Inspiring Youtube Videos

The Silent Monks

This video was shared with me by a dear Catholic friend. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

What a creative bunch of high schoolers!

EWTN Press Release

EWTN’s 2009 Christmas Specials

Irondale, AL (EWTN) – Christmas is for the young, the young-at-heart, as well as those whose battle-weary hearts need renewal. Whatever your age, give yourself a lift this season with EWTN’s Christmas specials, including children’s programming, original documentaries, movies, musical specials and much more. (For a complete list of EWTN’s Christmas programs, please go to http://bit.ly/8Y7QY9.)

Highlights include:
MUSICAL SPECIALS
Catholic University of America’s Christmas Concert (2009)
The Catholic University of America presents their annual Christmas concert from the magnificent Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. (Airs 1:30 p.m. ET, Sun., Dec. 20; and 6 p.m. ET, Fri., Dec. 25.)

Dana: Our Family Christmas
Join Dana, her family and friends as they present an old-fashioned family Christmas. Hear the meaning of many traditional customs, and gather new ideas for you and your family. (Airs 10 p.m. ET, Tue., Dec. 22; and 5 a.m. ET, Mon., Dec. 28.)

San Juan Children’s Choir Presents: Siempre Navidad
The San Juan Children’s Choir celebrates Christmas with music from around the world; a unique concert expressing the joyful spirit of the holidays in Puerto Rico. (Airs 11 p.m. ET, Tue., Dec. 22; 4:30 p.m. ET, Wed., Dec. 23; and 1 a.m. ET, Thurs., Dec. 24.)

The Word is Born: Christmas with the Louisville Chorus
The Louisville Chorus celebrates the sounds of the season in this special presentation of Christmas favorites performed in historic Saint Martin of Tours Church in Louisville, Ky. (Airs 9 p.m. ET, Tue., Dec. 22; 11 a.m. ET, Thurs., Dec. 24; and 4 a.m. ET, Mon., Dec. 28.)

Candles and Carols
Anderson University presents their annual candle lighting ceremony with sacred music and scriptural meditations. The program features more than 200 participants performing a wide variety of choral and instrumental pieces. (Airs 3:30 a.m. ET, Wed., Dec. 23.)

Fowler Sisters: Christmas Gift
The Fowler Sisters usher in the Christmas season with moving renditions of favorite Christmas classics including "Carol of the Bells," "Mary Did You Know," and "O Holy Night." (Airs 2:30 a.m. ET, Sun., Dec. 20; 10:30 a.m. ET, Wed., Dec. 23; and 10:30 p.m. ET, Mon., Dec. 28.)

Cousins in Christ: Family Christmas
Let the “Cousins in Christ” fill your home with songs celebrating the birth of our Savior, as they share with you a collection of favorite Christmas songs, including “Silent Night,” “Away in a Manger,” “O Holy Night,” “Joy to the World,” and many others. (Airs 2 a.m. ET, Wed., Dec. 24; and 4 p.m. ET, Sat., Dec. 26.)

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMING:
“We are Catholic” Christmas Special
In this EWTN original production, the town of St. Claire is preparing to celebrate Christmas. The mayor wants to have a taller Christmas tree while Manuel and Phillip leave to find moss for the Nativity set. When the owner of the factory surprises everyone by shipping the largest Christmas tree in a helicopter, he is informed that Manuel and Phillip are lost in the forest. In a generous way, he uses the helicopter to rescue them. (Airs 5 p.m. ET, Tue., Dec. 22; 10 a.m. ET, Sat., Dec. 26; and 10 a.m. ET, Sun., Dec. 27.)

Hermie & Friends: A Fruitcake Christmas
Hermie and his bug friends have a Christmas mystery on their hands when Granny Pillar’s long-anticipated fruitcake disappears. An adventure ensues that leads everyone to make a decision between selfishness and sharing. (Airs 5:30 p.m. ET, Wed., Dec. 23; and 5:30 p.m. ET, Mon., Dec. 28.)

Kingdom Under the Sea: The Gift
It’s Christmas time in the Kingdom, but somewhere between the presents and decorations, everyone has forgotten what Christmas is really all about; that is, until the town’s arch enemy, Professor Pinch, tries to destroy it. (Airs 5 p.m. ET, Mon., Dec. 21; 9 a.m. ET, Thurs., Dec. 24; and 6:30 p.m. ET, Mon., Dec. 28.)

