CatholicTV Welcomes 20,000th Facebook Fan

CatholicTV recently celebrated another social media milestone. The network reached 20,000 fans who “like” CatholicTV on its very active Facebook page. The CatholicTV Network’s official Facebook fan page launched in February of 2009, giving viewers and supporters a new tool to share their passion for CatholicTV programming.

Recent postings at the fan page have included video of Fr. James Martin, Jason Evert, Fr. Reed in Vatican City, excerpts from CatholicTV’s news magazine show “ClearVoice”, a video tour of the CatholicTV studios, and much more.

"Our Facebook fan page is exciting because we can keep fans in the loop about upcoming events and ongoing recording of their favorite shows and share news about new series projects," said Jay Fadden, CatholicTV Network General Manager. "The CatholicTV page gives us one more way to connect with our fans because their feedback is encouraged. We look forward to interacting with viewers and those who are interested in helping us spread the Good News.”

Fr. Robert Reed, President of the CatholicTV Network sees CatholicTV and its viewers as a family. He recently said, “The CatholicTV Network is a unique family that stretches across the United States and among many viewers internationally at CatholicTV.com. The CatholicTV family is strengthened and informed by our elaborate and always fresh Facebook page. We really like to keep people informed about what's coming up on CatholicTV.”

Timeline
2/2009 established CatholicTV.com Facebook Fan Page
3/2009 activated Facebook mobile
6/2009 1200 Fans
1/2010 3000 Fans
4/2010 5041 Fans
8/2010 10,145 Fans
3/2011 20,485 Fans

CatholicTV to Air Ordination of Bishop-Elect Mark Bartchak of Altoona-Johnstown Pennsylvania

On April 20th, CatholicTV will air the Ordination and Installation Mass of Bishop-elect Mark Bartchak.

The Mass will air at CatholicTV.com and on CatholicTV cable outlets at noon (Eastern) and will be rebroadcast at 8PM. After the broadcast, the entire Mass will be viewable anytime at http://www.CatholicTV.com/catholic-television

Bishop-elect Bartchak has held a variety of positions throughout his 29-year-long priesthood.

Some unique ministries he has been involved in include: confessor at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. He’s also celebrated Mass each month for the men in the Erie County Prison. He has been a confessor at the Catholic chapel at the largest retail shopping center in northwestern Pennsylvania.

On the day it was announced that Bartchak would be the new bishop, he said, “To be a good pastor, I will certainly need the continued help of God’s grace and the prayers of all the people, so please pray for me. I will do my best to take to heart some advice spoken to me in recent days; to get to know the good people of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown and allow them to share Christ with me as much as I am called to share Christ with them.

I know that above all, a bishop is to be a pastor. To be a good pastor, a diocesan bishop especially needs the help of the priests who are so closely connected with God’s people in our parishes and schools. I want the priests of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown to know that I understand the blessings and the challenges of the ministry and life to which you have dedicated yourselves since the time of your ordination. I will do my best to help you and support you in that ministry and life we share.” He will succeed Bishop Joseph Adamec, who has been the bishop of Altoona-Johnstown since March 12, 1987

Bishop-elect Bartchak’s college studies were at St. Mark Seminary and Gannon University, Erie, PA, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy in 1977. He also studied for the priesthood at Christ the King Seminary, East Aurora, NY, receiving a Master of Arts degree in Theology in 1981. He studied canon law at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. where he received the Licentiate degree in 1989 and the Doctorate degree in 1992. At the time Bartchak was named the new Bishop, he was Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of Erie, PA.

Jason Evert To Appear on CatholicTV News Magazine Show

On April 7th, nationally-known chastity speaker and author Jason Evert will appear in an interview on the CatholicTV news magazine show “ClearVoice”.

Jason will discuss how he got started in his ministry, how his chastity talks have been received, and about media influences that people must battle against.

He’ll also briefly mention a book he recently co-authored along with his wife Crystalina called “How to Find Your Soulmate Without Losing Your Soul”, which was written especially for young women.

This episode will premiere on April 7th at 8 p.m. and will be rebroadcast throughout the week. More information can be found at http://www.CatholicTV.com/ClearVoice

Jason Evert earned a master's degree in theology, and undergraduate degrees in counseling and theology, with a minor in philosophy at Franciscan University of Steubenville. He is the author of ten books, including “If You Really Loved Me”, “Pure Love”, and “Theology of the Body for Teens”, which challenge young people to be pure. Jason speaks at seminars, participates in debates, and responds to thousands of questions about chastity and Catholicism from people around the world.
After giving chastity presentations solo for three years, Jason teamed up with Crystalina. They now speak internationally to over 100,000 teens each year in Catholic, Christian, and public junior and senior high schools, as well as universities.

