web01.fireside.fm Tue, 28 Apr 2026 13:44:57 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast) - Episodes Tagged with “Priests” https://askfrjosh.fireside.fm/tags/priests Thu, 18 Mar 2021 12:30:00 -0400 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 en-us episodic 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. Ascension 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 no fr. josh johnson, father josh johnson, fr josh, father josh, fr josh johnson, ask fr josh, ask fr. josh, ask father josh, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, faith, catholic theology, theology, ascension press, ascension, ascension presents, Roman Catholic, catholic podcast, catholics, christian, christianity, religion, catholic faith, catholic religion, faith, god, Jesus, Jesus Christ, relationship with Jesus, catholic beliefs, catholic priest, priest, prayer, praying, holiness, saints, catholic faith formation, ascension catholic, ascension catholic faith formation, catholic teachings, spirituality, Ascension podcasts@ascensionpress.com Receiving Communion, Calling Priests "Father", and Being Present to Others https://askfrjosh.fireside.fm/150 e9481cea-733b-4991-ab33-f5737bd33567 Thu, 18 Mar 2021 12:30:00 -0400 Ascension full Ascension Fr. Josh answers questions about receiving Communion, why we call priests "father", and how we can detach from our smartphones so we can be present to those around us. 28:59 no Fr. Josh answers questions about receiving Communion, why we call priests "father", and how we can detach from our smartphones so we can be present to those around us. Ascension is proud to partner with authentically Catholic institutions and organizations committed to spreading the Gospel. Learn more about the sponsor of this episode, Ave Maria University. (https://tinyurl.com/ya76yqhh) Snippet From the Show "When are present to those around us, we are being present to Christ who dwells within them." 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 communion, eucharist, father, priests, smartphones, detachment, fr. josh johnson, father josh johnson, fr josh, father josh, fr josh johnson, ask fr josh, ask fr. josh, ask father josh, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, faith, catholic theology, theology, ascension press, ascension, ascension presents, Roman Catholic, catholic podcast, catholics, christian, christianity, religion, catholic faith, catholic religion, faith, god, Jesus, Jesus Christ, relationship with Jesus, catholic beliefs, catholic priest, priest, prayer, praying, holiness, saints, catholic faith formation, ascension catholic, ascension catholic faith formation, catholic teachings, spirituality, Fr. Josh answers questions about receiving Communion, why we call priests "father", and how we can detach from our smartphones so we can be present to those around us.

Ascension is proud to partner with authentically Catholic institutions and organizations committed to spreading the Gospel. Learn more about the sponsor of this episode, Ave Maria University.

Snippet From the Show

"When are present to those around us, we are being present to Christ who dwells within them."

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

]]> Fr. Josh answers questions about receiving Communion, why we call priests "father", and how we can detach from our smartphones so we can be present to those around us.

Ascension is proud to partner with authentically Catholic institutions and organizations committed to spreading the Gospel. Learn more about the sponsor of this episode, Ave Maria University.

Snippet From the Show

"When are present to those around us, we are being present to Christ who dwells within them."

