Industrious Family Fun Films Blog

Dec 04, 2025

Weekly Update With Plenty of News 🎉 Gofers Get a Grip!

The Gofers have clocked in for another week, and—believe it or not—they’ve actually got a grip on things…well, sort of. As usual, the crew is buzzing with updates and stories of random adventures. Here’s what’s been going on.

🎉 New Merch Drop - We’ve added fresh new merch to the store! From fun designs to gear that shows off your Industrious Family pride, the latest release is something you won’t want to miss.

🦔 The Porcupine That Refused to Die - Every week brings a wildlife story, but this one takes the cake. An elusive porcupine made an unexpected appearance—and refused to die despite all efforts.

🎂 Birthday Week: Mary & Faustina - We celebrated birthdays for both Mary and Faustina! The Gofers do birthdays with style. It’s always a good time when the whole crew slows down long enough to celebrate.

🎤 Thanksgiving Karaoke Night - Thanksgiving Karaoke Night was a highlight, complete with enthusiastic performances, friendly competition, and plenty of laughs.

🔧 Fixing Up Trucks…And Much More - Because Gofers can’t go a week without tools in hand, there’s been plenty of mechanics going on. Engines tuned, parts replaced, mysterious rattles located (or ignored). It’s all part of the ongoing saga of keeping our vehicles—and the people who drive them—alive.

From new projects to everyday moments, the Gofers keep life full of stories worth sharing. Whether it’s mishaps, celebrations, or sudden bursts of energy that lead to unplanned adventures, there’s never a dull moment.

Listen Now!

Dec 04, 2025

A Wedding Without Fairy Dust: Grisly Grisell and the Truth About Catholic Marriage

It is interesting how this scene has come to life in three different ways recently. In Industrious Family Films’ movie adaptation of the book, a darkened chapel is used with blue lighting from the stained glass windows, giving the entire scene an altogether gloomy attitude. Michael Bowen as Sir Leonard and Abbey Erskine as Grisell coldly and almost hesitantly exchange the vows before Sir Leonard flees in a flash of lightening.

The Catholic Illustrated Classic abridged by Brother Jonas Houston brings this same feel through words on a page. “Cold and lifeless hands” are described as “barely touching each other”. The overwhelming sense of inescapable fate rings in the words: “The priest blessed them and it was done.”

And finally, the scene is told in the vivid illustrations that Bernadette Sheilds drew for the new Catholic Illustracted Classic of Grisly Grisell. In this image, we see a small frightened priest standing at the end of the hall, while Grisell and Sir Leonard prepare to approach the altar. Grisell is heavily veiled while Sir Leonard‘s head is turned away.

These scenes cannot help but make me take a moment to reflect on the true value of matrimony. It seems too many times there are people who really want to make a big show of their ceremony, when really, it is a sacrament and it is truly dedicating yourself to God and to another person in the married life. Marriage isn’t all about the cake, and the dress and the flowers.

Yes, we honor and celebrate those who choose this path and they are worth celebrating, but really, marriage is a promise. It is a standing with another person to raise a family that gives glory to God. It isn’t always glamorous. Sometimes things are as gloomy as Grisell’s marriage, but that doesn’t make it of any less value. And learning to love through those trials and not giving up on your spouse, that is how Catholic husbands and wives are truly perfecting their souls.

So, to all you married couples out there who are dedicating your life to God through your family, thank you for choosing this path. Things might not all be sunshine and rainbows, but you are doing God’s will and it will be rewarded not only in this life, as seen in the example of Grisell’s careful dedication to her husband being rewarded richly at the end of the story, but also in the next when you are surrounded by the heirs of heaven you raised.

Share the story of Grisly Grisell with a young girl in your life this Christmas and encourage them to live lives of patience and virtue this Christmas!

Dec 03, 2025

Celebrate True Femininity This Christmas with the Catholic Illustrated Classic of Grisly Grisell

Ever since I can remember, there has been this bizarre stress on “girl power” and being strong “like a girl.” This is, of course, a feminist push to pretend that women reach their full potential when they become more like men. What this really is is an attack on true femininity and on the Catholic teaching of what we are all called to do.

