Documentary Takes New Look at the Catholic Priesthood - Premieres at the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Annual Meeting in Baltimore on Nov. 12, 2007
Baltimore, November 12, 2007 – "The Catholic Priest Today" is premiering at the USCCB annual meeting in Baltimore, MD on November 12, 2007. The documentary offers a fresh perspective on what it means to be a dedicated Catholic priest in today's culture.
"This film is about priests living the great adventure of a life completely dedicated to Christ. It shows that all those who accept the challenge of the priesthood in today's world realize that it is a great time to be a priest," says Francis Cardinal George of Chicago, who is featured in the documentary.
The documentary provides a rare glimpse of the reality of life as a Catholic priest in the United States in the third millennium. Viewers are able to take a close look at the life of three Catholic priests and to hear commentary from a variety of people about how the priesthood impacts the lives of many. "The Catholic Priest Today" candidly answers questions such as: Can a man in today's world be a successful priest? What is a successful priest? What are the rewards of being a priest? Is it possible for today's priests to resist the temptations that surround them? What is the role of prayer in the life of a priest? Who is available to help priests with their needs?
"The Catholic priesthood is both demanding and rewarding. Just like the work of a lawyer or a nurse, it has its own educational and training requirements, and above all requires a deep and abiding faith in and love for God. In recent years, the image and role of the Catholic priest has been blurred. This documentary seeks to bring this millennial old vocation back into proper focus," says the film's executive producer, Rev. James Socias of the Midwest Theological Forum.
"A lot of young men looked at what was happening to the priesthood through the scandals, looked at what was happening to the Church and, somehow, felt a deep call to come forward and be part of the transformation and renewal in the Church," says Bishop Alexander K. Sample of the Diocese of Marquette, MI in the documentary.
"There're some very hurtful things that have happened. But I love being a priest, so I'm not going to not be a priest because I'm not going to run away from ignorance. There's going to be ignorance anywhere I go anyway, so why would I starve myself of the thing that I love doing?" says Fr. C. Eugene Morris, V.E. of St. Louis, MO who is one of the three priests profiled.
Sponsored by the Midwest Theological Forum (MTF), "The Catholic Priest Today" will be widely distributed. After the initial screenings on November 12 in Baltimore, DVD packages will be sent to dioceses around the nation. Vocation directors, Newman Centers, Seminaries, Parishes, and others interested in promoting vocations are encouraged to order a free DVD package. The package will include a DVD booklet, instructions on how the DVD can be used, a press release, a form to request additional copies, comment cards, and a poster about the DVD. MTF hopes to offer parishes the opportunity to hold their own fundraiser premieres. For more information about how to receive a DVD package, email info@mwtf.org or call 630-739-9750 ext. 24. Based in Woodridge, IL, MTF is a not-for-profit corporation that publishes materials and organizes courses for Catholic bishops, priests and laity.
"The Catholic Priest Today" was produced by The Cresta Group. For over 30 years, The Cresta Group has been producing award-winning communications for clients ranging from Coca-Cola to United Way to the current release of "The Catholic Priest Today." Cresta's philosophy of searching for the heart of messages presented in a contemporary, compelling form underpins the success of the company.
"Isn't it time that someone told the story of the many thousands of great priests who minister to the 67 million Catholics in the United States?" says Joan Beugen, president of The Cresta Group. "The overwhelming impression we got after interviewing hundreds of priests across the United States is how devoted and just plain good these men are...as one of the parishioners said to us, 'They are just wonderful priests.' That's the story that needed telling and that we set out to tell."
Screenings of "The Catholic Priest Today" on November 12 will take place at 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. in Grand Ballroom Salon 8 at the Marriott Baltimore Waterfront (Hotel), 700 Aliceanna Street, Baltimore, MD 21202, 410-385-3000. If you would like to attend a screening, please call 708-420-7099 or by email at croth@mwtf.org. There will be a dessert and wine reception from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. in conjunction with the screenings. If you would like to receive a copy of "The Catholic Priest of Today," please send an email to info@mwtf.org, or call MTF at 630-739-9750.
For more information about the documentary, its premiere or any of the persons featured in the documentary, please contact Marie T. Oates at 617-290-7795 or by email at mtoates@bostonprgroup.com.
