Meet Steve Javie: Legendary NBA ref and Catholic deacon

Jesuitical

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Basketball fans know Steve Javie as a longtime N.B.A. referee and a frequent commentator on ESPN and ABC. But for the parishioners at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Newtown, Pa., he’s Deacon Steve.

In the midst of the N.B.A. finals tournament, Deacon Steve took some time out of his busy schedule to chat with Zac and Ashley about life on the court and in the pulpit.

They discuss:

His journey from zealous rookie ref to humble officiator in the N.B.A.

The dangers of turning sports into your religion.

How his career in refereeing has informed his ministry as a permanent deacon.

In Signs of the Times, a second miracle has been attributed to Blessed Carlo Acutis. Zac and Ashley discuss the life and legacy of the Italian teenager on track to be the first millennial saint. Plus, Pope Francis has again used a homophobic slur in a discussion about admitting gay men to seminary. How are Catholics supposed to understand these comments from a pope who famously said about gay priests, “Who am I to judge?”

Links from the show:

Pope Francis recognizes miracle needed for the first ‘millennial’ saint: Blessed Carlos Acutis

Pope Francis uses gay slur for second time in closed-door meeting, Italian reports allege

Jesuitical: Pope Francis used a homophobic slur. How should Catholics respond?

What’s on tap?

Miller Lite—on ice

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