Saturday, December 27, 2014

As Morning Breaks: Interview with Lisa Hendey

I recently spoke with a dear fellow Mom, friend, and Catholic writer, Lisa Hendey about her latest project: As Morning Breaks.


 As Morning Breaks looks beautiful! Would you kindly tell us why you decided to produce this book, Lisa?

Lisa Hendey: Thank you Donna-Marie for your support for this project! On CatholicMom.com, we added a new Daily Gospel Reflection feature in 2014. Every day on the website, we begin our day with a prayerful reflection on the day’s gospel. The feature has grown to be so popular that we now have readers literally around the globe praying the gospel together each morning.

For 2015, we decided to turn this feature into book format to enable our readers to both pray the gospel anywhere and to enable them to provide needed support for our website. The book is priced at only $2.99 for 685 pages of beautiful inspiration. 100% of our proceeds from the book go directly to our support fund for CatholicMom.com, which pays our ever increasing hosting and editorial fees. We give all of our resources away free of charge, but of course there is an expense related to providing them. We pray that this gift for our readers will also provide a small source of revenue for our site to enable us to meet some of our goals for the New Year.

How many writers have contributed to this book? How did you find them?

Lisa: All of our writers on this project are volunteers. At CatholicMom.com, we have over 150 talented writers, like you Donna-Marie, who all share their writing free of charge to support our readers. Our fantastic Daily Gospel Reflection team wrote this book. The team is comprised of mothers, fathers, singles, a college student, a permanent Deacon and his wife, a religious sister, and folks from across the spectrum of ages and locations. We come together with the gospel as our focus, but the perspectives you’ll find in this book are unique and varied. The one key commonality is a true love for the Word of God and a deeply held desire to be both in that Word and sharing the Good News of the Gospel.

How can this book help the typical Catholic in the pews?

Lisa: Many Catholics only receive a small “taste” of the Gospel when they attend Mass on Sunday. As Morning Breaks invites the reader to read the gospel daily, but then to go even a step deeper to “ponder” the gospel with a simple reflection question and to “pray” a short line of prayer in communion with others who are doing the same in their own homes. Donna-Marie, I love that we as Church share our lectionary around the world and that even though you and I live on opposite ends of the country, we will be praying the same daily gospel. I believe this deeper examination of the gospels can help the average Catholic plunge more deeply into the Word, and to be continually uplifted by the connection between the gospels and the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith.

Can your book help those who are not so committed to going to Mass?

Lisa: The gospels are infectious! I recently met a woman who called herself a Catholic but who did not own a bible and rarely attended Mass. She was wanting to return to the Church and also deeply desired a more fruitful relationship with Our Blessed Mother Mary. I had the great joy of reading a few of the early chapters of the Gospel of Luke with her. I watched her joyful expression as she literally—for the first time—discovered the joy of the gospel. I think those of us who are at church all the time forget that there are those who may not own a bible or even know how to read it.

For those who have not been at Mass regularly, I believe that praying with As Morning Breaks will help them to connect on a deeper level with the Word of God. The book is so inexpensive and completely accessible even on their phone that they can take it and pray with it anywhere. I truly hope that praying the book with our writers will entice those who have been away from the Eucharist to truly long for the Word. I believe that daily reading of the Gospels will build in them a desire to know more and to be more active in their practice of our beautiful faith.

What are your hopes for this book?

Lisa: My greatest hope for As Morning Breaks is that families and individuals will discover the true joy of praying the gospel as part of the “first fruits” of a vibrant morning prayer routine. When we give our earliest moments to God and seek God’s will for our days, our entire life is more simple, more productive, and more joy-filled. 

Additionally, I do hope that readers of this book will understand that with their modest purchase price of only $2.99, that they support a world-wide apostolate in CatholicMom.com. We need and greatly appreciate their support so that we can continue to reach out and spread our love for Christ and the Church to all of those we serve!

Is there anything else you'd like to add? 

Lisa: Thank you for your support Donna-Marie. Talented writers like you are the heart and soul of CatholicMom.com. I invite your readers to come and visit us on the web at www.CatholicMom.com. We truly provide something for everyone: daily “tech talk” features, book and movie reviews, resources for your Domestic Church, free printable children’s activities, meatless recipes every Friday, and of course our daily gospel reflections.

