'Chosen' film preview April 22 in Rockford

(Photo provided by Abbie Reese)

Abbie Reese, author of "Dedicated to God: An Oral History of Cloistered Nuns," is showing a preview of "Chosen (Custody of the Eyes)" April 22 at Rockford University's Fisher Memorial Chapel.
She'll open the evening at 6 p.m. by greeting everyone who comes to see the work-in-progress. The preview will begin at 7 p.m. and be followed by a question and answer session.
Hosts for the evening are John McGrath,  Rockford Diocese director of Educational Services and of Faith Formation, and Anne O’Keefe, president and CEO of the Rockford Area Arts Council.
The event is a fundraiser to help finish producing the film. Signed copies of the books will also be available.
Learn more about the film at www.chosenthefilm.com or www.facebook.com/ChosenFilm.
A free reader's guide to the book is available by clicking on the link at http://observer.rockforddiocese.org/book-club-blog. The book is The Observer Book Club's One Diocese, One Book selection through the Year of Consecrated Life.

New books offer valuable guidance in understanding the Mass

(CNS photos)

"Behold the Mystery: A Deeper Understanding of the Catholic Mass" by Mark Hart. Word Among Us Press (Frederick, Maryland). 186 pp., $12.95.

"Mass 101: Liturgy and Life " by Emily Strand, Liguori Publications (Liguori, Missouri). 144 pp., $11.99. 

If it has been a long time since you read a book about the Mass, "Behold the Mystery" is a good one to read.
Author Mark Hart is a young adult, husband and father of four who is also executive vice president of Life Teen International, a "Catholic youth ministry leading teens closer to Christ." His book is a fine one for older teens, to be sure, but it will make ideal reading for anyone who wants to refresh his or her understanding of and appreciation for the Mass.

Reese to speak at Byron March 19

(Observer photo)

ROCKFORD—Abbie Reese, author of “Dedicated to God,” will be speaking on March 19, 6-7 p.m., at the Byron Public Library, 100 S. Washington St.
For more information, call Jeannine Hedges at 815/234-5107 or email her at JeannineH@byron.lib.il.us.
"Dedicated to God" is the One Diocese, One Book selection for this year.