Should Catholics raise their hands during the Our Father at Mass?
Should you distance yourself from a child who’s lost the faith?
How do you love your enemies (when they hurt your family)?
In this rapid-fire episode of Ask A Priest, Father Tim responds to these real and sometimes “spicy” questions with clarity and pastoral wisdom. He explains why the Mass is about unity and obedience, not self-expression, why you can stay close to a loved one without abandoning truth, and why prayer is never a resignation but resistance.
Rooted in Scripture and the lives of the saints, this episode explores how to live your faith in real-world tension, how to hold boundaries, how to defend your family, and still love like Christ.
If you have a question that stirs the pot, send it in, and it might be featured next.
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Can Catholics Eat Meat Byproducts During Lent?
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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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.
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What Advice Would You Give a Newly Ordained Priest?
What does a newly ordained priest need to hear most?
In this episode of Ask A Priest, Father Tim shares five honest and heartfelt pieces of advice for new priests entering into their vocation. From learning how to fail with Jesus, to praying a daily holy hour, to building real brotherhood with a pastor, this episode is a beautiful reflection on priesthood, fatherhood, humility, and love.
Father Tim also reminds new priests to stay rooted in their assignment, say no when needed, and celebrate the sacraments with reverence and great love. Because priesthood is not about being perfect, it’s about staying close to Jesus and letting Him love His people through you.
And of course, there’s one bonus piece of advice: become a coffee snob. It might just help you become a saint, kind of.
