Issue # 150414                                                                    April 15, 2014
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TRUTH SERUM

This week's Truth Serum: "The Impact of 
the Empty Tomb"







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POOR BOX COLLECTION

Each weekend St. Ignatius specifies a Poor Box collection for a needful cause. This week's collection  will be for Father Nick Penge, SJ's Jesuit Province of Zambia. To learn more








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In 1889, Paul Gaugin painted, "Christ in the Garden of the Olives." It was, obviously, about Jesus in anguish on the eve of his crucifixion.
 
The Easter Triduum

 

My Sisters and Brothers in Christ:

 

We have entered the GREAT WEEK. With sundown on Thursday we begin the celebration of the EASTER TRIDUUM, the three-day event (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday/Easter Sunday) when we remember Christ's Passion, Death and Resurrection. These days truly comprise the most important time of the Catholic Church's Liturgical Year. It is during these days that we seek to renew and deepen our faith in Christ by gathering together as a single community of fellow sojourners around the table of the Lord to hear the Word of God proclaimed and to share the Bread of Life as Christ's disciples. It is the Passover of the Lord.

 

The ancient rituals of washing the feet, walking in procession, venerating and kissing the cross, lighting the new fire, chanting the hymn before the Easter Candle, welcoming the newly baptized and confirmed, renewing our Baptismal vows, all of these traditional rites that reach back centuries speak to us of a deep-seated faith that is expressed and revealed in sacramental signs and gestures which move our hearts to embrace Christ and the Community of the Church as the very foundation stones of our lives and mission.

 

As we come to memorialize the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus, we need to be mindful to reach out and invite a family member, a friend, a neighbor, a fellow worker or student to come along with us so that they, too, may participate in the mystery, beauty, and consolation of these up-lifting celebrations. In the spirit of Pope Francis we want to extend a welcome to those who may no longer come to church but would accept readily an opportunity to join us at this very special time of the year. Offering an invitation to someone, particularly for Easter Sunday, is a wonderful act of hospitality. Surprise yourself and extend a welcome to a person close to you. Let yourself be surprised when they say: "yes."

 

Together, then, we enter upon these HIGH HOLY DAYS mindful of the words of the Fifth Century Pope, Leo the Great: "Thus we celebrate in a proper manner the Passover of the Lord with the unleavened bread of purity and truth, while, once rejecting the leaven of ancient evil, the new creature drinks and eats of the Lord himself. Participation in the Body and Blood of Christ does nothing else than make us enter into what we take and carry elsewhere, in spirit and flesh, the one in whom we are dead, in whom we have been buried, in whom we are raised, as the apostle says: 'After all you have died! Your life is hidden now with Christ in God'."

 

A prayerful and blessed EASTER TRIDUUM to you all.

 

Gratefully in Christ,

 
      Watter Signature  
*** Elsewhere in this e-zine you will find information about the times of all our celebrations. The one date to take special notice of is Easter Sunday.  Our live Radio Mass will be one hour that day with full choir and instruments as will also our 10:30 Mass. Parking can be found behind the Maryland Transportation Building opposite St. Ignatius Church.

Why We Call it "Good Friday"

As we move through the Easter Triduum this week, we will encounter "Good Friday." Did you ever wonder why this darkest moment in history is called "good"? The video below gives a great insight into that question. 
Why We Call it Good Friday
Why We Call It Good Friday

 Events of This Week 

  

Holy Thursday

- April 17

Holy Thursday is the most complex and profound of all religious observances, saving only the Easter Vigil. It celebrates both the institution by Christ himself of the Eucharist and of the institution of the sacerdotal priesthood (as distinct from the 'priesthood of all believers') for in this, His last supper with the disciples, a celebration of Passover, He is the self-offered Passover Victim, and every ordained priest to this day presents this same sacrifice, by Christ's authority and command, in exactly the same way. The Last Supper was also Christ's farewell to His assembled disciples, some of whom would betray, desert or deny Him before the sun rose again. (To learn more about Holy Thursday,  click here)

 

St. Ignatius' Schedule for Holy Thursday is as follows:

Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions): 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Eucharistic Liturgy: 7:30 PM
Private Adoration: 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Compline (Night Prayer): 10:00 PM

Good Friday

- April 18

On Good Friday, the entire Church fixes her gaze on the Cross at Calvary. Each member of the Church tries to understand at what cost Christ has won our redemption. In the solemn ceremonies of Good Friday, in the Adoration of the Cross, in the chanting of the 'Reproaches', in the reading of the Passion, and in receiving the pre-consecrated Host, we unite ourselves to our Savior, and we contemplate our own death to sin in the Death of our Lord.

 

The Church - stripped of its ornaments, the altar bare, and with the door of the empty tabernacle standing open - is as if in mourning. In the fourth century the Apostolic Constitutions described this day as a 'day of mourning, not a day of festive joy,' and this day was called the 'Pasch (passage) of the Crucifixion.' (To learn more about Good Friday, click here)

 

Good Friday Events at St. Ignatius are as follows:

Confessions: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Stations of the Cross: 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Private Prayer in Church: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Liturgy of the Passion: 7:30 PM

 

*** The Good Friday Collection will be for support of Christians in the Holy Land and the work of the Franciscans there housing and feeding the poor, providing formation and education, maintaining shrines and parishes, and conducting pastoral ministry.
   

