CatholicTV Asks Catholics to Help Spread CatholicTVeverywhere

Image courtesy of Glenmary Research Center (red areas indicate dense Catholic population)


CatholicTV recently launched an effort calling on Catholics to help spread CatholicTV across the nation.

Catholicism is the largest religious denomination in the United States. Close to a quarter of the US population identifies themselves as Catholic. 52% of Pennsylvania residents are Catholic, 44% in Massachusetts, 37% in California, and 36% in New York (Source: Wikipedia).

Despite these large numbers, many Catholics have only one or at most two Catholic television channels to choose from in their local areas. CatholicTV is available to carriers free-of-charge.

CatholicTV is asking people to visit http://www.CatholicTVeverywhere.com and join its list of supporters. Names of supporters are used in a similar fashion as a petition, which will show cable and satellite providers the amount of support and demand for Catholic television programming. This in turn, should help CatholicTV to spread its programming to more cities.

The CatholicTV Studios Near Boston, Massachusetts

CatholicTV is not about buildings or technology, rather it’s all for you. The headquarters for America’s Catholic Television Network is a building not extravagant, but clean and efficient and full of life. I spend a lot of my time in these hallways and I often remind people who come to visit that this place belongs to all of us.

Within the building that the generosity of our viewers made possible, the Monsignor Francis T. McFarland Television Center, there are many things: television cameras and lights, monitors and switchers, satellite dishes and thousands of miles of cable. But as you walk around the building there are photographs of the people who have made and continue to make this TV Network hum. The pictures of past directors, show hosts, priest presiders and WOW contestants adorn the walls. Most importantly as you tour this incredible place to meet the people who keep CatholicTV on the air 24 hours a day, seven days a week. From the main lobby to the chapel, to offices, to through the studios and control rooms to Master Control one will find an incredible staff who work very hard each day and often wear many different hats. They do what they because of you and so that The CatholicTV® Network can continue to grow.

During these lazy, hazy days of summer, you can take a video tour with me by visiting our great website. Just point your browser to www.CatholicTV.com/tour and it will be almost as good as paying us a visit. I can take you in through the front door, by the lobby to the chapel, into the studios and Master Control. You can see the places and the faces of CatholicTV…so do drop by at CatholicTV.com/tour!

Fr. Robert Reed

Singing, Piano-Playing, Priest Who Performed For George and Barbara Bush Will Be Interviewed on Live CatholicTV Talk Show

On July 13, Fr. Vern Decoteau, a talented singer, pianist, and parish Pastor, will be interviewed on the live CatholicTV talk show “This the Day”.

Fr. Vern has performed for former President George and Barbara Bush at their home in Kennebunkport, Maine. The Bush’s met Fr. Vern while he was playing at a hotel in Maine.

This is the Day airs at 10:30AM ET at CatholicTV.com and on CatholicTV. The show is rebroadcast at 7:30PM.

Father Decoteau is a priest of the Diocese of Springfield (MA) and pastor of a Belchertown parish. Fr. Vern has found that his musical talents have been very complimentary to his ministry as a parish priest. Fr. Vern had joked to Barbara Bush that he played to a standing-room-only crowd each week (referring to his parish), after Bush had asked him if he was a professional singer.

Fr. Vern often performs at retirement communities, nursing homes, at parish functions, and of course, at Mass. He is pleased to find that his singing sometimes attracts people who have not been to church in a while.

Fr. Vern has produced several CD’s, including one for the Christmas season and sold enough copies of one CD to pay for a new steeple at his parish.

On June 22nd, Fr. Vern sang, played the piano, and was the featured guest during filming of the show “Going My Way” with host Fr. Chris Hickey and Fr. Paul Rouse. Fr. Vern was the first guest to play the piano on the show in quite some time. This episode will air later this year.

More information about the show “Going My Way can be found at http://www.CatholicTV.com/catholic-comedian.aspx

More information about Fr. Vern and his local parish, St. Francis of Assisi in Belchertown, Massachusetts, can be found at http://www.stfrancisbtown.org/Parish%20Staff.html

Episodes of This is the Day are posted on the site’s archives starting the same night of the broadcast day. All videos at the website are viewable in full-screen. Paste this URL into your browser in order to access the “This is the Day” video archives” http://www.CatholicTV.com/this-is-the-day.aspx

CatholicTV broadcasts across the US on Sky Angel channel 142, and selected cable outlets in New England and in Chattanooga (TN) where CatholicTV is available on FiTV channel 153. To find out where to watch CatholicTV visit: http://www.CatholicTV.com/schedule/where-to-watch.aspx

CatholicTV is a nationally-broadcasted television network streaming a live feed 24 hours a day at CatholicTV.com. Heeding Pope Benedict XVI's call to greater utilize the power of television and new media, the CatholicTV Network features its cable TV station, Catholic web site, mobile apps and widget. Celebrate Mass online; pray The Rosary; enjoy programs on prayer, the saints, the Scriptures and the Catholic Church on America's Catholic Television Network.

“This is the Day” can also be seen on demand at www.CatholicTV.com or downloaded via iTunes.com.and SQPN.com The hosts, Director of CatholicTV, Father Robert Reed, and General Manager, Jay Fadden discuss various topics of the week and respond to viewer mail (you may email the show at thisistheday@CatholicTV.com)

Secular Organization Chooses CatholicTV For 3 Awards

CatholicTV has been recognized with 3 Telly Awards for the promotional video entitled “Carry Your Faith” (CYF).

