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Producer: Joe Campo and Grassroots Films.
DVD.
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This is the film
so many are talking about. In 18 minutes Fishers of Men easily does what hours
of apologetic talks on the priesthood and Catholicism struggle to do. This
film has even convinced non-Catholics of the importance of the priesthood, and
allowed many to understand for the first time what the Catholic priesthood is
all about.
We believe that Fishers of Men is
anointed and gives us a glimpse into God's intentions, and an understanding of
why the Catholic Church is here to stay until Christ returns. Mankind cannot
exist without the Church, and the Church cannot exist without her priests.
This film beautifully and emotionally demonstrates what Christ meant when he
proclaimed, "And the gates of hell shall not prevail against it [the Church]."
Fishers of Men was developed by the
United States Conference of Bishops' Committee on Vocations. It is a film
intended to renew priests' sense of fulfillment in their vocation and to
encourage them to draw on that satisfaction to invite other men to pursue the
priesthood. But it is likely to have a much broader and global affect on
Catholics of all ilks and non-Catholics of every stripe.
Fishers of Men, produced by Grassroots
Films of Brooklyn, NY, is a fast-paced, emotionally-charged video that reveals
the many facets of a priest's daily life, and demonstrates why only real men
can become priests.
We believe that every lay-Catholic in
America should see this film, and then show it to their priest (don't loan it
to them) -- sit them down in front of a big screen and a surround audio system
and experience the priesthood with them for a few minutes. Then chase down
your parish youth group leaders, and get them to show this to the whole youth
group, the girls included. And be sure they watch it on a huge screen with BIG
audio.
Reviews
"I cannot think of enough superlatives to
describe the quality and impact of the video."
Rev. Francis A. Nave, Director of
Vocations, Diocese of Allentown
"Fishers of Men was well done. It is by far the
best vocation video I have ever seen. It will touch the hearts and minds of
many across the country. It allowed those exploring their vocation an
excellent vantage point from which to more fully see the sacrifices,
challenges, and gifts that could be received from serving in the contemporary
America priesthood. It inspires many to answer the call to follow Christ."
Brandon E. Macadaeg, Catholic University
of America Washington, DC
"Oh my gosh! This movie is amazing. I am a
Pre-Theologate student here at Ave Maria, and this film made me cry and made
me want to be a priest TOMORROW! It is so powerful! I think that is so amazing
that one film can inspire men to consider the priesthood, while at the same
time giving the men who are priests their dignity back, reminding them of the
grace and place of honor and service that is theirs."
Micah J. Wright, Pre-Theologate, Ave
Maria University, Naples, Florida
"IT IS THE BEST LOOK AT THE PRIESTHOOD I HAVE
EVERY SEEN ON FILM . . . . This is the first attempt (and a successful
attempt, hands down) at truly showing the calling, life, mission, victimhood
of a priest of God. The presentation and footage was so beautiful, there was
not a single dry eye in the room. The Pre-Theologate guys were blown away, and
I personally (I'm not alone in this) felt like flat out bawling, because you
begin to understand the life God is calling you too. And the priests in the
room were glowing. And as a side note, I just want to thank you both for not
skirting any of the issues facing priests and the Church as a whole today. The
conflict between American culture and the Church was very clear in the film,
but it was presented tactfully in my opinion. You applied the concept of
'truth with love' very well in my view. The movie in one word was 'inspiring'.
Thanks so much for all your work and faithfulness."
Dan Fioramonti, Pre-Theologate, Ave Maria
University, Naples, Florida
"I thought it was extremely moving, and it sort
gave that great reminder for why we got in this in the first place. In fact, I
would love for my nephews to see it at some point."
Msgr. David J. Malloy, General Secretary,
USCCB
"Fishers of Men goes beyond what any person
could expect of a vocations film. This film touched my heart and soul! It made
me feel so proud that I am able to say 'yes' to God's call to the vocation of
priesthood. I feel this film will inspire not only those who are discerning
but also those who have already found God's call and are priests and/or
religious; this film will rekindle within them a feeling that what they do
makes a difference in the lives of everyone. I would recommend this film to
every diocese, parish, and individual, with my hopes and wishes that if they
were not discerning that they would still watch this film and find a higher
respect and dignity in what their priest does in his dedication to God and to
God's people."
Chad Eckles, Catholic University of
America, Washington, DC
"I believe this is what not just the priests of
America needed, but all priests for that matter. We all need a renewed deeper
understanding and appreciation of our God-given vocation. At a time when the
priesthood has been bruised, scourged and crucified, this project is the crack
of Easter dawn . . . I sincerely believe that this video is a light but deep
approach towards clergy renewal."
