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Books, Movies, Videos
On Acting on Our FaithTO BORROW ONE OF THESE, CONTACT JANET VELEZ: (408)335-7881 OR EMAIL JanetValez360@yahoo.com
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Movies and Videos
“The 11th Hour” (DVD) PG
Narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio. An engaging documentary looking at our global environment, how we got where we are today, in the 11th hour, and what can be done toward positive change.
“American Winter” (DVD)
A documentary feature film that follows the personal stories of families struggling in the aftermath of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, seen through their eyes.
“Among the People: Facing Poverty in America” (VHS)
This movie takes audiences below the poverty line into an uncertain state where more than 34 million people across this nation are struggling to survive.
“Away from Her” (DVD) PG 13
A man coping with the institutionalization of his wife because of Alzheimer's disease has an epiphany when she transfers her affections to another man, Aubrey, a wheelchair-bound mute who also is a patient at the nursing home.
“Come Walk in my shoes” (DVD)
An emotional pilgrimage to sacred sites of the Civil Rights Movement in Alabama.
“Dark Days” (DVD)
Deals with the subject of homelessness in America--deeply moving and surprisingly entertaining despite its topic.
“Driving Miss Daisy” (DVD) PG
This movie is about the 25-year relationship between a wealthy, strong-willed Southern matron and her equally indomitable Black chauffeur, Hoke. Both employer and employee are outsiders, Hoke because of the color of his skin, Miss Daisy because she is Jewish in a WASP-dominated society.
“Dying to Live” (DVD)
A look at the human face of the migrant. It is a reflection on the human struggle for a more dignified life and the search to find God in the midst of it all.
“Faithful Citizenship” (VHS)
This film describes how we as Catholics can bring the values of our faith to our roles as responsible citizens.
“Fully Equipped: Are you ready?” (DVD)
A compelling sermon on how modern-day people of faith in America can realize how equipped they really are to fulfill their daily callings.
“The Global Banquet: Politics of Food” (VHS)
Giant food producers and their big, powerful sponsors versus small farmers in the U.S. and in developing countries.
“Homeless in America” (DVD)
A documentary of the homeless and those who help them.
“Holding Ground” (VHS)
This award-winning documentary about community vision, struggle, and change is at once a cautionary tale of urban policies gone wrong and a message of hope for all American cities.
“Homeless to Harvard” (DVD)
This film, based on a true story, follows a homeless teen’s quest for a better life.
“In America” (DVD) PG-13)
A comedy/drama about an Irish immigrant family who discovers that America is not the land of milk and honey that they expected—from the dilapidated apartment they move into, to their unsavory neighbors, to the employment situation. Only their close family ties get them through.
“Interview with an Executioner” (VHS) -- Narration by Fr. Michael Carson, Diocese of San Jose
This film is about what an executioner goes through mentally and emotionally when a death row inmate is executed.
“In the footsteps of Jesus” (VHS)
How God calls us to make a difference in the world. All Catholics will be challenged to respond.
“Keeping the Earth” (DVD)
This inspirational video calls on all Americans to serve as good stewards of the natural world.
“Make Hunger History” (VHS)
This is about the challenges Oregonians face in fighting hunger in their community.
“Mother Teresa” (DVD)
Starring Golden Globe winner Olivia Hussey. Follow Mother Teresa as she works with the poor and changes the minds and hearts of many people, including powerful world leaders. Here is the selfless, loving missionary who brought hope to the poorest of the poor. We see her as a fearless fighter, a shrewd diplomat, and an indomitable force.
“Mother Teresa” (DVD)
Follow Mother Teresa as she works with the poor, changing many lives, including those of powerful world leaders.
“Nebraska” (DVD) R
An older man is convinced that he has won a million dollars. Unlike his family, he refuses to recognize it as only a marketing scheme. He leaves twice to collect his prize and is brought back home. There is talk about putting him in a retirement home. Then he and his son travel from Montana to Nebraska, and a lot happens along the way.
“On Golden Pond” (DVD) PG
An aging couple spends each summer at their home on Golden Pond. During the year the story takes place, they are visited by daughter Chelsea, her fiancé, and his son-in-law. The movie explores the often-turbulent relationship the young woman shared with her father growing up and difficulties faced by a couple through a long marriage.
“One Nation: An Insight into Islam and Its Various Cultures” (DVD)
This video features interviews of Muslims who have come to the United States as refugees. It also portrays religious and community leaders and case managers. A written guide for refugee resettlement agencies and organizations that work with Muslim clients is included. The guide describes the basic resources that newly arrived refugees will need to adjust to their new lives in Santa Clara County.
“Portrait of a Radical” (VHS)
Three theologians explore the truly radical, dynamic, and passionate message of Jesus. The film instills within viewers a sense that they are experiencing some of the spirit of the Movement itself.
