The following comes from a July 14 posting on Patheos.com.
… Speaking of not liking things we are supposed to like just because they are Catholic (like Popes), let’s talk about EWTN. Sam Rocha hates EWTN. As do I. I adore Mother Angelica and the rosary. The televised mass is a delight. The rest of the programming; however, is a bit droll. It’s too serious. Seriously Catholic. So Catholic. Overly serious.
*Yawn*
Catholics are a riot. We drink, we laugh, we have van loads of babies and every feast day is a mini party. Catholics are lovers of life and connoisseurs of beauty. We need to be showing the world that side of Catholicism. The joyous every day side of the faith and Her very real and relatable followers.
So what’s with all the seriousness? How about a reality series following around large Catholic families? People were fascinated with the Duggars but Catholics are the hispters of the big family. I recommend Simcha Fisher and Clan Donaldson for the job. Comedy gold right there, folks.
Might I also suggest a show called What Not To Wear To Mass hosted by Hallie Lord. She can take your trashy teenage daughter and slovenly son for a wardrobe intervention. If you run into copyright issues with the phrase “What Not To Wear”, I think Yaweh or the Highway has a nice sound to it.
Or even better, at Matthew Alderman‘s suggestion, a clerical version entitled “How Not to Vest,” where a wisecracking deacon and nun throw out Father Polyester’s hideous chasubles?
OOoooo. And a Catholic redecorating show. Where a team of decorators goes into the home of a new convert and adds the obligatory, yet tasteful (or not), Catholic tchotkes. Projects could also include building a family altar or prie-dieu. Dwija would be perfect for the job!
How about a gardening show, called Mary’s Garden. Where the host turns your ugly yard into a lovely garden accentuated with statues while providing educational background and the spiritual significance of various flowers. Terry Nelson was made for a show like that.
And why hasn’t this been done yet… a Catholic home brewing show? Or a show touring monastery breweries and vineyards. Visit local pubs owned and operated by Catholics. I’m sure you could twist the Catholic Drinkie’s arm to host a show like this.
How about a travel show visiting parishes as they celebrate their patron’s day with parties and processions. A cultural guide to Catholic parties, if you will. I’ll gladly host that show.
Just give us something more entertaining and representative of our faith than series after series of guest speakers sitting around a coffee table. And stop with the poorly produced, cheesy movies. Every time there is a low budget production on the life a saint an angel loses it’s wings and a kitten dies.
EWTN… there I fixed it.
To read original story, click here.
EWTN is OK overall. It’s programming ranges from very good to horrible.
The daily Mass is just fine. The homilies are obviously stretched to fit the hour block but otherwise there is really nothing wrong with them. Other shows like the Journey Home are excellent as is the daily Rosary.
Some of the other programming borders on being terribly arrogant, fundamentalist and is in error laden. Things have improved with the impairment of Mother Angelica and will continue to improve with the passing of Deacon Bill. Both have obviously done great things for the faith but it’s now time to take EWTN to another level.
Shame on you R.B. Rodda for uncharitable comment.
Dear Mother Angelica and Deacon Bill were the “rock” that EWTN was built upon. Their love and obedience to Our Lord has brought many souls to Christ and His Holy Mother Church. Have you?
Same reply to this Patheos.com article. The writer of the article watches too much TV. How about putting yourself into service for Our Lord.
The writer of the original article, me, watches no TV. You also assume too much about my “service to the Lord”. Pretentious much?
The Crescat, welcome to CCD.
What are you babbling about?
Sandra, When I used to donate each month, Deacon Bill sent a thankyou note with his REAL signature on it. I kept one as a token of his memory. I met him once and he was filled with such joy his face almost reflected light. He had been a very successful lawyer and spent much of his own money to keep the station going in the early years. We all owe him more than we know. I’ve been to Mother Angelica’s neighborhood in Canton, and her Franciscan monastery there, etc. and it’s absolutely mind-boggling to comprehend where she came from and what she accomplished in her life. It can only be the direct result of God’s leading and her faithfulness.
EWTN’s programming is weak and it’s speakers are unengaging. I’m glad they do the work, but it’s desperately needs improvement. Just because someone is “trying” to do something for God doesn’t mean they are above criticism.
RB Rodda writes, “EWTN is OK overall. ”
Yes, we would like to be able to say the same about R.B but his thinking is compromised. Pray for RB. Based on R.B’ s previous posts, his idea of taking EWTN to another level could mean an EWTN invitation to the Boy Scouts with a televised Mass with the priest wearing the above pictured rainbow vestment. After all, RB totally gave himself away when he undermined Father Perozich regarding the Boy Scouts. DEAD GIVEAWAY! Perhaps there should be a Catholic You tube remix version called ” RB’s Dead Giveaway” that would clearly teach the real reasoning behind the viciousness aimed at faithful priests and faithful Mother Angelica.
R.B. is only giving himself away by showing his deep internal anger and also his all consuming envy of Mother Angelica’s success in pointing out the errors of a Cardinal that enabled the homosexual scourge within the Catholic Church. Rome sided with Mother Angelica and RB has yet to recover. This explains the real reason behind the lack of charity in those viciously cruel comments. RB is quite proud of his viciousness aimed at Mother Angelica. This is a very good teaching example of the same kind of viciousness of the “wound” that has been unleashed and this angry “festering wound” is still WOUNDING THE BODY OF CHRIST and attacking anyone including many faithful priests or hierarchy who have publicly upheld “all ” Church teaching.
Selfishness is not living as one wishes to live, it is asking others to live as one wishes to live. ~Oscar Wilde, The Soul of Man Under Socialism
Character is much easier kept than recovered. ~ Thomas Paine
God has placed us all in a dark room, hoping we will have enough sense to turn the Light on! ~ Mother Angelica : )
Not only has the Vatican taken Mother Angelica’s side, but Heaven has publicly done so as well. She was cured over National TV through the intercession of the Mother of God!
God bless, yours in Their Hearts,
Kenneth M. Fisher
My beef with EWTN is the professional Catholics who run their shows over there. I never understood why a non-religious chooses a career in preaching. I am very suspicious of celebrity jet set event hosting book selling types. They are everywhere you look on EWTN.
