? Do my past mistakes prevent me from living a life for Jesus? These are questions we may ask ourselves as we examine our conscience. Fr. Josh Jonson addresses these fears and emphasizes that we cannot let shame or past sin stand in our way of being with Jesus. Throughout Church history we hear about disciples and saints falling to sin but finding redemption. Jesus wants you. H
Is It Ever OK to Use Contraception? (with Dr. Sarah Denny Lorio)
Do you ever wonder about the church’s teachings regarding contraception? Fr. Josh Johnson and Dr. Sarah Denny Lorio address this topic from both a moral reasoning and medical application standpoint. They also look at the broader picture of holistic understanding of fertility, fertility awareness methods and restorative reproductive medicine. Dr. Sarah advocates for improved education abou
Can a Baptism Be Invalid?
Is baptism the only way to enter the Kingdom of God? What is the difference between valid and invalid baptism? How do we baptize? Are we living our baptism? Baptism is the foundational and necessary sacrament in which all other sacraments build. Fr. Josh Johnson dives into all things baptism and explains the responsibility of this gift.
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This is the sacrament that i
Waiting vs. Searching for a Spouse: What’s Right? (with Dr. Sarah Denny Lorio)
What is the right way to find your future spouse? As Catholics, it can feel like a battle between waiting/trusting in God’s plan and taking action. This battle often comes up in the search for a spouse. Do I simply pray for my future spouse and wait for them to come to me? Or, do I need to join every dating site and find him myself? Fr. Josh Johnson is joined by Dr. Sarah Denny Lorio to d
What Is a Charism and Do I Have Any?
To start off a brand new season of Ask Fr. Josh, Fr. Josh Johnson addresses the topic of charisms. Whether or not you have heard about charisms beforet, you may not have a clear understanding of what they are. Or perhaps, you know what they are, but you are not sure how to discover your own charisms. Fr. Josh explains what charisms are, their purpose, and tools for discovering your unique
Struggling with Infertility
Hello Father Josh I enjoy your podcast very much and it has help me in picking up the bible and attending adoration I am forever grateful. My husband and I recently started our fertility journey because we have been unsuccessful for two years. I find myself discourage, sadness and alone sometimes because this process is not easy however, I do understand that God is not giving me something
Is Cremation Allowed in the Catholic Church?
My aunt always says that when she dies she would like her ashes to be turned into a tree or put to sea to become a reef (something she read about), but my mom is always telling her her ashes have to be buried. Why is this the case? What does the bible and/or the catechism have to say on the matter?
-Frankie
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Can I Read/Watch Harry Potter?
What is the Catholic view on the Harry Potter series?
-Yara
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Submit your questions and feedback to Fr.Josh by filling out a form at www.ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh
What Is Emotional Chastity and Who Needs It?
What exactly is emotional chastity and can men and women partake in close friendships? Over my life I have developed a lot of beautiful and fruitful friendships with men that have never become more than friendship nor have I ever intended them to, however, recently I was accused of breaking emotional chastity within these friendships. It’s a concept that I have never heard of before. I’ve
Facing Loneliness in Your Faith Journey
Dear Fr. Josh,
I am a 37 year old cradle Catholic from the Netherlands and the proud mom of a wonderful baby boy.
Over the last ten years (yeah I know) I’ve been slowly finding my way back to the church. I am now attending mass regularly, have made prayer a part of my daily life and am working up the courage to go to confession for the first time in my life. The journey has brought me cl
How to Grieve Well
Could you talk about how to navigate anticipatory grief from a Catholic perspective? My grandma’s health is declining. I’m coping with grieving the person she once was and the grief I know I will be experiencing in the future.
-Anonymous
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Should I Bring My Kids to Adoration?
