SUNDAY, 8 and 11 p.m.

Creating the X-Craft

MILITARY CHANNEL This documentary charts the innovative public-private designing, modeling and testing of the X-Craft, the Navy’s new high-speed, large-payload aluminum catamaran intended for shallow-water warfare support. The ship has a stern ramp, a helicopter flight deck and a bay that can hold several 20-foot containers, each with its own service panel for a specific type of mission. Advisory: TV-PG.

SUNDAY, 8 and 11 p.m.

Young Scientist Challenge 2008

SCIENCE CHANNEL In the two-day finals of the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge held last fall in New York City, students in grades 5 through 8 competed for the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist.” “Challenge” categories included Mars, lunar, Hubble, studio communications, rocket fuel and heat shield.

WEEKNIGHTS EXCEPT WEDNESDAYS, 7:30 p.m.

Family Rosary With Sacred Scripture

FAMILYLAND TV “Prayer is powerful beyond limits when we turn to the Immaculata, who is queen even of God’s heart,” wrote St. Maximilian Kolbe. This show combines the Rosary and the holy Bible to help the whole family unite in prayer.

MONDAY, 10 p.m.

The White House: Behind Closed Doors

HISTORY Designed by Irish-born architect James Hoban in 1792 and first occupied in 1800, the White House has always fascinated Americans. This documentary tours the 132-room executive mansion. Advisory: TV-PG.

TUESDAY, 10 a.m., live

Presidential Inauguration

MAJOR NETWORKS During the inauguration of the 44th President Barack Obama, Catholic viewers will be praying for our country, for restoration of protection for unborn babies, and the new chief executive’s conversion to the right-to-life cause.

WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY, live

March for Life 2009

EWTN “Woe to you if you do not succeed in defending life,” Pope John Paul II warned America in 1993 in Denver. Pro-lifers gather in Washington, D.C., at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for the annual Vigil Mass for Life at 7 p.m. Wednesday and the Solemn Mass for Life at 7:30 a.m. Thursday. Also tune in at 11 a.m. Thursday for the 35th annual March for Life’s pre-march rally and huge procession up Constitution Avenue past the Capitol and on to the Supreme Court. The March for Life telecast re-airs at 10 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. Saturday.

SATURDAY, 1:30 p.m., live

Walk for Life West Coast

EWTN Father Mark Mary and Doug Barry follow the pre-walk rally, interview pro-lifers and cover the walk itself along San Francisco’s waterfront. Speakers will include Father Frank Pavone of Priests for Life and Rev. Clenard Childress of BlackGenocide.org.

Dan Engler writes from
Santa Barbara, California.