Our Lady of Guadalupe, Celebrating Santa Claus, and Being Catholic in College

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Celebrating Santa Claus, and Being Catholic in College

Fr. Josh answers questions on Our Lady of Guadalupe, celebrating Santa Claus from a Catholic perspective, and how to bring Christ into the college culture.

Standing in front of the sun, our Lady of Guadalupe points her children away from worshipping the sun to worshipping the son in her womb, Jesus Christ.

Our Lady of Guadalupe

Hi Fr. Josh

I know the Feast Day of our Lady of Guadulpe is coming up. I've heard a lot about our Lady of Guadalupe but I don't know her story too well or why she's so popular. What's the significance behind her apparition and appearance? Also what role do Marian Apparitions have in our Catholic faith?

-Celeste

Celebrating Santa Claus

Hi Father Josh,

First, thank you so much for your podcast. I love that you aren’t afraid to give tough answers to tough questions. My question is, what are your thoughts on Santa Claus? I have two children (and one on the way). My oldest is 2 1/2 so this is the first year he would be able to start understanding the concept of Santa. My husband and I both believed in Santa growing up and all of my siblings and friends have told their kids about Santa. However, I’m having some hesitations.

There are a few sins I’ve been working extra hard on the last few years, one of which is lying. No matter how you spin it or what you call him, telling your kids that Santa (or even Saint Nicholas) is leaving them presents is a lie. Should we avoid Santa entirely? Should we introduce the concept as a “pretend game” to keep the fun without the actual lie?

So far, we haven’t explained Santa. We have just talked about Christmas being Jesus’ birthday and Advent being a countdown to his birthday. Most people (even my super devout friends) tell me I’m thinking too hard about it. My husband says he’s on board either way. I would love if you can give me your opinion. Thank you!

-Courtney

Being Catholic in College

Hi Fr. Josh

I am a college freshman, and I have a really good Catholic community around me at my college, and I want others at my school to expericne that. In college my faith has strengthened, and it has for once become the most important part of my life. Day after day I see other students and classmates living the college life of desiring: alcohol, drugs, and sex(the party life). It saddens me to see that they are filling their brokeness in partying and that they do not know yet that God will completely make their life fulfilling. How can I go about trying to bring these people that are Children of God, but do not know they are yet, to the Catholic Church? Thanks so much! I enjoy listening to the podcast, and you are in my prayers.

-Ryan

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