Bwangi, is there some note in your blog that Madison Avenue might be somehow involved in the lay preacher profession/business?
Bwangi, I hear what you are saying and I have pondered this phenomena as well. I believe that we are seeing more and more non-religious evangelizing the Catholic faith precisely because many religious have essentially stopped doing so. Many of these Catholic Lay Evangelist were already married and had successful careers, but felt called to share the Gospel. They make a living by selling their books and speaking engagements, all of which no one is not obligated to buy. Either way, whether the person selling the book is a religious or a non-religious, given the rampant deviation from the truths of our faith, we would always be prudent to discern the content of their message before we buy.
There is even schools now that specialize in churning out these talking heads.
If these schools are teaching the the truth and not heresies as some of our seminaries have been, then I am all for it. I think calling a lay person who wants to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ a “talking head” is uncharitable,demeaning and of no value.
Yes, I am sure that our Lord wants his Bishops and Priest to be leaders in preaching the Gospel, but when they refuse then we need to remember, even He rejected the religious leaders of His day and chose simple fishermen, carpenters, etc. to carry on His mission.
I disagree. I believe the programming is very helpful. The are enough channels on tv/cable that suit the needs of what you are referring. I think it’s refreshing to have religious “teachings” in the varied forms as they show lectures, coming home, mass, and for kids cartoons, the nuns explaining the basis of what we believe, etc.. If we don’t share some teachings of the church like these we will have an ignorant catholic community.. And this informs us what we believe and helps us dig deeper.
One thing I would love to see is a program of praise sessions.. Where we can sing and praise The Lord.. Really having a good time.. Because praise is important!
Do you not think that Doug Keck, Raymond Arroyo, Colleen Campbell, Janet Bankovic, or Fr. Pacwa and others know what they’re doing in preserving the EWTN inspiration? Leave a good thing that was inspired by the Holy Spirit alone. Modernists will try to destroy EWTN as they have some of our churches. Anybody seen the vast decline in attendance? That is not from the ‘fruits of the Holy Spirit.” Anybody notice the outreach that EWTN has gained around the world since its inception? Those are the fruits of the Holy Spirit. The know-it-alls are just that. All knowing, but not inspired.
There is the joyous “Life on the Rock”, and even this senior has learned to enjoy it at times. There are cooking programs too — one a Filipino priest who cooks a variety of ethnic foods, including American, and another Joann Bogle’s. (Hope I spelled her name right.) To me there seems to be a little something for just about everyone. There is always room for a good change, of course. I do not watch it continually, though, as no one really does.
How about all those who watch the station contribute to its upkeep as it’s always running at a loss. You raise some good ideas which can only be realized through the mighty dollar.
Thank God for EWTN. since you perceive a need for something different why don’t you start a Network like Mother Angelicia did. If it is going to stop the rapid decline of the Catholic church throughout the Western world I’m sure the Holy Spirit will help you as he did Mother Angelicia!!
EWTN’s coverage of the papal elections was great and next week will cover with live streaming Pope Francis in Brazil.
“we have van loads of babies”
Could you provide a demographic reference for that?
Okay, ya got me. Good suggestions. We have an excellent little university here in San Diego, John Paul The Great, that is hoping to fill that void by handing out well-earned degrees in the fields of media production (I think they could use a lot of support). People are looking for this. I would love to see a show on sewing, or designing by Catholics, where we don’t have to deal with overtly sexual clothing. There IS a market for that out here. And if someone is really serious, a show like ‘what would you do?’ demonstrating proper Catholic responses to the heavy-hitters (same-sex attraction, counterfeit marriage, etc.) But I don’t hate EWTN. I think we can agree that we ought to love it, first, then love it enough to ask for some changes, but with Love. That’s what we are called to do in all circumstances and what we do best.
If you want to be entertained, watch your sitcoms. If you want to know something about your faith, watch EWTN.
Myself and my Carholic friends simply forego television viewing due to the rampant immorality in the sitcoms, etc you suggest viewing. Realizing current EWTN programming has a valid audience it is dry to those of us who would love to have enriching programming to turn to occasionally. I don’t see what is wrong with recognizing the Catholic population is diverse – this is why standard programming isn’t all coffee table talk shows. EWTN is a great ministry I would like to see broadened and strengthened – surpassing the viewership of counterparts like TBN. What’s wrong with that ? (And not as a result of boycotting TBN )
Anna, I completely agree with you that it would be more interesting if EWTN had a variety of ways to share the Gospel beyond the “coffee table” format as I too find it stiff. Personally, if I want to listen to people talking then I listen to the radio. If I want to see images, I watch TV. Sometimes I tune into EWTN on my computer, but I darken the screen and just listen.
I think that Life Lady is on the same tract. Pray that talented and creative devote Catholics will be able to provide this variety of programing in the near future. Maybe even consider supporting John Paul the Great college for this noble purpose. In the meantime, I am, none-the-less grateful for EWTN as, in spite of its deficiencies, it still has the positive effect of strengthening many people’s faith. Hopefully if won’t be much longer before they improve on their programing.
Apparently there is a contradiction between wanting to “know something about your faith” and being “entertained”.
That is an odd notion, one that I am glad G.K. Chesterton did not share.
I would suggest that if you do not like EWTN…..DO NOT WATCH IT. This is a free country (at the moment) and you do not have to watch anything you do not choose to. God Bless Mother Angelica, Michael Warsaw, Doug Keck and all who bring us the true Catholic faith. The author of this article has many other really horrible TV programs to criticize so please leave EWTN alone!
RIGHT ON AMY, I’M WITH YOU :)
If you want “entertainment” watch reality shows which consume the network these days.. EWTN is there for the purpose of growing in faith. There is a variety of programs and one can pick and choose accordingly.
Maybe they need some corporate sponsors. Hobby Lobby, Chick a fil, Domino’s Pizza and other Christian companies could help pay for the proposed shows. I like a lot of the idea even though they are made in jest. I would not mind commercials between shows and it would be good to know what companies have Christian values and support them. Better programing would bring in more viewers also
Amen. The folks at Sirius Catholic Channel could give EWTN some lessons in professional quality media broadcasting and the EWTN would be an even bigger hit….and reach an entire generation that they do not have among the ranks of their audience. Within 20 years the vast majority of the EWTN fans will be praying for the network from the next life so they need to step it up and build a larger base for those to come.
