Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

Happy New Years Y'all! I'm taking one more week off from my regular recording schedule, but tune in next week when we kick off 2020 with the first ever LIVE recording of Ask Father Josh! Sidenote: this week I'm in Phoenix, Arizona for the FOCUS SLS20 conference, so if you're here too, come say hi and see me podcast LIVE on Tuesday at 4:15 at the Media Feed (check the FOCUS app for the location). I'm hoping I'll get to meet some of y'all there! Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

Father Josh prays for grace and peace to fill your soul as you approach this Christmas season. Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

In today’s special episode, Sister Miriam James Heidland joins Father Josh to talk favorite childhood Christmas memories, YouTube videos, books, saints, and more. Snippet from the Show Christmas is a tender time that reminds us that we must become like little children to inherit the kingdom of God. Favorite Christmas Memories Fr. Josh—Christmas Eve Mass and then opening a present before bed Sr. Miriam—seeing Christmas lights and the magic of waking up and to all the presents under the tree; having cinnamon rolls and hot cocoa after Mass Favorite Youtube videos Fr. Josh: Video of the Mass: The Veil Removed Sr. Miriam James: New research about how the brain heals itself from trauma, resources from Dr. Bob Schuchts Favorite Book (s) Katharine Drexel: The Riches-to-Rags Life Story of an American Catholic Saint The Soul of Shame Island of the World by Michael O’Brien Saint Most Present to You Now Father Josh and Sr. Miriam- Saint Joseph Rejoice! Advent Meditations with Joseph Favorite Christmas/Advent Hymns Fr. Josh— "What Child Is This?" Sr. Miriam— "Most Highly Favored Lady"Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

Father Josh answers questions about how to talk about corruption in the Church’s history, whether the saints know our thoughts, and whether Mary knew that Jesus was God. **Glory Story (2:05) Feedback (3:59) ** Do Saints Know Our Thoughts? (9:04) Dear Fr. Josh, In one of your podcasts, you said that the Devil does not know our thoughts. Do the saints know our thoughts? I have always prayed silently to them. Thank you. Angela Corrupt Church History (11:22) Hey Father! Thank you for your ministry. You're my commute buddy on the way to teach grade eight American History in a public school ... Given that the Catholic Church was the only game in town for 1500+ years if you loved Jesus, we've been talking a bit about the role it played in history. I was well formed by my experience in RCIA ... so I am able to answer student questions about the Church teachings. I had a good humanities education, so I can also answer about other faiths and protestantism in general enough ways. Here's my question⁠—how do I address some of the awful things that happened in Church history? Like how the Church treated scientists during the Age of Reason, or the selling of indulgences during the Crusades, or Christopher Columbus and other explorers wiping out entire cultures of native people … People then knew that murder was wrong, and that heaven couldn't be accessed through monetary donations to a greedy pope or bishop, and this all still happened. I've talked about how people generally do the best they can, and how churches are run by perfectly imperfect men who are representatives of their time. [My students] seem to be OK with the answer of imperfect people being in charge ... but their natural conscience is telling them that someone should have tried harder to stop some of these shameful things done in the name of God. I'd love some advice. Thanks! -Heatherle Did Mary Know? (17:49) Father Josh, You’ve been talking about “Mary Did You Know” for a while now; when are you going to talk about that on the show? Blair Resources Check out Father’s Instagram page! Broken and Blessed: An Invitation to My Generation Email Father Josh at askfatherjosh@ascensionpress.com How to Pray Like Mary Matthew 16:19: Peter is given the keys to the Kingdom The Dogma of the Immaculate ConceptionSupport Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

