Issue # 020914                                                                   September 2, 2014
ST. IGNATIUS WEBPAGE
 

 You can view or read last Sunday's Homily by clicking on links below: 






A NOVEL BLOG

Shawn Smucker's blog on John Irving's book A Prayer for Owen Meany. Just great in so many ways! (click here)







ST. IGNATIUS CALENDAR
Calendar transparent
View  Full Calendar









POOR BOX COLLECTION

Each weekend St. Ignatius specifies a Poor Box collection for a needful cause. This week we are collecting for Basilica Place
To learn more








MASS MUSIC

Attached is the listing for the music selections at next Sunday's 10:30 Mass.








WORLD WATCH
ICC
Weekly updates on Christian persecution around the globe. Keep a prayerful watch on what is happening with your brothers and sisters!











JOIN OUR LIST
Join Our Mailing List









  

There are those Catholics who are not pleased with the present Holy Father and the way he has been conducting his role as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church - citing such incidents as "hangin' with the guys" at a popular lunch spot.


 

My Dear Sisters and Brothers:

 

In the last two weeks I have received two journals that have made me more aware than ever that there are those Catholics who are not pleased with the present Holy Father and the way he has been conducting his role as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Actually from the beginning, there have been questions and soundings from those Catholics who consider themselves very traditional and orthodox in their views of the Church in every aspect of its teachings and traditions, including the manner and style of celebrating the sacred liturgy.

 

The Remnant is a case in point. Sent to me by an elderly Catholic, the newspaper is published twice a month and reflects in all its articles, letters-to-the-editor and advertisements a strong commitment to traditionalist Catholic culture and theology. In its July 31st edition, Michael Matt, the editor-in-chief since 1990, published a column entitled "Our Hearts Are Breaking, Holy Father." In real pain and upset over the style and actions of Pope Francis, Mr. Matt wrote: "The grand papacy of history, with its 2,000-year-old legacy of loyal service to Christ our King, is apparently fading away before our very eyes. Long gone are the papal crowns, the sedia gestatoria (papal throne in which the pope was seated while being carried aloft on the shoulders of courtiers), the kingly trappings we remember so fondly from our youth. And now, an increasingly democratized egalitarian 'pope of the people' comes into view. It is as if Pope were being transferred into President, and I wonder: Does any serious, practicing Catholic really want to see that happen?"

 

Mr. Matt goes on to admit that he does not enjoy criticizing the Holy Father ever. In fact, there was a time in the early months of the present pope's pontificate that he defended him against his critics. However, he now feels that the scandal has become so widespread that there are many who are angry and confused regarding the new orientation of the papacy under Francis. So it has become necessary for Mr. Matt to speak his mind knowing that Francis himself has encouraged constructive criticism. Feeling that that permission is granted to him, he launches into an assessment of the pope's disconcerting public behavior, including a recent series of photos in which the pope is seen picking up his own food on a tray and then sitting down with Vatican workers for dinner. Mr. Matt offers this comment: "True Catholics certainly have no need to see the Successor of St. Peter, Vicar of Christ on earth, Supreme Head of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, 'hangin' with the guys' at a popular lunch spot." As one reads through his column and the critique of Pope Francis, it is clear that Mr. Matt and his readers and contributors are very dismayed and painfully upset with Francis. His extended remarks can be found by clicking here

 

In the second journal, Inside the Vatican (June-July 2014), founded and published by editor-in-chief Robert Moynihan, an American journalist who resides in Rome, there appears a one-page article, "Understanding Francis," by author, lecturer, US television personality and professor of theology in Rome, Thomas Williams PH.D. who makes an effort to explain the papacy of Francis to his fellow conservatives who are having a difficult time with the present pope's style and actions.  Williams has traction among conservatives because he was a former priest of the conservative Legionaries of Christ. At onetime he had been the very prominent public face for that religious community before he left to marry.

 

With many of his readers lamenting over the fact that the pontificate of Francis is not that of either Pope John Paul II or Pope Benedict XVI, both of whom had fostered pontificates of much more "doctrinal clarity," Williams writes these incisive lines about Francis' pontificate: "Looking at his words and actions, I believe we can discern a different approach, one that may strike us as novel but really takes us back to our beginnings as a Church. It would seem that Francis simply looked to the Gospel, to the life of Jesus Christ, and decided to pattern his pontificate on the public life of Jesus." To read the entire single-page defense of Francis, click here.

