A local parish saw evangelization success in November when it hosted a screening of the new film "Mary of Nazareth" as a fundraiser. Church of the Assumption in Fairport raised $1,700 from the film for its Mercy Fund, which provides emergency assistance to families in need.
The church advertised the screening on radio and television stations and in the bulletin, and sold out two showings of the film, said Marie Claus, youth minister of the church, who helped organize the event.
"A very generous person who’d like to remain anonymous heard about (the film), and they contacted the company, and that’s how it came about," Claus said. "It was really their inspiration."
Claus said after the screening she noticed that several audience members seemed visibly moved by the film. Claus noted that the film drew many people who were not members of the parish, and she said the film has prompted people to get together for discussions about it.
"It was a very nice way to begin a holy season," Claus said.
She said the parish might consider presenting another film if the opportunity presented itself.
