The faculty of the Weston Jesuit School of Theology, now part of the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry, has produced a Catechetical series which is now available on CatholicTV. The series, which is named “A Living Faith”, discusses essential Roman Catholic themes which are listed below. The teachings come from the newest version of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
The show themes along with the names of the speakers for each episode are:
God, The Creator of Heaven and Earth- Rev. Richard J. Clifford, S.J.
Life, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus- Rev. Thomas D. Stegman, S..J.
The Church: Communion of New Life in the Spirit- Rev.Kevin S. Burke, S.J.
The Sacramental Life of the Church: Initiation- Rev. John J. Baldovin, S.J.
The Sacramental Life of the Church: Healing- Rev. Peter E. Fink, S.J.
Foundations of Morality- Rev. Edward V. Vacek, S.J.
Catholic Social Ethics-Rev. Thomas J. Massaro, S.J.
Missionary Dynamics of the Church- Sister Margaret Eletta Guider, OSF,
Prayer: Finding God in Our Lives- Rev. John Randall Sachs, S.J.
The show can be seen on Tuesdays at 8:30 A.M., Thursdays at 12 P.M., and Fridays at 1:30 A.M. “A Living Faith” can be seen on CatholicTV where available. The show is also streamed live at www.CatholicTV.com and is viewable full-screen.
NCEA: Catholic Schools Contribute $19.8 Billion
While auto manufacturers, secondary mortgage lenders and investment bankers are reaping billions of dollars in federal funds, one entity is saving the nation billions – the network of almost 7,400 Catholic schools across the country.
According to Dr. Karen Ristau, president of the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), Catholic schools provide $19.8 billion in savings each year for the nation. The figure is based on the average public school per pupil cost of $8,701 and the total Catholic school enrollment of more than 2.2 million students.
“Catholic schools are a gift to the church – and to the nation,” said Ristau. “The enormity of this gift is more striking during these challenging economic times.”
In addition to the monetary rewards, the nation gains in other ways. Catholic school students excel academically on standardized tests, 99.1% graduate and 94% attend college. Studies show that graduates of Catholic schools are reliable workers, good citizens and more likely to attend church.
“Our graduates have a strong commitment to community service because that is a foundation of our schools,” added Ristau. “Just this past year Catholic school students performed 2.2 million hours of public service in honor of Pope Benedict’s visit. That kind of involvement is a gift to the country that cannot be measured in dollars alone.”
Research on school effectiveness in the last 10 years has focused on academic outcomes, including standardized test scores, graduation rates, post-secondary aspirations and college attendance. Catholic schools, while they aspire to academic success, include among their primary objectives an understanding of the Catholic faith, a commitment to the practice of religion and a strong set of values. These goals, along with academic achievement, are the key components of the Catholic school’s effectiveness.
Catholic schools provide faith formation and values. Teachers view the formation of Christian character as a non-negotiable, which is Gospel centered, environmental, cross-curricular and essential in a society where values are often ignored.
The NCEA, founded in 1904, is a professional membership organization that provides leadership, direction and service to fulfill the evangelizing, catechizing and teaching mission of the church. NCEA members include elementary schools, high schools, parish religious education programs and seminaries.
According to Dr. Karen Ristau, president of the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), Catholic schools provide $19.8 billion in savings each year for the nation. The figure is based on the average public school per pupil cost of $8,701 and the total Catholic school enrollment of more than 2.2 million students.
“Catholic schools are a gift to the church – and to the nation,” said Ristau. “The enormity of this gift is more striking during these challenging economic times.”
In addition to the monetary rewards, the nation gains in other ways. Catholic school students excel academically on standardized tests, 99.1% graduate and 94% attend college. Studies show that graduates of Catholic schools are reliable workers, good citizens and more likely to attend church.
“Our graduates have a strong commitment to community service because that is a foundation of our schools,” added Ristau. “Just this past year Catholic school students performed 2.2 million hours of public service in honor of Pope Benedict’s visit. That kind of involvement is a gift to the country that cannot be measured in dollars alone.”
Research on school effectiveness in the last 10 years has focused on academic outcomes, including standardized test scores, graduation rates, post-secondary aspirations and college attendance. Catholic schools, while they aspire to academic success, include among their primary objectives an understanding of the Catholic faith, a commitment to the practice of religion and a strong set of values. These goals, along with academic achievement, are the key components of the Catholic school’s effectiveness.
Catholic schools provide faith formation and values. Teachers view the formation of Christian character as a non-negotiable, which is Gospel centered, environmental, cross-curricular and essential in a society where values are often ignored.
The NCEA, founded in 1904, is a professional membership organization that provides leadership, direction and service to fulfill the evangelizing, catechizing and teaching mission of the church. NCEA members include elementary schools, high schools, parish religious education programs and seminaries.
