Notre Dame High School’s Coach John McKenna recently celebrated the 20th segment of his weekly video show with a special guest – Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.

The Lawrenceville school’s strength and conditioning coach said he didn’t have to ask many questions. “He picked up and went with the interview.” 

McKenna said the Bishop talked about highlights of his life on the Aug. 27 show – growing up “across the river” in Penndel, Pa.; the priesthood, and some of his former assignments including serving as president of The Catholic University of America, Washington. The Bishop also talked about Catholic education, Catholic Athletes for Christ and the importance of instilling the Catholic faith in the lives of young people.

Having Bishop O’Connell on the show gives viewers “a chance to hear him talk and see that he’s a regular guy,” McKenna said. “This segment gives viewers a chance to get to know the Bishop on a more personal basis,” he said, noting that the segment with the Bishop will be posted to Notre Dame High School’s Facebook page and website Sept. 10.

McKenna has been nurturing his budding passion for evangelization through a weekly video program he launched at the end of the 2017-2018 school year. During the show, he interviews different guests, asking them to share about themselves and how Notre Dame influenced their lives. The title of the show is “Great Day to be Irish,” and the interviews are conducted at McKenna’s desk with a computer and microphone and run no more than 18 minutes. 

With the 2019-2020 school year set to begin, McKenna is looking forward to welcoming a new roster of weekly guests to “Great Day to be Irish” and “having fun while I’m spreading the word about our Catholic faith and Notre Dame High School.”

Viewers looking to see previous segments can visit https://www.ndnj.org/athletics/strength--conditioning.