Snippet From the Show

The virtue of patience teaches us to surrender to the reality that we are not is control of everything.

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Snippet From the Show

"Go to adoration and sit in Jesus’ presence, there’s no way you can go to adoration and not be transformed over time."

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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 been asked on a date. My friends and family tell me that I would be such a catch and yet I cannot seem to get the attention of any man (Catholic or not)! [I'm not flirty by any means, yet I'm not shy … I guess just normal?]

I feel called to marriage and it is so hard to trust in God's timing. I'm open to religious life if that is His will, but even after spending time with several orders, I still feel a call to family life. I know you don't know me personally, but do you have any advice on how to live a fulfilling life as a single woman (possibly for my whole life at the rate I'm going lol) who still feels called to marriage? I'm so lost!

Thank you so much for any advice you may have. It’s tricky figuring out how to live in a potentially interim period yet also potentially permanent lifestyle. God bless you!
-Cristina

Desire Marriage but Not Ready for Kids (22:45)
Hi Fr. Josh, I really enjoy your podcast and wanted to ask a question of my own. I am a 21 year old college student and have been dating my boyfriend for over a year. We both want to go to graduate school. If we continue dating in the future, is it ok to get married shortly after we’re both done with grad school? When talking with some Catholic friends, they said you should only get married if you are ready to have children starting 9 months after your wedding date. Is it wrong to get married wanting to postpone having children a year or two? Financial reasons aside, I think having a strong foundation of marriage built over a year or so would be helpful before children come into the mix. I wanted to hear your thoughts. I love the Church and her teaching and want to know how I can best follow her guidance with my future vocation. Know of my prayers for you and all our priests.

-Julie

Dating a Non-Catholic (32:00)
Hey Father Josh. First off I wanted to say that your podcast is beyond incredible. I get something out of every podcast. Keep it up. My question is how do you go about dating someone who is not Catholic? I think he could be the one, but my Catholic faith is so important to me and I want him to be Catholic. He’s Christian, so that’s good but it’s not the same as being Catholic. I also want to help him get to heaven, but he’s pro-choice. He claims he is personally pro-life but doesn’t want to make that decision for the woman. SOS what do I do? Thank you for any advice. I will be praying for you Fr. Josh!

-Maggie and Lauren

Resources

• Pray, Decide, and Don’t Worry by Jackie and Bobby Angel * Broken and Blessed: An Invitation to My Generation by Fr. Josh
• PrayMoreNovenas.com

Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

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 this?

-Natania

Rap (27:35)
Hi Fr. Josh, I am a Ghanaian from West Africa, the motherland. I am graduating from the university this year and I hope to join the Franciscan conventuals next year. I love rap music and I myself can write raps but I fear it will be a hinderance to my vocation as I love both my vocation and rap music so much. Please I need your advice on what to do. Thank you so much.

-Stephen

Resources

• Acedia- The Noonday Devil video by Fr. Mike Schmitz
• Pocket Guide to the Rosary by Matt Fradd * Broken and Blessed: An Invitation to My Generation by Fr. Josh

Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

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 this sign, so I know this is what your leading me to do?” Is it wrong to pray for a sign? I never really have done this before but I have been so busy. I just said it in a prayer real quick.

I met this really cool guy on a plane and felt an instant connection to him. We kept in contact just as friends because we both been in the Navy. Later I found out he was raised Catholic. I felt like it was a sign from God that he might be the spouse I have been praying for. I kind of brushed it off and just focused on my life/residency saying God if it is really you please let him win this really hard fitness award out of like 45 people. I didn't tell him what I prayed for and like one day he just texts me a picture his award. He has a girlfriend now and I am nervous and I want to tell him how I feel now before he is married....or forever hold my peace” I know that he can always say “No”. I guess I am just trying to understand are these signs from God? I honestly am a pretty scientific and logical person so I really don't know what to make of it and to understand better Catholic teaching.
-Bridget

Building a Relationship with the Holy Spirit (32:51)
How do you “have a relationship” with the Holy Spirit? He seems like an idea.. not a person. I’ve been told to have faith and ask Him to come, but I’m sort of weary of doing that anymore because when I put my faith or expectation in God to show up to the other side of my prayer, I get let down. If I keep doing that, I’m scared I will lose my faith all together.
-Kathryn

Resources

• Fr. Josh Johnson - Broken and Blessed: An Invitation to My Generation

Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

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 role to play in the Church’s sanctification.

Visit www.ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh to view the show notes for every episode.

Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)