Does abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent include things like chicken broth or beef stock?
But the deeper question isn’t just “Is it allowed?”, it’s “Is it helping you grow closer to Jesus?” Lent is about more than following rules; it’s about forming the heart through sacrifice, simplicity, and intention.
In this episode of Ask A Priest, Father Tim answers a practical and surprisingly common question about Lenten fasting. Looking at the Church’s teaching, he explains that abstinence refers specifically to the flesh meat of animals, not necessarily byproducts like broth.
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Rapid Fire Questions and Insights
Can someone’s suffering save souls, even if they don’t believe in God?
Is it okay to forgive someone but keep your distance?
And is it wrong to baptize grandchildren without their parents’ consent?In this Ask A Priest episode, Father Tim answers a series of real, heartfelt questions submitted by viewers. From offering suffering for loved ones, to navigating forgiveness and boundaries, to discerning the right way to care for children’s souls, this rapid-fire conversation blends Church teaching with deep pastoral wisdom.
Nothing is wasted with God.
Forgiveness doesn’t always mean reconciliation.
Zeal for souls must always walk hand-in-hand with truth and charity.If you’ve ever wrestled with complicated family, faith, or moral questions, this episode is for you.
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Holy Saturday (Holy Week Retreat)
Who would you be if you had never met Jesus?
Holy Saturday is quiet. Empty. Jesus is in the tomb, and the Church feels it, no Eucharist, no celebration, just silence. It’s a strange kind of stillness that invites a deeper question: what would life look like without Him?
In this reflection, Father Tim shares real, honest answers from students, stories of chasing success, struggling with addiction, or searching for meaning in all the wrong places. And it reveals something powerful: without Jesus, we don’t just lose direction, we lose what makes us fully alive.
Holy Saturday reminds us what life feels like without Him. So we never forget what He’s done for us. In the silence today, take a moment to ask yourself: who would I be without Jesus?
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Is a Priestly Blessing Magic?
When a priest gives a blessing, is it just a nice prayer or is something more happening?
In this episode of Ask A Priest, Father Tim explains what a priestly blessing really is, and why it’s not magic, but also not merely symbolic. A priestly blessing is Jesus’ love, grace, and power given through the priesthood He established.
From blessing people at Mass to blessing rosaries, water, and other sacred objects, the priest acts through the authority of the Church as an instrument of Christ. Father Tim also answers a practical question many Catholics wonder about: should people in the pews raise their hands when the priest gives a blessing?
We can all pray for blessings. We can all ask God to bless our family, friends, and neighbors. But a priestly blessing is unique because it comes through the ministerial priesthood—Jesus using His priests to bless, sanctify, and draw His people closer to Himself.
