Mass Confusion Trailer

In case you haven't seen it yet, here is the trailer of the upcoming Mass Confusion pilot, to be aired on Thanksgiving.

I myself first got to see the pilot at the Catholic New Media Conference in Kansas City in the beginning of October, and I can't tell you how positive the reaction was from all the great folks at the conference. The show begged laughter from the people there, who ranged pretty broadly in age.

I was extremely proud of our production crew, and really happy for Greg and Jennifer Willits & Mac and Katherine Barron. There is a huge lack of wholesome, high quality content in television right now. I certainly don't think there's ever been a Catholic sitcom before (and believe me, I've been wanting one for a while now), so it's very cool and very exciting for CatholicTV to be working on this with the Willits and the Barrons.

If you want high quality, authentic Catholic content on television, then we need your help. Share this trailer with your friends and family, and be sure to tune in on November 24th at 8:30 to watch it. Once it goes up online, share the full video as well. We want this project to go forward as much as you do, so we need viewers to make that happen. Help us prove that people want family-friendly, authentic Catholic programming!


The 8:30 premiere of Mass Confusion will be preceded by a House + Home marathon, starting at 4pm. After a break which will include Daily Mass, The Rosary & ClearVoice™, we'll air Mass Confusion for the first time. It will be rebroadcast on Friday at 11:30am & 5:30pm, Saturday at 8:30am & 10pm, and Sunday at 3:30pm.
Find out where to watch, or watch it anywhere at http://www.CatholicTV.com, including on any mobile device.

Cathy Rush on ClearVoice

On October 27,  Cathy Rush, Head Women's Basketball Coach of Immaculata from 1972 to 1977 will be on ClearVoice™ to discuss The Mighty Macs, a new film based on the true story of the 1971-72 Immaculata College team that started in obscurity but became the original Cinderella story in women's basketball. This team of pioneers went from barely making that inaugural tournament to the first dynasty in their game.

A pioneer in women's sports, Cathy Rush was the basketball coach at Immaculata College for seven years, winning the first three Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) championships from 1972-74. At a time when women's basketball used archaic rules, Cathy taught her teams more aggressive tactics, similar to those used by men's teams, leading to excellent results.

Cathy’s overall accomplishments, including a record of 149-15 (a .909 winning percentage), earned her induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008. She was also a 2000 inductee into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame.

During her time at Immaculata, Cathy led players such as Theresa Shank Grentz, Rene Muth Portland, and Marianne Crawford Stanley, who became successful basketball coaches as well. In 1975, she coached the U.S. women's basketball to the Pan American Games gold medal. After retiring as a coach, Cathy became the first female commentator for women's basketball on national television in 1978. She has worked with NBC, CBS, ESPN, CBN, and PRISM.

The Mighty Macs stars Carla Gugino as Cathy Rush; David Boreanaz as her husband, NBA referee Ed Rush; Marley Shelton as Sister Sunday; and Academy Award, Tony Award & Primetime Emmy Award winner Ellen Burstyn as Mother St. John. The film was written, directed, and produced by Tim Chambers. The film's executive producers are Pat Croce, the former president of the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers, and Vince Curran, a successful businessman and former basketball star at Penn. Curran and Chambers are founders and partners of Quaker Media.

Also appearing on the October 27, 2011 episode of ClearVoice™ is Amanda Lopez, winner of the Voice of an Angel Season 2 competition. Voice of an Angel is a singing competition with a higher purpose, premiering in 2007 as a competition for high schools in the South Florida community.

Amanda Lopez sings for CatholicTV

We had the pleasure of having Amanda Lopez in the studio yesterday to shoot a musical performance. Amanda won the Voice of an Angel contest in 2008. Along with Caro Fernandez, Deanna Pavese and Matt Sanchez (also winners of the contest), Amanda has been a part of the Stand United campaign, which revolves around a song of the same name, written to commemorate the 10th anniversary of September 11th, 2001.








Part of the promotion of the song has been an effort to rekindle the unity the nation felt after 9/11. Downloaders of the free song have been encouraged to donate to the 9/11 charity of their choice, and fans are asked to submit pictures of themselves "Standing United" with their loved ones.

Amanda w/ a few friends, Standing United

Amanda just started as a freshman at the Boston Conservatory, and was able to come in to our studios and shoot a solo version of the patriotic song. She's a very busy young woman with her school schedule, but was eager to come in for an interview and shooting of her song before she had to head back to class. I got a few pictures and some behind-the-scenes video of her visit. She sounded great and was a total pleasure!

