With all this rainy weather in the northeast, a trip to the movie theatre seems in order!
When you are unsure whether or not a movie upholds your values, it can be tricky to find a review that will give you a clear idea of how a movie will rate on your moral barometer. There are several great web sites to help you in your quest! All of them review current movies in theatres as well as those on DVD.
The US Conference of Catholic Bishops has a page devoted to movie reviews. The reviews are short, containing a summary and comments on possibly offensive themes. http://www.usccb.org/movies/
Focus On the Family, a Christian but not Catholic organization, hosts a website geared toward deciphering movies and other media http://www.pluggedinonline.com/ provides longer reviews with comments on positive elements and spiritual content as well as violence, sexual content, drug references and crudeness,
My favorite source is http://www.decentfilms.com/ "Decent Films is the online home of the film writing of Steven D. Greydanus, who is film critic for the National Catholic Register. A member of Online Film Critics Society and the Faith & Film Critics Circle, he also writes for Christianity Today Movies and Catholic Exchange". Steven gives in depth reviews and an at a glance rating chart.
If you have suggestions for upcoming installments of Make the Connection, please contact me!Peace of Christ to you!
Kerry Madden, Parish Media Liaison KMadden445@aol.com http://kerryannmadden.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Make the Connection...Making good choices: Pro-Life Resources
Make the Connection...using new media to strengthen your connection to faith!
I am always trying to teach my children that they have power in this world. Namely, how they spend they their money will influence what products, music and trends are available and popular. I realize they are only two people out of millions but if we all looked at consumption that way, we could change the world for the better. I saw this happen in the very own company I work for. When people unite and God's will is embraced, mountains can be moved!
I try to keep my ears and eyes open to ways I can support companies working to make the world better and on occasion I learn about a company whose advertising, marketing and philanthropic practices are not in line with my own ethical and moral principals. Recently I heard about Sierra Nevada Beer's giving practices and Sam Adams' unethical promotion campaigns. It prompted me to look into some ethical beer alternatives!
(Hint: Trappist monks make some pretty tasty beer: see http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/21/dining/21wine.html?_r=1&oref=slogin).
While doing some research I found several companies and organizations that promote Pro-Life causes.
1. Crisis pregnancy http://www.crisispregnancyoutreach.org/ helps women and men who find themselves faced with an unexpected pregnancy and Silent No More assists people who have experienced abortion to heal. http://www.silentnomoreawareness.org/
2. Priests for Life has a voters guide to the upcoming election to help choose candidates wisely. http://www.priestsforlife.org/elections/index.htm
3. Pro-Life Communications provides phone service http://www.prolifecomm.com/
4. Life Decisions International researches and reports on companies who support Planned Parenthood and organizes boycotts. http://www.fightpp.org/
5. Heritage House sells many items to display a pro life message: pins, bumper stickers, t-shirts and more. http://www.hh76.com/
6. Promise Checks prints checks with a pro life message. http://www.promisechecks.com/
While this seems like a daunting task, to scrutinize each product we purchase, store we frequent and company we work for, I think the small choices we make every day can have an impact.
If you have suggestions for companies that are pro-ethical and moral choices, please contact me to add in upcoming installments of Make the Connection.
Peace of Christ to you!
Kerry Madden KMadden445@aol.com
I am always trying to teach my children that they have power in this world. Namely, how they spend they their money will influence what products, music and trends are available and popular. I realize they are only two people out of millions but if we all looked at consumption that way, we could change the world for the better. I saw this happen in the very own company I work for. When people unite and God's will is embraced, mountains can be moved!
I try to keep my ears and eyes open to ways I can support companies working to make the world better and on occasion I learn about a company whose advertising, marketing and philanthropic practices are not in line with my own ethical and moral principals. Recently I heard about Sierra Nevada Beer's giving practices and Sam Adams' unethical promotion campaigns. It prompted me to look into some ethical beer alternatives!
(Hint: Trappist monks make some pretty tasty beer: see http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/21/dining/21wine.html?_r=1&oref=slogin).
While doing some research I found several companies and organizations that promote Pro-Life causes.
