Documentary takes New Look at the Catholic Priesthood
by Staff
November 12, 2007
CHICAGO, (christiansunite.com) -- "The Catholic Priest Today" will premiere 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 Cardinal Francis E. George of Chicago, who is featured in the documentary.
The documentary takes a rare look at life as a Catholic priest in the US today. It candidly answers questions such as: Can a man in today's world be a successful priest? What is a successful 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?
"Just like the legal or nursing professions, the priesthood 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 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.
Sponsored by the Midwest Theological Forum (MTF), "The Catholic Priest Today" will be widely distributed. After the screenings on November 12, DVD packages will be sent to dioceses around the nation. It was produced by The Cresta Group.
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. To attend the screening, call 708-420-7099 or email croth@mwtf.org. A dessert and wine reception will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. during the screenings. For more information, please contact Marie T. Oates at 617-290- 7795 or at mtoates@bostonprgroup.com.
