Ask A Priest Live

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!

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 (All About Marriage Part Two): To what extent am I expected to speak to those I know who are participating in LGBTQ "weddings," whether it be their own or someone else's, and offer correction? Am I sinning if I see these things and simply ignore them rather than taking concrete action and/or confronting those people? My brother has invited me to his 2nd marriage. Both were previously married in the Catholic Church and subsequently civilly divorced. When I was invited, I replied that I could only attend if his ceremony was a Catholic ceremony. Now he has said that a Retired Deacon will officiate the ceremony at a non-church venue. Must I inquire further or is this 'good enough' to not give scandal if I attend? How might the average priest handle a proposed marriage between a Catholic and a non-Catholic? Is the priest expected to discourage the marriage from the very start, or is the marriage totally acceptable as long as the couple agrees to raise any children from the marriage in the Catholic faith? I have heard the practice of "convalidation" mentioned in conversations regarding marriage, but I don't fully understand the term. Would you mind explaining it to me? In what scenario might convalidation be utilized? When you get married, sometimes you enter the marriage with traumas. How might one begin to work through those traumas in order to prevent them from affecting the marriage? Could one get married sacramentally but not legally (via the state)? Please discuss marriage between a man and a woman who cannot have children. What are the sacramental benefits and purposes spiritually? What should this couple be focusing on? How does one start the process of annulment if one spouse has been away for many years and may still be alive but would likely be unwilling to participate? When two married people with children divorce and one obtains an annulment of the marriage what does that do to the children in regard to the church? If someone was divorced twice, could they get married a third time in the church? The first two weddings were not in the church. What does the church teach about prenuptial agreements? If someone doesn't want one and wants to marry outside the US to avoid the requirement, is that legal? Is it a mortal sin if one attends a civil wedding ceremony of a man and woman? 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 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!