Hey Fr. Josh,
Congrats on your podcast, thank you for your vocation and your ministry, my daughters and I listen to you every chance we get. I’m not if you have addressed this topic before. I’m a mother of 6 beautiful kids, ranging from 22 years old to 10 months. We attend Church every Sunday but choose not to attend holy hour due to our boys’ behavior who are seven and four. When we do
How to Pray a Holy Hour
Hey Fr Josh, I love the podcast. It has helped me learn so much about my faith and grow greatly in it. I go to a holy hour every Tuesday and it’s an amazing thing sitting with Jesus christ in the eucharistic. But sometimes I find myself distracted or not fully there with Jesus and I don’t make a great holy hour. Sometimes there is music, other times I will either pray a rosary or litany o
Is the Eucharist Really Jesus?
Why must we believe in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist?
-Teresa
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Submit your questions and feedback to Fr.Josh by filling out a form at www.ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh
Why Is God Referred to as a "He"?
Hi Father Josh! I was introduced to your podcast a few months ago and I love everything that you do! Your spontaneous singing makes me laugh out loud and your straightforward, digestible answers to Catholic questions have helped me grow very much in my faith. I apologize if this question has been asked before since I’ve only heard a few episodes, but it’s something that’s been a stumbling
Should Parents Name Their Children After a Saint?
Naming Children
Hey Fr. Josh! I have so loved listening to your podcast and find so much fruit from it. I’m currently 6 months pregnant with my first baby and having grown up Southern Baptist and converting in college, Catholic Baptism is still a bit mysterious to me. As my husband and I prepare to Welcome our small human to the world and the Church, how should we discern their patron Sa
How to Deal with Shame
Hello Father Josh!
Let me start out by saying you are such an incredible blessing to so many! God has truly sent you to help those in need. You are so relatable, and it is wonderful and very encouraging. I will continue to pray for you and your family.
My question or concern is this. A number of years ago, in my 20’s, I was at a very low point. I was depressed and searching for what I h
What the Church Says About Medical Marijuana
Welcome to Ask Fr. Josh - Summer Snippets! During the next few months, some of the most popular questions from the archives will be released as short snippets. Enjoy!
Question:
I have had 3 cervical spine fusions over 5 years and due to the amount of medication I’ve been taking I have begun to do a small amount of damage to my liver. 2 of my specialists have recommended medicinal marijua
When Your Spouse Doesn’t Share Your Faith
What do you do if your spouse isn’t praying, going to Mass, or living the faith at all? Many people find themselves in the position where their spouse is non-Catholic or not practicing the faith. This can be incredibly difficult both as a spouse and as a parent. Fr. Josh Johnson is joined by Deacon Michael Parker to discuss what to do in this kind of situation. They share how you can work
Retreats: Essential or Indulgent?
Just as we would prioritize a vacation with our family or our husband or our wife, we ought to also prioritize a getaway with God. In today’s episode, Fr. Josh Johnson encourages us to get away, break our routines, and listen to the voice of God. He unfolds how important retreats are for him in his walk with God, and how life-changing different types of retreats can be for us, no mat
How Do Husbands Want to Be Loved?
It is essential for every spouse to learn how best to love their husband or wife. To discuss how husbands want to be loved, Fr. Josh Johnson is joined by Deacon Michael Parker. Together, they talk through some of the ways that men tend to feel most loved. They also touch on the importance of communication and vulnerability when it comes to spouses learning how to best love one another.
S
Can Holy People Have Fun?
Does being Christian mean that you need to live a solitary, boring, or unhappy life? Looking at the lives of holy men and women, it can appear that the majority of their lives were suffering and solitude. Does this mean that “fun” has no place in the Christian life? Fr. Josh Johnson takes up this question in today’s episode.
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“Faith is our source of joy. We believe i
Decision Making: Single vs. Married
Is there a right way to make decisions? How people make decisions may look different depending on what season of life they are in. Fr. Josh Johnson is joined by Deacon Michael Parker to discuss some best practices when it comes to making decisions, especially in a marriage.
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When you bring prayer into your decision making, you can trust that Christ is at the center.
