Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Father Liam O’Shea-Creal, a priest from the Diocese of Lincoln, is currently serving as a Naval chaplain aboard the U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and sharing his experiences through a podcast titled “Godspeed: The Journal of a Naval Chaplain.” The podcast, co-produced with his brother Killian O’Shea-Creal, offers an audio journal of Father O’Shea-Creal’s life in the Navy and insight into military chaplaincy.

“In no way did I ever think I would be the voice behind a podcast,” Father O’Shea-Creal says in Episode 1.

Father O’Shea-Creal comes from a family with deep military roots—his father was a Marine reservist, two uncles served in Vietnam, and both grandfathers were in the Navy. He describes his ministry as unique: “Serving God and country in this capacity is rather unique,” he wrote to the Southern Nebraska Register. “There are parts of my day that feel like the necessities of work, but at the end of the day I remember that my being here is for the purpose of the sacraments and what God wants to do in the lives of these sailors through the ministry of his Church. My vocation and the work it entails has brought me to serve my country, I hope to never take that honor for granted.”

His daily routine includes celebrating Mass on board, leading prayers, counseling sailors, meetings, workouts, and teaching OCIA classes (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults). He supports Catholic sailors seeking sacraments as well as others interested in learning about Catholicism. “For all intents and purposes, I am a missionary supporting Catholics who are already here and evangelizing those who may never have heard the Gospel,” he said.

Father O’Shea-Creal launched his podcast as an alternative way to keep connected with family and friends during deployment: “I honestly asked myself if I would be good at writing family and friends while deployed. I knew I wouldn’t be good at writing, so I figured recording some audio might be easier! I also knew I had a little brother who would be good at producing it and pushing it out to family.”

He hopes sharing his journey will help others understand military chaplaincy: “I remember back when I was first given permission to join the Navy, I searched for books, podcasts, and videos about Naval Chaplaincy... So if this little journal can give others insight into chaplaincy then it is the least I can do.”

The path to becoming a Navy chaplain began during seminary after discussions with spiritual advisors led him eventually to write Bishop James Conley seeking permission. After prayerful consideration over several months—including conversations during an eight-hour car trip—the bishop approved his request: “He called me and said ‘Hey Liam...I want to let you become a Naval chaplain.’ And oh man – elation. I was excited.” Bishop Conley’s own father served on an aircraft carrier during World War II.

Ordained in 2022 after studies at St. Teresa School, Pius X High School (both in Lincoln), Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, and service at parishes in Hastings and Lincoln, Father O’Shea-Creal left this summer for active duty.

Fourteen episodes have been produced so far; each must receive approval from both shipboard public affairs staff and chaplain’s office before release. Topics include training exercises such as land navigation or celebrating Mass early morning outdoors; reflections on faith life aboard ship; stops like Oslo; moments witnessing naval operations up close; or personal homilies.

“I don’t want this to become something that I feel pressured to plan and overly produce; at its core I want this to be a way for my family and friends to hear what it is like out here...Some episodes have been planned but others have been spur-of-the-moment,” he said.

Killian handles production from Lincoln: “Getting an episode ready usually consists of me listening to his audio for any verbal miscues or drastic spikes in audio...Sometimes he doesn’t record an intro either so I might have to step in.”

The podcast helps Killian stay connected with his brother overseas: “Most of what I know from his deployment comes from the audio he sends me...It’s also kind of a way for me to brag about my brother.”

Father O’Shea-Creal reflects on missing home but sees value in fulfilling both religious vocation and service role abroad: “‘Those two things are what I miss most right now,’” he said regarding family gatherings back home—and friendships among priests locally—but adds gratitude for support received by prayer from loved ones.

“Thank you for your prayers. ...Very exciting things to come...God bless. Godspeed.” - Episode 6

The podcast "Godspeed: The Journal of a Navy Chaplain" can be accessed via Facebook or Spotify.