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

]]> Forgiving Betrayal, the Universal Call to Holiness, and the Role of an RCIA Sponsor https://askfrjosh.fireside.fm/140 b761cf90-9ad5-4f24-9de2-e144943d4dc4 Thu, 07 Jan 2021 15:00:00 -0500 Ascension full Ascension Fr. Josh answers questions on forgiving and healing after betrayal, the universal call to holiness across all vocations, and how to guide someone entering the Catholic Church as an RCIA sponsor. 43:27 no Fr. Josh answers questions on forgiving and healing after betrayal, the universal call to holiness across all vocations, and how to guide someone entering the Catholic Church as an RCIA sponsor. "We need saints who live faithfully in the mess of a broken humanity won over ulimately by love himself" Snippet From the Show 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 healing after divorce, relationships, rcia, becoming catholic, rcia sponsor, universal call to holiness, holiness, priests, sisters, mother, father, mary, joseph, nuns, vocations, betrayal, healing after an affair,fr. josh johnson, father josh johnson, fr josh, father josh, fr josh johnson, ask fr josh, ask fr. josh, ask father josh, catholic, catholicism, catholic church, faith, catholic theology, theology, ascension press, ascension, ascension presents, Roman Catholic, catholic podcast, catholics, christian, christianity, religion, catholic faith, catholic religion, faith, god, Jesus, Jesus Christ, relationship with Jesus, catholic beliefs, catholic priest, priest, prayer, praying, holiness, saints, catholic faith formation, ascension catholic, ascension catholic faith formation, catholic teachings, spirituality, Fr. Josh answers questions on forgiving and healing after betrayal, the universal call to holiness across all vocations, and how to guide someone entering the Catholic Church as an RCIA sponsor.

"We need saints who live faithfully in the mess of a broken humanity won over ulimately by love himself"

Snippet From the Show

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

]]> Fr. Josh answers questions on forgiving and healing after betrayal, the universal call to holiness across all vocations, and how to guide someone entering the Catholic Church as an RCIA sponsor.

"We need saints who live faithfully in the mess of a broken humanity won over ulimately by love himself"

Snippet From the Show

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

]]> All About the Priesthood: Women Priests, Married Priests, and Flawed Priests https://askfrjosh.fireside.fm/90 78d0a352-3e7c-4fa3-a6e4-1cfcbc15acc0 Tue, 28 Jan 2020 12:00:00 -0500 Ascension full Ascension Fr. Josh answers three questions about the priesthood: Why can’t women be priests? Why can’t priests get married? And how can we look past the human flaws of the priest when he is acting in persona Christi? 39:00 no Fr. Josh answers three questions about the priesthood: Why can’t women be priests? Why can’t priests get married? And how can you look past the human flaws of the priest when he is acting in persona Christi? Snippet from the Show Jesus Christ was radical, he broke many customs. If he had wanted women to be priests, he would have chosen them to be priests … Mary [Mother of God] was far holier than Peter. Mary Magdalene showed up to the foot of the Cross. Guess who wasn’t at the foot of the Cross—Peter, Thomas, Matthew. Many of these women were far holier than the first priests. However, in God’s will, he chose men to be the matter for the sacrament of priesthood. SHOWNOTES Glory Story (3:05) Women Priests (7:49) Hi Father, I know you mentioned before you wanted to do a themed show. So I recently heard you speak on church tradition, and the difference between big “T” and little “t” tradition which I’m sure you would elaborate on, maybe even sing about. I wanted to suggest that as a possible theme for the show. I had a specific question pertaining to this topic, and was hoping you’d speak on this: are male only priests a little “t” tradition or a big “T” tradition? I’ve recently been challenged on the church’s position on men as priests and found myself stuck when trying to engage in dialogue on the matter. I’m somewhat familiar with the theology on this but any clarification and insight would be fantastic. Thank you for all you do as a servant and radical disciple of our Lord, for your continued “yes” in answering the call, and example of servant leadership. You are constantly in our prayers. – Shanna Married Priests (21:02) Father Josh, Yesterday my family and I had an interesting debate over Sunday dinner on our faith and the Catholic religion. To give context, my father is a 7th Day Adventist and my mother is Catholic, which provided an interesting decision for my parents to decide which religion my sister and I would grow up with. Ultimately, my parents decided to raise us in the Catholic Church. My sister and I went to Catholic school all of our lives and have been committed to the principles of our faith through our adult lives. In recent years, our faith has been challenged with exposure to other religions through friends and even through our father’s side of the family. We will be asked questions about traditions within the Catholic faith and we would not have the proper response other than, “this is just the way we’ve done it for years.” Of course this is mainly our fault for not asking these questions about various traditions, but in many instances we feel that some of the traditions within the Catholic religion are lost in translation by being passed from generation to generation without explanation. This has a compounding effect in generations like the true knowledge or intent of many Catholic traditions. Our discussion became further involved when my father brought up an article entitled, “Catholic bishops approve proposal allowing some married men to be ordained priests in the Amazon.” In my opinion, it is well known for the intent and reason that a priest should not be married but this has always been a determining factor for young men that seek the priesthood. There are only a select few that have the gift and dedication such as you to connect with this church family in an effective way, and willing to dedicate the rest of his life to the Lord. I’ve only had the privilege to experience a priest through one possibly two of my church communities in my life. I think that one of the reasons is this tradition. Curious to hear your thoughts and if this is approved, what would be the potential impact for the greater Catholic community? Keep up the good work, love listening to your podcast. I’m a Houston native, Lafayette raised, and work overseas. Hearing your cultural references and coffee in the morning brings a smile to my face when hearing the show. – Bryan Flawed Priests (32:20) How do you see Christ in your priest when his actions and words don’t seem to match up with Jesus? I’m continuously praying the Litany of Humility, and maybe God is trying to make me live that through the actions of the priest, but how do I get past his humanity and see Christ in him? – Bridget Resources: * Email your questions and feedback to Fr. Josh at askfrjosh@ascensionpress.com * Text “askfrjosh” to 33-777 to subscribe for the chance to win a free copy of Fr. Josh’s new book! fr. josh, catholic, catholic questions, faith, priests, priesthood, women priests, catholic priests, in persona christi, married priests, can priests get married, can women be priests Fr. Josh answers three questions about the priesthood: Why can’t women be priests? Why can’t priests get married? And how can you look past the human flaws of the priest when he is acting in persona Christi?

