Ask A Priest Live

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 In an earlier show, I mentioned that my dad said that soda didn't break a fast. The question was taken with the Eucharistic fast in mind, but I was referring to a Lenten fast. Does soda break a Lenten fast? As Catholics, we invoke the names of Mary and the saints alike interchangeably in prayers as mediators to pray for people who have passed. I want to know the reason why we do this, as our Bible says to not do this. Why do we call priests "Father?" I have a friend who hasn't been to confession or mass in 40-45 years. He is looking at coming back, but he doesn't see the reason to confess to a priest and says, "Why can't I confess straight to God? Why do I need a priest?" How do I respond to him without getting him off track? I understand that in the Novus Ordo mass, you'd read the whole Bible in three years if you went to mass every day. How much of the Bible do you read in the 1962 missal? Can you get married sacramentally only? Why do you also have to be married by the state? When the Creed says the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son, I read that to mean that the Holy Spirit came first. What does it mean that the Holy Spirit "proceeds" from the Father and the Son? Do those who pass away AFTER the Resurrection have a special grace or intimacy with Jesus that others who died before the Resurrection did not? During the four days between Lazarus' death and Jesus' restoring him to life, while his body was wrapped up in the tomb, where would his soul have been? And, during this incident, would Lazarus have gone through what we today might call a, "Near-Death Experience?" And while we're on the subject, does the Church have a position on, or explanation for, near death experiences? What does it really mean to be a "practicing Catholic"? Does the Church have specific laws and/or beliefs that constitute the "minimum requirement" for truly being Catholic? What would be the difference between a practicing Catholic and a Catholic "in name only?" 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 Our son is getting married in August and the rehearsal dinner is on the Friday evening before the wedding day. We do not eat meat on Fridays, but in planning the meal, it sure would make it easier if we could offer meat to the guests… however, it is a Friday. Could our priest give us a dispensation or a different penance so that we can eat meat that Friday, or is it better to forgo meat as we normally do on Fridays? Does Saint Stanislaus take up weekly collection, and if so, does the collection have a Diocesan obligation? If I wanted to wear an upside-down cross necklace, as long as I wear it as the Saint Peter's Cross and not anything paganistic/satanic, would that be okay? While SSPX priests have faculties from the Pope to hear confessions, do they also have the authority to lift automatic excommunications as well? For example, I don't understand how they can hear confessions, yet at the same time not be under the authority of the local Bishop. Any advice on finding a good spouse today, considering the hedonistic culture people have adopted and ideologies antagonistic to family and love? I understand pregnant & nursing women & people with chronic health conditions are exempt from Lenten obligations, but is that automatic or do we need to ask a priest for a dispensation? I have been really sick and put on a prescription medication for pancreatic enzymes but it is made from a pig's pancreas. Is this OK during Lent since I need it for health reasons? Do you think that it is sinful for sisters to not wear their habit? What about priests that do not wear a cassock? Could you offer any comment on the Divine Will (Louisa Piccarreta) Devotion? Although the label of Communism is rarely used today, I see godless atheism in places where I didn't see it ten years ago. So, it would appear that the errors of Russia are still alive and spreading chaos and division. Shouldn't we still be serious about saying daily Rosaries for peace and in reparation for the sins against Mary's Immaculate Heart? Do you feel there's any danger for the cancellation of the TLM and FSSP? We have Vespers at my parish. In terms of obligation, it's not like Mass, but how important is it and what is the best way to learn to follow along? Do you have any general recommendations regarding Vespers? 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: Is being homosexual inherently sinful in itself? What are the requirements for joining the Knights of Columbus and what benefits might one gain from joining? There was a female equivalent to the Knights of Columbus called the Columbiettes. Do you know if they're still active? What role do/did they play in the greater organization? Jesus said if a man sees a woman and lusts after her in his heart, he has already committed adultery. So, what does Father mean by "consenting" to homosexual sin; the mental desire or the act? Yesterday at the Consecration to St. Joseph program, one member mentioned that St. Joseph was not a Carpenter and that he labored as a Handyman. Could it be that he was both, or perhaps it was a translation error? Jesus sits on the right side of the Father, but who sits on the left? Also, Jesus rose from the dead after three days. Where was he during those days? In heaven? How do I respond to those who would say that we shouldn't tell others what is right and wrong because, as Jesus said in Matthew 7:1, we must not judge lest we be judged? Isn't there a difference between telling the truth and being "judgmental?" Are there souls already in heaven, or are they all just waiting in Purgatory for Jesus to come and free them? 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 Luke Zignego, ICKSP serves as Chaplain of Saint Joseph Oratory in the Diocese of Gary, Indiana. He was ordained in 2018. In Today's Show Could you explain in general what is appropriate attire for women to wear who do factory and farm work? Are jeans/pants ever allowed? Are women supposed to wear skirts/dresses all the time no matter what they are doing? What does Psalm 109 mean and who does it refer to? Can you please speak about predestination and how it relates to vocations? Regarding the Little Office, does any priest hold the power to dispense an obligation, or only the priest who enrolled the individual in the scapular? Why in the Lord's Prayer does it specifically say "and lead us not into temptation" when the heavenly Father would never lead us into temptation? What is the significance of the priest's beretta? It has four sides, but only three points on top. Why? Speaking of the Lord's Prayer, why does the Novus Ordo insist that people stand, when Jesus personally kneeled in the garden when he prayed it with His example? 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 In a Catholic marriage, what does healthy budgeting look like? How does one properly/respectfully tell a friend to be more grateful for all the blessings they have? Can you recommend any useful resources? There's a church near me where the priest does not allow greeters. Are they important or useful in the Mass? Is it proper for the bells to be rung during the Consecration? When the Bible refers to God as the Great "I Am," is it wrong to use in everyday speech referring to ourselves? For example, "I am tired" or "I am going for a walk?" How would one go about finding an exorcist or someone who is able to actually "help" if they feel that they are afflicted with the demonic? What is the difference between the Catholic Ten Commandments and the Protestant Ten Commandments? As you know, our chapter of the Confraternity of Saint Peter is growing and becoming more active in our support of you and all our FSSP priests. Might you tell the audience about the CSP? My son-in-law is a Freemason and a Protestant. Last night, I was made aware of Pope Clement the 12th's Encyclical in Eminente from the year 1738. The Encyclical states that we are forbidden to have a Freemason in our home under penalty of excommunication. I've already invited the family over to my home for Easter dinner. As a lifelong TLM-attending Catholic, I'm wondering how I should proceed. If you are unable to assist me, where might I be able to find some guidance? What's going on with the FSSP and the recent meeting with Pope Francis? 