Ask A Priest Live

Fr. Elias Mary Mills, F.I. served as Rector of the Shrine Church at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Lacrosse, Wisconsin from 2016 to 2021. He was ordained in May of 2000. In Today's Show - All About Our Lady! (Part Five) I was surprised to see a statue of Mary without a head covering. It is The National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church in Laurie, Missouri. I always see our Blessed Lady wearing a veil, crown or some kind of head covering. Please comment. I was scanning through a Protestant blog which was attempting to refute Catholic teaching point-by-point. They seem to have a lot of misconceptions about what Catholics actually believe. One statement they made was that Catholics believe that Mary is the "co-redeemer", for she participated with Christ in the painful act of redemption. They accused Catholics of believing that Mary had an equal part with Jesus in the redemption of sin. I have never heard any official Catholic teaching refer to Mary as a "co-redeemer". What is actually meant by that term and why would they think we profess it? How do we evangelize Protestants who think we are worshiping Mary? A related name for Mary is "mediatrix". What is the meaning of that title and how is it different from co-redemptrix? Can you please explain why May has been named/dedicated as the month of Mary? I suspect that you may have a "favorite" Marian apparition (with no disrespect meant to the others, of course). Is this the case, and if so, which is your favorite and why? Our Lady of Medjugorje… Is that valid in the church? Could you talk about the Seven Sorrows of Our Lady? There are many different publishings of the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Which one would you recommend? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Fr. John-Mary Bowlin serves as Parish Priest at St. Jude Catholic Church in Gun Barrel City, Texas. He served in the U.S. Army and was ordained a priest in June of 2012. In Today's Show: What is the most challenging aspect about being a priest? What should we pray for to help priests? How do we know that there are not more than three divine persons in God? Is masturbation a sin against the 6th commandment if a person is a widow or widower? Where in the Bible is this stated? I am a Catholic teen who is very devoted to his faith but struggles with masturbation. I know the church teaches that it is wrong but it also says to take into account the age as well. Should I not receive communion at mass because of this? Am I in the wrong big time, or am I okay due to my age as an adolescent? Any special advice from Father's perspective on making a Good First Saturday this weekend? How to battle pride? I can be pretty arrogant and egotistical. If I was told that I should not attend the wedding of a family member who is marrying outside of the church (they are confirmed Catholics), may I at least attend the bridal shower? If, while confessing, I mentally acknowledge the fact that I will likely commit the same sin again (not intentionally, but due to my human weakness), does that affect the validity of my absolution? I was told that video games are bad in a sense spiritually and that I should smash my system and destroy it. I even heard that I should smash the games themselves into pieces so others can't fall into sin. Is that going too far, or should I sell it and give the money to my friend who I owe, or is it ok to keep? When is it appropriate to give fraternal correction, if we are to give correction at all? In the Bible, where does it say that a woman should not be a priest? How can I answer that question when asked? Should Christianity be as the apostle Paul preached; has Christianity grown into something different? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Canon Benjamin Norman, ICKSP currently serves as Chaplain of the ICKSP Oakland Apostolate at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Oakland, California. He was ordained in 2018. In Today's Show: How does a Catholic truly forgive someone? When do bad thoughts of people who have caused great harm turn into grave sin? I had the wonderful privilege of hearing the Canons of the ICKSP chant Lauds, then, later during the Triduum, Vespers. To my ears, it sounds like the vocal technique used in recto tono is different. It has a sustained buzzing quality that seems to suspend in the air. Am I correct about this? If so, please explain the technique for vocalizing recto tono and why it would be done that way. What would happen to a person who left the Catholic church for the Russian Orthodox church? How often can an ICKSP priest or seminarian visit their family? Do you have any concern about the future of the ICKSP or the Latin mass? Are the four temperament theories helpful for growing in virtue? It's my understanding that the Ecclesia Dei communities can continue so long as the priests celebrate the new rite periodically. Do I have this right? I have stage four cancer and I'm currently in hospice. I've been told different things about medically assisted passing. Is it considered permissible by the church? Is it acceptable because I'm in hospice? I believe the FSSP ordinations took place today. When are the ordinations for the ICKSP? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Canon Stephen Sharpe, ICKSP serves as Parochial Vicar at St. Joseph Oratory in Detroit, Michigan. He was ordained in 2020. In Today's Show I am starting to pray the Auxilium Christianorum prayers. Should I be praying them, or any other private prayers for that matter, in Latin as opposed to English? I would have a diminished if not total lack of understanding of some of the prayers, as I am not very learned in Latin yet, but I know Latin is a sacred language and, if I understand correctly, can be more efficacious. In 1st Corinthians, Chapter 15 verse 1-4, St. Paul talks about death, burial and resurrection saving people by itself. Why does the Catholic church add on to that? Why are Catholic priests who commit abuse being protected and the dioceses covering up for them instead of turning them over to the authorities for prosecution? Is it a sin to inadvertently use "preferred pronouns"? I work in a place where someone goes by "they/them" and I referred to her this way without thinking about it. Do I have to take it to Confession? I know we don't fulfill our Sunday obligation if we don't make it in time for the beginning of the Mass of the Faithful. Is there also a point (when we arrive late) where we should abstain from receiving Holy Communion? What are the theological/liturgical reasons behind why those exact points of the mass are chosen? How can one better maintain focus when praying the Rosary? Is it ever okay to change the words of the Hail Mary when praying alone? Is it correct to state that it is Catholics who bring to fulfillment the mysteries of the Rosary? While at Mass, is it appropriate to ponder the notion that New Testament readings are oftentimes the fulfillment of Old Testament passages? Can we freely choose which church calendar we follow in our private lives? And, do you have any advice for keeping cohesion when attending both rites? Do we have any examples in the present day of women that would emulate St. Catherine of Siena? Or St. Bernardino of Siena for the men? Do you approve of a Bible study based on that? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Fr. Michael Copenhagen is a Catholic husband, father, and a priest at St. Nicholas the Wonderworker Melkite Catholic Church in Gates, New York. He holds a Bachelors of Sacred Theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. In Today's Show What are the Melkites exactly? What geographical region does that cover? Which Divine Liturgy do the Melkites use? Why should one choose Catholicism over Orthodoxy? What are the differences in their theology and approach to faith? Do Eastern Rite churches celebrate the Novus Ordo? What is Father's opinion of the difference(s) between the Eastern Rite and the Roman Catholics on the Nicene Creed? How do doctrines of the Eastern Church compare to the doctrines of the Latin Church? Am I correct in my understanding that the Eastern Rite has a different view of Original Sin than the West? If so, can you tell me what the difference is? And also, how could something so instrumental in our Catholic faith lead to different views among rites without discrediting the church as a whole? Can women be on the altar in Eastern churches? Does the priest face Jesus or the people? Do the faithful receive in the hand or kneeling and on the tongue? What tips would you recommend for someone attending their first Divine Liturgy? What kind of relationship do you have with the Roman Catholic priests from your diocese? Do you work together in any capacity? Also, are you considered part of the Diocese of Rochester, or how does that all work? What is the purpose of the wall (Iconostasis I believe it's called) that separates the Altar and the people? There are three doors on that wall, and the servers and the priest enter and exit them in a particular way. What is the reason for that? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Fr. Vincent Lampert is the designated exorcist of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis. A priest of 33 years, he also serves as the pastor of Saint Michael and Saint Peter Parishes in the Diocese of Brookville, Indiana. In Today's Show What is an exorcism exactly? How were you picked to be an exorcist? Can someone be possessed and still go to mass, receive Holy Communion, bless themselves with holy water, etc. or would a possessed person always have an aversion to Holy things? What type of behavior or situation warrants the need for an exorcism? And how serious must a person's afflictions be to warrant a visit from an exorcist? What is the process like when you get referred to a possible possessed person? Do other Christian denominations commonly send possessed people to a Catholic exorcist? Does the Catholic Church have an official position on what the number 666 represents? How do exorcisms differ from the Catholic Church vs the Russian Orthodox? When the demons were cast out of Mary Magdalene, it didn't seem like there were any outward visible signs that she was possessed. Can one be possessed without them or others realizing it due to no visible manifestation of being possessed? Can Father elaborate on the importance of Confession in terms of fighting the demonic? How common are exorcisms in the real world? Popular media would have us believe that things like this happen all the time, but is that really the case? Is it okay to watch movies that have to do with exorcisms? Movies out there like The Exorcist and The Exorcism of Emily Rose? I heard the devil wants you to watch stuff like this. Father, what is the difference between imprecatory and deprecatory prayer relating to exorcisms? I've heard an exorcist mention these terms years ago. When I see fellow Catholics make the sign of the cross, they don't seem to go far enough down when they say "the Son". It kind of looks like an upside down cross. Isn't the upside down cross a satanic sign? Father, how would an exorcist determine if a place is "haunted," or I think the official term is "demonic vexation?" Is it a similar process? What is demonic obsession? What goes into an exorcism? Can you walk us through some of the process of the actual ritual? How long does it take to cast out a demon? Are certain types of demonic activity specific to certain areas of the country or gender specific or age specific or more concentrated in areas of our country? Do demons speak to us? Can they read minds? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Fr. Jonathan Romanoski, FSSP is Pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Providence, Rhode Island. He was ordained in 2008. In Today's Show I have a family member that attended a funeral of a lesbian friend whose wife had died. Is it a sin for this family member to have attended the funeral for the deceased lesbian? On one hand, we are to comfort the sorrowful, but on the other hand, we are to admonish the sinner. I'm not sure what the correct answer is here. Does the church allow Josephite marriages? Can you explain Luke 14:26? ("If any man comes to me, without hating his father and mother and wife and children and brethren and sisters, yes, and his own life too, he can be no disciple of mine.") I have a Catholic friend who attends a Yoga class. If Catholics cannot practice Yoga, how do I talk to her about this without disrupting the friendship? Also, the class is supposedly held at a Catholic church. Is this a red flag? What is the reason why, in a Solemn Pontifical High Mass, the Bishop wears his gloves in the procession towards the altar, but does not when the Mass ends and he processes? How would you recommend we go about loving others as instructed by Christ? Could Fr. Romanoski recommend a few good Bible commentaries? If we were to discover alien life on another planet (other than the microbes we have already found), would that "disprove" what was said in the Bible? It doesn't say anything about extraterrestrial life, does it? Could you clear up a debate that I have with family members? Is there salvation outside the Catholic Church? My company sells mostly food. Every day they throw away a lot of food, especially meat, vegetables and fruits. They're still good but they can't sell it anymore to customers. So, they throw it into big bins and some other company takes it and probably uses it to make biomass or something. We can't take any of this food officially, as it's forbidden by our company, and I used to do it very often. Can you tell me if that can be justified? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Fr. John Brancich, FSSP is the pastor of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Nashua, New Hampshire. He was ordained into the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter in 2004. In Today's Show When a teenager is living at home and looking for employment, is it acceptable to take a job in food service that would require working on Sundays? Does Fr. Brancich have any advice, teaching or thoughts to share about the Ember Days coming up on 5/22, 5/24 and 5/25? Is this the last week of the Regina Caeli in Mass? What will come next in the Latin mass after Pentecost? What do Catholic believes about the rapture and the end times? Should I allow my non-Catholic husband to share Protestant ideas on this topic with our young son? Do the souls in hell possess infinite dignity? Why should one choose Catholicism over Orthodoxy? What are the differences in their theology and approach to faith? What is Father's opinion on alternative medicine such as chiropractic and natural medicine? I feel like I've been led astray by traditional Western medicine lately. Is alternative medicine safe from "New Age?" Is it sinful and/or inappropriate to applaud during Mass? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Fr. Anthony Amato is the Pastor of St. Peter's Parish in Clifton Springs, New York. He was ordained as a priest in June of 2017 by Bishop Salvatore Matano of the Diocese of Rochester, New York. In Today's Show Could a priest say the Novus Ordo mass with a Douay-Rheims Lectionary? Are we not supposed to be forgiving of people with identity issues (LGBTQ, transgender, etc)? If a Catholic has been poorly educated in the faith and is living in sin or cooperating with others' sin, without knowing what they're doing, how do you think Christ will judge such people? Do animals have souls? Do animals go to heaven? Can God punish a man for a sin before it's committed? I attend both TLM and Novus Ordo Masses. Recently, it stood out to me that the Novus Ordo Priest doesn't lift the Eucharist above his head, only in front of his face. Is this something that changed in the Novus Ordo or just my Priest's preference? Raising the Eucharist upwards communicates to me that the sacrifice is to God, whereas the Priest facing me and lifting it face height made me feel the "bread" was for me. My mother in law, a non-Catholic (as is her extended family), is having her ashes buried under a tree in a cemetery next to her grandfather's grave. As a Catholic, may I attend her burial if I do not participate in the burial? What do you think the future of the Novus Ordo mass will look like? Do you think there is potential for the "reform of the reform?" With the Eucharistic Revival of the people already underway, what would be Fr. Amato's suggestion for teaching the Real Presence? A particular saint, book or reading? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Fr. Alan Maria Wharton, F.I. has assisted in Pastoral Ministry and Media Production for The Station of the Cross 88.5 FM in New Bedford, Massachusetts, formerly Radio Cor Mariae. In Today's Show The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul here in my town gets multiple requests for beds and are supposed to direct them to where they can get a free bed. would providing one freely to those who are cohabitating be wrong like I thought? If you suffer from OCD, do you have to confess intrusive/evil thoughts? Does having a mass said for a loved one release them from purgatory? Does reception of Holy Communion have to be on the same day the action for a plenary indulgence is performed? What are Father's opinions on Hanzer von Baltazar? I would like to use holy water in my home, but am not sure how to use it. Can you help me with recommendations? As I understand, the dogma of Mary as Mother of God was addressing the question of Christ's Divinity at the Council of Ephesus. Was there a specific theological issue happening at that time where the Pope at the time felt it needed dogmatization? Do Lepers make it to Heaven? What can I say to a protestant when the say Mary is sinful. With the back up of these bible verses? "As it is written, 'There is none righteous, no, not one.'" (Romans 3:10)"For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23,) I prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet during my dad's agony and during prayer he died. Can we be certain it was a good death, and he is in heaven? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Fr. William Rock, FSSP serves as Parochial Vicar at Regina Caeli Parish in Houston, Texas. He was ordained in October of 2019 and serves as a regular contributor to the FSSP North America Missive Blog and the TAN Direction Blog. In Today's Show: Which button would you press and why? (Community Poll) Can one get an annulment without getting a divorce? Does the Catholic church fully support the overturning of Roe v. Wade and the actions being taken to support and protect mothers and children? What is the morality of ballet? To me, it seems like a socially acceptable way to conduct oneself in an immodest manner. Last Thursday was Ascension Thursday and this Sunday is Pentecost Sunday. Why were there 11 days before the descent of the Holy Spirit? Why didn't Jesus breathe on the apostles as He ascended? Do Jews still celebrate Pentecost? Why do Catholics not keep/honor the Sabbath (Saturday) as stated in the 10 Commandments? Do you have to say the words out loud when praying or is it ok to silently say prayers in your head? For example, can I say the Rosary in my head on an airplane? I happily completed my Five First Saturdays! Can I continue and offer them up for the souls in purgatory? How can God see us if He has no face or body? How can God speak? How does He still do miracles today? Will we see Jesus in heaven? Was Jesus infinitely smart and knowledgeable even as a small child, or did he have to learn and progress his knowledge as we do? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Fr. Joseph Dalimata, FSSP serves as Parochial Vicar at Immaculate Conception Church in El Paso, Texas. He was ordained in May of 2021. In Today's Show How do you distinguish humility and pusillanimity? Does humility lead to pusillanimity? Why do we celebrate the Feast of the Ascension? Is it correct that if Our Lord ever ascended, he would never come back to judge the living and the dead? Someone asked me this. How should a Catholic vote if neither candidate is pro-life enough? Is it sinful to not vote at all? I cannot remember what Saint I chose when I was initiated in the church 40 years ago. It really bothers me. What can I do about this now? What does the FSSP expect in a man who is wanting to enter into their seminary? I'm a game developer and I want to make a game about stories from the Bible, for example the story of Samson. Is that a sin? Is bearing false witness related to the sin of consent? At the Latin Mass in my local church we don't go up for communion because we would be committing sacrilege by stepping on fragments of the Eucharist. Should we only go to the FSSP or SSPX? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Canon Stephen Sharpe, ICKSP serves as Parochial Vicar at St. Joseph Oratory in Detroit, Michigan. He was ordained in 2020. In Today's Show I was born Catholic and believe in our Lord Jesus Christ. I like reading books authored by the Dalai Lama. The books I am reading now are mainly focusing on life matters such as how to be happy and how to be compassionate. Nothing really talked about Buddhism. In your opinion, is it a sin or is it ok to read his books? On the Reba sitcom, there was a question posed from one of the child characters to a Pastor. Paraphrasing: If God created Adam and Eve, who then had children, wouldn't all creation come from sisters and brothers? Can sisters and brothers marry? How does the Church explain this question? Does 1 Timothy Chapter 2 prohibit braided hair and jewelry for women? Can a Catholic attend a Jewish funeral at a synagogue? What has the Catholic church done to address sexual abuse? Have rules been put in place to protect children and parents? Jesus said, "My Lord, my Lord, why have you abandoned me?" Since Jesus is one with the father, was that question relevant at that time? Should prisoners who decide to participate in the Communion Service who are considered "shut ins" be given Holy Eucharist regardless of their state of grace, belief or denomination? Was Russia ever properly consecrated as Our Lady requested? Is it wrong or sinful to get a microblading procedure on one's eyebrows since it temporarily injects color into the skin? And are tattoos sinful or wrong to get as a Catholic? How does one examine their consciousness for the sin of gluttony? What is the best way of combating "being a glutton"? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Fr. Anthony Amato is the Pastor of St. Peter's Parish in Clifton Springs, New York. He was ordained as a priest in June of 2017 by Bishop Salvatore Matano of the Diocese of Rochester, New York. In Today's Show Do you have to be Confirmed for at least three years before entering Seminary? This is what I heard and I'm wondering if this is true, as I'm discerning a vocation. Is it OK if the priest is dipping the host into the precious blood and then placing it on the communicant's tongue? Does this have anything to do with post-Covid practices? I volunteer at a local hospice where I deliver Communion. They recently enhanced their disease control protocols and want to have Ministers of the Holy Eucharist to attach a bottle of disinfectant to the burse string carrying the pyx with a consecrated host. My first impulse is that attaching items to the burse or string seems disrespectful, but it might also tend to weaken the string, ultimately enhancing the chances the pyx could fall to the ground when the burse string breaks. Is there any Church rule against attaching miscellaneous items to the burse or string? If I have little faith, will I still go to heaven? I was staying with my son in Florida with no car. I got ready for 5PM Sunday Mass, went downstairs, and no one was there. I checked and they were all upstairs. Knowing how tired they were, I didn't wake them and therefore I missed Mass. I have not yet been able to go to confession and it looks like I missed the Penance service here in Texas for Easter. I really want Communion - can I go? Why do animals have to suffer from the Fall? I have a friend who is cohabitating who asked me to buy a bed for him and his girlfriend. Would this be construed as helping them in sin if I were to buy them a bed, and would I also be in sin? I have a daughter cohabitating with a man who is divorced (not Catholic) and not working because he does not want to pay his ex-wife alimony. I have been helping out with the rent since my daughter's income does not always cover all of her expenses. Again, I feel like I am helping her in sin and I wonder if I'm in mortal sin for doing so? Should civil unions be considered the same as a normal Catholic sacramental marriage? Trying to put the topic of demons into the correct context. Our Lord cast out demons. Do you think non-Catholics and Catholics who fall into mortal sin become influenced by demons? I'm in a spot where I'm making progress by grace in accepting God intellectually, but I still don't feel the history of Jesus saving us on the Cross is real, despite there not being any better explanation for the events that took place after His death until His disciples went in the world convinced He fulfilled His promise of resurrection. It's difficult to connect with God and I find myself like making circles around Him and debating heretics and atheists in my own mind constantly instead of living the truth, and I feel weak and unable to defend my faith. Do you have any specific advice here? I attend the Traditional Latin Mass but at my parish they are not able to celebrate the Traditional Mass on the 1st Sunday of every month. I believe this is due to the implementation of Traditionis Custodes in our diocese. Is it wrong for me to drive to a different parish on the 1st Sunday of every month to still attend the Traditional Mass? If you love Ask A Priest Live, now is the time to let us know by making your generous donation of any size today! As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, The Station of the Cross is 98% listener-funded and we need YOUR help and financial support to continue bringing you top notch Catholic shows like this one! To make your pledge today: - Call 1-877-711-8500 - Visit thestationofthecross.com - Use the donation page in your free iCatholicRadio app Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, and sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows!

Father Robert McTeigue is a member of the Society of Jesus. A professor of philosophy and theology, he has taught and lectured worldwide, and is a member of the National Ethics Committee of the Catholic Medical Association. He is host of the "The Catholic Current" via The Station of the Cross Catholic Media Network and the iCatholicRadio app (weekdays at 5PM Eastern). In Today's Show I have been told that we cannot know for sure by our own knowledge if we are in a state of grace. Can you please elaborate on this? Is missing mass a mortal sin if I don't know how to drive and no one is able to take me to mass? I am a new convert, old in age. Our priest says baptism wipes away all sins so you only confess sins after your baptism. Coming into the church you get 'conditionally baptized,'' even if you were previously baptized. So, to make a general confession, should I only be confessing sins post-Baptism or should I encompass my entire life? It feels very necessary. I donate to a homeless shelter where I believe they use the money wisely. I do not give money to homeless people on the streets because I think some of that money will go to alcohol or to drugs. By saying no to those homeless, am I ignoring Jesus's call to help others in need? How can one get a proper formation in scholastic philosophy and theology without attending a seminary? Any good scholastic manuals or books you would recommend? I was married 30 years ago in the Catholic Church. Less than a month later, my husband literally never came home. Just left. I was very blessed and my family helped me through that devastation and I filed a divorce. Since then, I've lost my way in the church because of the divorce. My question though (while I am Catholic, he was not): Is there any way to be forgiven and take communion and confession again? Every time I walk in a church I cry, as I miss it so much. I just finished reading the Life of Brother Lawrence, a very uplifting book. In a chapter about "Practicing the Presence of God", he states; "the first means is a new life, received by salvation through the blood of Christ." In my church, they stopped passing the cup with the blood of Christ after the pandemic. What does he mean by that? At what point in church history was the foundation of the Mass established as it pertains to the usage of organs and other instruments? I'm sincerely wondering if you can explain some of the changes that you've noticed over the years and how, if at all, you may have soured on how music is often used in the sacred liturgy at places like Saint Typical's (which I wholeheartedly agree with, by the way). I agree we can have no souvenirs of sin in Heaven. Can you explain in slow, simple steps how to rid ourselves of this danger? I hear you talk a lot about the importance of preaching. Has that always been important to you, or did that develop during your priesthood? Other than prayer, how can we support our parish priests? I think people forget that priests are people too. It seems like most of the time you are just "used" for blessing this thing or that statue, and that your time is not respected. If you love Ask A Priest Live, now is the time to let us know by making your generous donation of any size today! As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, The Station of the Cross is 98% listener-funded and we need YOUR help and financial support to continue bringing you top notch Catholic shows like this one! To make your pledge today: - Call 1-877-711-8500 - Visit thestationofthecross.com - Use the donation page in your free iCatholicRadio app Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, and sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows!

Canon Benjamin Norman, ICKSP currently serves as Chaplain of the ICKSP Oakland Apostolate at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Oakland, California. He was ordained in 2018. In Today's Show Is there a reasoning behind the order in which saints are listed in the Canon of the Mass or in the Litany of the Saints? Also, I understand that confessors originally referred to martyrs, but to whom does that title refer now? Is it kind of a miscellaneous classification of a male saint who does not fit in any other category? Why is there not a classification for holy female saints who are neither virgins, widows, nor penitents? Isn't it a sin against the Third Commandment to go out and eat at restaurants or buy groceries at grocery stores on a Sunday? Aren't we encouraging these businesses to stay open on Sundays when we support them on these days? There are workers in those businesses that are working on a Sunday, and we're supposed to keep the Lord's Day holy and avoid servile work. Did priests do Confirmation extraordinarily historically? Can a priest say a Requiem mass for anyone? What does a priest do when he retires in terms of financial matters? Do priests have a pension or 401k plans? Where do they go to live? I have a friend who I've known for a long time (we're both in our late 20s). I reverted back to the faith almost two years ago, and I know he has not been practicing the faith since at least the beginning of high school, nor do I think he believes in the faith at all. He recently got married in a civil setting at a courthouse. Is it wrong for me to congratulate him on getting married in this way? Why is it that, compared to the Douay Rheims Bible version, two fruits of the Holy Spirit are missing - chastity and purity - compared to the Revised Catholic Edition, specifically the Catholic Adventure Bible? My manager asked me if I could work on Sundays because one of my coworkers got into an accident. Would I violate the 3rd commandment if I worked on Sundays even if I attended early low Mass? If a baptized Catholic no longer practices the faith, are they still Catholic? If you love Ask A Priest Live, now is the time to let us know by making your generous donation of any size today! As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, The Station of the Cross is 98% listener-funded and we need YOUR help and financial support to continue bringing you top notch Catholic shows like this one! To make your pledge today: - Call 1-877-711-8500 - Visit thestationofthecross.com - Use the donation page in your free iCatholicRadio app Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, and sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows!

Fr. Daniel Alloy, FSSP has served as Parochial Vicar at Regina Caeli Parish in Houston, Texas since July of 2022. He was ordained in June of 2020. In Today's Show How come the Orthodox Church celebrated Easter on May 5th and we celebrated Easter on March 31st? Will more recent/future Saints ever be added to the traditional calendar? Other than Holy Week, are there any other main differences between an older missal, for example St Andrew's Daily Missal, and an Angelus Press 1962 Missal? I have a friend who's confused about how and why God built the church upon Peter. How could it be possible to build an entire church upon one person? And what does the name "The Rock" really mean in all of this? Why do all the scriptures say that Jesus was crucified, died, buried and rose again on the 3rd day? Yet the time between Good Friday at 3pm and Easter Sunday sometime before sunrise isn't close to 3 days. Day 1 would be Saturday at 3pm, Day 2 would be Sunday at 3pm, and the third day would be some time Monday before 3pm. I confessed a sin that I still feel very guilty about, partially because I was never honest with the person whom that sin would have affected had they known what I did. Can you tell me, because I confessed the sin, does that mean God will forgive me and I will end up in heaven? Should priests be bearded? My husband and I are in the process of creating a Health Care Proxy. The attorney sent us a standard form, which basically says 'no to all measures', but we can make changes before it is finalized. What of these options, if any, go against Catholic teaching? I'm thinking possibly the ones about not giving food or water, but we want to do the right thing: No Cardiac Resuscitation, No Mechanical Respiration, No Artificial Feedings, No Artificial Hydration, No Antibiotics. It seems that those who are unable to physically receive Holy Communion are usually told to make an act of Spiritual Communion instead. However, I have seen an old 19th century Irish prayer manual state that one must first be properly disposed to make a spiritual communion, and must therefore be in a state of grace. Is this true? If so, what should a person do who is in a state of mortal sin and also thus impeded from making at least a spiritual act of communion? If one blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, does that person become totally possessed and evil in his daily actions? If you love Ask A Priest Live, now is the time to let us know by making your generous donation of any size today! As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, The Station of the Cross is 98% listener-funded and we need YOUR help and financial support to continue bringing you top notch Catholic shows like this one! To make your pledge today: - Call 1-877-711-8500 - Visit thestationofthecross.com - Use the donation page in your free iCatholicRadio app Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, and sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows!

