Boston seminarians

It's so wonderful to be able to see the seminarians from St John's Seminary in Brighton at the station here at CatholicTV. Whether it's to attend Father Reed's class on communication and evangelization in the conference room, or to accompany a priest for Daily Mass, they are welcome visitors!

Today Father Ed Riley celebrated Mass for us, and was joined by Deacon Chris Wallace who will, by the grace of God, be ordained this May. Deacon Chris is a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel parish in Quincy.

Before Mass, Father Reed asked Fr Riley to bless our new vestments for Solemnities, and Deacon Chris joined Fr Riley in being the first to wear them!

   


Deacon Chris delivered the homily and preached about St Joseph and "actions speaking louder than words". You can watch it right here:

  Thanks Deacon Chris and Fr Riley!

Thriving Vocations at Female Religious Orders? Superiors Articulate Countercultural Lifestyle and Vision in New Video at CatholicTV.com

An exclusive video of sisters from The Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious (CMSWR) has just been added to the CatholicTV.com video collection. This video features sisters from several different orders. These orders are experiencing growth on a worldwide scale in great contrast to marked decline in vocations elsewhere.

The video features footage of sisters talking about what Vatican II said about consecrated life, and how that vision is being lived out today by American religious sisters.

In the video, the sisters from the CMSWR articulate how their perspective is in keeping with the vision set forth by Vatican II, suggesting that its commitment to a more visibly countercultural life and ministry is what sustains its orders and attracts young women to the CMSWR communities.

This video can be viewed now without charge or obligation at: http://www.CatholicTV.com/shows/default.aspx?SeriesID=145

Topics and sisters included in the video include:

Segment 1) Introduction: Sister Angela Mellady, O.S.F.
Segment 2) Overview: Sister Mary Nika Schaumber, R.S.M.
Segment 3) A Particular Form of Consecrated Life: Sister Mary Elizabeth Wusinich S.V.
Segment 4) The Spousal Bond: Sister Paul Jean Miller, F.S.E.
Segment 5) The Threefold Response of The Vows: Sister Mary Dominic Pitts, O.P.
Segment 6) Communion in Community: Sister Mary Prudence Allen, R.S.M.,
Segment 7) Evangelical Mission: Sister Maximilia Um, F.S.G.M.
Segment 8) Conclusion: Sister Mary Judith O’Brien, R.S.M.
Segment 9) Closing Remarks: Sister Angela Mellady, O.S.F.

This video is posted in “The Call” section of CatholicTV.com. CatholicTV airs a special programming block named The Call, which features videos about vocations and particular religious orders. More information is available at http://www.CatholicTV.com/shows/default.aspx?seriesID=145

Jesuit and Fathers of Mercy Vocation Directors to Appear on CatholicTV

In the continuing spirit of Vocation Awareness Week, CatholicTV will feature 2 different Vocation Directors on the CatholicTV live talk show “This is the Day”. Fr. Jack Butler (pictured above), Director of Vocations for the New England Province of the Jesuits will appear on January 8th, while Fr. Tony Stephens, Vocation Director of the Fathers of Mercy will appear on January 12th.

“This is the Day” streams live at CatholicTV.com and is also viewable on CatholicTV where available, to find out what channel in your area please visit: http://www.catholictv.com/schedule/where-to-watch.aspx. The show will air live during the above dates at 10:30AM ET, will rebroadcast at 8PM the same day, and will also be added to the CatholicTV.com archives.

Jack Butler, S.J. also works as a campus minister at Boston College, where there is a center for vocational discernment called Manresa. The primary purpose of Manresa

House is to promote vocations to the Catholic Church. Every person has a specific call from God, whether it is priestly, religious, married or single life. Manresa hosts vocational discernment weekend visits to help students discover their vocation. College president Fr. William Leahy, SJ, also holds monthly discussion groups for those considering ministerial priesthood.

Fr. Jack Butler grew up in Atlanta, Georgia and entered the Society of Jesus in 1991. Fr. Butler is trained in counseling and has worked in prison ministry, hospitals treatment centers, the education apostolate, and formation within the Society.

Fr. Tony Stephens, C.P.M. was born in 1976 and is a native of Angelus, Kansas. In 1999, Fr. Tony graduated from Christendom College in Front Royal, Virginia. Discerning a call to religious life and the priesthood, he joined the Fathers of Mercy in 2000. He studied for the priesthood at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, and was ordained a priest in 2005.

Father Tony Stephens

The Society of Jesus a.k.a. the “Jesuits” is the largest male religious order in the Catholic Church, with over 18,000 members. The founder of the Jesuits was St. Ignatius of Loyola.

The Congregation of the Fathers of Mercy was founded in 1808, originally under the title of "the Missionaries of France." It is now an exclusively American community, headquartered in Kentucky. The primary apostolate of the Fathers of Mercy is to conduct parish missions and retreats in an effort to re-evangelize and revitalize the faith of those who hear.

