The Chicken Runs at Midnight – Catholics and Baseball

Champions of Faith DVD“The Chicken runs at midnight.” Stranger words were never spoken. But if you know the story of Major League Baseball coach Rich Donnelly, then you also know that more beautiful words have never been spoken. I first heard about Rich’s story through an amazing DVD called Champions of Faith. If baseball is your second religion after Catholicism, then you have to watch Champions of Faith. Some of the game’s biggest stars give witness to their Catholic faith: Mike Piazza, Mike Sweeney, David Eckstein, Sean Casey, Jim Leyland, Juan Pierre, Mike Scioscia…the list goes on.

The DVD is beautiful in every respect–gorgeous camera shots, poignant stories, inspiring music. With the baseball post-season just beginning, Champions of Faith might be a way to get your students more in touch with their own faith lives. The Champions of Faith website has resources for father/son retreats, youth ministry nights, and mini lessons for children. Take a look at the extended trailer:

For me, the most memorable part of the DVD is Rich Donnelly’s story about the origin of the phrase “The Chicken runs at midnight.” Here’s a low-quality video of Rich telling his story in a Lifetime channel special. You might want to get some tissue before you watch:

Celebrities Pray the Rosary in New DVD Release

Rosary Stars DVD
Rosary Stars DVD

What do World Series pitcher Jeff Suppan, NFL wide receiver Chris Horn, Transformers star Matthew Marsden, and Bella star Eduardo Verástegui, have in common? They’re all featured in a new DVD from Family Theater Productions titled Rosary Stars: Praying the Gospel.

This production looks like it will be a powerful new resource to encourage families to pray the rosary. According to the Family Theater Productions web site, the DVD will include a rosary tutorial, a history of the devotion, and a complete rosary led by celebrities from various fields.

The rosary is a great way to transition young Catholics into meditative prayer, because it blends the memorized prayers of their early years with contemplation on the life of Jesus.

Other stars include Rwandan genocide survivor ImmaculĂ©e Ilibagiza, “Doritos girl” Ali Landry, and major league baseball All-Star Mike Sweeney. Take a look at the trailer:

To order the DVD, visit the Holy Cross Family Ministries online store.

Thanks to Jean at Catholic Fire for the tip.