Summaries

A character-driven film about the late Reverend Thomas J. Quinlan ("TQ"), "The Trouble with TQ" unfolds with the newly ordained TQ attacking apathy and spiritual complacency at his first parish with the renewal and reform of the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II). Using the Principle of Adaptation, TQ sets out to change the way Catholics celebrate the mass, making The Church relevant to Catholics and Catholics relevant to the world. Over 40+ years as a priest in numerous parishes in Virginia, TQ refined his use of the Principle of Adaptation through symbolism, pop culture and history, giving parishes the tools to lead change in the community. Even as efforts to blunt Vatican II reforms grew, TQ compelled parishes to take responsibility for their spiritual development and challenge clerical patriarchy. "The Trouble with TQ" features TQ interviews from 2008 until 2011. Historical photographs, animation, and archival documents put interviews into perspective to tell the story of a priest determined to wake up the congregation and put the teachings of Christ into action.—Calvin Thomas Jr.

"The Trouble with TQ" is the story of the late Rev. Thomas J. Quinlan ("TQ"), who used the renewal and reform of the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II) to attack apathy and spiritual complacency within the Catholic Church. TQ used symbolism, pop culture and history to lead change in the community. Using the Principle of Adaptation, TQ sets out to make the Church more relevant to Catholics and Catholics more relevant to the world.—Calvin Thomas, Jr.

Details

Genres
  • Biography
  • Documentary
Release date May 14, 2014
Countries of origin United States
Official sites Official site
Language English
Filming locations Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA
Production companies Prodigal Altar Boy Films

Box office

Tech specs

Runtime 1h 10m
Color Color
Aspect ratio

Synopsis

The Trouble with TQ is a character-driven film about the late Reverend Thomas J. Quinlan that unfolds with the newly ordained TQ attacking apathy and lack of spiritual responsibility at his first parish with the renewal and reform of the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II). Using the Principle of Adaptation (that came out of Vatican II), TQ sets out to single-handedly change the way Catholics celebrate the mass, making church relevant to the parish and Catholics relevant to the world.

During his 40+ years as a priest and in numerous parishes in Virginia, TQ refined his application of the Principal of Adaptation, through symbolism, pop culture and historical references, and equipped parishes to lead change in the community. Even as efforts to blunt the reform proposed by the Second Vatican Council grew, TQ compelled parishes to take responsibility for their development and challenged clerical patriarchy.

A character-driven verite film, The Trouble with TQ features TQ interviews from 2008 until 2011. Additional interviewees were former priest and author of popular Catholic literature Michael Morwood (From Sand to Solid Ground), retired Bishop Walter J. Sullivan, as well as former parishioners from TQs various parishes.

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