Holy Saturday

- April 19

Holy Saturday...anticipation! Holy Saturday is the period of Holy Week when Catholics remember Jesus' entombment. It is a preparation day. Today is a day of quiet and prayerful reflection on the true gravity of the crucifixion and Jesus' redemptive sacrifice. Throughout the world our Churches are empty of the Blessed Sacrament and quiet in anticipation of Easter's triumph over darkness and evil, sin and death.

 

The quietness of the day permits us to ponder the implications of physical death and how each of us in life and death, affects others. The day before Easter also permits the Elect, and the Catechumens a period of solitude and reflection as they prepare to participate in a most meaningful manner in the Sacraments of Initiation. After the activities of Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday & Good Friday, Holy Saturday is a pregnant pause before the resurrection is realized on Easter Sunday morning. (To learn more about Holy Saturday,  click here)

 

St. Ignatius Easter Vigil Mass is as follows:

Easter Vigil: 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM***
Reception in Ignatian Hall: 9:15 PM

 

*** The Easter Vigil liturgy is the most beautiful liturgy in the Roman Catholic Church. This Easter Vigil includes the the Exsultet. Although celebrated Holy Saturday evening, it is the dramatic Easter Vigil liturgy that marks the beginning of Easter. We are awaiting our master's return with our lamps full and burning, so that he will find us awake and seat us at his table (cf. Luke 12:35ff). All Catholics should try to attend this beautiful service. The Vigil is divided into four parts:

 

1.     Service of Light,

2.     Liturgy of the Word,

3.     Liturgy of Baptism, and

4.     Liturgy of the Eucharist.

 

To learn more about the Easter Vigil, click here.

 

EASTER SUNDAY

- April 20

Easter is the greatest feast in the Christian calendar. On this Sunday, Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. For Catholics, Easter Sunday comes at the end of 40 days of prayer, fasting and almsgiving known as Lent. Through spiritual struggle and self-denial, we have prepared ourselves to die spiritually with Christ on Good Friday, the day of His Crucifixion, so that we can rise again with Him in new life on Easter. (To learn more about Easter, click here)

 

At St. Ignatius our Easter Mass Schedule is as follows:

Masses: 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM***, 10:30 AM***, 6:00 PM 
Reception in Ignatian Hall after 9:00 and 10:30 Masses
***Our 9:00 AM live Radio Mass will be one hour on Easter with full choir and instruments as will also our 10:30 AM Mass.

Easter Egg Hunt
- Sunday, April 20

 

St. Ignatius'  annual egg hunt will take place after the 10:30 Mass on Easter Sunday. It is for children ages 10 years and under. The hunt will be in either Gonzaga Hall or the court yard outside, weather dictating. Please bring a basket or a bag for your child's collection of eggs. 

Upcoming Events to Mark on Your Calendar

Justice & Peace Movie Night 

- Friday, April 25

 

All are invited to join us in Ignatian Hall at 7:30 PM on Friday, April 25, for our Movie Night sponsored by the Justice & Peace Ministry at St. Ignatius. We will be viewing Francis - The Pope From the New World. As always, there will be popcorn and refreshments. The documentary will be followed up with an interactive discussion with Father Watters and a panel of others.

 

On March 13, 2013 the world was introduced to Pope Francis. He was the first Pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit, and the first to take the name Francis. Within days he had captured the hearts of the world through his gestures of humility and care for the common man. Yet he remained largely unknown.

 

Francis: The Pope From the New World unveils the personality, passion and extraordinary faith of the new Pope. Filmed on location in Buenos Aires, and featuring interviews with close friends, collaborators, and his official biographer this documentary traces the remarkable rise of Jorge Mario Bergoglio.

 

From growing up surrounded by soccer games and tango music to his defense of the poor and marginalized of Buenos Aires during his time as Archbishop, Francis: The Pope From the New World explores the abiding compassion and unwavering resolve of a priest, a bishop and now a Pope seeking to bring the Church to the frontiers of society. From overcoming the challenges of the day, including Argentina's Dirty War, to his tireless advocacy for the poor, this film paints an indelible portrait of a towering figure of our time.

 

View the documentary trailer by clicking here. Download a flyer here. Join us for a time of discussion and refreshments following the documentary.

 

St. Ignatius Parish Retreat at Loyola on the Potomac

- Friday, April 25 thru Sunday, 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.

Our "Family Room"

 

We're happy to announce that we've enhanced our video system (clearer video, better sound) in the Family Room, which is located in the choir loft, the balcony of the church. If you have a squirming or unhappy little one - or one who needs to be changed or fed, we invite you to the Family Room where you will find a changing table, toys and books. Enjoy the Mass with no need to worry about disturbing others around you!

In the Media

Ellen DeGeneres replays portions of a speech that Pope Francis gave to an audience in St. Peter's Square. It was on Marriage. He takes a side trail in the middle of it - it's pretty hilarious. 

Jokes from the Pope
A Little Humor from Pope Francis

Social Media Reminder

Last week we told you about Pope Francis' challenge for us to use social media to bring about encounters with Christ. Social media is the way in which people communicate today...and we're doing our utmost to become a Parish who uses these tools to build community and share the love of Jesus. To that end we want to ask you again to jump on to our Facebook and Twitter accounts. Please comment, share thoughts and stories, or things you seen or red. Invite your friends to join us. Just click the links below to join us.


To interact with us on Facebook
click here. Make sure to push the "like" button on our page to connect with us!

To communicate and share on our Twitter Account
click here. Make sure to push the "follow" button in order to add us!
e-zine compiled by John. C. Odean