Oct. 17, 2012 By Mary Lou Kilian Ogdensburg – In preparation for the Year of Faith, pastors across the diocese have been exploring resources to assist parishioners in deepening their faith. Lighthouse Catholic Media is an option that has received positive reviews from several priests of the North Country. A not-for-profit company that distributes CDs and digital downloads of Catholic-themed content, Lighthouse Catholic Media has provided CD programs to over 5,000 Catholic parishes throughout the United States and Canada. The products cover topics such as the New Evangelization, marriage and family, liturgical seasons, the sacraments, praying the rosary, Eucharistic adoration and more. Lighthouse Catholic Media was founded in 2005, by Mark Middendorf, Terry Barber and Dave Durand. Today, the group partners with Ignatius Press, Word on Fire Ministries, Catholics Come Home, Matthew Kelly Foundation and MyConsecration.org. Bryant Sandburg of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Ogdensburg serves as the local representative for Lighthouse Catholic Media. His division covers the dioceses of Ogdensburg, Syracuse, Rochester and Albany. Sandburg has made presentations in parishes across the diocese including the Roman Catholic Church of St. John’s in Plattsburgh. Father Timothy Canaan, pastor of St. John’s, told the North Country Catholic that “Lighthouse Catholic Media has been a wonderful resource to so many of our parishioners. The topics and presenters cover a wide variety of faith issues that appeal to many from junior high students to college students to the retired person trying to grow in their faith and a deeper relationship with Christ. “Last Christmas we gave as a gift to every family that came to church on Christmas the CD ‘Becoming the Best Version of Yourself ‘ by Matthew Kelly,” Father Canaan said. “Many families listened to the CD together and others passed the CD on to children and friends who lived away from home. “I might add also that I had several individuals who after listening to a CD by Scott Hahn experienced the Sacrament of Reconciliation after being away from the sacrament for many years,” Father Canaan said. “In another example I had a parishioner, gain courage from listening to the CD’s that Lighthouse offers, to talk about the faith, so much so to actually encourage a dying person to come back to the sacraments,” he said. “This subtle ministry has offered spiritual nourishment and growth to many and the blessings received are endless.” Father Patrick Ratigan, pastor of St. Cecilia’s Church in Adams and its mission in Henderson, has had a similar reaction to the Lighthouse media products “The Lighthouse program provides another opportunity to evangelize and learn about our faith,” he said. “Those who use the program find it very beneficial and enlightening. I know of many people who pass the discs along to their friends and family. “The Lighthouse material is good and solid ” Father Ratigan said. “The topics are both timely and engaging.” “We are going to give everyone at all the Christmas Masses a copy of Matthew Kelly’s ‘Rediscovering Catholicism,’” he said. “The book is an easy read and will surely help us to grow in our faith. “We will follow up with a series of adult education meetings,” he said. “I would recommend it other parishes,” Father Ratigan said. Further information about Lighthouse Catholic Media is available from Sandburg at 315-393-4529 or by email at bryant.sandburg@twcny.rr.com Photo by Ken Racette |