EWTN Christmas Specials
Christmas specials on EWTN Global Catholic Network this year include a new documentary proving the existence of the Star of Bethlehem from the producer of “The Passion of the Christ”) as well as classics with stars such as Loretta Young, Christopher Plummer, Frankie Avalon, Snooky Larson, June Valli, Mario Lanza, and Rosalind Russell. There is literally something for everyone. Highlights include: (All times below are U.S. Eastern Time.)
The Star of Bethlehem
From “The Passion of the Christ” Producer Stephen McEveety comes a documentary that proves the existence of the Star of Bethlehem, whose existence has been debated for centuries by historians, scientists and scholars. “Either they believe the Star is true or they think it was made up by the early Church,” says Texas A&”M Professor Rick Larson. “I took a different approach in my research and treated the Star as a mystery or puzzle, looking at the Bible and comparing the facts of Scripture with facts from science and history.” (10 a.m. Dec. 21, 11 p.m. Dec. 25, 8 p.m. Dec. 27, 3 a.m. Dec. 28, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 29, 10:30 a.m. Dec. 31)
The San Juan Children’s Choir Presents: Siempre Navidad (Always Christmas)
This festive concert, with music from around the world, displays the joyful spirit of Christmas in Puerto Rico. (30-minute version: 9 a.m. Dec. 20. 60-minute version: 6 p.m. Dec. 22 and 4 p.m. Dec. 27)
The Story of the Selfish Giant
A grandfather uses Oscar Wilde's timeless tale to unlock the true meaning of Christmas for his granddaughter. This is a charming story with a strong Christian message about the meaning of love and sacrifice. It is bound to become one of your Christmas favorites. (10:30 a.m. Dec. 20 and 4 p.m. Dec. 26).
The Chimes
Written by Charles Dickens and narrated by Derek Jacobi, this is the story of a poor and discouraged 19th Century porter. Chiming church bells magically transport him to the future where his hope is renewed. (4 p.m. Dec. 23 and 6 a.m. Dec. 27)
Loretta Young: 3 & 2 Please
Academy Awarding Winning Actress Loretta Young starts as “Sister Ann,” a nun who brightens the lives of patients in a Catholic hospital at Christmas. (6:30 p.m. Dec. 21, 11 a.m. Dec. 23, 2:30 a.m. Dec. 26, and 2:30 a.m. Dec. 27)
The First Christmas
Narrated by Christopher Plummer, this colorful animated production tells the traditional story of the birth of Jesus. (4:30 p.m. Dec. 24, 11 a.m. Dec. 25, and 10:30 a.m. Dec. 27)
The Promise
A 1967 dramatization of the Annunciation and Nativity, followed by a brief discussion of the film by Father Patrick Peyton and Frankie Avalon. (2:30 p.m. Dec. 22, 3:30 a.m. Dec. 24, 5:30 a.m. Dec. 27, 3 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 29)
Christopher Close-Up: Christopher Classic Christmas
Christopher Founder Father James Keller, M.M. celebrates Christmas with stars of yesteryear, including Snooky Larson, June Valli, Mario Lanza, Rosalind Russell and more. (6:30 a.m. Dec. 21, 9 p.m. Dec. 22, and 3 a.m. Dec. 24)
Catholic University of America Christmas Concert
This annual concert presents a brilliant blend of angelic voices and the wonderful sounds of the Christmas season. (11 p.m. Dec. 23 and 2 p.m. Dec. 25)
The World is Born: Christmas with the Louisville Chorus
The Louisville Chorus celebrates the sounds of the season in this special presentation of Christmas favorites. The choir performs in the historic St. Martin of Tours Church in Louisville, Kentucky. (10 p.m. Dec. 23, 2 p.m. Dec. 27, and 11 a.m. Jan. 1)
Dana: Our Family Christmas
Join Dana, her family and friends as they present an old-fashioned family Christmas. Hear the meaning of many traditional customs, and gather new ideas for you and your family. (9 a.m. Dec. 24 and 4:30 a.m. Dec. 27)
Solemn Mass at Midnight with Pope Benedict XVI (Live from Rome)
Solemnity of the Birth of Our Lord: Midnight Mass with the Holy Father from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. (6 p.m. Dec. 24 (live), 8 a.m. Dec. 25, and 4 p.m. Dec. 25)
Choral Meditations and Solemn Mass of Christmas Eve from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (Live from Washington, D.C.)
From the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC, USA. (10 p.m. Dec. 24 (live))
Urbi et Orbi from Rome: Pope Benedict's Christmas Message to the World (Live)
From St. Peter's Square. Join the Holy Father for his inspiring Christmas Day message to the world on the celebration of Christ’s birth. (6 a.m. (live) Dec. 25, 10 p.m. Dec. 25, 3 a.m. Dec. 26, and 5 p.m. Dec. 26)
For a complete listing, go to www.ewtn.com and click on the “EWTN’s Christmas Specials” Calendar on the home page.