Father Josh answers questions about how to live Advent in a meaningful way, whether Catholics should listen to Christmas music during Advent, and what the “Christmas season” is according to the liturgical calendar. Snippet from the Show _For the secular world, Christmas season begins on Black Friday and ends on Christmas day. For Catholics, Christmas season begins on Christmas day and continues until the Baptism of Christ the Lord in mid-January. _ SHOWNOTES Glory Story (1:56) Feedback (4:20) How to Have a Meaningful Advent (7:52) Hey Fr Josh, What practical advice can you give to have a more meaningful Advent and truly enter into the mystery of the Incarnation? I know the world has a different way of preparing for Christmas, but all that builds up to is simply good feelings and gifts that will probably go obsolete. Also, I’m the only actively practicing Catholic in my family, I want to ensure that my soul is ready to welcome the Baby Jesus and make Him the king of my life. I don’t want to view the Nativity as a cute little story, but as the moment where the world’s and my salvation was born. Thanks for your service to Mother Church. Chris Christmas Music during Advent (11:32) Greetings, Fr. Josh! Thank you so much for dedicating yourself to this podcast as part of your ministry. Many times your words have convicted me to dive deeper into certain aspects or practices of our faith, and my relationship with Jesus has greatly benefited as a result. I appreciate the wide variety of topics that you address on the show, and I LOVE your glory stories. They encourage me to "keep on keeping on" and they remind me to continuously look for God's blessings in my everyday life. Know that I am praying for you and for all of your listeners as we journey in the faith together. On to my question. I love Christmas music, and as a professional singer and a music teacher, I often start preparing Christmas - themed songs for holiday performances in September (both in my own practice and with my students). I also love listening to Christmas music, and have traditionally started listening to Christmas songs in November (or at the very least singing along with the radio stations that play Christmas tunes at work or in stores). However, recently some Catholics I know (close friends of mine, as well as more well-known public figures) have advocated for not listening to or playing Christmas music much (if at all) before or during the Advent season. Instead, they suggest focusing more on traditional Advent-themed hymns such as "O Come O Come Emmanuel" and "O Come Divine Messiah." I definitely love incorporating these traditional hymns into my prayer and worship during Advent, but I struggle with the idea of completely ignoring Christmas music (especially sacred Christmas carols) right up until the Christmas liturgical season begins. This is particularly impractical for me given my current vocation as a musician and teacher. Do you have any thoughts on how Catholics should approach listening to Christmas music (both sacred and secular) before and during Advent? Thank you so much, and may God continue to bless you in your ministry! Anna-Marie Timing of the Christmas Season (19:35) Dear Fr. Josh, Thank you for creating such an inspiring and informative podcast. My husband and I really enjoy listening to it on long car drives, and discussing the topics further together. My question for you is when does the Christmas season end? I know in the Church it officially begins on Christmas Day itself, but it's difficult for me to find a good answer on when it ends. Some say Epiphany (but I've heard for years that this isn't the case). Others say the Baptism of the Lord, but is that just up until then or the day of (since priests return to green vestments that day). Further, I've read that it goes through Candlemas on February 2nd, as the Alma Redemptoris Mater is used through then with its Christmas vesicle and prayer. Could you please enlighten me and other listeners as to which one is most correct? Thank you and God Bless Hannah Resources Rejoice! Advent Meditations “Advent at Ephesus” by the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles “Lent at Ephesus” by the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles Email Father Josh at askfatherjosh@ascensionpress.com The Birth of Jesus the Messiah (Matthew 1:20-21)Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

Father Josh shares four things he’s grateful for and wishes you a Happy Thanksgiving! He also encourages you to send all your Advent and Christmas related questions to him at askfrjosh@ascensionpress.com for a special themed episode in the coming weeks. SHOWNOTES What I’m Grateful For: Sickness: being sick allowed me to draw closer to the Lord and spend more time with him My Brother Priests: they were so kind and helpful to me while I was sick My community: and its beautiful support of religious vocations You! Thank you for supporting the show and sending me your wonderful questions and messages Next week’s episode will be all about Advent, so please send me all of your questions and stories on Advent! Resources Email Fr. Josh: askfatherjosh@ascensionpress.com Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

Can Catholics support feminism? Why do some people believe women shouldn’t work outside the home? How do the promises of devotional prayers work—can they guarantee salvation? Should we be embracing the current interest in Christianity due to Kanye West and his album, Jesus is King? Fr. Josh answers this and more in today’s episode. Snippet from the Show “Cardinal Ratzinger (who became Pope Benedict XVI) proposes that women who want to stay at home should be able to stay at home, and women to want to work outside of the home, should be able to work outside of the home.” Get the shownotes at ascensionpress.com/askfrjoshSupport Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