CYF depicts 2 Catholic school girls using an iPhone and being introduced to the CatholicTV iPhone application by a nun who at first glance appears angry and then smiles and shows them her iPhone. Sister Mary Brigid Riley, a Carmelite Sister, plays herself in the video. Sister is a long-time supporter of CatholicTV and serves at St. Patrick’s Manor in Framingham, MA.

CYF won two People’s Telly Awards, which are given after YouTube viewers support their favorite videos with a “thumbs up rating”. CYF won a Silver Telly (highest honor) for the “Use of Humor” category and a Bronze Telly in the “Promotional Pieces” category.

CYF was also awarded a bronze Telly by the Telly Awards judging committee in the Religious/Spiritual category.

The CatholicTV iphone application is free and can be found at the Apple “app” store. The app is called “CatholicTV” and allows users to watch daily Mass, keep up with Catholic news, and much more. More information is available at www.CarryYourFaith.com.

The Telly Awards is a New York-based organization which was founded in 1978. It is a widely known and highly respected national and international competition and receives over 11,000 entries annually from all 50 states and many foreign countries. The organization’s objective is to honor the very best local, regional, and cable television commercials and programs. More information about the 31^st Annual Telly Awards may be found at http://www.tellyawards.com/

Information on how Telly Awards are judged is available at http://www.tellyawards.com/awards/judging/

Priests’ Programming at CatholicTV.com Shows Viewers How to Have a Good Laugh, How to Pray, and How to Deal With Grief

CatholicTV.com now has as wide range of programs hosted by priests. These videos can be viewed online without charge.

The programs range from “Going My Way”, a fun Merv-Griffin-style show in which priests sing songs, to Prayer in the Catechism, hosted by Fr. Benedict Groeschel. Some of these programs, such as Images of Jesus, are currently viewable only online.

Below are brief descriptions of the programming starring priests available at CatholicTV.com/priests

Spotlight- A movie review show with hosts Fr. “Chip” Hines and Fr. Bill Kelly.

Conversations with Cardinal Seán- A show with the Archbishop of Boston, Seán Cardinal O'Malley as he shares his insights with CatholicTV's General Manager, Jay Fadden

Going My Way- A modern version of the Merv Griffin Show. Father Chris Hickey and Father Paul Rouse share their musical talents along with guest priests. Fr. Hickey often makes comedic jokes throughout each episode.

Images of Jesus- Fr. Alfred McBride, O.Praem. hosts this series based on his successful book, Images Of Jesus

Prayer in the Catechism-Renowned priest and co-founder of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, Father Benedict Groeschel unfolds the riches of prayer presented in the Catechism, inviting Christians to a deeper devotional life of prayer.

We’ve Got To Talk -Father Dan O’Connell preaches in front of a blue screen with fun, digital backgrounds. He was once recorded with a superhero costume on with a blue screen of the city in the background.

Blink- 3-5 minute segments on a variety of topics presented by different hosts. The Blink videos currently viewable online feature different priests including Fr. Terence Curley who discusses “Finding Your Way Through Grief ”.

Discernment of the Spirits-Fr. Tim Gallagher, O.M.V, a talented and well-known retreat leader teaches how to recognize good, evil, and God’s will in every day situations based on spiritual teaching of St. Ignatius of Loyola..

Two Dedicated Catholic Youth Ministers/Musicians Featured on CatholicTV

Jackie Francois was born in a “Von Trapp”-like family, full of musical talent. While participating in high school peer ministry, Josh Blakesley “vowed to be "sold out" for Christ and to use his gift of writing music to glorify God.” At the present, both Jackie and Josh write and perform Catholic music.

During the week starting July 26th, “The Commons”, a Catholic music show from spiritandsong.com which airs on the CatholicTV network, will feature Jackie Francois and Josh Blakesley. Josh will sing and discuss the song “Sing Hosanna”. Jackie will sing and discuss the song “your Kingdom is Glorious”.

“The Commons” airs each week at CatholicTV.com and on CatholicTV at the following times (Eastern): Monday 6AM and 9:30PM, Thursday 2AM, Saturday, 11:30AM and 9:30PM.

Jackie Francois is a singer/songwriter/guitarist, speaker, and youth minister from Placentia, CA (the less well known part of “The OC”).

In July 2007, Jackie moved back to Placentia, CA to begin full time music ministry, serving the wider Catholic Church. Jackie is currently a host for SpiritandSong.com's webcast, "The Commons," and for spiritandsong.com's Perfect Playlist Podcasts.

More information about Jackie can be found at http://www.jackiefrancois.com/index.html

Josh Blakesley

In addition to composing and recording music, Josh Blakesley serves as young adult coordinator and assistant music director at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church in Alexandria, Louisiana. He travels many weekends to other parishes throughout the U.S. doing concerts, conducting workshops for musicians, speaking at youth rallies and conferences, and leading praise and worship.

More information about Josh can be found at http://www.joshblakesley.com/

“The Commons”, is a coffee house-styled music show which includes performances by Catholic musicians such as Jesse Manibusan, Matt Maher, Sarah Hart, and others. “The Commons” also includes interviews of the musicians in which viewers can get a glimpse into the lives and spirituality of the musicians.