The Star of Bethlehem
From “The Passion of the Christ” Producer Stephen McEveety comes a documentary that proves the existence of the Star of Bethlehem, whose existence has been debated for centuries by historians, scientists and scholars. “Either they believe the Star is true or they think it was made up by the early Church,” says Texas A&”M Professor Rick Larson. “I took a different approach in my research and treated the Star as a mystery or puzzle, looking at the Bible and comparing the facts of Scripture with facts from science and history.” (10 a.m. Dec. 21, 11 p.m. Dec. 25, 8 p.m. Dec. 27, 3 a.m. Dec. 28, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 29, 10:30 a.m. Dec. 31)
The San Juan Children’s Choir Presents: Siempre Navidad (Always Christmas)
This festive concert, with music from around the world, displays the joyful spirit of Christmas in Puerto Rico. (30-minute version: 9 a.m. Dec. 20. 60-minute version: 6 p.m. Dec. 22 and 4 p.m. Dec. 27)
The Story of the Selfish Giant
A grandfather uses Oscar Wilde's timeless tale to unlock the true meaning of Christmas for his granddaughter. This is a charming story with a strong Christian message about the meaning of love and sacrifice. It is bound to become one of your Christmas favorites. (10:30 a.m. Dec. 20 and 4 p.m. Dec. 26).
The Chimes
Written by Charles Dickens and narrated by Derek Jacobi, this is the story of a poor and discouraged 19th Century porter. Chiming church bells magically transport him to the future where his hope is renewed. (4 p.m. Dec. 23 and 6 a.m. Dec. 27)
Loretta Young: 3 & 2 Please
Academy Awarding Winning Actress Loretta Young starts as “Sister Ann,” a nun who brightens the lives of patients in a Catholic hospital at Christmas. (6:30 p.m. Dec. 21, 11 a.m. Dec. 23, 2:30 a.m. Dec. 26, and 2:30 a.m. Dec. 27)
The First Christmas
Narrated by Christopher Plummer, this colorful animated production tells the traditional story of the birth of Jesus. (4:30 p.m. Dec. 24, 11 a.m. Dec. 25, and 10:30 a.m. Dec. 27)
The Promise
A 1967 dramatization of the Annunciation and Nativity, followed by a brief discussion of the film by Father Patrick Peyton and Frankie Avalon. (2:30 p.m. Dec. 22, 3:30 a.m. Dec. 24, 5:30 a.m. Dec. 27, 3 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 29)
Christopher Close-Up: Christopher Classic Christmas
Christopher Founder Father James Keller, M.M. celebrates Christmas with stars of yesteryear, including Snooky Larson, June Valli, Mario Lanza, Rosalind Russell and more. (6:30 a.m. Dec. 21, 9 p.m. Dec. 22, and 3 a.m. Dec. 24)
Catholic University of America Christmas Concert
This annual concert presents a brilliant blend of angelic voices and the wonderful sounds of the Christmas season. (11 p.m. Dec. 23 and 2 p.m. Dec. 25)
The World is Born: Christmas with the Louisville Chorus
The Louisville Chorus celebrates the sounds of the season in this special presentation of Christmas favorites. The choir performs in the historic St. Martin of Tours Church in Louisville, Kentucky. (10 p.m. Dec. 23, 2 p.m. Dec. 27, and 11 a.m. Jan. 1)
Dana: Our Family Christmas
Join Dana, her family and friends as they present an old-fashioned family Christmas. Hear the meaning of many traditional customs, and gather new ideas for you and your family. (9 a.m. Dec. 24 and 4:30 a.m. Dec. 27)
Solemn Mass at Midnight with Pope Benedict XVI (Live from Rome)
Solemnity of the Birth of Our Lord: Midnight Mass with the Holy Father from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. (6 p.m. Dec. 24 (live), 8 a.m. Dec. 25, and 4 p.m. Dec. 25)
Choral Meditations and Solemn Mass of Christmas Eve from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (Live from Washington, D.C.)
From the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC, USA. (10 p.m. Dec. 24 (live))
Urbi et Orbi from Rome: Pope Benedict's Christmas Message to the World (Live)
From St. Peter's Square. Join the Holy Father for his inspiring Christmas Day message to the world on the celebration of Christ’s birth. (6 a.m. (live) Dec. 25, 10 p.m. Dec. 25, 3 a.m. Dec. 26, and 5 p.m. Dec. 26)
For a complete listing, go to www.ewtn.com and click on the “EWTN’s Christmas Specials” Calendar on the home page.
Animated Divine Mercy Chaplet
Starting the 3rd week of December, CatholicTV will begin airing a new animated version of the Divine Mercy Chaplet. The new chaplet includes meditations from the Bible between each prayer.
The Chaplet of the Divine Mercy is a prayer which has five decades similar to the Rosary. The devotion originates from the diary of St. Faustina Kowalksa. This video of the Chaplet was written and produced by Dr. Vincent Baratta, of Windham, NY. �The chaplet repeats the words for the sake of his sorrorwful passion, and so I wanted to present meditations on the Jesus� passion in the chaplet video.� said Dr. Baratta. With regards to the Chaplet, Dr Baratta also says that �repetition enhances retention of knowledge of our faith�.
