NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2016

Transcription

1 NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2016 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION MEDIA CENTER 1821 JACKSON STREET P.O. BOX 3379 SIOUX CITY, IOWA Tele: FAX Principals and DREs: Please alert your teachers of these Newsletters on the Media Center homepage at Perhaps share a hard copy of this letter. Thank you. Please send me the address of any teacher that would like me to send a copy of the Newsletter directly to them each month. This issue includes: 1) Roman Calendar of Saints for August and September; 2) Catechetical Sunday- September 18 th; 3) Jubilee of Mercy DVD and PR suggestions. 4) New DVD programs: Lectio Prayer - Follow Me - Kids and Prayer. 5) Coming Soon: Catholicism: The Pivotal Players. 6) New DVDs in Media Center 7) Online Resources Suggestions; 8) Media Center Celebrating 40th Anniversary! AUGUST / SEPTEMBER ROMAN CALENDAR NOTES: (Keep resources available such as the Bible, a book of the saints, a breviary, statues and pictures of saints, a rosary, crucifix, Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers, Children s Daily Prayer, Catechism of the Catholic Church and a catechism such as This Is Our Faith by Pennock. Begin the children s day with specific mention of the liturgical importance of the day or reference it throughout the day. Signs and symbols are very effective in our catechesis.) August 21 Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time August 22 The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary- Today s Memorial, prescribed by Pope Pius XII for 31 May, is now fittingly celebrated on the Octave of day of the Assumption August 23 St. Rose of Lima, Virgin, 1617, Lived a life of penance and solitude, caring for the homeless, elderly, and the sick; first declared saint of the New World in August 24 Saint Bartholomew, Apostle - 1 st c Known as Nathaniel in John s Gospel, said to have preached in India and in Armenia where, according to custom, he was flayed alive. First day of school for many children in the Diocese. August 25 - Saint Louis; Saint Joseph Calasanz August 27 - Saint Monica After 38 years of prayer, she obtained the conversion of her dissolute pagan husband and of her son St. Augustine; patroness of mothers. August 28 - Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Saint Augustine in Hippo, Bishop, Doctor of the Church. After a dissolute life, he received baptism at the age of 33 from Saint Ambrose, called the Doctor of Grace. August 29 - The Passion of St. John the Baptist. September 3 Gregory the Great, pope, one of the four great doctors of the Latin doctor of the Church, noted for liturgical reform and chant; patron saint of music; one of the four great doctors of the Latin Church; called himself the servus servorum Dei ( Servant of the servants of God ) which became the traditional title for the Holy Father; patron of music. September 4 Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

2 SEPTEMBER ROMAN CALENDAR NOTES: (Continued) September 5 Labor Day is celebrated in the U.S. Day - Marks the formal end of summer vacation and the beginning of regular parish and school activities September 8 Feast of the Nativity (Birth) of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Stress the importance of Mary saying yes in God s plan of salvation. Discuss her dignity as woman and disciple. Take a closer look at the Hail Mary prayer. This 5 th century feast marks the anniversary of the dedication of a basilica in Jerusalem built, according to tradition, on the location of the home of Mary. September 9 St. Peter Claver, priest (USA), 1654; Catalonian Jesuit who served in the Columbian mission in Cartagena; for 38 years devoted to caring for African slaves, baptizing over 300,000; called himself the slave of the slaves patron of Columbia and of all missions to black people. September 11 Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Anniversary of the tragic events of 11 September A blue Mass may be held to honor all firefighters and police officers and emergency medical technicians who serve the local community, as well as to remember those who have died this past year. September 12 The Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary. God the Father is glorified by the exalted role in salvation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Thus, her name is a name of honor, a holy name, a name responsive to the needs of the Church. Perhaps review with children some of the beautiful prayers dedicated to Mary. September 13 John Chrysostom, 407; bishop of Constantinople (397), one of the four great doctors of the Eastern Church; outstanding preacher and thus surnamed golden mouthed ; patron of preachers and of Istanbul. September 14 The Exaltation of the Holy Cross - An identity symbol for Christians, a victory symbol, our hope of glory, using procession, veneration and singing. Signing oneself with the sign of the cross and saying In the name of the Father who created us and the Son who redeemed us, and the Holy Spirit who sanctifies us also provides a lesson on the Holy Trinity. Just as Moses lifted up the serpent, so must the Son of Man be lifted up. God highly exalted him and made him Lord! September 15 Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows By the 14 th c., the sorrows of Mary numbered seven: the presentation of Jesus in the temple; the flight into Egypt, Jesus being lost in Jerusalem, the meeting of Mary and Jesus on the way to Calvary, Mary at the foot of the cross (crucifixion), the taking down of Jesus from the cross, and his burial. Emphasize Mary s participation in the work of redemption. September 16 Saints Cornelius and Cyprian, bishops, martyrs. Cornelius, 253 in exile; opposed Novatian and the rigorists in the lapsi controversy. Cyprian, decapitated 14 Sept. 258 under Valerian; ally of Cornelius; bishop of Carthage; first African bishop to be martyred; patron of North Africa and of Algeria. September 17 Robert Bellarmine, 1621, bishop, doctor, brilliant Jesuit scholar, preacher, writer, and systematic apologist of the Counter Reformation, patron of catechists and catechumens September 18 Twenty-Fifth Sunday In Ordinary Time Catechetical Sunday in the United States September 19 Januarius, c. 305, bishop, martyr, According to legend, thrown to bears during the reign of Diocletian, his blood has liquefied on this and other days each year, patron of Naples. September 20 Andrew Kim Taegon, priest, martyr. Andrew was ordained Korea s first native priest. In Korea, between 1839 and 1867, 103 martyrs gave their lives for the faith. September 21 Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist c. 85 His gospel draws upon the Aramaic traditions associated with his name and was intended for a largely Jewish-Christian tradition. Preached in Judea and Ethiopia where he was martyred; symbolized by the winged human being (cf.ezekiel); Use the introductory notes and the gospel, display the Book of Gospels in a prayer space.

