My friend Erin Dooley is a filmmaker and made a documentary. Erin was facing an unexpected divorce and coping with how to heal from this wound. She decides to walk a 500-mile pilgrimage to across northern Spain, the Camino de Santiago. Along the way, she discusses the meaning of forgiveness with other fellow pilgrims. 
     I was so impressed by Miss Dooley's film that I really wanted her to show it for Cinema for the Soul. I admire her courage to document for the public to watch one of the most painful experiences someone can go through. I know Miss Dooley wants her film to be a vehicle for God to use to help others learn how to forgive and show they are not alone in going through this particular sitation. Miss Dooley has heard many personal testimonies from people after they watch her documentary.
      The good news is that Erin Dooley will be present on January 30th at The Holy Nmae of Jesus Parish Basement. She will give a small talk on forgiveness and then stay after for Q & A. On behalf of Miss Dooley and I we hope you will make January 30th a Cinema for the Soul night!
     
                                   
To watch the movie trailer for A Way to Forgiveness and for more information about the ministry scroll down below.

Has Jesus ever spoken to you through a film's theme, character, or plot? If the answer is yes then let's talk about it! This is what Cinema for the Soul is all about.

You are invited to this FREE monthly event for ages 18-99 where we watch a film from a spiritual point of view. Afterwards you are encouraged to stay and discuss your insights about the film.
 
Through scripture and Cinema Divina (like Lectio Divina but using the film), I ask you to think about these questions: 

 

• Where is Christ present in the film?

• Which part of the film stood out to you and why?

• What is God's message to you through this film?

• ​​​Finally, as a result of viewing this film, what action is the Holy Spirit calling you to do in your life and the world?

The Cinema for the Soul ministry inspires us to grow closer to Christ through a film's story, characters, dialogue, and from each other's insights. Movies can be our modern day parables!

My name is Brandie and one of my passions is film. I love to talk about films. I have always been fascinated about how movies are made. I love to learn about special effects, film composers, and acting. I enjoy collecting autographs and you will catch me at a movie convention somewhere. Since I was a little girl, almost every weekend my family and I made it an event to go to the movie theatre, watch the latest film, and then talk about it afterwards.

I am a big believer that God can speak to us through media, especially movies. On several occassions God has spoken to me through a film's storyline, character, or dialogue from a scene. Even if the film never mentions God, I believe his presence can be there. In some horror films there is a lesson to be learned about what can happen when you don't have God in your life. In 2012, I was asked to come up with a ministry that would draw Catholics to Christ in a new way. I created a ministry that would challenge the audience to watch a film from a spiritual point of view and find God's presence. The next movie you watch you might see or hear a message from God rather than just be entertained!

It doesn't matter how old you are or where you are from we can all learn from each other's experiences and insights from the films we watch. Therefore, I encourage you to stay after the film has ended to discuss the film with each other. You, the audience, make Cinema for the Soul what it is because you are willing to share your thoughts and your faith with each other.

I want to thank everyone who has attended a Cinema for the Soul night. It is because of your support that this ministry has been going strong since 2012. You are always welcome to invite others and bring snacks/drinks to share. I look forward to seeing you at the next movie night! -Brandie

Here is a list of the films we have watched and discussed since we began in 2012.