Yes, men are called to more strenuous work to fulfill their primary duty given to them by God: to protect and care for their families. But we are all called to do hard things. It is by giving constantly of ourselves—men and women alike—that we become saints.

That is one of the reasons I am so excited to be releasing the new Catholic Illustrated Classic version of Grisly Grisell. This is a story where a young woman is forced to do tough things simply by fulfilling her duty. She rises to the occasion, even as she is mocked and tormented for her faithfulness.

But instead of becoming bitter—an “I am a tough girl, I can do this” sort who wears hardship as a badge proving she’s as good as any man—Grisell uses the sorrows of her life to perfect her virtue. She gives constantly of herself, becoming a true model of Christian femininity. And yet, it is still a Cinderella-type story, filled with the romance young girls love in novels.

This story is one we all fell in love with and made into a film in 2022. And now it is being brought forth in new beauty and with a new edge through the illustrated classic so well put together by our friends Br. Jonas and Bernadette Shields!

Order your copy today and gift the joy of true femininity to a young girl who is special to you this Christmas!

Dec 02, 2025

Share the Story of King Pelayo with the Children You Love This Christmas

Looking for a Christmas gift that will inspire your children or grandchildren? Our Pelayo picture book is a perfect choice for families who want to share stories of faith, courage, and Catholic history. Order now to ensure it arrives in time to make it under the tree!

Telling the same historical facts featured in our short film about the heroic stand at Covadonga, this picture book tells the story of King Pelayo and his small band of 300 men defending their homeland and Catholic faith against the invading Moors in 722 A.D. With over a dozen full-color pages adapted from the movie, the story is easy for young readers to follow and brings history to life in a way children can enjoy.

Written by Faustina Bowen, this 28-page paperback (8.5 x 8.5 inches) is a gift that encourages perseverance, trust in God, and admiration for real-life heroes of the Faith.

🎁 Christmas gift tip: This book is ideal for giving as a standalone gift or adding to a holiday reading corner, giving children a story they can return to again and again.

Give the children in your life a story of courage and faith this Christmas with the Pelayo picture book.

Dec 01, 2025

Why Grisly Grisell Remains a Treasure—and Why Your Children Will Love the New Illustrated Edition

I have many happy memories of Grisly Grisell. The first time I read the novel was about ten years ago. It was so good. From the beginning to the end it kept me totally enrapt in the story. I even read it out loud to my husband after I finished it.

I found the novel through Our Lady of Victory School. While in high school; my daughters, Mary and Faustina, had read it and told me that I really should read it too--so I did.

About five years after that, my daughters told me that they wanted to do a full length movie on Grisly Grisell. I thought that was a good plan and approved their film proposal. It is a sweeping story that goes from castle to abbey to tower and from England to France during the English civil war of the fifteenth century known as the Wars of the Roses as the opposing sides were the white rose and the red rose. I knew this would be difficult to accomplish with a micro budget but nonetheless, it was accomplished.

Many people thoroughly enjoy this film and it was well acted by a cast of young people.

One person recently found this film of ours and had very nice things to say about it. His name is Brother Jonas. He read the novel and found it to be both edifying and an aid in the formation of religious brothers and sisters. He checked the internet to see if it had ever been made into a movie and found Industrious Family's film adaptation!

It had been on our radar to start publishing abridged illustrated classic Catholic novels for children and in some way or another Br. Jonas volunteered or was asked to write an abridged version of the story and a friend from Mary's Town Rosary signed up for the job of illustrator. Our creative director Mary spent hours formatting the book and what the three of them came up with is something that we are all proud of.

When we got the first proof, I read the entire story out loud. It took about three hours to read and everyone loved listening. It is a gem of a story and Br. Jonas captured the beauty of the story in a version that children will enjoy. This year for Christmas I hope your children find this first of Industrious Family's Illustrated Catholic Classics under the tree. It is a treasure and we hope to make versions of our other books to film.

