Christmas Music in the Air!

The speakers are wafting Christmas music across the Michigan Avenue sidewalk, prompting passers-by to take a second look at the show window and its large Nativity scene. Some families stop and pray, while the parents point out "Mary, and Joseph, and the child in the manger." This year, we can also boast that all five of our Sisters' choir Christmas albums are now available for download on iTunes, to make it even easier for you to share the inspiring sounds of the season.

New Seasonal FB images for download

Visit our publishing house site to download free Facebook “cover” pictures (to use at the top of your Facebook page) and “message squares” to share inspiration with your friends. These images are designed to fit around your profile picture (which gets inset on the lower left corner) without losing any essential part of the picture or text.

Sample "Message Square" for Week 2 of Advent

Time to Register for Advent Women's Retreat

Join Pat Gohn--Wife, mom, author, columnist, catechist and host of the Among Women podcast--for a day of refreshment for the womanly soul. Includes prayer, presentations, small and large group discussions, lunch and, yes, chocolate! Get geared up for the busiest and best season of the year by preparing your heart and taking time for yourself.

Theme: "Blessed Among Women: Women of the Bible, Women Saints and Mystics" 
Dec. 1, 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
St Peter's in the Loop 
(Saturday noon Mass, confessions, evening Mass all available in the Church)

Pre-registration required to reserve your place! 
$35 includes coffee/donuts and lunch (subs) 

Call 312.346.4228

Pat Gohn, Director
Host of "Among Women" Podcast

Pre-order Gohn's soon-to-be-released
"Blessed, Beautiful and Bodacious:
Celebrating the Gift of Catholic
Womanhood"

Sign up for the Advent Women's Retreat with Pat Gohn!

Visit Pat Gohn and listen to the latest episode of the "Among Women" podcast!

Documentary Film Progress Report

Sister Helena, in between all her talks and book exhibits, has been meeting with Rob and the Spirit Juice team to get the Alberione film into its final shape. That has meant a lot of painful cuts to the narration (but I think my part is still in). 

Me, getting some makeup before my interview.
On location  in Italy (Seminary of Alba, where
Alberione was both student and professor).

On location in Italy (October, 2010).

Our hope is to have a kind of first draft (called a "rough cut") by the Conversion of St. Paul (Jan 25). We didn't plan it that way, but it is delightful to think that the film about a man of faith will be completed in the Year of Faith, and well in advance of the 1914 centenary of the founding of the Pauline Family!

In case you were wondering how you can make a real difference in bringing the documentary film "Media Apostle"into existence, an anonymous donor has just made an offer you... (you know the rest).

If between now until November 26 (the Feast of Blessed James Alberione, the subject of the film) we receive $10,000, an anonymous donor will match that, dollar for dollar. That means that by Alberione's feast day, the film will have received all the support it needs for that "rough cut."

So watch the trailer again, share it on your blog and Facebook wall, and encourage your friends to help "Media Apostle" reach the silver screen on time!

Year of Faith Resources

The Year of Faith runs from
October 11, 2012-November 24, 2013

The Year of Faith begins this Thursday! Pope Benedict has six outcomes in mind for this extended time of reflection that coincides with the 50th anniversary of Vatican Council II.

All in all, these goals come together in renewing the Church's evangelizing witness. But it starts with each and every member of the Church growing in "authentic conversion" and in "knowledge of the faith." Come and visit us for a broad selection of titles--and not only in print! There are some great audio books and DVDs to help you grow spiritually in this Year of Faith, which is also a year of grace for the whole Church.

There are also several free tools available right online:

Read the Catechism of the Catholic Church this year! It's easier than you think: Just submit your e-mail address to get a daily reading that guarantees you covering the whole CCC in the Year of Faith! If you'd rather read the Catechism the old-fashioned way, order a copy online, or come and see us downtown! Looking for the Catechism Lite? The YOUCAT (published by the Vatican as a youth version of the Catechism) is a great choice!

Sign up for "So Great a Faith," a Year of Faith resource that comes via e-mail every other week, covering issues that challenge Catholics in living the faith today.

For the family, sign up for the "J-Club Year of Faith" monthly newsletter with activities for kids as well as reflections for parents and religion teachers. (By the way, wouldn't the Year of Faith be a great opportunity for your local Catholic school to offer a J-Club Catholic book fair?)

Two Year of Faith opportunities for teens: 
Teens can share some of their experiences in the life of faith--and possibly find them being published in an upcoming book! If they have served on a mission, performed service for the community, or volunteered their time, talent or treasure according to their gifts, Pauline Books & Media is accepting written reflections by teens on experiences of mission, service, and evangelization; in their local parish/school/community, in other places throughout the US, abroad, and even online.editorial@paulinemedia.com for more information and submission forms; deadline for submissions is October 31!

 Teens in the Archdiocese of Chicago can also submit entries in the Digital Disciples Video Contest. Cash prizes for the best 2-minute video by teens, for teens, on the importance of Sunday Mass. Deadline is January 10.

What other Year of Faith Resources would you recommend?

Books about Media and Media Literacy

A handy starter list for your media ministry library (you can move it around with your mouse). I included The Tipping Point because of the way it highlights the different roles communicators play. (If you think about it, it almost suggests itself as a handbook on evangelization!) Titles are listed as affiliate links, which means that I will get a tiny commission if you make a purchase from the link. (Thank you for helping to support my book habit.)