More information about the book “How To Find Your Soulmate Without Losing Your Soul” can be found at http://www.howtofindyoursoulmate.com/

Today’s Television Bad For Your Kids? CatholicTV Begs to Differ

According to the American Psychiatric Association, "The debate is over… For the last three decades, the one predominant finding in research on the mass media is that exposure to media portrayals of violence increases aggressive behavior in children."

Fortunately, CatholicTV offers positive and encouraging programming for children including a kid’s game show, cartoons which teach morality, and even a show which uses skits, music, games, and occasional animation to teach children in a fun manner about courage, fear, helping others, respect, and much more.

CatholicTV is viewable online at CatholicTV.com and on CatholicTV cable outlets.

Below are some of the children’s programs on CatholicTV along with their air times (all time Eastern):

Adventures in Odyssey: A cartoon series about kids from a small town getting into big adventures. (Mondays 8AM & 3:30PM; Saturdays 8:30AM)

Storybook: Series of short stories with reflections at the end which link the story to the teaching of Jesus and Saint Paul. (airs at varying times between 7:30AM and 9AM on Mondays, Saturdays, and Sundays)

Gigi, God’s Little Princess - Adventures of a girl named Gigi Fridays 7:30AM and Sundays 7:30AM

The Adventures of Donkey Ollie- Animated show starring a donkey. Show teaches about Jesus and Christianity. Mondays 7:30AM, Saturday 8AM

Mr. Henry’s Wild and Wacky Bible Stories- uses skits, music, games, and occasional animation to teach children. Monday 3:30 PM Saturday 7:30 AM Sunday 8:00 AM

WOW: The CatholicTV Challenge- game show starring third graders, which teaches the Catholic faith. Monday 7:30 p.m. Tuesday 5 p.m. Wednesday 9 a.m. Thursday 12:30 a.m. Friday 6:30 a.m. Saturday 8 p.m.

Catholic Saints and Heroes- (produced by CCC of America)A variety of special programs featuring Catholic teaching, the lives of the saints, and bible stores all aimed at kids. Monday 8:00AM Saturday 9:00AM

http://www.cccofamerica.com/

Knoxville Bishop and Social Justice Ministry With Youth Highlighted on CatholicTV Talk Show

On April 1st, the Center for FaithJustice (CFJ) will be discussed on the live CatholicTV talk show “This is the Day”.

The CFJ is a unique ministry which assists in community service with youth and young adults, educates people about social justice, sponsors research on social justice, and much more. Widian Nicola from the CFJ will be interviewed on This is the Day.

An interview with Bishop Richard Stika of Knoxville will also air on This is the Day. Bishop Stika heads a very young diocese which was founded in 1988. The diocese is also unique because of the rapid growth of its Hispanic Catholic population, which “if the estimates are correct and there are about 50,000 new Hispanic immigrants in the area, their number nearly doubles the area’s current official Catholic population.”

Bishop Stika considers Pope John Paul II his “episcopal grandfather” because the pope ordained Cardinal Rigali an archbishop in 1985, and the cardinal ordained Monsignor Stika a bishop. The bishop met John Paul II numerous times on trips to the Vatican. In February 2009 he visited Pope Benedict XVI to thank him personally for appointing him bishop of Knoxville.

How To Find Your Soulmate Without Losing Your Soul To Be Discussed With Jason Evert on Live CatholicTV Talk Show

On March 29th, Jason Evert will appear in-studio on the live CatholicTV talk show “This is the Day”.

Jason will discuss the unique book which he and his wife Crystalina co-authored-“How To Find Your Soulmate Without Losing Your Soul”.

This book was written especially for women and focuses on dating, marriage, sex, romance, and more. The book discusses among other things:
• Avoiding Missionary Dating
• Dating with Purpose
• Loving Your Spouse before You Meet Him
• Hanging Up on Hookups
• Wear Something Revealing (not just revealing your body, but revealing YOU!)—Be Modest

The book is unique because it is meant to be used as a study tool at weekly meetings with young women. The book is meant to foster discussions and to encourage friendships between women who are interested in fulfilling relationships.

An interview of Bishop Robert McManus of Worcester, Massachusetts will also appear on This is the Day. He will discuss evangelization through media. In a recent letter to the parishes of the Worcester Diocese, McManus said, “the proclamation of the Gospel is the first priority of the Catholic Church. Pope Benedict XVI has boldly asserted that the Church must proclaim Christ to all people. Indeed, the very purpose of the Church is to evangelize.”