“The Commons” is produced by spiritandsong.com (a division of ocp). “The Commons” is a video showcase giving viewers an opportunity to experience candid conversations with intimate and unplugged performances by your favorite spiritandsong.com artists. Learn more about the artists, and Spirit and Song at http://www.spiritandsong.com/commons

Life and Spirituality of Dutch Priest Fr. Henri Nouwen Will be Discussed on Live CatholicTV Talk Show

On July 9th, the life and spirituality of Dutch priest Fr. Henri Nouwen will be discussed on the live CatholicTV talk show “This is the Day”.

Fr. Nouwen wrote over 40 books on the spiritual life and taught at Notre Dame University, and the divinity schools of Yale, and Harvard.

Robert Waldron, author of the book 15 Days of Prayer with Henri Nouwen will discuss his book and the life and spirituality of Fr. Nouwen on This is the Day.

This is the Day airs at 10:30AM ET at CatholicTV.com and on CatholicTV. The show is rebroadcast at 7:30PM.

Following the series format, the book 15 Days of Prayer opens with a chronology and overview of Nouwen's life. Each of the 15 chapters begins with a focus statement and ends with questions for reflection. A guide on how to use the book points out that its purpose is to bring readers to a closer relationship with God.

Robert Waldron is the recipient of four fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities; in 1997 he also received first prize from the Catholic Press Association for the best article on spirituality written for a periodical. In addition to scholarly articles, he has written several books including: Poetry as Prayer: the Hound of Heaven, The Lost Diary of Francis Thompson Poetry as Prayer: Thomas Merton, and A Man of a Certain Tread.

CatholicTV Game Show Wins 2 Telly Awards

The CatholicTV game show “WOW: The CatholicTV Challenge” (WOW) has been awarded 2 Telly Awards.

WOW was awarded a Silver Telly (silver is the highest) for educational programming and a bronze for religious/spiritual programming.

The Telly Awards is a New York-based organization which was founded in 1978. More information about the Telly Awards can be found at http://www.tellyawards.com/

Approximately 100 students squeeze into a television studio for each episode. The studio is full of computer-controlled lights, a starlit background, and music playing in the background during each episode.

During production of an episode of WOW on April 28, 2010, Fr. Robert Reed, Director of CatholicTV and host of the game show told the students, “the most important thing about the show is to help the people who watch the show grow in their faith. The most important thing about the show is not who wins, so let’s have fun!”

Not only does the show require help by nearly every employee of CatholicTV, but 100 different students come into the CatholicTV studios for every day of production. Each new group of students require a bit of “training” in order to produce the show.

Wow: The CatholicTV Challenge (WOW) is a children’s game show that teaches viewers the Catholic faith. The show resembles the show Jeopardy!, yet has young contestants just like the show “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” WOW is hosted by Father Robert Reed, a priest of the Archdiocese of Boston. Contestants are 3rd graders and are asked open-ended questions. Father Reed gives a brief explanation of the answer and occasional commentary. The show erupts with laughter and shouts of “Wow!” when contestants answer questions correctly. Each show has a Catholic theme such as “The Sacraments” or “The 10 Commandments”.

Fr. Robert Reed is the developer, Executive Producer, and host of WOW.

More information and full episodes of WOW are available at http://www.CatholicTV.com/catholic-kids.aspx

CatholicTV.com Will Stream Pallium Mass From Vatican

Pope Benedict XVI Wearing the Papal Pallium

On June 29^th, CatholicTV.com will stream the annual Pallium Mass from the Vatican. The Pallium Mass will also air on CatholicTV. At this Mass, three Americans will receive the Pallium including Archbishops Jerome E. Listecki of Milwaukee, Dennis M. Schnurr of Cincinnati, and Thomas G. Wenski of Miami.

On June 29^th, The Pallium Mass will stream at CatholicTV.com and on CatholicTV at noon Eastern and will rebroadcast at 8PM.

On June 1^st, CatholicTV.com also aired the mass of Miami’s new Archbishop Thomas Wenski. His installation is now viewable in the CatholicTV.com archives.

Footage of other major events in the American Catholic Church and the Vatican can be viewed at http://www.CatholicTV.com/catholic-television.aspx and http://www.CatholicTV.com/sunday-mass.aspx. CatholicTV is a non-profit and all videos at CatholicTV.com are viewable without charge or obligation.

The office in charge of organizing papal liturgies said June 17 that at least 35 archbishops would receive a Pallium in 2010. Pope Benedict XVI will impose the Pallium on new metropolitan archbishops at St. Peter’s Basilica. This will take place at the Mass of the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles. The Pallium consists of woolen bands which will be placed around the necks of new archbishops as a symbol of their authority and responsibility.

CatholicTV streams its broadcast 24 hours per day at CatholicTV.com. Site visitors need only click on “Watch CatholicTV Live”.

New Programming Block on CatholicTV Will Include Documentaries Telling Amazing Stories About Priests Around the World

Fr. Werenfried van Stratten

On June 19th, 2009 Pope Benedict XVI declared a “Year for Priests” beginning with the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the concluded in Rome with an international gathering of priests with the Holy Father from June 9-11, 2010. These events were televised by CatholicTV and may be viewed on-demand at CatholicTV.com.

To continue honoring the ministry of the ordained ministry CatholicTV has established a new programming block entitled “Priests Among Us”. This block, which begins in July will feature priests engaged in a variety of ministries. CatholicTV is honored to dedicate programming related to priests.