Finally! Someone says it. I love Catholic culture and the faith, but that so-called network is an embarrassment. Low budget productions and endless focusing on devotions (primarily) make for boring TV. Why would I want to watch one of their Masses rather than go to Mass? I do enjoy the live coverage of major events in Rome and around the world. I did like The Journey Home but the network represents such a narrow and overly pious view of Catholicism that it is dull, dull, dull! Getting some programming that is more intellectually substantive might help. But I imagine nothing will change as the network serves the needs of a rather older and simplistic view of the faith that some Catholics have. I applaud showing Fr. Barron’s series. That was beautifully done and well-produced (but not produced by EWTN). So, I imagine some who are offended by these “critical” remarks will say they are “uncharitable”. I love these Catholics who are so critical of so much in the Church until someone criticizes their point of view and calls it uncharitable.
First, no one set-up the choice of watching Mass on EWTN or going to Mass for you. That’s a complete non-starter.
EWTN could indeed be a lot better but at least it’s there. More and more programming of all types is going to end-up on the Internet. One day a Catholic Channel will be able to be launched without all the huge satellite and network expenses face by EWTN.
You sound like an American Catholic. One that does not know the ‘Authentic Faith of the One Holy Catholic Apostolic Church, but has all these modern ideas. The Catholic Faith is not “Entertainment”. You probably even voted for Obama-Biden and Pelosi.
Intellectone, I don’t think you are being fair. There is great value in other types of programing beyond the “coffee table” model of programing that EWTN supplies. Documentaries are a great example, but of course these are costly. This, however, does not mean that we should not desire better programing.
Maybe this analogy would work: Some Catholics today say that stain glass windows and other icons in a Catholic church are excessive and distracting, maybe even “entertaining”. I would say, that especially for the young, those images teach the gospel in a way that preaching never could. God himself invented variety, so who we are we to be content with the ordinary and mundane.
There is indeed a desperate need for programming that is Catholic Friendly – but not another series of Sermons with bits of program in between as filler.
Rick Santorum (2012 Presidential Candidate) has become the head of a New Studio titled “Echo Light” – which intends to fill the gap in what is presented to viewers – including showing Normal People of Faith living Normally with their Faith.
While Scolding may work for those preaching to the choir, if ‘we’ truly want to evangelize beyond the base, then beguilement of ‘fence sitters / crab feed Catholics…’ should be part of the plan.
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Oh, my, I think many took this article way too seriously. I like some of the suggestions. While we need doctrine and dogma, beautiful liturgies, Catholic news, some of the suggestions merit sincere consideration. Hopefully EWTN leaders will take note of this article. We can’t forget the priest who cooks-that is a real plus. Plus “Women of Grace” that has inspired so many women’s bible studies in parishes, just to begin with. EWTN does not want to be in competition with secular shows…or maybe it does. In which case, some changes might be in order. Would be nice to have some stats on how many people surfing channels happened upon EWTN, kept watching, and were given the gift of Faith, entered the Church.
EWTN would do well to secure the input of Michael Voris regarding questions and problems that need to be addressed in their programs.
Living our title as Church Militantwill trump “droll.”
I heartily concur! What a great post. I would surely tune in to watch every one of these suggested Catholic programs. As it stands only my kids watch EWTN and then for the cartoon shows – which are decent but still not great and not regularly programmed. So my kids also watch TBN for bible based and Christian morality cartoon shows. Here’s the difference – when EWTN has a kids cartoon on they watch it and enjoy it, they are set up to record. My son who has autism counts the days each week to TBN’s Saturday morning to midday marathons of well produced cartoon shows. In the exact fashion I used to count the days to the bugs bunney road runner show. He’s hungry did everything Jesus. As an aside, we did one day have to tell him of he wants to watch “Church” he has to watch EWTN – he was observed rocking out and dancing with the Protestant preachers “I like this Church it has great music!”
Saving souls IS SERIOUS.
The programming is NOT entertainment it is OUR FAITH writ large.
Watch,Honey Boo-boo, HGTV or the “Learning” Channel or ANY OTHER channel if you want fluff.
EWTN helps me become knowledgeable,strong in my Faith,provides me with Apologetics and ideas for Evangelizing others.
I was wondering if anyone knows who the psychologist is who treats “gay” Catholics?…any help
Buddha,
His name is Dr. Robert (I am not sure about the Robert) Nicolosi and I think he is in the Ventura area. Hope this helps.
God bless, yours in Their Hearts,
Kenneth M. Fisher
To make EWTN truly palatable, I suggest that all commentary be done in God’s Own Language … Aramaic.
Adam and Eve did not speak Aramaic, McCrea; they spoke King’s English.
Jim some of your comments are unintelligent!
What could be more SERIOUS than our salvation. Being mostly homebound I thank God for EWTN.
Too Catholic, huh? Overly serious?
“We are cherishing a shallow religion, a hollow religion, which will not profit us in the day of trouble. . . . The age, whatever be its peculiar excellencies, has this serious defect: it loves an exclusively cheerful religion. It is determined to make religion bright and sunny and joyous, whatever be the form of it which it adopts. And it will handle the Catholic doctrine in this spirit . . . it will substitute its human cistern for the well of truth; it will be afraid of the deep well, the abyss of God’s judgments and God’s mercies.” – Bl. John Henry Newman
The only thing cheerful about the crucifixion was that it brought about our salvation!
God bless, yours in Their Hearts,
Kenneth M. Fisher
EWTN has its mission, and does it well for the most part. To suggest change from time to time is not to impune the good work that it does. That said, I have to agree that it is not very “entertaining” in most of its programming. The programs that deal with teaching the faith seem so much of a downer sometimes that I wonder it they bring people closer to God or push them further away. If you need programs on apologetices, has the religion become too rigid or legalistic? How about good Bible studies? How about homilies that are useful in helping us get through the day and through life instead of “sermons” that dull the senses. Of all those who preach at the Mass (and I haven’t seen them all by far) , I don’t consider any of them inspiring or that meet the standards of a parish priest. But, I watch it because I am supposed to because it is Catholic!