You are very kind, Lisa. Where can we find your book?

Lisa: Find the book at Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B00PMK5W2O/catholicmom. While the book is in “kindle” format, you do not need to own a kindle to read it. You can read the book on any phone, tablet, or computer using the free Kindle app. We thank you readers for their support!

Thank you very much, Lisa. May God bless this project!

Christmas blessings!

Friday, December 19, 2014

THE GOOD LIE true-life story coming out soon on DVD!


Warner Bros. THE GOOD LIE is coming out on BluRay and DVD Dec. 23rd. The movie tells the true-life story of the Lost Boys of Sudan, their lives torn apart by civil war, left to grow up in refugee camps, then given the opportunity through the efforts of church groups and other charities to embark on new lives in the U.S. It stars Oscar-winner Reese Witherspoon and some actual former Lost Boys in pivotal roles. 

When it was released in theaters in October, reviewers described it with words like “terrific,” “uplifting,” “moving,” “life-changing,” “unforgettable” “brilliant,” “entertaining” and “joyful.” Perhaps even more impressive, though, is that audiences polled by Cinemascore, the industry standard for gauging filmgoer opinions, rated THE GOOD LIE an “A+” – just the 53rd movie in the last 30 years to receive that honor. 

Here’s a special video feature about the real-life stories behind the film, complete with interviews from Reese Witherspoon, Producer Ron Howard and the Lost Boys in the cast:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhGPaX3MXfE



OR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“Moving and unforgettable…The Good Lie is a movie that simultaneously enlightens and inspires.” 
Michael Medved, The Michael Medved Show

“Reese Witherspoon delivers strong and giving performance.” 
James Rocchi, TheWrap

EMBARK ON A JOURNEY OF 
SURVIVAL AND TRIUMPH WHEN 
THE GOOD LIE
ARRIVES ONTO BLU-RAY™ COMBO PACK and DIGITAL HD ON DECEMBER 23 FROM 
WARNER BROS. HOME ENTERTAINMENT 

Blu-ray and Digital HD include touching bonus features such as “The Good Lie Journey”

Burbank, CA, November 11, 2014 – Miracles happen when “The Good Lie” arrives onto Blu-ray Combo Pack and Digital HD on December 23 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. Academy Award® winner Reese Witherspoon (“Walk the Line”) stars alongside Corey Stoll (“House of Cards”) and the Lost Boys, a group of real-life Sudanese refugees. Together, against the backdrop of their shared losses, the Lost Boys and these unlikely strangers find humor in the clash of cultures, and heartbreak as well as hope in the challenges of life in America.  

Along with Witherspoon and Stoll, the film stars real-life Sudanese refugees Arnold Oceng (“My Brother the Devil,” “Adulthood”) and newcomer Kuoth Wiel; Ger Duany (“I Heart Huckabees”) and rapper Emmanuel Jal, who were both former child soldiers and Lost Boys; and Femi Oguns (BBC’s “The Casualty”). Rounding out the cast are Sarah Baker as Faith Based Charities volunteer Pamela Lowi; and, as the younger Lost Boys, Peterdeng Mongok, Okwar Jale, Thon Kueth, Deng Ajuet and Keji Jale, all of whom are children of Sudanese refugees.  

Philippe Falardeau directed “The Good Lie” from a screenplay by Margaret Nagle. The film was produced by Academy Award® winners Ron Howard and Brian Grazer, Karen Kehela Sherwood, Molly Mickler Smith, Thad Luckinbill and Trent Luckinbill. Oscar® nominees Andrew A. Kosove and Broderick Johnson, Kim Roth, Ellen H. Schwartz, Deepak Navar, and Bobby and Deb Newmyer served as executive producers. Alcon Entertainment, Imagine Entertainment and Black Label Media present a Black Label Media, Imagine Entertainment and Reliance Entertainment Production.  

The Good Lie” will be available on Blu-ray Combo Pack for $35.99 *Price corrected on 11/12/14* and includes the film in high definition on Blu-ray disc, a DVD, and a digital version of the movie in Digital HD with UltraViolet. Fans can also own “The Good Lie” via purchase from digital retailers.