Priests Among Us will include some documentaries such as the amazing story of Fr. Werenfried van Stratten, a Dutch priest who started his priesthood working with poor German refugees after World War II and later founded the organization Aid to the Church in Need, which helps the less fortunate in over 145 countries.

In July, Priests Among Us will also feature the story of Fr. Erich Fink entitled “From Russia With Love”. Fr. Erich is from Southern Germany, where he had always dreamed of going to Russia. He now serves the Eastern-most parish in Europe in the city of Berezniki, Russia.

“From Russia With Love” details Fr. Erich’s journey to the icy-cold city of Berezniki. Berezniki is a town with about 200,000 inhabitants. Fr. Erich says that upon arriving, he found Berezniki “a communist, atheist creation with no signs of religious practice except one Orthodox Church.” Needless to say, Fr. Erich faces major challenges as a priest there.

He faces his challenges with great joy though. For example, From Russia with Love includes an interview with the mayor of Berezniki, who first met Fr. Erich on the public transport. There, Fr. Erich was smiling and giving out candy to the children.

Each week starting in July, Priests Among Us will air at the following times: Monday 8 p.m.; Fri 5:30 a.m.; & Sat 11:30 p.m. (all time Eastern)

As Year For Priests Concludes St. John Vianney Retreat Leader Will be Interviewed Live on CatholicTV

On June 29th, Fr. Frederick Miller will be interviewed on the live CatholicTV talk show “This is the Day”. Fr. Miller has taken many priests and seminarians on pilgrimages to Ars, France and has authored a book on St. John Vianney entitled “The Grace of Ars”.

Fr. Miller will talk about St. John Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests. His book is based on several retreats-pilgrimages conferences to the holy places of St. John which he has led. The book is published by Ignatius Press with a foreword was written by Archbishop Raymond Burke. To preview the book please visit: http://www.ignatius.com/

This is the Day airs at 10:30AM ET at CatholicTV.com and on CatholicTV. The show is rebroadcast at 7:30PM.

St. John Vianney lived in the aftermath of the French Revolution, a very difficult time for Catholic priests during which priests and those who harbored priests who would not swear allegiance to the state were put to death.

The life and trials of St. John Vianney are of particular interest now to Catholics in light of what former NYC Mayor and Jew Ed Koch calls "continuing attacks" by the media on the Church and Pope Benedict XVI which Mr. Koch called "manifestations of anti-Catholicism" in the Jerusalem Post daily newspaper on April 8, 2010.

St. John Vianney battled the de-Christianization which had occurred during the French Revolution via a life or prayer, mortification, and humble service. He was known to have spent as much as 16-18 hours a day in the confessional.

Also to be discussed on This is the Day will be a leadership conference called “Kujenga-Viongozi” which means “to build leadership” in Swahili. The purpose of Kujenga-Viongozi is to develop leadership skills among high school-aged youth in the Black Catholic tradition with Christ at the center and encourage them to attain knowledge about the role of people of African descent in the story of the Catholic Church.

Special Report: Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico

On April 20, 2010, an explosion ripped through the Transocean Limited’s Deepwater Horizon oil drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico killing 11 workers and wounding 17 others. The rig had been drilling beneath 5,000 feet of water and 13,000 feet of seabed as part of a British Petroleum (BP) project 42 miles southeast of Venice, Louisiana.

Within two days of the blast, the entire rig had sunk and a 5-mile-long oil slick had formed. By the one-week mark, the Coast Guard was estimating that about 5,000 barrels of oil per day, or 210,000 gallons, were pouring into the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. According to a report by USA Today on June 13, anywhere between 46 and 92 million gallons of oil have spilled into the Gulf so far; 19 million gallons of oil mixed with water have been recovered; and 1064 birds, turtles, dolphins, and other wildlife have been found dead in the spill area.

The costs associated with the spill have been enormous. BP released that it alone had spent $1.25 billion so far on the spill, now considered the largest in U.S. offshore drilling history. As repeated attempts to stop the spill have failed, the federal government has also instituted a series of ever-expanding bans on fishing in the affected areas. By May 18, the no-fishing zone consisted of 19 percent of U.S. waters in the Gulf. The zone had increased to 37 percent by June 2 and now affects 78,264 square miles of federal waters. The resulting devastation to the fishing industry of the region has been immense.

On June 7, BP indicated it had captured 10,500 barrels of oil (439,950 gallons) in a 24 hour period and predicted gaining control over the vast majority of the oil in the very near future. However, at the time of this report, the oil continues to spill unabated into the Gulf waters.

The Catholic Response

The main thrust of the Catholic Church’s response to the oil spill has come from Catholic Charities for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Catholic Charities has partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank, the local governments and state agencies, other local nonprofit institutions, and even British Petroleum, who gave a gift of $1 million, to organize five disaster relief sites to distribute food, mental health assessments and vouchers to help people pay their utility bills as many have lost part or all of their income due to the loss of the fisheries.

The Catholic Charities website shows that through June 7^:

* 7803 people (2639 families) have received emergency assistance from Catholic Charities;

* $140,600 in gift card and/or food vouchers have been distributed to affected families;

* 952 emergency food boxes from Second Harvest Food Bank have been distributed;

* 177 cans of baby formula have been distributed with 77 boxes of diapers and 186 packs of diapers;

* 902 people have undergone mental health assessments; and

* 737 people have received individual counseling.

Anyone wishing to help by either volunteering or making a donation should go directly to Catholic Charities at www.ccano.org.