We'll take a look at some of the best moments of the show thus far and talk about what the experience of first-time radio hosting has been like for Jordan. We'll also be joined by special guest Joe McClane, host of A Catholic Take, heard weekdays at 7AM Eastern on The Station of the Cross! If you love Ask A Priest Live, now is the time to let us know by making your generous donation of any size today! As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, The Station of the Cross is 98% listener-funded and we need YOUR help and financial support to continue bringing you top notch Catholic shows like this one! To make your pledge today: - Call 1-877-711-8500 - Visit thestationofthecross.com - Use the donation page in your free iCatholicRadio app Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, and sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows!

Fr. Michael Copenhagen is a Catholic husband, father, and a priest at St. Nicholas the Wonderworker Melkite Catholic Church in Gates, New York. He holds a Bachelors of Sacred Theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. In Today's Show What are some differences in the liturgical calendar in the Eastern Rite? What is the Eastern Rite and where/how did it originate? Should this be deemed as a separation or split from the Roman Rite, or is there a better way to describe it? I follow the Gregorian calendar! But what's the difference between the Julian calendar and the Gregorian calendar? As I understand it, Eastern Rite Catholic priests are able to be married and even have children. Can you please explain that concept and why it is approached differently in Eastern Rite churches? How do Eastern Rite priests balance the roles of being a husband, father, and priest all at the same time? Are there any differences in potential roles for women in Eastern Rite churches in comparison to the Roman Rite? I thought I had heard somewhere that Eastern Rite churches are slightly more restrictive in this area. Does one need to be registered as a member of an Eastern Rite church in order to attend Mass there? In other words, if I am a parishioner of another parish, for example, could I just decide in a spur of the moment to attend an Eastern Rite mass on any given Sunday? Would that "get me in trouble" with God in any way? Did you ever, at any point, consider becoming a priest in the Roman rite? Can you tell us a little bit about how you came to the decision of becoming a Melkite Catholic priest? Is there any difference in how the sacraments are administered in a Melkite Catholic church versus, say, an average Roman Catholic parish? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Fr. Elias Mary Mills, F.I. served as Rector of the Shrine Church at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Lacrosse, Wisconsin from 2016 to 2021. He was ordained in May of 2000. In Today's Show - All About Our Lady! (Part Four) What is your favorite title for Mary and why? Can you please explain why we Catholics place an emphasis on Mary and Her Immaculate Conception? Protestants feel this takes away from Jesus, and while I obviously disagree with that assessment, I have a hard time offering a compelling rebuttal. Why is Mary's mantle used as such a prominent symbol? I see frequent references to it but never really understood the significance. A friend recently told me that the Eastern Orthodox church celebrates the protection of Mary's mantle with a feast day in its liturgical calendar. I thought the common perception was that Catholics are the ones who "worship" Mary? Why should we consecrate ourselves to Mary rather than to Jesus or the Holy Spirit? Was Russia ever fully/properly consecrated as requested by Our Lady at Fatima? What are the concrete fruits of total consecration to Our Lady? I'm looking for clarification on how many complete Rosaries need to be prayed to make a First Saturday devotion. I've heard different things about five mysteries. Mary was conceived without sin and the Archangel Gabriel greeted her as "full of grace." What was her upbringing like? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Fr. Joseph Dalimata, FSSP serves as Parochial Vicar at Immaculate Conception Church in El Paso, Texas. He was ordained in May of 2021. In Today's Show Being in El Paso and near Fort Bliss, do you support the base in any way? Does the base have its own Priest or do local Priests go onto the base to support the soldiers? We had Mass when I was in Afghanistan. Were those Priests attached to the Army or do diocesan Priests volunteer to go? The Catholic Church has a dogma of "mediatrix". It suggests Catholics asking saints such as Mary for intercession, mediation in their prayer. How does this not contradict the bible verse 1 Timothy 2:5 "For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus." Different beliefs regarding transubstantiation in Eastern Rite Catholic churches I believe I may have had a vision from God and I'm wondering what your thoughts are. Should first Communicants only be taught to receive in the hand? This bothers me, but I don't know if I should speak with the priest or how else to proceed. Is there an age limit or minimum age requirement to become a priest or deacon? If I miss a day of a novena or am late (past midnight) when I remember to say the novena prayer, should I restart the novena? Is the Eucharist valid if the Novus Ordo parish I attend promotes the rainbow/pride flag? With May starting tomorrow and being the Month of Our Lady, how can we show our love to her during this month? Prayers? Devotions? I'm 13 years old and not allowed to wear bikinis. My question is, could I go to hell for wearing a bikini? And if i would, would I still go to hell if it is a girls-only party? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Fr. Anthony Amato is the Pastor of St. Peter's Parish in Clifton Springs, New York. He was ordained as a priest in June of 2017 by Bishop Salvatore Matano of the Diocese of Rochester, New York. In Today's Show Should I get a conditional baptism if a Lutheran pastor did it as a baby? I heard an SSPX priest say that going to the Novus Ordo when you know that it is illicit puts one in the state of sin. Is this true? I would like to know if it is morally wrong or sinful to buy from stores that promote sin (such as being pro-LGBT or supporting abortion, etc.)? What is the sin of consent? Is it a mortal sin not to vote in our elections? I have a question about how John the Baptist died. I thought I had heard or read somewhere that he also had been put to death on the cross. Is this true? Ascension Thursday (a Holy Day of Obligation) is next week. If I live in a diocese that transfers the Solemnity to the following Sunday, am I still required to attend Mass next Thursday? What exactly is good and what is evil? What is the sin of pride and where can it be found in our lives? After sin, should you indulge in guilty thoughts and bashing yourself, or should you be more positive and reset yourself in the intention not to sin? Which voice is God's voice? How can I help a relative who has a negative view of God due to their own "father wounds?" Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Canon Ross Bourgeois, ICKSP serves as Parochial Vicar at Most Precious Blood of Jesus Parish in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Canon Bourgeois was ordained in 2019. In Today's Show: Altar servers kiss the hands of priests during the liturgy, which is very beautiful. I understand the Eastern Christians venerate the hands of priests, even when they meet them in secular settings. Can laity kiss the hands of Catholic priests, apart from First Mass blessings? If so, please explain the etiquette. Are the terms of the marriage contract identical in a mixed marriage? Can I read daily devotions that are not written by a Catholic? Could a priest say the Novus Ordo with a Douay-Rheims Lectionary? Is it correct for an altar server to go to the tabernacle and put away the consecrated hosts after communion? What is the difference between how a deacon Baptizes and how a priest Baptizes, since a Deacon cannot anoint? How might dual citizenship affect one's enrollment with the ICKSP? Would Canon Ross mind sharing what were a couple of his favorite saints and why they're his favorites? I went to confession, but after confession I got into an argument and said some hurtful things. It's going to be at least a week until my next confession; does asking God sincerely for forgiveness in your prayers give you some of God's grace back, or must you confess to get any connection back with God? Is saying hurtful things a mortal sin? Is it ok to refer to an Institute priest as Father? Does it happen often? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Fr. John-Mary Bowlin serves as Parish Priest at St. Jude Catholic Church in Gun Barrel City, Texas. He served in the U.S. Army and was ordained a priest in June of 2012. In Today's Show: I can't stop feeling anxious about the end times even after going to Confession and doing lots of reading and research. Can you tell me what the Catholic church teaches about this subject? When multiple mysteries of the Rosary are being prayed, should the Salve Regina be prayed in between? Is it correct that if we are in friendship with sinners or don't warn them of their sin, God will hold us responsible if they go to Hell? Would we be condemned to Hell for this error? How does Catholicism view self-help and self-improvement and how does that fit in with surrendering to God's will? What does the church teach about forgiveness, particularly forgiving those who have committed exceptionally grievous offenses against us? In Matthew 19:24, it says "Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." I was wondering how to interpret this. I am thirteen and one of my largest aspirations is to be rich and successful, and I wanted to know if you could be rich, have fast cars, big boats, etc. and still do right by the Lord. Father Bowlin's brother priest invades the show... There's a life sized image of Our Lady. It appears she has no head covering. I don't recall where this is at, but it is outside. I thought it was odd. I've always seen Our Lady with a head covering. Your thoughts, please? What measures can we take whilst wearing saint medals and praying using "shrines" with imagery of Jesus and Mary etc. to avoid idolatry? For those like myself who don't have access to a solid youth formation group in their area, what might you recommend as an alternative for kids? Why hadn't Jesus taken His Mother Mary to Heaven at His Ascension? Before Christ, the Jews did not know about the Trinitarian nature of God until Jesus manifested himself. Is it possible that like Jesus, there might be another person of God that hasn't been manifested to us yet, or is the mystery complete? Does being blind, visually impaired or hearing impaired impede someone from being accepted into the priesthood? Are there situations of extreme poverty when parents are able to live with their daughter and her husband and children even though the daughter and husband were not married in the church? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Canon Benjamin Norman, ICKSP currently serves as Chaplain of the ICKSP Oakland Apostolate at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Oakland, California. He was ordained in 2018. In Today's Show: Is there any reference in the Bible to actual sin being passed on from one generation to the next besides Original Sin? What books would you recommend for one wanting to be formed in the scholastic tradition? I was asked to be the best man in a Lutheran wedding. Can I do this as a Catholic? If not, how can I decline without hurting the couple's feelings? Can we assume that Elijah was assumed into heaven in the Old Testament, similarly to Our Lady? How can we best avoid judging and criticizing others? What does Catholic masculinity look like? How does it differ from contemporary American masculinity? Can we fulfill the first Saturday Devotions every month attending a Novus Ordo if/when we can't find a Latin Mass to receive Holy Communion? Regarding remote worship: is an online Mass, or streaming Adoration, or blessings given during a podcast like this valid? What is the best practice after falling back into temptation? What is best to do to bring some holiness back into your life until you can go to Reconciliation? Do sacramentals like epiphany water & salt or Candlemas candles need to be re-blessed each year if unused? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Fr. Daniel Alloy, FSSP has served as Parochial Vicar at Regina Caeli Parish in Houston, Texas since July of 2022. He was ordained in June of 2020. In Today's Show I have an elderly, non-Catholic loved one who is slowly declining in health and I worry about her salvation. I'm certain this person has unconfessed mortal sins. How would or could a priest handle this scenario if I called to schedule a visit? Is it ok to have a cough drop right before receiving Holy Communion? Are canonizations infallible? Being in an order in which you can end up anywhere in North America, do you find it difficult to be away from your family? Do you find it more difficult to be away from your parents or siblings? What are some things you can recommend to a seminarian to deal with loneliness? In the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Thursday night, during the Consecration, there was a clapper used instead of the bells. Is there a reason why this was done? I know Priests cannot discuss what is said to them during Confession, but are there similar requirements placed on the one confessing? Can I tell my wife what was confessed and the guidance received? Any tips or resources to help fight acedia? I'm wondering if my Confession was valid if I forgot my penance. I was wondering about the lives of priests of the FSSP. Is it more communal, as in recitation and meals together with brother priests (kind of like religious orders), or is it more flexible and a little more individual? Also, given that FSSP priests do not take religious vows, what promises do they make? Lastly, are FSSP priests permitted to say the Novus Ordo mass? Reports have stated that Catholic Charities are funding illegal immigrants in the US. Are the Bishops the ones who should be putting a stop to this? Who oversees a "Catholic Charity?" Also, is breaking the law by being an accomplice to illegal immigration when there is a legal pathway ok, even if you think someone is in danger? Isn't the proper act to assist the person in entering the country legally instead of assisting illegal entry, even if indirectly after they are here? Are there any special preps for Pentecost? Devotions? Prayers? Mindset? I am not aware of any other than showing up at church on Pentecost Sunday. Someone says we Catholics pray to dead people.... how do you respond? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Canon Stephen Sharpe, ICKSP serves as Parochial Vicar at St. Joseph Oratory in Detroit, Michigan. He was ordained in 2020. In Today's Show Getting to know the newest member of our regular show lineup! For the institute, is the age minimum for seminary 18? As an American, is the first year in Europe and the rest of the time in Wisconsin? And why is the color blue worn? Who were the founders of the ICKSP? Why do speak of priests as coming from the line of Melchizedek? Do miracles happen in other religions? What significance would they hold? Best practices for Mass attendance on Holy Days and differences between the Old and New Rites Ember Days are coming up on May 19, 22 and 24. Is this devotion making a comeback? What is the Sacred Heart Society in the Institute of Christ the King? ​​Why do so many modern Bible translations leave out the word "fasting" in Mark 9:29 about casting out a difficult demon, and instead only say "by prayer?" ​​Is it a sin to listen to music or watch movies that use God's name emptily or vainly?​​ Someone said it is a mortal sin if you willingly do so. What are some signs of a person having "spiritual delusion?" Do you consider pornography to be something addictive? If so, any suggestions on overcoming it? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Fr. John Brancich, FSSP is the pastor of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Nashua, New Hampshire. He was ordained into the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter in 2004. In Today's Show The Douay-Rheims has this passage as "And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it." I've seen other Bibles that say, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." Is this just a translation issue? When praying to God for something over and over, does God want that or is what we are praying for simply not accepted? Can you explain what a general confession is? "Then two shall be in the field: one shall be taken, and one shall be left." Can you explain what this Gospel passage means? How does a Catholic maintain good conscience in an unjust war? Why is it difficult to get into a Deacon program? Isn't there a shortage? Speaking in tongues. How does someone recognize this and what should they do if they hear it? When I vote can I have Jesus be my write-in? Should I attend a baptism in which the godparent is in a gay marriage? Is watching combat sports like boxing and UFC sinful? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Fr. John-Mary Bowlin serves as Parish Priest at St. Jude Catholic Church in Gun Barrel City, Texas. He served in the U.S. Army and was ordained a priest in June of 2012. In Today's Show: I just wanted to know the extent to which I need to pray, and the extent to which I need to confess, act, and behave in order for me to do what is right, to achieve what is good? I also want to understand why some people who don't pray and don't live a good life have all that they need, achieve good grades, etc. How can one discern what God's will is and determine what's coming from God and what might be coming from elsewhere? If, over the years, you confess something too generally, or leave something out because it haunts you and you don't remember confessing it before and so you do it again, how do you make sure that you have done what you need to do to be right with God and are forgiven? I recall things and wonder, did I confess that? I would appreciate your help. How does one make the jump from deism to theism? I struggle to think of a personal God rather than a simple creator. How does Christ work through the saints? Can you please clarify the role that the saints should play in our spiritual life? I am a college student. Praise and worship music is played during my university's weekly Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Should Adoration be treated as more of a devotion, a liturgical service, or a quasi-liturgical service? Are there specific rules anywhere for how adoration should be performed, specifically regarding sacred music? I have a bunch of prayer cards that I touched to the relic of St. Jude Thaddeus. Would it be prudent of me to laminate them and to write on the back that they are third class relics? Does one immediately fall into a state of mortal sin if they have what might be considered "inappropriate" thoughts about the opposite sex, even if those thoughts are consciously ignored and never acted upon? What is having a Devotion to a Saint versus being Consecrated to a Saint? How does the church view material success? Is wealth bad? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Fr. Elias Mary Mills, F.I. served as Rector of the Shrine Church at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Lacrosse, Wisconsin from 2016 to 2021. He was ordained in May of 2000. In Today's Show Where can Catholics look for guidance regarding which candidate to support in the upcoming election? I'm a little confused after Trump's comments on abortion. What things are the hardest for a new monk to get used to in the monastery? I have a cousin who is going to be entering. What should I be keeping in mind when making a general confession? What is the purpose of the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker? Are there options for the readings of that feast? And are there any resources where I can learn more about this feast? What is the catholic church teaching regarding seeing mediums or spiritualists when losing a loved one? My son gave me a brown scapular and it is already blessed. Does it need to be enrolled in a certain way? I go to both Novus Ordo mass and FSSP Traditional Latin Mass. The more I am at the Novus Ordo mass, the more uncomfortable I become with extraordinary ministers offering blessings during Communion. Am I right to be concerned? What is the symbolism behind your habit? Will we need humility in heaven? How do I answer a Protestant who argues that the Catholic church is the "Whore of Babylon?" Can you please speak about professional and youth sports on Sundays? Is it acceptable for professional Catholic athletes to play on Sundays if they have attended Mass? How does that relate to keeping Sundays Holy? If a Catholic attends Mass on Sunday, is it acceptable to spend the rest of the day watching pro sports or playing in youth sport leagues? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Fr. Charles Murr holds two Licentiates from the Gregorian University (philosophical anthropology and sacred theology), and a Master's Degree in psychology from NYU. He is notable as a recipient of the "Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World" award and the "Ten Outstanding Young Americans" award. Both honors were awarded in 1985. Father Murr was also a lifelong friend and personal assistant to Cardinal Édouard Gagnon. In Today's Show I am a carpenter and I have been asked to work on a project in someone's home that involves building a Muslim prayer room. I don't think there are any issues with building this, but I wanted to make sure before I commit to this project. I was recently at Mass and one of the prayers of the faithful said, "We pray for our Muslim brothers and sisters as they prepare to celebrate Ramadan." My immediate reaction was shock that that was one of the prayers of the faithful. It seemed like it was inappropriate. First, am I correct to feel stunned by that? And if so, should I contact the priest about it? I'm very reluctant, and am one of those "go along to get along" types. But, I don't want to not say anything if the appropriate thing to do is to speak up! What constitutes "breaking the seal of the Confessional" and how serious of an offense is such a thing? What can one do if they've stopped feeling guilty after a habitual sin? How should they proceed? Will Father Murr be releasing another book? A fellow parishioner of mine brings the Eucharist home to his wife each weekend after Mass. However, he does so by simply placing the Host in his pocket. How is such a thing permissible? Should I speak to someone about this? How can Catholics grow in humility in this modern era when so many are fixated on pushing and promoting podcasts, films, books, etc. in an attempt to gain fame and notoriety? