To honor the fiftieth anniversary of the Second Vatican Council and the twentieth anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Pope
Benedict XVI has announced a Year of Faith, starting October 11 and ending
November 24, 2013. The goal is to strengthen the faith of Catholics and draw
the world to faith by their example.
Bishop David Ricken of Green Bay, Wisconsin, chairman of the Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis of the
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, offers “10 Ways Catholics Can Live the
Year of Faith.” Rooted in guidelines from the Vatican’s Congregation for the
Doctrine of the Faith, some of these suggestions are already requirements for
Catholics; others can be embraced by Catholics at all times and especially
during the Year of Faith:
1. Participate in Mass. The Year of Faith
is meant to promote the personal encounter with Jesus. This occurs most
immediately in the Eucharist. Regular Mass attendance strengthens one’s faith
through the Scriptures, the Creed, other prayers, sacred music, the homily,
receiving Communion and being part of a faith community.
2. Go to Confession. Like going to Mass,
Catholics find strength and grow deeper in their faith through participation in
the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. Confession urges people to turn
back to God, express sorrow for falling short and open their lives to the power
of God’s healing grace. It forgives the injuries of the past and provides
strength for the future.
3. Learn about the lives of the saints. The
saints are timeless examples of how to live a Christian life, and they provide endless
hope. Not only were they sinners who kept trying to grow closer to God, but
they also exemplify ways a person can serve God: through teaching, missionary
work, charity, prayer and simply striving to please God in the ordinary actions
and decisions of daily life.
4. Read the Bible daily. Scripture offers
first-hand access to the Word of God and tells the story of human salvation.
Catholics can pray the Scriptures (through lectio
divina or other methods) to become more attuned to the Word of God. Either
way, the Bible is a must for growth in the Year of Faith.
5. Read the documents of Vatican II. The
Second Vatican Council (1962-65) ushered in a great renewal of the Church. It
impacted how Mass is celebrated, the role of the laity, how the Church understands
itself and its relationship with other Christians and non-Christians. To
continue this renewal, Catholics must understand what the Council taught and
how it enriches the lives of believers.
6. Study the Catechism. Published exactly
30 years after the start of the Council, the Catechism of the Catholic Church covers the beliefs, moral
teachings, prayer and sacraments of the Catholic Church in one volume. It’s a
resource for growing in understanding of the faith. Another helpful resource is
the U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults (USCCA).
7. Volunteer in the parish. The Year of
Faith can’t only be about study and reflection. The solid grounding of the
Scriptures, the Council and the Catechism must translate into action. The parish
is a great place to start, and each person’s gifts help build up the community.
People are welcome as ministers of hospitality, liturgical musicians, lectors, catechists and in other roles in parish life.
8. Help those in need. The Vatican urges
Catholics to donate to charity and volunteer to help the poor during the Year
of Faith. This means to personally encounter Christ in the poor, marginalized
and vulnerable. Helping others brings Catholics face-to-face with Christ and
creates an example for the rest of the world.
9. Invite a friend to Mass. The Year of
Faith may be global in its scope, focusing on a renewal of faith and
evangelization for the whole Church, but real change occurs at the local level.
A personal invitation can make all the difference to someone who has drifted
from the faith or feels alienated from the Church. Everyone knows people like
this, so everyone can extend a loving welcome.
10. Incorporate the Beatitudes into daily life.
The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) provide a rich blueprint for Christian living.
Their wisdom can help all to be more humble, patient, just, transparent,
loving, forgiving and free. It’s precisely the example of lived faith needed to
draw people to the Church in the year ahead.
More information on the Year of
Faith is available online: www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/year-of-faith/index.cfm
Bring home FOR GREATER GLORY today
Bring home FOR GREATER GLORY on DVD and Blu-ray today – and start planning to show this action epic film in your area through a one-year site license!
FOR GREATER GLORY is available now in stores and online retailers with suggested retail prices of $26.99 for the DVD, $32.99 for the Blu-Ray and $32.99 for the DVD/Blu-ray combo pack. Site licenses also are available now through The Maximus Group. For more information, call 1-877-263-1263 or visit www.ForGreaterGloryEvents.com.
Public-screening opportunities are varied:
• Any group can benefit from public exhibitions of a film that enjoyed national buzz – but in limited theatrical release. Many moviegoers never got a chance to see this amazing film because it didn’t come to their town. Now, through a site license, it can!