Informing a Catholic Response to Disasters: Solidarity

The Church’s rich tradition of social teaching has much to say about how Catholics are to respond to disasters such as the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Particularly informative is the principle of solidarity.

In Solicitudo Rei Socialis, Pope John Paul II described solidarity as “not a feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of so many people, both near and far. On the contrary, it is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good; that is to say, to the good of all and of each individual, because we are all really responsible for all." (#39)

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops makes the point even more clearly in Communities of Salt and Light: Reflections on the Social Mission of the Parish. In this document, the bishops write, “The central message is simple: our faith is profoundly social. We cannot be called truly ‘Catholic’ unless we hear and heed the church’s call to serve those in need and work for justice and peace. We cannot call ourselves followers of Jesus unless we take up his mission of bringing ‘good news to the poor, liberty to captives, and new sight to the blind." (cf. Lk 4:18)

The principle of solidarity then seeks to build upon our nature as beings made by God for eternal life with God, who is a communion of three persons. This communion with God is possible only through our communion with our neighbor here and now. And who is our neighbor? Everyone is our neighbor whom we are to love…and this love looks like something.

Informing a Catholic Approach to the Environment: Stewardship

This great gift of a life destined for eternal communion with the Triune God has also given human beings a unique place in the universe. Scripture teaches that humans enjoy the privilege of sharing in the divine governance of visible creation. However, this privilege is to be exercised in justice and holiness.

For the International Theological Commission in Communion and Stewardship, this means that as human persons are created in the image of God, they are called to imitate divine rule of the universe not displace it. Any attempt at usurping the divine represents a failure of justice, or right relationship.

Humans, then, are stewards of the environment, not the masters of the environment. Like any steward, humanity will eventually have to render an account of its activities for judgment by the Master. The criteria for determining correct stewardship are moral legitimacy and the efficacy of the means employed. Put another way, humans are to always act with the proper end in mind, or in service to the divine design for the whole of creation and for all creatures. Means can never be substituted for ends. For example, just because something is technologically possible doesn’t make it moral.

As Pope Benedict XVI once wrote, “We need to care for the environment…[this] means not selfishly considering nature to be at the complete disposal of our own interests, for future generations also have the right to reap its benefits and to exhibit towards nature the same responsible freedom that we claim for ourselves.”

As it regards the current crisis in the Gulf of Mexico, the pope’s advice given in the 2008 World Day of Peace celebration is still applicable, “It is important for assessments in this regard to be carried out prudently, in dialogue with experts and people of wisdom, uninhibited by ideological pressure to draw hasty conclusions, and above all with the aim of reaching agreement on a model of sustainable development capable of ensuring the well-being of all while respecting environmental balances.”

(report courtesy of Douglas Culp)

Public Relations for Catholic Priests? Unique Website to Be Discussed on Live CatholicTV Talk Show

On June 25^th, a unique website which posts thank you letters to priests will be discussed on the live CatholicTV talk show “This is the Day”.

The creators of the website (letterstopriests.com) write that the purpose of the site is to “promote positive public relations of Catholic Priests.” The website publishes stories written by average citizens (anyone can submit stories) who want to thank the priests who have affected their lives in positive ways. The stories range from a heroic, civil rights activist priest, to a priest who expressed tremendous joy even after being imprisoned and tortured in a Nazi concentration camp.

Matthew Warner, a contributing writer at the National Catholic Register wrote a positive review about the site saying that he liked the idea “Since it involves such a diversity of perspectives it has the potential to be a comprehensive collection of unique insights into the various ways priests benefit the community.” Warner also mentioned the tragedy “that a very small percentage of bad priests have given a bad name to so many good ones.”

This is the Day airs at 10:30AM ET at CatholicTV.com and on CatholicTV. The show is rebroadcast at 7:30PM.

Anne Hughes will be interviewed on This is the Day on June 25^th. She helped to organize letterstopriests.com and plans to publish a book which will be a collection of the letters submitted to the website.

Also to be interviewed on This is the Day, will be Liz Abramo, a high school junior from Massachusetts. She will talk about being a Catholic leader amongst her peer group.

Mercy and Faith

Our Catholic Faith has many facets - like a beautiful diamond worn by a bride - there are just so many glistening surfaces, all of which reflect the light of the Risen Christ and all of which tie very closely together. In parochial school I recall being taught many of these impenetrable facets by the good Sisters of St. Joseph. I remember learning that Jesus Christ lives in us; that Jesus can be found in others, especially in those who suffer and are poor. As I grew older and began to think in a more analytical fashion, this facet of my Faith, our Faith, began to make little sense to me.

In his letter to the Church in Galatia, St. Paul writes that in Baptism we have been crucified with Christ; we died with Him. Now Christ Jesus literally lives in us. In addition, St. Paul writes that we are made just, not by our works, but by Faith. This is how Jesus lives in us: by Faith. We believe in Him, which is to say that, without tangible, scientific proof, we understand Him to be the very person of God, Who with the Father and the Holy Spirit, eternally lives as One God. It is this Faith that will save us. However, if that Faith is real, it will exhibit itself in actions which are of God. We will come to live a life that is truly Christ-like.

If we study the Gospels we quickly learn that for Jesus, the greater the sin, the more tremendous is the mercy. As we come to know Jesus, we learn forgiveness. If indeed Jesus lives in us, then forgiveness will be one of the great fruits of our growth in Faith. People will experience mercy in us. When we pray alone or with others and every time we gather to celebrate Holy Mass, we pray with the exact words Jesus taught us, "...forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us."