3 SEPTEMBER ROMAN CALENDAR NOTES: (Continued) September 23 Saints Pius of Pietreclina, priest. Padre Pio was born in 1887 in a small Italian village. A Capuchin priest who received the stigmata, much sought after as a spiritual advisor, confessor, and intercessor. He died 23 September 1968 at age 81. September 25 Twenty-Sixth Sunday In Ordinary Time September 26 Cosmos, martyr, and Damian, martyr c. 300, brother physicians known for their gratuitous care of the sick; patrons of physicians, surgeons, druggists, barbers, and the blind. September 27 Memorial of Vincent de Paul 1600 in Paris; renewed the clergy and defended the poor and the abandoned; founded Vincentians; patron of charities, hospitals and prisoners. Emphasize our responsibility to work with the poor. Ask a social justice committee member to speak and join their efforts of collecting food, etc. September 28 Saint Wenceslaus, Martyr ; Saint Lawrence Ruiz and Companions, Martyrs. each and our belief in angels as messengers of God. These biblical messengers signify God s transcendence and loving care.. September 29 Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. - These biblical messengers signify God s transcendence and loving care: Michael (meaning Who is like God? ), Gabriel ( God s strength ), and Raphael ( God s Remedy ); Michael; patron of security forces and of the sick; Gabriel; of telecommunications and the postal service; Raphael: of travelers, and the blind. This would be a great opportunity to pray and memorize the Prayer To St. Michael. September 30 Saint Jerome, priest, doctor of the Church. 420 at Bethlehem; devoted monk and ascetic; wrote numerous commentaries on and authored Latin ( Vulgate ) translation of the Bible; one of the four great doctors of the Latin Church, patron of scripture scholars. October 1 - St. Theresa of the Child Jesus the Little Flower Virgin, doctor October 2 Twenty-Seventh Sunday In Ordinary Time The Holy Guardian Angels October 4 St. Francis of Assisi, Noted for his charismatic personality, deep compassion for all, and love for God s creation; renounced wealth to follow Lady Poverty ; deacon; founded the Franciscan family which is made up today of Friar s Minor, Capuchins, religious, etc. *************************************** We re back! As of July 18 th, the Media Center was open as usual following my surgery on May 24 th. Thank you for your prayers and best wishes! All is going well. We look forward to serving you in your ministry of teaching Christ s little ones. ****************************************

4 September 18, 2016 CATECHETICAL SUNDAY 2016 "Prayer: The Faith Prayed" This year, the Church will celebrate Catechetical Sunday on September 18, 2016 and will focus on the theme "Prayer: The Faith Prayed." Those who the Community has designated to serve as catechists will be called forth to be commissioned for their ministry. Catechetical Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the role that each person plays, by virtue of Baptism, in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel. Catechetical Sunday is an opportunity for all to rededicate themselves to this mission as a community of faith. Congratulations to all our religion teachers and catechists who give of themselves to spread the Good News. The Religious Education Media Center is here to serve you. May God continue to bless you in this important ministry. Dcn. Larry Sitzman, Director Tele larrys@scdiocese.org Online Catalog:

5 EXTRAORDINARY JUBILEE OF MERCY DECEMBER 8, 2015 NOVEMBER 20, 2016 NEW Divine Mercy DVD: LUKE: THE GOSPEL OF MERCY (Includes DV to DV 62325) Catholic Scripture Study International 2016 A Luke: The Gospel of Mercy is an 18 session program presented by Paul Thigpen, PHD and Jeffrey Kirby, STD as they explore the Gospel of Luke as never before. Come, immerse yourself in the parable of Mercy found in Luke, to uncover God s Mercy in his own words, and to see how His Mercy is still active in the world today. Each lesson includes a powerful teaching video with comprehensive written commentary, and a life application video for each of its 18 sessions. This program includes: 1 set of 3 DVDs, 1 Leader Guide, and 1 Home Study Guide and a few invitation cards. Disc 1 includes: Session 1: An Introduction to Luke; Session 2: Annunciation and Visitation; Session 3: Birth and Childhood; Session 4: Baptism and Start of Ministry; Session 5: Mission of Mercy, and Session 6: Call of the Apostles. Disc 2 includes: Session 7: The Sinful Woman; Session 8: Child Rise!; Session 9: The Good Samaritan; Session 10: The Rich Fool; Session 11: The Cure on the Sabbath; and Session 12: The Prodigal Son. Disc 3 includes: Session 13: Lazarus and the Rich Man; Session 14: The Pharisee and the Tax Collector; Session 15: Zacchaeus; Session 16: The New Covenant; Session 17: The Good Thief; and Session 18: The Road to Emmaus. Additional Home Study Guides are available through St. Benedict Press at or NOTE: This new program on the Gospel of Mercy should be available around September 1, Christian Family Caregivers - Exploring the Works of Mercy of Family and Community - DV JH-A The traditional teaching of the Corporal and Spirituals Works of Mercy is applied to the challenges of family and community living. Seeing the role of caregiver as a work of the Gospel helps to put in perspective those acts of kindness and love that characterize our daily efforts to ease the suffering and bring hope to those in need, both at home and in the community. 23 minutes