W/ ClearVoice producer Kate Andrews

Sound Check w/engineer Steve Sasso

Chatting in the Green Room

Protect Life: Fire Prevention Week

Father Daniel Mahoney, Charlestown, MA

CatholicTV's daily Mass was celebrated today by Father Daniel Mahoney, of  Charlestown, MA.

We were also blessed to have retired firefighter, Chief John Ellis from Boston's District 11, as the Lector at Mass in honor of Fire Prevention Week. You can view today's Mass and listen to Fr. Mahoney's homily about firefighters here: www.CatholicTV.com/Catholic-Mass-1012.aspx

John Ellis- Retired Chief, District 11

Father Mahoney was ordained a Priest in 1956. He was assigned to St. Francis de Sales Parish in Charlestown in 1968 and has served as pastor since 1978. In 1964, Father Mahoney began his association with the Boston Fire Department as Assistant Chaplain and became its Chief Chaplain in 1991. In these roles, Father Mahoney has responded to hundreds of incidents and offered comfort to all firefighters and their families.

The National Fire Prevention Association celebrates Fire Prevention Week from October 9-15, 2011. Fire Prevention Week focuses on preventing home fires and protecting families in the community with life-saving technologies and planning. 

As we continue to celebrate Pro Life month, we are truly grateful for the men and women who put themselves in harm's way out of concern for all human life. They truly proclaim a Gospel of Life and are a light to the world. We can all show our appreciation and concern for them by taking preventive measures in our homes.

Pro Life Month: Finding the Courage to Talk About Abortion

Have you ever heard of the "spiral of silence"? Put simply, this theory says that people are less likely to voice their opinion about something if they believe they are in the minority. I always pictured an Odyssey-style whirlpool or a sinkhole when learning about this theory in college communications classes. When one person is silent, others around her lose their courage to speak, and still more around them lose their courage to speak. The result is an ever increasing number of people being pulled into silence because of a pervasive fear.

You probably didn't know that most people are pro life. If you're anything like me, you may know rationally that at least half of Americans are pro life, but you still feel like you're in the minority. It's easy to dismiss abortion as an off-limits topic, especially if you think no one agrees with you. But the way we fight the spiral of silence is by letting people around us know that they are not alone in their convictions.

In this latest LifeLine, Carolee McGrath talks about having courage to talk about abortion.

Talking About Abortion

Emilio Estevez's "The Way" Opens Tomorrow

“The Way," written and directed by Emilio Estevez, and starring Martin Sheen, opens Boston, MA, and Danvers, MA tomorrow. On tonight's ClearVoice we will be airing an exclusive interview with Sheen and Estevez about the film. Tune in at 8PM EST at www.CatholicTV.com

"The Way" is a powerful and inspirational story about family, friends, and the challenges we face while navigating this ever-changing and complicated world. Martin Sheen plays Tom, an American doctor who comes to St. Jean Pied de Port, France to collect the remains of his adult son (played by Emilio Estevez), killed in the Pyrenees in a storm while walking the Camino de Santiago, also known as The Way of Saint James. Rather than return home, Tom decides to embark on the historical pilgrimage to honor his son's desire to finish the journey. What Tom doesn't plan on is the profound impact the journey will have on him and his "California Bubble Life.”

Inexperienced as a trekker, Tom soon discovers that he will not be alone on this journey. On "The Way," Tom meets other pilgrims from around the world, each with their own issues and looking for greater meaning in their lives: a Dutchman (Yorick van Wageningen), a Canadian (Deborah Kara Unger) and an Irish writer (James Nesbitt), who is suffering from a bout of writer's block.

CatholicTV's President, Father Robert Reed, had the honor to host the premiere of “The Way” in Boston, MA.

THE WAY is not necessarily a 'religious' film, but it is deeply spiritual and so very human,” said Father Reed. “With moments of tragedy and anguish and with humor as well, it's about the way we live and move through life alongside those encountered on the road.  We are companions on this journey of life and 'The Way' will open your eyes to the deeper meaning of the twists and turns, the climbing and falling of the human pilgrimage.  For an old fashioned movie experience, some lasting lessons and a gentle lift, go see it.

From the unexpected and, oftentimes, amusing experiences along "The Way," this unlikely quartet of misfits creates an everlasting bond and Tom begins to learn what it means to be a citizen of the world again. Through Tom's unresolved relationship with his son, he discovers the difference between "the life we live and the life we choose."