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Fr. Jonathan Romanoski, FSSP is Pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Providence, Rhode Island. He was ordained in 2008. In Today's Show If a young couple or middle-aged couple (NOT elderly) cannot have children and it is too expensive to adopt, what are the potential benefits of their marriage? What is the difference between the ordinary and extraordinary Magisterium? Is it OK for me to go against my Catholic family and marry an atheist woman (who has no desire or willingness to convert) of whom they disapprove? Would it be a sin to marry someone I love even if everyone tells me not to? What would be your best argument/explanation as to why Holy Communion should only be received from consecrated hands and while kneeling and on the tongue? Pontius Pilate washed his hands to denote his not having anything to do with putting Jesus through the crucifixion. Does the washing of the hands of the priest during Mass denote the opposite? During the prayer, "Dominus vobiscum," what is the significance of the priest moving his palms apart chest-width, then joining them together again? I have celiac disease and can not ingest gluten or wheat. I have not taken communion because of this. So, taking into account transubstantiation, will this cancel out (if you will) the whole gluten issue, thus making it "safe" to consume and take communion normally? When visiting loved ones in a cemetery, what prayers would you recommend? If God forgives everyone, why do we need Hell? If He forgives everyone, why punish people with Hell? Is there forgiveness or not? If divorce is a public sin, how come all divorcees remain eligible to receive Holy Communion? Was Jesus crucified naked or clothed? Does this hold any significance? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Fr. Alan Maria Wharton, F.I. has assisted in Pastoral Ministry and Media Production for The Station of the Cross 88.5 FM in New Bedford, Massachusetts, formerly Radio Cor Mariae. In Today's Show In a previous episode, the priest mentioned that Holy Orders is one of the sacraments that can only be received once. Are the ordinations to the diaconate, priesthood, and episcopate not all considered Holy Orders? Are they all considered ordinations? If you have time, a question about a hypothetical situation: If a lay man got elected Pope, would he first have to go through ordinations for deacon, priest, and bishop, or could he go straight to Bishop? I've noticed some people who are Catholics in good standing and in the state of grace refraining from communion during Mass and I guess receiving at least once a year in accordance with the precept of the Church. Is there a devotion behind refraining from communion during Mass? Is there some kind of spiritual benefit of refraining from receiving communion during Mass? Can a priest legally deny someone in good standing reception of Communion on the tongue? Is a deacon considered an ordinary or extraordinary minister of Holy Communion? I was in a situation where the Host fell and was caught by the Deacon and I then needed to receive in the hand. Was this okay? Should children receiving First Communion be given the choice between receiving in the hand or on the tongue? Why or why not? When Pilate's wife received a dream about Jesus in the Gospel, who sent her that dream and why? Was it Satan? Is it a mortal sin to take Our Lord's Name in vain, like saying "omg?" I would like to know what the stance of the Church is on suicide. Is that person able to get a Catholic burial? Has this changed over time? Will animals turn on us in the End Times? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Fr. William Rock, FSSP serves as Parochial Vicar at Regina Caeli Parish in Houston, Texas. He was ordained in October of 2019 and serves as a regular contributor to the FSSP North America Missive Blog and the TAN Direction Blog. In Today's Show: Was I wrong for forcing my kids to attend Mass growing up? They now resent me for it. As a diocesan seminarian, how can I reconcile the Old Theology with the New Theology? Why do several of the priests on the show put so much weight on St. Thomas Aquinas? Does the priest always have to use incense for the Benediction? What can someone do if they have an allergy to it? In my diocese, there are a very limited number of Saturday masses. Is it permissible to attend a Saturday morning mass, even if it is a priestly ordination or deacon's ordination, to count as a Saturday daily mass? What are the origins of the Beretta? Do you find it difficult being in an order that takes you away from your family? And do you find it harder to be away from your parents or siblings? How much does seminary school cost per year? What are the educational requirements? Would you put a name as an intention that you definitely know is correct but less specific, or put a name that is possibly correct but more specific, knowing how God is specific when it comes to prayer intentions? (For example, Thomas Smith vs. Thomas A. Smith vs. Tom Smith) How specific does the intention of the name have to be as it relates to someone's baptismal name? I often see statues of St. Joseph holding lilies. What is the meaning of the lilies? During the Creed we say that Jesus descended into Hell. However, I was informed by a Deacon that Jesus did not really descend into hell. Please explain where we think Jesus was until he rose on the third day. And also, why do we keep saying hell if that is a mistranslation? Why don't we correct it? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Canon Francis Altiere, ICKSP serves as Rector of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Oratory in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He was ordained in 2014. In Today's Show Are priests subject to jury duty? Why do some priests wear a white cassock instead of a black cassock? When a Catholic marries a non-Catholic outside the Church and without dispensation to do so, then they are not considered married by the Catholic Church, but are only married legally according to the state, correct? What if the marriage ends in divorce; does the Catholic person have to get an annulment with the Church to remarry? If I was in a state of mortal sin during my Baptism, is my Baptism valid? What is your opinion on the status of the SSPX? Does Traditionis Custodes apply to orders such as the FSSP and ICKSP? Can any aspects of feminist ideologies be reconciled with the Catholic faith? Why do we get different accounts of what happened surrounding to whom (as well as when and how) Jesus first appeared after His Resurrection? Does unintentionally omitting details of a sin invalidate a Confession? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Fr. Daniel Alloy, FSSP has served as Parochial Vicar at Regina Caeli Parish in Houston, Texas since July of 2022. He was ordained in June of 2020. In Today's Show Is it right for Bishop Strickland to still call himself Bishop and for others to address him that way since he was removed by the Vatican? What is the church teaching on practicing Yoga only for stretching and exercise rather than anything associated with Hinduism? This includes going to a class. Did Jesus and Mary share the same blood when Jesus was in the womb? Why would the chalice need to be purified after the Blessed Sacrament has already been inside? Does the pope have the authority to imprison bishops under Canon law? Can the ablution be consumed by anyone else other than the priest? To request speaking at a conference, what is the standard stipend for an FSSP priest? Can a young Catholic widow marry a divorced man? Any problems with that future marriage? What is the difference between social sins and structural sins? Do Catholics believe that they are going to be risen from the dead in the same body at some time in the future? Was it true that the Bible was written after Jesus' death and if so, how can I defend myself and our faith when atheists use that as a claim against Catholicism? In the history of the Church (before Vatican ll), did the faithful regularly receive Holy Communion in the hand? If so, under what circumstances? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Fr. Elias Mary Mills, F.I. served as Rector of the Shrine Church at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Lacrosse, Wisconsin from 2016 to 2021. He was ordained in May of 2000. Dr. Paul Byrne is a retired neonatologist and Clinical Professor of Pediatrics. He is former President of the Catholic Medical Association. Dr. Byrne has presented testimony on life-death issues to nine state legislatures beginning in 1967. In Today's Show China is building the world's largest DNA database to facilitate forced organ harvesting for profit. Why should this concern Catholics? My question is about "humanized mice" which are produced by taking live organs such as thymus, liver, lungs, bone marrow from babies aborted alive, then transplanting them. These organs must be taken prior to the death of the baby because they are then transplanted into mice to develop monoclonal antibodies to develop many of the drugs in current popular use. I understand most people are unaware of this procedure and its evil implications, but why is the Church not condemning this? Why is IVF unacceptable for Catholics? Is abortion actually referenced or mentioned in the Bible? To what extent are we obligated to follow the advice or orders of a doctor when so many have turned to simply giving "feel good" advice? For example, doctors affirming overweight patients to "love their bodies" or encouraging those with gender dysphoria to "be themselves?" Do you feel, as a result of the quick fixes that are so often thrown at us in the medical community nowadays, that we've lost sight of the importance of living a healthy lifestyle? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Fr. William Rock, FSSP serves as Parochial Vicar at Regina Caeli Parish in Houston, Texas. He was ordained in October of 2019 and serves as a regular contributor to the FSSP North America Missive Blog and the TAN Direction Blog. In Today's Show: What can Father tell us about the Vatican II Document Nostra Aetate? How can we better understand the changes in how justice is spoken of in the Old Testament (for example, in Deuteronomy), where people were stoned for certain sins or crimes (idolatry, adultery, killing, stealing, etc.) vs. how this changed so much in the New Testament where Jesus taught forgiveness, turning the other cheek, and not condemning others? Can we have reasonable hope for more recent saints such as Padre Pio to be incorporated into the Traditional Latin Mass? In Chapter 9 of the Gospel of Mark, a demon is cast out from a child. How is it possible that a child would harbor a demon? Can Father explain what a "generational demon" is? How is it so easy for one to forget about God and His promises after he has bestowed his consolation upon us? I know that the FSSP seminary in Nebraska allows men who are discerning a priestly vocation to visit the seminary for a period of 3-4 days during the academic year. Could you explain the things/activities the men that will visit the seminary will do? There are verses that reference blasphemy against the Holy Spirit as unforgivable. In the context of the Holy Trinity, how is it possible for sins against one to be unforgivable but others to be forgivable? My friend gave me a bell that was exorcised. She said to ring it whenever someone swears in my home, etc. Can you explain the exorcising of objects and is there anything to it? My family was wondering if tomorrow is considered a "meat Friday" since it's during the Easter Octave. Do we or don't we abstain from meat? How can one explain the words "Deposit of Faith" to someone who is in the RCIA program discerning to become Catholic? Father, how do I respond to a sedevacantist that says the FSSP/ICKSP isn't valid, particularly due to a "modernist" Bishop ordaining them? Can one use Holy Water on children (and teach them about it) who are not Catholic? