8/7/25 - Fr. Michael Duesterhaus (DEBUT) - When Does Regret Become Despair?

Fr. Michael Duesterhaus was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Arlington in 1991. He spent 27 years, Active and Reserves, as a Naval Chaplain, mostly serving with units of the U.S. Marine Corps. Father has presented over 125 formal cases before Tribunals of seven dioceses of the United States. He currently serves as Parochial Vicar at St. John the Baptist Parish in Front Royal, Virginia. In Today's Show: I've been married for many years, have several children and have always practiced the Faith. But suddenly I see that I married for the wrong reason, had children for the wrong reason, and homeschooled for the wrong reason. I am committed to my family and my vows, but how do I move forward to have authentic relationships with the people I brought into my life and let go of the regrets from knowing that I probably would have been called to a very different life if I had actually been listening to God? Why are priests throughout the United States so diverse in their theology? How do we not let our regrets lead us into despair? When is a divorce or annulment warranted? Is it alright to refuse to enter one's parents' house as long as they are hosting unmarried siblings with their companions in the same room, and to let them know that reason? What if they had separate rooms? Are there any rules related to annulment in terms of who must be contacted as part of the process? For example, must adult children of the marriage be contacted/informed before an annulment can take full effect? Does the church keep a record of why each annulment was approved and who approved it? I struggle with severe anxiety before going to Confession. Is this a sign of spiritual weakness? My husband and I have been practicing NFP with a clear conscience, but recently we came across traditional writers who imply that even periodic abstinence for non-serious reasons could be sinful. How does the Church truly define a 'just cause,' and how can couples discern this without falling into guilt or legalism? What's the best way to introduce the Rosary to small children without making it feel like a chore? How to stop superstitious thoughts? Why do people believe in superstition? As a Catholic woman, how can I serve in the Church without overstepping the roles God designed for men and women? You often speak on this show about uniting our sufferings to Christ. But how does that actually work in real life? How can I avoid despair and use my suffering redemptively? Is it wrong to wear pants as a woman? I want to be modest, but I also don't want to appear scrupulous or extreme. Do you believe homeschooling is the best way to pass on the traditional Catholic faith to our children? What are some options for folks who might not be in a situation that allows one parent to skip working and stay at home with the children? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!