How old is the class?
A movie that is amazingly Catholic is Ladder 49. This was done by Jay Russell, a director who has sworn to only produce good-quality films that promote family life.
There is a particularly amazing scene sequence involving baptism. At the time I saw this film, I was still not certain about becoming Catholic, and baptism was one of the big stumbling blocks. When I saw this baptism scene, everything fell into place and I understood the Catholic doctrine of baptism. (I made the decision to convert shortly after.)
There is overt Catholicism in the movie, which is set in Baltimore (heavily Catholic city).
There is a “mocking” scene in which one of the firefighters pretends to be a priest and hear a new recruit’s Confession. It’s part of the recruit’s initiation. I personally think it’s cute. At least it de-mystifies the Sacrament of Reconciliation and makes it something that Catholics do as part of their daily faith.
My favorite actor, Robert Patrick, is in this movie. In an interview a few months after the movie premiered, he discussed religion and said that he was considering converting to Catholicism. I believe it was after this movie that he began wearing five medals–a cross, a crucifix, a St. Patrick, and two other saints that I can’t remember. He always has those medals on, and other actors comment on them. Mr. Patrick hasn’t converted to Catholicism (yet), but he converted to Anglicanism, and often discusses his commitment to his faith and his church during interviews. It’s weird to hear an actor talk about going to Mass–usually they just talk about themselves!
So apparently, *Ladder 49 *made a real impression on Mr. Patrick. He seems very approachable–perhaps he would be willing to talk to your class about religion and Ladder 49. Or try contacting Jay Russell directly and ask him if any or all of the religion in the film was intentional.
