By Denis Brosnan
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 6/19/03)

It’s not Hollywood but it will do for now.

John Buckreis, a parishioner of over 30 years at St. Michael Church in Annandale, is producing a show entitled, "Catholic Life," which examines the role of the Catholic Church in the local and world communities.

The show, produced at Fairfax Public Access’ Channel 10 studio, focuses on various groups and individuals involved in the Catholic Church, specifically the Arlington Diocese, and the role they play in the surrounding communities.

Buckreis, who produces "Gardening News and Views with Dr. John," also on Channel 10, says the purpose of his show is to encourage people to live their faith. "You don’t live the Faith in your little shell. You go out and spread your faith," he said.

A massive replica of Earth serves as the backdrop to "Catholic Life." Buckreis says it is meant to represent unity. "There are so many different religions in the world today — Judaism, Hinduism, Islam. Despite all of the differences, we are all brothers and sisters. We are one big family."

Surrounding the replica of earth are small, white signs with virtues such as love, honesty and forgiveness written on them.

According to Buckreis, the show does not preach about Catholic doctrine or controversial issues that surround the Church. Rather, it focuses on particular individuals or groups in the diocese that are carrying out their faith.

The first show, taped June 12, examined the role of boy scouts in the community. His guests included Michael Leite, Kevin Hederman and Steve Kotroneo, parishioners of St. Michael and members of Boy Scout Troop

Throughout the show, the scouts talked about their various projects and tasks.

Buckreis’s vision of ‘Catholic Life’ was formed while he was producing his gardening show. "I thought to myself, ‘If I can get knowledge out with gardening, why can’t I do it with religion?’" he said.

His gardening show has been a major success. According to Buckries, the show, which airs Mondays at 9 a.m., Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 5 p.m., has anywhere from 18,000-45,000 people tuning in. "The show really took off, and I expect the same to happen with ‘Catholic Life,’" he said.

Buckreis says that topics for upcoming shows could include the roles of Catholic Charities, religious education, Knights of Columbus, and retreat houses.

"I’m not here to preach," he says. "I believe people of all faiths can enjoy my program. That is the beauty of it."

The show, which will air three times a week on Channel 10, has not been given a time slot yet. However, Buckreis is confident he will get a positive response. "I would definitely like to see it go further."

Buckreis, 72, had no previous experience in television before starting his gardening show. However he understood the power television held. "It’s a very effective way to send out a message," he said. "With that opportunity comes great responsibility. I felt it was my responsibility to send out a positive message."

As a Eucharistic minister for 15 years, Buckreis has been highly active in the St. Michael Parish. He retired from the Merrifield Gardening Center, in 1998, after 25 years.