Oh, I agree. EWTN has that rather strained Fungelical flavor to it. Makes sense since the Fungelicals are the first and last words in Televangelism. But truly, it would be nice to see something of the more easy robust Catholic nature.
Many “fungelicals” have a lot more Christianity going for them than 50 million Catholics who voted for Obama and his gay abortion machine.
Do you ever watch Catholic tv? It’s got a very easy feel to it. I think it is sponsored by the bishops. https://www.catholictv.com/home.aspx?displayLive=true
PS, I can’t really say because I don’t watch it myself, but I caught a couple of shows, and it might be just the thing for you and Bobone, Rachel.
Catholic TV is owned and operated by the Archdiocese of Boston. DON’T WATCH IT…it is full of heresy. Many people in the Boston area (including myself) have been praying and petitioning the Holy See to remove Cardinal Sean and replace him with a traditionalist archbishop.
The writer of that blog article is Ms. Katrina Fernandez, the blog site is called “The Crescat.” I read that article a couple of days ago as well.
I’m not going to defend the merits or demerits of her argument about EWTN programming, but try to let those of you who’ve not experienced this commentator’s “schtick,” is that she is first an extremely traditional Catholic, but she uses humor (in its various forms, like satire, word play, etc.) along with great measures of common sense and a very keen sense of art history (that was her degree) to “entertain” the reader. Katrina lays her life out on her blog for God first, and then for anybody who tunes into her realm of thought. She is a very complex, and sometimes troubled soul as like most of us, her upbringing was difficult, she’s confessed on her blog many of the struggles she’s had (post-abortion, divorced, single-mom with growing boy in a her very Catholic home), and many other issues that many of us also deal with daily. She’s an EF adherent in her worship life. But as a Catholic blogger, she is recognized as a very unique voice that makes things clear when stuff is serious, and when stuff should be found humorous rather than getting bent out of our Christian shape. When Pope Benedict had his curia convene a worldwide session of RC-endorsed bloggers, Fernandez was invited, she has that much good going for her.
So, I just ask commentators here to perhaps consider looking deeper into both the content of what she was “criticizing,” and recognize that her real intent was not to mock EWTN/Mother/Bill, but to challenge the status quo widen its appeal, not dumb or water down, Catholic values. She has them. You just have to get to know her and her style. sDg
Charles, thanks for this post. Very interesting and glad that you took the time to introduce us to this blogger.
Nobody has to get to know her. We are all free to reject her juvenile presentation out of hand.
Yes, I thought she was being amusing. I like John Zmirak for the same reason. You can learn so much Catholic Catechesis from his ‘Bad Catholic guides’ and have alot of fun doing it.
EWTN, brought me back to the Faith after 25 years. Found EWTN by channel surfing. Mother Angelica videos did it for me, as well as a few other programs.
Each individual program is not interesting to every person. Different souls are saved in different ways. There is only one channel/station which has to assist all the various age groups, who have Faith or lack of Faith backgrounds, etc.
EWTN is 100% supported by Donations – – – to PROMOTE the Faith ONLY.
Their tax status does not allow for non-religious programming. There are hundreds of cable networks that can provide for your SECULAR or mindless entertainment – that is NOT geared toward SAVING your SOUL, or the Souls of your family and friends.
If you have hours to spend on secular entertainment, I hope you are all spending an equal amount of hours on reading the Bible and the “Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition”.
EWTN is the best that TV has to offer. Or try “Church Militant TV” by Michael Voris on the internet.
Or read “What Catholics REALLY Believe SOURCE” on the net.
Instead of complaining about EWTN, if anyone has any programming ideas that are 100% geared to teaching the Catholic Faith accurately, send an email to the EWTN programming dept. And they, like CCD, would probably appreciate your donation as well.
You can also volunteer to put printed EWTN programs in your Parish narthex (foyer).
Mike, my pastor won’t let me put up any of the seasonal posters of EWTN or put fliers in the foyer. I have to take them to a near-by town. It’s pretty frustrating, because our old pastor used to have EWTN on our parish website and encouraged us to watch various programs. I think Father has been given the hint by our Bishop because he had continued it when he first came. I took some fliers to another church in a nearby community and the priest (who I thought was the custodian, because he was dressed like one) said he HATED Mother Angelica. I was really taken aback that a priest would not only hate a religious, but hate anyone. I don’t watch soaps, but I’ve often thought a really good soap opera w/real issues facing Catholic families would be really an intriguing and intimate way to get to know why Catholics are unlike other faiths. How a family deals with a son that has come out, or a daughter caught stealing etc. It could center around a really strong core family…could be really funny, sad etc. with good Catholic music in the background and a chance to show a priest in a good light for a change. Just a thought.
Amazing how obedience in the Church is allowed with corruption and abject fear, but not allowed with faith and the Gospel.
MIKE EWTN is excellent and I like them. So I agree with you and many here who defend it too. They have brought many souls to the faith….this article is scandalous…to have it placed out there and to give a negative out look from our previous Pope is truly distasteful…the words ” I Hate” says it all…spelled distasteful. We need to mail this article to the previous Pope and have him correct the interpretation…
God have mercy….we have so many temptations, so much evil, so many bad influences and here we have people reporting on the very few good Catholics programs that we have. This is a tragedy and more confusion that comes from the devil…YES THE DEVIL! Why would anyone want to attack wholesome devout Catholic programs….yes, not many have to like all programs on their shows, maybe some need improving but to say “hate”……or to even magnify that word coming from within….is not coming from a good source……
Right now the abortion hungry and gay friendly folks are angry at the church, they want to destroy what little good we have….the Good Lord rescue us!
