ST. IGNATIUS WEBPAGE
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You can view or read last Sunday's Homily by clicking on links below:
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| TRUTH SERUM | 
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This week's Truth Serum: "We Are An Easter People Living in a Good Friday World"
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| ST. IGNATIUS CALENDAR | 
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View Full Calendar
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| POOR BOX COLLECTION | 
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Each weekend St. Ignatius specifies a Poor Box collection for a needful cause. This week we've been asked to respond to an emergency appeal from Catholic Relief Services regarding the sufferings of children in some of
the countries where
CRS works.
To learn more
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| WORLD WATCH | 
Weekly updates on Christian persecution around the globe. Keep a prayerful watch on what is happening with your brothers and sisters!
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| JOIN OUR LIST | 
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My Sisters and Brothers in Christ:
On an almost daily basis, there is a news headline or fresh lengthy article about Pope Francis that appears in our newspapers or on our home emails. People the world over are taken by this remarkable man who has caught the hearts and imaginations not only of Catholics but also of those who are not Catholics yet admire him and, in some cases, refer to him as "our Pope, too."
A case in point is this past weekend's newspapers featuring him at one of the many services he conducted during the Easter Triduum. There were the photos of him washing the feet of young and old, Christian and Muslim, women and men, all disabled who reside in the Roman rehabilitation center of Our Lady of Providence. There was also the four-page article of the Pope featured in Parade magazine, the weekly syndicated journal that appears in many newspapers across the country. The large front-page photo of the Pope releasing a dove into the air was followed by multiple photos with the magazine capturing the smiling Francis in different poses including one with President Obama who recently visited the Pope and who told him he was one of his fans, too. The article itself offered great praise for the Pope's frequent positive messages of hope, openness and joy, providing a lengthy excerpt from one of his homilies.
Recently, Liguori Press published a new pamphlet titled Against the Tide, written by John Allen, Jr., probably the most knowledgeable American journalist regarding Vatican affairs, which highlights the radical leadership of Francis. Allen refers to the Pope as the "Energizer Bunny" whose pace reporters and pundits have difficulty keeping up with and thus "barely have time to digest one remarkable statement, gesture or decision before he's launched five or six more."
In his essay Allen refers to the Pope as a "Man of the People" who has become "A Cultural Icon" proclaiming the "Joy of the Gospel" to the whole world. Allen points out that Francis' proclamation of "the Social Gospel" has made him "A Pope of Mercy" which is bringing about a powerful reform within the Church, not least of all by way of what is called "the Francis Effect" in which the "People's Pope takes the world by storm."
In keeping with our eye on what God is doing in the Church today through the leadership of this extraordinary man, our parish will be screening this Friday evening at 7:30 in the Ignatian Hall the highly praised documentary Francis - The Pope From the New World. Come and view the film and join in the panel discussion following its presentation. Invite a friend to come with you. Find the details below.
Gratefully in Christ,
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We've Entered the Video Age!!
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You may have noticed that we've installed video equipment over the past couple weeks. You can now watch the homilies from each Sunday's 10:30 Mass a day or two after the Mass. There are three ways to access the readings and homilies each week.
The first way is through this e-zine each week. If you will look to the left hand column you will find a link that allows you to either view the video or read the text of the current homily.
Secondly, you can visit the front page of the St. Ignatius website and find the most recent readings and homily (www.st-ignatius.net)
Finally, each week's homily (and all homilies) will be archived on our website under the drop down menu "Liturgy and Sacraments" and then under the submenu "Homilies". This contains all past homilies in text form - and now in video format too!
Welcome to the 21st Century!
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Loaves and Fishes
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 Last year for the first time we extended our Loaves and Fishes Ministry to the summer months. We quickly found that the sandwiches, fruit, cold water and lemonade we made available to the homeless of Baltimore were much needed and greatly appreciated. This year, beginning on Sunday, May 4, we will be starting our Summer Program once more. Volunteers are needed to make sandwiches or to drive or serve on the van. We know there are numerous demands on people's time during the summer months, so there is no obligation to commit to any definite Sunday. Volunteers will receive an e-mail each week asking if they are available and want to serve; they respond and indicate their preference for food preparation (2:30 - 4:30) or service on the van (4:30 - 7:30). Volunteers who respond are then notified of their assignment. If you are interested in serving, or would like further information, contact Vincent Tobin or Amy Petkovsek.