The Story of the Selfish Giant
A grandfather uses Oscar Wilde's timeless tale, “The Story of the Selfish Giant,” to unlock the true meaning of Christmas for his granddaughter. As the selfish giant learns in this story of love and sacrifice, God's unselfish gift of His Son fills us with joy. This charming story and its strong Christian message is bound to be a great holiday favorite. (Airs 9:30 a.m. ET, Sat., Dec. 19; 6 p.m. ET, Thurs., Dec. 24; and 9:30 a.m. ET, Sun., Dec. 27.)

The Legend of the Christmas Flower
This Yuletide tale traces the holiday tradition of the poinsettia plant to its roots in the heart of Mexico, where it is known as “la Flor de Navidad,” the Christmas Eve flower. Watch as young Juanito’s cherished dream of a sombrero to call his own blossoms into understanding of the true meaning of Christmas. (Airs 5:30 p.m. ET, Tue., Dec. 22; 9 a.m. ET, Sat., Dec. 26; and 4 p.m. ET, Mon., Dec. 28.)

· Go Look in the Manger
Eight year-old Ricky Meyer has a misadventure that threatens to darken his Christmas joy, but he soon finds the true meaning of Christmas is in the manger. (Airs 9 a.m. ET, Sat., Dec. 19; 4:30 p.m. ET, Mon., Dec. 21; and 11 a.m. ET, Wed., Dec. 23.)
· We Celebrate Christmas: The Birth of Jesus
Lammy, the loveable puppet, guides children through the nativity story, and helps them to understand the true meaning of Christmas through lots of singing, dancing, and old-fashioned fun. (Airs 10 a.m. ET, Sat., Dec. 19; and 4 p.m. ET, Tue., Dec. 22.)
· The First Christmas
The timeless Nativity story is narrated by Christopher Plummer with a musical background of familiar carols. (Airs 10:30 a.m. ET, Sat., Dec. 19, 4:30 a.m. ET, Tue., Dec. 22, 6 p.m. ET, Wed., Dec. 23; and 6 p.m., Tues., Dec. 28.)
· A Time to Remember
This Christmas favorite tells the story of a young boy who develops his gift of song, with the help of a beloved priest. It’s a journey that requires faith, perseverance, and a Christmas miracle. (Airs 8 p.m. ET, Sat., Dec. 19; 9 a.m. ET, Wed., Dec. 23; 1:30 p.m. ET, Sun., Dec. 27.)
ORIGINAL EWTN DOCUMENTARY
· Path of the Messiah, Part One
An EWTN original documentary follows Raymond Arroyo and Jeff Cavins as they travel to the Holy Land to retrace the footsteps of Our Lord. Part One begins this dramatic and beautiful journey into Christ's homeland, fittingly accompanied by Jeff and Raymond's reflections on the Messiah’s mission and ministry. (Airs 1 p.m. ET, Tue., Dec. 22. and 2 a.m. ET, Wed., Dec. 23.)
COOKING SHOW
· Feasts & Seasons: Ep. 5
During this episode, Joanna Bogle explains why we celebrate Christmas on the 25th, and why for many of us, it is truly the “happiest feast of the year.” (Airs 5 a.m. ET, Sun., Dec. 20; and 6:30 p.m. ET, Thurs., Dec. 24.)
DRAMA
The Chimes
Written by Charles Dickens and narrated by Derek Jacobi, this is the story of a poor and discouraged 19th century porter. Chiming church bells magically transport him to the future where his hope is renewed. (Airs 4 p.m. ET, Mon., Dec. 21, 4 p.m. ET, Fri., Jan. 1, and 9:30 a.m. ET, Sat., Jan. 2.)
Michael The Visitor
Narrated by Stockard Channing, this charming fable is an adaptation of Tolstoy’s classic tale about a lost young man with an amazing secret. (Airs 6 p.m. ET, Mon., Dec. 21; 11 a.m. ET, Fri., Dec. 25, and 10:30 a.m. ET, Sun., Dec. 27.)

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EWTN’s 2009 Christmas Masses & Devotionals



Irondale, AL (EWTN) – Over the years, Catholics around the world have come to depend on EWTN’s coverage of Christmas Mass, Christmas Chorals, the Holy Father’s Christmas message to the world, and more. This year’s schedule is as follows:

Solemn Mass of Christmas Eve with Pope Benedict XVI
Mass with the Holy Father from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. (Airs live at 4 p.m. ET, Thurs., Dec. 24, and encores at 8 a.m. ET and 4 p.m. ET, Fri., Dec. 25.)

Choral Meditations on the Nativity (Live)
Live from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. (Airs 10 p.m. ET, Fri., Dec. 24.)

Solemn Mass of Christmas Eve from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
(Airs live 10:30 p.m. ET, Fri., Dec. 24.)