 

The wonderful blessing that the Catholic (universal) Church has cherished through its long history is that it has always struggled to be a "big tent" where people of every language and culture, including--even to some extent--of theological perspective, could find room and space to breathe and remain within its broad community. It appears that under the present papacy the "traditionalist Catholics" are finding their place and status in the Church difficult to maintain. Perhaps it is incumbent upon those who rejoice with the present pope and his papacy to recall that there may have been a time when they found themselves not "totally at home" under the papacies of John Paul II and Benedict XVI. Therefore, is it not important at this time to maintain the true spirit and gift of Pope Francis for our contemporary Church wherein he reminds us that the Church is a "field hospital" providing care for the wounded and the hurting of every condition and persuasion?

 

 Gratefully in Christ,

 

      

Classical Excellence?


I found this clip many months ago, and have been trying to figure out how to slide it into an edition of "Parish: the thought". But alas, I can't find the spiritual angle to justify putting it in. I mean, it's a remake of AC/DC's Thunderstruck! But it is just so good, and from a music standpoint our Parish is accustomed to excellence in the presentation of the choir and all of the musicians during our Masses throughout the year. Hey, there you have it...maybe that's an angle! Or maybe I'm just trying too hard. Oh well... for your viewing and listening pleasure - what ought to be a classic!


 

2CELLOS - Thunderstruck [OFFICIAL VIDEO]
2 CELLOS - Thunderstruck [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

St. Ignatius Movie Night

In the August 12 edition of "Parish: the thought", Father Watters wrote of this being the 200th Anniversary year for the ending of the 'suppression' of the Jesuits, and them being 'restored'. He wrote of how "Europe turned violently against the Jesuits and began to expel them from their kingdoms: Portugal (1759), France (1764) and Spain (1767). It was in these and other countries where the Jansenists, Gallicans and leaders of the Enlightenment shared with their Bourbon rulers an intense dislike for the Jesuits." Pope Pius VII in 1773 "abolished" the order, and it would be 40 years before another pope would restore them. In the August 12th edition, we also included a wonderful history of this time from America, entitled "A Jesuit Century." 

In commemoration of the  200th Anniversary of the Restoration of the Jesuits, we have decided to show "The Mission", a film that deals with this turbulent time in Jesuit history. Father Watters will give a short history of how the film background ties into this 200th Anniversary of the Restoration of the Jesuits Celebration. "The Mission" will be shown on Friday, September 26th, at 7:30 PM in the Ignatian Hall. Admission is Free.

To download a flyer with information about the showing click here.


 

To read a review from "Decent Films Guide", click here.
 


 For a historical context of this time period, click here.


 

PREP Teachers Needed

Our parish religious education program works to catechize the young people of our parish. We help these young parishioners to learn about and celebrate the sacraments as we welcome them into our ranks as they receive the sacraments here at St. Ignatius. We are in need of more volunteers to help teach during the school year which begins on September 21st. Please contact Duarte Aguiar in the office at [email protected] or (410) 727-3848 if you or someone you know may be interested in helping out with this vital ministry of our parish.

Come to the Cabaret!


 

Finding Our Way - A Cabaret

  julie
On Saturday, September 13, Cantor for our parish's 9 AM and 10:30 AM Sunday Masses, singer Julie Kurzava and pianist Diane Kinsley will perform vibrant songs of unreasonable, inexplicable love by new American masters Adam Guettel, Stephen Sondheim, Jake Heggie, Ricky Ian Gordon, and more. Please come and enjoy an evening out as you join them in the sharing of songs whose beauty, clarity, and humor will touch, refresh and embolden the spirit.

 

The Cabaret at Germano's

300 S. High Street

Little Italy, Baltimore, MD 21202


 

  •  Dinner seating at 6:00 - music at 7:30
  • Cover charge $15, plus food & drink
  • Valet Parking Available
  • For Cabaret Reservations call 410-752-4515 or make Reservations  online at: www.germanospiattini.com

Upcoming Events

Dragon Boat Races 

- Saturday, September 6
 

September 6th is the day we've all been waiting for. The Dragon Boat Races! St. Ignatius Church, along with St. Alphonsus, the Basilica, Corpus Christi, and St. VIncent de Paul have formed "The Downtown Catholic Cluster" to help raise money for the valuable work of Catholic Charities. Our team will race for Basilica Place, which provides 200 apartments for individuals and families who are either 62 years of age or older, or under the age of 62 but require the features of an handicap accessible apartment. Residents pay rent according to his/her income. 