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: I am starting to pray the Auxilium Christianorum prayers. Should I be praying them, or any other private prayers for that matter like the Rosary, in Latin as opposed to English? Many years ago I found a detailed list of sins for each commandment, many of which I didn't even know were sins. It was long, and the priest told me not to read them and rather how merciful God is, and he simply went on to give me absolution. I have recently read that any sin not confessed verbally is not forgiven. Was this a valid confession? Should I repeat this procedure with a different priest? I'm the only pro-lifer in my family. How can I change the minds of the others? The apostles at the last supper likely received the very first communion by hand, but were they consecrated at that time? I would tend to think they weren't consecrated until Pentecost. Why is there more than one version of the St. Michael prayer? No one at church here bows their head at the name Jesus or Mary or the Saint of the mass. Not even the priest. I was taught by Sisters of St. Joseph who would tap the back of our head if we did not bow. My catholic missile also says to bow. Sometimes I feel the church is getting less reverent and holy. Is this a new trend? I didn't know my parents at all. Should I still have a mass said for them when they die? How do I make the most of my time with a spiritual director? How do people find a good spiritual director? Who was the last canonized saint? Why do ICKSP priests wear buckles on their shoes at Mass? Where does one buy them? can you tell me why we Catholics in the United States have been saddled with the New American Bible for use in our liturgies? How is Catholicism different from a cult? 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 I work as a nurse for a Catholic nursing facility. One of my patients is a Catholic who receives daily Communion. In her room, however, there is a picture of one of her daughters, and this particular photo shows the daughter walking and holding hands with another lady on a beach. Do I have an obligation to report this photo to my superiors at the Catholic nursing facility? Why do we not have saint days for people from the Old Testament? Should Bishops ban politicians who, for instance, push radical abortion policies, from receiving Communion? I have a friend who says he is bi-sexual. I've tried to convince him otherwise but am having trouble. He also thinks Sodom and Gomorrah shouldn't have been destroyed. What can I do to convince him? I have Parkinson's disease and I wanted to know if it is proper to have my Protestant friends pray and lay hands over me? My priest gave me my penance while I was saying my act of contrition and I didn't quite hear him. I'm going to Confession again, but can I receive Communion in the meantime? What books did the Protestants take out of the Bible? I'm considering a vocation to the priesthood! I'm Franciscan in spirit. Could I say the Novus Ordo (ad-orientem) and TLM in a parish setting? What challenges are there to doing this? What books would Father recommend for lukewarm Catholics? What is the state of a Mass when the Agnus Dei is not said/prayed? Why is it that when I hear some people pray the Rosary, right before the first mystery, they omit the Fatima prayer? Is there a reason one way or the other? Should I be afraid of generational curses? Is there a rule of standing for all readings and the Gospel? As a relatively new Catholic (ex-Protestant), can you recommend books of the teachings and traditions of church fathers? 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 roles exist in the church for women who cannot become a wife or a mother? Where in the Bible does it say that we need to get along? My baptized Catholic cousin is getting married, but the service will be held at the venue rather than a church. Am I permitted to attend? Jesus said that He did not come to bring peace, but a sword. What does that mean for Catholics? Is overthinking considered a sin, and if so, venial or mortal? What is the proper way to show reverence for the Holy Trinity and Our Blessed Mother when the names are said in the liturgical celebration? What are your thoughts on the parable of "The Lost Sheep?" May a Deacon provide the sacrament of Confirmation or does it need to be performed by a priest to be valid? May a Deacon provide any sacraments? What are the "must-know" things for every Catholic? What are the guidelines for use of yoga and meditation to relieve stress for health purposes? What should we as Catholics be doing to help Christians who are being persecuted in Ukraine? Should we be contacting Congress? What can, or should, we do to help from afar? Recently, Pope Francis was quoted as saying he was not blessing homosexual couples, he was blessing 2 people who loved each other. Is this possible in a homosexual relationship in light of the Catholic view of "love?" How do you get delivered from something you feel is so demonic and tormenting that everywhere you turn you seem to hit a brick wall and you're always going around in circles? Please explain the State of Grace. If you cannot get to confession immediately because perhaps the Church has a schedule that is not fitting your need, do you need to, or should you, pray the Hail Mary prior to the Act of Contrition? 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 Is mortal sin the same as a grave sin or different? What is a mortal sin and how do these concepts relate to something like abortion if an abortive mother truly didn't understand the dire consequences of what she was doing at the time? Can you please comment on Catholic schools that have unbaptized children attending from families that pay full tuition but refuse to truly practice the faith? Have those schools lost sight of the mission? My friend, a fallen-away Catholic, passed away and was buried without a proper burial service. Is this improper, and am I allowed to attend? What can I do? I don't know if my dad was being serious or not, but he claims that soda does not break the eucharistic fast. I say it does because it's not water or juice. What's the "correct" answer? Is it of any value to pray a 33 day consecration for another person who is away from the faith? I'm Agnostic. Can I receive the Holy Eucharist? If the Church is causing a delay in receiving the sacrament of Reconciliation due to their schedule, isn't it necessary for that individual to obtain the protection and healing from the Eucharist - from Jesus? Is it sinful (or at least morally unacceptable) to borrow some money without permission? In the Guardian Angel prayer, what does "rule mean? In the Old Testament, the prophets like Job say they saw God. I thought that no one saw God? My husband and I try to get milk fresh from local farmers but they often want us to pick up the milk & pay on a Sunday. My husband feels this is OK, but I am concerned that it isn't right to do it on a Sunday. Any thoughts? Am I correct in my assumption that it would be inappropriate for one to show up to a church after Mass in possession of an Egyptian God relic or a facsimile of such? And, could one's doing something like this be attributed to a poor Catholic education? 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: Does Fulton J. Sheen have a place in your spirituality? Books such as Calvary and the Mass and The Priest is Not His Own. Your comments, please. What is a sin against the Holy Spirit and how do I know if I've committed one? Is it morally OK to draw caricatures or create scenes/parodies using public figures such as politicians? For example, cutting out a presidential statement to create a humorous song? Could you please explain the symbolic meaning or historical origin of the formations of the ministers in a solemn mass in the Roman Rite? Why do they stand at times directly behind one another in a straight line, and at other times diagonally? I have seen that in the Dominican Rite, the ministers stand directly to the right of one another for the orations, and am not sure of the reasoning for that either. Could you please remind me of the technical term for the part of certain collects where we "remind" God of various events in the history of our salvation in order that He might do them once more for us now, and what this second part of the collect would also be called? Are those who suffer from mental illness held accountable for their sins in the same way that any other person would be, or are they given a benefit of doubt? I recently attended a discussion about the feast of Divine Mercy. During the discussion, we were told that all sins are remitted with no temporal punishment. In other words, you would go straight to heaven. However, if you go to confession every two weeks, would all sins be remitted? Can a priest have a pet, and if so, does Canon Bourgeois have one? 