How dare this blogger try to trash EWTN. This channel is a gift from God, inspired by the Holy Spirit to bring Truth and light to a very confused world. The programs are excellent and very well planned combining a variety of shows that range from the serious to the light-hearted such as Joanna Bogel’s “Feasts and Seasons” cooking show. I also watch the Spanish version of EWTN – it is amazing that there is so much variety in these programs as well. With the whole world about to implode around us , this writer takes time to criticize EWTN?? and use the word “hate”? I find this to be unforgivable. Just Mother Angelica’s show (and now reruns) has done more to convert and revert the lost and hopeless than anything I know of. Just her words “we are all called to great saints” inspired me so much that I now go to daily Mass and pray the Rosary daily, and belong to outreach programs in my church that I never would have done before. If it ain’t broke, don’t try to fix it – go start your own TV channel and see how far you go!!! Talk is cheap…..
They weren’t trashing it. It was just a humor piece.
Humor piece? You must love some kind of reaction by even commenting on this…how is this humorous….our Lord would not humor like this…nor should we!
A quote from Bishop Fulton Sheen “Sin was the act by which man refused to see created things for what they were — stepping stones to God, a means to an end — and began instead to clutch at them as ends in themselves. That is what sin is, still. As a man loves his sense of humor when he cannnot see the point of a pun, so he loses his humor in its entirety when he ceases to see the point of the universe, which is that all things are revelations, symbols, reminders of God who made them. To take things as ends in themselves is to overrate them, treating them with a solemnity which is not warranted.”
Anonymous, how can you be … like oblivious to reason, to faith, to reality and now, of all things, you’re oblivious to humor. Is there anything in your life that is normal?
Good post Anne. EWTN also is one of the most effective and most used sources for guiding converts. Oftentimes, the churches they’re attending are committing liturgical abuses, or not offering support to them and they feel alienated or lost. When one thinks of the hope Mother brings to those lonely people full of despair in the middle of the night that keeps them from giving up, you just can’t begin to know how important this television is…around the world. I suspect Mother Angelica will be declared a saint, don’t you?
On same page as Dana on this one.
The USCCB and Cardinal Mahoney hate EWTN too.
I agree…EWTN has way too many talking-heads
I LOVE IT!!!!!
EWTN is wonderful, and it is the largest religious network in the entire world, folks! Must be doing something right. I have met and spent time with some of the major personalities presented on EWTN and think of them as vibrant, fun, wise and delightfully funny. I would love to live close enough to people like Raymond Arroyo and Colleen Caroll Campbell, etc., to have the opportunity to get to know them better.
I imagine the criticizer of EWTN in the article above, a post-abortion, divorced single mother running a home said to be “very Catholic” in a comment above, would be an interesting person to get to know too. I think I have more to learn, however, from Father Mitch Pacwa and some of the other phenomenal scholars who teach us so much about the most important aspect of our lives, which is how to live our lives according to the teachings of Jesus Christ so that we may spend eternity with Him. I find that more worthy of my limited time than learning how to decorate as a Catholic. I already cook like a Catholic, and my home is already decorated in the Catholic manner; EWTN helps me make sure my soul reflects the same glorious style, so pleasing to God that He doth dwell within.
Please! We not need the likes of Katrina Fernandez’s columns reprinted in California
Daily…….go soak your head Katrina. We can truly do without your attempts to fix
just about everything you don’t like about the Catholic Church…….sweeptoooh!
Thank you…some times CCD needs to discern what they print on here…on somethings I think they are part of the problem!
Well, thanks, CCD, for giving your audience some credit. It appears to be undeserved, but maybe next time…
Why anyone would want “entertainment” to be the sole province of “honey-boo-boo” or other “fluff”, is difficult to understand. Fortunately, the heavy-handed, “we are not amused” reactions in evidence here from people probley unwilling to risk stifling a laugh at the fart joke in “Hamlet” are not representative of a public that is much in need of Catholic entertainments.
Fortunately for the advance of the Church, the Catholic world of entertainments – including from such giants as Shakespere and Cervantes – can be much less stern than these posters suppose. In the words of Hilare Belloc, “Wherever the Catholic sun does shine, there’s always laughter and good red wine.”
Except in the comments of the California Catholic Daily, perhaps!
Other than the stretched homilies the only thing I dislike about the EWTN daily Mass is the absence of the Sign of Peace. Yes I am aware it’s optional but EWTN misses a daily teaching moment to show the world how the Sign of Peace should be executed.
Fundamentalist pride keeps them from using this as a positive moment. It’s nice when a visiting bishop celebrates the Mass and does include the Sign of Peace. Each and every time it has been most reverent.
Wait a minute, hold on here … Rodda, you watch Mass on TV and you’re complaining about the way they do the Sign of Peace?!?!?! Are you nuts, or what?
That article / blog is stupid, rediculous and not humorous! One wonders why it was selected for posting on Cal-Catholic??
EWTN is the breath of fresh air that few Catholics get these days. Unfortunately, unlike EWTN, we seldom ever get clear and accurate truly Catholic teachings at our local parishes. We thank God, as well as Mother Angelica and Decon Bill [RIP], and all the other dedicated staff for EWTN. IT SHOULD BE REQUIRED VIEWING FOR ALL CATHOLICS !!!!!!!!!!!!
Dry at times? Yes. Preaching to choir? Mostly. Mother was more entertaining but the hyper-seriousness of some of the programs may be what the existing audience wants. It does not seem like programming to make Catholic-lites or non-Catholics want to tune-in. Did like the Kateri documentary. Maybe more documentaries or informational programming instead of talking heads?
I cannot stand the daily Masses shown at EWTN. It’s just so obvious that the small chapel used for their liturgies was never meant to be the right venue for televised Masses. It’s a very small chapel with an unsightly free standing altar. Masses should be shown in a large beautiful church. The kind of church they built for this purpose, the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, with its high altar and altar rail. It’s time for EWTN to push hard on getting its daily Mass televised there.
Hogwash. It is what it is. To suggest that “Masses should be shown in a large beautiful church” is simply wrong. The power of the sacrifice is in no way dependent on the beauty of the surroundings.
Besides, the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament is neither “large” nor is it “beautiful.” It looks like it was ordered from a stack of catalogs by someone with extremely poor and gaudy taste…
So, Rodda, you believe earnestly that beauty has nothing to do with God?! You remind me of St Teresa of Avila who fell out of her buggy and landed in a mud puddle, but you rather landed on your head and got it stuck in the mud puddle.
