Continuing its efforts to embrace new technology, the Diocese of Buffalo has begun publishing a regular podcast for people who are interested in listening to diocesan programming on their computer or on the go.

Summer is a time for farmer’s market. It’s something that Father Paul D. Seil, host of “Our Daily Bread,” is very passionate about, as the entire August episode is devoted to local produce.

In a summer filled with warmed-over retreads, “Inception” stands out not only for its original and unique premise, but also because of the talent of everybody involved here. It is not without its flaws, but for those filmgoers looking to spend a few hours with a story not designed to set up a sequel or sell t-shirts and toys, “Inception” is well worth your time.

There are many interesting facts about Vacation Bible School. According to a Google timeline, the first Vacation Bible School was opened in 1894 by a Methodist preacher and his wife. It is reported they used music, crafts, storytelling and games to explain Scripture teachings which were traditionally learned by listening to a Sunday sermon.

More than 13 million viewers tuned in for the final episode of “Lost” on Pentecost Sunday.  Those people got a profoundly Christian message, courtesy of secular media.  This led me to ponder why the non-Christian world is so much more effective at using mainstream media to evangelize than Christians are.   

Daybreak TV Productions, a part of the Communications Department of the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, has recently earned several very prestigious awards which reflect the dedication and teamwork of the people on the production team.

As a television show, ABC’s “Lost” was never shy about its influences. Philosophy, pop culture, science fiction and spirituality were all woven into the very fabric of the show, forcing even the most well-read viewer to run to the Internet to figure out what a passing reference meant in the grand scheme of things.  It was only a matter of time before some enterprising author decided to write about the spiritual influences of the show, adding to a growing market of religious- and philosophy-based books discussing popular television shows. It’s exactly what Chris Seay has done with “The Gospel According to Lost.”

A flower-filled church, a tuxedo-adorned groom and a cathedral-length train.

Much like the religious figures featured within, the 2007 Daybreak TV Productions documentary “Proving Holiness” will receive a second life this fall as part of ABC’s “Vision and Values” series. The 90-minute documentary will be distributed nationally to ABC affiliates beginning in September.

Beautiful music fills the peaceful sitting room of the St. Mary Center on Lafayette Avenue every Thursday afternoon, as the hearts and souls of the listeners are uplifted and brought a little closer to God.  The music of the accomplished string quartet is a testimony to the beauty of creation, and a reminder to those who are privileged to hear it that music is a gift to be cherished.  Sister Jeanette Schregel, SSMN, humbly plays her cello along with three other talented musicians, and the beautiful music she makes is a gift, not only to herself, but to everyone who hears it.