In Westfield, a unique program is redefining the way
we look at kids with disabilities by giving them a chance to play
sports like anyone else alongside their peers and regardless of ability.
In the process, they learn that it's ok to be different. Steve Kiltonic
has the story of the Unified Sports Program - which is creating a
brighter future for kids with special needs.
The pastor and parishioners at Springfield's
Holy Cross parish have recently made a major investment in youth!
With the addition of a new full time youth minister last summer, Rebecca
Drake tells us now that parishioners of all ages have noticed a renewed
energy in their midst.
January 29, 2011
School bullying has certainly received a great deal
of attention in the last two years. Tragedies have prompted schools
from our area and beyond to come up with new anti-bullying policies.
Terry Hegarty visited one local catholic school, and sat down with
diocesan personnel, to find out what is being done to eliminate this
dangerous behavior.
Students at Cathedral High School will not
soon forget the summer of 2010. Through their summer reading program,
they were introduced to the tragic story of hockey player Travis Roy.
After reading his autobiography, they had the opportunity to meet
Travis when he came to their school this fall. Teri Breguet sat down
with this hockey hero—a legend in his own right—as he
shared his message of hope and courage to all ages.
January 22, 2011
Larry Filiault, a Greenfield parishioner and pro-life
advocate, sat down with
Carolee McGrath to share his story of faith, hope and courage. Battling
ALS,
more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, Larry wanted to share
his story to
help inspire others. Sadly, shortly after this segment aired on January
22,
Larry passed away surrounded by his family and loved ones.
Pope John Paul II is one of the most beloved
figures in modern Catholicism. The first Polish pontiff will be beatified
on Divine Mercy Sunday this year. Terry Hegarty has some local reaction
to the story.
Sister Olga of the Eucharist may be a tiny woman but
she is filled with enormous faith. A native of Iraq, Sister Olga is
now spreading her faith-filled message here in the Bay State. The
Catholic chaplain at Boston College met with Real to Reel's Teri Breguet
last year.
January 15, 2011
Steve Kiltonic shares the story of Brother Andre Bessette,
the first Canadian saint. Though he is from our neighbor to the north,
this holy man spent time in western Massachusetts visiting family
and friends.
December 25, 2010
The ZipLock bags at St. Thomas the Apostle School
in West Springfield weren't being used for lunchtime snacks last month.
The students participated in a school-wide fundraiser to collect supplies
for troops serving overseas. Terry Hegarty has the story.
Alcino Pereira, a native of Portugal, has spent
much of the last few years building a magnificent miniature Christmas
village at Our Lady of Fatima parish. Real to Reel host Sharon Roulier
reports from Ludlow.
In 1992, Colette and Craig Vogel were thrilled
to be expecting their second child but a routine exam gave the couple
some unexpected news - their baby may have Down syndrome and the doctor
was recommending that they terminate the pregnancy. The Vogels tell
their story of faith and hope to Carolee McGrath.
St. Stanislaus Bishop & Martyr Basilica in Chicopee
played host to a traditional Greccio celebration this Christmas. Father
Michael Zielke, OMF Conv. narrates the history of the first Greccio
celebration and why the tradition continues today.
December 18, 2010
UMass Amherst hockey coach Toot Cahoon is a man who
likes to live by example. Terry Hegarty had the chance to talk with
him and find out how exactly he got the nickname "Toot."
In this edition of Spun from the Web, Peggy
Weber shares some thoughts about family and memories during the holiday
season.
December 11, 2010
David Martin attended the graduation of the Spanish
Institute at Our Lady of the Elms College in Chicopee and reports
back on what this means to its many participants.
Spreading warmth, love and faith - this is the mission
of the Prayer Shawl Ministry at Providence Place. Peggy Weber got
to meet with these dedicated women and learn about their labor of
love.
December 4, 2010
"Women and Spirit" - an exhibit currently
on display at Ellis Island in New York Harbor - tales the story of
women religious in the United States. Peggy Weber made the trip with
many of the women religious from the Diocese of Springfield and spoke
with the visitors on the impact this exhibit is making.
Julie Beaulieu reports from St, Michael's Cathedral
as three seminarians are
ordained as Transitional Deacons. They are one step closer to becoming
a priest in the Diocese of Springfield.
The Catholic community in Hatfield celebrated the
first week of Advent by opening their new church, Our Lady of Grace.
David Martin brings us the story.
November 6, 2010
Michael Preisler survived one of the most horrific
experiences the world has ever known - 3 years in a Nazi concentration
camp. Preisler came to this year's Men's Conference to share his message
of faith and forgiveness. Peggy Weber had the chance to hear his story.
Reminiscent of Dr. Zhivago, Janina Stankiewicz Chung
tells the epic story of how her family lived through the horrors of
World War II and how it was their faith that saw them through. Steve
Kiltonic sat down with Janina at her home in Chicopee.
October 30, 2010
This summer, our diocesan seminarians were hard a
work immersing themselves into a different cultural experience. Real
to Reel host Sharon Roulier has the story.
Patrick McCaskey, co-owner of the Chicago Bears, has three F's that
keep him going - Family, Football and, of course, Faith. Peggy Weber
was able to meet with McCaskey at this year's Men's Conference to
find out how he manages all three.
October 23, 2010
Sarah Hart brought her musical talent - and her faith
- from Nashville to the Diocese of Springfield this year. Teri Breguet
sits down with the singer-songwriter to discuss how she manages her
busy life.
For 47 years, Holyoke Catholic High School boys
cross-country and track has been coached by one man. Terry Hegarty
talks to Coach Rudy about his commitment to coaching.
Real to Reel host Sharon Roulier sits down with Springfield
Fire Captain Mike Richards to give viewers some tips on how to have
a great - and safe - Halloween.
October 16, 2010
Terry Hegarty shares one woman's fight against breast
cancer and highlights the 2010 Rays of Hope walk.
Children and adults at Our Lady of Guadalupe
parish in Holyoke are busy making rosaries for our local community
- and troops serving overseas. Carolee McGrath has the story.
October 9, 2010
The EWTN host, Raymond Arroyo, sits down with Peggy
Weber to discuss faith, family and hearing God's call.
Carolee McGrath introduces us to Suzanne DiFriesse,
a retreat leader for Rachel's Vineyard. Suzanne shares the painful
story of her own abortion and tells how she is using that experience
to help others.
Carolee McGrath takes an in-depth look at Donald and
Michele D'Amour who were recently honored for their dedication to
giving back to Catholic education.
September 25, 2010
Steve Kiltonic reports on the local connection to
the beatification of
Cardinal John Henry Newman.
The Boy Scouts of America celebrated their centennial
this year. Terry Hegarty, a former scout, sheds light on the local
history of scouting in the Diocese of Springfield.
September 18, 2010
Peggy Weber brings us the story of Mike Hayes, author
of the book "Googling God." Find out how Mike is using technology
to evangelize worldwide.
Sharon Roulier talks with author Jim Trelease
about the importance of reading to your children in this Real to Reel
interview.
September 11, 2010
Terry Hegarty takes us inside the Catholic Schools
of the Diocese of Springfield in this back to school special. Meet
the new principals and see what's in store for this school year!
Real to Reel host Sharon Roulier sits down the
the principal of Holyoke Catholic High School, Michael Griffin, to
discuss the new school year. Principal Griffin also talks about the
new technology available to students at the Chicopee campus.
Blessed Sacrament Parish in Greenfield celebrated
it's 50th anniversary this summer. Steve Kiltonic has the story.