The character of Tex O'Shaughnessy the cowboy car salesman, with his "dog Fido" (who is a ostrich) and his slogan "I'll give you the shirt off my back to make a deal," is clearly a reference to Cal Worthington, the spokesman for several southern California car dealerships in the 1960s through '80s. Worthington's ubiquitous local commercials featured his "dog Spot," which was various exotic animals -- bears, lions, camels, hippos -- as well as his slogan "I'll stand upon my head to make a deal!"
Frank's volunteer work at St. Agnes' home for the elderly was introduced in the earlier episode "Timmy's New Hobby."
The character of Father Abdi (Jojo Nwoko) was introduced in the earlier episode "Happy Cecil," when he succeeded Father Dunn (Paul Dooley) as the pastor of Holy Redeemer Church, the Cleary family's home parish.