Snippet from the Show
Jesus Christ was radical, he broke many customs. If he had wanted women to be priests, he would have chosen them to be priests … Mary [Mother of God] was far holier than Peter. Mary Magdalene showed up to the foot of the Cross. Guess who wasn’t at the foot of the Cross—Peter, Thomas, Matthew. Many of these women were far holier than the first priests. However, in God’s will, he chose men to be the matter for the sacrament of priesthood.

SHOWNOTES
Glory Story (3:05)

Women Priests (7:49)

Hi Father,

I know you mentioned before you wanted to do a themed show. So I recently heard you speak on church tradition, and the difference between big “T” and little “t” tradition which I’m sure you would elaborate on, maybe even sing about. I wanted to suggest that as a possible theme for the show. I had a specific question pertaining to this topic, and was hoping you’d speak on this: are male only priests a little “t” tradition or a big “T” tradition? I’ve recently been challenged on the church’s position on men as priests and found myself stuck when trying to engage in dialogue on the matter. I’m somewhat familiar with the theology on this but any clarification and insight would be fantastic. Thank you for all you do as a servant and radical disciple of our Lord, for your continued “yes” in answering the call, and example of servant leadership. You are constantly in our prayers.

– Shanna

Married Priests (21:02)

Father Josh,

Yesterday my family and I had an interesting debate over Sunday dinner on our faith and the Catholic religion. To give context, my father is a 7th Day Adventist and my mother is Catholic, which provided an interesting decision for my parents to decide which religion my sister and I would grow up with. Ultimately, my parents decided to raise us in the Catholic Church. My sister and I went to Catholic school all of our lives and have been committed to the principles of our faith through our adult lives. In recent years, our faith has been challenged with exposure to other religions through friends and even through our father’s side of the family. We will be asked questions about traditions within the Catholic faith and we would not have the proper response other than, “this is just the way we’ve done it for years.” Of course this is mainly our fault for not asking these questions about various traditions, but in many instances we feel that some of the traditions within the Catholic religion are lost in translation by being passed from generation to generation without explanation. This has a compounding effect in generations like the true knowledge or intent of many Catholic traditions. Our discussion became further involved when my father brought up an article entitled, “Catholic bishops approve proposal allowing some married men to be ordained priests in the Amazon.” In my opinion, it is well known for the intent and reason that a priest should not be married but this has always been a determining factor for young men that seek the priesthood. There are only a select few that have the gift and dedication such as you to connect with this church family in an effective way, and willing to dedicate the rest of his life to the Lord. I’ve only had the privilege to experience a priest through one possibly two of my church communities in my life. I think that one of the reasons is this tradition. Curious to hear your thoughts and if this is approved, what would be the potential impact for the greater Catholic community?