• Priests and other parish leaders can organize a parish movie night. They can buy a site license package and host one (or multiple) parish viewing nights.
• Movie nights and public screenings sponsored by Knights of Columbus councils. Several Cristero martyrs were Knights, including a priest.
• Diocesan and parish Hispanic Ministries can bring this story to audiences that are extremely interested in and excited about FOR GREATER GLORY. This film is the legacy of many Mexican-American Catholics.
• Groups for young adults and men will find the film very compelling because of its message, production values and cast. The film stars Andy Garcia and Eva Longoria, two of most popular actors in today’s culture, and it’s an adventure, romance and action film all rolled into one!
• Faith formation and prayer groups get an opportunity to see the true story of 20th Century martyrs on the American continent. Several of the martyrs depicted in this film were beatified just five years ago. A great film to see on the faith and the heroic witness of our Catholic Saints.
• FOR GREATER GLORY also tells a great story of female strength and service through the depiction of the Feminine Brigades of St. Joan of Arc, which grew to more than 25,000 strong in support of the Cristero fighters.
Catholic leaders have praised FOR GREATER GLORY for its message and production values.
“FOR GREATER GLORY is a top-flight production whose message of the importance of religious freedom has particular resonance for us today,” said Most Rev. José Horacio Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles. “It is my earnest hope that people of faith throughout our country will rally behind FOR GREATER GLORY, and in doing so, will highlight the importance of religious freedom in our society.”
“FOR GREATER GLORY is ‘must-see’ viewing for all those who care about faith and liberty today,” said Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight Carl Anderson.
“The power of this film is matched only by the timeliness of its message,” said CatholicVote.org President Brian Burch.
“Every person of faith should draw courage from the tragically heroic witness of the Cristeros,” said Fr. Andrew Small, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies. “Their sacrifice reminds us that unless we learn from history, we risk repeating it. Besides being an important movie, it is extremely well done.”
About the film
FOR GREATER GLORY follows the true story of the 1920s Cristero War – the daring people’s revolt that rocked 20th Century North America. Directed by Dean Wright and produced by Pablo Jose Barroso, FOR GREATER GLORY stars Academy Award® nominee Andy Garcia, Golden Globe winner Eva Longoria, Oscar® Lifetime Achievement winner Peter O’Toole, rising star Oscar Isaac (DRIVE), recording star and actor Ruben Blades (SAFE HOUSE), Bruce Greenwood (STAR TREK, SUPER 8), Nestor Carbonell (THE DARK KNIGHT RISES, “Lost”), Bruce McGill (LINCOLN), Santiago Cabrera (“Heroes,” CHE), Oscar®-nominated Catalina Sandino Moreno (MARIA FULL OF GRACE) and Eduardo Verástegui (BELLA). It introduces teenager Mauricio Kuri, who plays Cristero martyr Blessed José Sanchez del Rio. Released in theaters on June 1, the epic action film earned more than $5.6 million at the domestic box office.
Visit the official website at www.ForGreaterGlory.com.
FOR GREATER GLORY is available now in stores and online retailers with suggested retail prices of $26.99 for the DVD, $32.99 for the Blu-Ray and $32.99 for the DVD/Blu-ray combo pack. Site licenses also are available now through The Maximus Group. For more information, call 1-877-263-1263 or visit www.ForGreaterGloryEvents.com.
Public-screening opportunities are varied:
• Any group can benefit from public exhibitions of a film that enjoyed national buzz – but in limited theatrical release. Many moviegoers never got a chance to see this amazing film because it didn’t come to their town. Now, through a site license, it can!
• Priests and other parish leaders can organize a parish movie night. They can buy a site license package and host one (or multiple) parish viewing nights.
• Movie nights and public screenings sponsored by Knights of Columbus councils. Several Cristero martyrs were Knights, including a priest.
• Diocesan and parish Hispanic Ministries can bring this story to audiences that are extremely interested in and excited about FOR GREATER GLORY. This film is the legacy of many Mexican-American Catholics.
• Groups for young adults and men will find the film very compelling because of its message, production values and cast. The film stars Andy Garcia and Eva Longoria, two of most popular actors in today’s culture, and it’s an adventure, romance and action film all rolled into one!
• Faith formation and prayer groups get an opportunity to see the true story of 20th Century martyrs on the American continent. Several of the martyrs depicted in this film were beatified just five years ago. A great film to see on the faith and the heroic witness of our Catholic Saints.