Dr. Baratta has written a book entitled The-Rosary-is-Alive and The Message of The Divine Mercy and the role of St. Maria Faustina.. The Message of the Divine Mercy�. book was authored with the assistance of Reverend Seraphim Michalenko, of the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Dr. Baratta continues his dedication to the faith with this new Divine Chaplet
which will air each week on CatholicTV. CatholicTV airs the Divine Mercy Chaplet each day of the week at 3P.M. It is viewable on demand and now in full-screen at www.CatholicTV.com.
The Chaplet of the Divine Mercy is a prayer which has five decades similar to the Rosary. The devotion originates from the diary of St. Faustina Kowalksa. This video of the Chaplet was written and produced by Dr. Vincent Baratta, of Windham, NY. �The chaplet repeats the words for the sake of his sorrorwful passion, and so I wanted to present meditations on the Jesus� passion in the chaplet video.� said Dr. Baratta. With regards to the Chaplet, Dr Baratta also says that �repetition enhances retention of knowledge of our faith�.
Dr. Baratta has written a book entitled The-Rosary-is-Alive and The Message of The Divine Mercy and the role of St. Maria Faustina.. The Message of the Divine Mercy�. book was authored with the assistance of Reverend Seraphim Michalenko, of the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Dr. Baratta continues his dedication to the faith with this new Divine Chaplet
which will air each week on CatholicTV. CatholicTV airs the Divine Mercy Chaplet each day of the week at 3P.M. It is viewable on demand and now in full-screen at www.CatholicTV.com.
Planned Parenthood's Irredeemable Act
Atlanta, GA – Dr. Alveda King, Pastoral Associate of Priests for Life and niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., today criticized Planned Parenthood of Indiana for selling Christmas gift certificates that can be used for goods or services, including abortions.
“The word inappropriate hardly describes Planned Parenthood’s scheme,” said Dr. King. “To give someone a gift card from the nation’s largest abortion business is to give death for Christmas. Planned Parenthood really should call these ‘King Herod certificates’ after the Roman ruler who slaughtered tiny babies in his vain attempt to kill the baby Jesus. Better yet, it should just leave Christmas, a celebration of birth, hope, and life, completely alone.”
“Planned Parenthood’s selling of Christmas gift certificates that can be redeemed for abortion is an irredeemable act,” added Dr. King. “No amount of spin can turn this promotion into anything other than an abomination. Congress gave Planned Parenthood $300 million last year and now a chapter of this group is defiling the celebration of our Savior’s birth. As one of America’s taxpayers, I want my money back.”
Priests for Life is the nation's largest Catholic pro-life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit www.priestsforlife.org.
“The word inappropriate hardly describes Planned Parenthood’s scheme,” said Dr. King. “To give someone a gift card from the nation’s largest abortion business is to give death for Christmas. Planned Parenthood really should call these ‘King Herod certificates’ after the Roman ruler who slaughtered tiny babies in his vain attempt to kill the baby Jesus. Better yet, it should just leave Christmas, a celebration of birth, hope, and life, completely alone.”
“Planned Parenthood’s selling of Christmas gift certificates that can be redeemed for abortion is an irredeemable act,” added Dr. King. “No amount of spin can turn this promotion into anything other than an abomination. Congress gave Planned Parenthood $300 million last year and now a chapter of this group is defiling the celebration of our Savior’s birth. As one of America’s taxpayers, I want my money back.”
Priests for Life is the nation's largest Catholic pro-life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia. For more information, visit www.priestsforlife.org.
Catholic Writers to Hold Online Conference
Writers, editors, agents, and other publishing professionals from around the world are gearing up for the second annual Catholic Writers’ Conference Online, which will be held February 2-9, 2009.
Sponsored by the Catholic Writer’s Guild and the Extraordinary Moms Network, the online conference is free of charge and open to writers of all levels who register by January 15.
Last year’s conference drew over 300 participants and had more than 30 editors and writing professionals from all over the country presenting. Here's what attendees had to say:
"Gas prices are high. Writers' conferences are out of reach. CWC met my need! Write ON!" Jewel Sample, author of Flying Hugs and Kisses, and Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity Book (jewelsamples.blogspot.com).
"This conference … moved beyond practical concerns of writers and revealed the creative union between writing and faith, establishing it as a source of endless inspiration. As writers, we all want to feel good about what we write. The CWCO helped to show us how." Kate Wicker, “Momopoly” (www.katewicker.com).
"If ever a newbie writer on the scene needed an added boost of confidence, input, and tips, the Catholic Writer's Conference Online was the place for them to camp out for the week. I learned so much and enjoyed being in an arena that was friendly for all who want to share the Catholic faith. Thanks for the great week of advice, information, and meeting new people." Elizabeth Weidner, “A Catholic Mum Climbing the Pillars”
“We were very happy with the caliber of publishing professionals who volunteered to participate in the last conference,” says event co-chair Heidi Hess Saxton, author and founder of Extraordinary Moms Network. “There was a nice mix of fiction and non-fiction as well as book and magazine publishing represented. Something for everyone … and you can’t beat the price!”