Keep up the good work, love listening to your podcast. I’m a Houston native, Lafayette raised, and work overseas. Hearing your cultural references and coffee in the morning brings a smile to my face when hearing the show.

– Bryan

Flawed Priests (32:20)

How do you see Christ in your priest when his actions and words don’t seem to match up with Jesus? I’m continuously praying the Litany of Humility, and maybe God is trying to make me live that through the actions of the priest, but how do I get past his humanity and see Christ in him?

– Bridget

Resources:

  • Email your questions and feedback to Fr. Josh at askfrjosh@ascensionpress.com
  • Text “askfrjosh” to 33-777 to subscribe for the chance to win a free copy of Fr. Josh’s new book!

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

]]> Fr. Josh answers three questions about the priesthood: Why can’t women be priests? Why can’t priests get married? And how can you look past the human flaws of the priest when he is acting in persona Christi?

Snippet from the Show
Jesus Christ was radical, he broke many customs. If he had wanted women to be priests, he would have chosen them to be priests … Mary [Mother of God] was far holier than Peter. Mary Magdalene showed up to the foot of the Cross. Guess who wasn’t at the foot of the Cross—Peter, Thomas, Matthew. Many of these women were far holier than the first priests. However, in God’s will, he chose men to be the matter for the sacrament of priesthood.

SHOWNOTES
Glory Story (3:05)

Women Priests (7:49)

Hi Father,

I know you mentioned before you wanted to do a themed show. So I recently heard you speak on church tradition, and the difference between big “T” and little “t” tradition which I’m sure you would elaborate on, maybe even sing about. I wanted to suggest that as a possible theme for the show. I had a specific question pertaining to this topic, and was hoping you’d speak on this: are male only priests a little “t” tradition or a big “T” tradition? I’ve recently been challenged on the church’s position on men as priests and found myself stuck when trying to engage in dialogue on the matter. I’m somewhat familiar with the theology on this but any clarification and insight would be fantastic. Thank you for all you do as a servant and radical disciple of our Lord, for your continued “yes” in answering the call, and example of servant leadership. You are constantly in our prayers.

– Shanna

Married Priests (21:02)

Father Josh,

Yesterday my family and I had an interesting debate over Sunday dinner on our faith and the Catholic religion. To give context, my father is a 7th Day Adventist and my mother is Catholic, which provided an interesting decision for my parents to decide which religion my sister and I would grow up with. Ultimately, my parents decided to raise us in the Catholic Church. My sister and I went to Catholic school all of our lives and have been committed to the principles of our faith through our adult lives. In recent years, our faith has been challenged with exposure to other religions through friends and even through our father’s side of the family. We will be asked questions about traditions within the Catholic faith and we would not have the proper response other than, “this is just the way we’ve done it for years.” Of course this is mainly our fault for not asking these questions about various traditions, but in many instances we feel that some of the traditions within the Catholic religion are lost in translation by being passed from generation to generation without explanation. This has a compounding effect in generations like the true knowledge or intent of many Catholic traditions. Our discussion became further involved when my father brought up an article entitled, “Catholic bishops approve proposal allowing some married men to be ordained priests in the Amazon.” In my opinion, it is well known for the intent and reason that a priest should not be married but this has always been a determining factor for young men that seek the priesthood. There are only a select few that have the gift and dedication such as you to connect with this church family in an effective way, and willing to dedicate the rest of his life to the Lord. I’ve only had the privilege to experience a priest through one possibly two of my church communities in my life. I think that one of the reasons is this tradition. Curious to hear your thoughts and if this is approved, what would be the potential impact for the greater Catholic community?