• FOR GREATER GLORY also tells a great story of female strength and service through the depiction of the Feminine Brigades of St. Joan of Arc, which grew to more than 25,000 strong in support of the Cristero fighters.
Catholic leaders have praised FOR GREATER GLORY for its message and production values.
“FOR GREATER GLORY is a top-flight production whose message of the importance of religious freedom has particular resonance for us today,” said Most Rev. José Horacio Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles. “It is my earnest hope that people of faith throughout our country will rally behind FOR GREATER GLORY, and in doing so, will highlight the importance of religious freedom in our society.”
“FOR GREATER GLORY is ‘must-see’ viewing for all those who care about faith and liberty today,” said Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight Carl Anderson.
“The power of this film is matched only by the timeliness of its message,” said CatholicVote.org President Brian Burch.
“Every person of faith should draw courage from the tragically heroic witness of the Cristeros,” said Fr. Andrew Small, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies. “Their sacrifice reminds us that unless we learn from history, we risk repeating it. Besides being an important movie, it is extremely well done.”
About the film
FOR GREATER GLORY follows the true story of the 1920s Cristero War – the daring people’s revolt that rocked 20th Century North America. Directed by Dean Wright and produced by Pablo Jose Barroso, FOR GREATER GLORY stars Academy Award® nominee Andy Garcia, Golden Globe winner Eva Longoria, Oscar® Lifetime Achievement winner Peter O’Toole, rising star Oscar Isaac (DRIVE), recording star and actor Ruben Blades (SAFE HOUSE), Bruce Greenwood (STAR TREK, SUPER 8), Nestor Carbonell (THE DARK KNIGHT RISES, “Lost”), Bruce McGill (LINCOLN), Santiago Cabrera (“Heroes,” CHE), Oscar®-nominated Catalina Sandino Moreno (MARIA FULL OF GRACE) and Eduardo Verástegui (BELLA). It introduces teenager Mauricio Kuri, who plays Cristero martyr Blessed José Sanchez del Rio. Released in theaters on June 1, the epic action film earned more than $5.6 million at the domestic box office.
Visit the official website at www.ForGreaterGlory.com.
October Baby: DVD Available September 11
The surprise hit OCTOBER BABY—an independent film that topped $5.3 million at the box office, sparked debate in national media and touched audiences nationwide with its entertaining love story and compelling message about the sanctity of life – debuts Sept. 11 on DVD with more than 2 hours of bonus features.
A production from Jon and Andrew Erwin and American Family Studios with Provident Films, OCTOBER BABY weaves a dramatic, romantic, humorous story of one young woman’s search for the truth after a life-changing discovery rocks her world. Distribution in the Christian bookstore market will be through Provident Distribution, while Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment will distribute to all other domestic markets.
OCTOBER BABY drew praise from the Catholic community and the mainstream media:
• From The Movie Reporter: “OCTOBER BABY is a powerful parable about healing…. It doesn’t preach, nor does it accuse, it merely makes a valid point that should be considered.”
• From the Los Angeles Times: “Fine performances and authentic emotion . . . a film whose poignancy is hard to deny.”
• From Fr. Peter West, Human Life International Vice President for Missions: “October Baby definitely has the potential to change hearts and minds.”
• From Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life: “OCTOBER BABY is a major blessing to our movement!”
• Catholic Pro-Life Committee Executive Director Karen Garnett said OCTOBER BABY is “a gift to all those who have strived for so long to break open the hearts of the masses to the beauty and sanctity of life. October Baby is a must-see, masterpiece film for life, so critically needed at this time in history."
• From Bill Donohue, President of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights: “OCTOBER BABY is the most gripping drama ever produced about the central civil rights issue of our time – the right to life.”
• From Heartbeat International President Peggy Hartshorn: “OCTOBER BABY is a heart-warming story of redemption that brings to the big screen how a seemingly small decision can powerfully affect many lives and relationships.”
OCTOBER BABY stars John Schneider (Smallville, Dukes of Hazzard), Jasmine Guy (A Different World) and newcomers Jason Burkey and Rachel Hendrix, who plays Hannah. In the film as the curtain rises, Hannah hesitantly steps onto the stage for her theatrical debut in college. Yet before her first lines, she collapses. Countless medical tests all point to one underlying factor: Hannah’s difficult birth. This revelation is nothing compared to discovering that she was actually adopted . . . after a failed abortion attempt. Bewildered, angered and confused, Hannah embarks on a journey with Jason, her oldest friend. In the midst of her incredible journey to discover her hidden past and find hope for her unknown future, Hannah sees that life can be so much more than what you have planned.
