Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)
Fr. Josh helps you navigate the tricky times in life when our Catholic Faith doesn’t give you an easy, “fill-in-the blank” answer.
About the show
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
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Why Is Death Scary? (with Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN)
September 28th, 2023 | 32 mins 56 secs
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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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Navigating Conflict with Friends
September 21st, 2023 | 27 mins 10 secs
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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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How to Give “The Talk” (with Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN)
September 14th, 2023 | 27 mins 54 secs
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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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How to Date Better
September 7th, 2023 | 28 mins 7 secs
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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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Is “Social Justice” Christian?
May 25th, 2023 | 30 mins 25 secs
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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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A Misunderstood Scripture Verse
May 18th, 2023 | 20 mins 10 secs
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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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What the Church Says About New Age Practices
May 11th, 2023 | 27 mins 53 secs
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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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The Seal of Confession
May 4th, 2023 | 13 mins 46 secs
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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 a saint who died in order to keep the seal of confession.
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A Practical Approach to Evangelization
April 27th, 2023 | 15 mins 38 secs
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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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The Blessed Virgin Mary and Birth Pains
April 20th, 2023 | 14 mins 3 secs
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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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The Origins of Divine Mercy
April 13th, 2023 | 19 mins 21 secs
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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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The Spiritual Life of a Priest
April 6th, 2023 | 21 mins 53 secs
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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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Why We Read the Passion Twice
March 30th, 2023 | 16 mins 9 secs
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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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Why the Rosary Is Essential
March 23rd, 2023 | 38 mins 12 secs
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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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How to Pray in Lent
March 16th, 2023 | 16 mins 54 secs
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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.
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Envy: It’s More Than Jealousy
March 9th, 2023 | 18 mins 8 secs
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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.