For anyone who knows Msgr. Mike Sis it was always more of a question of “when” not “if” he would be named a Bishop in the Catholic Church. I first met Father Mike when he was the head pastor of St. Mary’s in College Station and had the pleasure of serving him on the Parish… [Read More]
Father Chris Decker Speaking At St. Thomas More Oct 23rd at 7:15pm
If you were able to attend last March’s SXSW event then you know all about Father Chris Decker from The Catholic Underground. If you weren’t able to attend here is your chance to hear him speak again. Father Christopher Decker will be in town visiting and will give a talk at St. Thomas More. He’ll… [Read More]
“Dream of a Home” Mike Mangione Concert Fundraiser
Austin, TX – Folk-rock singer/songwriter Mike Mangione will be performing at St. Edward’s University Jones Auditorium on July 19th at 8 p.m. with Paul Finley opening. Mike will be performing songs of his latest album, “Red-Winged Blackbird Man,” to hit stores September 3rd, in addition to his established repertoire. Tickets are $15 gen admission and… [Read More]
An Open Letter to Catholics For Choice
Yesterday Catholics For Choice ran the following full page ad in the Austin American-Statesman. That led me to post the following comment on the Catholics For Choice Facebook page. It is very interesting that “Christ humbled himself becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross (Philippians 2:8)” yet this group of so called “Catholics”… [Read More]
What Do We Do Now That The Smoke Has Cleared?
There has been a lot of back and forth over the past few days as it relates to subjects such as the defeat of SB5 in the Texas Senate and the SCOTUS’ ruling on Prop 8 and DOMA. In a very simplistic fashion I’ve seen people shake out into a few different categories. People of… [Read More]
Lighting The Fire of Forgiveness
After the Spurs got blown out in game 2 of the NBA Finals, my wife asked me if I thought Coach Pop was going to chew out the team. I told her that if he did, it wouldn’t be anything that they hadn’t heard before. They knew what they did wrong and what they have… [Read More]
Dominican Sisters and The American Bible Challenge
As you might be aware of the Dominican Sisters of Mary have been contestants on this season’s “The American Bible Challenge” and will be appearing in the final at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT Thursday, May 23 on The Game Show Network. We had the opportunity to ask Sr. Maria Suso some questions about her and her follow Sister’s… [Read More]
How Serious Are We About The New Evangelization?
Last week over at my Being Saint Joseph Podcast I talked about Zach Braff’s new Kickstarter to support “Wish I Was Here” his follow-up to “Garden State”, which is billed as a sequel in tone but not story. In a little over three days Zach managed to raise over 2 million dollars and is still… [Read More]
What I learned This Lent
Hi everyone! We have a Guest Blogger pinch hitting for me today, please welcome Laurelin Ontai. Laurelin is a cradle Catholic and is currently a junior at UT majoring in advertising with a minor in business. She is social media obsessed and a lover of corgis. She doesn’t know what she wants to do with… [Read More]
Super Mario and the Spiritual Life
Growing up I spent many hours in front of the TV or down at the local arcade with my good friend Mario and his brother Luigi. I would play until my hands cramped up and my quarters ran dry. With my oldest in Kindergarden I felt it was time for her to learn to appreciate… [Read More]
Our Story, Our Voice: Why ACNM Is Needed
On my way to work on Wednesday morning I heard a story on the radio that almost made me drive off the road. Apparently the majority of American Catholics want a younger, hipper, more liberal Pope. As you can imagine this was news to me. According to the story… 54 percent – would like the… [Read More]
Join ACNM for SXSW… Unofficially
Last Friday Cristobal talked about ACNM’s continued growth and expansion. Today I’m thrilled to announce the next phase in our mission. Last year during SXSW we held an expanded Q1 meetup to coincide with the Interactive Festival. This year we are taking it to the next level. Pope Benedict XVI calls the world of social media a… [Read More]
2013 Statesman Social Media Awards
Hi everyone! It’s that time of year again and we’ve been nominated for the “Statesman Social Media Awards”. Here’s a little about the award. Do you know a social media rock star living in Central Texas? Who do you follow? Where do you turn for your social media socializations? Whose updates make you want to… [Read More]
Texas Catholic Pro-Life Day – Saturday January 26th
With the 40th anniversary of Roe vs Wade this week and all the things happening this weekend to celebrate life. I thought I would use my time this week to highlight a few of them. Saturday January 26th is Texas Catholic Pro-life Day. A day full of events to celebrate life capped off with the Texas Rally… [Read More]
Celebrating Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Austin
We got news of a really cool event that is coming up as part of “Celebrating Catholic Schools Week”. If you are a fan of Catholic schools, the Food Network, The Catholic Channel then this is for you. If you’re not a fan of any of those then I’m sure this event might just make… [Read More]
ACNM Year in Review
As the year quickly comes to an end I wanted to use this time to say “thank you” to all of our wonderful contributors and our audience. We’ve grown a lot over the past year, adding a number of great contributors and syndicated blogs. With each contributor we add a new voice and perspective to… [Read More]
And The Winners Are!!
