Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

Fr. Josh answers questions about non-Catholics receiving Communion in the Catholic Church, whether using essential oils is spiritually dangerous, and what St. Paul teaches about salvation and grace. Snippet from the Show “If a person receives Holy Communion and says ‘Amen’ without believing in the True Presence, they act dishonestly.” SHOWNOTES Glory Story (2:13) Listener Feedback (5:37) Holy Communion to Non-Catholics (7:45) Hi Fr Josh, Thank you for the gift that is your podcast and for all of the wisdom, guidance, and advice you offer to us, your brothers and sisters. I am recently engaged to the love of my life. I am a devout Catholic and he is a devout non-Catholic Christian. We have come a long way in our relationship with understanding each other‘s faith and beliefs and are excited to venture into the sacrament of marriage. One thing that we continue to struggle with and have conversation about is taking Communion at Mass. He feels rejected by the Church knowing that he cannot take Communion and it breaks my heart to see how it affects him. I understand that we believe the bread is the Body and wine the Blood and must protect the sacred Eucharist but if Jesus says “come to me all who are hungry, and you will be fed”, I don’t understand why someone of such great faith as my fiancé cannot receive Communion at Mass. There is a Catholic Church in Bend, Oregon, recognized by the archdiocese as a Catholic Church, that offers Communion to any Christian person. I have not had the opportunity to attend Mass there but this is the first church I’ve heard of doing this. Curious on your thoughts on this as well. Looking for any guidance and advice on understanding the Church’s teaching on the Eucharist for myself and my fiancé. Thank you so much for your desire and dedication to bringing people closer to the Lord. You are a gift! Jordan Essential Oils (18:05) Hey Father Josh, loving the podcasts. I listen to them to help me focus before my theology homework. Anyways, I have a follow up question. A few episodes ago you mentioned that essential oils may lead to the devil or evil. Can you elaborate on that? Thanks! Praying for you! Emma St. Paul and the Book of Galatians (23:13) Hey Father Josh, Thank you so much for constantly reading and answering my emails on your podcast. Your explanation of St. Peter as the first pope helped me a ton and affirmed what I already believed to be true in my heart. Another question, could you help me process the book of Galatians? In Galatians, Paul talks about how the law does not justify you but it is through faith that a person has life. Reading this entire book my head goes straight to the Protestant view on salvation and how they can use the book of Galatians to justify their beliefs that faith alone leads to salvation. I just need help understanding what Paul’s saying and what that means for us Catholics, help a girl out! Also shoutout to my homegirl Olivia K. for being the best Catholic friend I could ever ask for, could you say a special prayer for her? Kennedy Resources Broken and Blessed: An Invitation to My Generation by Fr. Josh Romans: The Gospel of Salvation with Dr. Andrew Swafford and Jeff Cavins Email Fr. Josh: askfatherjosh@ascensionpress.com Walking with God: A Journey Through the Bible Galatians: Set Free to Live with Jeff Cavins & Gayle SomersSupport Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

Fr. Josh answers questions about what happens to our guardian angels after we die, whether it’s OK to listen to explicit lyrics if you only pay attention to the music, and how to respond to someone who says all you have to do is love Jesus to get to heaven. Snippet from the Show “We cannot name our guardian angels because we’re implying that we have authority over them, and we don’t.” SHOWNOTES Glory Story (2:55) Listener Feedback (7:41) Guardian Angels (10:18) Good evening! I listened to your podcast for the first time yesterday. I was intrigued and learned much. On today, this feast of the guardian angels, this question came to mind: What happens to our GA when we die? What if we go to hell? Is there any biblical reference to what happens? I teach 7th grade theology so I could use your insight to help them as well....oh another question....should we name our GA? Can we pray for God to tell us their name? I have talked with various priests and received differing opinions. What is yours? -Patti Explicit Lyrics (14:59) Hey Father Josh, Hope this finds you well - loved your podcast and your book Broken & Blessed. My question's about rap. I'm 19 and have been listening to a lot of rap since I was 11 but recently I've become concerned about what exactly I'm exposing myself to. I don't want to paint a broad stroke and say it's all bad (after all, you rap about Jesus, how could that be bad?) but some of the music on my playlist is nothing more than talk of drugs/sex/money. I don't pay much attention to the lyrics and like it more for the beats, but it's gotta be affecting me in some way listening to all that, ya know? I consider my faith very important to me, and I feel it's a bit hypocritical for me to, for example, read about the Virgin Mary and then 10 seconds later start listening to music talking about women as if they're simply objects to be used for pleasure. Hoping you can provide some advice. -Anonymous Christian Denominations (22:35) Hey father Josh, I recently had a chance to tell my protestant friends about the beliefs of the Catholic faith and one of my friends told me “well we really won’t know if any of this is true until heaven and when we get there we’ll be smacked with the knowledge of what actually happens so as long as we love Jesus we're good” and I didn’t really know what to say in that situation because I didn’t want to offend her because she is a good friend and she had previously said that she didn’t think that people should get mad at each other because they have different religions, and I had agreed with her so I didn't want to be a hypocrite. So I stayed silent for a little while and then the subject was changed. What could I have said in that situation? Thank you so much. -Megan Resources Broken and Blessed: An Invitation to My Generation by Fr. Josh Philippians 4:8 John 17 Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

