FILMS AND BOOKS

Viewers of almost any age will find themselves well rewarded for tracking down "Muppets Most Wanted."

Jennifer Fulwiler had no faith with which to take a leap. The big questions of life always nagged her and as she grew, she began to understand that her father’s science did not explain all things.

"The film's most powerful characteristics are its ability to humanize the individuals who are on death row and illuminate the discrimination, mental illness, impoverishment and racial bias that commonly leads to a death sentence," a joint statement from the Catholic Mobilizing Network said.

1969 was a key year for NASA with the moon landing. For some perspective, that same year also saw the following emerge: "Sesame Street," PBS, ATMs and the Diocese of Phoenix.

In hindsight, it’s easy to see why “Les Misérables” didn’t win best picture at the Academy Awards this year. Jean Valjean, played by Hugh Jackman, is essentially a pacifist. “The man of mercy,” as his foe eventually calls him, forgives 70 times 7.

18 books for you to consider ordering, buying from your parish gift shop or checking out from the diocesan Kino Library.

Although they may be sociologically fascinating, in the cultural scheme of things, Elvis Presley impersonators are not widely deemed to occupy a particularly exalted position.

If we haven’t heard by now, we should take the time to learn: all things are connected. For example, in the American Church, studies from Catholic University paint a dismal picture — approximately 35 percent of professed Catholics surveyed don’t believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

“A Martyr’s Crown” is the fruit of two years worth of interviews and work among the Chaldean Catholic immigrant community in Phoenix by Joyce Coronel, longtime columnist and correspondent with The Catholic Sun.

The honor recognizes one Latino author and one Latino illustrator for work that "best portrays, affirms and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in children's books." David Diaz is responsible for artwork in the June 2012 release of "Martin de Porres: The Rose in the Desert." It's written by Gary D. Schmidt.