Pastoral and Evangelizing CommunicationFive Week Online Course If you are interested in taking an interesting course, please contact Richard Drabik at the University of Dayton. I think there are only a few days left for registration. Or you can go to http://vlc.udayton.edu to register. This course integrates pastoral communications with ministry and life so very well. Richard R. DrabikUniversity of DaytonInstitute for Pastoral InitiativesInternet and Technology Team937-229-3874Toll-Free 1-888-300-8436 Tags: Online Course ministry; online course communications and ministry Read more

This short film epitomizes the ability of the language of film to communicate on its own terms. People do get metaphor if communicators (of all kinds) believe in our human capacity to tell, integrate, and understand stories. Remember, film (and television) are the only two art forms that take place completely inside your head and heart. Beautiful. Enjoy. R Tags: Film Studies, film as art, Cannes 2008 Read more

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, aoljpictureUpload_1 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... 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, and prayer.... 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 soundtrack: Into Great Silence –... 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 target-sensitive weapons and to find out... 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’ Department of Catholic Schools and Office... 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... Read more