THE WAY, written and directed by Emilio Estevez, was filmed entirely in Spain and France along the actual Camino de Santiago.

October Lifelines Continued

Pro-Life month continues at CatholicTV. In these short reflections, Carolee McGrath explores the faithful obedience of Mary, and discusses the inspirational teens who attend the yearly March for Life.

Let's continue to observe the month of the Rosary by praying that the example of Mary and these young people can be an inspiration to all.

Mary Said Yes!

March for Life

More Lifelines from Carolee McGrath

In these Lifelines, Carolee tells us about a ministry that holds retreats for men & women who are suffering because of abortion, and some teens from her parish who offer their time to pray near abortion clinics.

Rachel's Vineyard

Abortion Clinic Prayer

October: The Pro-Life Month

October is traditionally known as the month of the rosary (and during this month we give special honor to Mary), and so it's fitting that it is also Pro-Life month. The renewal of our prayer lives in this month can well serve an issue which requires a lot of prayer.

In honor of Pro-Life month, CatholicTV is featuring a series of 'Lifelines' with Carolee McGrath. Here are the first two in a series of short reflections by Carolee.

40 Days for Life

God Doesn't Make Mistakes

Tomorrow: Mary Lou Rosien on This is the Day

Mary Lou, author of Catholic Family Bootcamp will discuss her 30-day-devotional intended to build virtue within the family unit. The virtues developed include: hope, love, justice, prudence, temperance, fortitude and faith. Daily Scripture readings and suggested tasks make the devotional easy to follow.

Peggy Bowes, author of The Rosary Workout, praises Mary Lou on her dedication.

As a former Air Force pilot, I've been to boot camp, specifically at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. That was the toughest six weeks of my life! Conquering boot camp was one of my greatest achievements. I love that my friend Mary Lou has titled this 30-day-family devotional "Catholic Family Boot Camp." Her program is grounded in solid Catholic principles and virtues. She sets the bar high but gives families plenty of motivation and encouragement to persevere. She perfectly plays the role of the sensitive drill sergeant by setting high standards, providing the right tools for the job, and instilling confidence that success can be achieved. Mary Lou doesn't yell, humiliate or get in your face but generously shares her wisdom and experience in cultivating a holy family.

Mary Lou was motivated to write Catholic Family Boot Camp when she realized that there was nothing like it out there for Catholic families. Mary Lou states,

My husband and I have always operated our family as a team, and we wanted an active devotional we could do as a family. I combined our years of experience in marriage, life, as marriage/parenting coaches and as pre-Cana instructors and came up with the idea for this book.

Mary Lou invites all "boot campers" to join her at www.CatholicFamilyBootcamp.com to ask questions, share ideas and just have fun!

Also appearing is US Marine Corps Captain Nathan Waters via satellite from Afghanistan. Captain Waters will discuss the many ways that his faith sustains him during his deployment.

Be sure to tune in at 10:30AM ET!

Reflections after CNMC '11

This weekend was a fruitful one on all accounts! Here at CatholicTV our Telethon was even more successful than last year. As always, our friends have been so good to us. We are so grateful for your support, for the friendship of our patroness St. Thérèse of Lisieux and most importantly for God's continual stewardship of our mission here at CatholicTV.

I, however, was not here for the Telethon, but was attending the equally fruitful Catholic New Media Conference in Kansas City, KS. I was blessed to meet some great folks in the world of Catholic New Media (as well as fans of the media producers that were represented there this weekend). We tackled some important issues facing Catholic Media, namely the need to continually produce relevant, entertaining and faithful content. Everyone had important insights to offer, and we all left feeling rejuvenated and encouraged in our missions.

I loved hearing from Lisa Hendey of Catholic Mom, Pat Gohn, Matt Warner & Jeff Geerling of flockNote, Sr. Anne Flanagan (the nunblogger) and Seàn Patrick Lovett of Vatican Radio. I was especially excited to see the reaction of the audience to the CatholicTV produced sitcom, Mass Confusion, starring Greg & Jennifer Willits and Mac & Katherine Barron. It was clearly a hit at the conference, so we'll be looking forward to your reaction when it airs on Thanksgiving.

At the close of his keynote, Seàn Patrick Lovett exhorted us all to use our new media prowess to "go and do something beautiful for God." We're excited to do that here at CatholicTV, and I have no doubt that everyone else at the conference will do the same.