Fr. Josh answers questions about the Church’s tradition of offering Gregorian Masses for the deceased, and whether a physical or mental disability can affect one’s road to his or her vocation.

Snippet from the Show

“The offering of Gregorian Masses has a special efficacy for obtaining from God the speedy deliverance of a suffering soul.”-The Sacred Congregation on Indulgences

---

Shownotes

Questions

Gregorian Masses

Since it’s the month of November, I’m wondering what the Church teaches on Gregorian Masses. It’s a pious belief among some that if a set of Gregorian Masses is said for a deceased person (who died in the state of grace), that person will get freed from Purgatory by the end of the set of Masses. Is this official Church teaching? Was this an indulgence granted by a Pope? Thanks and God bless.

–Cyprian


Experiencing Disabilities 

Hi Father! I’m a student at Franciscan University of Steubenville and I’m discerning the priesthood/religious life. One of the doubts on my heart that I’ve been praying on is a pre-existing condition I have had since before I was born. I’m thinking about getting a service dog, but I’m worried that my condition might keep me from living my possible vocation. Are dioceses/communities usually open to people in my situation?

-Thomas

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.