Fr. Josh answers questions about what to do when you feel angry at God because of unanswered prayers to alleviate the suffering of a loved one, if cohabitation is a good solution to handle an unexpected pregnancy before marriage, and which translation of the Bible is the best to get started with. Snippet from the Show “The more you perceive your prayer to be unanswered, the more intense your prayer becomes and the more you lean into the person of Jesus Christ and are drawn into an intimacy with him.” Get the shownotes at ascensionpress.com/askfrjoshSupport Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

Fr. Josh answers questions about how to minister to a coworker who looks at horoscopes and practices “white” witchcraft, what’s the deal with ember days (periods of fasting for vocations throughout the year), and why Catholics venerate saint relics and images. Snippet from the Show “Vatican II invites lay people to go out into the work environment (a place where clergy can’t go) and be the image of the body of Jesus Christ.” SHOWNOTES Glory Story (2:14) Listener Feedback (6:00) Ministering to Coworkers (8:15) Hi Fr. Josh, I‘ve been wondering whether I should keep up a friendship with a coworker whose lifestyle and beliefs are pretty opposite of mine. This coworker puts a lot of faith in horoscopes and said something about how people would be surprised if they knew that a big part of witchcraft is about natural remedies like herbs and essential oils. We don’t agree about sex or that marriage should be between a man and woman. I just listen when she talks about all of this because I don’t know if it’s my place to correct her — and honestly I‘m scared to. I don’t want to condemn her or make her think she wouldn’t be welcome in the Church. Plus, I think of Jesus eating with tax collectors. She grew up Christian and stopped practicing at some point. She says she prays, and she actually expressed an interest in joining a nondenominational church, which I think may be the result of her spending time with me and a Christian coworker. So part of me wants to be that influence who points her closer to Christ. But I really have a problem with her openness to witchcraft and horoscopes. It makes me uncomfortable and I don’t want to subject myself to any kind of occult influence. And I want friends who are pursuing holiness. So, part of me wants to distance myself, at least outside of work. We are both pretty new to our jobs and our city, and both of our social lives are mostly with coworkers. And maybe my reluctance to correct her or defend what I believe comes from a fear that it would make work awkward. Or a fear that she’d turn other coworkers against me. Besides these differences, we really do click and have bonded over a couple of interests. Plus, I know she could use a friend and use Jesus even more. I’m just struggling with knowing whether I should be that friend. Any advice is very welcome. Praying for you! Mary Ember Days (16:04) Hi Father Josh, I am seeing on social media people talking about something in the Catholic Church called ember days. From what I can tell, ember days are a penitential season that take place 4 times a year (Lent, June, September and December) and these are a time of fasting for vocations and for good and holy priests. Will you explain in more detail how this tradition got started, and why it’s not commonly practiced? Thank you so much for your wonderful podcast and for the work you are doing for the Catholic Church. Elaine Revering Saint Relics (20:55) Hello Father Josh. Thank you for all your podcasts. I have just started listening to them last weekend but I’ve been watching Ascension Presents for a year now. I have a question about my Catholic faith. I love it with a passion. I love the Eucharist and I love God, my goal every day is to make Him the center of my everything. I have a devotion to Mother Mary and Saint Francis of Assisi (my patron saint). I’ve been considering and discerning priesthood since 2016. I’m in college right now (I’m a freshman). I’ll wait for God to take His time. However, my question is: Why do we look at relics, images, and statues of saints with so much reverence? Humberto Resources Be Satisfied with Me prayer attributed to St. Anthony of Padua Broken and Blessed: An Invitation to My Generation by Fr. Josh * The Discernment of Spirits: An Ignatian Guide for Everyday Living by Fr. Timothy Gallagher Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