6 MORE DVDs FOR DIVINE MERCY DOORS OF MERCY: EXPLORING GOD S COVENANT WITH YOU (Includes DV to DV Saint Benedict Press 2016 A This 8-week program journeys through salvation history, from God s merciful promises to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses and David, to the prophets call to renewal, to the fulfillment of God s promises to Christ. Each 90 minute session includes: Welcome & Opening Prayer; Prior Lesson Recap; Video Lesson with host Fr. Jeffry Kirby; Small Group Discussion; 5 minute break; Life Application Video; How Then Shall We Live?; Living It out; God s Plan of Mercy; Closing Prayer & Dismissal. Explore how God makes his mercy present to you in ordinary - and extraordinary - ways. Learn about the six great Covenants of the Bible. Understand how the Sacraments are Doors of Mercy - and how to make them effective in your life. Explore the revelations of St. Faustina and the Divine Mercy devotion. This program, hosted by Fr. Jeffry Kirby, STL and special guests, includes a 4 disc set of DVDs, one Leader Guide, and one Study Guide. Additional Study Guides are available through Saint Benedict Press at or MercyStudy.com Each lesson is about 90 minutes. Themes: Saint Benedict Press Materials, Mercy, Covenant Divine Mercy Chaplet For Kids, The - DV I-JH Today, more than ever before, our kids are bombarded by an endless array of frivolous distractions, distractions which often blunt their senses of the spiritual. They need the anchor of Jesus' Mercy to hold them fast. With this in mind, this animated program features St. Faustina teaching her young friends Kristen, Enrique, and others about the Divine Mercy Devotion and how to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Covering such topics as the origins of the Divine Mercy Image, the importance of the Sacrament of Confession, and much more, it is a great tool for introducing your children to God's infinite mercy. 156 minutes. This audio is in English and Spanish versions. 20 minutes. Divine Mercy: No Escape - The Life of Saint Maria Faustina - DV JH-A This is the moving story of St. Faustina, a young Polish nun chosen by God to share His message of mercy with the whole world. Filmed in Poland, the Vatican, Germany, and the United States, it stars Melanie Metcalf as Faustina, and is narrated by a screen legend Helen Hayes. It captures the tenderness and zeal of Faustina's heart toward her mission from Jesus and reveals the story of Divine Mercy unfolding today. 47 minutes. Last Appeal: The Life of Sister Faustina - The Apostle of Divine Mercy, The - DV JH-A Sister Faustina was canonized by Pope John Paul II on April 30, Here is the story of a peasant girl chosen to bring the message of Mercy to mankind in preparation for the Last Day - The Day of Judgment. The drama unfolds through the revelations and visions of God to Helen Kowalski. The 0s12.tory of Helen vividly brings to light the struggles she went through in the process of delivering the message through the humble life of a nun in a convent in Poland at the beginning of the 20th century. 35 minutes.