OCTOBER BABY marks the feature debut of Jon and Andrew Erwin, who are multiple Dove Award winners for music videos featuring hit contemporary Christian artists such as Casting Crowns, Michael W. Smith and Francesca Battistelli.
The film’s unique blend of humor, romance, drama and a life-affirming message sparked controversy as well, generating front-page coverage in the New York Times. Additionally, the producers of OCTOBER BABY have assigned 10 percent of the profits of the movie to the Every Life is Beautiful Fund, which will distribute funds to frontline organizations helping women facing crisis pregnancies, life-affirming adoption agencies and those caring for orphans.
Special features on the OCTOBER BABY DVD include:
• Commentary by Jon and Andrew Erwin and the OCTOBER BABY family
• October Bloopers
• Deleted Scenes, featuring the characters Truman, Bmac and much more
• Shari Rigby’s story—How OCTOBER BABY helped an actor in the film deal with events from her own past
• Gianna Jessen: The Inspiration for OCTOBER BABY
• Singing the Praises of OCTOBER BABY
• Facebook Q&A with Rachel Hendrix and Jason Burkey
• Every Life Is Beautiful Stories
o Jon Erwin
o Gianna Jessen
o Andy Erwin
o Mark Hall (Casting Crowns)
o Pat Layton
o Ken Bevel (COURAGEOUS)
o Dan Atchison (OCTOBER BABY producer)
• The Afters Life Is Beautiful music video
DVD DETAILS
RELEASE DATE: Sept. 11, 2012
RUN TIME: Approx. 107 minutes
RATING: PG-13
A production from Jon and Andrew Erwin and American Family Studios with Provident Films, OCTOBER BABY weaves a dramatic, romantic, humorous story of one young woman’s search for the truth after a life-changing discovery rocks her world. Distribution in the Christian bookstore market will be through Provident Distribution, while Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment will distribute to all other domestic markets.
OCTOBER BABY drew praise from the Catholic community and the mainstream media:
• From The Movie Reporter: “OCTOBER BABY is a powerful parable about healing…. It doesn’t preach, nor does it accuse, it merely makes a valid point that should be considered.”
• From the Los Angeles Times: “Fine performances and authentic emotion . . . a film whose poignancy is hard to deny.”
• From Fr. Peter West, Human Life International Vice President for Missions: “October Baby definitely has the potential to change hearts and minds.”
• From Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life: “OCTOBER BABY is a major blessing to our movement!”
• Catholic Pro-Life Committee Executive Director Karen Garnett said OCTOBER BABY is “a gift to all those who have strived for so long to break open the hearts of the masses to the beauty and sanctity of life. October Baby is a must-see, masterpiece film for life, so critically needed at this time in history."
• From Bill Donohue, President of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights: “OCTOBER BABY is the most gripping drama ever produced about the central civil rights issue of our time – the right to life.”
• From Heartbeat International President Peggy Hartshorn: “OCTOBER BABY is a heart-warming story of redemption that brings to the big screen how a seemingly small decision can powerfully affect many lives and relationships.”
OCTOBER BABY stars John Schneider (Smallville, Dukes of Hazzard), Jasmine Guy (A Different World) and newcomers Jason Burkey and Rachel Hendrix, who plays Hannah. In the film as the curtain rises, Hannah hesitantly steps onto the stage for her theatrical debut in college. Yet before her first lines, she collapses. Countless medical tests all point to one underlying factor: Hannah’s difficult birth. This revelation is nothing compared to discovering that she was actually adopted . . . after a failed abortion attempt. Bewildered, angered and confused, Hannah embarks on a journey with Jason, her oldest friend. In the midst of her incredible journey to discover her hidden past and find hope for her unknown future, Hannah sees that life can be so much more than what you have planned.
OCTOBER BABY marks the feature debut of Jon and Andrew Erwin, who are multiple Dove Award winners for music videos featuring hit contemporary Christian artists such as Casting Crowns, Michael W. Smith and Francesca Battistelli.
The film’s unique blend of humor, romance, drama and a life-affirming message sparked controversy as well, generating front-page coverage in the New York Times. Additionally, the producers of OCTOBER BABY have assigned 10 percent of the profits of the movie to the Every Life is Beautiful Fund, which will distribute funds to frontline organizations helping women facing crisis pregnancies, life-affirming adoption agencies and those caring for orphans.