Solemn Mass of Christmas from EWTN
(Airs live 1 a.m. ET, Fri., Dec. 25, and encores at 12 p.m. ET, Fri., Dec. 25 and 12 a.m. ET, Dec. 26.)

Urbi Et Orbi: Benedict XVI’s Christmas Message to the World
(Airs live 6 a.m. ET, Fri., Dec. 25, and encores at 11 p.m. ET, Fri., Dec. 25, and 1:30 a.m. ET and 6 p.m. ET, Sat., Dec. 26.)

Vespers of Thanksgiving 2009
Live from St. Peter’s Basilica. (Airs 12 p.m. ET, Thurs., Dec. 31.)

Solemn Mass of Reparation
(Airs from EWTN live at 12 a.m. ET, Fri., Jan. 1 and encores at 8 a.m. ET, Fri., Jan. 1 and 12 a.m. ET, Sat., Jan. 2.)

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
(Airs live from EWTN at 4 a.m. ET, Friday, Jan. 1 and encores at 12 p.m. ET and 6:30 p.m. ET, Fri., Jan. 1.)

EWTN Press Release: Archbishop Fulton Sheen

EWTN To Air Special Mass in Remembrance of
30th Anniversary of Death of Archbishop Fulton Sheen

Irondale, AL (EWTN) – EWTN Global Catholic Network will air a special Mass in remembrance of the 30th anniversary of the death of Archbishop Fulton Sheen live from St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York at 5:30 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Dec. 9. The two-hour event will encore at midnight ET.
In an outpouring of support for the canonization of the late Archbishop, dioceses worldwide will join together on this day to offer Masses for this intention. Masses will be celebrated in 35 countries on six continents.
In New York, Archbishop Timothy Dolan will be the main celebrant and homilist. Archbishop Dolan recently told Raymond Arroyo, host of EWTN’s “The World Over,” that he had the opportunity to meet Archbishop Sheen several times, but he really became interested in him while doing graduate work on the history of the Church in the U.S.
“My professor, John Tracy Ellis, used to say: ‘There’s never been anybody who’s been able to communicate the timeless truths of the Catholic religion to a very timely culture, namely the United States, like Fulton Sheen – without diluting any of the essentials of our Catholic Faith. He was able to present it in an eminently attractive way and that has always inspired me. …
“I would never pretend to be like him. …I would never pretend to have his culture and bearing, but I would have to say that he’s an inspiration to me… to bring the immutable truths of the Catholic Faith to a very changing culture and society.”
To hear Archbishop Dolan’s interview in its entirety, go to http://bit.ly/77VvDQ. To purchase a DVD or CD, go to http://bit.ly/52NlBq.
If you are interested in learning more about Archbishop Sheen, EWTN Religious Catalogue has a large selection of books and tapes by this master of Catholicism and communications at http://bit.ly/8t71Jz.
And be on the lookout for a new EWTN series on Fulton Sheen, hosted by Fr. Charles Connor, which will air in February.
EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 28th year, is available in over 150 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website www.ewtn.com and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest religious media network in the world.

Two EWTN Press Releases

EWTN To Be Made Available in HD
A Christmas Present for Viewers

Irondale, AL (EWTN) – EWTN Global Catholic Network will become available to all U.S. affiliates in HD beginning Dec. 8. The Faith never looked so good!

“EWTN is the only Catholic television network available in this format,” said EWTN President and CEO Michael P. Warsaw. “We chose to launch HD in December so we could bring our viewers all the beautiful images of the Christmas season using the most advanced technology. We chose December 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, to honor Our Lady, who has conveyed so many blessing upon this Network.”

EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 28th year, is available in over 150 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website http://www.ewtn.com/ and publishing arm, EWTN is the largest religious media network in the world.

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Marion Mulhall was promoting priests, through Worldpriest, Inc. and www.worldpriestday.com, long before the Year for Priests made it cool! Mulhall started this international movement, which now boasts offices in Dublin and New York, after becoming a lay Carmelite and discerning, through prayer, that it was her mission to do everything she could to promote the priesthood. Hear about her journey at 8 p.m. ET, Wednesday, on “EWTN Live” with Host Fr. Mitch Pacwa.

As we emerge from Halloween weekend, EWTN will feature the “real deal” as Fr. Thomas Euteneuer discusses the devil and exorcism with “Life on the Rock” Hosts Fr. Mark and Doug Barry. Fr. Euteneuer, president of Human Life International and author of “Exorcism and the Church Militant,” will appear at 8 p.m. ET, Thursday. You do not want to miss this one!