7 Divine Mercy Materials Continued PROPHETS: MESSENGERS OF GOD S MERCY, THE: DV to DV 62158) Ascension Press 2014 A The Prophets: Messengers of God s Mercy includes ten 30-minute sessions on five DVD discs. Thomas Smith provides comprehensive teaching and commentary on the prophets. These videos are designed to follow the lessons in The Prophets Study Set, which contains the reading assignments, questions, and responses for the study. If we consider that God is the Divine Bridegroom and the Church is his Bride, then the prophets can be seen as spiritual marriage counselors. They afflict they afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted, calling us to return to our covenant relationship with God. They urge us to repentance, warn us of the dangers of sin, and announce the blessings of the faithfulness. Their prophetic words speak to us even today, as they draw us closer to our heavenly Bridegroom. Disc 1 includes Session 1: Introduction to the Prophets (31 minutes) and Session 2: Hosea: Living God s Love Story (37 minutes). Disc 2 includes Session 3: Jonah: God s Reluctant Messenger (34 minutes) and Session 4: Isaiah Part 1: Prophet of Woe (35 minutes). Disc 3 includes Session 5: Isaiah Part 2: Prophet of Consolation 35 minutes) and Session 6: Jeremiah: The Broken Hearted Prophet (40 minutes). Disc 4 includes Session 7: Ezekiel: God s Watchman on the Wall (31 minutes) and Session 8: Daniel: Faithful to the End (33 minutes).. Disc 5 includes Session 9: Haggai and Malachi: Messengers of Hope (35 minutes) and Session 10: New Testament and Modern Prophets: Messengers of the New Covenant (39 minutes). Each session in this program includes one set of five DVD Discs and one Study Set with Questions and Responses for Sessions 2 through 5. Each session in The Prophets includes four steps to help you understand the material and take it to heart. It is important that the steps be followed in order, as each steps builds upon the previous one: 1) Home Preparation involves reading Scripture and answering a series of questions which takes about 1 hour. 2) Small group discussion of the Study set Questions is guided each week by trained facilitators who can use the Responses to help facilitate the discussion and is about 40 minutes. 3) The Video Presentation crowns each session, providing a deeper explanation of the topic, particularly as it applies to everyday life. (30 minutes) 4) Review of Response: included in the Study Set are detailed responses to the questions for you to review before moving on to the next session and to keep for later reference. Discover who the prophets were, what their message was, and why they are important. See how God is constantly calling you to a deeper relationship with him. Understand how the central message of the prophets is one of love, proclaiming the mercy of God for his children. Finally, discover the ways you are called to be the voice of God to others and much more. This Prophets Bible study program includes: one set of five DVDs, one Study Set and one Bible Timeline: The Story of Salvation. Additional Study Sets may be purchased through Ascension Press at or at minutes. Themes: Ascension Press Materials, Prophets, Adult Bible Study

8 Divine Mercy Materials Continued RESPONDING TO GOD PERSON TO PERSON - DV A A powerful talk by Vinny Flynn is based on the best -selling book. Vinny s down-to-earth style and powerful teachings on the Sacraments, Divine Mercy, and the Father s love will inspire and revitalize the faith of parishioners. Three sessions are: 1) God s Plan; 2) Confession and 3) Eucharist. Topics include: Why we were created; God s loving plan for each of us; Healing through Confession; The transforming power of the Eucharist; and How to become holy no matter what your vocation. Experience regeneration that will draw you into a personal relationship that will change your life. Divine Mercy Printed Resources: 7 SECRETS OF DIVINE MERCY - PR In 2000, Pope John Paul II canonized the great 20th century visionary of Divine Mercy, Sister Faustina Kowalska and proclaimed the Sunday after Easter to be celebrated annually as Divine Mercy Sunday. In 2006, Pope Benedict stressed that Divine Mercy is not a secondary devotion, but an integral dimension of Christian faith and prayer. Now Pope Francis has proclaimed an extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, which will begin on December 8, These three popes have made it very clear that Divine Mercy is a major part of the Christian faith and now this powerful new book reveals why. Author Vinny Flynn shows how Divine Mercy is not just another worthy private devotion ; it is the key devotion, the umbrella devotion over everything else. 200 pages. CROSSING THE THRESHOLD OF MERCY: A SPIRITUAL GUIDE FOR THE EXTRAORDINARY JUBILEE YEAR OF MERCY - PR Paulist Press 2015 A Specifically designed to guide readers through the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, this book is a collection of short inspirational excerpts, mostly from pope Francis, on the theme of mercy. As companion and comfort for the pilgrimage to cross the Threshold of Mercy, it imparts inspiration from the words of Sacred Scripture, the thoughts of Pope Francis, and the words of those who inspire him. 181 Pages. MAGNIFICAT YEAR OF MERCY COMPANION - PR Ignatius Press 2015 A The essential guide for living the Year of Mercy is by Fr. Peter John Cameron, O.P. Each day of the week, a different way to experience: 1) Poetry that helps you contemplate the miracle of mercy; 2) Meditations from saints and spiritual masters who share their profound insights into this divine gift; 3) Profiles of saints whose lives exemplify extraordinary witness to mercy; 4) Catechesis on this powerful virtue and much more. 448 pages.

9 Divine Mercy Printed Resources: MERCY S GAZE: 100 READINGS FROM SCRIPTURE & DIARY OF St. Faustina - PR Ignatius Press 2015 A Vinny Flynn has selected parallel passages from scripture and the Diary of St. Faustina that develop key mercy themes and encourage you to gaze on Jesus. This rich spiritual fare for 100 days of prayer and reflection. 170 pages. WE HAVE FOUND MERCY: THE MYSTERY OF GOD S MERCIFUL LOVE - PR Ignatius Press 2015 A The message of Divine Mercy as communicated through Sister Faustina is both a starting point and a recurring theme for Cardinal Christoph Schonborn s discussion of God s merciful love. He raises important questions, such as, What is the relationship between mercy and justice? 156 pages. CROSSING THE THRESHOLD OF MERCY - PR Paulist Press 2015 A Specifically designed to guide readers through the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, this book is a collection of short inspirational excerpts, mostly from pope Francis, on the theme of mercy. As companion and comfort for the pilgrimage to cross the Threshold of Mercy, it imparts inspiration from the words of Sacred Scripture, the thoughts of Pope Francis, and the words of those who inspire him. 181 pages.

