In this episode, Fr. Josh answers questions on how to develop Catholic friendships, what to do with obstacles to entering the Church, and having a desire for Heaven.
Snippet from the Show
If you pursue Jesus and the sacraments, God will provide the grace you need to face any obstacles.
Shownotes
Glory Story (2:16)
Seeking Catholic Friendship (5:36)
Hi Father Josh, I love your show and it has helped to bring me back to the Catholic Church. My question is this: I know that community and fellowship is an important part of a faith filled life. I am a busy working Mom and making new friends can be tough due to a lack of free time. What is the best way to make catholic friends? I’ve felt a longing for holy friendship for a long time but I’ve been blocked by Covid restrictions and general business. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! God Bless and thank you for your ministry.
-Anonymous
Obstacles to Entering the Church (9:20)
Hey Fr. Josh, I was raised a Protestant, married in the Protestant church. Over the course of several years I have come to realize that the Catholic Church is the One, True, Holy, and Apostolic Church. I grew up in Irondale, AL, a stone’s throw from EWTN where Mother Angelica started it all. Praise God for her, it is because of her that I began this walk toward truth and found your podcast. Long story short, my wife is extremely anti-Catholic, and she will not even entertain the idea of me becoming Catholic. Fr. Josh, I don’t know how to proceed. I can no longer ignore the draw of the Holy Spirit to the Truth, but I also don’t want to lose my wife and children….
-Jered
Desire for Heaven (13:33)
Hi Fr. Josh! I have a question about the saints. In a lot of the saint biographies I’ve read, at some point, the saint experiences a really strong desire to be in Heaven with God. Why does God put this desire in the hearts of some Christians even when death may seem very far off for them either due to their young age, or they don’t have any notable health issues?
Thanks for everything you do!
-Faith
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.