Međugorje: Private vs. Public Revelation
What do you know about the apparitions of Međugorje? Although these apparitions are not yet approved, there are many who have traveled to the site and been convicted in their faith. Fr. Josh Johnson shares about his own experiences with Međugorje and explains the difference between private and public revelation.
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Authentic apparitions don’t add anything to our faith.
Can Christians Work Out to Look Good?
Fitness is a pretty big deal in the culture today. Whether it's diet, working out, or supplementing, many people invest their time and money in it. But what is their motivation? Fr. Josh Johnson and Deacon Michael Parker discuss the goals of fitness and what sort of motivation should exist behind those goals.
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“Life and physical health are precious gifts entrusted to
Overcoming Envy
Is it difficult for you to see other people happy and enjoying their lives? It is common for people to struggle with jealousy or wanting what other people have. However, envy goes a step further than jealousy. Fr. Josh explains what envy is and how we can overcome it.
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Love without expecting anything in return.
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Can Catholic Moms Have Careers?
Can a woman be a mother and also work? It is the responsibility of all parents to discern what is best for their children, for their family. Part of this discernment typically involves deciding whether one parent stays home or both parents work. This decision is not always easy or straightforward. Fr. Josh Johnson is joined by Deacon Michael Parker to talk about this decision and what pro
Is It Possible to Have a "Happy" Death?
Death is often marked by sadness and loss. For many, death is something fearful. However, there is a way to have a happy death. Fr. Josh Johnson responds to the question, “How does a person die well?” He offers advice on dying well and an example of an individual who died well.
Snippet From the Show
Keep death always before your eyes.
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Is There a "Right" Way to Educate Your Children?
How do parents decide what is best for their children when it comes to education? There are a number of different choices and it isn’t always easy to know which is the right one. Fr. Josh Johnson is joined by Deacon Michael Parker to discuss some of the key factors to consider when making decisions about education.
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Pursuing the best education for children very often
Responding to Sin in the Church
How can I defend the Catholic Church? There are people within the Church who have done horrible things and treated people badly. These people can make others question whether or not they should support and defend the Church. Fr. Josh Johnson responds to this question and shares why Christians should defend the Church.
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“The Church is a hospital for sinners, not a mus
Preparing for Marriage: What You Need to Do
What should I focus on during engagement? As you prepare for your wedding day, you are also preparing for your marriage. Fr. Josh Johnson is joined by Deacon Michael Parker to discuss some of the key priorities for engagement that will help you truly prepare for marriage.
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Cultivating relationships with married couples who are in different seasons of life can be incr
Can Women Be Deacons?
The conversations regarding women deacons has caused a lot of confusion amongst Catholics. Can women be deacons or not? Fr. Josh Johnson addresses this question by looking at the history of the Church and her teachings on the topic.
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We need to listen and be formed by the teachings of the Church.
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Why Social Media Is a Lonely Place (with Sr. Josephine Garrett)
Are you lonely? Although the world has never been more connected because of social media, texting, and other technology, it seems like many people are lonely. Fr. Josh Johnson is joined by Sr. Josephine Garrett to discuss why social media is not fulfilling and can negatively impact us. They also share who it is that will satisfy the longing of our hearts to be known and loved.
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What Will You Do for Love?
What are you willing to do for someone you love? Very often, love requires us to make sacrifices and experience difficulties. Such is the case with prayer so often. In order to have time with God in prayer, we may need to make sacrifices. Fr. Josh shares what these sacrifices may look like and why it is so worth it.
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Prayer is not always a comfortable thing. But it i
Can Christians Complain? (with Sr. Josephine Garrett)
Life gets tough. There is suffering, discomfort, and heartbreak. It seems like there is always something to complain about. So, is it ok to complain? Fr. Josh Johnson is joined by Sr. Josephine Garrett to discuss whether or not Christians can complain. Is there a holy way to complain?
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Jesus Christ has suffered it all. He knows our suffering intimately and wants to b
How Can I Be Happy in This World?