Father Josh answers questions about how to find healing in the midst of anxiety or depression, how to get involved in your parish, and whether or not Catholics can be Freemasons. Snippet from the Show If a Catholic man joins the freemasons, he automatically excommunicates himself from the Catholic Church. SHOWNOTES ** Glory Story (2:13) Listener Feedback (6:30) Anxiety, Depression, and Mental Illness (11:17)** Hi Fr Josh, My boyfriend introduced me to your podcast a few months ago, and absolutely love it. I think it is important to constantly learn more about the Church that Jesus Christ created. Your answers to people's questions and the way you tell stories is truly a gift from God. I recently graduated from college and am in a period of transition in my life before I start graduate school. The transition has been more difficult than I expected and I am now suffering from anxiety. I also already visit a counselor with Catholic Charities. I know the Lord's grace is sufficient and he will deliver me, however, I am still struggling to control my overwhelming feelings of doubt and worry. What is your spiritual advice for someone in my situation suffering from anxiety, depression, or a mental illness? Whose intercessions should they ask for? Are there prayers already written for this? Thank you for all you do. Sloan Getting Involved in Your Parish (19:05) Dear Fr. Josh, You probably don’t remember me, but I will never forget you. I consider this my own little glory story. I was a member of St. Aloysius parish in Baton Rouge, LA. I was also a student at LSU and a student at Louisiana Culinary Institute, but before I became a student at the culinary school I moved back to my hometown for a semester during a really rough period of my life. During that period I left the Church and lost all hope and faith, not necessarily in Christ, but I just lost hope that he could love someone like me. Eventually I made my way back to Baton Rouge and had a little house on Stone Street. I still thank God every day for finding us a house on the same street as the church. I would often walk to Mass with my sister, not really wanting to attend and feeling guilty most of the time. One day after Mass during the final prayer, you stopped and said the following, “I don’t know who needs to hear this, but I feel God urging me to stop and share this message with someone in here tonight.” Then you continued to say, “You are so loved, and whatever you’re going through will pass. You are so loved by our Father.” I wept the entire night. It changed my life. My heart has been set on fire for Jesus ever since, and I truly perceive that to be Jesus working through you. Now, onto my question: I live in my hometown again, and as I said, my heart has been lit on fire for Jesus ever since that night. I have helped to bring so many of my friends to adoration and Mass. I love my parish, but I find myself hesitant to get more involved. I feel like I have a lot of great skills that I can use to better my parish and other young people who have fallen away from the Church. I wanna be an instrument for Jesus but I don’t know where to start. Should I ask someone in the parish office where they need help or my parish priest? Should I plan a meeting or just start volunteering in random ways? There are so many options, I would really love some guidance. With love - Avery The Freemasons (25:47) Hello Fr. Josh, Just recently found your show. I am loving how real and open you are about answering questions, even hard ones. I also enjoy your bursts of song. There’s a song for every occasion, don’t you think? As many of your listeners, I am a cradle Catholic. The organization of Masonry and its sister organization has recently been brought to my attention. My neighbors whom I respect and know to be faithful Christians, if not Catholic, are members. They are the most giving, warm, welcoming people. Always busy with various events, and community programs. I began wondering what their organization is all about. If I look it up online, there are many websites that for good or bad talk about this “secret” organization. It sorta looks like it was started maybe by Catholic Scotts… But the Church is against it…. I think… There are conspiracy theories, and occult theories… Curiosity makes me want to know more. But I am wary after all the stuff online. Making more connections with my community is something I am seeking. I am involved in my church community, but that only serves a portion of the community as a whole. I’d like to meet more and interact with more individuals in the community. What is the Church’s stance today on this organization, and why? Catherine Resources More on the history of the Freemasons and the Catholic Church Broken and Blessed: An Invitation to My Generation by Fr. Josh Text “askfrjosh” to 33-777 to receive weekly emails for Fr. Josh’s podcast Sirach 38: Concerning Physicians and HealthSupport Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