1. Crisis pregnancy http://www.crisispregnancyoutreach.org/ helps women and men who find themselves faced with an unexpected pregnancy and Silent No More assists people who have experienced abortion to heal. http://www.silentnomoreawareness.org/
2. Priests for Life has a voters guide to the upcoming election to help choose candidates wisely. http://www.priestsforlife.org/elections/index.htm
3. Pro-Life Communications provides phone service http://www.prolifecomm.com/
4. Life Decisions International researches and reports on companies who support Planned Parenthood and organizes boycotts. http://www.fightpp.org/
5. Heritage House sells many items to display a pro life message: pins, bumper stickers, t-shirts and more. http://www.hh76.com/
6. Promise Checks prints checks with a pro life message. http://www.promisechecks.com/
While this seems like a daunting task, to scrutinize each product we purchase, store we frequent and company we work for, I think the small choices we make every day can have an impact.
If you have suggestions for companies that are pro-ethical and moral choices, please contact me to add in upcoming installments of Make the Connection.
Peace of Christ to you!
Kerry Madden KMadden445@aol.com
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Make the Connnection: Health and Fitness with Christ!
Make the Connection...using new media to strengthen your connection to faith!
How's your health these days? Feeling great about it? Did you run in the local Road Race? Bike down the Rail Trail? Chase the kids/grandkids around the yard?
If not, are you wishing you could? Or just wanting to feel like you are on a path of wellness?
Our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit (See I Corinthians 6: 19-20). Those of you, who know me, know I value fitness, cooking nutritiously and eating healthy meals. So, my picks in new media this week center on living a healthy lifestyle and giving back to those in need through fitness!
Get started with the Healthy Catholic show! http://sqpn.com/category/video/healthy-catholic/ a video series with one of my favorite Catholic priests Father Roderick Vonhogen.
Want to learn more about healthy eating? Check out http://www.cravingbetterhealth.com/ Parishioner Julie Hanagan is a Certified Health Counselor. Her goal is to "guide you to find the food and lifestyle choices that best support you". She will "help you to make gradual, lifelong changes that enable you to reach your current and future health goals".
Need a coach for fitness? Check out http://www.faithfirstfitness.com/. It is both "an online and in-person fitness coaching business". Owner Greg Cheney is a "pastor and certified fitness coach". His fitness programs "focus on total life change and not temporary success. He coaches clients in-person and thousands of miles away via the Internet and phone". Although this is not a Catholic site, I found it interesting. "Pursue Genuine Faith and LifelongFitness at FaithFirstFitness.com"
I have enjoyed using http://www.sparkpeople.com/. This online healthy lifestyle community has a mission to "SPARK millions of PEOPLE to reach their goals and lead healthier lives". They "offer nutrition, health, and fitness tools, support, and resources that are 100% free." Among the support teams, you will find "Fired Up Catholics", "Catholic Bible Study" and more! Also not a Catholic site but I find it super helpful.
Need to find a route to walk or jog in your neighborhood without getting in the car first to check the distance? Check out http://www.mapmyrun.com/ to create or find a route.
So by September you should be ready to join me in a road race/walk! Use your healthy body and faith focus to help a worthy cause: St. Charles Children's Home, an “intermediate group home for children from families in crisis” run by a group of religious sisters whose focus is on the physical and spiritual well being of the children placed in their home.
First check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7uRoX4o99w and http://www.stcharleshome.org/
Then join me for a road race to benefit the Home on Labor Day this year! http://www.stcharleshome.org/race.html.
Or check out http://www.coolrunning.com/ to find other events.
If you have questions or suggestions about "Make the Connection", feel free to contact me!
Peace of Christ to you!
Kerry Madden, The Catholic Parish Media Liaison
KMadden445@aol.com
How's your health these days? Feeling great about it? Did you run in the local Road Race? Bike down the Rail Trail? Chase the kids/grandkids around the yard?
If not, are you wishing you could? Or just wanting to feel like you are on a path of wellness?
Our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit (See I Corinthians 6: 19-20). Those of you, who know me, know I value fitness, cooking nutritiously and eating healthy meals. So, my picks in new media this week center on living a healthy lifestyle and giving back to those in need through fitness!
