If everyone goes to Mass on Ash Wednesday, why isn’t it a holy day of obligation?
Ash Wednesday feels like it should be a holy day of obligation. Churches are packed, and everyone comes for ashes. But it isn’t, and the reason is simple: holy days of obligation are feast days. Ash Wednesday (like Good Friday) is a day of fasting, not feasting.
In this episode of Ask A Priest, Father Tim explains how the Church has fast days and feast days and why the Church “obliges” us on days of celebration. Using examples like weddings and the 4th of July, he shows how Catholics worship first and then celebrate, because Jesus has already won.
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What Is Purgatory and Why It’s Good News?
The word purgatory isn’t in the Bible, but neither are Trinity or Christmas. Still, the reality of purgatory is both real and hopeful: it’s not punishment, it’s preparation. In this episode of Ask A Priest, Father Tim explains what purgatory truly is. It’s a time of purification that readies our hearts to be with Jesus forever. Through Scripture, the Catechism, and one unforgettable wedding dress analogy, he shows why purgatory is actually good news.
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Why Do We Pray For The Dead?
When we whisper a prayer —”Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord” —we’re doing more than remembering; we’re loving. Even when someone has already reached eternal life, our prayers still echo, increasing their joy in God’s presence and deepening our own hope in the life to come. In this Ask A Priest episode, Fr. Edward reflects on…
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Can Catholics Do Yoga?
Is yoga okay for Catholics to practice? What about the poses, breathing, and their roots in Hinduism, could that conflict with Christian faith?
In this episode of Ask A Priest, Father Tim tackles a question many Catholics have wondered about. He explains that stretching, exercise, and caring for the body are good things, and that worship always involves freedom and intention. You cannot accidentally worship another god or reject Jesus simply by doing physical movements.
Father Tim also warns against falling into superstition, giving something more power than it actually has. Whether you’re stretching, playing sports, or doing yoga poses, the key is your intention: you can glorify God through your body in everything you do.
If yoga ever becomes explicitly tied to non-Christian worship or spirituality, it may be wise to step away, but simple stretching and movement themselves are not the problem. As Christians, we trust in the power of Jesus Christ and remain rooted in Him in all things.