If Jesus lives in us, we must be women and men, boy and girls of great mercy, be it in the schoolyard, on the beach, in the workplace, at the dinner table or behind the wheel. We live in an imperfect world and each of us, no matter our age, experience, intelligence, state in life, depth of holiness, all of us are imperfect. To forgive one another for small and great offences is to truly exhibit the Faith we profess. In this way, Christ Jesus lives in me, He lives in you.

At this very moment, our God is looking at us in a very tender way. God loves you beyond measure, despite all of your imperfections; despite all the sins of your past, my past. In the Sacrament of Penance the Lord Jesus continually offers the invitation to mercy, merely for the asking.

And He, Who lives in us, asks only that we try and do the same.

Fr. Robert Reed, Director CatholicTV

Levitating Saints, Prophecies, and Other Miracles To Be Discussed on CatholicTV Talk Show

On June 22^nd, miracles related to the Catholic faith will be discussed on the live CatholicTV talk show “This is the Day”.

According to a recent study by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life , 79 percent of Americans believe in miracles.

According to Catholic author Elizabeth Ficocelli, “in all times and places [God] has exercised his power on earth in extraordinary ways: to teach, correct, warn, and inspire His people according to the needs of the age.” Elizabeth will be interviewed on This is the Day on June 22^nd.

Elizabeth Ficocelli is the author of the book “Bleeding Hands, Weeping Stone” which examines miracles related to the Catholic faith. Some of these miracles include, communion hosts turning into real flesh, the miraculous appearances of images, miraculous wounds, and more. Learn more about Elizabeth’s work at the following website: http://www.elizabethficocelli.com

This is the Day airs at 10:30AM ET at CatholicTV.com and on CatholicTV. The show is rebroadcast at 7:30PM.

A unique Catholic leadership program for high school students will also be discussed on This is the Day on June 22^nd. The week-long program is called “Witness to Truth” and will take place from July 12-16^th. The program is designed for young practicing Catholics who want to “grow in holiness and become saints”, according to Stephen Colella, Assistant Director of the Office of the New Evangelization (ONE) for the Archdiocese of Boston. To register or to learn about this great session and the other events of the ONE office visit http://www.oymboston.org

Lylah Fitzgerald, a student who attended last year’s high school leadership program will discuss her experience on This is the Day. Stephen Colella will also join Lylah on the set of This is the Day.

Columbian Military Man-Turned Priest & 8th Grade Vocational Call Amongst Stories Told in Special Magazine Issued By CatholicTV

Columbian Military Man-Turned Priest & 8^th Grade Vocational Call Amongst Stories Told in Special Magazine Issued By CatholicTV as Year For Priests Concludes

For the month of June, CatholicTV has issued a special digital version of its free monthly magazine. The special issue is over 40 pages longer than the regular print issue and is filled with extraordinary and ordinary stories about priests, their callings, and their ministry.

The digital magazine also discusses and explains basic Catholicism by answering such questions as “How can the Pope be infallible if he is only a man?” and “Why do I have to confess my sins to a priest to be forgiven?”

The CatholicTV digital magazine is available to read now at http://www.catholictv.com/catholic-magazine.aspx

A subscription to the CatholicTV print magazine is free and interested parties may subscribe at http://www.catholictv.com/magazine/subscribe.aspx

As of June 2010, the longer, digital version of the CatholicTV monthly magazine will be available at CatholicTV.com. CatholicTV has online viewers in over 140 countries and the digital magazine was created largely to make it available to subscribers across the globe. The digital magazine is also appealing to environmental enthusiasts who want to minimize paper usage.

The longer, digital version of the magazine includes stories written by Catholics from dioceses all across the U.S.

Some of the stories in the June digital magazine, which honors the Year For Priests, include:

Fr. Jhon Guarnizao, Pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish in Crescent City, Florida- He was once in the Columbian military and has a special place in his heart for the poor

Fr. Justin Kerber, C.P- Passionist priest who felt the call to the priesthood at a young age and begged his parents to let him enter the Passionists when he completed the 8th grade. He has celebrated Mass every day for the last 37 years except for one (surgical emergency)

And many other stories…

A Catholic Bishop Who Speaks Polish, Loves Hockey, and Practices Law? CatholicTV Will Air Installation Mass of Thomas Paprocki

On June 22^nd, CatholicTV will air the installation Mass of Bishop Thomas Paprocki as the new bishop of the Diocese of Springfield, Illinois.

Bishop Paprocki is a true “renaissance man” who speaks Italian, Spanish, Polish, English, and reads Latin. Bishop Paprocki is also an Adjunct Professor of Law at Loyola University in Chicago. He also volunteers as President/Founder of Chicago Legal Clinic, which provides legal assistance to the poor. Bishop Paprocki will lead a diocese comprised of just under 150,000 Catholics and 131 parishes in Central Illinois.

Bishop Paprocki’s Installation Mass will take place at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield, Illinois on June 22nd. It will air at CatholicTV.com and on CatholicTV at 8PM (Eastern).

Bishop Paprocki’s Installation Mass will also be added to the CatholicTV.com archives. CatholicTV has available dozens of videos of major events in the American Catholic Church in its video archives at CatholicTV.com. These videos are part of the “Cathedral Events” programming by CatholicTV. CatholicTV is a non-profit organization and there is no cost or obligation to view the videos.