Get started with the Healthy Catholic show! http://sqpn.com/category/video/healthy-catholic/ a video series with one of my favorite Catholic priests Father Roderick Vonhogen.
Want to learn more about healthy eating? Check out http://www.cravingbetterhealth.com/ Parishioner Julie Hanagan is a Certified Health Counselor. Her goal is to "guide you to find the food and lifestyle choices that best support you". She will "help you to make gradual, lifelong changes that enable you to reach your current and future health goals".
Need a coach for fitness? Check out http://www.faithfirstfitness.com/. It is both "an online and in-person fitness coaching business". Owner Greg Cheney is a "pastor and certified fitness coach". His fitness programs "focus on total life change and not temporary success. He coaches clients in-person and thousands of miles away via the Internet and phone". Although this is not a Catholic site, I found it interesting. "Pursue Genuine Faith and LifelongFitness at FaithFirstFitness.com"
I have enjoyed using http://www.sparkpeople.com/. This online healthy lifestyle community has a mission to "SPARK millions of PEOPLE to reach their goals and lead healthier lives". They "offer nutrition, health, and fitness tools, support, and resources that are 100% free." Among the support teams, you will find "Fired Up Catholics", "Catholic Bible Study" and more! Also not a Catholic site but I find it super helpful.
Need to find a route to walk or jog in your neighborhood without getting in the car first to check the distance? Check out http://www.mapmyrun.com/ to create or find a route.
So by September you should be ready to join me in a road race/walk! Use your healthy body and faith focus to help a worthy cause: St. Charles Children's Home, an “intermediate group home for children from families in crisis” run by a group of religious sisters whose focus is on the physical and spiritual well being of the children placed in their home.
First check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7uRoX4o99w and http://www.stcharleshome.org/
Then join me for a road race to benefit the Home on Labor Day this year! http://www.stcharleshome.org/race.html.
Or check out http://www.coolrunning.com/ to find other events.
If you have questions or suggestions about "Make the Connection", feel free to contact me!
Peace of Christ to you!
Kerry Madden, The Catholic Parish Media Liaison
KMadden445@aol.com
Monday, June 30, 2008
Parish Media Liaison Post 6-30-08
Make the Connection...using new media to strengthen your connection to faith!
More on music!
Following up on my post 2 weeks ago I have found some other resources for great Catholic Music!
Check out Grapevine Online where you can "read, listen, watch and talk about your favorite catholic music"! www.gvonline.net/ Hosted by Massachusetts resident Susan Bailey! I had a nice chat with her on the phone after she found my blog on catholic music. She has an excellent site and podcast that I now subscribe to. Susan shared what she's doing with me and also talked to me about my next pick!
Proud 2B Catholic music festival: http://www.proud2bcatholic.com/Events/Framingham happening on August 9th. Featuring artist Tony Melendez, Martin Doman, Kelly Pease, Zealous, D-Major, Sammy Blaze and others. I am planning to go. Susan says it's phenominal! Contact me if you'd like to carpool. There are also other P2BC events happening around the country as well as other concerts by Catholic musicians. You can learn more at GVonline.net
In my last post about music I wrote too much!
Folk/fun/kids: Popple http://www.popple.us/ Catholic Kids Worship (see itunes or http://www.independentbands.com/)
Rock (think Fall Out Boy, Greenday, All American Rejects- style ): Last Day http://www.lastdayonline.com/, Critical Mass http://www.catholicrock.com/
Contemporary Catholic music you might hear Mary Pat play on Sunday's at teen mass: Tom Booth www.spiritandsong.com/artists/tombooth, Matt Maher http://www.mattmahermusic.com/,
Country/bluegrass: http://www.mariebellet.com/
Praise and worship (mellow): http://www.gretchen-harris.com/, http://www.jonniven.com/ (both mellow and upbeat)
More on music!
Following up on my post 2 weeks ago I have found some other resources for great Catholic Music!
