Culture
Pope, youth minister suggest how to reach young Catholics
Stemming the tide of young people leaving the church -- one-third will do so before age 18 -- and bringing them back is the topic of a book with Pope Francis and a person who offers creative solutions.
‘Instant Family,’ ‘Faith Under Fire’ among Christopher Award winners
This year's winners "highlight the power of community and common purpose, the positive difference that love and perseverance can make in the lives of the lost or lonely, and the struggle to find God's presence and light, even in the darkest of circumstances."
‘Breakthrough’ shows miracles happen, prayer is powerful, actress says
"Breakthrough" is the story of prayer and faith of a mother who believes that God will heal her 14-year-old son and restore him to health after he falls through ice on a frozen lake and is deprived of oxygen for 20 minutes, is without a pulse for 45 minutes and shows no signs of life at the hospital.
True story behind ‘The Best of Enemies’ a lesson of hope for our times
Strong performances from a fine cast and themes of reconciliation and equal dignity for all make the film a winner for believing moviegoers, especially older teens.
Author refutes notion of Dorothy Day as ‘dissenting Catholic’
Two books on the complex life and spirituality of Dorothy Day, who was rooted in Catholic liturgical and personal prayer, have strengths but also glaring weaknesses, according to our reviewer.
In ‘Shazam!’, exaltation of family over ego worthy of exclamation!
As a boy becomes a superhero learning life lessons, viewers of faith will appreciate the action film's implicitly pro-life message about the dignity of the disabled. A disabled boy is the real hero.
‘The Mustang’: A wild horse, a wilder man — and redemption
The film runs with the classic tale of men who find self-discipline while gaining responsibility through the dignity of working with horses, and ultimately love, all in a lush Western setting.
‘The Twilight Zone’ enters new dimension in streaming video
The concerns and themes that made the original 1960s show legendary reappear, although with uneven quality, in the new CBS All Access series hosted by the successful director Jordan Peele.
‘The Kids Are Alright’ injects Catholic themes into prime-time sitcom
Episodes don't always come with a happy ending and the characters don't always honor Catholic values, but they do teach the Commandments in a funny way. Given all the options, TV viewers could find worse.
‘Dumbo’ soars onto screens against a headwind of sadness
The visually lush tale of the orphaned baby elephant taking to the skies is set in a melancholy air that could easily upset young tots, which makes the film best for older children and grownups.