Here are two reviews of the film "Sex and the City".   The first is the one I wrote for St. Anthony Messenger, July 2008: http://www.americancatholic.org/Messenger/Aug2008/Eye_On_Entertainment.asp#F3 This one is by Sr. Bernadette Mary Reis, FSP. She wrote it for Busted Halo and surveyed many women for their response to the film.  http://www.bustedhalo.com/features/SexandtheCityandSisterBernadette.htm Tags: Sex and the City film; Sex and the city women aoljpictureUpload, … [Read more...]

  Thanks to Nick Pernisco of Santa Monica College, our Master Teacher in Media Literacy Certificate Course participants made a video and posted it today on YouTube! We hope this is the first of many!   Tags: Media literacy, media literacy education, catechist certification, catechist specialization … [Read more...]

Painting of St. Paul by El Greco I recently received two inquiries about major motion pictures that correlate with St. Paul's life, ministry, letters. Folks want to use the films to explore the theology and spirituality of St. Paul during this Pauline Year June 2008 -June 2009, commemorating the birth of St. Paul. I think this is a great idea! In fact, we may choose Pauline theological themes as the framework of the National Film Retreat in 2009. Here are some suggestions for now, but I hope to … [Read more...]

The 9th annual National Film Retreat took place this past weekend. All together, 19 people took part at one point or another. Reflecting on the spirituality and theology of food and family in the movies was enriching and inspiring. The theme was "Melting Pots: Food and Family." What's Eating Gilbert Grape?, Eat, Drink, Man, Woman, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, The Global Banquet (a documentary on the politics of food), and finally, What's Cooking? yielded much"food for thought", conversation, … [Read more...]

 Although I have not yet heard this new release yet, if it is anything like the sound track for INTO GREAT SILENCE, it should be good!      | spotlight available now   Only in complete silence does one begin to hear.Only in the absence of language does one begin to see.After the incredible critical acclaim and commercial success of the documentary film Into Great Silence, Jade Music is proud to release the follow-up album to the … [Read more...]

Iron Man, based on the popular comic book character, is a thoroughly entertaining film. Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) runs a weapons development corporation. After he is captured by the Taliban while delivering the latest weaponry, a doctor/scientist/engineer, also a captive, gives him a new heart to replace the one that is damaged during his capture. He witnesses civilians being killed during attacks by his company's weapons used by the enemy. He then resolves to develop … [Read more...]

The Tidings July 4, 2008 Page 14     Six catechists representing three dioceses were certified June 22 as Master Teachers in Media Literacy at the Pauline Center for Media Studies in Culver City.           Three of the catechists were from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, two from the Diocese of Orange, and one, Judy McMillan, is a Catholic school teacher from San Diego. The certificate is recognized by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ … [Read more...]

Here is an article that was published in The Tidings this week (www.the-tidings.com) about The Hero Awards. It's true, it will be up against the Boston Pops on July 4th, but if you have TiVo, or a way to record one and watch the other, this show is excellent. The stories, vignettes, really speak to conversations about character. Blessings! Sr. Rose 'Heroes' honors ordinary who do the extraordinary By Sr. Rose Pacatte, FSP   A new awards show has been born in Hollywood. I was … [Read more...]