Special features on the OCTOBER BABY DVD include:
• Commentary by Jon and Andrew Erwin and the OCTOBER BABY family
• October Bloopers
• Deleted Scenes, featuring the characters Truman, Bmac and much more
• Shari Rigby’s story—How OCTOBER BABY helped an actor in the film deal with events from her own past
• Gianna Jessen: The Inspiration for OCTOBER BABY
• Singing the Praises of OCTOBER BABY
• Facebook Q&A with Rachel Hendrix and Jason Burkey
• Every Life Is Beautiful Stories
o Jon Erwin
o Gianna Jessen
o Andy Erwin
o Mark Hall (Casting Crowns)
o Pat Layton
o Ken Bevel (COURAGEOUS)
o Dan Atchison (OCTOBER BABY producer)
• The Afters Life Is Beautiful music video
DVD DETAILS
RELEASE DATE: Sept. 11, 2012
RUN TIME: Approx. 107 minutes
RATING: PG-13
3D App Brings Christianity Closer
In face growing claims that Catholic education has become outdated and has failed to adopt more appealing methods to attract the youth to Christianity, many in the Catholic church are calling for innovative and modern solutions youngsters can relate to. Catholic education begins at an early age so it is vital to keep up with the times and adapt Catholic education to what they know and love.
Jerusalem.com has recently launched its new iPad app, an accuartley sacled 3D virtual tour of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem - Where many millions believe Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected. With advanced graphics and emphasis on ambiance and music, it is engaging and moving - It’s like actually being there, only better!
"By utilizing and configuring 3D gaming technology, we've produced an unparalleled never before seen endeavour - the possibility to feel, freely walk around and learn about Jerusalem and its holy Christian sites, from anywhere in the world" says Igal Lichtman, a long time entrepreneur with many successful investments (see ‘InternetDominion.com’ for details).
The 3D virtual tour uses the extremely popular 3D gaming environment to create an absorbing way for the younger generation to learn about the story of the last days of Jesus in Jerusalem. It is a true to life 3D world which conveys the atmosphere of the site, without the noise and confusion of the crowds.
Fully narrated with HD video, HD photographs, explanations and information on its history and story that lies behind the Holy Sepulchre Church – Jesus’ destiny and sacrifice in the Holy city. The 3D tour is suitable and enjoyable for all ages and everyone can find the Jerusalem closest to their hearts.
Jerusalem.com is the initiative of a team of young artists, developers and researchers who live and understand this modern world of global technology. Jerusalem.com was founded in 2012 by Igal and Michal Lichtman, who appointed Segev Shilton as CEO. With the objective of bringing Jerusalem to everyone in the world, transcending geographical, political and religious boundaries, Jerusalem.com is dedicated to use this $1,500,000 USD investment to fuse technology and faith and bring something new, unique and positive to the world.
Jerusalem.com has recently launched its new iPad app, an accuartley sacled 3D virtual tour of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem - Where many millions believe Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected. With advanced graphics and emphasis on ambiance and music, it is engaging and moving - It’s like actually being there, only better!
"By utilizing and configuring 3D gaming technology, we've produced an unparalleled never before seen endeavour - the possibility to feel, freely walk around and learn about Jerusalem and its holy Christian sites, from anywhere in the world" says Igal Lichtman, a long time entrepreneur with many successful investments (see ‘InternetDominion.com’ for details).
The 3D virtual tour uses the extremely popular 3D gaming environment to create an absorbing way for the younger generation to learn about the story of the last days of Jesus in Jerusalem. It is a true to life 3D world which conveys the atmosphere of the site, without the noise and confusion of the crowds.
Fully narrated with HD video, HD photographs, explanations and information on its history and story that lies behind the Holy Sepulchre Church – Jesus’ destiny and sacrifice in the Holy city. The 3D tour is suitable and enjoyable for all ages and everyone can find the Jerusalem closest to their hearts.
Jerusalem.com is the initiative of a team of young artists, developers and researchers who live and understand this modern world of global technology. Jerusalem.com was founded in 2012 by Igal and Michal Lichtman, who appointed Segev Shilton as CEO. With the objective of bringing Jerusalem to everyone in the world, transcending geographical, political and religious boundaries, Jerusalem.com is dedicated to use this $1,500,000 USD investment to fuse technology and faith and bring something new, unique and positive to the world.
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