SQPN

BALTIMORE, MD – The Star Quest Production Network (SQPN.com) along with Renegade Productions announced today the launch of Grace Before Meals streaming online videos to accompany the successful website and cookbook featuring accomplished chef and Catholic priest, Father Leo Patalinghug (“Father Leo”) of Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The streaming videos will feature Fr. Leo conducting cooking demonstrations in a fun way with the goal of showing people the importance of eating regular meals together to form stronger bonds.

The Grace Before Meals webisodes will begin with six streaming online video episodes to be featured on GraceBeforeMeals.com, SQPN.com and YouTube. This first installment of videos was filmed during a class offered by Fr. Leo to teach seminarians the basics of cooking – a skill set that will come in handy as these young men enter different ministries across the nation. The various recipes and dishes being prepared are inspired by different occasions for any group dynamic.

Sharing a meal
Grace Before Meals is centered on one fundamental concept: the simple act of creating and sharing a meal can strengthen all kinds of relationships. Founded by Fr. Leo Patalinghug in 2003, Grace Before Meals has grown from a simple idea to a worldwide movement, producing a book, blog and pilot for a television show endorsed by the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).

“I am very excited to launch the streaming online videos of Grace Before Meals with the help of SQPN.com and Renegade,” said Father Leo. “We hope that families and friends will enjoy these videos and learn how to cook some traditional meals that are easy to make. Hopefully some viewers will feel inspired to prepare and eat these meals together to strengthen their relationships and enjoy each other’s company.”

One meal at a time
Born in the Philippines and raised in the Baltimore area, Fr. Leo developed his love for cooking while attending the seminary at the North American College in Rome. There, he worked and trained with several Italian restaurant owners and would often invite them back to the student kitchen to trade cooking secrets. Currently, he is a member of the faculty at Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary where he directs the Pastoral Field Education Program for future priests.

Research conducted by The National Center for Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University shows that having frequent family dinners can reduce the susceptibility of teens to risks like teen smoking, drug/alcohol use and depression. These benefits don’t just apply to traditional families or people with kids. Stronger families foster stronger communities, and that’s the goal Grace Before Meals strives for–one meal at a time.

www.GraceBeforeMeals.com
www.sqpn.com