Bishop McManus has a regular television show called “Conversation with Bishop McManus” and he has also been featured on the vocations-promoting television show “Come Follow Me” which airs on CatholicTV.

More information about Jason Evert:

Jason Evert earned a master's degree in theology, and undergraduate degrees in counseling and theology, with a minor in philosophy at Franciscan University of Steubenville. He is the author of ten books, including “If You Really Loved Me”, “Pure Love”, and “Theology of the Body for Teens”, which challenge young people to be pure. Jason speaks at seminars, participates in debates, and responds to thousands of questions about chastity and Catholicism from people around the world.
After giving chastity presentations solo for three years, Jason teamed up with Crystalina. They now speak internationally to over 100,000 teens each year in Catholic, Christian, and public junior and senior high schools, as well as universities.

More information about the book “How To Find Your Soulmate Without Losing Your Soul” can be found at http://www.howtofindyoursoulmate.com/

April Edition of CatholicTV Magazine Explains Responses in New Missal

The April edition of CatholicTV’s free monthly magazine (named The CatholicTV Monthly) will include an article which discusses what Mass attendants will say differently once the new Roman Missal begins being used by Catholics around the country.

This includes the penitential rite at the beginning of Mass where attendants will say “I have greatly sinned…. through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault.”

This article is part of a series in The CatholicTV Monthly called “Theology 101”.

Theology 101 is written by Ms. Rita Thiron, Director of the Office of Worship of the Diocese of Lansing, Michigan.

The April edition of The CatholicTV Monthly will also include an article about CatholicTV’s news magazine show “ClearVoice”. ClearVoice’s co-host John Monahan recently interviewed potential presidential candidate Rick Santorum among many other notable interviews. The article about ClearVoice in the April CatholicTV Monthly is written by Senior Producer and CatholicTV on-screen personality Kevin Nelson.

CatholicTV also offers a digital version of its monthly magazine called iCatholic which is twice as long as the print version and includes many more articles. iCatholic also has videos integrated right into the magazine which reads just like a print magazine, only with videos inserted into the pages.

The digital magazine can be viewed now at: http://www.CatholicTV.com/catholic-magazine.aspx
Sign-up for the print magazine can be found at http://www.CatholicTV.com/magazine/subscribe.aspx

Over 10,000 Sign Petition to Spread CatholicTV as Pope Calls on Church Leaders to Speak ‘New Language’ of Mass Media

Over 10,000 people have signed a petition used to encourage cable and satellite television providers to add CatholicTV to their channel line ups.

CatholicTV employees have travelled to conferences, retreats, and trade shows in many different states collecting names for its petition.

CatholicTV supporters recently made an impact in Worcester, Massachusetts, where dozens of attendees at a Catholic Men’s Conference signed letters requesting that CatholicTV be added to Charter Cable’s lineup. A few months later, CatholicTV was added to Charter Cable’s lineup.

Interestingly, the number of petition signers crossed 10,000 around the same time (March 1st) as Pope Benedict addressed participants of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications.

CatholicTV created its own social networking site, iCatholic.com in 2010. Since then, members have formed an online prayer community where they discuss their Catholic faith, and share pictures, stories, and videos.

CatholicTV originated as the world’s first diocesan television station in 1955. CatholicTV currently broadcasts on cable throughout New England, Detroit, Baton Rouge, and on Fi-TV in Chattanooga. CatholicTV also airs nationally on Sky Angel, and streams its broadcast online 24 hours per day at CatholicTV.com. Viewers may watch the online broadcast completely free of charge or obligation.

CatholicTV’s petition to help spread its broadcast reach can be signed online at http://www.CatholicTV.com/helpus

CatholicTV is also giving away Flip (portable camcorder) cameras to some petition signers in order to encourage more supporters to sign the petition. The most recent winner of a Flip camera was Karen M of Colorado.

Potential Presidential Candidate and Former Senator Rick Santorum To Appear on CatholicTV News Magazine Show, ClearVoice

Starting on March 24th, CatholicTV’s news magazine show “ClearVoice” will feature interview segments with former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum.

Santorum served as U.S. Senator from the state of Pennsylvania. He was the youngest person to be elected senator in Pennsylvania’s history and is also a practicing Catholic.

During Santorum’s interview with ClearVoice’s John Monahan, Santorum discussed his life since leaving the U.S. Senate. Santorum talked about focusing more time on his wife and 7 children after leaving office. He also mentioned a potential run for the presidency of the United States and how his Catholic faith affects his life and career.