10 NEW DVD PROGRAMS DIVINE MERCY IN THE SECOND GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD (Includes DV 2286 to DV 2290) Ignatius Press 2016 A This program is a dramatic 10-session film journey featuring the renowned speaker and author Father Michael Gaitley. With skill and lucidity, Father Gaitley weaves a tapestry and beauty with the threads of the dramatic history of Poland, the transformative message of St. Faustina, the miraculous appearance of Mary at Fatima, the witness of Maximillian Kolbe, and the worldchanging papacy of St. John Paul II. This program includes a set of 5 DVDs holding 10 sessions and an exclusive Guidebook with practical advice to create and maintain a transformative group experience. Disc 1 includes Episode 1: God s School of Trust. Episode 2: Behold, This Heart. Disc 2 includes Episode 3: The Suffering Servant. Episode 4: Faustina and the Spread of Divine Mercy. Disc 3 includes Episode 5: Proclaim This Message. Episode 6: Fatima. Disc 4 includes Episode 7: The Secret of Divine Mercy. 8: God s Master Plan. Disc 5 includes Episode 9: Mary s Knight. Episode 10: The Final Question. The weekly group meeting includes five steps lasting about 90 minutes: 1) Opening prayer; 2) Introduction; 3) Video; 4) Small-Group Discussion of 45 minutes; and 5) Conclusion and Closing Prayer. This program includes a set of 5 DVDs and 1 Guidebook. Additional Guidebooks are available through or

11 NEW DVD PROGRAMS LECTIO: PRAYER: FINDING INTIMACY WITH GOD - DISC 1 OF 3 (Includes DV 2291 to DV 2293) Ignatius press 2016 A Disc 1 includes Session 1: Prayer: An Intimate Dialogue. Prayer is one of the most basic elements of a life of faith, but isn t always easy to do. Though we re taught that prayer is a conversation, we often feel as if it is completely one-sided. In this first session, Dr. Tim Gray shows how the solution to the problem of prayer can be found in the Scriptures. (29 minutes). Session 2: Guigo s Ladder: A Way Of Ascent. Prayer may not always be easy, but sometimes we make it more difficult than it needs to be. In this session, Dr. Gray demonstrates how, like climbing the rungs on a ladder, following a simple order of prayer carries us form the cares of this world to intimate conversation with God. (29 minutes). Disc 2 includes Session 3: Lectio & Meditation: Climbing The First Rung. In reading and meditating on Sacred Scripture, we begin to ascend the ladder of lectio divina as we open our hearts and minds to hear and understand God s word to us. (30 minutes) Session 4: Oratio: Conversation With God. Using the example of St. Augustine, the Lord s Prayer, and the Psalms, Dr. Tim Gray teaches us how to deepen our daily dialogue with God and enjoy the fruits of an intimate conversation with our Lord. (31 minutes). Disc 3 includes Session 5: Contemplation: The Gaze Of Love. The desire of the Christian heart is to see God. In Contemplation, Dr. Tim Gray shows us how to rest at the pinnacle of the ladder of prayer, gazing upon God in love. Session 6: Resolutio: Putting Love Into Action. Prayer that does not lead to action is empty. Dr. Gray demonstrates how, at the end of lectio divina, we take the step What better way to discover God s Mercy than through prayer? Dr. Tim Gray masterfully uses the Church s tradition of lectio divina to show how the simple steps for making prayer a conversation of love and intimacy with God. Essential and accessible, this new Lectio series is ideal for personal faith formation and small group study. Prayer: Finding Intimacy with God captures in six session the secret to opening our hearts and minds to Scripture, to hear from God, to respond in conversation, and to bask in His presence. Each Lectio session includes: 1) Opening Prayer; 2) Introduction; 3) Questions; 4) Video; 5) Discuss Questions; 6) Memory Verse; 7) Closing Prayer; and 8) For Further Reading. This program includes a 3 DVD disc set, 1 Leader Resource Guide, and 1 Study Guide. Additional Study Guides are available through or Themes: Prayer, Lectio Divina, Adult Faith Formation