Keep up the good work, love listening to your podcast. I’m a Houston native, Lafayette raised, and work overseas. Hearing your cultural references and coffee in the morning brings a smile to my face when hearing the show.

– Bryan

Flawed Priests (32:20)

How do you see Christ in your priest when his actions and words don’t seem to match up with Jesus? I’m continuously praying the Litany of Humility, and maybe God is trying to make me live that through the actions of the priest, but how do I get past his humanity and see Christ in him?

– Bridget

Resources:

  • Email your questions and feedback to Fr. Josh at askfrjosh@ascensionpress.com
  • Text “askfrjosh” to 33-777 to subscribe for the chance to win a free copy of Fr. Josh’s new book!

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

]]> Original Sin, Explicit Music, State of Life Vocations, and Can Priests and Women Be Friends https://askfrjosh.fireside.fm/55 2cad1105-7df9-408f-b2a4-ed05a541efc3 Tue, 28 May 2019 12:00:00 -0400 Ascension full Ascension Today Fr. Josh answers questions about how we become stained by original sin, listening to music with explicit lyrics, if feeling called to marriage means you will find a spouse, and if a friendship between a priest and a woman is appropriate. 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! 45:39 no Today Fr. Josh answers questions about how we become stained by original sin, listening to music with explicit lyrics, if feeling called to marriage means you will find a spouse, and if a friendship between a priest and a woman is appropriate. 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 “We need to have appropriate boundaries to protect our vocation—not just our state of life vocation, but our primary vocation to become saints.” SHOWNOTES Glory Story (1:16) A glory story of gratitude! Fr. Josh shares some of the beauty and graces he experienced during his silent retreat this past week. Listener Feedback (4:57) Original Sin (11:22) Dear Father Josh, Please help me to understand the concept of original sin. I came to Catholic church as an adult, and I LOVE studying the doctrine and history of the church. However, I don't understand this concept. I agree that God gives us free will, and as human beings we have this built in urge to do bad things. What I don't understand is how a newborn baby can be stained by original sin. How are we marred by original sin due to Adam's sin? I've read the Cathechism's passage on original sin, but I still don't quite get it. Please explain it to me or maybe direct me to a modern explanation. -Kate Explicit Music (19:20) Father Josh, I'm a new listener and I got excited when you sang some songs on your podcast. Looked up "Sorry, Not Sorry" and Ericka, Ericka Jayne on youtube and they were explicit. A little girl in a Lebanese restaurant was grooving to "Sorry, Not Sorry"?! Yikes. And Ericka Jane was straight-up immodest! Is it okay to like this music? 'Cause then I can go back to loving me some Usher and DMX from my day. Gave that stuff up when I reverted. -Anonymous State of Life Vocations (27:26) Hey Father! I have a question somewhere in the following statement... LOL I was listening to Matt Fradd’s Pints with Aquinas podcast on Vocations and he brought up that there’s a reality that single people may need to begin to embrace in society at this moment in time and that’s the fact that we may not have "someone out there" for us-- essentially, that we just may not get married one day. He referenced pornography addiction as a big cause in this. I definitely agree with him as I am starting to realize at 26 (it really never occurred to me LOL) that I was never promised a husband by God-- but it is really hard to come to terms with this potentiality because I do really feel called to marriage and am working at bettering myself to be able to answer that call if/when it comes. Im still young and I still have time-- but I think its good to realize and pray with these things. BUT I have some questions-- in saying that this is true--are we saying that these people were never called to marriage in the first place? Ie-- could I be wrong about feeling called to marriage? OR are we saying that we could be called to marriage and because of the time/situation/state of society not able to fulfill that call? Its just really sad to think about an entire generation or generations of people who might be willing, capable of, and called to marriage but may never be able to. All this being said-- I know that marriage is not and END goal of this life. Im slowly wrapping my mind around that and the Lord is moving in big ways to teach me that! I just wished this entire topic was talked about more in the church today and not just amping up marriage/priesthood/religious life like one of the three is guaranteed to us if it isn't. Thanks! -Hailey Can Priests and Women be Friends (36:54) Hola from Central America, love love love your podcast, don't miss one! YOU are a blessing and I have to admit you are one of my spiritual directors.... 😊 I have been struggling with this question for quite some time now... Can a real friendship exist between a priest and a woman (when they click so much in personality)? Where should we draw the line? I have been consulting it and have very different answers.... so I want your input on this....Thank you and God Bless.... Gracias por todo lo que hace, es una gran Bendición para mucha gente en muchos países, no solo USA. -Anonymous Spiritual Daughter Universal Points (43:15) (Please note that these are brief summaries of the answers Fr. Josh provides in the podcast and are intended to help you remember the advice given on the show.) * Original Sin - It is more of a void and in baptism we receive the gift as a grace from God. * Explicit Music - Some music will be gifts for us, and other music will not. We need to discern where the voice of God is speaking in the music and where the enemy is creeping in and affecting you negatively * State of Life Vocations - We are all called to be saints. That is the primary vocation. * Can Priests and Women be Friends - The Foundation Principle: How does this person bring me closer to Christ? Prioritize the near occasion of grace and avoid the near occasion of sin. Resources Want to browse the previous resources Fr. Josh has recommended? Check out this episode at ascensionpress.com/askfrjosh vocation, catholic answers, original sin, catholic, priests, friendship Today Fr. Josh answers questions about how we become stained by original sin, listening to music with explicit lyrics, if feeling called to marriage means you will find a spouse, and if a friendship between a priest and a woman is appropriate.

