This weekend, The NET will broadcast its first telethon. Part of the three-day (Feb. 3-5) programming will be two special editions of Currents, the daily news show that is seen on the diocesan television station each evening at 7:30 p.m.
Currents is the only daily Catholic TV show in the world, as far as we know. It’s an important show because it keeps Catholics up to date on contemporary issues and how they impact on our lives.
The two Currents specials will depart a bit from the daily news format. For these two days, the show will examine the inner workings of the newly created DeSales Media Group and also giver viewers a behind-the-scenes look at Currents itself.
Of course, we are showcasing these programs because they highlight for viewers what exactly happens here at The Tablet, The NET, the Catholic Television Network, NETspañol and the Public Information Office, all of which are part of DeSales Media. All of this takes money. That is precisely why NET is conducting a telethon. We want to stay in business and we want you to know what we’re doing for you and how you can help keep it that way.
The telethon will feature the world premiere of the documentary, “The Rite of Exorcism: Myth Mystery and Hope.”
The film tells the true story of one of the Church’s most mysterious, and misunderstood rituals. It features world-renown experts and clergy who will explain the phenomenon of exorcism in hopes of laying to rest the theory that fiction is better than reality.
“The Rite of Exorcism” will be shown on Friday, Feb. 3, at 9 p.m.
Earlier on Friday, there is a lineup of treats with your favorite NET celebrities. Reel Faith, with film critics David DiCerto and Steven Greydanus will be seen on their telethon special at 9:30 a.m. There’s also a special presentation from The NET’s original series, Mysteries of the Faith, at 10:30 a.m.
On Saturday, Currents will fill its usual slot at 7:30 p.m. We will turn the cameras on ourselves and give you an inside look at how the program is put together. We’ll feature an interview with Art Dignam, chief executive officer of DeSales Media, some highlights from the past year, and it will include clips from Bishop DiMarzio’s Putting Out Into the Deep segment and our newest feature, School of the Week.
Later on Saturday, there will be an Ask the Doctor special with Dr. Steve Garner at 10 p.m., followed by an exclusive NET interview with Cardinal-designate Timothy Dolan, from 10:30 to 11 p.m.
Sunday, of course, is Super Bowl Sunday. So, we’re planning telethon programming in the morning rather than trying to compete with the nation’s largest unofficial holiday.
The Sunday morning specials include: Fishers of Men at 8 a.m.; Rome Reports at 8:30 a.m.; and City of Churches, The NET’s Emmy Award winning program, at 9:30 a.m.
In between shows, Msgr. Kieran Harrington, Vicar for Communications, will conduct interviews with NET personalities.
We hope you’ll join us this weekend for at least part of the telethon.
Whether you tune in to pray the Rosary with Bishop DiMarzio, participate in Mass from St. James Cathedral, or watch the evening news, NET has something for everyone. If you’re not yet a regular NET viewer, this is a great opportunity to get acquainted. If you’re already hooked, this is an opportunity to let us know that you’re enjoying this kind of programming.
