Video Recommendations
Helping People Help Themselves (V 1215)
Employing the powerful Biblical imagery of water, this video takes us across the country and chronicles the spirit of Catholic social teaching, lived out through the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. Shows how lives have changed as a result of self-help projects that received seed money from the CCHD.
Keeper of the Peace: A Christmas Story (V1227)
A fresh, life-changing look at Christ’s birth. The familiar Christmas story is taken a step further as this drama unfolds in another stable in Bethlehem on that holy night. Marcus, a young Roman soldier, and Ruth, an old Jewish woman, stumble upon each other, unaware that this chance encounter will change both their lives. The birth of Christ is the greatest gift of all time, but only through forgiveness and reconciliation can Marcus and Ruth find the true Keeper of the Peace.
The Giving Tree (V 1416)
A poignant story about the relationship between a boy and a tree illustrates some truths about the meaning of giving, receiving and love. The tree happily and unselfishly offers itself to the boy for climbing, shade and rest. But as the boy grows up, he wants different things from the tree – money from its apples and lumber from its limbs. The boy’s life takes him farther and farther from the tree, but old age reunites them and brings their relationship full circle.
The Nativity Story (D 5056)
It was the cruelest of times. Under Herod’s torturous reign, families struggled to survive and yet, in the midst of utter turmoil, a young woman’s faith is put to the test. Join Mary (Keisha Castle-Hughes) and Joseph (Oscar Isaac) on an incredible journey of hope and discovery.
Book Recommendations
Stations of the Crib: A Journey of Hope from Advent to Epiphany (BK 5075)
Joseph Nassal; Forest of Peace Publishing
The 15 Stations of the Crib lead us to our “down-to-earth God,” and remind us how hope is born right here, right now. Even in the face of turmoil, tragedy and terrorism, we embrace, celebrate and live out our call to Advent hope.
Make Straight the Crooked Ways: Daily Reflections for Advent (BK 5572)
Edward Hays; Forest of Peace Publishing
Advent is a prayerful time of reformation and rejoicing. These reflections call us to become laborers who prepare the road to Christmas so that Christ will be born once again in us for the sake of the world.
A Small Miracle (BK 5597)
Peter Collington; Alfred A. Knoff, New York
If you believe a great miracle occurred in the little town of Bethlehem 2000 years ago, then you will be transported by this tale of a small miracle near a prosperous English village one recent Christmas Eve.
Internet Recommendations
www.americancatholic.org/Features/Advent/default.asp
Prepare for Christmas with Advent wreath and Advent calendar activities, along with information about St. Nicholas, Advent prayers and more.
All diocesan parishioners are encouraged to make use of the Diocesan Resource Center’s holdings. To check out these materials or others, phone Kathy Ward at 406-442-5820 or 1-800-584-8914, or e-mail kward@diocesehelena.org; updated listings of the center’s titles are online at www.diocesehelena.org/catalog.
Published in The Montana Catholic, Vol. 24, No. 11, November 21, 2008.
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