"On-line conferences cross economic and political boundaries. We can reach Catholic writers who normally wouldn't have a chance to meet, much less learn from, successful writers, editors and publishers. Plus, the faith-sharing is phenomenal," said Karina Fabian, author of the Catholic science fiction anthology Infinite Space, Infinite God and President of the Catholic Writers' Guild.
Early registration is recommended. Although the conference is offered free of charge, donations are accepted; proceeds will go toward future conferences. To register or for more information, go to http://www.catholicwritersconference.com.
Sponsored by the Catholic Writer’s Guild and the Extraordinary Moms Network, the online conference is free of charge and open to writers of all levels who register by January 15.
Last year’s conference drew over 300 participants and had more than 30 editors and writing professionals from all over the country presenting. Here's what attendees had to say:
"Gas prices are high. Writers' conferences are out of reach. CWC met my need! Write ON!" Jewel Sample, author of Flying Hugs and Kisses, and Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity Book (jewelsamples.blogspot.com).
"This conference … moved beyond practical concerns of writers and revealed the creative union between writing and faith, establishing it as a source of endless inspiration. As writers, we all want to feel good about what we write. The CWCO helped to show us how." Kate Wicker, “Momopoly” (www.katewicker.com).
"If ever a newbie writer on the scene needed an added boost of confidence, input, and tips, the Catholic Writer's Conference Online was the place for them to camp out for the week. I learned so much and enjoyed being in an arena that was friendly for all who want to share the Catholic faith. Thanks for the great week of advice, information, and meeting new people." Elizabeth Weidner, “A Catholic Mum Climbing the Pillars”
“We were very happy with the caliber of publishing professionals who volunteered to participate in the last conference,” says event co-chair Heidi Hess Saxton, author and founder of Extraordinary Moms Network. “There was a nice mix of fiction and non-fiction as well as book and magazine publishing represented. Something for everyone … and you can’t beat the price!”
"On-line conferences cross economic and political boundaries. We can reach Catholic writers who normally wouldn't have a chance to meet, much less learn from, successful writers, editors and publishers. Plus, the faith-sharing is phenomenal," said Karina Fabian, author of the Catholic science fiction anthology Infinite Space, Infinite God and President of the Catholic Writers' Guild.
Early registration is recommended. Although the conference is offered free of charge, donations are accepted; proceeds will go toward future conferences. To register or for more information, go to http://www.catholicwritersconference.com.
The Catholic Truth Accepting Prayer Requests
The Catholic Truth lay apostolate is encouraging all those interested to submit their prayer requests for inclusion in a Christmas Novena of Masses. The Masses will be said at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Intentions can be submitted by visiting the Catholic Truth website (www.thecatholictruth.info) and entering the requests on the home page. All submissions are completely anonymous and there is no obligation or fee.
Founder Gary Zimak states, “This Christmas, we wanted to do something for all of those people that are in need of prayer. It’s our gift to all of our brothers and sisters.” Zimak was inspired to make this offer after looking through some literature from the National Shrine. He thought it fitting to make the announcement on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. “I can’t think of a more appropriate day to extend this offer and a more appropriate place for the Masses to be said than the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception”, says Zimak. “The motto of our apostolate is Ad Jesum Per Mariam (To Jesus Through Mary) and we completely trust in her intercessory power.”
The intentions will be forwarded to the National Shrine in time for the Christmas Novena. Even though the Catholic Truth is not accepting donations for these Masses, they encourage everyone to visit the website of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (www.nationalshrine.com) and make a donation if possible.
The Catholic Truth lay apostolate was founded to help Catholics learn more about their Faith. Their services are provided totally free of charge over the Internet. A daily blog, monthly newsletter and their 10-step plan to bring you closer to Christ are all accessible from their website (www.thecatholictruth.info). They can also be reached via email at thecatholictruth@yahoo.com.
Founder Gary Zimak states, “This Christmas, we wanted to do something for all of those people that are in need of prayer. It’s our gift to all of our brothers and sisters.” Zimak was inspired to make this offer after looking through some literature from the National Shrine. He thought it fitting to make the announcement on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. “I can’t think of a more appropriate day to extend this offer and a more appropriate place for the Masses to be said than the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception”, says Zimak. “The motto of our apostolate is Ad Jesum Per Mariam (To Jesus Through Mary) and we completely trust in her intercessory power.”
The intentions will be forwarded to the National Shrine in time for the Christmas Novena. Even though the Catholic Truth is not accepting donations for these Masses, they encourage everyone to visit the website of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (www.nationalshrine.com) and make a donation if possible.