“The Promised Land” (DVD) R
Stars Matt Damon as a corporate salesman who tries to get residents of a town in economic decline to sell the drilling rights to their property. It isn’t as easy as they thought, thanks to a well-respected teacher and a grassroots campaign.
“The Shadow of Hate” (VHS)
Viewers are given a powerful perspective on historical events from the ordinary people who lived through them.
“Trashed” (DVD)
An analysis of the causes and effects of “taking out the garbage,” showcasing the individuals and groups working to effect change. This film is both informative and thought-provoking, especially to those interested in sustainability.
“Uncertain Days: Living Homeless” (DVD)
A documentary about homeless people.
“Unnatural Causes: is Inequality Making Us Sick?” (DVD)
This four-hour documentary explores racial and socioeconomic inequities in health.
“Walking God’s Paths: Christians and Jews in Candid Conversation” (VHS)
The perfect resource for adult education, ecumenical officers, and interfaith marriage counselors.
“When Did I See You Hungry?” (DVD)
A short documentary on the plight of the poor and our responsibility to help.
Books and Booklets
Amazing Grace: the Lives of Children and the Conscience of a Nation, by Jonathan Kozol (Perennial Books, c1995)
A compelling and powerful portrait of the tragic harm so many children suffer in urban America.
Bread & Justice: Toward A New International Economic Order, by James B. McGinnis (Paulist Press, 1979)
This book explains some of the national and international policies that have brought us to our present crisis. It tells about the real effects of hunger and poverty.
Catholic Social Teaching, Our Best Kept Secret, by Edward P. DeBerri & James E. Hug (Orbis Books, 2003)
Offers an overview of the history of the church’s social teaching for students, teachers, lay people, and clergy. The authors present outlines of both recent and historic church documents to help Catholics appreciate and share their rich heritage of following Jesus’ command to "love one another."
Challenge and Spirituality of Catholic Social Teaching, by Marvin L. Krier Mich (Sowers Books, 2005)
A story of transformation. More accurately, it is the stories of transformation in the Spirit.
Cloud of Witnesses, by Jim Wallis and Joyce Hollyday (Orbis Books, 2003)
Through interviews and biographical profiles, this book introduces us to a company of modern witnesses—peacemakers, martyrs, saints—who have embodied the gospel challenge of our day.
Compassion: A Reflection on the Christian Life, by Henri Nouwen, Donald P. Mcneill, Douglas A. Morrison (Doubleday, 1982)
What is the meaning of “compassion,” and what role does it play in our lives? The authors discuss the importance of compassionate love as an integral part of each Christian life.
Concise Guide to Catholic Social Teaching, by Kevin E. McKenna (AMP, 2003)
A valuable resource for parish and community groups. It provides solid grounding in the Church’s social teachings as the basis for initiatives undertaken in promoting the gospel of justice. It is “user-friendly” and practical.
Credible Signs of Christ Alive, by John P. Hogan (Rowman & Littlefield, 1990)
A challenge to deepen our understanding of the Catholic social tradition and strengthen our will to get involved.
Dispossessed: Life in our World’s Urban Slums, by Mark Kramer (Orbis Books, 2005)
This book relates the very human, and very moving, stories of families living in slums. The people tell about their lives and struggles, their hopes and fears.
Doing Faithjustice: An Intro to Catholic Social Thought, by Fred Krammer, S.J. (Paulist Press, 1991)
This book confronts 21st century Catholics on the challenge of human poverty and injustice in the context of our consumer-driven world.
Doing Justice: Congregations and Community Organizing, by Dennis A. Jacobsen (Fortress Press Books, 2001)
A taste of what congregation-based community organizing has to offer and how to go about the task.
Francis and Clare: Saints of Assisi, by Helen Walker Homan (Ignatius Press, 1956)
The author captured all the excitement of these two popular saints’ lives and their centuries-long influence on the whole world through their radical living of the Gospel.
Gandhi the Man: The Story of His Transformation, by Ekhath Easwaran (Nilgiri Press Books, 2007)
The author describes how Gandhi ushered the British Empire out of India without firing a shot. The book’s concern is not with Gandhi’s politics but with the way he lived.
How Much is Enough, by Arthur Simon (Baker Books, 2003)
The author points the reader away from captivity by things toward fulfillment in following Christ.
In the footsteps of Jesus, by Dr. Stephen M. Colecchi, (USCCB, 2004)
This is a resource manual on Catholic Social Teaching. It contains the essential prayers, lesson plans, small-group sessions, and source material to help teenagers and senior citizens, college students and RCIA candidates, pastors and parish councils, and Catholic schoolchildren and families learn and live the seven themes of Catholic Social Teaching. Use with the USCCB video In the Footsteps of Jesus for a complete parish program.