Fr. Josh answers questions about what to do when a consecrated Host is dropped during Communion, if the devil and demons can read our thoughts when we’re tempted, and what to do about a congregation that doesn’t kneel during Mass. Snippet from the Show “Fight the devil the same way Jesus fought the devil. Whenever you recognize some temptation, quote Scripture out loud, and say ‘Get behind me Satan’. The word of God will fight for us.” SHOWNOTES Glory Story (2:20) Listener Feedback (4:58) Dropping Hosts (6:51) Last Sunday, during Communion, as I was peeking at the consecrated host from my hand I dropped it, and it fell to the floor by my feet. I gasped, and immediately grabbed it up and put it in my mouth. I was beyond mortified. I know part of it was embarrassment of those who may have seen me but I couldn't believe I’d been so careless with our Lord. Why wouldn’t I be more attentive during those few minutes I’m receiving Holy Communion. I prayed deeply about this and I heard him chuckle and say “Really, it’s okay.” I just can’t get that sight out of my mind: seeing him, Jesus, on the floor. I pray this never ever happens to me again, but if it does, what is the appropriate thing to do? Is there something more I should do now after making this awful blunder, is this a sin I need to confess? –A Clumsy Lover of Christ Devil in Our Thoughts (11:09) Dear Father Josh, My friend and I enjoy your podcast so very much. It is my favorite to listen to during commutes or travel, and some of the things you say are so profound to me I either have to stop the podcast and keep repeating it in my head, rewind and replay it over and over, and I usually write it down so I can meditate on the words even more. Your book is also amazing and I can’t wait for the new book to be released. You’re a blessing, keep up the awesome work. Here’s our question: does the devil have access to our minds? Does he know our thoughts as God knows our thoughts and our innermost being. We were thinking that the devil does not know our thoughts and the way that we can protect ourselves from his temptation and masterful lies was to never verbalize our thoughts and feelings, to never think out loud if you will. To keep thoughts inside so as to not allow the enemy to know our secrets. If he can’t access our thoughts then he can’t tempt us and control our minds, or use our thoughts and feelings against us. How exactly does the devil tempt us and can he get into our head? –Two Friends from Texas Not Kneeling at Mass (24:03) Hi Father Josh, Recently I moved away for college and started attending Mass at one of the local Catholic churches. I was a bit surprised when none of the congregation kneeled down during the Eucharistic prayers. In fact, the pews did not even have kneelers. I’ve since started attending a different Catholic church nearby. This was the first Catholic church I’d ever seen that doesn’t kneel, and it made me curious about the reason. Should I avoid going to this particular church because of this? –Claire Resources General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) The Litany of Humility Broken and Blessed: An Invitation to My Generation by Fr. Josh Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

Join Jackie and Bobby Angel, authors and dynamic speakers on discernment, as they dive into meaningful conversations on dating and marriage. They tackle questions about navigating single life while feeling called to marriage and how to handle faith differences in relationships. They emphasize the importance of shared beliefs and offer practical advice on discernment. Plus, they share personal stories that illuminate the journey of waiting and trusting in God's timing. It's a heartfelt exploration of faith and relationships!

Fr. Josh answers questions about holding hands when we say the Our Father during Mass, what to do about a dry spiritual life, and whether it’s possible to reconcile a love of rap and a religious vocation. Snippet from the Show “Holding hands is not a required posture during Mass. The only thing required in the GIRM is that we’re standing during the Our Father.” SHOWNOTES Glory Story (2:32) Listener Feedback (9:50) Holding Hands During the Our Father (12:10) What's up with holding hands during the Lord's Prayer? I don't see anything wrong with it but question why people do it to begin with. What's the history behind this and what does the Church say about it? -David Loss of Zeal (18:20) I recently found your podcast and I love listening to it as it is down to earth and practical. I'm a young religious sister recently professed (1 yr). Since my profession, I have been in a desert period and I'm tired of being in this place. I want to regain the zeal I once had to spread the love of Christ. How can I overcome this? -Natania Rap (27:35) Hi Fr. Josh, I am a Ghanaian from West Africa, the motherland. I am graduating from the university this year and I hope to join the Franciscan conventuals next year. I love rap music and I myself can write raps but I fear it will be a hinderance to my vocation as I love both my vocation and rap music so much. Please I need your advice on what to do. Thank you so much. -Stephen Resources Acedia- The Noonday Devil video by Fr. Mike Schmitz Pocket Guide to the Rosary by Matt Fradd * Broken and Blessed: An Invitation to My Generation by Fr. Josh Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

Fr. Josh addresses questions about the salvation of family members who have committed suicide, what to do if a person is allergic to the Eucharist (Body and Blood), and whether natural family planning is still a good choice for women with health issues that would make pregnancy potentially life-threatening. Snippet from the Show “The Church in her two thousand year history has never condemned a single person to hell. We believe in hell, we believe it exists, but we have never said we know for sure that a person is in hell.” Resources National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 Suicidepreventionlifeline.org Creighton Model Fertility Care System Broken and Blessed: An Invitation to My Generation by Fr. Josh Pocket Guide to the Rosary by Matt Fradd Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

