Fr. Rocky visits Wisconsin school, hosts special Go Ask Your Father

Rev. Francis Hoffman, “Father Rocky”, Executive Director of Relevant Radio®, hosted a special broadcast of Go Ask Your FatherTM LIVE from St. John the Baptist Catholic School in Howard, Wisconsin on Wednesday, April 4. The question-based program hosted by Msgr. Stuart Swetland usually takes calls and emails from listeners, but Father Rocky took over for the day, answering questions from students of the school in grades 2-8.

The students took turns stepping up to the microphone to ask their questions in front of the whole student body as well as a nationwide radio audience, and the questions were excellent!

Fr. Rocky with SJB School students

James in third grade asked, “Do you have any suggestions for being less nervous during Reconciliation?”

Father Rocky answered, “I don’t get as nervous as I used to, but when I was a little kid I got so nervous because I didn’t know what to say, I didn’t know what my sins were. You’ve got good teachers here who can help you form your conscience. So, if you get really nervous about something, you go in and say to the priest, “Father, I’m really nervous” … and it takes all the nervousness out of it. Just be very sincere with the priest. Because when we go to confession, Jesus always helps us.” He likened confession to putting ointment on a wound. It might sting a little bit, but it will help you heal.

“What happened to Saint Joseph?” asked fourth grader Collin.

“I don’t know for sure; what do you think happened to St. Joseph?” Fr. Rocky asked Collin.

“He died?”

“I think he probably died,” agreed Fr. Rocky, chuckling. “Otherwise, how old would he be? Probably 2,000 years old. … St. Joseph died, I’m sure. We don’t know where or when or how, but I bet when St. Joseph died there were two people right next to him. Who do you think was right next to him?”

“Jesus and Mary,” said Collin.

“That’s right. And when we die, wouldn’t it be great if Jesus and Mary was right next to us? And that’s why St. Joseph has the title of the patron of a holy death,” explained Fr. Rocky.

Fr. Rocky answered these and many other students’ questions, including, Why can’t girls be priests?” “If you don’t practice your faith, are you still a Catholic?” and “What is the most important Station of the Cross?” Relevant Radio thanks Principal Andrew Mulloy and all the teachers and students at St. John the Baptist School for their warm welcome and outstanding questions!

Hear Go Ask Your Father with host Msgr. Stuart Swetland each weekday at 1pm ET / 10am PT on Relevant Radio.

https://relevantradio.com/2018/04/go-ask-your-father-for-april-4-2018/

Lindsey is a wife, mother, and contributing author at Relevant Radio. She holds a degree in Journalism and Advertising from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Lindsey enjoys writing, baking, and liturgical living with her young family.