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 embracing our unique place within the body of Christ. Snippet From the Show We all can't be the roses, but the...
Mar 06, 2025•31 min
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. Snippet From the Show We are finite, our intellect is fragile, our hearts are cloudy, and we need God's help to be purified. Submit your questions and feedback to Fr.Josh by filling ...
Feb 27, 2025•24 min
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 “askfrjosh” to 33-777 to subscribe to Fr. Josh’s shownotes or go to www.AscensionPress.com/askfatherjosh Submit you...
Feb 20, 2025•29 min
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. Text “askfrjosh” to 33-777 to subscribe to Fr. Josh’s shownotes or go to www.AscensionPress.com/askfatherjosh Submit ...
Feb 13, 2025•31 min
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 Deadly Sins (https://ascensionpress.com/pages/frjoshlent) Download the free Lent Action plan https://ascensionpres...
Feb 06, 2025•29 min
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. Text “askfrjosh” to 33-777 to subscribe to Fr. Josh’s shownotes or go to www.AscensionPress.com/askfatherjosh Submit your questions and feedback ...
Jan 30, 2025•32 min
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 many devotions we are able to fit into our day. Text “askfrjosh” to 33-777 to subscribe to Fr. Josh’s shownote...
Jan 23, 2025•29 min
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. Text “askfrjosh” to 33-777 to subscribe to Fr. Josh’s shownotes or go to www.AscensionPress.com/askfatherjosh Submit your questions ...
Nov 28, 2024•23 min
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 freedom. Snippet From the Show Do not doubt the power of your prayers for your future spouse. Text “askfrjosh” ...
Nov 21, 2024•39 min
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. Snippet From the Show Nothing is impossible for God. Text “askfrjosh” to 33-777 to subscribe to Fr. Josh’s shownotes or go to www.AscensionPress.com/...
Nov 14, 2024•21 min
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. Snippet From the Show Just because certain medical treatments are technologically possible, does not dictate whether or not they are morally illicit or permissible. Text “askfrjosh” to 33-777 to subscribe to Fr. Josh’s shownotes or go to www.AscensionPress.co...
Nov 07, 2024•30 min
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 into the scriptures. Snippet From the Show Give God what he is due. Text “askfrjosh” to 33-777 to subscribe to ...
Oct 31, 2024•22 min
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 challenges of any method, we must keep our hearts close to Jesus and His mercy. Without His love, we can do nothing. ...
Oct 24, 2024•30 min
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. Snippet From the Show When we allow others to know that we are suffering, we give them the opportunity to be drawn in through our suffering to...
Oct 17, 2024•22 min
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. We can benefit from continuing to learn and wrestle with these teachings in order to better understand for ou...
Oct 10, 2024•30 min
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. He is calling each one of us to follow Him. Snippet From the Show Every saint has a past and every sinner has ...
Oct 03, 2024•23 min
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 about these topics and acknowledges that it is valid to still be learning, growing, and wrestling with this compl...
Sep 26, 2024•32 min
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. Snippet From the Show This is the sacrament that is the gateway for all other sacraments Text “askfrjosh” to 33-777 to subscribe to Fr. Josh’s shownotes or go to...
Sep 19, 2024•22 min
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 discuss whether or not there is a “right” way to find your future spouse. Snippet From the Show Time is never ...
Sep 12, 2024•31 min
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 charisms. Snippet From the Show We are not created to be self-sufficient. We are created to be in communion ...
Sep 05, 2024•25 min
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 I can not handle. I was wondering if you have a prayer, scripture, or Saint in mind to help me through this ...
Aug 29, 2024•14 min
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 Text “askfrjosh” to 33-777 to subscribe to Fr. Josh’s shownotes or go to www.AscensionPress.com/askfatherjosh Submit your questions and feedback to Fr.Josh by filling out a form at www.ascens...
Aug 22, 2024•7 min
What is the Catholic view on the Harry Potter series? -Yara Text “askfrjosh” to 33-777 to subscribe to Fr. Josh’s shownotes or go to www.AscensionPress.com/askfatherjosh Submit your questions and feedback to Fr.Josh by filling out a form at www.ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh
Aug 15, 2024•8 min
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 asked around and it seems like something fairly controversial as some people don’t even believe in it. I kno...
Aug 08, 2024•7 min
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 closer to God and I am experiencing a profound feeling of peace, because I know God is with me always. But this ...
Aug 01, 2024•6 min
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 Text “askfrjosh” to 33-777 to subscribe to Fr. Josh’s shownotes or go to www.AscensionPress.com/askfatherjosh Submit your questions and feedback to Fr.Josh by filling out a form at www.ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh
Jul 25, 2024•7 min
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 go and try to instill in them good behavior and silence it becomes a struggle that we feel disturbs others and...
Jul 18, 2024•5 min
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 or maybe read. Nothing stands out as what’s best for me. Do you have any advice on how I can make a better hol...
Jul 11, 2024•6 min
Why must we believe in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist? -Teresa Text “askfrjosh” to 33-777 to subscribe to Fr. Josh’s shownotes or go to www.AscensionPress.com/askfatherjosh Submit your questions and feedback to Fr.Josh by filling out a form at www.ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh
Jul 04, 2024•7 min
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 block for me in the past. I was wondering what the Church’s teaching is on God always having a male pronoun ...
Jun 27, 2024•8 min