And in keeping with our outreach to the poor and the homeless, we thought you'd enjoy this article and audio recording from National Public Radio (NPR) entitled:
 Statue Of A Homeless Jesus Startles A Wealthy Community A new religious statue in the town of Davidson, N.C., is unlike anything you might see in church. The statue depicts Jesus as a vagrant sleeping on a park bench. St. Alban's Episcopal Church installed the homeless Jesus statue on its property in the middle of an upscale neighborhood filled with well-kept townhomes. Jesus is huddled under a blanket with his face and hands obscured; only the crucifixion wounds on his uncovered feet give him away. The reaction was immediate. Some loved it; some didn't. "One woman from the neighborhood actually called police the first time she drove by," says David Boraks, editor of DavidsonNews.net. "She thought it was an actual homeless person." That's right. Somebody called the cops on Jesus. (click here to continue)
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The Events of This Next Week
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Embracing God's Gifts
- Tuesday, April 22
You are invited to join members of our gay and lesbian community at 7:00 PM in the parish offices at 805 N. Calvert Street. This group is open to anyone interested in fostering support, maintaining communications, & encouraging social activities among diverse members of our parish. To learn more about this ministry click here. Questions? Contact Gordon Creamer at 410.236.8225.
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.
Making Abortion Unthinkable
- Saturday, April 26
A workshop from 9 AM - 12:30 PM on the issues surrounding the Church's teaching, the basis for the underlying belief, responses to frequently asked questions, and the help provided by The Project Rachel ministry.
What you can expect: In this Pro-life 101 workshop using part of the "Making Abortion Unthinkable" DVD series from Stand to Reason, attendees will receive a comprehensive and practical guide to presenting the facts about abortion and why it should be outlawed in a peaceful, charitable, rational and intelligent way. It will show how to answer common objections in a gentle and respectful way, in order to convince pro-choice people that abortion is wrong. Appropriate for all adults and mature high school juniors and seniors. Click here to download flyer for further information and registration form.
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.
Divine Mercy Sunday
- Sunday, April 27
In celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday on April 27, a feast originating with St. Faustina Kowalska and promoted by Pope John Paul II, Holy Rosary Catholic Church in East Baltimore will be presenting an afternoon of remembrance. The schedule is as follows:
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12:00 PM
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Messenger of Mercy - Drama of the Life of St. Faustina, by Nency Scimone (free admission)
| | 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM | Confessions | | 1:30 PM |
Bilingual Solemn Mass, by the Most Reverend Mitchell Rozanski
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Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament & Sung Chaplet and Procession, Veneration of the Divine Mercy Image & Relics of St. John Paul II and St. Faustina Kowalska.
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Holy Rosary Catholic Church is located at 408 South Chester Street Baltimore, MD 21231-2798 (directions).To learn about Divine Mercy click here, and click here.
Young Adults
- Sunday, April 27
 The Young Adults meet on the last Sunday of every month at 4:30 PM. in Ignatian Hall to pursue The Spiritual Exercises. The Spiritual Exercises are a compilation of meditations, prayers, and contemplative practices developed by St. Ignatius Loyola to help people deepen their relationship with God. For centuries the Exercises were most commonly given as a "long retreat" of about 30 days in solitude and silence. In recent years, there has been a renewed emphasis on the Spiritual Exercises as a program for laypeople. If you are between the ages of 20 and 40 and interested in deepening your relationship with Christ through these Exercises, you should join us on Sunday, April 27th. The meeting lasts for one hour and then people can attend the 6:00 PM Mass.
-Young Adults Easter Season Additional Events -
The Young Adult Ministry will be sponsoring a parish wide Corporal Works of Mercy Activity during the Easter Season.
