When we participate in a TEC retreat, we so often walk away with more than we were expecting. Not only do we encounter Christ there, but we may also be graced with a vocational call, or find a new group of friends, or be blessed by those friends turning into family. For these two TEC of Central Texas friends (both of whom met their significant others on a TEC weekend!), they found a shared interest that led to the creation of their very own podcast, Late to Church. Read more about Nickie Moncada and James Longoria, their backgrounds, and podcast content below!
The Late to Church podcast is hosted by James Longoria and Nickie Moncada. James and Nickie met each other through the launching of TEC of Central Texas in 2012. Nickie has a long history with TEC New Orleans, having made TEC #27 and then serving on as many TECs as possible before "retiring" for a wee bit to start a family. James, on the other hand, made his first TEC (#115) in New Orleans in 2011 with the intention of bringing TEC to Central Texas. After many Central Texas TECs served together, a beautiful and spunky friendship was born! You can count on James to bring some solid theology to the conversation while Nickie splashes in some colorful analogies that shed a fresh light on what it means to joyfully live the gospel in the 21st century.
About Late to Church:
Are you a Catholic/Christian who struggles to feel the same connection to God that your fellow church-goers describe? Do you struggle to find consistency in prayer and religious life? Do you feel like something is missing when it comes to religion and a relationship with God? The Late to Church podcast is here to let you know that it’s okay. We’ve been there. We have struggled with everything from literally being 10 minutes late to church every week to being so far away from God that we’re on the brink of totally giving up. We want to help you see the beauty in the struggle and remind you that God‘s love for you surpasses any challenges. This podcast doesn't get too theological, but it will compel you to try and see your life through God‘s eyes. If you’re looking for a frank conversation about the practical battles and beauty found in a relationship with Jesus, please join us as we do our best to “step out of the boat.”
About Nickie:
Nickie Orgeron Moncada is a proud New Orleans native who moved to Austin, Texas by way of Hurricane Katrina. She is married to her TEC sweetheart, Matt Moncada, whom she met on Wheat Team #33. She spends the bulk of her time parenting and cooking for their four children. In the margins, she serves on the Core Team of her church’s Life Teen ministry and sings in the Life Teen choir. Once a week she pays a visit to her TEC friend, James, where they press “record” and talk into microphones about their love of Jesus and the Catholic faith.
About James:
James Longoria hails from the great state of Texas where he has served as a youth minister for one million years. When not serving pizza while evangelizing the youth, he enjoys pub crawls and a good movie with his fiancée, Christine Mayo, whom he met through Central Texas TEC. He loves chilling at the dog park with his bestie, Echo the wonder dog. He is often found with a guitar in hand, eyes closed, singing love songs to his Savior.
Give it a listen!
You can listen to our TEC friends' podcast on Spotify here or on Apple here. Thank you to Nickie and James for answering God's call to creativity and sharing your gifts with us all!