Santorum’s interviews will air during the weeks starting March 24th, 31st, and April 7th. ClearVoice airs each week at CatholicTV.com and CatholicTV cable outlets at the following times (Eastern). Thursday 8 p.m., Friday 11:30 a.m., Saturday. 7 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m., Monday 10:30 a.m. and Tuesday 10:30 p.m.

Who Will Continue To Tell the Great News?

In this darkness of the night, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary walked to the tomb. They went there in shock before the dawning of that first day of the week. How very sad and numb they must have been; they probably had cried their eyes out all night because the One who had reached out to them with compassion, the Friend who had given them hope was now dead. They, and many others, would have followed Jesus to the end of the world – but life had become almost pointless.

There at Jesus’ tomb, they encountered a messenger from God, an angel who reassured them: I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. With that, the truth flooded their minds and they knew that Jesus had been raised and that He is theLord of Life. Confused, yet overjoyed, they returned to the apostles to tell the good news.

As we approach the great festival of Easter, we should ask ourselves this question: Who will continue to tell this great news? The Gospel needs to ring out with clarity;with one clear and unmistakable voice, people need to hear that Jesus who died is alive and is the Lord of our lives. The CatholicTV® Network is one answer to that
question.

In these holy days, thank you for helping to continue to
be one ClearVoice across the nation!

Fr. Robert Reed

Catholic Novel Reaches #1 on Amazon After St. Therese Novena? Author To Discuss on Live CatholicTV Talk Show

On March 22nd, Michelle Buckman will be interviewed on the live CatholicTV talk show “This is the Day”.

Michelle is the author of the Catholic novel Rachel’s Contrition. Michelle was astounded at the success of the book especially since very little marketing had been done.

In an interview with the National Catholic Register, Michelle talked about how her novel reached #1 in the Women’s fiction category in October 2010. When asked if she had done a “big promotional event”, Michelle replied, “not unless you count the continuous novena to St. Therese that I had going for this book since the end of August.”

This is the Day airs at 10:30 a.m. ET at CatholicTV.com and on CatholicTV cable outlets. The show is rebroadcast at 7:30 p.m. and other times during the week.

Rachel’s Contrition is a book about a woman whose young daughter dies. This gives way to grief-spawned delusions which cause Rachel to lose her husband, her home, and custody of her son.

Help arrives from two unlikely sources: a young teen, Lilly, battling her own demons, and a tattered holy card depicting Saint Therese of Lisieux.

The 2011 Eucharistic Congress for College Students and Young Adults (The Eucharistic Congress) will also be discussed on This is the Day. The annual Eucharistic Congress, which takes place in Boston’s North End, includes a Eucharistic procession with hundreds of young people. Streets are temporarily blocked off for the procession and each year, onlookers watch with curiosity.

Fr. Matt Williams will appear on This is the Day to discuss the Eucharistic Congress. Fr. Matt is the Director of the Office of the New Evangelization of Youth and Young Adults of the Archdiocese of Boston.

More information about the Eucharistic Congress can be found at http://www.one4boston.org/

More information about Rachel’s Contrition can be found at http://www.rachelscontrition.com/index.cfm

Cardinal Sean O'Malley MSNBC Interview From the CatholicTV Studios

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Conduct Business By Biblical Principles? Catholic Business Owner Will Discuss on Live CatholicTV Talk Show

On March 18th, Andy LaVallee will appear on the live CatholicTV talk show “This is the Day”.

Andy’s company, LaVallee’s, is a very successful bakery and bread distribution business. In a recent interview by marianews.com, Andy spoke about how entrepreneurs can create a system of values in the workplace. He said, “It’s really simple: you take your business plan on one side and the Bible on the other side and you start looking at Biblical principles that apply to what you want to accomplish in the end. Nothing has changed in 2000 years in the market place: people in ancient Jerusalem bought from people they trusted and liked just like people in the world do today.

This is the Day airs at 10:30 a.m. ET at CatholicTV.com and on CatholicTV cable outlets. The show is rebroadcast at 7:30 p.m. and other times during the week.

Attached photo is of (left to right): Catholic blogger, journalist, and mother of eight Danielle Bean will also be interviewed on “This is the Day”. Danielle is the Editorial Director of Faith and Family Magazine. She also gives talks to groups about Catholic family life, homeschooling, marriage, and motherhood.

Danielle will discuss a unique gathering of Catholic women called Mom’s Day Away (Mom’s Day). Mom’s Day is a one-day event which will include prayer, socializing, relaxation, and inspirational talks by Catholic mom bloggers including:

Rachel Balducci, of How Do You Tuck In a Superhero?: And Other Delightful Mysteries of Raising Boys, Jennifer Fulwiler, blogger at Conversion Diary, and at the National Catholic Register, and also Danielle Bean.