The Catholic Truth lay apostolate was founded to help Catholics learn more about their Faith. Their services are provided totally free of charge over the Internet. A daily blog, monthly newsletter and their 10-step plan to bring you closer to Christ are all accessible from their website (www.thecatholictruth.info). They can also be reached via email at thecatholictruth@yahoo.com.
Audio Bible Ministry Shares "The Christmas Story"
This exciting announcement is part of “The Christmas Story,” a free Audio Bible program about the birth of Jesus Christ.
“The Christmas Story” is an audio drama, word-for-word reading from the New Testament books Matthew and Luke and is produced by Faith Comes By Hearing, the world’s foremost Audio Bible ministry. This realistic audio recording was produced using multiple character voices, musical backgrounds and sound effects.
You can get this free holiday program:
• By downloading or listening free from www.FaithComesByHearing.com. (Available in .mp3 or .WAV file formats)
• By texting “CHRISTMAS” to 80672.
• At the iTunes store.
Faith Comes By Hearing produced this short, family-friendly program, which runs about 12 minutes, to help people engage in the Bible this holiday season and hear the Christmas story in a dramatic, audio format.
“This is part of the greatest story ever told,” said Jon D. Wilke, organizational spokesperson. “Everyday we need to engage in the Bible through reading or listening, and this is the time of the year we need to remember and give thanks for God’s greatest gift to humanity.”
“Gathering around and listening to this Bible story is an easy, yet powerful way to share God’s love with your family and start a memorable Christmas tradition,” he said.
Founded in 1972 as a non-profit ministry, Faith Comes By Hearing records and uses Audio Bible programs to reach Americans as well as the world’s poor and illiterate with God’s Word.
“The Christmas Story” is an audio drama, word-for-word reading from the New Testament books Matthew and Luke and is produced by Faith Comes By Hearing, the world’s foremost Audio Bible ministry. This realistic audio recording was produced using multiple character voices, musical backgrounds and sound effects.
You can get this free holiday program:
• By downloading or listening free from www.FaithComesByHearing.com. (Available in .mp3 or .WAV file formats)
• By texting “CHRISTMAS” to 80672.
• At the iTunes store.
Faith Comes By Hearing produced this short, family-friendly program, which runs about 12 minutes, to help people engage in the Bible this holiday season and hear the Christmas story in a dramatic, audio format.
“This is part of the greatest story ever told,” said Jon D. Wilke, organizational spokesperson. “Everyday we need to engage in the Bible through reading or listening, and this is the time of the year we need to remember and give thanks for God’s greatest gift to humanity.”
“Gathering around and listening to this Bible story is an easy, yet powerful way to share God’s love with your family and start a memorable Christmas tradition,” he said.
Founded in 1972 as a non-profit ministry, Faith Comes By Hearing records and uses Audio Bible programs to reach Americans as well as the world’s poor and illiterate with God’s Word.
CatholicTV: How to Keep Advent in Your Heart
CatholicTV’s talk show “This is the Day” will feature Father Paul Turner, a priest from Missouri this Friday, December 5th. He will discuss Advent themes from scripture as well as how we can celebrate the entire Advent season. Father Turner is the pastor of St. Munchin parish-St. Aloysius parish in Cameron, Missouri. More information about Father Turner may be found on his website: www.PaulTurner.org
Also featured on the show will be Heather King, author of the book Redeemed. Ms. King writes candidly about how challenging and rewarding it can be to live out the faith as an American woman. In her interview, she speaks openly about her many struggles including difficulties with alcohol abuse and even abortion. She talks about how she stays centered on God and open to his help despite being a sinner. She mentions her unique idea that addiction is a sign of spiritual thirst which addictions aim to quench but cannot. Additional references about Heather’s writings and faith journey is available on her website: http://heather-king.com/
You can see Heather’s interview as well as Father Paul Turner’s at www.CatholicTV.com. The interview is on live at 10:30AM Eastern and rebroadcast at 8PM on Friday, December 5th. The interview will be available in the video archives at http://www.CatholicTV.com.
Friday's “This Is The Day” is rebroadcast throughout the weekend (Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 6:30 p.m.). A new live show airs Tuesday at 10:30AM. The show can also be seen on demand at www.CatholicTV.com or downloaded via iTunes and SQPN. The hosts discuss various topics of the week and respond to viewer mail (you may email the show at thisistheday@CatholicTV.org.
Also featured on the show will be Heather King, author of the book Redeemed. Ms. King writes candidly about how challenging and rewarding it can be to live out the faith as an American woman. In her interview, she speaks openly about her many struggles including difficulties with alcohol abuse and even abortion. She talks about how she stays centered on God and open to his help despite being a sinner. She mentions her unique idea that addiction is a sign of spiritual thirst which addictions aim to quench but cannot. Additional references about Heather’s writings and faith journey is available on her website: http://heather-king.com/
You can see Heather’s interview as well as Father Paul Turner’s at www.CatholicTV.com. The interview is on live at 10:30AM Eastern and rebroadcast at 8PM on Friday, December 5th. The interview will be available in the video archives at http://www.CatholicTV.com.
