| TRUTH SERUM | 
|
This week's thoughts for deeper living
|
| ST. IGNATIUS CALENDAR | 
| |
View Full Calendar
|
| POOR BOX COLLECTION | 
|
Each weekend St. Ignatius specifies a Poor Box collection for a needful cause. To learn about next weekend's collection
|
| WORLD WATCH | 
Weekly updates on Christian persecution around the globe. Keep a prayerful watch on what is happening with your brothers and sisters!
|
| JOIN OUR LIST | 
|
|
|
|
The Watters' Edge
 A Time For Retreat - "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
My Sisters and Brothers in Christ:
A retreat is a special time to be present to the Lord. It affords us an opportunity to step away from the frenetic activities of our everyday world and plumb the deeper movements and desires which are the authentic source of what energizes us and gives richer meaning to our lives. It's a unique moment to listen to the voice of God speaking within our hearts as we reflect on our experiences and God's word in scripture.
Each spring time our parish sets aside 20 rooms at Loyola-on-Potomac Retreat Center in southern Maryland for those who would like to participate in a group retreat directed by a Jesuit priest. Those who have done so in the past come away filled with a keener perspective of where they are finding themselves, a greater sense of God in their lives, and a more profound experience of gratitude for their gifts and blessings.
The Loyola Retreat Center is located on a 235 acre campus overlooking the lovely Potomac River providing a beautiful natural setting in which to make a retreat in quite comfortable accommodations.
To learn more about the retreat being offered on the weekend of April 25th-27th, click here. Please note the special discount which is available to registered parishioners of St. Ignatius.
For many people it is not possible to go away for a retreat. However, they can arrange some time and space to make an "At-Home Retreat." Our parish traditionally provides just such an opportunity especially during the Advent and Lenten Seasons. As we approach the Season of Lent which begins this year on March 5th, plans are underway to offer, during each of the six weeks of Lent, a once-a- week coming together of those who would value "spiritual guidance" for their prayer life in a group setting. These once-a-week interactive gatherings would take place for an hour under the guidance of Father Hamm and Father Watters. More information about the "At-Home Retreat" will become available in February when interested parishioners may sign up for the six-week journey of this home-style prayerful retreat.
Gratefully, In Christ,
|
|
More on Being "Fishers of People"
|
 | |
Nicholas Penge, S.J.
|
Sunday's homily at the 10:30 Mass was given by Fr. Nicholas (Nick) Penge, S.J. Fr. Nick is a graduate student at Loyola University Maryland, and is from the Zambia-Malawi Jesuit province. The homily centered on Matthew 4:12-23 in which Jesus calls two sets of brothers (Simon Peter and Andrew; James and John) and tells them to lay down their fishing nets and follow Jesus. Of course the call was not only to these four, but to all who follow Jesus down through the ages. Fr. Nick spoke of how we are to bring ourselves to Jesus and surrender our lives to Him. It's not our brilliance He is after, our educational degrees or what we've attained in this life through our own maneuvering. Jesus merely wants us, and the devotion of our hearts surrendered over to Him. He is the one who will make us 'fishers of people'. Through lives that have been brought before Him, He will bring others to Himself.
Continuing with this thought we present a touching testimony of a person who learned this truth through a tragic moment that we all remember. As you watch it we want to ask you: "What do you think he means at the end when he says: 'I am second'?"
 | | Video - "I Am Second" |
|
Comment and Great Needs In This Cold Spell...
|
This Frigid Winter
by Father Bill Watters
When I drove the Loaves and Fishes van with a team of our parishioners a few weeks ago, the temperature read 26 degrees. Earlier in the afternoon a team of other parishioners had come to St. Ignatius Church and prepared a large pot of chicken vegetable soup, 250 sandwiches, two large boxes of fruits (apples, oranges and bananas), batches of candy, and a trove of warm clothes (scarves, gloves, hats, etc.). Our first stop was "The Mission" in East Baltimore. As we approached, we found a long line of mostly men huddled together and winding around the corner waiting eagerly to gain entrance against the harsh cold of the night. Within moments hands were extended and voices raised asking for soup, coffee, bananas and clothing. This was Christmas Night! - (to continue article click here)
Emergency Volunteers Needed to Help the Homeless.
Due to the extreme cold conditions and increased need, volunteers are needed to assist at the Code Blue Emergency Shelter on Guilford Avenue starting the evening of January 27th through the morning of January 30th.
Volunteers should be willing to serve as shelter monitors for approximately 100-160 homeless persons, primarily men, but which may include women and families as well. Baltimore City Police officers are stationed at the site along with Community Action Partnership program staff persons who are familiar with shelter operations. Primary duties include registering clients upon arrival, overseeing distribution of meals brought in by the Salvation Army, directing clients to cots, and answering questions.
| Questions? |
| |
Volunteer Now:
|
| |
When?
|
Various 8 hours shifts from 4 PM January 27 through 7:30 AM January 30
| |
Where?
|
Code Blue Emergency Shelter
210 Guilford Ave, 5th floor
Baltimore, MD 21201
|
NEW SOCKS WANTED
"Do you have any socks?" - That's the question our Loaves and Fishes volunteers get asked most frequently when they are serving patrons on the street during the winter. In these extremely cold temperatures, warm socks are not just an accessory, they're a necessity. To help meet this demand, on February 16 we'll be collecting NEW men's socks, large sizes and the warmer the better. Special boxes will be in the vestibule upstairs and outside Ignatian Hall downstairs. We thank you in advance for your generosity in meeting this important need.
|
|
Events During the Week
|
Embracing God's Gifts
- Tuesday, January 28
You are invited to join members of our gay and lesbian community in Ignatian Hall at 7 PM on Tuesday, January 28. This group is open to anyone interested in fostering support, maintaining communications, and encouraging social activities among diverse members of our parish. We are currently reviewing a piece of literature, discussing it and being nourished by some faith sharing/dialogue. We will be having a retreat day this Spring and a movie night this Winter. Contact Gordon Creamer at 410.236.8225 with any questions. To learn more about the Embracing God's Gifts Ministry click here .