These episodes of “This is the Day” will be available 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/shows/default.aspx?seriesID=72

Want to Know How to Increase Vocations? Watch CatholicTV Interview of Vocations Director of New Flourishing Order

On Tuesday, September 29th, Sister Antoniana Maria, SV will appear on the CatholicTV talk show “This is the Day”. Among other topics, she will discuss the success of their vocations efforts which utilize “come and see” weekends and a significant amount of prayer for vocations.

Based in Bronx, NY Sister Antoniana serves as the Vocations Director for the Sisters of Life. Before joining Sisters of Life, Sister Antoniana was a student and a pro-life activist.

The religious order “Sisters of Life” follows the Augustinian rule, and was founded in 1991 by John Cardinal O'Connor, the late Archbishop of New York, after much prayer and a visit to the remains of the Dachau concentration camp. The order is both contemplative and active. Besides taking the traditional vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, the sisters take a fourth vow to protect and enhance the sacredness of human life. The sisters live in community, centering their lives on the Eucharist. They have five convents in New York and a retreat house in Connecticut. Their work includes a pregnancy help Visitation Mission, a Holy Respite for pregnant women, the Stanton Library with pro-life resources, the Family Life/Respect Life Office in the Archdiocese of New York, and retreat opportunities for youth, married couples, families, and “Entering Canaan” retreats for men and women suffering after abortion. The abbreviation S.V. stands for Sorores Vitae, Latin for Sisters of Life.



Sister Antoniana’s interview can be seen on Tuesday, September 29th live at 10:30AM (EST) on CatholicTV where available (rebroadcast at 8PM). The show will also be streamed simultaneously at www.CatholicTV.com and will be available on the site’s archives starting Tuesday night. 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.org/shows/default.aspx?seriesID=72



Each week, CatholicTV promotes Catholic vocations through a special television programming block called “The Call”. “The Call” highlights various religious orders and even explores other vocations such as marriage. “The Call” airs each week at the following times (Eastern): Tuesday, 12:30 PM; Wednesday 6:00 AM; Friday 9:00AM; Sunday 11:30PM



More information on “The Call” is available at: http://www.catholictv.com/shows/default.aspx?seriesID=145

New Video on Priesthood Starring Cardinal Seán O’Malley Now Available Online at CatholicTV.com

How well do Catholics really know their priests? A new 10-minute video on the priesthood at CatholicTV.com gives Catholics a detailed look at priests and the priesthood. The video includes introductory remarks and appreciation of the priesthood by Cardinal Seán O’Malley, lay people and other priests as well. One priest from the video talks about how he once baptized a tiny newborn baby in the palm of his hand using a single drop of water. Another priest mentions how he once was seriously ill and how his parishioners welcomed him back warmly.

The video can be seen now by visiting http://www.priest2009.com/

CatholicTV is a nationally-broadcasted television network headquartered near Boston. CatholicTV streams its broadcast simultaneously, 24 hours a day at www.CatholicTV.com

This new video features priests talking about what sustains them, what challenges they face, and even about their hopes. One newly-ordained priest in the video said “I hope when I approach my death, the Lord will tell me “come, my good and faithful servant, you have been faithful with what I entrusted to you, enter into your master’s joy”.

Many of CatholicTV’s programs involve the priesthood and priests especially during this Year For Priests. Some of these programs include:

The new CatholicTV program “Spotlight” which will debut in October. This show stars 2 priests who review movies from the Catholic perspective. More info is available at www.CatholicTV.com

Word on Fire- This program produced by Word on Fire Catholic Ministries features renowned theologian and teacher, Fr. Robert Barron. More information is available at http://www.catholictv.com/shows/default.aspx?seriesID=15

Discernment of Spirits- CatholicTV.com has 26 episodes of this show on their website. The Ignatian Rules for Discernment are taught by author and priest, Fr. Tim Gallagher, OMV. Episodes are viewable now at http://www.CatholicTV.com/shows/default.aspx?seriesID=43

Can Your Boring Job Be A Vocation? Vocations Explored in Unique Documentary on CatholicTV

During the week of September 7th-13th, CatholicTV will air a unique documentary named “Callings” which explores vocations. Although most people think of priests and nuns when they hear the word “vocation”, “Callings” gives unique insight into the way all types of people from professional athletes to dancers, to priests have a unique opportunity to devote their lives and their careers to God. “Callings” features Mike Sweeney, 5-time All-Star of the Kansas City Royals and 9 other “average” people who take their vocations quite seriously. Sweeney once said, “"I know it's a gift from God that I can play baseball, I play to please God."

“Callings” looks at the lives of ten individuals from a range of occupations whose faith has informed their professional choices. Dancer Francie Huber cites both the Christmas song "The Little Drummer Boy" and Pope John Paul II's 1999 letter to artists as sources of inspiration, encouraging her, respectively, to make a gift to the Lord of her artistry and to imitate God's life-giving creativity.