EWTN Press Release

French Priest Traveling in U.S.A.
With St. Mary Magdalene’s Relic
To Appear on Special “EWTN Live” Oct. 27

Irondale, AL (EWTN) – Father Thomas Michelet will appear 10 p.m. ET Tuesday, Oct. 27 on a special “EWTN Live” with Father Mitch Pacwa to discuss the story of St. Mary Magdalene and the relic, which is coming to the U.S. from France for the first time.

Fr. Michelet, a Dominican priest, will be touring with the permission of Bishop Dominique Rey of the Diocese of Frejus-Toulon, where the relic is normally housed.

Mary Magdalene is recorded in the Gospels as the first witness of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Chris.

“The relics, hidden at the time of the Saracen invasions (Early Middle Ages), were found in 1279, the date from which they have been venerated without interruption,” said Bishop Rey in a letter certifying the authenticity of the relics. “They are presently kept by the Dominican priests in the cave of St. Baume, a part of my diocese. A new reliquary has been constructed to allow one of the relics, a piece of the tibia, to travel to different countries for veneration by the entire Church.”

EWTN Executive Vice President Doug Keck said: “EWTN is honored that the relic will be coming to the Network and that viewers will be able to not only see one of the relics, but to listen to Fr. Michelet discuss its storied history.”

Editors: For photos, please go to www.ewtn.com/media/marymagdalene.

EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 28th year, is available in over 150 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website www.ewtn.com and publishing arm, EWTN, is the largest religious media network in the world.

EWTN Press Release

EWTN Foundress Mother Angelica and
Deacon Bill Steltemeier Receive Papal Honor

Irondale, AL (EWTN) –Pope Benedict XVI has awarded EWTN foundress, Mother Mary Angelica, and Deacon Bill Steltemeier, Chairman of EWTN’s Board of Governors, the Cross of Honor for distinguished service to the Church. The medal, officially known as “Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice” (literally “For the Church and the Pope”), is the highest honor that the Pope can bestow upon laity and religious.
Bishop Robert J. Baker of Birmingham conferred the awards in a brief ceremony following Sunday benediction at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama.
“The Holy Father’s recognition of Mother Angelica and Deacon Bill Steltemeier is a much-deserved honor. It acknowledges the tremendous faith, hard work and incredible sacrifices that each of them have made throughout the years in founding and building up the Network,” said EWTN President and CEO Michael P. Warsaw. “Their recognition is also a great honor for EWTN and is a clear sign of the importance of the Network’s mission for the Church and the Pope. We are grateful to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI and to Bishop Baker for this honor.”
Mother Mary Angelica, 86, is a Poor Clare Nun of Perpetual Adoration. She came to Alabama in 1961 to found Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in Irondale. In 1981, she began Eternal Word Television Network in a garage on the monastery property. In 1999, Mother Angelica relocated the Monastery to the grounds of the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama. She continues to reside there with her community of Nuns.
Deacon R. William Steltemeier, 80, was a successful Nashville attorney who left his law practice to join Mother Angelica with her fledgling television network. He served as EWTN’s President for many years and continues to serve as Chairman of the Network’s Board of Governors.
EWTN Global Catholic Network, in its 28th year, is available in over 150 million television households in more than 140 countries and territories. With its direct broadcast satellite television and radio services, AM & FM radio networks, worldwide short-wave radio station, Internet website www.ewtn.com and publishing arm, EWTN, is the largest religious media network in the world.

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Crucifix in Store 'offends' Jewish Woman

While reading some religious news articles online I came across an Associated Press story about a St. Louis grocery store where the store manager had put up a crucifix near the front counter. Apparently, it has offended a few people, including one Jewish woman who felt the need to complain to the Jewish Light newspaper.
After listening to some complaints, the grocery store company sided with the store manager and allowed the crucifix to stay stating;

"Company leaders made a decision to honor that request out of respect for Tom and his faith," Willis said. "In fact, that's part of the reason they put him in charge of Culinaria. He's a man of such strong faith; who better to put in a store where so many faiths come together?" -AP-

I think this is wonderful. Why must everyone get so "offended" by seeing someone else display their religious faith? When I occasionally shop in an Asian store that sells everything from food items to greeting cards and holiday decorations, I am not offended by their Buddha sitting on the counter near the register. When I visit a small gift shop owned by a fundamental evangelical couple I am not offended by the cross hanging on the wall or the assorted faith items displayed around the check out counter. Looking at the Star of David, or a cross or a Buddha statue does not offend me. Why should it? What is so offensive about viewing someone else's symbol of faith? Have we all become so intolerant of religious freedom that we actually feel offended when looking at a faith other than our own?
Look around you. There are things to truly be offended by in this world, a crucifix on a wall is not one of them in my opinion.