“Jaws” is both a nerve-shattering thriller and a biting (sorry) social commentary about the failure of authorities to protect the people in their care.
John Dougherty
John Dougherty is the director of mission and ministry at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia, Pa.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Movie Club
Catholic Movie Club: ‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’ and what God calls us to be
At its heart, “Kiki’s Delivery Service” is a meditation on discovering—and pursuing—your vocation.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Movie Club
Catholic Movie Club: Celebrate Juneteenth with ‘Summer of Soul,’ a concert film about Black joy, rage and hope
‘Summer of Soul’ celebrates Black culture and joy, full of both good news and Good News.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Movie Club
The return of the Catholic Movie Club: Why going to the movies is a sacred act
This summer, I’ll reflect on films for America each week, with an eye toward pulling out spiritual themes. First up: ”The Princess Bride.”
Posted inArts & Culture, Film
Jordan Peele’s ‘Nope’ is a scorching parable about American idolatry
Jordan Peele’s film “Nope” exposes a worldview that prioritizes gain above all else and that reduces human life to a desperate race to the top.
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
My name has been in my family for seven generations. Here’s what I hope it means for the next one.
Our shared name is a constant reminder that the work I do today is not on behalf of some shapeless ideal of a better world, but for the world that my children will grow up in.
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
Towns are ‘arresting’ The Grinch to save Christmas. They’re missing the point of the story (and the season)
This Christmas season brought a new trend: arresting the Grinch.
Posted inArts & Culture, Television
As a 90s kid, I loved Disney’s ‘So Weird’ for its use of faith, sacrifice and the paranormal. As an adult, I still do.
As a kid, my favorite show was about death. Strangest of all, I watched it on the Disney Channel.
Posted inArts & Culture, Film
Catholic Sex, Catholic Guilt and Catholic School: A review of indie comedy ‘Yes, God, Yes’
For young Catholics, puberty can feel like a minefield where one wrong sexually-charged step could have everlasting consequences.
Posted inArts & Culture, Film
How do you minister at an all-boys Catholic school? Use ‘Avengers: Endgame’
God can speak to us in unexpected ways—sometimes, even through a superhero movie.