The USCCB website says, “Callings” is “Uplifting for all, "Callings" is an especially valuable resource for young viewers, inviting them to shape their future lives under God's loving guidance.”

“Callings” will air during the week of September 7th-13th on CatholicTV and at CatholicTV.com at the following times (Eastern): Monday-2PM; Tuesday-10:30PM; Wednesday-4PM; Thursday-6:30AM; Friday-9:30PM; Saturday-10:30AM; Sunday-2AM.

In Honor of The Year of the Priest, CatholicTV will air special “Priest” Programming in August

Throughout August, CatholicTV will air several shows starring priests or about the priesthood. These shows include a Catholic game show hosted by a priest, Conversations with Cardinal Seán O’Malley, a “series” promoting priestly vocations, and even a show starring a Servant of God.

Although much of CatholicTV’s programs are hosted by or involve the priesthood, a particular emphasis will be given on the priesthood during the month of August. For example, CatholicTV airs a special programming block called “The Call” which promotes various religious orders including certain female religious orders. However, for the month of August, “The Call” will focus on priestly vocations and vocations to the brotherhood.

Another CatholicTV programming block entitled “Catholic Saints and Lay People” will focus on priests including Servant of God, Father Patrick Peyton. This programming block normally focuses on Catholic Saints and notable lay people including many lay women and nuns. However, the block will focus on notable priests for the month of August.

Below are brief descriptions of other “priestly programs” on CatholicTV along with links to show schedules and sample episodes:

“Saint Paul, the Man and His Message”- Fr. Jeffrey Mickler, who has a doctorate in theology from Fordham University teaches about St. Paul. http://www.CatholicTV.com/shows/default.aspx?seriesID=14

“Conversations With Cardinal Seán”- General Manager, Jay Fadden discuss issues of interest with Cardinal Seán O’Malley. http://www.CatholicTV.com/shows/default.aspx?seriesID=28

“Word On Fire”- Fr. Robert Barron talks about the Word of God, 7 deadly sins, conversion, and following the calling of Christ. http://www.CatholicTV.com/shows/default.aspx?seriesID=15

“Prayer in the Catechism”- A talk show starring Fr. Benedict Groeschel. He discusses prayer and uses the Catechism as a guide. http://www.CatholicTV.com/shows/default.aspx?seriesID=122

“Wow:The CatholicTV Challenge”- A catechetical game show starring 3rd-grade contestants and host, and Director of CatholicTV, Fr. Robert Reed. http://www.CatholicTV.com/shows/default.aspx?seriesID=137

Chicago organizers of Nun Run and Sr. Helen Prejean

Sister Elyse and Sister Lovina of the Chicago Archdiocese chatted with Father Robert Reed and Jay Fadden about the many ways that vocations are encouraged.

Also, Sister Helen Prejean, CSJ discussed her experiences with death row inmates and the promotion of the dignity of life at all stages.

Toys That Promote Vocations? Creators of Vocation Dolls To Appear on CatholicTV

On January 5th, the makers of the "Wee Believers" Vocation Dolls, Steve and Joni Abdalla will be featured in a live interview on the CatholicTV Talk Show "This is the Day". Wee Believers is a Catholic toy company which is best known for the toy Mass Kit it produces. Steve and Joni were first inspired by their children to make Catholic toys which would help with the spiritual growth and formation of children.

This episode of “This is the Day” will stream live at www.CatholicTV.com and on CatholicTV where available on January 5th at 10:30AM ET. The show will be rebroadcast at 8PM the same day and will also be added to the website archives the same day.

Each Wee Believers product is accompanied by a companion booklet, written to compliment the particular toy with relevant and educational material. The vocations dolls "Sr. Mary Clara" and "Fr. Juan Pablo" dolls, are accompanied by a booklet featuring the real-life vocation stories of five priests and five religious Sisters.

“Our hope is that by playing with the Vocation Dolls™, children will grow in virtue with a deeper understanding of their Catholic faith,” says Steve Abdalla. “We pray that the Holy Spirit will use these dolls to call more men and women to the consecrated religious life..”

The Most Reverend Raymond L Burke, Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura said of the Mass Kit, “When I was in first grade, I used to like to play Mass with the participation of my siblings and the neighboring children. My parents bought for me a Mass Kit for children, which was available at the time. It has a plastic chasuble and stole and little dishes and candles, much like this kit... I can tell you that that little Mass kit played its part in fostering my vocation to the priesthood.”

During the month of January, "This is the Day" will feature several guests who will discuss vocations including the Director of Vocations for the New England Province of the Jesuits, The Vocation Director of the Fathers of Mercy, and the co-founders of Family Vocation Ministries. Each week, CatholicTV airs a special programing block entitled “The Call” devoted to promoting vocations. More information is available at http://www.catholictv.com/shows/default.aspx?seriesID=145&videoID=847