Friday's “This Is The Day” is rebroadcast throughout the weekend (Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 6:30 p.m.). A new live show airs Tuesday at 10:30AM. The show can also be seen on demand at www.CatholicTV.com or downloaded via iTunes and SQPN. The hosts discuss various topics of the week and respond to viewer mail (you may email the show at thisistheday@CatholicTV.org.
Flocknote.com: Catholic Leaders Go Web 2.0
A new Catholic website was launched this month, providing diocesan, parish and lay organization leaders with an innovative way to share information with their groups.
On Flocknote.com, Catholic leaders can create “feeds” for every group that they lead. Group members are then invited to subscribe to feeds of interest and choose to receive notes by email, text message, Facebook – or on the website itself.
Up until now, many Catholic groups have used email mailing lists and church bulletins to communicate with interested members.
“The power of this site is that it aligns perfectly with the structure of The Church,” says Matt Warner, Flocknote creator, “Never before has it been easier for bishops to communicate with their entire diocese, pastors to share info with their entire parish – and parishioners to plug into their parish community.”
Flocknote is attracting more than Church leaders. Catholic musicians, bloggers, speakers and other laymen have also found the site to be instrumental in sharing their ministry.
Not to be confused as just another social networking site, Flocknote had created a unique niche, serving as both a high-tech mailing list – and a supplement to popular sites like Facebook.
“At the end of the day,” Warner continued, “people truly want to be plugged in to their Catholic community – we just don’t always have the time to do it. Flocknote changes that. Now everyone can get the information they need in the most convenient way possible.”
On Flocknote.com, Catholic leaders can create “feeds” for every group that they lead. Group members are then invited to subscribe to feeds of interest and choose to receive notes by email, text message, Facebook – or on the website itself.
Up until now, many Catholic groups have used email mailing lists and church bulletins to communicate with interested members.
“The power of this site is that it aligns perfectly with the structure of The Church,” says Matt Warner, Flocknote creator, “Never before has it been easier for bishops to communicate with their entire diocese, pastors to share info with their entire parish – and parishioners to plug into their parish community.”
Flocknote is attracting more than Church leaders. Catholic musicians, bloggers, speakers and other laymen have also found the site to be instrumental in sharing their ministry.
Not to be confused as just another social networking site, Flocknote had created a unique niche, serving as both a high-tech mailing list – and a supplement to popular sites like Facebook.
“At the end of the day,” Warner continued, “people truly want to be plugged in to their Catholic community – we just don’t always have the time to do it. Flocknote changes that. Now everyone can get the information they need in the most convenient way possible.”
CatholicTV's "Your Catholic Broadband Network"
CatholicTV launched a new website today, appropriately dubbed “Your Catholic Broadband Network.” The site is an amazing collection of the video archives of the station along with a live Flash video stream powered by Internap and an array of the best of Catholic blog, podcasts and ‘viewer-generated” video..
In addition, a new monthly schedule will be provided in the station’s free magazine, “The CatholicTV Monthly” with frequent updates and new programmatic additions. Some of those additions are a collection of sixteen Rosaries recorded around the nation. From the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston to the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at Notre Dame to the glory of a New England autumn, these new HD Rosaries will greatly enhance the prayer life of the CatholicTV audience.
Beginning on the first Sunday of Advent the Mass from the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at the University of Notre Dame will be televised live weekly on CatholicTV at 10 a.m. Sundays (ET) beginning November 30, 2008. The Mass from Notre Dame is also streamed live and archived online at CatholicTV.com.
“We are pleased to partner with CatholicTV to provide the 10:00 a.m. Mass from the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at Notre Dame each Sunday morning. CatholicTV has strong East coast distribution and a strategy for growing its cable audience on a nationwide scale. We are firmly committed to bringing quality Catholic liturgies to a national and global audience,” said Rev. Richard V. Warner, C.S.C., director of Campus Ministry.
Notre Dame broadcasted Mass from the Basilica on the Hallmark Channel from 2002 until June 2008, and also on DIRECTV in 2007. The Basilica staff has received thousands of enthusiastic and appreciative letters and messages from viewers across the country since June requesting that television carriage continue for the Mass. Many viewers are unable to attend Mass at their local parish for physical reasons and others tell of how Notre Dame’s Mass enriches the experience of their local parish liturgy.
The University's Liturgical Choir, under the direction of Dr. Gail Walton, provides music for the 10 a.m. Sunday Mass during the academic year, while the Basilica Community Collegium Choir, under the direction of Dr. Andrew McShane, provides the music for the liturgy when academic year classes are not in session. Special technical effort has been made to capture the voices as they are heard by the congregation in the Basilica. Masses at Notre Dame are marked by the full participation of the assembly in the liturgy. Each Sunday the Basilica is usually filled to capacity for its regularly scheduled liturgies.
