Sunday night Movie nights are back this summer. 

These are open to all 7^th-12^th grade students. 

This year, we’ll be meeting in the new large meeting room and the Youth Room in the undercroft right after the 7 pm Mass.

We show movies in the summer as a part of youth ministry with three specific goals.

1.     To maintain continuity in our community.  Our students miss each other over the summer!

2.     To show movies that have redemptive qualities about them.  However, they may not be strictly Christian movies.  Many students are watching these movies without giving any thought to them.  We want to encourage them to think about what they are watching and what messages they are taking away.  So an important part of movie night is the discussions after viewing the movie.

3.     To encourage Christian media literacy.  We want critical thinking about media to be modeled for students so that they also begin the discernment on their own out in the secular world and to self-moderate healthy media consumption.

As such, all movies may not be appropriate for all children.  We feel that parents know what is best for their children.  As such, parents need to provide a note for their children so that we know that these students have permission to watch the movie which is rated beyond their age. For your help, we have also provided links to some movie reviews on these films.

6/21- Yes Man – PG 13 – 1:44

http://www.catholicnews.com/data/movies/08mv210.htm

http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/reviews/2008/yesman.html

6/28 Slumdog Millionaire – R – 2:00

http://www.catholicnews.com/data/movies/08mv187.htm

http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/reviews/2008/slumdogmillionaire.html

7/5 Fireproof – PG – 1:58

http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/reviews/2008/fireproof.html

7/12 Twilight – PG 13 – 2:02

http://www.catholicnews.com/data/movies/08mv193.htm

http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/reviews/2008/twilight.html

7/19 Iron Man - PG 13 – 2:06

http://www.catholicnews.com/data/movies/08mv079.htm

http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/reviews/2008/ironman.html

7/26 To End All Wars – R – 1:17

8/9 "Henry Pool is Here" – PG – 1:40

http://www.catholicnews.com/data/movies/08mv121.htm

http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/reviews/2008/henrypooleishere.html

Big Rocks

A high school science teacher wanted to demonstrate a concept to his students. He takes a large-mouth jar and places several large rocks in it. He then asks the class, "Is it full?

"Unanimously, the class reply, "Yes!"

The teacher then takes a bucket of gravel and pours it into the jar. The small rocks settle into the spaces between the big rocks.

He then asks the class, "Is it full?"

This time there are some students holding back, but most reply, "Yes!"

The teacher then produces a large can of sand and proceeds to pour it into the jar. The sand fills up the spaces between the gravel.

For the third time, the teacher asks, "Is it full?

"Now most of the students are wary of answering, but again, many reply, "Yes!"

Then the teacher brings out a pitcher of water and pours it into the jar. The water saturates the sand. At this point the teacher asks the class, "What is the point of this demonstration?"

One bright young student raises his hand and then responds, "No matter how full one's schedule is in life, he can always squeeze in more things!"

"No," replies the teacher, "The point is that unless you first place the big rocks into the jar, you are never going to get them in. The big rocks are the important things in your life ...your family, your friends, your personal growth. If you fill your life with small things, as demonstrated by the gravel, the sand, and the water...you will never have the time for the important things.

So, what are the "Big Rocks" in your life? Spending time with your children, your parents or your spouse? Taking the seminar or class to get the information and perspective you need to succeed? Making the time to set goals, plan or evaluate your progress? When you are hassled because there is no time, remember the story about the Big Rocks and the Jar!

Author Unknown