Violence and war are just some of the evils that are present in our world today. If you watch the news or scroll on social media, it can seem like there is nothing but bad in the world. So, how can you be happy in such a place? Is it possible or even right to be happy? Fr. Josh addresses this question and offers advice on how to find happiness even in the storms of life.
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How to Make Good Friends
Friendship is incredibly important, but how do you make good friends and maintain those friendships? Fr. Josh Johnson is joined by Sr. Josephine Garrett to discuss the importance of deep friendships and how we can find them. They share their thoughts and what to avoid in friendships and what to value.
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In a virtuous friendship, you desire to accompany one another tow
How Do I Bring My Children Back to the Church?
This may be the #1 question that Fr. Josh gets asked: “How do I bring my children back to the Church?” This is a question that lies in the hearts of so many parents in the Church today. This desire is good and a sign of true love for their children. Fr. Josh explains how to help bring children back to Church and love them well in the process.
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We don’t bring our love
Why Intimacy in Marriage Is So Important (with Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN)
What do two celibates have to say about intimacy in marriage? Quite a bit! Fr. Josh Johnson is joined by Sr. Josephine Garrett to discuss the importance of intimacy in marriage. Together, they share the abundant knowledge they have gained by counseling couples and individuals over many years.
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Your spouse is a mystery that is continuously being revealed to you. There
The Eucharist and My Imperfection
Does the Eucharist feel approachable? Do you believe that the Eucharist is personal? Sometimes, it can seem unclear how we are meant to interact and approach the Eucharist. How “put together” do I need to be in order to participate in Communion? Fr. Josh Johnson takes on these questions and offers encouragement for how we can make the Eucharist more central in our lives.
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Why Is Death Scary? (with Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN)
Death is part of life, but so many of us live with a fear of death. Why? What is it about death that instills fear in so many people? Fr. Josh Johnson is joined by Sr. Josephine Garrett to respond to this question and offer stories from their own lives to show how death can be a good.
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For some, a fear of death can arise from a fear of missing out. We desire to leave
Navigating Conflict with Friends
Friendships can be difficult and tumultuous but can also bring so much goodness to our lives. So, how do you strive for good friendship? How do you handle conflict or talking through difficult topics with friends? Fr. Josh offers his insight and advice for navigating the challenges in friendship.
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“You must be willing to lose a friendship for the sake of their salva
How to Give “The Talk” (with Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN)
How do you give “the talk” to your kids? Parents have a massive responsibility to inform and educate their children on matters of sexuality, dignity, and so much more. Fr. Josh Johnson is joined by Sr. Josephine Garrett to discuss the importance of talking to your child about these matters and how to do it right.
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"If we know the world is pursuing our children to for
How to Date Better
Welcome back to a brand new season of Ask Fr. Josh! In this episode, Fr. Josh addresses the difficulties of dating. So many people have questions about how to date and how to date well. Fr. Josh offers advice on how to have a healthy approach to dating.
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As good as people are, they are not God. They are finite beings. Our hearts have an infinite longing and that long
Is “Social Justice” Christian?
Have you ever heard someone say that “social justice” is not Christian? Today, Fr. Josh addresses the topic of “social justice” and whether or not it is Christian. He also responds to the use of social media and the discernment one should use when sharing thoughts and ideas on those platforms.
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Prior to speaking publicly on important matters, it is essential that we
A Misunderstood Scripture Verse
Does the Song of Solomon say that being black is a sign of sinfulness? Song of Solomon 1:5 can be confusing to read, but Fr. Josh is here to explain this passage from Scripture. Fr. Josh also shares about a beatified priest from Brazil who is a great example of someone who prayed for his persecutors.
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“Christ never gives up on us. So, we too can never give up on peo
What the Church Says About New Age Practices
Is it ok to participate in new age practices like tarot cards, reiki sessions, or the use of crystals? Fr. Josh shares what the Church teaches when it comes to new age practices. He also describes the harm that can come from participating in these practices. Fr. Josh shares what the Church recommends to combat the evil in our world.
