In this episode, Fr. Josh answers questions on bringing children to Mass, praying the Stations of the Cross outside of Lent, and understanding rules around altar servers.
Snippet from the Show
Jesus is always inviting you to enter more deeply into the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
Shownotes
Glory Story (2:25)
Bringing Children to Mass (5:17)
Hi, Fr. Josh. My name is Roseanne and I’m curious about your opinion on something. I have one little boy under the age of two. We attend Mass every Sunday, Holy Day, and occasionally Daily Mass too. As hard as it is sometimes, I love bringing my son to Mass and pointing out Jesus to him. But, occasionally, my husband and I will attend Mass without him. For example, my father-in-law stayed home with him during the Easter Vigil and my husband and I went without him. We’ve done this other times just for a regular Sunday Mass too. I have a couple of friends who are adamant that their little ones (similar in age to mine) never miss Mass. They seem to think it would be morally wrong. I’m just wondering if it’s ok that my son sometimes doesn’t go to Sunday Mass while he is this little. Thanks!
-Roseanne
Stations of the Cross (9:18)
Can I pray Stations of the Cross even when it’s not Lent? If so, why don’t churches pray them outside of Lent too?
-Anonymous
Altar Servers (13:12)
Hey there, Fr. Josh! Just want to start by saying you’re awesome and I love the podcast. My question for you is about altar servers. I have been a member at a couple different parishes and sometimes girls are allowed and sometimes they aren’t. I have heard opinions for either way but I’m curious about your thoughts. Does the Church say anything specifically on this? I’d like to know if there is an actual answer instead of just opinions. Thanks!
-Georgia
Resources
- Submit your questions and feedback to Fr. Josh by filling out a form at www.ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh
- Broken and Blessed by Fr. Josh Johnson
- Pocket Guide to Adoration by Fr. Josh Johnson
- Pocket Guide to Reconciliation by Fr. Josh Johnson & Fr. Mike Schmitz
- Ascension is pleased to offer our new and improved online bible study programs and sacramental preparation programs digitally to help you minister with flexibility. Go to ascensionpress.com to view all our offerings.
Meet Fr. Josh Johnson
While Fr. Josh was raised Catholic, he didn’t like the Church growing up. Then, one day in adoration, he fell in love with Jesus and received the call to become a priest.
Now, Fr. Josh is the Vocations Director of the Diocese of Baton Rouge in Louisiana. He is a presenter in four of Ascension’s programs: Altaration, YOU: Life, Love, and the Theology of the Body, The 99, and Connected: Catholic Social Teaching for This Generation, as well as the author of Broken and Blessed: An Invitation to My Generation, Pocket Guide to Adoration, and co-author of Pocket Guide to Reconciliation.