Check out Grapevine Online where you can "read, listen, watch and talk about your favorite catholic music"! www.gvonline.net/ Hosted by Massachusetts resident Susan Bailey! I had a nice chat with her on the phone after she found my blog on catholic music. She has an excellent site and podcast that I now subscribe to. Susan shared what she's doing with me and also talked to me about my next pick!
Proud 2B Catholic music festival: http://www.proud2bcatholic.com/Events/Framingham happening on August 9th. Featuring artist Tony Melendez, Martin Doman, Kelly Pease, Zealous, D-Major, Sammy Blaze and others. I am planning to go. Susan says it's phenominal! Contact me if you'd like to carpool. There are also other P2BC events happening around the country as well as other concerts by Catholic musicians. You can learn more at GVonline.net
In my last post about music I wrote too much!
Folk/fun/kids: Popple http://www.popple.us/ Catholic Kids Worship (see itunes or http://www.independentbands.com/)
Rock (think Fall Out Boy, Greenday, All American Rejects- style ): Last Day http://www.lastdayonline.com/, Critical Mass http://www.catholicrock.com/
Contemporary Catholic music you might hear Mary Pat play on Sunday's at teen mass: Tom Booth www.spiritandsong.com/artists/tombooth, Matt Maher http://www.mattmahermusic.com/,
Country/bluegrass: http://www.mariebellet.com/
Praise and worship (mellow): http://www.gretchen-harris.com/, http://www.jonniven.com/ (both mellow and upbeat)
If you have questions or suggestions about "Make the Connection", feel free to contact me!
Peace of Christ to you!
Kerry Madden KMadden445@aol.com
Monday, June 23, 2008
Parish Media Liaison Post
June 23, 2008
Make the Connection...using new media to strengthen your connection to faith!
Looking for a GREAT summer read for yourself and the kids?
My pick this week is books! Low tech, old media form of strengthening your faith!
For elementary school kids (all are enthusiastically approved by my 7 year old):
Loyola Kids Book of Saints by Amy Welborn. Written in an easy to understand, kid friendly language, Amy incorporates questions and reflections on the lives of some really interesting saints. www.loyolapress.com
The Weight of a Mass by Josephine Nobisso Tells a beautiful tale of a wedding, a poor beggar and a disbelieving town who comes see believe in the power of grace poured out to us during our participation in the Mass, Also great as a tool for discussion with older kids! www.catholiccompany.com
The Princess and the Kiss for girls and The Squire and the Scroll for boys both by Jennie Bishop touch on the subject of purity and chastity in a kid-friendly way. BEAUTIFUL illustrations and a wonderful message. www.catholiccompany.com
For Tweens
Non fiction but fun question and answer book called "Did Adam and Eve have belly buttons?" by Matthew Pinto. Some topics are for older teens so you can use this book for a long time! www.catholiccompany.com
For Teens
Catholic Reluctantly by Christian M. Frank (interviewed last week on the Catholic Moments Podcast with Lisa Hendey). I recently purchased it but haven't read it yet, it looks good! http://www.johnpaul2high.com/
The Shadow of the Bear by Regina Doman My 14 year old recently read it an LOVED it! Regina has also written several more books not to be missed!http://www.reginadoman.com/.
Adults
Pierced by a Sword, Conceived Without Sin and House of Gold by Bud MacFarlane have been my favorite Catholic fiction books so far. http://www.catholicity.com/novels/. These books are free along with other great Catholic CDs on various topics!
If you have questions or suggestions about "Make the Connection", feel free to contact me!
Peace of Christ to you!
Kerry KMadden445@aol.com
Make the Connection...using new media to strengthen your connection to faith!
Looking for a GREAT summer read for yourself and the kids?
My pick this week is books! Low tech, old media form of strengthening your faith!
