Ministry Burnout, Mary’s Titles, and the Diaconate

Fr. Josh answers questions about experiencing ministry burnout, why we have different titles for Mary, and the process of discerning the diaconate.

Snippet from the Show

The light of Christ shines in the darkest places.


Shownotes

If ministry becomes our God, that is a problem.


Shownotes



Questions


Ministry Burnout


I currently voluntarily run young adult ministry in my area. I feel I have a gift for it, but lately I’m burned out especially with how people treat me and unwillingness to help. I understand that we should offer it up or turn the other cheek with difficult situations. I feel guilty quitting because I feel like I’m not serving God and his people. When do you know enough is enough? How do I avoid “Catholic Guilt”?

-Liz



Mary’s Titles


Blessings to you, Fr Josh – you have great energy, information and music (it’s the best when you sing!) – thank you! My question has to do with the different titles given to Mary ie,. Our Lady of Sorrows, Our Lady of Peace, Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Guadalupe, could you explain the purpose of these titles and why you would pray for the intercession of Our Lady of Sorrows in particular rather than praying to Mother Mary in general? 

-Anonymous



Discerning the Diaconate 


I listen to every podcast and discern. I have been asked to undergo discernment regarding entering the studies to become a Deacon? Do you have advise for this potential journey? I do believe I have this calling and it is in my thoughts and prayers always but am fearful of not being worthy. Scott from Toronto, Canada

– Scott 







Resources








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.

1 Comment

  1. Hi Fr. Josh! I’m not sure how listeners can send you questions so I’m just gonna post it here and hope someone notices it 😀 I would like to ask your advice on friendship. I have let go of a few friends in the past, no matter how close and no matter how many lessons I’ve learned from the friendship because there would come a point where I start seeing something bad their personality and it would start rubbing off on me or rub me the wrong way. I tend to seek out good and holy friendships, but in hindsight I realize there really is nobody in the world that is perfect. Is it ok to distance myself from a friend that I’ve become close with because her bad habits/thought process are affecting the way I live my life? What would you suggest? Should I keep the friend and pray for them but distance myself? This is a serious problem for me, I’m starting to feel afraid about getting close to people because I feel like the time I need to distance myself comes nearer the more we become closer. Thank you.

    Reply

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