Fr. Josh goes in depth on two questions: What principles should Catholics turn to when it comes to voting for a political candidate? And is celebrating Halloween morally acceptable? Snippet from the Show “Why would any follower of Jesus Christ vote for a candidate whose policies are diametrically and directly opposed to the core beliefs we hold sacred as Catholics?” SHOWNOTES Glory Story (2:08) Listener Feedback (4:20) Celebrating Halloween (9:49) Hi Father Josh!! First off, thank God for your existence, I appreciate you! I’ve been listening to you since July when a brother named Erik at a conference for men, called Triumph, told me about you (he’s probably listening to this shout out to him). Your content is very informative and it feeds my spirit. My question is, Is Halloween bad to celebrate? I’ve heard things from yes, because you're celebrating the devil to yes because satanic people do things on Halloween. But I wanted to hear from a Father, what’s your opinion on it? Erik Catholic Voting (15:52) Hi Father Josh, I really enjoy your podcast and love your random singing bits! Shout out to Charles my bf as he loves you too. In Canada we just recently had our 2019 election, and I just want to know your thoughts on the election and, if anything, what does the Church teach on how to vote the “Catholic” way? Michelle Resources Broken and Blessed: An Invitation to My Generation by Fr. Josh Text “askfrjosh” to 33-777 to receive weekly emails for Fr. Josh’s podcast 4 Principles of Catholic Social Teaching Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

Father Josh answers questions about wearing rosaries, taize prayer, and spiritual direction. Is it sacrilegious to wear a rosary? Is a rosary without a crucifix still a rosary? Should Catholics engage in Taize prayer, or is Taize prayer a new age practice? Lastly, what’s the difference between spiritual direction and pastoral counseling? Snippet from the Show Spiritual direction is the art of leading souls progressively from the beginning of the spiritual life to the heights of Christian perfection. SHOWNOTES Glory Story (2:40) Listener Feedback (6:08) *Wearing Rosaries (9:03) * Hi, Father Josh! I've been listening to your podcast for some time now and first wanted to thank you so much for the good work you do. There really is no-one out there doing this type of podcast and I'm so thankful that I'm able to tune in weekly and get your insight on so many topics!! I had a twofold question regarding rosaries. One of my hobbies is making rosaries. I restore and use antique crucifixes and centerpieces and do all the wire work by hand. As you can imagine, much time and love goes into each one! I am part of a rosary making group on Facebook and some of the things I see in there make me question what I had been taught about the rosary itself. Firstly, I was always taught that you should NEVER wear a rosary like jewelry, as the rosary is a tool for prayer and not something to be worn and made a spectacle of. Similarly a rosary is not a car ornament and should not be hung from a rear view mirror like a pair of fuzzy dice. Was I taught properly or am I being too uptight? Secondly, I was taught that rosaries MUST have a crucifix, not just a cross. Is this true? Thank you so much in advance for your time!!! VeiledInLove Taize Prayer (13:21) Hi Fr. Josh - I’m really glad I found your podcast a couple of months ago. I really appreciate how you handle questions from both the head and the heart. My question is about Taize prayer. In college I attended some ecumenical Taize prayer services and found this type of meditative prayer through beautiful songs to be very moving. I’ve thought about asking to coordinate a service through music ministry at my parish, but I’ve never really been sure about the theology behind Taize - it does seem a bit “new age-y” and I know it has some Protestant origins, but I also don’t know that there’s anything wrong with it. Does the Catholic Church have an official perspective on Taize prayer? Is Taize a theologically sound way for us to pray? Sam Spiritual Direction (18:45) Hi Fr. Josh, I, as many others, listen to your podcast and appreciate all the time and effort you put into your podcasts. Your desire to become a saint and help others along their journey is truly inspiring. In listening to a recent episode, I heard you were taking questions for a possible discernment themed episode. This is one that I feel is not talked about enough when in regards to discernment. I have recently been discerning the call to the sisterhood. I have been able to get involved in one of the Little Sisters of the Poor's homes where I live. It has been such a blessing and helped me open my heart more to the Father's will. I recently have felt called to enter into spiritual direction, however, I have never gone before. How does someone begin spiritual direction? Would it be better to do it with a sister or a priest? Are only certain religious able to offer spiritual direction? Any and all advice is greatly appreciated! May Peace be with you. Sarah Resources Broken and Blessed: An Invitation to My Generation by Fr. Josh Text “askfrjosh” to 33-777 to receive weekly emails for Fr. Josh’s podcast 1 Corinthians 10:31 Cardinal Sarah’s The Power of Silence Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Sirah 32:18-19 The Three Ages of the Interior Life - Volume 1 by Fr. Garrigou-Lagrange (pg. 256-264) The Theology of Christian Perfection (pg. 593-614)Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)