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: Can you please help us to better understand the positives of a woman's role in the Catholic faith? I am not yet a confirmed Catholic, but I have a strong desire to attend Confession. Can I do so, or is there another solution for me? Does the catechism of the church require that a person attend RCIA in order to convert to the Catholic faith, or are there alternatives? What are your thoughts about "mediums?" ​​If the body and blood of the Eucharist each contain the body and blood, soul and divinity of Christ, why are both offered to the laity in the Novus Ordo? Would this be receiving communion twice? I know you should not eat meat on Fridays in Lent, but I heard somewhere that chicken broth is OK. What is the right thing to do here? I am a male and my female best friend and I often playfully/jokingly swat each other on the butt. It's not meant in a sexual manner, so I didn't think anything of it. What are your thoughts? Please clarify which is correct: "commits ME here" or "commits THEE here" in the Angel of God prayer. There are a lot of Catholic books, some by priests. Even if we purchase these from places like the Catholic Company or EWTN, are all these somehow approved, or is it wise to read with caution in case there may be a questionable opinion or misinterpretation of scripture? Where in the Bible does it say that priests or Apostles need to be celibate? People claim that Jesus was a virgin, but where does the Bible say that? What is the difference between satisfaction for sins and remuneration/reparation for sins? If I understand correctly, one can only atone for one's own, and reward for someone else's? How should one instruct a child who is overthinking sins? 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 Can a Catholic be an organ donor? What are the Church teachings on organ donors and receiving organs? Is it acceptable to donate one's body to science for study? How would that compare to donating organs to potentially save another person's life, or is it essentially the same issue? From a scientific point of view, when does human life begin? How should this impact our view of the abortion issue and how we respond to pro-choice arguments? Can you explain the Church's teaching on the death penalty? Can a government utilize capital punishment morally? Why has there been no outcry and condemnation from the Catholic Church regarding the use of humanized mice in medical research? If an embryo has already been frozen and the "parent" realizes the error of their ways in regard to IVF, what should then be done with that embryo? I would think that it shouldn't be disposed of, but wouldn't moving forward with implanting it also go against our Catholic beliefs and morals? 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 a penitent goes to confession but the priest does not use the words of absolution, does the penitent need to go to another priest to confess again? Is there a limit on how often a penitent can go to confession? Is more than once a week prohibited, even if that person fell into mortal sin? Is it proper to pray to Mary to forgive our sins? Why are priests always male? On that same note, I'm pretty sure I heard of a female "Bishop" once. Can you explain if this is a real possibility? Why would Our Lady have appeared in Egyptian apparitions? What language did Adam and Eve speak? Do we know? My priest told me that I can't attend an SSPX mass unless there is no other mass available in my area. Can you please give me your take on that? Are Catholics obligated to attend traditional Latin masses rather than the Novus Ordo? 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 Luke Zignego, ICKSP serves as Chaplain of Saint Joseph Oratory in the Diocese of Gary, Indiana. He was ordained in 2018. In Today's Show Why are no Catholic miracles peer reviewed or studied by non-Catholic sources? Can an individual Baptized Catholic who did not receive Confirmation go to confession and obtain absolution if they need protection from evil prior to completing RCIA? What is the meaning of Gn 3:9-15, 20? Is it acceptable to donate a Bible study that is written by a Bishop or priest to a parish, or do materials need to be approved by the Diocese? How much freedom does a Church have in offering study materials? What is required of the "church militant?" What is expected of us as lay people in times of turmoil? Do the saved in Heaven enjoy the condemned suffering the torments of hell, or will they only be after the end of the world? Can/should we rejoice in our time that the damned are suffering the torments of hell? 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 Why do Catholics say Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit? What is the difference between what Catholics and Protestants teach on being filled with the Holy Spirit at Baptism? Can a wife bless her husband? Is it possible for a Christian to be demonically possessed? I was receiving Holy Communion unworthily all these years. If I confess, will these sins be forgiven, and is there any chance for excommunication? Scripture says that we should be courageous but we are being taught that we should have a spirit of docility, which is right? We have missed mass a few times, I gather that I shouldn't go up to receive it because of the state of my soul. But my husband and child go up. What can/should I do? Scripture says to call no man your father, yet this show and Catholics call priest father. How do you square the two? What is the difference between liturgy prayer in the mass and prayer in our daily life? What is the Catholic view on protestant services? About the story of the rich man and Lazarus. What does the impassable chasm between the rich man and Abraham signify? Can non-Catholics still be saved and go to Heaven even without receiving any of the Sacraments? 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 For non-practicing Catholics or those returning to the Church, can you please discuss when to use or apply a novena versus a prayer? Also, when to use a Marian prayer vs. an Angelic prayer vs. Adoration? What are some good written resources for non-Catholics to understand the basics of Catholicism such as the reason for the sacraments, the role of the Priest, etc? Can you please explain the origins of some of the "famous" Catholic Lenten practices such as no meat on Fridays and the reception of ashes on Ash Wednesday? ​​I saw an interview today with a Catholic priest and he mentioned that he had been married, but he didn't mention what had happened to the marriage. Can a man become a priest if he has an annulment? Is it possible for someone to become 'too' religious to the point of being obsessive? Does the Catholic Church have an official stance on when God created the world in six days? I've heard Catholic sources say that God didn't literally mean six days, but that one day could mean a thousand years. I personally believe it was a literal six days and I don't understand why, in this case, the scriptures wouldn't be taken literally. What is the difference between the FSSP and SSPX? Is it ok to receive sacraments through the SSPX? Does the FSSP allow attendance at a Novus Ordo Mass? Was Mary Baptized? How do we reconcile Luke 23:43 ("And He said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise")? Can you tell me more about Novenas? What are they and how are they used? I have been suffering with various illnesses and depression for a number of years. If it is truly God's will that I live with this, can you give me some advice on how to truly accept God's will and be at peace with it? Why on Ash Wednesday, after the priest blessed the ashes, did he sprinkle some of the ashes on the other priests' heads? How are the decades of the Rosary to be said during Lent? When praying the 15-decade Rosary, should you pray the Glorious Mysteries during Lent on Sundays? What did Jesus do for the forty days between Easter and the Ascension? Why are sedevacantists considered excommunicated for holding on delicately to Tradition when many other Catholics continue, more progressively, to do what they want with no consequences? Could you please describe an ideal traditional Lent? Is there no meat for all 40 days? What prayers are recommended? What type of burden does Confession put on the priest? How do I reconcile feelings of burdening the priest when I attend 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. 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 Can you please explain further, to a newly practicing (not raised) cradle Catholic, Sola Scriptura? I had a stillborn and lost an infant. I was away from the faith and cremated them, but didn't bury them. I just recently came back to the faith and found out this was not allowed. How should I start the process for burial? Is it a sin and should I confess? ​​Is believing that Mary didn't experience labor pains part of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception? Can you please explain to non-Catholics or non-practicing Catholics what is meant by the Sacred Heart? I see the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Can you explain the spiritual meaning and the impact it has on our lives? What does it mean when people entering the Mass kneel on one knee or curtsy before entering the pew? Is it more than a sign of respect to God; more in depth like the Eucharist? Is this obligatory or optional for Catholics? Should a Catholic pray prior to Mass kneeling while in the pew? What are the meanings of sitting, standing, and the sign of the cross during the Mass? I've often heard the church described as the bride and Christ described as the bridegroom. As a male, how can I relate to being in the role of the bride, and how can I live that aspect of my faith? I am currently dealing with the grief that comes with infertility. Can you speak to how I can live out spiritual motherhood? I like to "converse" with deceased acquaintances and ancestors (for example, aunts who died as children), asking for their prayers/intercession and/or pardon for my failures to love them properly. Should I include a preliminary prayer to the Holy Spirit to allow us to connect/communicate, or can I assume this is more or less always allowed? 