
Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)
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
Latest episodes

Oct 10, 2024 • 30min
The Church and Contraception (with Dr. Sarah Denny Lorio)
What is the Church’s stance on contraception? Fr. Josh Johnson and Dr. Sarah Denny Lorio answer questions about contraception and abortion. They break down the historic Christian stance on contraception, contraception within marriage, and different types of sexual education. While the world continues to change and shift, the Church has remained steadfast in its teachings on this subject. We can benefit from continuing to learn and wrestle with these teachings in order to better understand for ourselves and future generations.
Snippet From the Show
Contraception has proven to have failed us.
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Oct 3, 2024 • 23min
Am I Worthy to Walk with Jesus?
Am I enough? Do my past mistakes prevent me from living a life for Jesus? These are questions we may ask ourselves as we examine our conscience. Fr. Josh Jonson addresses these fears and emphasizes that we cannot let shame or past sin stand in our way of being with Jesus. Throughout Church history we hear about disciples and saints falling to sin but finding redemption. Jesus wants you. He is calling each one of us to follow Him.
Snippet From the Show
Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future.
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Sep 26, 2024 • 32min
Is It Ever OK to Use Contraception? (with Dr. Sarah Denny Lorio)
Do you ever wonder about the church’s teachings regarding contraception? Fr. Josh Johnson and Dr. Sarah Denny Lorio address this topic from both a moral reasoning and medical application standpoint. They also look at the broader picture of holistic understanding of fertility, fertility awareness methods and restorative reproductive medicine. Dr. Sarah advocates for improved education about these topics and acknowledges that it is valid to still be learning, growing, and wrestling with this complex area as long as we maintain our trust in the Lord.
Snippet From the Show
There may be church teachings that we do not yet understand, but that’s OK; the point of our faith is that we remain close to Jesus and trust that over time God will give us grace.
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Sep 19, 2024 • 22min
Can a Baptism Be Invalid?
Is baptism the only way to enter the Kingdom of God? What is the difference between valid and invalid baptism? How do we baptize? Are we living our baptism? Baptism is the foundational and necessary sacrament in which all other sacraments build. Fr. Josh Johnson dives into all things baptism and explains the responsibility of this gift.
Snippet From the Show
This is the sacrament that is the gateway for all other sacraments
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Sep 12, 2024 • 31min
Waiting vs. Searching for a Spouse: What’s Right? (with Dr. Sarah Denny Lorio)
What is the right way to find your future spouse? As Catholics, it can feel like a battle between waiting/trusting in God’s plan and taking action. This battle often comes up in the search for a spouse. Do I simply pray for my future spouse and wait for them to come to me? Or, do I need to join every dating site and find him myself? Fr. Josh Johnson is joined by Dr. Sarah Denny Lorio to discuss whether or not there is a “right” way to find your future spouse.
Snippet From the Show
Time is never wasted when we put ourselves in the heart of Jesus.
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Sep 5, 2024 • 25min
What Is a Charism and Do I Have Any?
Discover the fascinating world of charisms, the unique gifts each individual receives at baptism. Learn how to identify and embrace your own gifts, while appreciating the diverse talents within the faith community. Explore the connection between physical health and spiritual well-being, and find inspiration in personal stories that highlight the importance of collaboration in the church. Join in a journey of growth and gratitude, celebrating the unique roles we all play in fostering a joyful community.

Aug 29, 2024 • 14min
Struggling with Infertility
Hello Father Josh I enjoy your podcast very much and it has help me in picking up the bible and attending adoration I am forever grateful. My husband and I recently started our fertility journey because we have been unsuccessful for two years. I find myself discourage, sadness and alone sometimes because this process is not easy however, I do understand that God is not giving me something I can not handle. I was wondering if you have a prayer, scripture, or Saint in mind to help me through this process? I understand I have to be very patient in my fertility journey. It just seems so hard when everyone is trying to give you advice or say you are doing the wrong thing. I feel that if God did not want me to take this step he would hold hurdles but I do not feel that from Him. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this message. May God continue to bless you and provide you health so you can continue to guide us through this world.
-Cristina
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Aug 22, 2024 • 7min
Is Cremation Allowed in the Catholic Church?
My aunt always says that when she dies she would like her ashes to be turned into a tree or put to sea to become a reef (something she read about), but my mom is always telling her her ashes have to be buried. Why is this the case? What does the bible and/or the catechism have to say on the matter?
-Frankie
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Aug 15, 2024 • 8min
Can I Read/Watch Harry Potter?
What is the Catholic view on the Harry Potter series?
-Yara
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Aug 8, 2024 • 7min
What Is Emotional Chastity and Who Needs It?
What exactly is emotional chastity and can men and women partake in close friendships? Over my life I have developed a lot of beautiful and fruitful friendships with men that have never become more than friendship nor have I ever intended them to, however, recently I was accused of breaking emotional chastity within these friendships. It’s a concept that I have never heard of before. I’ve asked around and it seems like something fairly controversial as some people don’t even believe in it. I know that God delights in all friendships, but perhaps friendships of the opposite sex need more boundaries?
-Delaney
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