12 NEW DVDs FOLLOW ME: MEETING JESUS IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN-Includes DV to DV 62310) Ascension Press 2016 A Disc 1 of this 4-disc program by Edward Sri on the Gospel of John includes: Introduction: About Follow Meeting Jesus in the Gospel of John (2:18 minutes); Session One (32:12 minutes) In the Beginning : Jesus at the Center (John 1:1-18); and Session Two (33:46 minutes) Come and See : Becoming Disciples (John 1:19-2:25). Disc 2 of this 4-disc program by Edward Sri on the Gospel of John includes: Session Three (31:57 minutes) At the Well: Our Deepest Thirst (John 3:1-4:42) and Session Four (34:27) Believe in Me : Trust and Surrender (John 4:43-6:71). Disc 3 of this 4-disc program by Edward Sri on the Gospel of John includes: Session Five (33:00 minutes) Encountering Mercy (John 7-9) and Session Six (32:52) The Law of Self-Giving. (John 10-12) Disc 4 of this 4-disc program by Edward Sri on the Gospel of John includes: Session Seven (29:56 minutes) he New Commandment and Life in the Spirit (John 13-17) and Session Eight (35:30) It Is Finished : A Dying and Rising Love. (John 18-21) Following Christ takes more than simply believing in him or doing what he asks of us. Jesus wants you to be more than just a believer - he wants you to be his disciple and friend. Follow Me: Meeting Jesus in the Gospel of John is your guide to a personal encounter with Christ. As the Good Shepherd, Jesus seeks after us. He comes to meet us and beckons us to follow him. He calls us to be his disciples, to trust him, to open ourselves to his merciful love, and to love others as he has loved us. Follow Me invites you to experience the joy of a renewed frinedship with Christ. This program includes eight videos on 4 DVDs, one Workbook, and one Leader s Guide which contains the session overviews, talk notes, discussion questions, and Leaders responses needed for the study. Additional Follow Me Workbooks can be obtained from Ascension Press at or AscensionPress.com Themes: Ascension Press Materials, Bible Study KIDS AND PRAYER - DV Paraclete Press 2015 P-I Introduce your kids ages 6-11, your classroom, to Prayer with this lively new video presentation in four sessions (7-10 minutes each), each asking a basic question. These four segments include explanations from Br. Mickey, interviews with kids, onscreen storyboard Bible teaching featuring Br. Mickey s illustrations, and on the road field trips to look at each question from a different angle. Your class will enjoy paying attention to this engaging instruction. A resource booklet is included. Themes: Prayer

13 COMING SOON FROM BISHOP BARRON and more.

14 NEW DVDS FOR THE MEDIA CENTER: VCAT VOLUME 1 - CREED: 13 AMAZING SHORT FILMS DV Catholic Word 2015 JH-A Focusing on the main teachings about the Creed from the Catechism, this fantastic DVD contains the following 13 short films - great for youth ministry, religious education, and Catholic school programs and classrooms. In order to effectively reach this generation with the richness and beauty of our Catholic faith, it must be done in new and relevant ways. Teens watch a staggering amount of media content each day. Why not reach out to them through this channel that resonates with them and speaks their language? The VCAT Video Catechism does this through creative short films and videos that use cultural analogies, creativity, humor, and always try to answer the question, "Why should a teenager care about this?" At the heart of each video is a point (or points) articulated by the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This fantastic DVD contains the following 13 short films - great for youth ministry, religious education, and Catholic school programs and classrooms: 1) The Creed - Is there a difference between believing there is a God and believing in God? (3 minutes) - English & Spanish subtitled versions. 2) The Pursuit - I fled him, down the nights and down the days. I fled him, down the arches of the years. I fled him, down the labyrinthine ways of my own mind and in the midst of tears. I hid from him...(5 minutes) 3) 38 Hours - After an earthquake leveled his son's school building, a father digs through the rubble for 38 straight hours, clinging to the hope that his boy is still alive. (5 minutes) 4) Creation - What are the chances of life on earth to have just "happened"? What are the chances of the universe to be in perfect balance to allow life to exist? (3 minutes) 5) Joy Story - In the hands of young Aaron, the nativity figurines are transformed into 1st century action figures. After Aaron's mother gently guides him away from that activity, the story of Jesus comes to life in the manger and an unusual participant in the scene learns about the important role Mary played in the salvation of the world. (6 minutes) 6) And Became Man - Bishop Michael J. Bransfield and teens of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston reflect on the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. (6 minutes) 7) That 1 Day - Jesus Christ's ONE DAY on the cross made our ETERNITY in heaven possible. (3 minutes) 8) Where's the Body? - Sempronis and Alexander, the Roman soldiers assigned to guard Jesus' tomb, have a problem. The body is gone. What do they tell Pilate? (5 minutes) - English & Spanish subtitled versions 9) You're Dead. Now What? - Heaven. Hell. Purgatory. Particular Judgment. Final Judgment. What happens when we die? (3 minutes) 10) Chris Padgett on Fire with The Holy Spirit - Through his outrageous humor, incomparable intellect, and stunning good looks, Chris Padgett shares some theological and practical insights about the mysterious third person of the Holy Trinity. (4 minutes) 11) This is My Church - Meet the Savilla family. For generations, Holy Trinity Church in Nitro, West Virginia has been their "home." This charming community, like thousands of others around the world, is a very important part of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. (2 minutes) 12) Pray for Me - Josh uses some pretty typical excuses to reject his cousin Emma's attempts to draw him back to Christ. But does he really believe those excuses? (6 minutes) 13) Forgiveness of Sins - Father Joseph Espaillat says what we're all thinking about the hold of sin in our lives. He doesn't stop there, however. This film declares the truth that there is forgiveness of sin for the praise of God's glory. (4 minutes) Themes: VCAT (video catechism) Series for Teens, Outside Da Box Productions, VCAT Volume 1 -Creed series