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
“We need to have appropriate boundaries to protect our vocation—not just our state of life vocation, but our primary vocation to become saints.”

SHOWNOTES

Glory Story (1:16)
A glory story of gratitude! Fr. Josh shares some of the beauty and graces he experienced during his silent retreat this past week.

Listener Feedback (4:57)

Original Sin (11:22)
Dear Father Josh, Please help me to understand the concept of original sin. I came to Catholic church as an adult, and I LOVE studying the doctrine and history of the church. However, I don't understand this concept. I agree that God gives us free will, and as human beings we have this built in urge to do bad things. What I don't understand is how a newborn baby can be stained by original sin. How are we marred by original sin due to Adam's sin? I've read the Cathechism's passage on original sin, but I still don't quite get it. Please explain it to me or maybe direct me to a modern explanation.
-Kate

Explicit Music (19:20)
Father Josh, I'm a new listener and I got excited when you sang some songs on your podcast. Looked up "Sorry, Not Sorry" and Ericka, Ericka Jayne on youtube and they were explicit. A little girl in a Lebanese restaurant was grooving to "Sorry, Not Sorry"?! Yikes. And Ericka Jane was straight-up immodest! Is it okay to like this music? 'Cause then I can go back to loving me some Usher and DMX from my day. Gave that stuff up when I reverted.
-Anonymous

State of Life Vocations (27:26)
Hey Father! I have a question somewhere in the following statement... LOL

I was listening to Matt Fradd’s Pints with Aquinas podcast on Vocations and he brought up that there’s a reality that single people may need to begin to embrace in society at this moment in time and that’s the fact that we may not have "someone out there" for us-- essentially, that we just may not get married one day. He referenced pornography addiction as a big cause in this. I definitely agree with him as I am starting to realize at 26 (it really never occurred to me LOL) that I was never promised a husband by God-- but it is really hard to come to terms with this potentiality because I do really feel called to marriage and am working at bettering myself to be able to answer that call if/when it comes. Im still young and I still have time-- but I think its good to realize and pray with these things. BUT I have some questions-- in saying that this is true--are we saying that these people were never called to marriage in the first place? Ie-- could I be wrong about feeling called to marriage? OR are we saying that we could be called to marriage and because of the time/situation/state of society not able to fulfill that call? Its just really sad to think about an entire generation or generations of people who might be willing, capable of, and called to marriage but may never be able to.