These videos can be viewed now at http://www.CatholicTV.com/catholic-television.aspx

Below are some of the events from 2010 which CatholicTV has aired and now has on its website CatholicTV.com:

10th anniversary of the passing of John Cardinal O'Connor Mass from Saint Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan

Mass of Thanksgiving for the Canonization of St. Damien of Molokai from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.

2010 Boston Catholic Men and Women’s Conferences and much more

Fatima Film With ‘Stunning Images’ To Be Discussed on Live CatholicTV Talk Show

On June 18th, “The 13th Day”, a film about the miraculous events of Fatima, will be discussed on the CatholicTV talk show “This is the Day”.

The 13th Day uses state-of-the-art digital effects to create stunning images of the visions and the final miracle.

Shot on location in Portugal and in the United Kingdom, the film has a cast of hundreds to re-create the scenes of the 70,000 strong crowds, with three young Portuguese actors playing the iconic roles of the Seers.

This is the Day airs at 10:30AM ET at CatholicTV.com and on CatholicTV. The show is rebroadcast at 7:30PM.

Tony Ryan will be interviewed on “This is the Day” on June 18th. Tony once worked for 13 years as a Director of Religious Education, and now works for Ignatius Press, who has partnered with 13th Day Films to distribute DVD’s of the film.

Based on the memoirs of Sister Lucia de Jesus, and thousands of independent eyewitness accounts, The 13th Day is a dramatic retelling of the experiences of three shepherd children between May and October 1917.

More information about The 13th Day can be found at www.The13thDayThemovie.com

Tony Ryan has been the Director of Marketing & Sales for Ignatius Press since 1981. After graduating from the University of St. Thomas he worked as a volunteer for a year with the Franciscan Friars of Marytown helping run their youth programs and promote their Marian publications. Tony then became the Director of Religious Education for Our Lady of Peace Church & Shrine in Santa Clara, Calif., and he also directed the Youth Mission for the Immaculata retreat programs for young women for 13 years. He served on the National Board of Directors for the Militia Immaculata and has spoken often to various Catholic groups on the life and spirituality of St. Maximilian Kolbe, as well as on the story and message of Our Lady of Fatima.

Female Author Writes Book For Boys About Becoming Men? Author To be Interviewed on CatholicTV

On June 15th, Cheryl Dickow co-author of “All Things Guy”, a book which aims to teach boys aged 9 to 13 to become “Men Who Matter”, will be interviewed on the live CatholicTV talk show “This is the Day”.

This is the Day airs at 10:30AM ET at CatholicTV.com and on CatholicTV. The show is rebroadcast at 7:30PM.

All Things Guy discusses the dignity of the person, relationships (family, friends, bullies, girls), virtues, vocations, puberty, the importance of knowing history, a prayer plan and examples of strong Catholic men today.

Catholic writer and speaker Lisa Hendey wrote of the book, “All Things Guy: A Guide to Becoming a Man that Matters is chock full of great content presented in a fashion that will appeal to boys. Mixed in with the messages on dignity, virtues, and becoming a “Man that Matters” are mazes, puzzles, games and activities that drive home the authors’ points. I particularly enjoyed the “Media and Men that Matter” and “Know Your History” chapters. The book is aimed at readers ages nine through 13, but could be read to younger boys under adult supervision and will also be enjoyed by older boys due to the depth of the content included.”

Cheryl Dickow is a Catholic wife, mother, author, speaker and publisher. She is a columnist with work appearing on several sites including Catholic Exchange, National Catholic Register and Catholic.net. She has a Master’s Degree in Education and lives in Michigan.

CatholicTV Receives Gabriel Award As Pope Greets Participants of Media Convention

On June 3^rd, CatholicTV’s Director Fr. Robert Reed and General Manager Jay Fadden accepted the Gabriel Award for “Religious Television Station of the Year” by the Catholic Academy For Communications Arts Professionals (CACAP).

The award was given at the Catholic Media Convention in New Orleans. On June 2^nd, Catholic News Agency reported that the Pope, “Speaking in English to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the general audience, [he] told convention goers that to “touch hearts,” communications media must present witnesses of Christ’s grace to the people.”

The Holy Father also said on Wednesday that the theme of the Catholic Media Convention (Spreading the Good News- Byte by Byte) “highlights the extraordinary potential of new media to bring the message of Christ and the teaching of his Church to the attention of a wider public.”

The CACAP has sponsored the Gabriel Awards for over 40 years. This year’s awards include among others NBC Nightly News’ "Making a Difference" Series, and "Interrupted Lives: Catholic Sisters Under European Communism" by NewGroup Media.

Father Robert Reed said of the award: “It is a tremendous honor for us to be given this prestigious Gabriel Award, not for a specific program, but rather for our entire network. I hold in deep esteem our team members and on-air personalities as well as the entire CatholicTV family of viewers who have sustained the network for some 56 years. This Gabriel Award is a tribute to their dedication and commitment to America’s Catholic Television Network.”

Jay Fadden said, “This impressive award not only reflects the professional and hard work of our entire staff and the leadership of Cardinal Sean O’Malley, but is recognition of the faith of the many loyal viewers who have supported CatholicTV for over 55 years.”

The Gabriel Awards were originated by the Catholic Academy for Communication Arts Professionals in 1965. They were designed to honor works of broadcast excellence that have a positive and creative treatment of concerns to mankind.

