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

What does it actually mean to "be disposed" to receive a sacrament? In this episode, Barry and J.D. explore the theology of disposition—the inner posture that shapes how we receive grace —drawing on St. Thomas Aquinas, the healing of the paralytic, and the woman with the hemorrhage.

They discuss how disposition shows up outside of church too: in friendships, in showing up when you don't feel like it, even in getting dressed for Mass. Discover practical ways to examine and reorient your heart before you walk through the church doors and through the rest of your week.

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-fits-all. Whether it's woodworking, a grueling hike, running, or simply sitting by the pool, true rejuvenation looks different for everyone.

Tune in to hear why rest requires intentionality, how our brains synthesize ideas when we finally shut down, and why learning to let your mind wander is essential for spiritual and mental clarity.

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!)

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 it possible to say no with clarity and even freedom. Along the way, they talk about the noise of outside opinions and why getting the order right matters more than managing the schedule.

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, forming disciples, and helping people encounter the Church in a deeper way at the parish. Together they discuss the Church's vision for sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ and how we respond at St. Theresa. Whether you are a lifelong parishioner or someone spiritually curious, this episode offers a roadmap for intentionally growing closer to Christ and serving the community.

Links:

• The Better Part | Fr. John Bartunek

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 to St. Theresa.

The conversation tackles an honest challenge in modern faith formation: too often we expect young people to behave before they truly belong. Together, they explore why belonging comes first, how conversion happens through relationships and community, and what it means to form not only teens, but the adults who walk alongside them.

Plus, get a preview of exciting changes coming to youth ministry and Confirmation prep this spring.

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 dignity and responsible AI development.

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 is not about fear but about embracing the gift of today to live fully in God's grace.