"The Nativity Story," a major motion picture about the year leading up to Jesus' birth, provides the basis for a weekly study guide that will appear in The Tidings during the Advent and Christmas seasons.

Daughter of St. Paul Sister Rose Pacatte, whose film essays appear regularly in The Tidings, will provide the weekly series based on "The Nativity Story," in theaters beginning Dec. 1. The guide will provide questions for reflection --- in individual or group settings --- tied to the film and the Scripture readings for each Sunday and holy day during Advent and Christmas.

"The film presents a unique opportunity for us to visualize this well-known story as we journey through Advent and then celebrate the Christmas season in ways that are as inviting as they are inspiring," said Sister Pacatte, director of Pauline Center for Media Sgtudies in Culver City and author of several books on film and Scripture. Her latest, in fact, is "The Nativity Story: A Film Study Guide for Catholics," available from Pauline Books & Media, (310) 397-8366 or www.pauline.org.

"The purpose of this Advent-film study guide," said Sister Pacatte, "is to assist in whole parish community catechesis and families in particular, to reflect, and have conversations about 'The Nativity Story,' using questions based on the Sunday's Gospel reading."

As preparation, Sister Pacatte advises viewing "The Nativity Story" as a small group or family. "Post the weekly questions in a central place in your home so that you will remember to talk about them. Read the Gospel passage the night before, or before you leave for Mass. Use one or more of the questions as appropriate for your family."

Sister Pacatte's review of "The Nativity Story" will appear in the Dec. 1 Tidings. It is a film, she said, that "is for all ages and all times, an instant classic that will enrich every Advent season and make Christmas morning truly meaningful for the entire family."