What ministers privately listen to, look at: audio, video self-help: suggestions from pros

National Catholic Reporter, Oct 27, 1995 by Peggy Ekerdt

Liturgy/sacraments

"Grandma's Bread" remains a favorite video for many and needs to be included in this listing. This 17-minute video tells a story of family, tradition, cultural awareness and Eucharist. It is available in Spanish and English ($29.95 and $39.95) from SAM/FC, and it is highly regarded.

"This Is the Night,' produced by Liturgy Training Publications (1-800-933-1800, $39.95) received frequent mention. This 30-minute video probes the rites and symbols of the Easter Vigil. Though a bit dated, it nonetheless is a powerful testimony to the central role of the catechumenate in the faith journey of a parish community.

Another favorite is "Called by Name," a baptism video that weaves four stories around the theme of death and resurrection. No longer available on its own, it has been incorporated into SAM/FC's new adult education "Catholic Update" video series and is contained in "Adult Baptism: Exploring Its Meaning" ($39.95).

Richard Fragomeni's "Liturgical Catechesis for Children" is a helpful set of audiocassettes for those who work with children's liturgy and is currently available for $16.50 from SAM/FC.

National Pastoral Musician audiotapes from NPM conferences were mentioned by several people as wonderful resources for continuing education. The problem is that NPM sells only tapes from their most recent meetings. Tapes from the July 1995 meeting may be purchased by calling (202) 723-5800. The cost is $7.50.

Similarly, Walter Burkhardt's recommended 1991 preaching tape is not available. However, Liturgy Training Publications is marketing a new five-video series, "Preaching the Just Word." Walter Burkhardt is a member of the retreat team and appears in the first video, "An Overview of the Retreat" and is featured in the fifth, "Preparing the Homily" ($29.95).

Kathleen Chesto comes highly recommended by many. In particular, her video, "Family Spirituality," was frequently mentioned. Available from Twenty-third Publications (1-800-321-0411 $39.95), this 25-minute video is a source of affirmation and enrichment as it identifies holiness in the reality of family life. Chesto's "Sacrament of Reconciliation - Past and Present" is another often-mentioned video.

"Pardon and Peace: Sacrament of Reconciliation" ($39.95) is an 11-minute video about a runaway who experiences alienation and reconciliation. "Living Eucharist" ($19.95) is a 10-minute video that uses everyday stories to connect Eucharist to the community's lived experience. Both videos are available in Spanish and English from SAM/FC.

Individual spirituality

Of all the people I contracted, two stand out as being firmly committed to using audio/video resources for their own development. One said, "I buy something every year for my own development. I set aside money that I have earned playing for weddings and use that because I have decided that what I buy will improve my ministry. This year I have just ordered Megan McKenna's `The People of Advent' (Credence Cassettes, 1-800-333-7373, $23.95, three-cassette set). I like anything Megan McKenna does and highly recommend her cassette tapes."