Justice Prayer Book with Biblical Reflections, Catholic Campaign for Human Development (1998)
A guide to effectively fulfilling our identity as Christians through advocacy and solidarity for and with the poor.
Living Justice: Catholic Social Teaching in Action, by Thomas Massaro, S.J. (Rowman Littlefield, 2000)
A good resource for anyone who wants to understand the Church’s teaching on social justice.
Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself: U.S. Catholic Bishops Speak Against Racism, (2001)
Highlights the various ways the bishops have taken the lead in confronting the issue of racism and responding to it.
Meet Dorothy Day, Champion of the Poor, by Woodeene Koenig-Bricker (Servant Publications, 2002)
Biography of Dorothy Day, giving insight into her life-journey from a young, controversial journalist among socialists and atheists, to dealing with her own spiritual confusion, to becoming an activist and founder of the Catholic Worker movement; told through her own writings and words of people who knew her well.
Mole People: Life in the Tunnels beneath New York City, by Jennifer Toth (Chicago Review Press Books, 1993)
These stories from the tunnels bring a better understanding of the underground people.
Novena for Justice and Peace, Faith & Human Development Series, #5-237 (Catholic Campaign for Human Development, United States Catholic Conference, Inc., 2001) – Booklet.
Prayer is an important first step on the journey to social justice. This is a hope-fulfilled guide through nine days of prayer, reading, and reflection, uniting parishioners in the promotion of justice and peace.
Ordinary Resurrections: Children in the Years of Hope, by Jonathan Kozol (Perennial Books, 2000)
A narrative of daily urban life as seen through the eyes of children. Provides a stirring testimony to the courage and resilience of the young.
Principles, Prophecy, and a Pastoral Response, Catholic Campaign for Human Development, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1992)--Booklet
An overview of modern Catholic Social Teaching.
Promise to Protect, Pledge to Heal, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Revised June
2005.—Booklet
Includes three documents--Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, Essential Norms, and Statement of Episcopal Commitment.
Rising to Common Ground: Overcoming America’s Color Lines, by Danny Duncan Collum (Sowers Books, 2006)
The author shows that, although slavery is far behind us today, racial divisions and racial inequality are still with us. He also discuss ways that Christians and others, mostly through religious congregations, are overcoming color lines.
Road to Peace, by Henri Nouwen (Orbis, 2007)
This book is an inspiration and a challenge to live our Christian lives with both love and action.
Scriptural Rosary for Justice and Peace, Catholic Campaign for Human Development (2004)
Calls upon our Blessed Mother with both a spirit of humility and a commitment to justice when praying the Rosary.
Simpler Living, Compassionate Life—a Christian Perspective, by Henri Nouwen, R. Foster, et al (Living the Good News, 2004)
The articles in this book question what the “good life” is and focus readers on improving our lives through simplicity. Discussions cover major aspects of daily life: food, money, time, spirituality, heritage, and community.
Solidarity Will Transform the World, by Jeffrey Odell Korgen (Orbis Books, 2007)
The incredible story of what can happen when the resources of the Catholic Church come together with the spiritual and physical resources of people living in poverty around the world.
Toward A Spirituality for Global Justice: A Call to Kinship, by Elaine Prevalett (Just Faith, 2005)
Written in clear, enjoyable prose, this book leads readers to a new understanding of the demands of social justice in a global economy on an endangered planet.
True Cost of Low Prices: The Violence of Globalization, by Vincent A. Gallagher (Orbis Books, 2007)
This book explores the basic nature of globalization. It exposes the increasing use of slave labor and the violence that comes from unregulated work environments.
Unexpected News: Reading the Bible with Third World Eyes, by Robert McAfee Brown (Westminster Press, 1984)
This book is about how to read Scripture, why we read Scripture, and why it is must not be read in some ways.
Uprooting Racism: How White People Can Work For Racial Justice, by Paul Kivel (NSP Books, 2002)
This is a sensitive, wise, and practical guide for white people struggling with their feelings about race.
Violence of Love, by Oscar Romero, compiled & translated by James R. Brockman, SJ (Orbis Books, 1988)
Archbishop Oscar Romero lived among the poor and, in so doing, discovered the presence of Christ.
Word of God -- The Word of Peace, by Patricia McCarthy (The Liturgical Press, 2001)
This book addresses the question of “Why is peace difficult to obtain?”
Welcoming the Stranger among Us, (United States Catholic Conference, 2000) – Booklet.
This document from the U. S. bishops challenges us to prepare to receive newcomers with a genuine spirit of welcome that provides a bridge for them to cross from one culture into another.
You Will Be My Witnesses, by John Dear (Orbis, 2006)
This book reveals the saints as living meditations on peace, beauty, and goodness.
Rev. 8/18