All this being said-- I know that marriage is not and END goal of this life. Im slowly wrapping my mind around that and the Lord is moving in big ways to teach me that! I just wished this entire topic was talked about more in the church today and not just amping up marriage/priesthood/religious life like one of the three is guaranteed to us if it isn't. Thanks!
-Hailey

Can Priests and Women be Friends (36:54)
Hola from Central America, love love love your podcast, don't miss one! YOU are a blessing and I have to admit you are one of my spiritual directors.... 😊 I have been struggling with this question for quite some time now... Can a real friendship exist between a priest and a woman (when they click so much in personality)? Where should we draw the line? I have been consulting it and have very different answers.... so I want your input on this....Thank you and God Bless.... Gracias por todo lo que hace, es una gran Bendición para mucha gente en muchos países, no solo USA.
-Anonymous Spiritual Daughter

Universal Points (43:15)
(Please note that these are brief summaries of the answers Fr. Josh provides in the podcast and are intended to help you remember the advice given on the show.)

  • Original Sin - It is more of a void and in baptism we receive the gift as a grace from God.
  • Explicit Music - Some music will be gifts for us, and other music will not. We need to discern where the voice of God is speaking in the music and where the enemy is creeping in and affecting you negatively
  • State of Life Vocations - We are all called to be saints. That is the primary vocation.
  • Can Priests and Women be Friends - The Foundation Principle: How does this person bring me closer to Christ? Prioritize the near occasion of grace and avoid the near occasion of sin.

Resources
Want to browse the previous resources Fr. Josh has recommended? Check out this episode at ascensionpress.com/askfrjosh

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

]]> Today Fr. Josh answers questions about how we become stained by original sin, listening to music with explicit lyrics, if feeling called to marriage means you will find a spouse, and if a friendship between a priest and a woman is appropriate.

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
“We need to have appropriate boundaries to protect our vocation—not just our state of life vocation, but our primary vocation to become saints.”

SHOWNOTES

Glory Story (1:16)
A glory story of gratitude! Fr. Josh shares some of the beauty and graces he experienced during his silent retreat this past week.

Listener Feedback (4:57)

Original Sin (11:22)
Dear Father Josh, Please help me to understand the concept of original sin. I came to Catholic church as an adult, and I LOVE studying the doctrine and history of the church. However, I don't understand this concept. I agree that God gives us free will, and as human beings we have this built in urge to do bad things. What I don't understand is how a newborn baby can be stained by original sin. How are we marred by original sin due to Adam's sin? I've read the Cathechism's passage on original sin, but I still don't quite get it. Please explain it to me or maybe direct me to a modern explanation.
-Kate

Explicit Music (19:20)
Father Josh, I'm a new listener and I got excited when you sang some songs on your podcast. Looked up "Sorry, Not Sorry" and Ericka, Ericka Jayne on youtube and they were explicit. A little girl in a Lebanese restaurant was grooving to "Sorry, Not Sorry"?! Yikes. And Ericka Jane was straight-up immodest! Is it okay to like this music? 'Cause then I can go back to loving me some Usher and DMX from my day. Gave that stuff up when I reverted.
-Anonymous

State of Life Vocations (27:26)
Hey Father! I have a question somewhere in the following statement... LOL