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 wrong for me to not want to listen to a great podcast just because they sell pride merch? Is it okay to listen to a podcast even though the hosts have same sex attraction or they actively support that kind of lifestyle? How effective are the prayers of a Protestant in comparison with a Catholic? In other words, are prayers less effective if they aren't brought forward by a member of the one true church? If my diocese celebrates Ascension on Sunday, do I need to find a parish that celebrates it on Thursday and attend that as well? In the first High Mass on Sunday, a guardian angel is mentioned that guards the church. Aren't guardian angels reserved for individual people? In John 1:5, the Douay Rheims reads, "And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it." The RSV2-CE reads, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." My question is in the use of "did not comprehend it" vs "has not overcome it," which have very different connotations. Can you please explain how this verse is traditionally understood and why more contemporary Bible translations have changed it from comprehend to overcome? I was hoping you could please discuss the absolution of the sin of abortion for those who were not Catholic at the time of the abortion and would like to become Catholic. Please explain why a Priest must be the one to hear a confession and give absolution. What is the purpose of confessing to the Priest instead of directly to God? ​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? I have a 30 year old daughter who is living a lifestyle that goes against our Catholic faith. In the past, she has asked to stay over with her girlfriend when she visits me. While I have made it clear that I do not agree with her choices, I allowed them to stay in separate rooms considering the distance she had traveled. However, I am now questioning whether I am cooperating with sin by doing so? Arguments against Sola Scriptura How does the Church choose Saints? What are the criteria? Has it changed over the years, especially in the last 50 years? Who makes the decision? 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. Gerald Murray is the Pastor of Holy Family Church in the Archdiocese of New York. He received his Doctorate in Canon Law from the Gregorian University in Rome in 1998, and he is one of the most well-respected Canon Lawyers in the church today. He also served in the U.S. Naval Reserve Chaplain Corps from 1994 to 2005. In Today's Show Should the laity still pray for the intentions of the Holy Father even if they don't always feel that those intentions are in the best interest of the church? In what ways might a Pope overstep his authority? Are there any prominent examples of this happening in church history? If/when something like that happens, is there any way for him to be held accountable? Can the Code of Canon Law be changed? If so, by whose authority and by what process? Also, if it can be amended, can you discuss an example or two of any of the more significant changes in recent history? Can you explain what Dubia means? What are your thoughts on the recent Dubia presented to Pope Francis? What is a synod, and why are we having one in the church? Do you think this is a good or a bad thing, and why? Does a synod of bishops possess any canonical authority? Do national bishops' conferences like the USCCB possess any canonical authority? And is canonical authority different from magisterial authority? Is the SSPX (Society of Saint Pius X) in schism with 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!

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 For five years now I have been saying the Rosary every morning. In my prayers I pray that my Grandsons will be Baptized in the Catholic faith. I pray that my Daughters, my ex wife and my siblings return to Mass. Is there a Patron Saint that I can pray to that can answer my prayers? Why do we associate the four creatures of Revelation with the four Gospels? My Catholic upbringing was like yours Jordan; now we go exclusively to the Latin Mass and we love it. Why aren't the congregation expected to respond like the Altar Servers? Why are some Catholics so adamant about knocking the Novus Ordo mass? Also, why do so many Protestants spend more time criticizing the Catholic faith than they do celebrating their own faith? I have an elderly mother who's been a devout Catholic her whole life, and my siblings and I were blessed to be brought up in the faith. Over the last several years she has lost much of her hearing and stubbornly refuses to wear hearing aids. She also stopped going to confession. She has been declining in her memory but not yet diagnosed with dementia. Her energy levels have also resulted in her not wanting to attend mass and saying her rosary less frequently. How should my siblings and I respond to this lack of interest in faith practice? How do Catholics and Protestants differ in their beliefs about the old and the new Covenant? My Protestant friend believes that everything comes from scripture; that scripture is the be-all and end-all. How can I dispute that claim, as I know it's not true? How would you respond to an atheist who claims that Catholics "punish themselves?" If good, quality artificial meat is widely available in the future, will it become sinful to kill animals for meat? 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 Catholics the new chosen people of God because the Jews rejected Christ, or are the Jewish people still in God's covenant from Moses along with the Catholics? I have been told differently from different priests. What can the laity do to assist in the Eucharistic Revival? Is it immoral for a Catholic to have a career in making horror content (books/films/other media)? If I have a Rosary and I don't know if it's blessed or not, can I have it blessed even though it might be a "second blessing?" At my parents' parish they have an LED candle for the Sanctuary Candle. What does Canon think of this? Is there teaching from the Church about this and is there anything we can do? I have a priest friend who changes wording in the mass. Instead of kingdom, he'll say household for example. Is he allowed to do that, and where in the rubric does it mention the wording? Should I offer him correction in a loving manner, or is that inappropriate for a lay person to do? Are all diocesan Bishops assigned a canon? Also, do all dioceses have a canon lawyer? I have seen many tabernacles without veils, even though the Blessed Sacrament is within. Is that something we should offer to donate a veil for? How often should you have your home blessed by a priest? I'm ashamed to admit that I have never been to confession. I was Baptized as an infant but I was told that because I never completed the First Communion classes when I was 5 or so and have never done my Holy Communion, I could not receive the bread, nor could I confess. I am very confused and I fear committing a grave offense to God and His son, Jesus Christ if I go to confession without the necessary prerequisites. Please help me understand what I must do to become aligned with God and Jesus Christ's word. 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: Can you provide a brief history of why the Institute of Christ the King has their own choir dress, as well as what might be appropriate for others outside the Institute to adopt? To have had beeswax candles blessed previously, how long can we save them for? Are they blessed indefinitely? What about blessed salt and Holy Water? If you could only save three books from your book shelf, which three would you choose and why? Are the Jews still the chosen people? Doesn't the New Covenant cover that? What is the definition of 'liturgy' and where is it in the New Testament? Did Adam and Eve have a last name? Is there such a thing as a deaconess, and if so, what would their role fulfill? Please explain what the "US" refers to in Genesis 1 26-27. Who is God talking to? If someone at the parish wants to teach in the Religious Ed program, what qualifications should they have? Does it require formal education in theology? I have a daughter that is 60 years old and wants to be baptized. She doesn't want to wait and doesn't know if she will study to be a Catholic. Can my priest baptize her? Can you please explain what "sin of consent" is? 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: If you had to give a regular Catholic layman a concrete spiritual daily routine that would give them the greatest chance of living a life for God, staying away from mortal sin and ultimately dying in friendship with God, while also taking into account their busy schedule, what would you prescribe them? Also, which sacramentals would you prescribe them? Is it immoral to use artificial intelligence to create media such as films and other forms of art? My parish has an LED candle for the sanctuary candle. I was horrified when I first noticed this. Do you have any thoughts on this? Guidance on the carnivore diet during Lent How did you decide to pursue a vocation with the ICKSP? Where and how did you first discover the order? How do I know if my prayer routine is adequate? I have an Evangelical friend who converted some fallen-away Catholics. Is it better that they are somewhat closer to Jesus by becoming Evangelical rather than wallowing in sin, or should they remain Catholic but non-practicing? What are the benefits of praying for the Poor Souls in a graveyard? Does that have any effect? As someone who is looking at becoming a Catholic, can I receive the ashes on Ash Wednesday? What is the meaning of Matthew 5:22-24? How do we get more young people to 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!