Rev. Rufino C. Sescon, Jr. Director of
Ongoing Formation, Archdiocese of Manila, Philippines
"Fishers of Men is an outstanding and genuinely
moving piece of work. Unlike so many other vocations videos, it appeals to the
desire in every man to be a hero, to stand up for something great. Through the
power of image and sound, the viewer is drawn in and encouraged to explore the
priesthood in a real way; to consider the priesthood as a heroic life to be
lived rather than simply a job to be done. The testimony by young priests and
seminarians is powerful and relevant to the experiences and desires of today's
young men. By appealing to our generation's hunger for truth, meaning, and
values, Fishers of Men far exceeds all expectations. I would recommend Fishers
of Men for every parish, every priest, and every young Catholic man who has
ever felt even the quietest calling to explore the priesthood."
Kevin Kimtis, Catholic University of
America, Washington, DC
"Everyone's gaze was transfixed on the screen.
The seminary's video equipment and sound system are excellent and so we had
the full impact of the film. After the viewing quite a few people (including a
Mother Superior from one of our convents) came to me to find out how they
could order the DVD to use for their youth groups, their parishes, etc. You
have a hit in your hands!"
Sr. Marie de la Trinite Siopongco, SSVM,
Committee on World Mission, USCCB
"The film is fantastic. It should be shown on
commercial TV. It should be sent to every diocese vocation director. It should
be available for viewing on the internet. The segment dealing with the car
accident is one of the most moving scenes I have seen. Congratulations on an
excellent production."
David E. Stein Cincinnati, Ohio
"'Fishers of Men' . . . is absolutely brilliant.
I have watched dozens of videos from various seminaries, religious orders and
dioceses and none of them come close to this in terms of presenting the beauty
of the priesthood in an emotionally powerful way. I have had (in my mind) the
idea of a video that would convey the power and beauty of the vocation, and
you have captured it . . . I popped it in and found myself getting choked up
at a couple of parts . . . It was a huge success. Young men, as well as
priests, parents and youth ministers just loved it. I had over 20 requests for
copies by the end of the weekend. One young man watched it twice in a row and
just stood there with tears welling up. I am going to try to get a copy to
every pastor, every parish vocations committee, every youth group, every
Catholic high school and every young man who has contacted us in the last 4
years. I think everyone should do the same. This thing is dynamite, and we
need it right now in this line of work."
Robert A. Schuette, Ph.D. Associate
Vocations Director, Archdiocese of Cincinnati
"I really feel that this video is the best tool
I have seen, besides priests themselves, to promote vocations to the
priesthood, getting the conversation started with young men that every
Catholic male should consider the priesthood as an option and that we need
'real men who are willing to lay down their life for Jesus Christ' and respond
to His call. I showed the Fishers of Men video to my classes and after viewing
it there was complete silence in the room and all you could hear were a few
awestruck wows. Every hand quickly shot up as I asked if they liked the video.
I asked for their opinions and students in each class, independent of one
another, responded to my question with the same single word, POWERFUL. They
were thoroughly impressed and renewed in their love and respect for the
priesthood and their priests through this video. What a wonderful tool for
promoting vocations to the priesthood, renewing priests, and calling all
people to live out their vocation with courage, zeal, and holiness. This is
the best video I have seen on the priesthood and I would recommend that all
Catholics, teachers, and catechists see Fishers of Men. What a great new gift
the Church has in this video. May God bless our Church with many holy
vocations to the priesthood." "
Sister Cecilia Joseph, O.P. Dominican
Sisters of St. Cecilia (Nashville, Tennessee)
"AWESOME!! It made me proud to be a priest and
has had a profound impact on those who have seen it. AWESOME!"
Rev. Christopher B. Rogers, Vocations
Director, Archdiocese of Philadelphia
"Simply a wonderful and deeply inspiring video.
It must be shared with all vocation directors and youth groups . . . . I do
hope that as many priests as possible see this video which will hopefully
edify them and serve in some measure to show our abiding gratefulness for
their lives of service. "
Peter O'Malley, New York City
"What a wonderful and inspiring vocations video.
This is the best vocations video that I have ever seen, and I loved every
minute of it. I watched it twice in a row. I think this is the perfect way to
get the vocations message out to all young men considering the Priesthood . .
. This DVD can counter the strong influences in today's society, because it
looks at today's priesthood in a 21st century way."
Marc D. Soellner, Cincinnati, Ohio
"The DVD is truly an awesome production. I
suggest the US seminaries commence building expansions right now to handle the
onslaught of pious men."
Mike Moroz, Catholic Radio, Terre Haute,
Indiana
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