I was listening to Matt Fradd’s Pints with Aquinas podcast on Vocations and he brought up that there’s a reality that single people may need to begin to embrace in society at this moment in time and that’s the fact that we may not have "someone out there" for us-- essentially, that we just may not get married one day. He referenced pornography addiction as a big cause in this. I definitely agree with him as I am starting to realize at 26 (it really never occurred to me LOL) that I was never promised a husband by God-- but it is really hard to come to terms with this potentiality because I do really feel called to marriage and am working at bettering myself to be able to answer that call if/when it comes. Im still young and I still have time-- but I think its good to realize and pray with these things. BUT I have some questions-- in saying that this is true--are we saying that these people were never called to marriage in the first place? Ie-- could I be wrong about feeling called to marriage? OR are we saying that we could be called to marriage and because of the time/situation/state of society not able to fulfill that call? Its just really sad to think about an entire generation or generations of people who might be willing, capable of, and called to marriage but may never be able to.

All this being said-- I know that marriage is not and END goal of this life. Im slowly wrapping my mind around that and the Lord is moving in big ways to teach me that! I just wished this entire topic was talked about more in the church today and not just amping up marriage/priesthood/religious life like one of the three is guaranteed to us if it isn't. Thanks!
-Hailey

Can Priests and Women be Friends (36:54)
Hola from Central America, love love love your podcast, don't miss one! YOU are a blessing and I have to admit you are one of my spiritual directors.... 😊 I have been struggling with this question for quite some time now... Can a real friendship exist between a priest and a woman (when they click so much in personality)? Where should we draw the line? I have been consulting it and have very different answers.... so I want your input on this....Thank you and God Bless.... Gracias por todo lo que hace, es una gran Bendición para mucha gente en muchos países, no solo USA.
-Anonymous Spiritual Daughter

Universal Points (43:15)
(Please note that these are brief summaries of the answers Fr. Josh provides in the podcast and are intended to help you remember the advice given on the show.)

  • Original Sin - It is more of a void and in baptism we receive the gift as a grace from God.
  • Explicit Music - Some music will be gifts for us, and other music will not. We need to discern where the voice of God is speaking in the music and where the enemy is creeping in and affecting you negatively
  • State of Life Vocations - We are all called to be saints. That is the primary vocation.
  • Can Priests and Women be Friends - The Foundation Principle: How does this person bring me closer to Christ? Prioritize the near occasion of grace and avoid the near occasion of sin.

Resources
Want to browse the previous resources Fr. Josh has recommended? Check out this episode at ascensionpress.com/askfrjosh

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

]]> Pray for Our Priests https://askfrjosh.fireside.fm/36 f289617a-340d-4e09-ac48-5433331b9937 Tue, 15 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0500 Ascension full Ascension 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. 1:30 no 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. 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.

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

]]> 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.

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

]]> Voting, Spiritual Direction, and Fasting https://askfrjosh.fireside.fm/26 336eb51e-17dc-4ec8-9387-7916ce7d723f Tue, 06 Nov 2018 12:00:00 -0500 Ascension full Ascension 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 askfrjosh@ascensionpress.com. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode! 41:39 no 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 askfrjosh@ascensionpress.com. 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 how much we ought to be longing for Jesus. Turn to Jesus instead of turning toward passing pleasure to fill your desires. For full shownotes, text ASKFRJOSH to 33-777 or visit AscensionPress.com (ascensionpress.com) voting, election, spiritual direction, 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 askfrjosh@ascensionpress.com. 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 how much we ought to be longing for Jesus. Turn to Jesus instead of turning toward passing pleasure to fill your desires.

For full shownotes, text ASKFRJOSH to 33-777 or visit [AscensionPress.com](ascensionpress.com)

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

]]> 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 askfrjosh@ascensionpress.com. 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 how much we ought to be longing for Jesus. Turn to Jesus instead of turning toward passing pleasure to fill your desires.

For full shownotes, text ASKFRJOSH to 33-777 or visit [AscensionPress.com](ascensionpress.com)

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

]]>