Canon Benjamin Norman, ICKSP currently serves as Representative of the Institute of Christ the King at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Oakland, California. He was ordained in 2018. In Today's Show: What is Candlemas and how should we celebrate it? Is there a certain way or order The Raccolta is to be used? In addition, may we pray for certain people within these prayers? It says in the beginning of the Raccolta that the prayers should not be changed. I'm wondering about the church's stance on cremation. The body corrupts in the ground and to me, if all the remains are together, I think that God can unite them with their souls. Is this a dogma of the church? What does the priest do if he accidentally spills the Blood of Christ on carpet next to the altar? During a Baptism ceremony, is it proper to use the phrase "I Baptize you..." or "We Baptize you" and if the incorrect phrase was used, should that person get re-Baptized? When and why did polygamy became unacceptable for those in the Church? Are Catholics required or expected to name their children after a Biblical or saint name? What is so "new" about the so-called "New Evangelization"? Hasn't evangelization always been central to the mission of the Church? Translations of scripture - what is the best Bible version for Catholics and why? How should I respond to a sibling who has been inviting me to join an SDA (Seventh Day Adventist) group? 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 As Catholics, what are we to believe about ghosts? Do they exist? Are they souls? What exactly the role of a Priest is? Did the Blessed Mother have kids after Jesus? If so, how could Mary be ever virgin? What is the best way to explain what saying the Rosary/praying to the Saints is to my daughter? In light of Traditionis Custodes what advice would Father give to fellow priests who can't celebrate the Latin mass? I now tend to see the Founding Fathers Writings as Deist philosophy to be taken with a massive truckload of salt. Any advice for a Catholic who recognizes the great government they established while distrusting basically all of their writings? The overall violence of nature and the various diseases seem to run counter to the idea that we live with a loving God. What is the best way to think about this topic? I feel as if Jesus is coming back soon, although I know we have no way of knowing that for sure. How do I know if I'm prepared? When we say in the creed that after Jesus ascended into heaven, He is "seated at the right hand of the Father." What does that really mean? Would Fr. Rock be so kind as to talk about the difference between the Masoretic text and the Septuagint, and how the Latin Vulgate originates? Father, Most Protestants believe you can't lose grace given by God...How can we explain that we can? There is an ongoing discussion about the Luminous Mysteries. Can I pray the rest of the rosary without them? Please explain to me Luke 14:26 "If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, |...| yea and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple." Can people who commit suicide receive a Catholic funeral? When we hopefully reach heaven will individuals have different size houses? And what does that mean? The Pope said that hell was empty, is this something we should take as doctrine? Can a Catholic buy a religious statue that is being sold in a flea market, since it may be blessed? 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 Is there a certain extreme point at which the church "draws the line" and determines that separation is actually necessary rather than discouraged? Should widows remarry? I am divorced and remarried. I was not a Christian when I was married either time. I have since become a Christian and have been baptized. Both marriages took place with a justice of the peace and were outdoor weddings on family property. In the process of my divorce from my first wife, she had a child with another man. Would I need an annulment of my first marriage to join the church? If so, how does it work? Do children from invalid marriages lack any individual graces bestowed by God upon children from valid marriages? Has the Protestant reformation had any impact on the perception of marriage? How can we bring marriage back to a place of holiness and reverence in the public eye? My wife and I are coming up on our ten year wedding anniversary. Does the church recommend anything for such an occasion, such as a renewal of vows or an informal blessing? How do I convince a friend that marriage is between a man and a woman? Can you please explain why deacons are able to marry but priests are not? Can you please explain why some Eastern Rite Catholic priests are able to be married (and have children) and why that practice differs from the Roman Catholic Church? In regard to family members who are lapsed Catholics married outside The Church: if the couple decides to divorce, is it right to encourage them to NOT divorce? If we have loved ones who are or were in an invalid marriage and changed their last name in that marriage, when having masses said for them, should we use their legal last name or their last name prior to the invalid marriage? If a man goes missing and is presumed dead for a long time, and the wife remarries, but the man eventually comes back, is the new marriage valid? Can the man remarry? How should one approach the potential fallout that comes from declining an invitation to a family member's wedding due to faith reasons? Is it really worth fracturing relationships? 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 When engaging in youth ministry, do you feel that smaller or larger groups of students work best? Is there any reason for that? Why do you feel so many children and young adults seem to lose their faith as soon as it is no longer being "force fed" to them? What can we do to reverse the trend? What is the best way to discipline children who aren't at the age of reason? I'm wondering if you can suggest any "must-have" books or supplemental materials that I should be using as the instructor of a Catholic youth group? How do I know when my child is at the proper age to begin participating in youth ministry activities? Is there any such thing as "too young?" How involved are parents expected to be in their children's youth formation? Is living a devout Catholic life and setting a good example enough? Would there be any noticeable difference between a youth formation group at a Novus Ordo parish vs. a TLM parish, or is it all just Catholic at the end of the day? Would there be a different approach to the types of the topics being discussed? What types of activities would you recommend for Catholic youth outside of the traditional classroom setting? If there were 2-3 things that you could ensure every single one of your students would remember after leaving your class/group, what would they be? 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 Luke Zignego, ICKSP serves as Chaplain of Saint Joseph Oratory in the Diocese of Gary, Indiana. He was ordained in 2018. In Today's Show Is there an indulgence connected with the blessing of graves with holy water by family members? The argument for priestly celibacy At my ICKSP parish, the servers say the Confiteor again right before communion is given to the people. I have only seen it at ICKSP masses. Is there a reason? What is the Catholic Church's take on Reiki healing? If we are getting candles blessed, is it okay if they are in closed boxes, or should they be open so that Holy Water might contact them? Is there anything I should know to prepare for my role as a pallbearer in an upcoming funeral 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. 