Catholic Apparel, Treating Yourself, and Valid Baptisms

May 26, 2022

In this episode, Fr. Josh answers questions about wearing Catholic apparel and accessories, whether or not it is ok to “treat yourself,” and what makes a Baptism valid.

Snippet from the Show
We have to take care of ourselves so that we can pour ourselves out for others.

Check out Fr. Josh’s new book On Earth As It Is in Heaven: Restoring God’s Vision of Race and Discipleship here!

Glory Story (2:27)

Catholic Apparel (4:32)

Hi Fr. Josh! Thank you so much for your podcast. I love listening to it each week and have learned a lot. My question for you today is about Catholic jewelry and t-shirts. I have quite a few Catholic friends and a lot of them wear crucifix necklaces or saint medals and sometimes they wear t-shirts that have Bible quotes or other holy stuff on them. I don't think they're bad, but it isn't really my style. However, I am wondering if it is something I should do. Like am I a bad Catholic if I don't have a t-shirt with Bible quotes on it? I guess I'm just feeling pressure to do it so that everyone knows I'm a faithful Catholic. Would love to hear your thoughts!
-Courtney

Treating Yourself (9:42)

Hi Fr. Josh! I am a young, working mom and I have a question for you about the whole "treat yourself" idea. Its said pretty often and a lot of moms use it when they want to go get a manicure or a massage or buy something for themselves. I am not going to lie, going to get a massage or buying a new dress sounds so appealing but I have such a hard time not feeling guilty. Like shouldn't I buy my son a new toy with that money instead? Or shouldn't I give that money to someone in need? How do you find the balance between doing something nice for yourself and being charitable?

Thanks!
-Martha

Valid Baptism (16:57)

Hey there, Fr. Josh, hope you're doing well. I have a question for you on Baptism. I recently had a friend enter the Church after being baptized and raised Lutheran. Since he had already been baptized, he was simply confirmed into the Catholic Church. So, my question has two parts: when do Baptisms outside of the Catholic Church count and is there any difference between a Catholic Baptism and a valid Baptism that was not Catholic? Thanks so much!
-Alan