Buy a copy for your children, grandchildren, godchildren and all the children in your life today. I guarantee that you won't be disappointed.

Nov 30, 2025

🎬 We’re LIVE! Join Us Now!

Our special livestream is happening right now! Come take a closer look at our new Catholic Illustrated Classic, A Tale of the Wars of the Roses, and see why it’s the perfect gift for the young readers on your Christmas list.

We’ll also be showcasing other brand-new items in our shop.

👉 Click to join the livestream and watch with us!

Nov 30, 2025

Going Live in Just a Few Hours—Don’t Miss Our Christmas Gift Showcase!

Our livestream is just a few hours away! If you’ve been looking for a wholesome, Catholic gift for your young readers, this is one you’ll want to see.

Grisly Grisell is the new Catholic Illustrated Classic—with stunning character art by Bernadette Shields—and it makes a beautiful, meaningful Christmas present.

Tune in today at 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET to take a peek inside the book, including Kathleen's favorite parts, and discover the other new items hitting our shop—just in time for Christmas delivery!

👉 Don’t miss it!

Sign up for our newsletter to be alerted when we go live!

Nov 30, 2025

🎄 Happy First Sunday of Advent! Today’s the Day!

We’re so excited to share more about our newest Catholic Illustrated Classic, A Tale of the Wars of the Roses—brought to life with Bernadette Shields’ beautiful artwork and brand new adaptation by Br. Jonas.

If you’re looking for a meaningful Christmas gift for the young readers in your life, this abridged novel is absolutely perfect. Join us today at 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET for our special livestream where we’ll show off the book and highlight the new items in our shop.

Plus, the Gofers are coming back for another fun game!

👉 Set your reminder now or sign up for our newsletter to be alerted when we go live!

Nov 29, 2025

Shop Small, Shop Catholic: Discover What’s New in Our Store This Small Business Saturday

We’ve added several exciting new items to our store just in time for the Christmas season! Along with our newest Catholic Illustrated Classic, Grisly Grisell, you’ll now find a fresh collection featuring our updated logo—hats, t-shirts, mugs, and a cozy sweatshirt. We’ve also launched a brand-new line of Gofers Get a Grip Podcast merchandise for fans of the show.

If it’s been a while since you last visited—or if you’ve never browsed the store before—this is the perfect moment to see what’s new and find a few treasures to tuck under the treer.

And it’s the perfect place to shop this Small Business Saturday! When you shop with us, you’re not only supporting a small Catholic business—you’re helping us continue our mission of making entertainment for your family’s soul.

Nov 28, 2025

Don’t Miss Our Christmas Gift Livestream This Sunday!

Get ready! 🎉

This Sunday we’re hosting a special livestream to showcase our new Catholic Illustrated Classic, Grisly Grisell, along with several other brand-new items in our shop.

This beautifully illustrated hardbound book makes a perfect Christmas gift for young readers—especially those who love stories filled with virtue, courage, and true Christian femininity.

📦 And remember: now is the time to order if you want guaranteed Christmas delivery!

Sign up for our newsletter so you get the reminder to join us Sunday and take a closer look at everything we’ve been working on. You won’t want to miss it!

Nov 28, 2025

Meet the Characters: Early Sketches from Bernadette Shields’ A Tale of the Wars of the Roses

It was a lot of fun having Bernadette Shields bring our Catholic Illustrated Classic, A Tale of the Wars of the Roses, to life in a special way through her beautiful drawings! Here is an early sketch of Bernadette’s of all the characters that make up this great story. Make this abridged novel the perfect Christmas present by gifting it to any young lady in your life.

Order your copy today!

Nov 27, 2025

Happy Thanksgiving! Thankful for a Catholic Education and the Joy of Grisly Grisell: The Perfect Christmas Gift!