15 NEW DVDS FOR THE MEDIA CENTER: VCAT VOLUME 2 - SACRAMENTS: 12 AMAZING SHORT FILMS DV Catholic Word 2015 JH-A The latest release from Outside da Box! This fantastic DVD contains the following 12 short films - great for youth ministry, religious education, and Catholic school programs and classrooms: In order to effectively reach this generation with the richness and beauty of our Catholic faith, it must be done in new and relevant ways. Teens watch a staggering amount of media content each day. Why not reach out to them through this channel that resonates with them and speaks their language? The VCAT Video Catechism does this through creative short films and videos that use cultural analogies, creativity, humor, and always try to answer the question, "Why should a teenager care about this?" At the heart of each video is a point (or points) articulated by the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This fantastic DVD contains the following 12 short films - great for youth ministry, religious education, and Catholic school programs and classrooms: 1) The Seven Sacraments - This short film offers a brief overview of the seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church and the purpose each serves. (3 minutes) 2) On the Road to Emmaus - A special visitor joins Will at Mass on Sunday and suddenly the Mass will never be the same. (8 minutes) 3) Initiation - Watch as a story-telling grandpa with an over-active imagination tries to explain the Sacraments to his grandkids. You ve never heard it quite like this before. (4 minutes) 4) Holy Water - When a voice from above asks a teen why he blesses himself with holy water as he enters the chapel at his parish, he responds, Isn t that what you are supposed to do when you enter a church? The voice then takes him on a journey into his past and future to see exactly what this water means. (4 minutes) 5) We Adore - What sublime humility and humble sublimeness, that the Lord of the Universe, the Divine Son of God, should stoop as to hide Himself under the appearance of bread for our salvation! ~ St. Francis of Assisi (3 minutes) 6) It's NOT Graduation - The general conception that Confirmation is graduation is challenged in this film using some interesting comparisons. (3 minutes) 7) How do I go to Confession? - Whether this is a refresher or an introduction, this film creatively walks through the Sacrament of Reconciliation in a way that will stick with you. (4 minutes) 8) Suffering and Glorified - Meet Caroline and Jack, two kids who have battled illness and received strength through the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. (6 minutes) 9) Get Up and Walk - In this contemporary re-enactment of Mark 2:1-12, we see the need for us to bring each other to Christ for forgiveness and healing. (8 minutes) 10) The Game of Life - Four friends enjoy some time together over a board game and learn something in the process. (4 minutes) 11) Chris Padgett Talks About Marriage - Chris Padgett shares his thoughts about the Sacrament of Marriage, and few jokes, too. (6 minutes) 12) Call Waiting - Meet Will. He likes God and he likes girls. He thinks he might be called to the priesthood, but doesn t know for sure. (7 minutes) NOTE: This set of films is also available in our Online Resources as VCAT VOLUME 2 - SACRAMENTS - #1 through # 12 under the same Themes as shown here. Themes: VCAT (video catechism) Series for Teens, Outside Da Box Productions, VCAT Volume 2 -Sacraments series

16 NEW DVDS FOR THE MEDIA CENTER: VCAT VOLUME 3 - MORALITY: 25 AMAZING SHORT FILMS DV Catholic Word 2015 JH-A This fantastic DVD contains 25 amazing short films from our VCAT Morality series. Films Included: 1. Love God, Love Each Other; 2. Freedom; 3. Truth?; 4. Dignity Matters; 5. The Do-Over; 6. No Other gods; 7. The Beatitudes; 8. Honor Your Father & Mother; 9. The Comfortable Couch; 10. por nog ra phy (the guys); 11. por nog ra phy (the girls); 12. Being Pro-Life; 13. Covet; 14. Telling the Truth; 15. To Do It or Not To Do It; 16. Word of Mouth; 17. StealingTime; 18. Judgmental Moose Episode 1: SLOTH; 19. Judgmental Moose Episode 2: PRIDE; 20. Judgmental Moose Episode 3: GLUTTONY; 21. Judgmental Moose Episode 4: GREED; 22. Judgmental Moose Episode 5: ENVY; 23. Judgmental Moose Episode 6: WRATH; 24. Judgmental Moose Episode 7: LUST; 25. Mercy is Greater. NOTE: This set of films is also available in our Online Resources as VCAT VOLUME 3 - MORALITY - #1 through #25 under the same Themes as shown here. Themes: VCAT (video catechism) Series for Teens, Outside Da Box Productions, VCAT Volume 3 - Morality series VCAT VOLUME 4 - PRAYER....DV NOT READY UNTIL LATE SEPTEMBER Catholic Word 2016 JH-A OUTSIDE DA BOX AWARD WINNING FILMS DV Catholic Word 2015 JH-A This DVD release from Outside da Box contains three award-winning films - great for youth ministry, religious education, and Catholic school programs and classrooms: Palm Sunday, Zombies Vs. Jesus, and Evidence. This DVD release from Outside da Box contains three award-winning films - great for youth ministry, religious education, and Catholic school programs and classrooms: 1) Palm Sunday - Brothers Julio and Marvin become restless during the reading of the Passion, and begin slapping one another with their palms. Their mother is not amused. After a brief scolding, the two settle for a moment before they agree to a bet: who can shout "crucify him" the loudest. Once arranged, the younger of the brothers gets overwhelmed by the experience. (5 minutes) - English & Spanish subtitled versions. [2012 Telly Award - Best Religious Short Film] 2) Zombies Vs. Jesus - A young man awakens on a Sunday morning to discover that his family has turned into zombies. In a panic, he and a friend seek refuge in the one place they believe they will be safe: the town's Catholic church. There they discover the truth about what they have encountered. (8 minutes) - English & Spanish subtitled versions. [2012 John Paul II International Film Festival - Best Short Film] 3) Evidence - Jenny is on trial for being a Catholic. The Prosecutor thinks he has a pretty easy case until Jenny's delinquent Defense Attorney finally shows-up and presents a very compelling argument. (7 minutes) - English & Spanish subtitled versions. [2013 Telly Award - Best Religious Short Film - Runner-Up] The DVD also contains behind-thescenes featurettes of Palm Sunday and Zombies vs. Jesus. Themes: Outside da Box Productions,