RB Rodda writes, ”Besides, the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament is neither “large” nor is it “beautiful. It looks like it was ordered from a stack of catalogs by someone with extremely poor and gaudy taste. ”
That is another embarrassingly transparent statement from someone who wants to try and fool others. The Freemasons and KGB would probably try and steer away from directly hiring someone QUITE this dumb and QUITE this obvious but someone apparently did indirectly and obviously they are not getting their money’s worth. This is where the HOMOHERESY lobby network came in and someone solicited a host of RB’s and TROLLS to also try to silence those who were often silenced by disobedient bishops and other disobedient clergy. The father of lies will use all of these deceitful methods to attack the truths of the Catholic Church from within. The progressives/heretics are truly besides themselves because of the extremely good work of California Catholic Daily and they are scrambling because they cannot as of yet, silence free speech, but they are certainly trying. RB and the lobbyists want to silence many but it isn’t working as well as they planned.
Homoheresy plans and GOD LAUGHS!
The heretics within the Catholic Church range from many different groups. There are those individuals who outright hate the teachings or those who have never been taught the full truth. Tragically there are also those individuals who have been taught the full truth but due to the habitual committing of deadly mortal sin they have become blinded and they have forgotten that none of these rebellious Judas groups have the Supernatural on their side. RB Rodda is the very same individual who selectively ignores the fact that the Protestant looking Crystal Cathedral is a “gaudiest” money draining white elephant of all , while he transparently calls the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament gaudy. DEAD GIVEAWAY! There are many, many RB’s wreaking havoc within the Catholic Church. They are the gossiping, whining faith inspectors of Mother Angelica and they are gossiping whining faith inspectors of faithful Catholics and RB even whines and gossips about women who wear mantillas. We are not fooled. Their greatest faith inspecting mission assignments ARE to target, faith inspect and attempt to silence faithful Catholic websites from exposing the error taking place within the Church.
The Crystal Cathedral not only looks like it was purchased by someone with “compromised” poor and gaudy taste, it actually WAS purchased by someone with “compromised” poor and gaudy taste, but that didn’t stop RB from lathering up another un-lucious lie from the pit of hell. Yes, RB is selectively transparent in his love of gaudiness and duplicitousness. The lesson in inconsistency here: The more Protestant the GAUDINESS the more it is acceptable to the “compromised” progressive/heretics. Stay tuned for more of RB Rodda’s inconsistencies and more of RB’s Dead Giveaways. Skai was right. RB’s (selective gaudy lover) cover has evaporated.
Keep up the beautiful work California Catholic Daily! : )
Watching Mass on TV might be like going to confession on facebook.
Skai, watching Mass on TV is a blessing for those who are in the hospital or otherwise homebound.
Katrina, the author of this article states that EWTN is droll and so she doesn’t like it. I don’t believe that she knows the definition of droll.
adjective 1. amusing in an odd way; whimsically humorous.
Whimsically humorous sounds down right entertaining to me!
Used to listen to EWTN on the radio, the shortwave, before they had TV broadcasting of it. I even bought the shortwave from EWTN. At some point, as in any school, one’s learning curve gets a bit steep for the particular classroom. I began to find it much more rewarding to spend time in prayer than in watching or listening to people talk about it. If and when one finds the program to be of value, then great. The two most poignant programs were: 1. Mother Angelica and the late Fr Fox discussing whether Bl John Paul II fulfilled the Fatima request of consecrating Russia, and 2. Mother Angelica drawing the wrath of now exposed pedophile ring leader aka temple prostitute meistro Mahony over some particular issue of the Latin Mass broadcast. That incident demonstrated the dictionary meaning of “cad” in the manner of Mahony, a man of inestimable infamy.
Lay off EWTN, folks! Be charitable! Sure, it lacks the slickness of a professional Hollywood production, and it may not be the most cerebral television program, but it has a homespun feel to it and some very sincere and loyal Catholics. Raymond Arroyo has some of the most stimulating interviews EVER seen on any TV program.
Diane Bish’s tours of Europe’s great cathedrals and monasteries, playing the great organs, are a source of delight and inspiration for anyone with an ear for great Christian music, the kind we no longer hear much since the devastation of our culture by the radicals of the sixties, both inside and outside the church. If anyone still cares for tradition, view the papal high masses from the great Basilica of Saint Peter! So, please, leave EWTN alone. It’s been a godsend in this world of mediocrity and Kultursmog!
During a question and answer session at a recent speaking engagement, a university student asked the speaker,”Why do you believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God?”
Now this is a very interesting question, and probably one of the most important questions any Christian could ask themselves. What is so special, so unique about the Bible that Christians believe it is literally the inspired word of God?
In answering this student’s question, he encouraged him to consider the following facts about the Bible.
First, the Bible is not just one single book. This is a more common
misconception than many people realize, especially with people who do not come
from a Judeo-Christian background. Rather than being a single book, the Bible is
actually a collection of 66 books, which is called the canon of scriptures. These 66 books contain a variety of genres: history, poetry, prophecy, wisdom literature, letters, and apocalyptic, just to name a few.
Second, these 66 books were written by 40 different authors. These authors came
from a variety of backgrounds: shepherds, fishermen, doctors, kings, prophets,
and others. And most of these authors never knew one another personally.
Third, these 66 books were written over a period of 1,500 years. Yet again,
this is another reminder that many of these authors never knew or collaborated
with one another in writing these books.
Fourth, the 66 books of the Bible were written in 3 different languages. In the Bible we have books that were written in the ancient languages of Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic; a reflection of the historical and cultural circumstances in which each of these books were written.
And finally, these 66 books were written on 3 different continents: Africa , Asia , and Europe .
Once again, this is a testament to the varied historical and cultural circumstances of God’s people.
Think about the above realities: 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1,500 years, in 3 different languages, on 3 different continents. What’s more, this collection of books shares a common storyline – the creation, fall, and redemption of God’s people; a common theme – God’s universal love for all of humanity; and a common message – salvation is available to all who repent of their sins and commit to following God with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength.
