The New Catholic Mass? There's an App for That!

Toronto, Canada (November 22, 2011) - The new English translation of the Catholic Mass? There's an app for that.

On Nov. 27, the first Sunday of Advent, Roman Catholic parishes around the world will begin using the new English translation.

The New Mass app by Cale Clarke, director of The Faith Explained Seminars (www.TheFaithExplained.com), for iPhone and Android devices, explains the changes in an attractive, easy-to-use interface. The New Mass is available now on the Apple App Store and Android Market.

Archbishop Thomas Collins of Toronto calls the app “Simply wonderful…great for helping Catholics learn about the new English translation of the Mass.”

Pauline Books and Media Releases iMassExplained App in Preparation for the Implementation of the Third Roman Missal

BOSTON, MA (November 16, 2011) - Pauline Books and Media and the Daughters of St. Paul are pleased to announce the release of their newest Catholic app: iMassExplained. Emphasizing the people’s parts at Mass, iMassExplained is a handy app to help you understand and follow the new translation of the Third Roman Missal.

The latest addition to Pauline Books and Media’s collection of Catholic apps offers users access to explanations of what is changing with the revised translation of the Mass, information to deepen their understanding of what we do at Mass and why, and brief reflections of the Holy Fathers on the importance of the Mass and what it can mean for their everyday life. The app—available for download through iTunes for the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad—features:

* Clear, easy to follow format for learning and understanding the people’s parts of the new translation, as well as for use during Mass.
* Over 70 clear explanations positioned next to the texts they explain.
* Color-coded and easy to understand explanations for all ages, accessible by tapping on the highlighted words
* New translation changes marked in bold.
* Nine brief reflections on the meaning of the Mass in our lives from John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Leo XIII.

iMassExplained is a great tool for priests, pastoral ministers, music directors, teachers, catechists, and parents. A great app whether someone is thinking of becoming a Catholic, participating in RCIA, attending Mass regularly, or just plain curious.

iMassExplained is available for download on iTunes. For more information visit www.pauline.org/catholicapps.

‘Don’t give a !#@?#’ about curse words on TV? You should

Have you noticed all the “harmless” curse words on TV and in video games? If so, it should come as no surprise that studies are showing children who hear that cursing pick up the profanity themselves – and tend to exhibit more aggressive behavior than youngsters who don’t watch profane TV or play video games containing curse words.

“It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that children are going to emulate what they see and hear on TV, in the movies, and in video games,” said Teresa Tomeo, the bestselling author and syndicated radio host whose newest book is EXTREME MAKEOVER. “When we talk about violence in the media for example, we know that there are a number of studies that show at least a casual connection to violence in the media and aggressive behavior in children.”

One of the most recent, from Brigham Young University, revealed that youngsters who are exposed to profanity in the media tend to use it themselves, and exhibit more aggressive behavior. After studying a sample of 223 middle-school students in Missouri and applying statistical models to the results, the BYU researchers concluded that exposure to profanity was little different than exposure to violence on TV or in video games.

“This latest report regarding the impact of children’s exposure to bad language in media is alarming,” Tomeo said. “Not only are those children exposed to profanity more likely to use it themselves, but they are also likely to become more aggressive toward others. This is just another strong reminder for parents to develop and enforce media guidelines in the home."

In EXTREME MAKEOVER, Tomeo discusses the pervasiveness of media in today’s culture and talks about ways that women and their families can make an “extreme media makeover” to rid themselves of the messages and toxic images that bombard them daily and seek to destroy their basic human dignity.

G-Rated ‘The Mighty Macs’ Draws Audience, Critical Praise

PHILADELPHIA, PA (October 26, 2011) – THE MIGHTY MACS – a G-rated, inspiring story of finding the courage to chase your dreams – debuted last weekend, drawing praise from critics and audiences alike. Based on the true story of Hall of Fame coach Cathy Rush (CARLA GUGINO), THE MIGHTY MACS charts the rise of a team of over-achieving young women from Immaculata College as they claimed the first U.S. women’s collegiate basketball crown. It premieres as the highest-grossing independent film in the country and the No. 1 film in theaters for the entire family—perfect for parents and all the kids, regardless of their ages!






Critics from across the spectrum are “Backing the Macs”:

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times and RogerEbert.com
“It has an innocence that today’s movies have almost lost.”

Neil Ganzlinger, The New York Times
“. . . you have to love seeing nuns shouting basketball strategy from courtside. And the updates on the team’s players that flash by at the film’s end drive home why this is a sports story that deserved to be told.”

Joseph Airdo, Examiner.com
“THE MIGHTY MACS truly is a movie of magnificent morals. It is the very definition of wholesome entertainment.”

Bob Waliszewski, Plugged In, Focus on the Family Online
“The family-friendly pic, MIGHTY MACS, transports us back in time to 1972 girls college basketball, reminding all of us that while dreaming big is important in life, so are passion, perseverance and grind-it-out hard work and dedication.”

Vanessa Barnes, Gulf Coast Catholic
“Go! Take your family and enjoy a heart-warming film telling a story filled with good old-fashion life lessons. . . . The writing, directing and acting are superb. The story refreshing and the time well worth spending.”

Dick Rolfe, Dove Foundation
"Best inspirational sports film of the year!"

Beyond the critics’ praise, the film’s G rating, exciting basketball action, touching personal stories and overall entertainment value draw “thumbs up” from families, school officials and the world of sports.

In Sacramento, 400 students, staff and parents from the local Catholic diocese attended the opening. "THE MIGHTY MACS was a true inspiration to all and is a must see for Catholic school students both former and current,” said Rick Maya, the diocese’s director of Catholic schools.

The film’s intertwined personal stories of young women playing without scholarships, in antiquated facilities and often with limited family support touched Coquese Washington, Penn State’s women’s basketball coach.

“I can truly say that I was blown away watching this film,” Washington said. “It touched me in so many ways; but mostly, to watch in action the sacrifices so many people made in the early ‘70s simply for the love of the game was quite inspirational."


Audience members shared their enthusiasm in messages to THE MIGHTY MACS’ Facebook page. Just a few examples include:

“Go see this movie if you want to be inspired! . . . We need more movies like this!”

“We need to get the message out there . . . there is a better way to achieve your goals, there is a better way to fulfill your hopes and dreams. God will honor you as you honor Him. LOVE IT!”

“I have never been to a movie before where people applauded throughout the whole thing. Amazing!”

THE MIGHTY MACS, playing now, features Carla Gugino (NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM, SPY KIDS) as Cathy Rush and David Boreanaz (FOX TV’s Bones, Angel) as Cathy’s husband and NBA referee Ed Rush. Oscar-, Tony- and Emmy-winner Ellen Burstyn (Academy Awardâ, Best Actress ALICE DOESN’T LIVE HERE ANYMORE) plays Mother St. John, the mother superior at Immaculata. Marley Shelton (Eleventh Hour, PLEASANTVILLE) plays Sister Sunday, a novice who becomes Rush’s assistant coach.