 
Races are at the Inner Harbor starting at 8 AM and continue all day. Our time trial start time is 9:20 AM. The races are free. But all of the fun and activities happen in an area called "Rash Field." That's where the music, kid's activities, and food and drinks are. That is also the gathering area for the rowing teams. So if you want to encourage our team, you will want to go to Rash Field for all of the race activities. Free, yes, but you need a wristband to enter that area. To get your free wristband call the Parish Offices at 410-727-3848. We also still have Dragon Race "Downtown Catholic Cluster Churches" T-shirts available. This is a great way to show your support on Saturday. T-Shirts cost $10.00 each, and can also be acquired by calling the Parish Office.

 
Finally, Parking at the Inner Harbor can be challenging, but after 9AM you can park near our church and ride the free Charm City Circulator bus from St. Paul and Madison Streets to Rash Field.


 

Young Adult Bible Study

 - Monday, September 8


The Bible Study is reading With Open Hands by Henri Nouwen as our spiritual guide book. Come for the discussion - no prior reading is required.

 
With Open Hands, Henri Nouwen's first book on spirituality and a treasured introduction to prayer, has been a perennial favorite for over thirty years because it gently encourages an open, trusting stance toward God and offers insight to the components of prayer: silence, acceptance, hope, compassion, and prophetic criticism. Provocative questions invite reflection and self-awareness, while simple and beautiful prayers provide comfort, peace, and reassurance. With over half a million copies printed in seven languages, this spiritual classic has been reissued for a new generation. 

 
Meetings are held on the second and the last Mondays of the month. If you are between the ages of 20 and 40, join us in Ignatian Hall at 8:00 PM. For more information, contact Gabrielle Finck: [email protected]

 
I�igo Book Group 

- Tuesday, September 9


The I�igo Book Group will meet on Tuesday, Sept. 9 in Ignatian Hall to discuss "Flight Behavior" by Barbara Kingsolver. The meeting begins with social time from 6:30-7:00 PM and is followed by the discussion until 8:30. All are welcome! On October 14 the book group will be discussing "The View from Castle Rock" by Alice Munro. Please contact Catherine Young at
[email protected] with any questions.

 

Justice & Peace Committee 

- Thursday, September 11

One of our goals is to deepen our understanding of the principles of Catholic social teaching and then, through word and action, to help integrate these principles more fully into the life of our parish community. How you can help? By supporting us with your time, talent, and ideas; and expand Saint Ignatius' efforts to new areas. If this sounds interesting and you want to get involved with the parish's newly forming Advocacy Ministry in the areas of Immigration and Economic Issues; or our Education Endeavors and Projects, we invite you to join us at our next meeting on Thursday, September 11 at 7:30 PM in Ignatian Hall. For a copy of our agenda, email the committee chair, Candra Healy for more information. All are welcome! 
 

In the Media

 

Video: Faith Leaders in Ferguson,
A View From Within the Protests - 

 

Saturday's National March on Ferguson was the largest daytime protest in Ferguson, Missouri since Michael Brown was shot.

 

McKendree University sociologist S.J. Creek was there. The video (just a couple of minutes) features some of her interviews with clergy and faith activists. It's a unique look into what the protests are like on the ground. It was a hot, muggy-and even rainy-day. The protests were organized. Protestors held orange signs distributed by members of the Nation of Islam and followed a route that included the Canfield Green Apartments (the very place where Michael Brown was shot and killed) and the Ferguson police station. S.J. gives a fresh look on the events from within the protests.

 

(S.J. Creek is an assistant professor of sociology at McKendree University. S.J. research focuses on religious movements, identities, race/class/gender, and sexualities.)

 

 

Faith: Ferguson

  


Catholic News Agency

Pope: When We Become Worldly, We Lose Christian Flavor

 


Catholic World Report:


CNN:

Jesuit Post:

National Catholic Reporter

Is James Foley a Martyr? A Brutal Death Sparks a Faith-Based Debate

 

Follow us by clicking on the appropriate icon!
Like us on Facebook   Follow us on Twitter   View our videos on YouTube   
e-zine compiled by John. C. Odean