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Canon Benjamin Norman, ICKSP currently serves as Chaplain of the ICKSP Oakland Apostolate at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Oakland, California. He was ordained in 2018. In Today's Show: In John Chapter 6, Our Lord tells everyone "unless you eat my body and drink my blood, you will have no life in me." Many of these people were offended and left. I find it peculiar that this verse appears in John 6:66 and I wanted to know if you think there could be any relation between this verse and what is referred to as the "Mark of the Beast." Can an item be touched to multiple relics of different Saints? If I hand out Rosaries that I've made, am I able to include a blessed and exorcised St. Benedict medal? At the beginning of Latin Mass, the priest is praying Psalm 42 and slowly and cautiously approaches the altar asking God to send forth His light and truth. At the end of the Mass, God seems to answer and does send his light. It's like the request has been granted. Is this intentional or simply coincidental symbolism? Is it accurate that the upcoming solar eclipse could be some sort of sign from God? I know this rumor is going around currently. If a priest does not drink from the chalice during the mass, is the mass and reception of the Eucharist still valid? As someone going through RCIA - baptized in a Protestant church - can I wear a Brown Scapular or other Scapular? Regarding the phrase "rose again" as used in the Nicene Creed: what exactly does that refer to? Did He actually rise multiple times? Have you ever cried during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass? Was Jesus capable of saying no when told that He was going to suffer His Passion? Is missing the Easter Communion duty always a mortal sin? I have bad scrupulosity and am trying to find a spiritual director, but I am afraid I may not be able to receive before the Easter season ends. Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Fr. Joseph Dalimata, FSSP serves as Parochial Vicar at Immaculate Conception Church in El Paso, Texas. He was ordained in May of 2021. In Today's Show Can you explain why the two disciples and Mary Magdalene couldn't recognize Jesus? After all the time they spent with him, wouldn't they know his face? What does it mean to "have their eyes opened?" I have heard that the Easter Vigil didn't count towards the Sunday obligation at my local parish. Was this more of a historical thing or is it enforced now? I've also heard that the Vigil was celebrated earlier in the day back then. During Lent, are you allowed to ring the bells during the consecration? Are women ever forbidden from wearing a hat or scarf (chemo head covering) when receiving Communion? Is it a sin of scandal if someone has a statue of an Egyptian idol on a shelf in their room as a decoration? Is it a problem to remove my roommate from our lease due to complications? Can someone really be a "cafeteria Catholic" or is that just an oxymoron? Is it mandatory to receive Communion on Good Friday? If a person has to leave the Good Friday service early due to unforeseen circumstances, does that need to be confessed? Would anything like a history of substance abuse could bar a man from being accepted into a Seminary? I am engaged to be married and a few of my relatives are in marriages not recognized by the church (divorced and remarried/married outside the church) and I am wondering if it is a sin to address their wedding invites with, for example, Mr. And Mrs. Johnson, or even send one wedding invitation to one house if the couple is not in a valid marriage. I don't want to be approving of their situation. As I understand it, our suffering is the result of Adam and Eve's original sin. The Blessed Mother was conceived without original sin. Please explain how it is that she suffers. Does the Church permit Masses to be said for deceased animals? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Fr. Anthony Amato is the Pastor of St. Peter's Parish in Clifton Springs, New York. He was ordained as a priest in June of 2017 by Bishop Salvatore Matano of the Diocese of Rochester, New York. In Today's Show If a diocese does not have a resident exorcist, does the Bishop have to appoint one? What are the dangers of not having an exorcist in the diocese? Does a priest have to want to be an exorcist to be appointed as one? Could the bishop tell or recommend to a priest to study to become an exorcist? What kind of training would that entail? Would you ever consider becoming, or have you ever wanted to become, an exorcist? Do you have any suggestions of saints who can intercede or special prayers for those afflicted with anxiety? I ask St. Rita and St. Dymphna for their prayers. Can you share any thoughts on the evil one's tactics in relationships? Holy Days of Obligation Mass attendance policies and differences between rites Is it okay to dress well with the intention of wholesomely attracting the opposite sex before you have discovered what your vocation might be? Can a person baptize themself in an emergency? I would like to know if it is OK to attend a kid's birthday party during Lent. What are your thoughts on the Catholic Charismatic renewal? What are your thoughts on praise and worship music? Obviously Jesus Doesn't actually endorse divorce in Matthew chapter 19, but how can I refute that claim when someone makes it? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Fr. Alan Maria Wharton, F.I. has assisted in Pastoral Ministry and Media Production for The Station of the Cross 88.5 FM in New Bedford, Massachusetts, formerly Radio Cor Mariae. In Today's Show My divorced mother-in-law is not Catholic and is really eager for my husband to meet her "partner". How should we approach this charitably? I recently am struggling with porn. Do I have an obligation to tell my girlfriend before we get married? My friend who is a Jehovah Witness, and invited me to a service at their Kingdom Hall. Must I decline? Does the Church believe that brain death is sufficient reason to take someone off of life support? Are the stations of the cross part of the liturgy, and what are their origins? Are there any TLMs that we can go to in Tennessee? Why does the Easter Vigil begin so early? Is it permissible for Catholic professional athletes to play on Sundays? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Canon Benjamin Norman, ICKSP currently serves as Chaplain of the ICKSP Oakland Apostolate at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Oakland, California. He was ordained in 2018. In Today's Show: For many years I have worked with a group of people who are not religious, although one was raised Catholic and served at mass as an altar boy. Whenever possible, I defend the Catholic faith and state the Catholic Church's position on things, but my formerly Catholic co-worker usually just makes some flippant remark about the Church selling indulgences. I worry about my co-workers' salvation and wonder what responsibility I may have for their eternal destiny. Can you give me any advice? What's the difference between speaking the truth in charity and belittling someone? How do I respond to people who accuse us Catholics of cannibalism for eating and drinking the flesh and blood of Christ? How did dinosaurs fit into the seven days of creation? How do Priests decide on the type of penance to give in confession? Is it acceptable to have a large dinner celebration on God Friday if one has family visiting from out of town? Can you please help me understand the sin of gluttony? Why were things like polygamy and divorce viewed as acceptable in the Old Testament? How can I best explain to non-Catholics why we go to Confession instead of just telling our sins to Jesus? Is speeding 5 mph over the posted speed limit a mortal sin? If I'm trying to keep up with the other drivers, does that constitute a sin? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Fr. Elias Mary Mills, F.I. served as Rector of the Shrine Church at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Lacrosse, Wisconsin from 2016 to 2021. He was ordained in May of 2000. In Today's Show If a healthcare provider knows that there are existing "repurposed" treatments that work, is it their obligation to speak up even if it costs their job? Can you please provide a general overview of the Catholic stance on vaccination? I know this was a prominent topic the last few years during the pandemic, and I've heard differing stances. Some say that we, as Catholics, are obligated to get vaccinated to protect our neighbors. Others say that it is morally unjust to do so because so many vaccines use aborted fetal tissue and other questionable components. What say you? What is the Catholic position on sex change that is being performed on individuals who have "gender dysphoria?" Please explain how the soul is expressed through the body. Euthanasia seems to be becoming more and more acceptable, especially in European countries (and Canada). Is euthanasia ever considered okay in the eyes of the Catholic church, even if one were suffering with extreme pain or discomfort as a result of a medical condition or something similar? Likewise, how does the church view the euthanization of animals for humane purposes? Is that in any way comparable to murdering another innocent being? * Disclaimer * - we are NOT medical experts, but rather simply hoping to educate the audience on these topics from a Catholic perspective. Please consult your doctor and make informed decisions that are the best for you and your personal situation! Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Fr. Joseph Dalimata, FSSP serves as Parochial Vicar at Immaculate Conception Church in El Paso, Texas. He was ordained in May of 2021. In Today's Show If I were looking to lead a Catholic youth formation group, where would I "sign up" for something like that? Do I need to have any special set of skills or qualifications outside of being a devout Catholic? How would you have recommended a person handle a disruptive and/or disrespectful student? Do you have any advice for someone looking to learn to love their students as St. John Bosco did? I find that sometimes I can lose my patience and become frustrated with them. How do I talk to young children about the faith who are very young and intimidated when they see a priest? I have a nephew who has young children and they are all away from the church. How might I best speak with them to encourage their return to the church? Are there any topics or areas that should be avoided for particular age groups when leading a youth formation program? For example, is something like a discussion about human sexuality appropriate only for older students? What is the value of a Catholic education in our modern times? Is attending a Catholic school (if homeschooling isn't possible) essential, or can public school work out so long as the parents make sure to keep a close eye on what's going on? How harmful is it for children to participate in something like a vacation Bible school with children from other denominations such as Lutherans? How essential is children's participation in a group like the ones you've spoken about on this show? What are the chances that my kids can grow up to be faithful Catholics despite not having experiences like these? It seems like the most important lesson that a young Catholic can learn is the belief in Christ's real presence in the Eucharist. As we know, so many Catholics, even the majority, do not believe in this themselves. The church might look a lot different today if this weren't the case. How can I really hammer home this fundamental truth of our faith to my young kids in a way that sticks with them for years to come? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Fr. Anthony Amato is the Pastor of St. Peter's Parish in Clifton Springs, New York. He was ordained as a priest in June of 2017 by Bishop Salvatore Matano of the Diocese of Rochester, New York. In Today's Show Why we veil Sacred Images during Passiontide? Sometimes I have gone to confession and have forgotten to mention a sin. I was not purposely withholding anything from the priest during the confession. I had honestly forgotten. However, after the confession was over I was conscious that it had totally slipped my mind during the confession to mention the sin. Can I still receive the Eucharist? If I do under these particular circumstances, am I committing a serious offense of sacrilege? Do Diocesan priests in any way get to choose or at least request where they are going to be assigned to work? How might that differ for a non-Diocesan priest? I plan on getting married in the Catholic Church, but some of my closest relatives and friends are not Catholic. Can I still have them in my wedding party or even as a Maid of Honor? What if I am willfully naive in thinking that something was a venial sin when it was a mortal sin, when I go to confession? I see that many parishes offer Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, usually in conjunction with some kind of prayer service. I have been at my parish for most of my life, and to my knowledge our parish has never had a Benediction for as long as I have been here. Can you explain, first of all, what a Benediction is used for, and secondly why some parishes seem to prefer it often when others don't do it at all? Can a lay person expose the Blessed Sacrament for adoration if a priest isn't available? What makes for a good amount of time for daily prayer for a regular lay person and are there prayers that are daily staples? What are good steps to take to avoid going stale and losing interest? Since God forgives us our sins only if we are sorry for them, then if someone hurts us in some way, do we have to forgive them even if they are not sorry for what they have done? Also, is it a sin if you don't forgive a person who has sinned against you? Where can I find a spiritual director and should it be a priest? I feel like I am always asking God for things, even money, so that I can provide for my children, but then I feel guilty that I am just asking for things all the time. Do you have any advice on how I should approach my prayer life? What are your thoughts about the end times (Illumination of Conscience)? How, and to what extent, should we be preparing? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Canon Ross Bourgeois, ICKSP serves as Parochial Vicar at Most Precious Blood of Jesus Parish in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Canon Bourgeois was ordained in 2019. In Today's Show: In the Gospel of John 12:20-26, we read the story of the Greeks who approached the Apostle, Philip, with a request that they be allowed to see Jesus. Philip mentions the request to Andrew, then they both inform Jesus that a group of Greeks are asking to see Him. Then we read, "And Jesus answered them, saying "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified." From there, Jesus goes on to predict His death and a few other matters. My question is: In regard to the request of the Greeks, was Jesus' answer a yes or a no? We know that the priest kisses the altar at the beginning of mass. Catholics also have this tradition of kissing relics and other sacred objects including statues, crosses and images. Personally, I feel a little uncomfortable kissing relics and such. Where did this tradition come from and what does it mean? I confessed a sin as venial but now I worry that it may have been mortal because I was aware of what I was doing. After confession, I typically receive Communion. If this sin was truly mortal and I didn't confess "properly" am I still living in a state of sin and receiving improperly? Can St. Patrick's Day be viewed as a "cheat day" during Lent? I am Protestant and have a lot of questions about the Catholic faith. Where can I turn for answers that I can trust that aren't tainted with modernist ideologies? Obviously it was important enough for Jesus to come back from the resurrection to teach the apostles how to baptize others, but how was the Christian baptism different from the one Jesus received? Discussing the readings of the first and fourth Fridays of Lent. Was there a particular reason these readings were chosen? What is their deeper connection to Our Lord and Holy Week? Why did they stop capitalizing "His/He/Me/Myself" when referring to Jesus and God in most Bibles and religious books? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Fr. William Rock, FSSP serves as Parochial Vicar at Regina Caeli Parish in Houston, Texas. He was ordained in October of 2019 and serves as a regular contributor to the FSSP North America Missive Blog and the TAN Direction Blog. In Today's Show What should we be keeping in mind as we approach Passiontide? What are Father's thoughts on the new Cabrini movie? Why do traditional Catholics seem to dress differently for weekday mass compared to Sunday mass - is there a difference? Someone referenced Mark 16:17 to promote lay-people laying hands on others for healing, basically saying Jesus said anyone who believes will do these things. I have heard that lay people laying hands on each other is dangerous, so what is a counter-argument for this? How does the church feel about the use of CBD oil for medicinal purposes? I was baptized at an orthodox church as a kid. Should I ask for a new baptism? Are there different fasting rules on Good Friday than other Fridays in Lent? I read that there were no rubrics for the Mass until the Novus Ordo. Is that true? I had never heard of it before. How would the church view a man and a woman living together outside of marriage for the sole purpose of retaining their disability benefits? If someone commits a venial sin to stop a grave sin, is the venial sin still a sin, or is the venial sin forgiven under the circumstance? Example: If someone lies to stop a murder, would the lie be forgiven because it prevented a more serious sin? Conflicting language in scripture regarding the story of the three kings - East vs. West Does the FSSP have a stance on concelebration? Why is the Confraternity of St. Peter prayer worded the way it is? Why do some Masses during Lent have a Tract and others don't? Where are the Sisters (Nuns)? I see the Priest and Deacon and even Pastor. When we go to Church, where are they and what part do they play in the Church? They seem hidden somewhere. What is their purpose? How many hours per week would St. Joseph have worked? Do we know? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Canon Francis Altiere, ICKSP serves as Rector of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Oratory in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He was ordained in 2014. In Today's Show As a practicing Catholic student, how does one separate spiritual and academic life? What is the significance of the humeral veil during Benediction, since the Monstrance already protects the body of Christ? How do I know what Mass is going to be sung ahead of time so I don't have to fruitlessly flip through the Kyriale? How do you get out of purgatory and what prayers should be said for the souls in purgatory? Is there any theological significance behind the destruction of the temple that happened in 70 AD? How much is taught in seminary about preaching the homily? Why don't the congregation have to respond in the Low Mass? I know the Altar servers do it for us. Is it just the "quiet Mass?" We have several "New American" Bibles from when our adult children went to Catholic school. What is the proper way to dispose of them? Can you explain the various titles for Mary in the litany - Spiritual Vessel, Vessel of Honor, etc? Are you familiar with a special Mass called Life Teen? Is it still being offered? Is it offered in Latin? And can a non-teenager attend? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Fr. Daniel Alloy, FSSP has served as Parochial Vicar at Regina Caeli Parish in Houston, Texas since July of 2022. He was ordained in June of 2020. In Today's Show What are your hobbies in your day to day life? In the Gospels, we are told that John the Baptist preached, "A baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins." And later, when John had been arrested by Herod, that the disciples of Jesus (though not Jesus Himself) did the same thing. But since, at the time of John's activity, Jesus had not yet been crucified, and therefore His blood not yet shed for the forgiveness of sin, and no bloody sacrifice was offered at the Jordan in compliance with the Law of Moses, upon what basis would those being baptized have reason to believe that by this action their sins were forgiven? How are readings in Latin selected? Are they connected to the Gospel? I have a female friend becoming a Lutheran pastor and she has asked me to be her sponsor. Am I allowed to do that? Do Muslims and Catholics worship the same God? I confiscated a t-shirt that my teenage son received as a gift because it featured profanity. Is this considered stealing? Is it still mandatory for priests to say Mass every day? If someone has been studying Catholicism on their own, is it required or optional for them to attend the entire RCIA? What are the options for someone who has studied on their own, has attended Mass and studies what each part of the Mass is doing, each sacrament, etc? Can the Bishop confirm them? Isn't it possible that someone has already been confirmed by God outside of Catholicism because that is where God could reach them? Can you explain the changes in the liturgy of Good Friday from 1955 to 1962? I see the biggest change was communion being offered in the 62 and not in the 55. Is praying the Holy Face Chaplet ok to do? Would it be wrong to not receive/decline when in a state of grace on Good Friday when communion is offered? How does one discern God's will in their life? Is it OK to have a Mass said for someone who was not a Catholic? What are the "rules" on Mass intentions? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!