Greater Things with J.D. McQueen and Fr. Barry Cuba

Summer Bonus Content: Fr. Barry Cuba and St. Theresa Chief Operating Officer Chris Treadaway dive deep into the productive purpose of rest. From the "quiet summer work" happening on campus to the personal anxiety of packing and dog-boarding, they challenge the idea that work is our only meaningful endeavor. They also explore the concept of "rest languages"—the realization that rest isn't one-size-...

In this casual and lighthearted summer episode of Greater Things, Father Barry and JD McQueen use a random number generator to pick a section from the Catechism of the Catholic Church to guide their conversation. (Paragraph 1264, if you want to look ahead!) https://www.vatican.va/content/catechism/en/part_two/section_two/chapter_one/article_1/vii_the_grace_of_baptism.html

Fr. Barry Cuba and J.D. McQueen sit down to tackle one of the questions they hear often: How do you find balance? Rather than offering a tidy formula, they start somewhere more honest — with the admission that balance is impossible without first knowing who you are. Drawing on the idea of "primary vocation" as a kind of operating system for life, they explore how knowing your deepest yeses makes i...

What does it take to form faith in a world overflowing with content? In this episode, we explore the challenge of discerning what truly shapes our hearts and minds. A great teacher doesn’t just deliver information—they spark curiosity and awaken a desire to learn. Join us as St. Theresa’s new Pastoral Associate for Evangelization and Catechesis, Chase Crouse, shares his vision for inspiring faith,...

What does it really mean to pass on the faith — not just as a curriculum, but as a lived relationship? In this episode of St. Theresa Greater Things, Father Barry and J.D. McQueen sit down with Gian Gamboa, our newly appointed Director of Ongoing Formation and Discipleship, to share his journey from pre-med student to missionary, youth minister, and Catholic speaker — and what ultimately led him t...

J.D. McQueen and Fr. Barry Cuba invite Fr. Larry Covington into a discussion about prayer and creating space for God's direction. What does discerning God's call look like, especially during the season of Lent? Discover (or rediscover!) the joy of daily commitment to God - whatever your vocation!

Chris Treadaway, St. Theresa Chief Operating Officer, joins Greater Things to share how the Catholic Church is actively engaging with AI and recognizing its potential impact. He walks us through a recent conference at the Vatican in Rome, which included academics, ethicists, and technologists. Fr. Barry, J.D., and Chris also discuss a recent statement from Pope Leo XIV that emphasizes human dignit...

Fr. Barry and J.D. explore the profound impact of language on our perception, relationships, and understanding of the world. From the influence of grammar and word choice on communication to the cultural nuances that shape meaning, they examine how language acts as a bridge to shared reality and how the language we use can transform our spiritual lives and our connection to God.

In this episode, Fr. Barry Cuba and J.D. McQueen emphasize the interconnectedness of the community and the urgency of prioritizing the spiritual life. We often face challenges and overestimate our capacity to meet those challenges or underestimate what we face. How do we invite God into these challenges? Are we actually prioritizing our faith or taking it for granted? Living with spiritual urgency...

Fr Barry and JD discuss some of their favorite reads for summer. Do they only read religious books? Armchair Mystic| Mark Thibidaux - https://www.amazon.com/Armchair-Mystic-Easing-Contemplative-Prayer/dp/0867164301 Centering Prayer | M. Basil Pennington - https://www.amazon.com/Centering-Prayer-Renewing-Ancient-Christian/dp/0385181795/ref=sr_1_1?crid=311YY1VNH16RW&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.tq2yIxnd8Fbt...

"The Journey of Forgiveness – Towards God and Ourselves" J.D. and Fr. Barry continue their discussion regarding forgiveness and direct it toward a part of the process that can sometimes be overlooked: forgiving God for what we feel he owes us, and forgiving ourselves when we were not at our best. How do we renounce self-judgment and embrace the truth of our identity as a beloved child of God?