17 As we strive to keep up with modern technology, the Religious Education Media Center is happy to announce that Online Resources are now available through our online catalog. On top of the Main page for the Media Center we have added two new categories, Online Resources and Online Resource Themes. To locate an alphabetical list of the 750 plus Online Resources, just click on Online Resources tab at the top of our Media Page. This simple click will take you to Online Resource Results where you may again choose to see a list of OA, OC, OL, OR, OT, OV or All. An alphabetical list of online resource titles will appear. A single click on any title will bring forth the details of that title. For example: Under OV - Number 2 title is: Advent in Two Minutes. Clicking on the title will take you to More Detail which provides a description, a Media ID Type, Length; Grade List, and URL. By double clicking on the URL number you will be taken to the proper link of this particular title. On the top of the Media Page is also an Online Resource Themes for locating items with specific themes such as Christmas, Easter, Prayer, etc. Please try these great resources. I will also be adding dozens of new titles throughout the year. I would appreciate any new online resources that you would share with me via . Thank you! Our Online Resources library now offers these amazing short films from Catholic Word. VCAT VOLUME 1 - CREED VCAT VOLUME 3 - MORALITY VCAT VOLUME 2 - SACRAMENTS VCAT VOLUME 4 - PRAYERS (in October) Focusing on the main teachings about the Creed, Sacraments, Morality, and Prayers from the Catechism, this fantastic series contains dozens of short films - great for youth ministry, religious education, and Catholic school programs and classrooms. In order to effectively reach this generation with the richness and beauty of our Catholic faith, it must be done in new and relevant ways. The VCAT Video Catechism does this through creative short films and videos that use cultural analogies, creativity, humor, and always try to answer the question, "Why should a teenager care about this?" At the heart of each video is a point (or points) articulated by the Catechism of the Catholic Church. NOTE: These fantastic series are also available on DVDs in our Media Center library. Check out Encountering The Word, a weekly look at the Liturgy of the Word by Jeff Cavins. Check out God s Story series. It is a history of God s love for mankind through Scripture. TO CREATE A SHORTCUT TO MEDIA CENTER WEB SITE 1) Go to Media Center web site at then right click on the web site address and Click on Copy 2) Minimize to Desktop. 3) Right click: New, then Shortcut. 4) Right click under Type the location of the item to paste address, then click on next 5) Under Type a name for this short type: Media Center Web Site, then click Finish

18 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION MEDIA CENTER CELEBRATES 40 YEARS! Pictures taken during July 1st luncheon at the Chancery to celebrate four decades of service to the parishes and schools of the diocese. Thank you for your kindness. Our Diocesan Religious Education Media Center celebrates 40 years of service to the Diocese of Sioux City on June 1. Though its inception and planning began months before as the brain-child of Msgr. James K. Lafferty, then Supt of Education, and supported by Bishop Lawrence Soens, it was June 1, 1976 that I began work as the media director to officially begin a collection of audio visuals for primary through adults that would assist teachers and catechists as teachers of God s word. Much of our first 16mm films and 35mm filmstrip arrived during the summer of 1976 from Msgr. Mervin J. Hood of Alton and his collection of media then called Leprechaun Visuals that he shipped round the diocese. The Media Center formally opened in October of 1976 when the new building was completed for the Diocesan Chancery offices at 1821 Jackson St. So much has changed over the last four decades. Films, filmstrips, slides and audio cassettes, once so popular, morphed into video cassettes and DVDs, and CDs. Visiting resource people from around the country commented that the center was one of the best in the country. DAA and support within the Chancery have made this possible. So much has changed over the last four decades and that also is true in our Diocesan Media Center. In our effort to keep up with the technology of today we now have On-line Resources available thanks to Dan Ryan, current Diocesan Supt of Education. I will end by saying Thank you to all who have made this important ministry possible and those who have used and continue to use the Media Center in their ministry of spreading the Good News of Jesus to the people of northwest Iowa. May God continue to bless our efforts. Peace, Deacon Larry Sitzman Msgr. Mervin J. Hood