For elementary school kids (all are enthusiastically approved by my 7 year old):
Loyola Kids Book of Saints by Amy Welborn. Written in an easy to understand, kid friendly language, Amy incorporates questions and reflections on the lives of some really interesting saints. www.loyolapress.com
The Weight of a Mass by Josephine Nobisso Tells a beautiful tale of a wedding, a poor beggar and a disbelieving town who comes see believe in the power of grace poured out to us during our participation in the Mass, Also great as a tool for discussion with older kids! www.catholiccompany.com
The Princess and the Kiss for girls and The Squire and the Scroll for boys both by Jennie Bishop touch on the subject of purity and chastity in a kid-friendly way. BEAUTIFUL illustrations and a wonderful message. www.catholiccompany.com
For Tweens
Non fiction but fun question and answer book called "Did Adam and Eve have belly buttons?" by Matthew Pinto. Some topics are for older teens so you can use this book for a long time! www.catholiccompany.com
For Teens
Catholic Reluctantly by Christian M. Frank (interviewed last week on the Catholic Moments Podcast with Lisa Hendey). I recently purchased it but haven't read it yet, it looks good! http://www.johnpaul2high.com/
The Shadow of the Bear by Regina Doman My 14 year old recently read it an LOVED it! Regina has also written several more books not to be missed!http://www.reginadoman.com/.
Adults
Pierced by a Sword, Conceived Without Sin and House of Gold by Bud MacFarlane have been my favorite Catholic fiction books so far. http://www.catholicity.com/novels/. These books are free along with other great Catholic CDs on various topics!
If you have questions or suggestions about "Make the Connection", feel free to contact me!
Peace of Christ to you!
Kerry KMadden445@aol.com
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
This weeks Parish Media Liason Post
June 18, 2008
Make the Connection...using new media to strengthen your connection to faith!
Like music? I do! All kinds too. But I especially love music when it incorporates positive themes, God's abounding love and Church teaching!
Sounds boring? Ah, it's anything but! I have some great picks for you this week if you'd like to start filling your ears, mind and soul with music that supports and enriches your Catholic life!
EWTN's Backstage www.ewtn.com/series/Backstage/index.htm is a coffee house style program that features and a new artist each week. It's on at 11:30pm on Friday nights (you might want to DVR it!) on Charter Cable Channel 96.
www.catholicjukebox.com has several programs and a search engine to help you find music you'll like. They also have podcasts you can subscribe to for free. One called Catholic Rockers is hosted by Leominster's own George Leite!
Also www.topcatholicsongs.com is a website to help you find Catholic Artists of all genres. They've created some mixes of various artists on Itunes under Imixes. It's a great way to get a sample of each artists work and find more music you enjoy.
Want to go to a Christian Music Festival?
Check out http://www.thesoulfest.com/2008/ at Gunstock Mountain in Guilford, NH the July 30th to August 2nd! My favorite Catholic artist Matt Maher will be providing worship music for the daily Mass!!! The festival features both Catholic and non Catholic Christian artists.
Some artists to check out:
Hip Hop/Funk: Manuel3 www.manuel3.com
Rap: Fr Stan Fortuna www.francescoproductions.com
Folk/fun/kids: Popple www.popple.us Catholic Kids Worship (see itunes or www.independentbands.com)
Rock (think Fall Out Boy, Greenday, All American Rejects- style ): Last Day www.lastdayonline.com, Critical Mass www.catholicrock.com
Contemporary Catholic music you might hear Mary Pat play on Sunday's at teen mass: Tom Booth www.spiritandsong.com/artists/tombooth, Matt Maher www.mattmahermusic.com,
Country/bluegrass: www.mariebellet.com
Praise and worship (mellow): www.gretchen-harris.com
If you have questions or suggestions about "Make the Connection", feel free to contact me!
Peace of Christ to you!
Kerry Madden KMadden445@aol.com
Make the Connection...using new media to strengthen your connection to faith!
Like music? I do! All kinds too. But I especially love music when it incorporates positive themes, God's abounding love and Church teaching!
Sounds boring? Ah, it's anything but! I have some great picks for you this week if you'd like to start filling your ears, mind and soul with music that supports and enriches your Catholic life!
EWTN's Backstage www.ewtn.com/series/Backstage/index.htm is a coffee house style program that features and a new artist each week. It's on at 11:30pm on Friday nights (you might want to DVR it!) on Charter Cable Channel 96.
www.catholicjukebox.com has several programs and a search engine to help you find music you'll like. They also have podcasts you can subscribe to for free. One called Catholic Rockers is hosted by Leominster's own George Leite!