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: Celebrating our 100th episode on the air! If a lapsed Catholic receives Communion in the hospital from a visiting priest without Confession, are they receiving unworthily? Can I pray on the behalf of someone who has dementia and has lost their ability to communicate with God? Will my prayers help to predispose that person to a favorable journey with God after death? Are there any particular prayers that I should be saying for this person? Who holds the twelfth seat, or chair, in heaven? Is it Saint Paul? Is a Catholic required to have a funeral mass after cremation? Is there a difference between Gregorian masses said in the Latin rite and the Novus Ordo? The particulars of Fridays - when to start/stop fasting, etc. How do I know when the Pope is speaking infallibly? How, as traditional Catholics, do we balance between the traditional and new calendars in our daily lives? What is the proper time frame to request Extreme Unction? 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 Is spontaneous prayer with our Protestant friends permissible? Do you believe a town or community could be under evil influence? Unpacking Fiducia Supplicans If you had to design, for the layman who hopes to start a family, a prayer/devotional plan that would give him/his future family the highest chance of dying in a state of grace, what would it be? I read modernist authorities who say that the reason the Catholic Church had to change drastically in the mid-20th century was because of Modern Man and his new sensibilities, apparently a break from our past. Can you please explain to me why they think Modern Man is essentially different from human beings in the past? How did God communicate with Eve and Adam? What language did He speak? Also, how do we know so much about the creation of the world if it was so long ago? I am trying to find a Gregorian mass for a friend but would like it to be offered by a Traditional priest. Can you offer ideas, or does it matter? In my heart it does - am I wrong? If we seek God's will and strive to follow this in our lives then how are we to be sure that any inclination or "voice" guiding us is coming from Him and not from an evil or selfish place? Referring to being born again, 1 John 5:18 states, "the devil cannot touch him." We know that many born-again persons are persecuted though. Does this mean that persecutions are of human origin, not satanic? If a married man gets an annulment, would he be free to enter the priesthood? 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 Representative of the Institute of Christ the King at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Oakland, California. He was ordained in 2018. In Today's Show: What are your thoughts on the Taizé community? Is the purple scapular approved by the Catholic Church? I am getting different answers from different sources. What about the green scapular? What do priests normally do to stay healthy physically? The Bible says the body is a temple. What type of exercise and eating habits, etc. do priests practice on a regular basis? Is it customary to bow for the priest when he walks by during the entrance and exit processions? Also, my son is six and has not received his first Communion. Should I bring him to the Communion rail for a blessing? I'm a religious education teacher. What are the top two or three things that I should make sure the kids learn? If they forget everything else, what are those couple things that I should really make sure they never forget? Where is the best place to start for someone looking into a vocation? I have a question based on Mark 2:2-11. Didn't Jesus know that a paralytic man was about to be lowered through the roof before he was? If he knew that he was going to, why didn't he let them through the door? What is the best way to consolidate as many familiar departed souls as possible during Mass on a regular basis? Are the lit candles during Mass an important means of helping many at the same time? I just recently found out that New Year's Day is a Holy Day of Obligation. I don't think I went to Mass that day in 2023. Do I need to go to confession even if I didn't know it was a Holy Day? Could you provide some resources or counsel for a young person (in their early teens) who struggles with sins against the Sixth Commandment / Holy Purity? 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 How serious is disrespect to parents? How can I trust God/not be angry at Him while struggling with infertility? Where is the FSSP seminary? Can you talk about your experience there? My friend is becoming a Lutheran Pastor at the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America). Can I attend the service or can I even congratulate her? I was told that Satan fell because he didn't like God's plan for mankind. Why would he then go and tempt Adam and Eve, thus starting the process of Redemption, which he hated? What can one do to prepare for Ash Wednesday in terms of prayers, devotions or disposition to better embrace the entirety of Lent? Which clothing should a teen avoid in order to maintain modesty? I feel guilt about the way I acted towards a loved one who is now deceased. What can I do? In John 20:23, what does Our Lord mean when He says "If you retain the sins of any, they are retained? Are there times when a priest can choose NOT to forgive sins? I have friends that are quite loose with their sexual habits. They've said that their faith in God is waning. Should I work with them through this or distance myself from these friends of twenty years? Please explain why a priest must be the one to hear a confession and give absolution. What is the purpose of confessing to the priest instead of directly to God? Can you please explain predestination? I seem to remember, when I was a child in Catholic school, the Nuns telling us that Christmas was to be spelled with 2 s's. Christ-Mass. To your knowledge, is this correct, and if so, can you expand on this? How do I know if I have the interior disposition of complete detachment from sin, in order to gain plenary indulgences? 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: Our pastor recently appointed new parish trustees for our church. Could you describe what the role of parish trustees is? I pray daily that my stepdaughters will come to love Jesus and the one true church he created. I pray that they will live the faith that my husband raised them with. Are my prayers any more efficacious than prayers from a stranger because of my position as their stepmother? Has the church historically taken a stance on the idea of women serving in politics and other positions of leadership and authority? How would you recommend dealing with a parent who is overly controlling, especially in their children's dating lives? Who did you pick as your Confirmation saint and why? If an ordinary person suspects that he or she is talking to someone who is possessed, what is that ordinary person to do? How do we react, and how should we talk to the person? Or should we stay away from the danger? How does the church feel about tattoos? How to discern a job opportunity that may require one to miss Mass 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 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: Can any priest dispense private vows made in rash judgement? What reparations should I do for my child who cheated in school? My son asked me after seeing something on the internet regarding recent wars, diseases, and unrest if they are signs of the end times. How to respond? Question about the practice of reliquaries on the altar, also what reliquaries does Canon have? Question for Canon. What copy of the 1961 Breviary does the ICKSP Canons use? What is Canon's opinion on the Chosen TV show? Should Catholics watch? When we use the term "Lord" in our prayers, are we referring to God the Father or to Jesus or both? Why did the church shorten the Christmas season from the 40 days? If a layman is going to receive the Eucharist twice in a day do they have to fast twice? Hi, what is the church's position on the role of the third temple being built & destroyed in the tribulation? 