

Ask Father Josh (Your Catholic Question and Answer Podcast)
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
Send me your questions at ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 20, 2023 • 14min
The Blessed Virgin Mary and Birth Pains
What was the birth of Jesus like for Mary? Some people argue that Mary experienced labor and delivery like any other woman. Others argue that she felt no pain. But what does the Church say? Fr. Josh answers that question in today’s episode.
Snippet From the Show
“Our Mother Mary is full of beauty because she is full of grace.” -Pope Francis
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Apr 13, 2023 • 19min
The Origins of Divine Mercy
What is Divine Mercy? You may have heard mention of Divine Mercy Sunday or perhaps you have prayed the chaplet. But where does the devotion to Divine Mercy come from? Fr. Josh answers this question and shares about the saint who established it.
Snippet From the Show
There is no excuse for anyone not to become a saint. God is offering his love and mercy to everyone until the very end.
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
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Apr 6, 2023 • 22min
The Spiritual Life of a Priest
How do priests pray? Fr. Josh responds to a listener question regarding the spiritual life of a priest and what requirements are placed on a diocesan priest for prayer. Additionally, Fr. Josh shares the story of an unnamed saint to emphasize the importance of a daily Holy Hour.
Snippet From the Show
We have to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Adoration of Christ is imitation of Christ.
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Mar 30, 2023 • 16min
Why We Read the Passion Twice
Why do we hear the Passion narrative twice during Holy Week? And who gets to participate in proclaiming those Gospels? Fr. Josh answers these questions in today’s episode. He also shares about an incredible woman who is on her way to canonization.
Snippet From the Show
To help prepare yourself and enter into it more fully, take the time to meditate on the readings prior to Mass.
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
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Mar 23, 2023 • 38min
Why the Rosary Is Essential
The rosary is not just a prayer that grandmas and nuns pray. The rosary is a powerful and essential prayer for everyone’s spiritual life. Today, Fr. Josh is joined by Dr. Mike Scherschligt to discuss the power of the rosary. Dr. Mike also shares about his own faith journey and his mission to get as many people to pray the rosary as possible.
Snippet From the Show
When we accept the reality that Jesus Christ is real, we have to make changes in our lives.
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
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Mar 16, 2023 • 17min
How to Pray in Lent
Are there particular ways we should pray during the Lenten season? Lent is a great season to make new efforts in growing our relationship with God. Today, Fr. Josh shares ideas for some of the ways we could pray during the Lenten season.
Snippet From the Show
During the Lenten season, it is really beautiful to accompany Jesus in his suffering, in his Passion.
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
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Mar 9, 2023 • 18min
Envy: It’s More Than Jealousy
What does it mean to be envious of someone? Envy is one of the seven deadly sins and Fr. Josh explains why in today’s episode. He also walks through an examination to help you understand areas in your life where you may struggle with envy.
Snippet From the Show
It can be a lifelong battle to break free from vice, but we must remember that God is faithful to us and desires our freedom.
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
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Mar 2, 2023 • 16min
Why These Sins Can Be Deadly to Our Souls
What are some of the primary sins that people struggle with? As we strive for virtue, it is important that we regularly examine our lives and realize where we struggle so that we can strive to break free from sin. Today, Fr. Josh addresses the topic of the seven deadly sins and identifies why people struggle with some in particular.
Snippet From the Show
Focus on what Christ has done in your life. Focus on his love for 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
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Feb 23, 2023 • 31min
Striving for a Virtuous Life
What does it mean to be virtuous? Virtue is a word that is mentioned often when talking about faith and the lives of the saints. However, do we understand what it means? Today, Fr. Josh is joined by author Andrew Whitmore to talk about the virtuous life and also discuss Andrew’s new book Saintly Habits: Aquinas' 7 Simple Strategies You Can Use to Grow in Virtue.
Snippet From the Show
When you aren’t able to overcome a challenge, it takes great courage to endure it instead.
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
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Feb 16, 2023 • 18min
How to Discover Authentic Happiness
How do you find authentic happiness? Every person has a desire to be happy, but it isn’t always clear how to attain it. Today, Fr. Josh shares what Scripture tells us in regards to finding happiness.
Snippet From the Show
We can find happiness by turning to the Word of God instead of seeking it in the world.
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)