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-message-symbolism-english-lg.jpg)

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 sacrament? Take a load off your shoulders and listen. Deepen your understanding of the sacrament of Reconciliation and grow your relationship with God!

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

https://www.vatican.va/content/pius-xi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-xi_enc_19301231_casti-connubii.html

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:

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 dive deeper into her teachings. Discover how her life and spirituality connect to our own in new and powerful ways, leading us closer to holiness.

Don’t miss this inspiring episode, where you’ll find yourself drawn into a fresh perspective on St. Thérèse’s impact, not just as a historical figure, but as a guide for our modern journey of faith.

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?

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.