Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

Thanksgiving Special: Holidays and Expectations

November 23rd, 2022  |  6 mins 26 secs

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"It wasn't what I thought it would be." In this special Thanksgiving episode, Father Josh assures those who may be "poor in spirit" during this holiday season, inviting us to be so rooted in the love of God, that God's love is enough for us. God is all we need.

Why Can Only Priests Consecrate the Eucharist?

November 17th, 2022  |  15 mins 40 secs

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Why is it that only priests are able to consecrate the Eucharist in the Mass? In this episode, Fr. Josh explains the Scriptural teachings as well as the teachings handed down by the Church behind this, and we also hear the story of St. Charles de Foucauld, who teaches us to listen to the voice of God, to follow where he leads us, and to trust he will sustain us in our ministry and in our daily life.

Disposing of Sacramentals

November 10th, 2022  |  14 mins 57 secs

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Do you have a Rosary that is broken or a Bible that is worn out? Fr. Josh walks us through how to dispose of sacramentals that we no longer have need of or are no longer functional. He also introduces us to St. Vitalis of Gaza, a hermetic monk who teaches us always to assume the best in the intentions of others.

Choosing Devotions

November 3rd, 2022  |  16 mins 27 secs

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How do we choose the devotion that's best for us to become a saint in our walk toward eternity? In this episode Fr. Josh encourages us not to compare ourselves to others or even our past self, but to choose devotions appropriate for whatever season of life we’re in. We also hear the courageous story of St. Jacinta and how her love for the devotion of the Rosary set many hearts ablaze for Christ.

Suffering: An Invitation?

October 20th, 2022  |  18 mins 56 secs

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What good can come from suffering? In this episode, Fr. Josh answers a question about praying in the midst of suffering, encouraging us to receive it as an invitation rather than just pain. He also introduces us to Blessed Benedetta Bianchi Porro, who strived to do just that.

Prayers to the Saints

October 13th, 2022  |  23 mins 21 secs

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When we pray, can we pray to the saints? Or should we focus our attention solely on Jesus? Fr. Josh explains what it means to pray to the saints and when to ask for their prayers.

Individualism vs. Individuality

October 6th, 2022  |  18 mins 2 secs

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What is the difference between individualism and individuality? We are not called to live for ourselves alone, but aren’t we also told to cultivate and use our individual talents? Fr. Josh takes on these questions in today’s episode.

Compartmentalizing Faith

September 29th, 2022  |  19 mins 38 secs

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Do you ever find yourself compartmentalizing your faith? In our culture today, it can be very easy to leave our faith at church or in Bible Study. However, Fr. Josh encourages you to bring your faith everywhere…even Bachelor/Bachelorette parties and to the workplace.

Receiving Communion in Other Denominations: Yes or No?

September 22nd, 2022  |  31 mins 55 secs

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Fr. Josh answers a question regarding the reception of communion with other Christian denominations. He discusses both attending their services and receiving communion and whether it is permissible or not.

What if My Employer Supports Things Contrary to My Beliefs?

September 15th, 2022  |  26 mins 47 secs

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Can I work at a company that supports movements or organizations that are not in line with my beliefs? Fr. Josh answers this question and offers advice on how to discern if your place of work is the right place for you to be. Fr. Josh also shares about a married couple who are on the path to canonization.