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

Episode 34: Finding Balance

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.

Episode 31: Forming Disciples with Chase Crouse

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 [https://www.ewtnreligiouscatalogue.com/the-better-part-the-four-gospels-single-volume/p/BKPRY06843?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17183018104&gbraid=0AAAAACp7LWeUdX6NDOD2A4QS-pHTcZI2z&gclid=CjwKCAjwpcTNBhA5EiwAdO1S9ok7k6EhHBkuScB9_E4jORN9pYPKRa4Gnksa9bdl6VVGxyf_dAyVuRoCTd8QAvD_BwE] — Daily Meditation...keeps your faith lively, supple, and relevant. It irrigates the soil of your soul, making your life more fruitful and continually opening up new vistas along the path to spiritual maturity. Father John Bartunek, has created an extensive Christ-centered resource to serve as a daily meditation companion. The Better Part is meant to be a catalyst to personalize your times of prayer and meditation, enabling you to follow the Holy Spirit's lead more readily. The first section offers a detailed and practical guide to Christian meditation. The second and larger section is divided into units. Each unit consists of five parts: A passage from the Gospels and a four-part commentary based on the same four themes throughout the book Christ the Lord Christ the Teacher Christ the Friend, and Christ in My Life All four Gospels are contained and commented upon in their entirety. This structure is substantive, meditative, and flexible. Truly, this is a book for a lifetime!

Episode 33: Discipleship with Gian Gamboa

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.

Episode 32: Enjoy the Silence: Listening to God with Fr. Larry

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!

Episode 30: AI and the Church

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.