Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

Fr. Josh answers questions about waiting to enter the Church as an RCIA candidate, whether Catholics should join college fraternities and sororities, and what to do if you are feeling alone in the faith and yearning for community. Snippet From the Show Before joining a fraternity or sorority examine its roots and fruits. If it was founded by the Freemasons and promotes Masonic rituals, and if they are encouraging sin, then it is not the right fit for a Catholic. 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 Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

Where is God in devastation? In this special episode, Fr. Mark Toups gives us an insight into the devastating impact of Hurricane on countless lives, communities, and parishes in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux in Lousiana. Fr. Mark Toups encourages us to support survivors of Hurricane Ida, and reveals how God unfolds miracles in the midst of great loss and suffering. Support Hurricane Ida relief efforts in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux 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 Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

In honor of Mary's nativity celebrated by the Church this week, Fr. Josh answers questions about the biblical origin of the Hail Mary prayer, whether Mary is the new Ark of the Covenant, and how we can understand Mary's perpetual virginity. Snippet From the Show Mary is a bridge to Christ, we cannot reach Christ without knowing her. 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 Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

Mari Pablo joins Fr. Josh to answer questions about saints who embody Catholic social teaching, how to make people from diverse cultural backgrounds feel welcome in the Church, and how to work with people who believe in some Church teachings, but not others. Snippet From the Show _Make sure your table isn’t with everybody who thinks exactly the same as you, because if it is, you can unintentionally make barriers where there needs to be bridges. _ 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 Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

Fr. Josh answers questions about the importance of fasting and how to start fasting for beginners, how to navigate spiritual dryness, and how to prepare for the vocation of marriage as an engaged couple. Snippet From the Show "We may not see the fruit of our prayer on this side of heaven, but the goal is to persevere and never give up because our prayers do bear fruit in God's own ways." 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 Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

Fr. Phillip Bochanski, Executive Director of Courage International, discusses the Catholic Church's approach to same-sex attraction. He highlights the importance of pastoral support, community, and authentic friendships in navigating faith and identity. The conversation touches on the transformative power of chastity, the need for understanding within communities, and the call for open dialogue regarding vocations. Fr. Bochanski emphasizes God’s unique plan for every individual, promoting joy and holiness as integral to the faith journey.

Fr. Josh answers questions about dealing with shame, how to bring your young kids to adoration, and how to combat the power of evil. Snippet From the Show “Look at me, I want to rejoice in you, you are my beloved. I see you, I know everything about you, I know what you have done, I know what has been done to you, and I know what you will do in the future. I want you to know that I delight in you, I forgive you, and I love you.” 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 Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

Fr. Josh answers questions about the Church's teaching on cremation and ashes, what the difference between crosses and crucifixes is, and whether the sins we forget during confession are forgiven. Snippet From the Show We preach Jesus crucified, because it’s Jesus' body on the Cross that gives the Cross its meaning and power, otherwise it’s just an instrument of death. 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 Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

Fr. Josh answers questions about how to love and serve the homeless, how to handle discouragement when struggling with infertility, and how to come to terms with family members and friends turning away from God and leaving the Catholic Church. Snippet From the Show If we only love Jesus in our prayer but not in our nieghbor, including the homeless, then we don't truly love all of Jesus. 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 Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

Fr. Josh answers questions about how to accompany the dying in prayer, how to pray a fruitful holy hour, and how to define vanity when it comes to caring about our appearance. Snippet From the Show “A happy death is not a death without pain or suffering, a happy death is a holy death united to Jesus Christ in the sacraments.” 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 Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)