Catholicism on the CatholicTV Network

Catholicism is a groundbreaking documentary series and multi-media study program hosted by Father Robert Barron. The 10-part DVD series takes viewers around the world and deep into the faith, spanning more than 50 locations in 15 countries, stunningly filmed in high-definition cinematography. It premieres Wednesday, February 8, at 8:30 p.m. This new, to CatholicTV, television series tells the story of Catholicism around the world using art, architecture, literature, music and all the riches of the Catholic tradition. CatholicTV will air six parts of the series with a new show premiering Wednesday night through March.

HAPPY ARE WE - THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS (February 8)
The revelation of Jesus as God is accompanied by a stunning invitation to a unique new way of life, explained in the teachings of Jesus. To every generation, the words of Jesus have proven fascinating, disorienting, sometimes confounding, deeply transformative, and always unforgettable.
Father Barron highlights the Beatitudes, the path of non-violence and lessons of forgiveness, care for the poor and our relationship with God as presented in the parables. Jesus teachings are illuminated during Father Barron's pilgrimages to Poland, Germany, Spain and New York City.
Commentaries at these sites also show how the Catholic Church is a living culture, which gives witness to the inviolable dignity of the human person.

A BODY BOTH SUFFERING AND GLORIOUS - THE MYSTICAL UNION OF CHRIST AND THE CHURCH (February 15)
Clearly answering the question, What is the Church? Father Barron presents the reality of the Church as one, holy, catholic and apostolic. The Body of Christ can be seen on earth from the Church s center in Rome to the cities of New York, Sao Paolo, Manila, Namugongo and Uganda, while still escaping total understanding as the mystical union between Christ and his Church.
Father Barron also explores the Catholic conviction that the life and presence of Christ continues to embrace humanity in all its joys and sorrows through the presence of the Church.

WORD MADE FLESH, TRUE BREAD OF HEAVEN - THE MYSTERY OF THE CHURCH'S SACRAMENT AND WORSHIP (February 22)
Father Barron explores the ancient practices of the Church s worship that endure to this very day, and the notion that all value is summed up in the liturgy, the supreme act by which we commune with God.
Considered by the Catholic Faith to be the source and summit of its identity and mission, the Eucharist is the central practice of the Church's culture. Father Barron describes all the parts of the Mass, and shows how the Sacred Liturgy embodies the whole of the Faith in such diverse places as Jerusalem, Rome, Chicago, Orvieto and Mexico City.

A VAST COMPANY OF WITNESSES - THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS (February 29)
The story of the Church is told in the examples of those men and women who dedicated their lives to knowing and serving Jesus Christ. The Catholic Faith is made visible in real human lives.
Father Barron gives consideration to some of the Church s greatest heroes, and demonstrates how their extraordinary examples display both the passion and creative potential of the Catholic Church.
Highlighting Katharine Drexel, Therese of Lisieux, Edith Stein, and Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Father Barron tells the story of the Church as a vast company of witness who are called by Christ to be a Communion of Saints.

THE FIRE OF HIS LOVE - PRAYER AND THE LIFE OF THE SPIRIT (March 7)
In this lesson, Father Barron explores Catholic spirituality, which is centered on prayer. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church states: Prayer is the lifting up of the mind and the heart to God.
On pilgrimage to the places where the great saints and spiritual masters lived, Father Barron explores the different types of prayer: contemplation; adoration; petition; and intercession. In telling the stories of Catholics like Thomas Merton, St. Theresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross, Father Barron demonstrates how the human person can be transformed through prayer that manifests a deep, spiritual commitment centered in Christ.

WORLD WITHOUT END - THE LAST THINGS (March 14)
Explore the Church's conviction that life here and now is preparation for an extraordinary world that is yet to come a supernatural destiny. Father Barron presents the Catholic vision of death, judgment, heaven, hell and purgatory as he journeys to Florence, Ireland and Rome.
The vision of the Church sees beyond this world and invites us to consider a world without end. Father Barron shows how this vision is supported by the mystery and truth of the Resurrection of Jesus.