SYNOPSIS

They were known simply as “The Lost Boys.”

Orphaned by the brutal civil war in Sudan, which began in 1983, these young victims traveled as many as a thousand miles on foot in search of safety. Fifteen years later, a humanitarian effort would bring 3,600 lost boys, as well as girls, to America.

Mamere and Theo are sons of the Chief in their village in Southern Sudan. When an attack by the Northern militia destroys their home and kills their parents, eldest son Theo is forced to assume the role of Chief and lead a group of young survivors, including his sister Abital, away from harm. But the hostile, treacherous terrain has other dangers in store for them. As the tattered group makes the difficult trek to Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya, they meet other fleeing children, forging a bond with Jeremiah, who, at 13, is already a man of faith, and Paul, whose skills become essential to their survival.  

Thirteen years later, the now young adults are given the opportunity to leave the camp and resettle in America. Upon arriving in Kansas, they are met by Carrie Davis (Witherspoon), an employment agency counselor who has been enlisted to help find them jobs—no easy task, when things like light switches and telephones are brand new to them.  

Although Carrie has successfully kept herself from any emotional entanglements, these refugees, who desperately require help navigating the 21st century and rebuilding their shattered lives, need just that. So Carrie embarks on her own unchartered territory, enlisting the help of her boss, Jack (Corey Stoll). 

BLU-RAY ELEMENTS

“The Good Lie” Blu-ray Combo Pack contains the following special features:
  • The Good Lie Journey
  • Deleted Scenes

DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION ELEMENTS

The Good Lie” will be available for streaming and download to watch anywhere in high definition and standard definition on their favorite devices from select digital retailers including Amazon, CinemaNow, Flixster, iTunes, PlayStation, Target Ticket, Vudu, Xbox and others. “The Good Lie” will also be available digitally on Video On Demand services from cable and satellite providers, and on select gaming consoles.


ABOUT DIGITAL HD WITH ULTRAVIOLET
*Digital HD with UltraViolet allows fans to watch a digital version of their movie or TV show anywhere, on their favorite devices. Digital HD with UltraViolet is included with the purchase of specially marked Blu-ray discs. Digital HD with UltraViolet allows consumers to instantly stream and download movies and TV shows to TVs, computers, tablets and smartphones through UltraViolet retail services like CinemaNow, Flixster, Target Ticket, VUDU and more. For more information on compatible devices go to wb.com/ultravioletdevices. Consult an UltraViolet Retailer for details and requirements and for a list of HD-compatible devices.

BASICS

PRODUCT SRP
Blu-ray Combo Pack $35.99 *Price corrected on 11/12/14*

Standard Street Date: December 23, 2014
BD Languages: English, Latin Spanish, Canadian French
BD Subtitles: English SDH, Latin Spanish, Parisian French
Running Time: 110 minutes
Rating: Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, some violence, brief strong language and drug use.
DLBY/SURR   DLBY/DGTL   [CC]
The Credits
About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Inc.
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment's home video, digital distribution, interactive entertainment, technical operations and anti-piracy businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. An industry leader since its inception, WBHE oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels, and is a significant developer and publisher for console and online video game titles worldwide. WBHE distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees, as well as directly to consumers through WBShop.com.

Publicity Contacts

For Product Information
Edelman Public Relations
James Bradicich, 323/761-6545
James.Bradicich@edelman.com   

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
Stuart Herriott, 818/977-2712

For Online Media Outlets
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
Alyssa Some, 818/977-0074

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
Tina Theriot, 818/977-8902
Tina.Theriot@warnerbros.com


-wbhe-

#THEGOODLIE




Would you like to win a copy of the DVD? Just leave a comment here about why you'd like to win and you will be placed in a drawing.

God bless!

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Catholic Mom's Cafe: Pausing to ponder the meaning of the season

Catholic Mom's Cafe: Pausing to ponder the meaning of the season: Pausing to ponder the meaning of Advent and endeavoring to keep the kids focused on the holy season. Have a look here .  God bless you a...