Also www.topcatholicsongs.com is a website to help you find Catholic Artists of all genres. They've created some mixes of various artists on Itunes under Imixes. It's a great way to get a sample of each artists work and find more music you enjoy.
Want to go to a Christian Music Festival?
Check out http://www.thesoulfest.com/2008/ at Gunstock Mountain in Guilford, NH the July 30th to August 2nd! My favorite Catholic artist Matt Maher will be providing worship music for the daily Mass!!! The festival features both Catholic and non Catholic Christian artists.
Some artists to check out:
Hip Hop/Funk: Manuel3 www.manuel3.com
Rap: Fr Stan Fortuna www.francescoproductions.com
Folk/fun/kids: Popple www.popple.us Catholic Kids Worship (see itunes or www.independentbands.com)
Rock (think Fall Out Boy, Greenday, All American Rejects- style ): Last Day www.lastdayonline.com, Critical Mass www.catholicrock.com
Contemporary Catholic music you might hear Mary Pat play on Sunday's at teen mass: Tom Booth www.spiritandsong.com/artists/tombooth, Matt Maher www.mattmahermusic.com,
Country/bluegrass: www.mariebellet.com
Praise and worship (mellow): www.gretchen-harris.com
If you have questions or suggestions about "Make the Connection", feel free to contact me!
Peace of Christ to you!
Kerry Madden KMadden445@aol.com
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
This Week's Parish Media Liaison Post
June 10, 2008
Make the Connection...using new media to strengthen your connection to faith!
My pick this week honors our fathers! Our Church Fathers and one superb catholic dad named Joe McClane!
Joe created a podcast called The Catholic Hack, a recorded program "dealing in matters of Apologetics, spirituality, Church teaching, and the Christian faith".
http://sqpn.com/category/educational/catholic-hack/
and has recorded the works of some of the Church Fathers:
http://www.joemcclane.com/St_Ignatius/index.htm
Joe McClane says about himself: "I grew up in the Church of Christ but fell away and became agnostic in my teens. I joined the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil of 1999 and was married, to my lovely wife Michelle, in the Church in 2000. My real conversion took place on a spring day in 2002 when I got on my knees and "let go and let God". My journey went into hyper drive at that point and I have been in love with my Catholic faith ever since. My wife and I have three children on earth and three children in heaven. We are devout practicing Catholics who are excited to share the treasure we "found in a field" with the whole world. I work full time for a Catholic, non-profit, evangelization ministry in Houston TX called Fullness of Truth".
Check out Joe's programs and grow in your faith!
If you have questions or suggestions about "Make the Connection", feel free to contact me!
Peace of Christ to you!
Kerry Madden The Catholic Parish Media Liaison
KMadden445@aol.com
Make the Connection...using new media to strengthen your connection to faith!
My pick this week honors our fathers! Our Church Fathers and one superb catholic dad named Joe McClane!
Joe created a podcast called The Catholic Hack, a recorded program "dealing in matters of Apologetics, spirituality, Church teaching, and the Christian faith".
http://sqpn.com/category/educational/catholic-hack/
and has recorded the works of some of the Church Fathers:
http://www.joemcclane.com/St_Ignatius/index.htm
Joe McClane says about himself: "I grew up in the Church of Christ but fell away and became agnostic in my teens. I joined the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil of 1999 and was married, to my lovely wife Michelle, in the Church in 2000. My real conversion took place on a spring day in 2002 when I got on my knees and "let go and let God". My journey went into hyper drive at that point and I have been in love with my Catholic faith ever since. My wife and I have three children on earth and three children in heaven. We are devout practicing Catholics who are excited to share the treasure we "found in a field" with the whole world. I work full time for a Catholic, non-profit, evangelization ministry in Houston TX called Fullness of Truth".
Check out Joe's programs and grow in your faith!
If you have questions or suggestions about "Make the Connection", feel free to contact me!
Peace of Christ to you!
Kerry Madden The Catholic Parish Media Liaison
KMadden445@aol.com
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