In addition to sharing these commonalities, these 66 books contain no historical errors or contradictions. God’s word truly is an amazing collection of writings!
After he had shared the above facts with this student, he offered him the following challenge. “If you do not believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God, if you do not believe that the Bible is of a supernatural origin, then I challenge you to a test, I challenge you to go to any library in the world, you can choose any library you like, and find 66 books which match the characteristics of the 66 books in the Bible. You must choose 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1,500 years, in 3 different languages, written on 3 different continents. However, they must share a common storyline, a common theme, and a common message, with no historical errors or contradictions.”
He went on to say, “If you can produce such a collection of books, I will admit that the Bible is not the inspired word of God.” The student’s reply was almost instantaneous, he emphatically stated, “But that’s impossible!”
It truly is impossible, for any collection of human writings. However, the Bible passes this test.
The Bible contains 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1,500 years, in 3 different languages, on 3 different continents, with no historical errors or contradictions. The entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, bears the mark of Divine inspiration.
The next time you encounter someone who asks you why you believe the Bible is the inspired word of God, try sharing this challenge with them. Better yet, don’t wait until you’re asked, just go ahead and share this challenge with a friend today. You don’t even have to mention the Bible up front, just ask them if they think it would be realistic to assemble such a collection of books.
After they say, “But that’s impossible!” you’ve got a ready-made opportunity for sharing the truth of God’s word with somebody!
Origin unknown; however bear in mind that the Catholic Holy Bible versions have more books in them than the Protestant Bible versions! They are not the same, nor can they be interpreted the same!
IN GOD WE TRUST
The Catholic Bible has 73 books.
72 books
“these 66 books contain no historical errors or contradictions”: What about the second story of creation where the sun was made on the third day. I’ve wondered, and just now at this very moment it dawned on me that Jesus was resurrected on the third day. Powerful, huh???
This pewsitter’s world would be a lot sadder w/o EWTN. I’d have never seen Fr. Dubay, Fr. Clifford, Fr. Spitzer, a pope’s funeral or election, Vatican buildings, etc etc etc. I’m very grateful. If they upset you, have some of Mother Angelica’s tea; it’ll soothe your soul.
I listen to EWTN often and do contribute to the local station in my area. Overall I think EWTN does a terrific job but I do have some suggestions for their consideration.
First, I miss the more mystical side of Catholicism that deepens our love and understanding of God. Mother Angelica and Fr. Groeschel were terrific in this area, but, frankly, there is a void that has been created since their departures. You really have a need here.
Secondly, protestant converts on the station zero in on apologetics and beg for callers to challenge them for their scripted bible and verse. I like that to an extent, but sometimes I get the feeling that they are the same bible carrying ministers I hated to sit next to on the airplane. Maybe they should sprinkle in some truly catholic tradition outside the Bible to soften their approach and make it more reachable to cradle Catholics, etc.
Thirdly, I never hear any discussion on vital issues hitting the mainstream press. Catholics are concerned about these issues and, I can say firsthand, that the moral and theological purity of some of the Church hierarchy is suspect, at best. I would love to hear an analysis and opinions on the sexual abuse fallout, religious freedom for our Church containing totality of Truth vs. all the other religions, the “pink” mafia at the Vatican (see conclave notes), SSPX/Vatican discussions, Church funding of abortion groups through CCHD, etc. Said differently, issues like these, if left to the secular press, may cause some Catholics leave the Church. So, I suggest you talk about it, honestly. Lay it out and hold people accountable for their statements and actions, if needed.
Finally, I would love to hear some discussion and insight into our traditional belief and faith prior to Vatican II. There is a Deposit of Faith that exists that (if not “ruptured”) would enhance our love and devotion to God, Mary and the Church. Introduce these again to the starving faithful. We are not getting that elsewhere. Teach our faith in it’s entirety.
Hope that helps.
Grayghost, why do you shrink in the face of Bible thumpers? Are you afraid?
Greyghost, for the mystical, you, dude, have to do that yourself. It’s not a read about it or hear someone talk about it. You have to do the mystical. Read St John of the Cross and St Teresa of Avila and St Padre Pio: then step into the night with faith.
Here’s a reason why I believe that EWTN is too progressive. After you watch the Youtube video, please read part of what Pope Leo XIII wrote in his Encyclical Libertas Praestantissimum, the one about the nature of liberty.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqZ2ybiDlaw
. . . assuredly, of all the duties which man has to fulfill, that, without doubt, is the chiefest and holiest which commands him to worship God with devotion and piety. This follows of necessity from the truth that we are ever in the power of God, are ever guided by His will and providence, and, having come forth from Him, must return to Him. Add to which, no true virtue can exist without religion, for moral virtue is concerned with those things which lead to God as man’s supreme and ultimate good; and therefore religion, which (as St. Thomas says) “performs those actions which are directly and immediately ordained for the divine honor,”[7] rules and tempers all virtues. And if it be asked which of the many conflicting religions it is necessary to adopt, reason and the natural law unhesitatingly tell us to practice that one which God enjoins, and which men can easily recognize by certain exterior notes, whereby Divine Providence has willed that it should be distinguished, because, in a matter of such moment, the most terrible loss would be the consequence of error. Wherefore, when a liberty such as We have described is offered to man, the power is given him to pervert or abandon with impunity the most sacred of duties, and to exchange the unchangeable good for evil; which, as We have said, is no liberty, but its degradation, and the abject submission of the soul to sin.