"The single most important criterion of a Gabriel winning program is its ability to uplift and nourish the human spirit. Gabriel-worthy programs affirm the dignity of human beings, and recognize and uphold universally-recognized human values such as community, creativity, tolerance, justice, compassion and the dedication to excellence."

CACAP is an organization of professionals in the fields of Catholic print and audiovisual communications, as well as Catholic communications/public relations directors. More about CACAP and the Gabriel Awards is available at http://www.catholicacademy.org/

Vatican Prayer Vigil and Mass Marking End of Year For Priests Will Air on CatholicTV

On June 10^th and June 11^th, CatholicTV will air the prayer vigil and Mass from the Vatican marking the end of the Year For Priests.

The prayer vigil and Mass will be viewable at CatholicTV.com and on CatholicTV.

The schedule is as follows (Eastern Time):

June 10-St. Peter’s Square prayer vigil with priests 8 p.m.

June 11-Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus; Mass for the close of the Year for Priests

Noon and 8 p.m.

In May 2009, the Vatican announced that a Plenary Indulgence would be given to priests and faithful who take the necessary steps. Below are the necessary steps for the faithful:

“All truly penitent Christian faithful who, in church or oratory, devotedly attend Holy Mass and offer prayers to Jesus Christ, supreme and eternal Priest, for the priests of the Church, or perform any good work to sanctify and mould them to His Heart, are granted Plenary Indulgence, on the condition that they have expiated their sins through Sacramental Confession and prayed in accordance with the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff. This may be done on the opening and closing days of the Year of Priests, on the 150th anniversary of the death of St. Jean Marie Vianney, on the first Thursday of the month, or on any other day established by the ordinaries of particular places for the good of the faithful.

According the USCCB website, the closing day for the Year For Priests is on June 19, 2010.

Papal programming can be viewed at CatholicTV.com and on CatholicTV. Archived Papal Programming can be accessed now at http://www.catholictv.com/pope-benedict-xvi.aspx (including Fatima visit, Pentecost, and more).

Host of Pro-Life Show Airing in 100 Million Homes Will Be Interviewed on Live CatholicTV Talk Show

On June 11^th, Brad Mattes, host of the pro-life show “Facing Life Head On” will be interviewed on the live CatholicTV talk show “This is the Day”.

According to the Facing Life Head On website, the show airs weekly in over 100 million homes. Visit the website http://www.facinglife.tv/

This is the Day airs at 10:30AM ET at CatholicTV.com and on CatholicTV. The show is rebroadcast at 7:30PM.

Brad Mattes is an internationally acclaimed presenter who also serves as executive director and co-founder of Life Issues Institute, an educational organization globally headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio.

In addition, Brad hosts Life Issues, a daily radio commentary broadcast on nearly 600 radio stations throughout the United States. With over 32 years of educational, political and humanitarian experience, he has chaired several non-profit organizations and continues to collaborate with international leaders to establish solid policies and programs that further protect the health and lives of the innocent.

An adjunct professor at Master’s Graduate School of Divinity, Brad is currently working on a doctoral degree.

A native of Montana, he now resides in Cincinnati with his wife. They have four sons.

Facing Life Head-On has won 2 industry awards including a Telly Award and an Accolade Award. The newest season includes coverage of a peaceful protest outside of the 2^nd largest abortion facility in the world (Houston, TX), and the story of Pat Williams, Senior Vice President of the Orlando Magic, who has 19 children including 14 adopted children.

Facing Life Head-On airs each week on CatholicTV at the following times (EST): Tuesday 6PM, Thursday 5:30AM & 5:00PM Friday 1:30PM

Father Reed on Music, Musicians, and Mass

Ed Fee, one of the regular cantors for CatholicTV Daily Mass

Last fall, Dan Schutte, a nationally-renowned Catholic liturgical music composer, was interviewed by Jim Lockwood of The Pilot, America's oldest Catholic newspaper. Well-known songs which he composed such as “Glory and Praise to Our God,” “You Are Near,” and “Here I Am, Lord,” were as much a part of my experience of growing up Catholic as was Gregorian Chant, polyphony and traditional hymns such as "Praise to the Lord" with which we begin the CatholicTV Mass each day.

Schutte spoke of music in our Catholic liturgy and how some people conceive of it as a sort of decoration, as something that makes Mass more enjoyable. But in actuality, music is something we use to express our love and dedication to God and to enhance worship together. Many of us have a favorite song or hymn which acts as a vehicle to bring us to that place where maybe we can pray in a way that otherwise we would not be able to do with just words.

And so, at CatholicTV, our celebration of the television Mass has been enhanced and appropriately celebrated because of the contribution of some very competent and faithful musicians. These women and men help us to pray well at the Mass offered on the CatholicTV Network each day. As we look into the not-too-distant future, our musicians have the challenge to help us, the CatholicTV family, to become accustomed to something new. As you might have read or heard, the English-speaking world will soon have a new and more literal version of the Mass texts. These newly translated prayers and responses will take some getting used to after the present English translation of some 40 years. No doubt, our wonderful musicians will help us to learn and pray together as they have for so many years.

However, before and after that, as we raise our minds and hearts to God in the celebration of the Mass on CatholicTV, our liturgical musicians will continue to help us to pray well, even twice. Although we participate remotely in our homes and offices and on our hand-held devices, their musical gifts will lift us beyond the day-to-day work and concerns that preoccupy us to a God Who had proven His eternal love in Jesus the Christ.