USCCB Releases New Documentary "Callings"

WASHINGTON—“Callings,” an hour-long documentary on work as a vocation, will be released by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) to NBC-TV stations and affiliates on Sunday, June 14. (Check local listings. Local broadcast is at the discretion of the station.)

The program features major league first baseman Mike Sweeney, now of the Seattle Mariners, dancer Francie Huber, Catholic Charities social worker Rita Flynn, and seven others who point out that their work is more a calling than a job. A clip from the documentary can be found at http://www.usccb.org/video/

The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Missouri produced the program that explores how ten people see their life’s work as a response to a call outside oneself.

Msgr. Ernest Fiedler, former rector of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Kansas City, points out how to recognize a special call – to marriage, to the religious life, to priesthood, to medicine, to law.

“I think with a believing, happy, well-balanced Christian, it comes from listening,” he said. Before you can answer a call, he said, “you’ve got to listen to it.”

Sweeney, and others, including a marine biologist and government official, share how they responded to their calling. They do not work at a job or a career; they respond to an invitation from outside themselves. They also note that similar opportunities are offered to individuals if they stop, listen, and discern.

“Callings” was funded by the USCCB Catholic Communication Campaign, an activity of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops that develops media programming, public service announcements, and other resources to promote Gospel values. Donations by Catholic parishioners support the CCC.

For more information, visit www.callingsfilm.com