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

Episode 25: The Forgiveness Process

May 19th, 2025  |  Season 2  |  55 mins 45 secs

catholicism, forgiveness, religion, spirituality, st. theresa catholic church

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.

Episode 24: Forgiveness: A Path to Peace

May 9th, 2025  |  Season 2  |  54 mins 50 secs

catholicism, forgiveness, religion, spirituality, st. theresa catholic church

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

Episode 23: The Litany of Humility

March 28th, 2025  |  Season 2  |  54 mins 50 secs

austin, catholicism, easter, humility, lent, religion, spirituality, st. theresa catholic church, texas

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.

Episode 22: Moved + Chosen

February 21st, 2025  |  Season 2  |  53 mins 55 secs

austin, catholicism, easter, lent, religion, spirituality, st. theresa catholic church, texas

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?

Episode 21: Engaging with the Homily

January 14th, 2025  |  Season 2  |  51 mins 33 secs

austin, catholicism, christ, homily, intentionality, religion, spirituality, st. theresa catholic church

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?

Episode 20: The Christmas Paradox: Scattered by the World, United by Grace

December 16th, 2024  |  Season 1  |  49 mins

advent, austin, catholicism, christmas, religion, spirituality, st. theresa catholic church

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?

Episode 19: Mary's Advent Presence

December 9th, 2024  |  Season 1  |  59 mins 24 secs

advent, austin, blessed bother, catholicism, our lady of guadalupe, religion, spirituality, st. theresa catholic church, virgin mary

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.

Episode 18: Preparing for your Advent Penance Service

November 25th, 2024  |  Season 1  |  57 mins 10 secs

advent, austin, catholicism, penance, reconciliation, religion, spirituality, st. theresa catholic church

Our parish Advent Penance Service is coming up Tuesday, December 3 at 7:00 PM. Confession is complex, particularly for children and those with limited experience. How should you prepare?

Episode 17: Be Subject to One Another: On Ephesians 5

November 15th, 2024  |  Season 1  |  57 mins 21 secs

austin, catholicism, ephesians, marriage, religion, spirituality, st. theresa catholic church

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?

Episode 16: Learning Simplicity from St. Therese of Lisieux (St. Therese, Part 2)

November 8th, 2024  |  Season 1  |  49 mins 51 secs

austin, catholicism, religion, spirituality, st. theresa catholic church, st. therese of lisieux

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?

The document we reference throughout the podcast:

Episode 15: Uncovering the Little Way of St. Therese

October 11th, 2024  |  Season 1  |  47 mins 37 secs

catholicism, october, religion, spirituality, st. theresa catholic church, st. therese of lisieux

In this episode, Fr. Barry Cuba and J.D. McQueen introduce the life and teachings of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, one of the most beloved saints and a Doctor of the Church. Through her "Little Way," they show how Thérèse's spirituality is not just an ancient tradition but a powerful, transformative guide for our lives today. By connecting her simple yet profound approach to holiness with our daily experiences, they lay the groundwork for deeper discussions on how this incredible saint can inspire and reshape our spiritual journey. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover St. Thérèse in a fresh and life-changing way!

Episode 14: Using Your Gifts, Part 2

September 12th, 2024  |  Season 1  |  57 mins 54 secs

austin, catholicism, happy thoughts, movies, peter pan, religion, spirituality, st. theresa catholic church

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.

Episode 13: Using Your Gifts

September 3rd, 2024  |  Season 1  |  40 mins 34 secs

austin, catholicism, giving, religion, spirituality, st. theresa catholic church

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.

Episode 12: Blessings

August 22nd, 2024  |  Season 1  |  49 mins 51 secs

austin, blessings, catholicism, religion, spirituality, st. theresa catholic church

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?

Episode 11: Three Stages of the Interior Life

July 29th, 2024  |  Season 1  |  50 mins 50 secs

austin, catholicism, illuminative, purgative, religion, spirituality, st. theresa catholic church, summer, unitive

Fr. Barry and J.D. speak about their study and experience of the three traditional stages of the interior life of one who is seeking God: the purgative way, the illuminative way, and the unitive way.

Episode 10: Public v. Private Revelation

July 19th, 2024  |  Season 1  |  49 mins 53 secs

acc, austin, austin community college, catholicism, mary, religion, revelation, spirituality, st. theresa catholic church

J.D. and Fr. Barry introduce a topic that can sometimes be confusing, and even a bit personal, to Catholics - the difference between public and private revelation.

Public revelation is God's self-disclosure to all people.
Private revelation is God's self-disclosure to an individual or a group.

Various devotions and piety exist within the Catholic Church due to its global nature and long history; but what beliefs are essential to our faith and lead us to salvation?

Fr. Barry also speaks a bit to his new role as Chaplain for Austin Community College.