Thanks to everyone who has been participating in ACNM’s first Advent Challenge via the site, Twitter and Facebook. We lots of great feedback this week and we’ve selected two winners via random drawing to receive a copy of “The Greatest Miracle” provided to use by the Maximus Group. And the winners are: Rod R and Ricky… [Read More]
Is Robert Griffin III Catholic? Why This Question Matters.
Everytime the Washington Redskins play a nationally televised game our organic search results go through the roof because of this very question. Are all the people who are searching for “Is RGIII Catholic”, necessarly all that interested in his faith life? Probably not, but seeing someone cross themselves(as RGIII is known to do) is a… [Read More]
Jennifer Fulwiler: Minor Revisions Interview
Chris, Cristina and I got to sit down with Jennifer Fulwiler to talk about her new show ‘Minor Revisions’ that premires tonight at 7 PM (CST) on the NET network. We had lots of fun recording this interview and can’t wait for the show, everyone needs to make sure they check it out. Minor Revisions…. [Read More]
Advent Challenge and The Greatest Miracle DVD Giveaway
I hope everyone is enjoying ACNM’s first Advent Challenge and all the cool ideas that are coming from it. I’m here today to sweeten the pot a bit as it comes to our Challenge and post comments in general. Our friends over at the Maximus Group provided us with two copies of “The Greatest Miracle” to… [Read More]
John Paul II Life Center: 2nd Annual Benefit Dinner
I had the pleasure to sit down with Mr. Tim Von Dohlen from the John Paul II Life Center to talk about their 2nd Annual Benefit Dinner coming up on Dec, 5th. There’s only one week left to see USCCB Pro-Life Chair Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, Bishop Joe Vásquez, Gov. Rick Perry and Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Hilgers… [Read More]
Johnny Football, Wormwood and Screwtape
What does Johnny Football and College Football have to do with the spiritual life? Take a listen and find out.
Special: Veterans Day – Frontline Faith Interview
Chris Williston and I were honored to sit down with Cheri Lomonte, President of Frontline Faith to talk about their mission and what they are doing to bring faith to our service men and women.
Thank You Greg and Jennifer
Yesterday I heard that today will be the final show of “The Catholics Next Door with Greg and Jennifer Willits”. If the Catholic new media movement had parents they would probably be Greg and Jennifer. As a matter of fact Austin Catholic New Media very well might not exist had it not been for them. You… [Read More]
Now That Takes Brass
Last week Kathryn wrote a post about “Stop Apologizing for Your Catholic Faith“. Well last night Cardinal Dolan didn’t need to apologize as he walked into what is being called the most pro-abortion Democratic National Convention of all time and prayed openly for the protection of the unborn. What Cardinal Dolan did last night was to… [Read More]
ACNM, The CNMC, and You!