21. This kind of liberty, if considered in relation to the State, clearly implies that there is no reason why the State should offer any homage to God, or should desire any public recognition of Him; that no one form of worship is to be preferred to another, but that all stand on an equal footing, no account being taken of the religion of the people, even if they profess the Catholic faith. But, to justify this, it must needs be taken as true that the State has no duties toward God, or that such duties, if they exist, can be abandoned with impunity, both of which assertions are manifestly false. For it cannot be doubted but that, by the will of God, men are united in civil society; whether its component parts be considered; or its form, which implies authority; or the object of its existence; or the abundance of the vast services which it renders to man. God it is who has made man for society, and has placed him in the company of others like himself, so that what was wanting to his nature, and beyond his attainment if left to his own resources, he might obtain by association with others. Wherefore, civil society must acknowledge God as its Founder and Parent, and must obey and reverence His power and authority. justice therefore forbids, and reason itself forbids, the State to be godless; or to adopt a line of action which would end in godlessness — namely, to treat the various religions (as they call them) alike, and to bestow upon them promiscuously equal rights and privileges. Since, then, the profession of one religion is necessary in the State, that religion must be professed which alone is true, and which can be recognized without difficulty, especially in Catholic States, because the marks of truth are, as it were, engraven upon it. This religion, therefore, the rulers of the State must preserve and protect, if they would provide — as they should do — with prudence and usefulness for the good of the community. For public authority exists for the welfare of those whom it governs; and, although its proximate end is to lead men to the prosperity found in this life, yet, in so doing, it ought not to diminish, but rather to increase, man’s capability of attaining to the supreme good in which his everlasting happiness consists: which never can be attained if religion be disregarded.
What is your point, Bill? Your argument is that EWTN is “progressive”, moreover, “too” progressive. What the heck are you talking about?
Bill, I think I found your point and example to illustrate it: “Years ago, when I used to watch that network, I heard Fr. Benedict Groeschel tell us something like this, “If you’re a Christian, be a good Christian. If you’re a Muslim, be a good Muslim. If you’re a Jew, be a good Jew.” To be charitable, I give him the benefit of the doubt. But to me, his comment suggests religious indifferentism …”: I recall Groeschel saying something like this. Yes, such sayings indicated to me that there was something not quite right with him. I began to see that Groeschel was grounded in psychology first and Catholicism second … he has paid the price for his error. Hopefully he has turned away from that error and tossed psychology into the bin of history, and fully embraced the Gospel.
There also needs to be a channel that maintains old-fashioned levels of censorship. That is, show purely secular entertainment but with all the drip-drip liberal propaganda and obscenity taken out.
Keven,
Sometimes I wonder whether EWTN needs to censor some parts of some programs or to point out at least that it may disagree with some things that some EWTN program hosts tell their viewers. Years ago, when I used to watch that network, I heard Fr. Benedict Groeschel tell us something like this, “If you’re a Christian, be a good Christian. If you’re a Muslim, be a good Muslim. If you’re a Jew, be a good Jew.” To be charitable, I give him the benefit of the doubt. But to me, his comment suggests religious indifferentism, a heresy that Bl. Pius IX condemns in his Syllabus of Errors. Sadly, comments like that shock too few people now when the Vatican’s Assisi meetings suggest the same indifferentism. Worse, post-Vatican-II popes seem to approve of that indifferentism when they chair those meetings. For me, Pope Francis’s pontificate just prolongs the progressivism Catholics have seen in every pontiff after Pius XII.
Bill that was a good example….I never really cared for Fr. Groeschel in that part either….I agree with you on that.
Bill: Your comments are right on target. With respect to the multi-religious get-togethers at Assisi, I hope Pope Francis follows in the footsteps of his predecessor Benedict, who consistently boycotted these affairs when he was still Cdl. Ratzinger, and stripped them of all prerogatives when he became pope. The last thing we need at the shrine of our most revered saint are witch doctors and voodoo priests,
Kevin, “old fashioned levels of censorship” were developed for what was happening in old fashioned periods of history. Can’t put new wine into old wine bottles.
That’s true Kevin
To bookend the initial comment by RB, I too think EWTN is OK overall. Well, more accurately, I am very grateful that it exists.
Further to the observation about bad vestments however, I see that Fr. Anthony Mary continues to don that hideous sparkly red chasuble. Please dump it, Father. It yells “camp”. Vestments should be dignified.
Agreed! Hideous.
Come on, trespinos. How much dignity can you expect from a network that would approve of funny faces John Paul II made to get laughs? ;) Seriously, if you want to see a dignified Catholic, look at some photos of St. Pius X. Pope Francis’s egalitarianism shocks and offends me.
EWTN isn’t conservative enough – got it.
But offended by men making funny faces, or carrying suitcases? Obviously are far too easily offended.
Speaking of dumping, I still find it rather curious how EWTN dumped Fr. Groeschel and all of his audio/videos immediately after his interview with the EWTN-owned Catholic Register paper.
Yes, he said some things which, out of context, sound controversial, but isn’t that what editors are for?
There’s something more here than meets the eye…
Your article makes me laugh and I enjoyed your humor.
On a more serious note, you want all these great TV ideas? Come up with the bucks for them to produce it. And honestly? The ideas are great, but I find I need those discussions around the coffee table to expose me to so many areas of Catholicism that developed in the dark ages of the 70’s and 80’s, in seminary classrooms and too many books from the liberal Catholic publishing houses.
Which reminds me to make sure EWTN donation goes in tomorrow’s mail for the Month, esp with all they are doing for World Youth Day, just the latest of their special coverage which isn’t done for free!
The thing I find distasteful is EWTN’s ability and seeming desire to create “celebrity priests”—some of whom have in turn brought substantial scandal to the Church because of their pride: Fr. Tom Euteneuer, John Corapi (I have no idea if he is even still a priest), Fr. Benedict Groeschel and to a certain extent, even Fr. Frank Pavone. One wonders which of the current celebrity priests is next.
When Mother Angelica was forced to resign, and a lay board took over control of EWTN, things changed, but not for the better. Yes, EWTN is orthodox, but it is also become politically correct. Many people refer to EWTN as CATHOLIC LIGHT, which is a good description. EWTN is much better than SALT which is what Canadians are offered, but I hope EWTN will become more Roman Catholic and less American Catholic.
Father Karl: things are even worse than they appear, God will fix in His time. Lots of good people there but no shortage of bad apples. I speak with knowledge of the truth. Pray and offer many Masses for a cleansing there. They need it.
EWTN folk seem arrogant in that they do not respond to helpful suggestions or complaints; not mine anyway– over a period of ten years.
EWTN and its priests bring back to us how our Roman Catholic faith ought to be practised…
Outstanding priests for me are Fr. Mitch Pacwa and Fr. John Paul Mary…superb preaching..
Those who don’t like EWTN find another Channel, you don’t belong here.