Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast) - podcast cover

Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

Ascensionascensionpress.com
Ask Fr. Josh is the podcast where I hear you out and do my best to help you navigate the tricky times in life when our Catholic Faith doesn’t give you an easy “fill-in-the blank” answer. On this show, we’ll listen to one another, problem solve together, and ultimately entrust everything to our Lord. If this is your first time tuning in, here’s how the show goes: Each episode, I'll address three to four of your questions. I’ll cover everything from Catholic teaching to moral dilemmas to relationship advice. I'm not perfect, and I can’t guarantee that my advice is going to make things easy, but I'll do my best to share what I've learned during my time as a priest, pastor, and friend. Send me your questions at ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh

Episodes

Catholic Dating, How Far is Too Far Before Marriage, and Spiritual Intimacy

In this Valentines Day special, Fr. Josh answers questions about feeling invisible in the Catholic dating scene, how far is too far before marriage—especially in regards to kissing—and spiritual intimacy when not married. If you have a question, comment, or response for Fr. Josh, email us at [email protected]. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode! Snippet from the Show You are exactly how God created you to be today. So reverence your body and your soul...

Feb 12, 201930 min

Are Tattoos a Sin, the Covington Catholic Controversy, and Arguments Between Priests and Parish Staff

Fr. Josh tells us if getting tattoos are a sin, and gives his personal thoughts on the incident involving the Covington Catholic High School student, and offers advice on how to approach disagreements between a priest and the parish office staff. If you have a question, comment, or response for Fr. Josh, email us at [email protected]. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode! Snippet from the Show We call Adoration exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, where...

Feb 05, 201933 min

Eucharistic Adoration, Mary’s Perpetual Virginity, Single Moms, and Children Questioning the Catholic Faith

Fr. Josh answers questions about what to do in Eucharistic Adoration, why Mary and Joseph did not consummate their marriage, if single moms can practice the Catholic Faith, and how to help children who are questioning the Catholic Faith. If you have a question, comment, or response for Fr. Josh, email us at [email protected]. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode! Snippet from the Show “God calls man first. Man may forget his Creator or hide far from his...

Jan 29, 201936 min

Spending the Night, Humility, the Paranormal, and Same Sex Adoption

Fr. Josh answers questions about whether or not spending the night together before marriage is OK, what true humility looks like, if Catholics believe in paranormal activity, and how to evangelize to friends who believe same sex adoption is good. If you have a question, comment, or response for Fr. Josh, email us at [email protected]. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode! Snippet from the Show _Authentic love never sends the lover to the confessional be...

Jan 22, 201944 min

Pray for Our Priests

This week, Fr. Josh is at a priest conference with his diocese trying to grow and experience renewal in his priesthood. He invites you to pray for the priests of Baton Rouge so their hearts may be set on fire by our Lord to live holy lives and become saints. Snippet from the Show: They need your prayers, they need you to intercede for them to become holy.

Jan 15, 20192 min

Divorce, God’s Wrath in the Old Testament, and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass

Fr. Josh answers questions about how to pray to God after a divorce, why God in the Old Testament is full of wrath yet in the New Testament he is full of mercy, and why only Catholic priests can consecrate the host into Jesus’ body, blood, soul, and divinity. If you have a question, comment, or response for Fr. Josh, email us at [email protected]. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode! Snippet from the Show According to Jesus, you are a gift. He spoke yo...

Jan 08, 201941 min

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

God the Father created each and every one of us for no other reason than because he desires for us to become saints. The greatest saint that God ever created is the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God. She desires us to join her in heaven and worship the Father and be in total communion with our bridegroom, Jesus. Today, on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, Fr. Josh brings you a special episode all about Our Lady. Snippet from the Show: No Mary, no Christ. Know Mary, know Christ. The deeper w...

Jan 01, 201913 min

Merry Christmas!

Fr. Josh wishes you a Merry Christmas and sings a few songs. If you have a question, comment, or response for Fr. Josh, email us at [email protected]. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode!

Dec 25, 20183 min

Finding Meaning in Life, Christmas Presents, and Helping Children Discern their Vocation

Fr. Josh answers questions about finding meaning in life while suffering, meaningful Christmas gift suggestions, and how to help your children discern their vocations. If you have a question, comment, or response for Fr. Josh, email us at [email protected]. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode! Snippet from the Show You are a necessary member of the Body of Christ. God places us in a specific place of that body...You have a very special and necessary ro...

Dec 18, 201828 min

Praying the Paul VI Rosary

Today’s episode is a special episode on prayer where Fr. Josh actually invites you to pull out your rosary and pray with him. The Rosary is one of the most powerful prayers we can pray as a disciple of Jesus. Fr. Josh guides you through the mystery of the Agony in the Garden in the style Pope St. Paul VI recommends. So make a cup of coffee, light a candle, and take a moment to pray a decade of the Rosary with Fr. Josh. Snippet from the Show: No disciple of Jesus, not one of them, understands our...