Next week Dallas-Ft. Worth will be host to the Catholic New Media Conference hosted by SQPN. If you have any interest in Catholic new media and the new evangelization you should make plans to try and attend at least one day of this three day conference. The CNMC will focus on how individuals, parishes and organizations… [Read More]
Brother Francis, Project Alto and The Brothers of Saint John
I got the opportunity to speak with Br. Francis Therese Krautter of the Community of St. John about his vocation, growing up in Austin and Project Alto, a mission that the Brothers have in Salvador, Brazil. Take a listen and then head on over to their blog to find out more about Project Alto. http://salvadormission.blogspot.com/
Finding Holiness in a Long Day at Work
With supernatural intuition, Blessed Josemaria untiringly preached the universal call to holiness and apostolate. Christ calls everyone to become holy in the realities of everyday life. Hence work too is a means of personal holiness and apostolate, when it is done in union with Jesus Christ. – Pope John Paul II in his homily at the beatification of Saint Josemaria Making work a means of… [Read More]
When Being Perfect Isn’t In the Game Plan
Ps 145: 8-9 The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness. The LORD is good to all and compassionate toward all his works. I was reading this Monday morning while sitting with my daughter and I thought about how perfect God’s love is. Not only that but I also realized… [Read More]
An Open Letter to Chris Hardwick
I love podcast. I love producing them, listening to them, and hosting them. My love for the media has recently put me the strange position of being caught up on all of my Catholic podcast listening queue. So I’ve been venturing out into the deep and listening to other shows that people have recommended or… [Read More]
The Spurs, The Thunder and Your Catholic Faith
Last night after winning 20 games in a row and sweeping the first two rounds of the NBA Playoffs, the San Antonio Spurs lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder. While losing is never something a team looks forward to. It can sometimes be a relief, as the pressure to be perfect fades away and the… [Read More]
2nd Quarter ACNM Meet-Up – May 29th 2012
When: Tuesday, May 29, 2012 Time: 7:00pm until 9:30pm Where: St. William’s Parish Hall Section 2 Join us for our second quarter meet up as we gather to network and share. The main presentation and discussion will center around Pope Benedict XVI’s call for America to lead the New Evangelization. Open to all interested in… [Read More]
Lessons in Surrendering to God’s Will
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you” Jeremiah 1:5 I take a lot of comfort in the above line from Jeremiah because not only do I have two wonderful girls that the Lord has blessed me with and charged me to care for. I also have my own personal cheering section in… [Read More]
The New American Family Presented by Apple
Every Sunday after Mass I take my girls for breakfast while my wife teaches RE. This is a really special time for us as it allows us to share time together that I know we won’t always have. Being present to each and building good father-daughter relationships is one of the most critical things I… [Read More]
Lino Rulli Live from the Providing Help, Creating Hope Luncheon
The following is the keynote speech given by three-time Emmy winner, Lino Rulli at the Catholic Charities of Central Texas “Providing Help, Creating Hope Luncheon. Lino Rulli has a style and personality not typically found in the world of religious media. Known best for SiriusXM Satellite Radio’s The Catholic Guy, Lino’s regular guy approach to… [Read More]
George Weigel Live From the 2012 Pro-Life Benefit Gala
The following is the keynote speech given by George Weigel Renowned Theologian and Author of John Paul II’s Biography, Witness to Hope at the 2012 Pro-Life Benefit Gala benefiting the Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living of the Diocese of Austin.
Young Adult Q&A with Father Rocky – Friday April 20th
Austin Catholic New Media is proud to be the sponsor of what will no doubt be a great evening with Relevant Radio CEO and co-host of “Go Ask Your Father” Father Francis Hoffman, aka “Fr. Rocky”. Father Rocky will be hosting a Young Adult Q&A in the Bishop’s Hall at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Friday… [Read More]
Revisiting What Can Catholic New Media Learn From Guerrilla Filmmaking?
I wrote this blog post a couple of years ago but in light of the OSV article Catholic media matters, I though it was worth revisiting. Several years ago the concept of Guerrilla Filmmaking was brought to the forefront of media when Robert Rodriquez created “El Mariachi” for $7,000 and parlayed that into a career in… [Read More]
The Dedication of St. John Neumann Catholic Church
For many parishes the dedication of a church building is a once in a lifetime event. Well after 28 years St. John Neumann in Austin, TX will be dedicating theirs. Here is a bit of history behind this wonderful community. A newly founded parish in West Lake Hills in May 1984, St. John Neumann Catholic… [Read More]
(UPDATED: Venue Change) Interactive Catholics (Unofficial) SXSW 2012 Meetup
Are you a Catholic interested in new media? If so, come join the Austin Catholic New Media meet-up on Sunday March 11th at 7:00 – 9:00pm. We will be meeting in the Bishop’s Hall at St. Mary’s Cathedral at 203 E. 10th St., Austin, TX 78701. . The meet-up will focus on networking and discussing the role… [Read More]