More information about Mom’s Day Away can be found at: http://faithandfamily.eventbrite.com/

More information about LaVallee’s Bakery distributors can be found at http://www.lavallees.com/

Our great friends Greg and Jennifer Willets of The Catholic Channel’s The Catholics Next Door emailed us this morning about his tremendous idea for a “Catholic Media Promotion Day. ”

The Facebook page is already up at www.Facebook.com/promotecatholicism, so here’s the scoop…

The Date: March 15, 2011

The Project: if you have a blog, podcast, or Facebook page you are invited to list your favorite 3 blogs, 3 podcasts, 3 other media, 3 random Catholic things online, and your own projects as well. Then, post the link to your list at www.Facebook.com/promotecatholicism on March 15th.

So, spread the word. “Like” the Facebook page and do all you can in the next week to let people know about this initiative.

Great things are going on in Catholic Media and we need to tell the world the Good News!

Documentary Which Aired on ABC and Narrated By Martin Sheen Also to Air on CatholicTV- Producer To Discuss on CatholicTV Talk Show

On March 11th, Claire Rung will be interviewed on the CatholicTV talk show “This is the Day”. Claire will discuss the documentary “Proving Holiness”, which aired on ABC and was narrated by Martin Sheen. Proving Holiness explores and explains the path to sainthood for four different people, including St. Faustina Kowalska of the Divine Mercy.

Proving Holiness is produced by Daybreak TV (Daybreak) where Claire Rung works as Executive Director.
This is the Day airs at 10:30 a.m. ET at CatholicTV.com and on CatholicTV cable outlets. The show is rebroadcast at 7:30 p.m. and other times during the week.
Proving Holiness will air at CatholicTV.com and on CatholicTV during the week of April 25th at the following times: Monday noon Wednesday 5 a.m. Friday 8 a.m.

For expert information, Daybreak’s crew traveled to the Vatican and interviewed members of the congregation for the Cause of Saints and the postulators of the individual causes.

Daybreak also traveled to The Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in Krakow, Poland where interviews and footage were videotaped regarding the life of Saint Faustina. The crew also traveled to the U. S. National Shrine of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusetts to follow the story of how the veneration of Saint Faustina and The Divine Mercy Message has spread worldwide.

More information about Daybreak TV can be found at http://daybreaktv.org/

Monsignor Charles Murphy will also be interviewed on This is the Day. He is the author of the book “The Spirituality of Fasting”. His book draws on sources ancient and current—from Augustine to Michael Pollan—to consider how fasting informs the relationships between creator/creature, body/soul, and rich/poor.

Pope Benedict had urged that the value and meaning of fasting needed to be "rediscovered and encouraged again in our day," The Spirituality of Fasting is meant for average Catholics and also for small groups, parish retreats, homily preparation, and recommended Lenten reading lists.

Monsignor Charles M. Murphy is the director of the Permanent Diaconate for the Diocese of Portland, Maine. Previously he served his diocese as director of education and has pastored four different parishes. He was rector of the North American College in Rome and holds a doctorate from the Pontifical Gregorian University there. He is the author of several scholarly articles and books, including Belonging to God: A Personal Training Guide for the Deeper Catholic Spiritual Life.

More information about The Spirituality of Fasting can be found at https://www.avemariapress.com/product/1-59471-243-3/The-Spirituality-of-Fasting/

Interview of Oscar-Winning Director of ‘God of Love’, Luke Matheny Now Viewable at CatholicTV.com

An interview of Luke Matheny is now available at CatholicTV.com at www.CatholicTV.com/Catholic-Movies-This-is-the-Day (interview begins at 19 mins. 10 secs). Luke directed, wrote, and starred in the short film “God of Love”.

The brief interview, which was conducted by CatholicTV’s Fr. Robert Reed on “This is the Day”, includes video of Luke and his friends celebrating news of his film being nominated for an Academy Award as well as clips from the movie.

CatholicTV’s President Fr. Robert Reed said, “All of us here at CatholicTV and all of us in our audience congratulate you.”

Luke’s film also won an Excellence in Filmmaking Award at the Angelus Student Film Festival.

CatholicTV’s show ClearVoice also interviewed Fr. Willy Raymond from Family Theater Productions, which sponsors the Angelus Student Film Festival. The interview with Fr. Willy is now viewable at www.CatholicTV.com/Catholic-news-ClearVoice-8 (interview begins at 8 mins. and 38 secs)