The audio and video equipment installed in the Basilica has been designed to be architecturally sensitive to the beauty of the Basilica and to ensure that the broadcasts capture the beauty of the liturgy without disrupting the sanctity of prayer. Technical production of the Mass is provided by Pentavision Communications Inc., which operates the broadcast equipment from a specially designed control room located in the basement of the Basilica. WNDU-TV sends the broadcast via fiber optics to CatholicTV’s master control.
More information on the Basilica of the Sacred Heart is available at http://basilica.nd.edu/, including the ability to download Mass on the Internet, view readings and music texts online, learn about the many Basilica choirs, take a virtual tour of the Basilica, and much more.
In addition, a new monthly schedule will be provided in the station’s free magazine, “The CatholicTV Monthly” with frequent updates and new programmatic additions. Some of those additions are a collection of sixteen Rosaries recorded around the nation. From the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston to the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at Notre Dame to the glory of a New England autumn, these new HD Rosaries will greatly enhance the prayer life of the CatholicTV audience.
Beginning on the first Sunday of Advent the Mass from the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at the University of Notre Dame will be televised live weekly on CatholicTV at 10 a.m. Sundays (ET) beginning November 30, 2008. The Mass from Notre Dame is also streamed live and archived online at CatholicTV.com.
“We are pleased to partner with CatholicTV to provide the 10:00 a.m. Mass from the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at Notre Dame each Sunday morning. CatholicTV has strong East coast distribution and a strategy for growing its cable audience on a nationwide scale. We are firmly committed to bringing quality Catholic liturgies to a national and global audience,” said Rev. Richard V. Warner, C.S.C., director of Campus Ministry.
Notre Dame broadcasted Mass from the Basilica on the Hallmark Channel from 2002 until June 2008, and also on DIRECTV in 2007. The Basilica staff has received thousands of enthusiastic and appreciative letters and messages from viewers across the country since June requesting that television carriage continue for the Mass. Many viewers are unable to attend Mass at their local parish for physical reasons and others tell of how Notre Dame’s Mass enriches the experience of their local parish liturgy.
The University's Liturgical Choir, under the direction of Dr. Gail Walton, provides music for the 10 a.m. Sunday Mass during the academic year, while the Basilica Community Collegium Choir, under the direction of Dr. Andrew McShane, provides the music for the liturgy when academic year classes are not in session. Special technical effort has been made to capture the voices as they are heard by the congregation in the Basilica. Masses at Notre Dame are marked by the full participation of the assembly in the liturgy. Each Sunday the Basilica is usually filled to capacity for its regularly scheduled liturgies.
The audio and video equipment installed in the Basilica has been designed to be architecturally sensitive to the beauty of the Basilica and to ensure that the broadcasts capture the beauty of the liturgy without disrupting the sanctity of prayer. Technical production of the Mass is provided by Pentavision Communications Inc., which operates the broadcast equipment from a specially designed control room located in the basement of the Basilica. WNDU-TV sends the broadcast via fiber optics to CatholicTV’s master control.
More information on the Basilica of the Sacred Heart is available at http://basilica.nd.edu/, including the ability to download Mass on the Internet, view readings and music texts online, learn about the many Basilica choirs, take a virtual tour of the Basilica, and much more.
CloisteredLife.com Attracts Visitors
After only three weeks since its launch, a redesigned website on Catholic religious communities has nearly tripled its number of web visitors from the previous month.
CloisteredLife.com, which focuses on religious communities whose main focus is prayer, rather than outside work, has seen more than 1,300 unique page visits in November since its launch Nov. 5.
“Much of the interest came in the website’s treatment of Pro Orantibus Day, Nov. 21, a day of prayer for those in cloistered communities, since the site carried resources to celebrate that day,” stated Kevin Banet, president of TreeFrogClick, Inc., which expanded the website from 12 to 20 pages.
“This shows how much interest there is in not only religious life, but in the life of those in monasteries and hermitages who are totally dedicated to God in prayer, silence and hiddenness,” he said.
The website features new pages of testimonies of sisters who found their vocation, as well as literature and other resources on the contemplative and cloistered life. It can be seen at www.cloisteredlife.com.
CloisteredLife.com, which focuses on religious communities whose main focus is prayer, rather than outside work, has seen more than 1,300 unique page visits in November since its launch Nov. 5.
“Much of the interest came in the website’s treatment of Pro Orantibus Day, Nov. 21, a day of prayer for those in cloistered communities, since the site carried resources to celebrate that day,” stated Kevin Banet, president of TreeFrogClick, Inc., which expanded the website from 12 to 20 pages.
“This shows how much interest there is in not only religious life, but in the life of those in monasteries and hermitages who are totally dedicated to God in prayer, silence and hiddenness,” he said.
The website features new pages of testimonies of sisters who found their vocation, as well as literature and other resources on the contemplative and cloistered life. It can be seen at www.cloisteredlife.com.
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