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 How often would you recommend that Catholics go to confession? Do you think every week is too much? Is the required once a year not enough? Christ did not possess a fallen human nature. But was the human nature he possessed like Adam's before the fall or like the human nature we will possess in heaven? What is the meaning of the phrase "Christ, the first-born from the dead?" Am I allowed to share in Communion at home with my family, or should it only be administered by a priest on Sunday? I was enrolled in the Brown Scapular on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. I've forgotten to say my Rosary a couple times. Must I confess this? Can you give me your definition of, and take on, "scrupulosity" and how you would counsel someone suffering from it? Is it even appropriate to refer to scrupulosity as a disorder, or would you describe it differently? Why is it that Matthew changes portions of Mark and vice versa? Which one do you think was published first? My wife and I budget how much to give the Church. Can you provide any guidance on the proportion we should consider giving to our FSSP parish vs the Fraternity itself if we would like to support both? Can we speak in tongues? I heard a priest make reference to the "faculties of the soul." Would you expand on this? If someone kills themselves to prevent them being used to kill others, would it be altruistic to kill themself? If we have confessed a grave or mortal sin in the past and not confessed the number of times it was committed, should we re-confess the sin and mention the number of times? Could you provide recommendations on discerning when to try and share the faith with loved ones and when it is OK to focus instead on praying for them? 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 I heard someone say that we should forgo saying the Creed like we do with the Gloria during the Advent Season. Is there any practice that does this? Would it be a mortal sin if I missed mass because I am afraid of driving due to poor weather conditions and a recent history of knee surgery? Can you please explain spiritual direction and how it can be beneficial for Catholics? Since the upbringing of children is one of the primary goals of marriage, why does the church allow those who are too old to bear children to get married or remarried? Since both the bread and the wine become the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ, why do we consecrate both if they are the same thing? Also, why do the faithful not receive the Blood at Traditional Masses? If a Pope himself were speaking and pushing false doctrine, wouldn't he be considered anathema? How would that determination be made? I play baseball at a Catholic school and sometimes my peers say and do inappropriate things. What should I do? I've never believed in God, but recently started feeling like there must be a God after the passing of a relative. Could this just be a coping mechanism for my grief? Where do I go from here? 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 I noticed on our altar at Mass that the small Crucifix was not there. Is it required? Is it possible to have Gregorian masses said for the living? At a low mass, why are homilies sometimes said? Should wives and mothers work outside the home? What was Father's Latin formation, if any, in the seminary? Why does the Traditional Latin Mass not typically involve distribution of the Precious Blood? Can Mary, Joseph, and the saints read minds? Are prayers said aloud more effective than silent prayers? Can someone be cursed if they're in a state of grace? Is it permissible for lay people to pray over one another? 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 Three) It seems to be quite difficult to find a lot of concrete information about the end of Our Lady's life on Earth. I have heard that she was simply assumed into heaven in her sleep, but that is very hard to envision for a mere mortal like myself. What can you tell me about that? Does the name Mary have any special meaning or symbolism? What can you tell me about the Secrets of Fatima, particularly the Third Secret? Could you please explain the Seven Swords of Sorrow that pierced our Blessed Mother's heart? With your upcoming pilgrimage(s) to Akita, can you please speak briefly about that particular apparition and how it may relate to the times we find ourselves in? Why wasn't the Virgin Mary with the ladies on Easter morning? Was it Jewish culture that a mother would dress the body of her child? Is it believed Jesus had already seen Mary and maybe that's why? 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 Is it a sin if a wife and/or mother worked outside of the home? What is her obligation? If part of the host becomes lodged in my throat and I expel it to avoid choking, have I then desecrated the Eucharist or committed any sort of an offense against God? Is my reception of the Eucharist that day still valid? For my first Holy Communion, I was given a cross and a Rosary. Is there a place I should display them? Can you please explain to me the difference(s) between Orthodox Christianity and Catholicism? Do you prefer Fr. Elias or Fr. Mills? Is there a specific reason or is it just preference? Regarding the homeless, how do we fulfill the corporal works of mercy correctly besides directing them to the nearest soup kitchens/aid centers? Is God indifferent to the practice of the ineffable name doctrine (not saying God's name), or is there a good reason as to why we practice it? Can you please help me to understand why we refer to the Pope as the Holy Father? Isn't God the only one, true Holy Father? I have a daughter who is married outside the church. She is seven months pregnant now and her husband has been diagnosed with very serious lung issues. What does the church teach about them coming to live with us until they pass this crisis in their life? Must they have separate bedrooms? Are Eastern Rite churches now in schism if they reject Fiducia Supplicans? 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 is the proper way to be buried? Can a Catholic be buried in water - as in an underwater cemetery? Does the FSSP have a monastery? If a blessed object changes ownership, does it then need to be re-blessed, or does the original blessing remain valid? Why did the Catholic Church introduce pews into churches after the Protestant Reformation? For how long do I need to pray for the repose of my loved one's soul? During prayers of the faithful, I've heard folks pray for the Jewish people to remain faithful to their covenant with God. Is this appropriate? I have three first class relics but I don't know how I should properly display them or make use of them. If the Jewish people broke their covenant with God, would that be better or worse than a Muslim who never held said covenant to begin with? How can we charitably respond to members of other religions who take Our Lord's name in vain? I've learned in the Traditional Latin Mass that as long as Catholics arrive at the Offertory or Mass of the Faithful, they are still able to fulfill the Sunday Obligation/Holy Day of Obligation. Does this also apply at the Novus Ordo and Eastern Rite Liturgies, in which as long as Catholics arrive at the offertories at those Masses their Sunday Obligation/Holy Day of Obligation are fulfilled? A recent poll shows that a mere 31% of Catholics believe in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. How can we reverse the trend? 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 Luke Zignego, ICKSP serves as Chaplain of Saint Joseph Oratory in the Diocese of Gary, Indiana. He was ordained in 2018. In Today's Show How much flexibility is there in choosing the shade of a liturgical color for Mass? Does it matter at all as long as it's generally within the right range for the season? How does the Catholic Church understand the theological claims of Messianic Judaism, which incorporates belief in Jesus as Messiah within a Jewish framework? Can you tell me more about the ICKSP oblate program? My family member kept removing his Brown Scapular and ripped it. Should we give him another or keep it away from him to avoid further abuses? If a non-Catholic felt compelled to make a confession, how would a priest handle it if they were to just enter the confessional line? If the Christ child was brought to the temple on the 40th day, wouldn't Herod have been looking for him? Can you explain how God views Catholics who marry non-Catholics outside the church? I have a question about the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Are all seven hours required for the Brown Scapular devotion, or does one hour suffice? 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: Is it modest for women to wear pants? My Protestant friend will be going under anesthesia. What can I recommend in case something were to go wrong and she didn't wake up? My husband is not a practicing Catholic, so we disagree on a lot of things pertaining to life and death. His younger brother, who was baptized in the Catholic Church, passed away several years ago and unfortunately was cremated and his ashes were placed in various places, including a tin box which now resides in our bedroom closet. For years, I have tried talking him into giving him a proper burial and he refuses. What should I do besides pray and wait for his conversion of heart? Can you please explain the tradition behind the blessing of Epiphany water? What is the church's stance if two people with a history of mental illness want to get married? Is it valid if they agree to marriage during a time when they are not in crisis? If we have endured suffering in the past, but out of negligence or distraction failed to offer it up at the time, or it occurred before we were living a Catholic life, is it meritorious to offer them up? Are any animals in heaven? What formula should a lay person, such as a father, use when giving a blessing? For example, a dad giving a night blessing to his kids and wife. Should he say "I bless you" or "May God bless you?" How do we properly offer up our sufferings? Did New Testament authors other than John know about and understand the Divinity of Christ? 