Fr. Josh and Kevin McCall talk about prayer, asking God for signs and how to have a relationship with the Holy Spirit. 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 you pray with someone, it’s not about the level of revelation that you have, it’s about when you finish, does that person feel like they’ve been kissed by Jesus.” SHOWNOTES Glory Story (1:39) Listener Feedback (4:08) Kevin’s Story (7:22) Praying for a Sign (26:44) Hi Father Josh, I really love your Podcast. Thanks so much for helping me grow in my faith. I was raised in a Christian home but never attended Catholic school. I became Catholic as an adult. I still feel like I have so much to learn. ( I just graduated from a medical residency, so I struggle with finding time and constantly working on balance) I was wondering when you pray is it ok to ask for a sign from God? Or like say “Lord show me this sign, so I know this is what your leading me to do?” Is it wrong to pray for a sign? I never really have done this before but I have been so busy. I just said it in a prayer real quick. I met this really cool guy on a plane and felt an instant connection to him. We kept in contact just as friends because we both been in the Navy. Later I found out he was raised Catholic. I felt like it was a sign from God that he might be the spouse I have been praying for. I kind of brushed it off and just focused on my life/residency saying God if it is really you please let him win this really hard fitness award out of like 45 people. I didn't tell him what I prayed for and like one day he just texts me a picture his award. He has a girlfriend now and I am nervous and I want to tell him how I feel now before he is married....or forever hold my peace” I know that he can always say “No”. I guess I am just trying to understand are these signs from God? I honestly am a pretty scientific and logical person so I really don't know what to make of it and to understand better Catholic teaching. -Bridget Building a Relationship with the Holy Spirit (32:51) How do you “have a relationship” with the Holy Spirit? He seems like an idea.. not a person. I’ve been told to have faith and ask Him to come, but I’m sort of weary of doing that anymore because when I put my faith or expectation in God to show up to the other side of my prayer, I get let down. If I keep doing that, I’m scared I will lose my faith all together. -Kathryn Resources Fr. Josh Johnson - Broken and Blessed: An Invitation to My Generation Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)

Avera Maria Santo and Fr. Josh answer questions about choosing a vocation when experiencing gender dysphoria and how to respond to a family member in a same-sex relationship. Avera also shares her story about same-sex attraction and finding her identity as a beloved daughter of God. 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 “Because I am so weak, because of the amount of suffering I have gone through, it has drawn me closer to Christ crucified. And if I stay near that Cross, there is the promise of the Resurrection.” SHOWNOTES Avera Maria Santo’s Glory Story (1:52) Gender Dysphoria and the Desire for Marriage (25:43) Dear Father Josh, First of all, I would like to say that this is my favorite podcast of all time! I look forward to every episode and hearing what answers the Church has to the questions of her faithful. Thank you so much for all the time and effort you put into delivering those answers to us and praying for us. Here is my question: From a young age I’ve been struggling with gender dysphoria and have been faced with the way it tempts you to resist God’s will for your life. I am now seventeen and by God’s grace I have received healing such that it no longer controls my life and I am completely submitted to the teachings of the Church on the topic. However, it is still something I struggle with and I don’t know what the future holds. I do have a desire for marriage (as God intends it), but don’t know if this would be a problem for me. Should people who do or have dealt with gender dysphoria be allowed to marry? Would it affect my ability to be a good mother and wife? Should I rule out the vocation of marriage as an option for me, or do you think it would be worthwhile to pursue and a cross worth carrying? Thanks so much, and God bless! -Anonymous Children in a Same Sex Relationship (32:15) Father Josh, My daughter recently told me that she is in a relationship with another woman. I told her that I love her, that I believe that it’s wrong and that she is welcomed in my home. But, this is becoming problematic because I have grandchildren, I don’t feel comfortable talking or knowing about her relationship and in my heart I know this isn’t right. I don’t know what to do, except pray. I will always love my daughter, but it feels like my family is falling apart. Do I just let go? Do I keep putting up boundaries? I’m afraid of losing my daughter completely. I also don’t want to do or say anything that would be unchristian like. One last thing, some family members, Protestants, have reached out to her and told her they were supportive of her truth. I don’t understand how any Christian would not be loving enough to tell her that this is not right. -Heartbroken Resources Want to browse the previous resources Fr. Josh has recommended in his show? Find more at ascensionpress.com/askfrjosh Fr. Josh Johnson -_ Broken and Blessed_ See more from Avera Support Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)