Women of the New Testament
- Wednesday, January 29
The next meeting for Women of the New Testament group will take place on Wednesday, January 29 at 7 PM in Ignatian Hall. Women of the New Testament explores the diverse roles of women in the early church by studying and discussing the New Testament, other writings and practices of the early church, and scholarly commentary on these sources. In the light of this process, the group-women and men-pray to discern the roles to which women (and men) are being called in the contemporary church. Contact email: Melody Gordon-Healy. Current reading is: Women in the Old Testament, by Irene Nowell.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
- Wednesday, January 29
Prayer Shawls are knitted or crocheted blankets for those that are most in need of extra prayer (i.e. sick or homebound parishioners, retreatants, etc.) Join us on Wednesday, January 29 at 6:30 PM in Ignatian Hall. [NOTE: DIFFERENT TIME, DIFFERENT PLACE].
|
|
|
 Thoughts on the Gay Christian Network Conference
by Rachel Held Evans
We have a saying in Christianity that "you will know them by their fruit." Drawn from Jesus' teachings in Matthew 7, the expression means that the true test of faithfulness to Christ is not in simply believing or saying the right things, but in displaying the fruit of the Spirit -love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control.
"A good tree cannot bear bad fruit," said Jesus, "and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit."
I spent this past weekend with Christians bearing very good fruit.
I went to the Gay Christian Network's "Live It Out" conference in Chicago a little unsure of what to expect, a little perplexed that someone like me would be invited, and a little freaked out about what to say as a straight woman to a group of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Christians-many of whom have been severely wounded by the Church. (to continue article click here).
|
|
|
From America Magazine
 You probably know Father James Martin as Editor at Large of America, but you may not know that he also serves as The Official Chaplain of the satirical news show The Colbert Report. Mr. Colbert is known for his conservative, blowhard on-screen persona, and is a devout Catholic both on and off the air. In the Feb. 3 issue, Patrick R. Manning writes that teachers of the faith could learn a thing or two about evangelization from the charismatic host, who embodies St. Augustine's formula for effective catechesis: delight, instruct, persuade. - (To continue article and watch video clips, click here).
Ukraine Church Urges Return to Peace
 | | A Priest Stands Between Police and Protestors in Kiev |
The head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church appealed for calm as violence worsened between police and pro-European Union demonstrators in Kiev, Ukraine. Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk of Kiev-Halych, major archbishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, said Jan. 21 that he was dismayed and saddened as violence escalated for the third consecutive day in and around Kiev's Maidan -- or Independence -- Square.
"In these exceptional circumstances, I appeal to all faithful of the church, the Ukrainian people and all people of good will: In the name of God, stop the bloodshed. Violence was never the way to build a free and independent state," the archbishop said.- (To continue article, click here)
|
|
Future Events to Put On Your Calendar Now
|
2nd Annual Ignatian 5k: "Runners For Others"
- Saturday, April 5
Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 5, the second annual Ignatian 5K run/walk in Patterson Park. It's so much fun! Anne Haddad is representing our parish on the race committee and needs a core group of fellow parishioners to help plan for race day. To volunteer contact her at anne.haddad1@gmail.com.
St. Ignatius Parish Retreat at Loyola on the Potomac
- Fri April 25 thru Sun April 27
A wonderful 'weekend away' retreat that we encourage our parishioners to participate in. This year's theme will be "Rivers of Living Water," and focuses on the image of water as a symbol of how God acts in and through our human life, guided by the Blessing for Baptismal Water. Retreatants will be invited to ponder:
- the life-giving power of water (Creation);
- the purifying/healing power of water (Noah);
- the liberating power of water (The Exodus);
- and finally the person of Jesus from whom "rivers of life-giving healing, liberating waters" flow.
Each of these topics is developed in a presentation given by a member of the retreat team and is followed by a period of extended personal prayer. For more information, click here.
All Church "Get Away Weekend" and Parish Picnic
- Friday, July 11 through Saturday, July 12
A good way to get through the cold winter we've been having is to dream ahead to the "Get Away Weekend" being held the weekend of Friday, July 11 and Saturday, July 12. Come away for a "mini vacation" of camping (either in tents or houses), outdoor activities of hiking, nature walking and swimming. If you can't make the whole weekend, that's ok, come for the culmination of the St. Ignatius All Parish Picnic on Saturday. We want to make this year's time the most well attended, most fun event yet! To accomplish this, we need your presence! Be sure to place this weekend on your calendar now; more information will be available soon. To view last year's event, click here.
|
|
|
e-zine compiled by John. C. Odean
|
|
|