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: If I pray the Rosary with someone on YouTube after its original airing, is Jesus still with me? Is watching Eucharistic Adoration on TV the same as live in the church? What is the Epiphany and what is Epiphany water? What is the Catholic belief on evolution? Did humans evolve from apes? What are your thoughts on Star Wars? If someone was a Freemason but isn't anymore, can they still become Catholic and marry in the church? In past confessions I have ended with "for these and all my sins." If I remember the sins later, do I need to specifically confess them or does the phrase from a previous confession suffice? Also regarding confession, if a person is in a state of mortal sin and has not made it to confession but has remorse and they pass away before making it to confession, is there any chance the person can still go to purgatory? When does one commit the sin of rash judgment? When is it considered venial and when is it considered a mortal sin? Can you fall into this sin in thought/imagination only? I just recently heard about Fr. James Martin giving a blessing to a gay couple. As a Catholic, we condemn homosexuality and deem it as a mortal sin. Why is a Catholic priest publicly opposing Catholic doctrine? Is it ever acceptable to tarnish the good name or reputation of a fellow Catholic? How do we best approach someone who's been away from the church for a very long time? 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 A comprehensive breakdown of organ donation and life support from a Catholic perspective How can we best avoid conforming to the patterns of the world in our modern times? Is the Sabbatine privilege still in effect in regard to the Brown Scapular? With some of our tax money being spent on immoral things, do we as taxpayers have any moral culpability in participating? How do I deal with my fallen-away Catholic family who spreads myths about the church? I was surprised to recently find out that the church has an official position on dances found in the Vatican's 1916 decree. Could you please explain this decree and who is obliged to follow it? Also, would this extend to participating and watching dances like the ballet? 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 As Catholics, how do we properly understand "turning the other cheek?" My wife prefers the Novus Ordo and I prefer TLM so we split our time between both at separate churches. Is it ok for us to register as parishioners at both? I had an abortion at age 23. I confessed that sin and others when I was around 34. My question is, if I wasn't recommunicated the first time, was my confession then, and others after it, invalid? Should I make a general confession? When a host falls on the ground, the priest quickly picks it up and consumes it. It bothers me that there isn't more care at the moment in clearing the area. What can I do as a prayer in reparation for this? I was watching a podcast and apparently the Archbishop of Maceio, Brazil has said he would excommunicate Catholics who attend the Traditional Latin Mass. Do you see this type of behavior heading towards the USA? I have a friend who wants to become a surrogate mother. What does the Church teach on surrogacy? Why did Fr. Alan choose the Friars of the Immaculate vs other orders? Any tips as how to spend my free time more fruitfully? To give some context, I am a high school student. 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: We no longer feel attached to our parish. Should I switch parishes, or should I stay at the church closest to me? Family member got married outside the Church. How do we go around dealing with that. Addressing letters etc. Can you tell us about the history behind the letters of St. Peter. Can we use Epiphany chalk from previous years? Why does/doesn't use the deacons for distributing Holy Communion? I have a friend who wants to become a midwife, is it a mortal sin to do so if she would be forced to prescribe birth control or abortion pills? 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 Can pets go to Heaven or an equivalent place? Does your "order" celebrate the TLM? How can I be happy in heaven if a loved one is in hell? Has the Vatican approved the Marian apparition at Akita, and has the Vatican approved the Third Secret of Fatima? How do we pick or know our patron saint? Recently there was a wedding ceremony in my family. They were both divorced previously; one was married in the Catholic Church with no annulment. The wedding was outdoors. After the vows/ceremony, a deacon of the Church (Novus Ordo) went up and gave a blessing and a prayer. Is this allowed by the Church? Does God continue to bless someone if they are in a state of mortal sin from past offenses? Should a person judge whether or not they are in God's friendship by whether or not they receive blessings from God? When having masses said for deceased loved ones who were Protestant, is there any special way to go about it? I also had a grandfather who was a freemason and wondered if it was OK to have masses for the repose of his soul? I have been struggling with anxiety and depression. Are there any Bible verses that touch on this subject? Is there a prayer I can say relating to anxiety? 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 Opposite an intersection hangs an advertisement with an immodestly dressed lady. Is it a moral obligation to take a different route to avoid going through this junction? What about when there is a passenger with me? After the wedding, the wife found out the husband was impotent; he was not impotent beforehand. Is it mandatory to get an annulment? Is it a sin for both to stay together in celibacy? What is the main difference between the Institute of Christ the King, FSSP, and SSPX fraternities? I went to a mass but a lady there told me the priest wasn't able to make it. They instead said they will do communion prayers. It seemed like a full mass though, with a woman leading it. What can you tell me about this? What can we do to foster a traditional Catholic culture, create schools, and create a community? What is your favorite Psalm and why? Can bad things such as chaos and disorder ever come from God? 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 would be your advice to someone who is afraid to read the Bible because whenever they've tried in the past, they feel they've come under spiritual attack? Why is Jesus sometimes referred to as the "Son of God" and sometimes as "Son of Man"? I understand that our souls are immortal and that our body and souls will be reunited in the final resurrection. I was wondering about those who are condemned to hell. Are their bodies and souls also reunited for eternity even though they are separated from God? In the Acts of the Apostles Chapter 8, we read about Philip who went to Samaria to preach. While there he dispelled demons and cured people. Do we know if this was Philip the Apostle, or is this Philip the Deacon in the story about the Ethiopian mentioned later in the chapter? I am a practicing Catholic who has never been married. I would like to marry a man who is interested in converting to Catholicism. He was raised a Hindu, and had a Hindu marriage/divorce. I am unsure of the process we would need to go through for him to convert and to request a marriage through the church. When someone is cremated, how does that affect their new body in heaven? What is the difference between venial sin and mortal sin? Why do Eastern rites not have daily 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. 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. 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 is your favorite and least favorite Christmas song? Why do we celebrate Christmas on the 25th of December? In a Christmas Carol. Does Jacob Marley receive forgiveness cause he's the one who got Scrooge to change his ways? What is the best version of A Christmas Carol? Should we listen to Christmas music before Christmas during Advent? When does the Christmas Season end? After 12 days or till Candlemas? What is the history and origin of the Rorate Mass? What are your favorite Advent and Christmas traditions? Why was the Feast of Saint Thomas moved in the modern calendar? Is it true that Epiphany is an "older feast than Christmas? Why aren't the feasts of the companions of Christ no longer treated as Holy Days of Obligation? Would you recommend any specific practices on these days? Can you please explain the 12 Days of Christmas? What are they and what do they represent? What is your favorite Christmas movie? 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!