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These practices have the capacity
The Seal of Confession
Can a priest share my sins? Confession, telling our sins to a priest, can be really intimidating. However, Fr. Josh shares about the seal of confession and how seriously it is held by the Church. Fr. Josh also shares about two priests who died in order to keep the seal of confession.
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If there was a chance that a person’s sins could be revealed, they would not go to
A Practical Approach to Evangelization
How are we supposed to evangelize? What does it even mean to evangelize? Fr. Josh addresses this question and encourages all of us to dive more deeply into a life of evangelization. Fr. Josh also shares about a saint who used her profession to evangelize in an extraordinary way.
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Whether you are a doctor, teacher, or a stay at home parent, God will use what you do in
The Blessed Virgin Mary and Birth Pains
What was the birth of Jesus like for Mary? Some people argue that Mary experienced labor and delivery like any other woman. Others argue that she felt no pain. But what does the Church say? Fr. Josh answers that question in today’s episode.
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“Our Mother Mary is full of beauty because she is full of grace.” -Pope Francis
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The Origins of Divine Mercy
What is Divine Mercy? You may have heard mention of Divine Mercy Sunday or perhaps you have prayed the chaplet. But where does the devotion to Divine Mercy come from? Fr. Josh answers this question and shares about the saint who established it.
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There is no excuse for anyone not to become a saint. God is offering his love and mercy to everyone until the very end.
T
The Spiritual Life of a Priest
How do priests pray? Fr. Josh responds to a listener question regarding the spiritual life of a priest and what requirements are placed on a diocesan priest for prayer. Additionally, Fr. Josh shares the story of an unnamed saint to emphasize the importance of a daily Holy Hour.
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We have to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Adoration of Christ is imitation of Christ.
Te
Why We Read the Passion Twice
Why do we hear the Passion narrative twice during Holy Week? And who gets to participate in proclaiming those Gospels? Fr. Josh answers these questions in today’s episode. He also shares about an incredible woman who is on her way to canonization.
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To help prepare yourself and enter into it more fully, take the time to meditate on the readings prior to Mass.
Text “
Why the Rosary Is Essential
The rosary is not just a prayer that grandmas and nuns pray. The rosary is a powerful and essential prayer for everyone’s spiritual life. Today, Fr. Josh is joined by Dr. Mike Scherschligt to discuss the power of the rosary. Dr. Mike also shares about his own faith journey and his mission to get as many people to pray the rosary as possible.
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When we accept the reali
How to Pray in Lent
Are there particular ways we should pray during the Lenten season? Lent is a great season to make new efforts in growing our relationship with God. Today, Fr. Josh shares ideas for some of the ways we could pray during the Lenten season.
Snippet From the Show
During the Lenten season, it is really beautiful to accompany Jesus in his suffering, in his Passion.
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Envy: It’s More Than Jealousy
What does it mean to be envious of someone? Envy is one of the seven deadly sins and Fr. Josh explains why in today’s episode. He also walks through an examination to help you understand areas in your life where you may struggle with envy.
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It can be a lifelong battle to break free from vice, but we must remember that God is faithful to us and desires our freedom.
Why These Sins Can Be Deadly to Our Souls
What are some of the primary sins that people struggle with? As we strive for virtue, it is important that we regularly examine our lives and realize where we struggle so that we can strive to break free from sin. Today, Fr. Josh addresses the topic of the seven deadly sins and identifies why people struggle with some in particular.
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Focus on what Christ has done in
Striving for a Virtuous Life
What does it mean to be virtuous? Virtue is a word that is mentioned often when talking about faith and the lives of the saints. However, do we understand what it means? Today, Fr. Josh is joined by author Andrew Whitmore to talk about the virtuous life and also discuss Andrew’s new book Saintly Habits: Aquinas' 7 Simple Strategies You Can Use to Grow in Virtue.
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