Most of us know we're called to forgiveness, but how do we actually go about it? Fr. Barry and J.D. present a framework which involves seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance, identifying hurts, renouncing lies and judgments, and moving toward conscious and intentional forgiveness. John Paul II Healing Center: https://jpiihealingcenter.org/ Healing and Forgiveness Resource: https://archspmmainsite.s3.a...

In this first part of a series, Fr. Barry and J.D. explore the deep human longing for forgiveness and community and discuss how forgiveness—rooted in the concept of releasing burdens rather than forgetting—fosters reconciliation and spiritual growth. Join them for a heartfelt conversation about transforming hurt into compassion and embracing forgiveness as a path to peace. Psalm 51 Please submit a...

Fr. Barry and J.D. discuss the Litany of Humility. What is a litany? How can entering into this prayer help us grow this Lent.

In this episode, we explore how bishops are chosen and moved within the Church to serve different communities. Then, we shift to a more personal reflection: during Lent, how are we called to new growth, and how can we remember that we, too, are chosen and beloved? This is the website about the process of appointing bishops that was referenced: https://www.usccb.org/offices/general-secretariat/appo...

Learn how to intentionally engage with the homily! How do deacons, priests, and bishops prepare a homily, and what is its purpose? How do we engage more intentionally with the message of Christ and his Church in a way that allows for greater impact on our lives? Can a Mass Journal help with focus?

J.D. McQueen and Fr. Barry discuss the celebration of Christmas in the Church and in our lives: are we gathering or scattering, isolating or forming connections with others? How can we serve and contribute positively to the experiences of those visiting St. Theresa for the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ?

Fr. Barry and J.D. discuss how Mary leads us to her Son in a deeply personal way, meeting us where we're at both culturally and individually. Her maternal love and intercession allows us to deepen our own faith and draw closer to Christ this Advent. Here is a link to the tilma discussed: https://guadalupeshrine.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/our-lady-guadalupe-heaven-tilma-infographic-theological-...

Our Advent penance service is coming up coming up Tuesday, December 3 at 7:00 PM ! So are others in our area and around the diocese. https://austindiocese.org/advent-penance-services Confession is complex, particularly for children and those with limited experience. How should you prepare? And what do your friendly associate pastor and liturgy director wish you knew about how to celebrate the sacr...

J.D. and Fr. Barry discuss a well-known yet difficult section of scripture for some: the closing of the fifth chapter of Ephesians. What does mutual submission and respect within marriage look like, and how is it analogous to Christ's relationship with the Church? https://biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%205&version=RSVCE Casti connubii promulgated by Pope Pius XI on 31 December 1930...

Fr. Barry and J.D. McQueen continue their discussion of the document C’est la confiance, an apostolic exhortation from Pope Francis that discusses the holiness of our patroness, Saint Therese. What value does simplicity have in our lives? How can we have more confidence in God's guidance? Click here for the document they reference throughout the podcast: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en...

Join Fr. Barry Cuba and J.D. McQueen as they open the doors to a deeper understanding of one of the Church's most beloved saints—St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Through her humble yet profound "Little Way," Thérèse invites us to encounter God's love in the simplicity of our daily lives. Fr. Barry and J.D. lay a beautiful foundation, showing how this Doctor of the Church has the power to transform us as we...

This one is a bit longer, so feel free to divide it up and listen when you have free time! J.D. and Fr. Barry talk about movies, Peter Pan and happy thoughts, and continue their discussion about how giving in whatever way a person can is a beautiful and worthy response to God's goodness, love, and mercy.

Fr. Barry and J.D. discuss the concept of receiving gifts from God and what happens when these gifts are freely shared with others. When you enter into the flow of blessings, you will find yourself and your purpose and often be surprised by joy.

Catching up after summer activities, Fr. Barry Cuba and J.D. McQueen discuss a topic and activity seen every day in the life of the Church: Blessings. What happens when someone or something is blessed and how can blessings have a profound impact on our lives?