Corporal Works of Mercy:
Our schedule for collections and outreaches are as follows: On the First Sunday, April 27th ,
| "Give Drink to the Thirsty" | April 27th. We will collect water for the Loaves and Fishes summer ministry. Also, we will hand out aluminum tins (with a a casserole recipe asking people to make the recipe or another of their choosing), and bring them back (filled with a casserole) on Sunday, May 4th. | |
"Feed the Hungry"
| May 4th. Casseroles for My Sister's Place | |
"Clothe the Naked"
| May 11th Collecting professional clothing for the Franciscan Center's Attire for Hire program | |
"Visit the Imprisoned"
| May 18th - Coat collection for the Prison Ministry of the Archdiocese | |
"Bury the Dead"
| May 25th -The 6:00 PM Mass will be celebrated in memory of the deceased Veterans of the Parish. | |
"Shelter the Homeless"
| June 1st - Goodie Bags for Loaves and Fishes. Bags will include: deodorant, tooth paste, tooth brushes, hand sanitizer, antibacterial wipes, and socks. | |
"Visit the Sick"
| June 7th - We welcome everyone to attend the 12:10 Mass at St. Ignatius where the Sacrament of the Sick is offered to all who are in need. |
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In the Media
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The following incident, carried over most of the world's news feeds, is truly monumental and historic. It has to do with the embrace of Protestant leaders towards the Catholic Church, and Pope Francis' affirmation of our brothers and sisters in Christ in the Protestant "Pentecostal" arena of God's Family. We present the occasion through Commonweal magazine, and their take on it. ENJOY!
"Heaven is Thrilled Over This"
Robert McCullough at the CNS blog has posted a video message from Pope Francis to a gathering of Pentecostal pastors in the United States. It's a wonderful message, and well worth watching. Very affecting, and well-chosen to reach his intended audience. Here is the full description:
Pope Francis recorded a message of reconciliation and unity between the Catholic Church and the Evangelical Church for Kenneth Copeland Ministries, a group of Pentecostal Christians in the United States. Bishop Tony Palmer, a bishop from a Pentecostal Christian community, did the camera work with an iPhone. The bishop also serves as international ecumenical officer for the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches, a group that is not affiliated with the Anglican Communion, and which takes a much simpler view of the path to full Christian unity than the pope and the mainline Christian churches do. The translation used for the English subtitles on the video are not precise, but the pope's sincerity is clear.
The response from gathered assembly and its Pentecostal leader is priceless: "I'm tellin' you now - heaven is THRILLED over this." In the full video (here, starting at 38:41), they pray for Pope Francis and send a video message back to him - the leader saying "We do not know how to pray for him other than to agree with him." - Historic, monumental, and wonderful!
 | | Pope Francis message of unity by Bishop Tony Palmer |
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Catholic Charities Dragon Boat Races
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To be a part of the Catholic Charities Dragon Boat Races as a sponsor, participant, or spectator is a thrilling experience. Catholic Charities held its first Dragon Boat Races in 1998. The event, held every-other year, provides significant support for services provided by Catholic Charities' 88 programs to Marylanders in need throughout the state. Race sponsors partner with specific programs, such as My Sister's Place Women's Center and Our Daily Bread Employment Center, to both volunteer and fundraise. The Races are also a good team-building exercise for Race sponsors. On Sept. 6, 2014, the event will once again take over the Baltimore Inner Harbor to host the day-long series of races between as many as 40 teams that draws about 8,000 - 10,000 visitors.
St. Ignatius Church is in the process of putting together our Dragon Race Crew which will represent the 5 Center City Catholic Churches. And we need a few good women and men to represent us. The crew team will consist of 25 members. Once the teams are formed, they will have weekly practice sessions which will be held in the evening beginning sometime in May. If you are interested, please email Kathleen Talty or contact her at 410.243.1168, or call the parish office. To learn more about Dragon Boat Racing or view videos of past events, visit their website here. For more information about sponsoring a team, contact Gen Haines, 410.624.8489.
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Another Way to Know What's Happening...
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We've started a new method of letting people inside and outside of our parish know about events! It's called MeetUp. Perhaps you know about it. If you would like to be notified about St. Ignatius events, or search out other "happenings" - follow us on MeetUp.
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e-zine compiled by John. C. Odean
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