My birthday is always around Thanksgiving (sometimes even landing on Thanksgiving! 😊) which is of course a time when we think of all the things we are thankful for.

While my list is extensive, I wanted to share one thing that I am very thankful for. I am thankful that I was given a solid Catholic education. Not only did this education teach me my religion, but I also learned the basics of science, a true appreciation of history, and…it exposed me to and taught me to love literature.

I read Dickens, Austen, Scott, Dante, and Stevenson. My mom loves to read and, in addition to the stories we read for school, she read us Little Women, Dracula, The Book of Maccabees, and, yes, even Fabiola.

One of the treasures that we discovered through Our Lady of Victory School was Grisly Grisell. This book is much like the character herself, quiet, not as exciting as some of the other books, but a hidden gem with many virtues, hiding behind the veil of its more well known name A Tale of the Wars of the Roses. (I mean, really, what young girls wants to read something called A Tale of the Wars of the Roses when she could read something that has a more colorful title like Anne of Green Gables?)

But now, I am happy to announce that there is a new illustrated and abridged version of this story! The language has been simplified to make it more attainable for younger readers (Charlotte M. Yonge was a contemporary with Charles Dickens so the original novel is rather lofty).

Plus now every chapter has an exciting illustration that children can look at (or color as we used to with the Great Illustrated Classics ☺️.) And it is being released just in time for Christmas shipping!

Order your copy today and gift Grisly Grisell this Christmas!

Nov 26, 2025

Spotlight on Faustina Bowen: Actress, Filmmaker, and Santa’s On-Set Collaborator

Today we’re celebrating Faustina Bowen—our talented filmmaker, actress, and script supervisor! Many of you know her from her memorable roles in Max & Carlota and Grisly Grisell.

Faustina is also the only Bowen who has ever met Santa Claus—and she even convinced him to appear in her film! Be sure to subscribe to our family streaming service to watch her shine as the joyful elf Merry Anne Bright, featuring a special performance by Santa himself.

Looking for a great Christmas gift? Visit our store and pick up a gift certificate to the Industrious Family Theater—the perfect way to share wholesome family entertainment this season!

Nov 25, 2025

Review Spotlight: Praising Br. Jonas’ Engaging Writing Style: A Tale of the War of the Roses--Grisly Grisell Industrious Family's Catholic Illustrated Classics

I wanted to share a sweet review we received recently:

“Our 11-year-old was glued to the book. Wouldn’t put it down for three days!”

That’s the kind of reaction that makes all the work worthwhile. Br. Jonas’ writing style is truly a gift—clear, engaging, and accessible for young readers without sacrificing the depth of Charlotte M. Yonge’s original story. His chapter endings always leave you wanting just a little more, which is why children read through this book so quickly!

This abridged edition of Grisly Grisell really does bring the story to life in a way that readers of all ages can enjoy. If you’re looking for something wholesome, uplifting, and beautifully written for your children or grandchildren…

👉 Buy now and gift Catholic literature this Christmas!

Nov 24, 2025

Teaming Up With Br. Jonas and Bernadette Shields to Make a Beautiful Illustrated Abridged Novel, Grisly Grisell

We are so excited to bring Grisly Grisell to life again. This time as an abridged novel with illustrations on almost every other page!

Thanks to the help of Br. Jonas and illustrator Bernadette Shields, this beautiful, hardbound book tells the story of Grisell Dacre, a young girl growing up during England's Civil War. After surviving a horrible accident which leaves her face scarred, Grisell copes with the thought that none will love her for her natural beauty.

Virtues not lacking, she gathers a circle who admire her for her kindness and generosity, in the end even winning the heart of her own knight in shining armor. This hardbound novel with beautiful illustrations would make a great gift for boys and girls alike!

Nov 23, 2025

Join Us LIVE In One Hour! See You There!

We are getting the final touches ready for our LIVEstream but we wanted to remind you to join us for this exciting event where we will be releasing our two newest FABIOLA scenes. See you in a little bit!

Click this link to watch the video when we go LIVE!