Dec 11, 201818 min

The Big Bang, Examination of Conscience, and Overcoming Mortal Sins

Fr. Josh answers questions about the Catholic perspective on the Big Bang, how to find a thorough examination of conscience for confession, and ways to overcome mortal sins. If you have a question, comment, or response for Fr. Josh, email us at [email protected]. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode! Visit www.ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh to view the show notes for every episode.

Dec 04, 201842 min

Addicted to Social Media, Helping the Homeless, and Communion on the Tongue

Fr. Josh answers questions about overcoming addictions to social media and phones, helping the homeless, and whether receiving Communion on the tongue or hand is better. If you have a question, comment, or response for Fr. Josh, email us at [email protected]. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode! Glory Story (2:28) Listener Feedback (6:41) Helping the Homeless (10:00) Communion on the Tongue (15:55) Addicted to Social Media (22:02) Universal Points (30:...

Nov 20, 201834 min

Admonishing the Sinner, Regretting Abortion, and Marriage in Heaven

Fr. Josh answers questions about approaching a loved one about a sin without sounding judgmental, finding peace and forgiveness after an abortion, and the Church’s teaching on marriage in heaven. If you have a question, comment, or response for Fr. Josh, email us at [email protected]. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode! Snippet from the Show The gift of community is not only to help affirm and encourage each other, but also to challenge and critique e...

Nov 13, 201829 min

Voting, Spiritual Direction, and Fasting

Fr. Josh answers questions about voting when not one candidate’s platform aligns totally with Catholic teaching, how to discern finding a spiritual director, and the correct way to approach fasting. If you have a question, comment, or response for Fr. Josh, email us at [email protected]. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode! Snippet from the Show When we fast from things that bring us pleasure, we feel what we are missing. That feeling should remind us ...

Nov 06, 201842 min

Sacramentals, Circumcision, and Time Off Purgatory

Fr. Josh answers questions about the difference between sacramentals and being superstitious, whether or not Catholics should practice circumcision on their children, and if earthly suffering can shorten our time in purgatory before we go to heaven. If you have a question, comment, or response for Fr. Josh, email us at [email protected]. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode! Snippet from the Show All suffering united to the cross purifies our souls. We ...

Oct 30, 201843 min

Halloween, Children at Mass, and Maid of Honor

Fr. Josh answers questions about dressing up in costumes for Halloween, what to do when you have fussy children at Mass, and how to choose a maid of honor for a wedding. If you have a question, comment, or response for Fr. Josh, email us at [email protected]. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode! Snippet from the Show Love is a free gift. God does not force us. God does not impose anything on us. He only invites and proposes. For full shownotes, text AS...

Oct 23, 201831 min

Distractions in Prayer, Alcoholic Spouses, and Racism in the Church

Fr. Josh answers questions about being distracted and easily bored by daily prayer, what to do if your spouse is a verbally abusive alcoholic, and how to respond to racism in the church. If you have a question, comment, or response for Fr. Josh, email us at [email protected]. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode! Snippet from the Show I don’t want to worship the gifts of God, I want to worship the God who gives and takes away gifts. For full shownotes, ...

Oct 16, 201837 min

Money, Chronic Pain, Discerning the Priesthood

Fr. Josh answers questions about money, full time jobs and benefits, how to unite chronic pain with Jesus’ pain, and tips for discerning the priesthood. If you have a question, comment, or response for Fr. Josh, email us at [email protected]. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode! Snippet from the Show Jesus told St. Faustina: if the angels were capable of envy they would envy us for two things: (1) that we can receive the Body and Blood of Christ in Hol...

Oct 02, 201830 min

Cannibalism, Cremation, and Sinful Priests

Fr. Josh answers questions about why Catholics are not cannibals even though we consume the body and blood of Jesus, why burial is preferable to cremation and spreading ashes, and why the sacraments are still valid (in most cases) even if a priest is corrupt and sinful. If you have a question, comment, or response for Fr. Josh, email us at [email protected]. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode! "The Church will rise above this. Whenever the Church goes...

Sep 25, 201833 min

The Pill, Choosing Godparents, and Loneliness

Fr. Josh answers questions about taking the birth control pill for health issues, choosing holy godparents, and dealing with an overwhelming loneliness. If you have a question, comment, or response for Fr. Josh, email us at [email protected]. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode! Snippet from the Show Jesus wants to be the first person you think about when you wake up and the last person you think about before you go to bed.

Sep 18, 201838 min

Working Moms, Quitting Smoking, and Can We Lose Our Salvation

Fr. Josh answers questions about the Catholic teaching on salvation, how to quit smoking, and struggles with being a working mother. If you have a question, comment, or response for Fr. Josh, email us at [email protected]. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode! Snippet from the Show Love only invites. Love only proposes, it never imposes. Authentic love never forces. God will never make us choose him. He gives us the free choice to say yes today and yes ...

Sep 11, 201835 min

Lust, Reading Scripture, Lying, and Jehovah’s Witnesses

Fr. Josh answers questions about struggling with lustful thoughts, guidance on how to read Scripture, if lying is ever OK, and what to do when Jehovah’s Witnesses knock on your door. If you have a question, comment, or response for Fr. Josh, email us at [email protected]. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode!

Sep 04, 201837 min