ST. IGNATIUS WEBPAGE
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You can read or view last Sunday's Homily by clicking on links below:
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STUFF THAT NEEDS
TO BE SAID
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This Week's Edition of
Stuff That Needs
to Be Said
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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 are collecting for the scholarship of Kristopher Davis at St. Ignatius Loyola Academy.
To learn more
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| MASS MUSIC | 
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Attached is the listing for the music selections at next Sunday's 10:30 Mass.
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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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POPE FRANCIS AND THE EXTRAORDINARY SYNOD OF BISHOPS
Pope Francis presides over an Oct. 4, 2014 prayer vigil for the Extraordinary Assembly for the Synod of Bishops on the Family. Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA.
My Dear Sisters and Brothers:
On the eve of the opening of the Extraordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the Family that began on Sunday with Pope Francis presiding at a Mass in the Basilica of Saint Peter, the Holy Father spoke in words similar to those of Pope John XXIII who called the whole Church "to read the signs of the times." Pope Francis told the thousands of people gathered in St. Peter's Square for the Saturday Prayer Vigil "to see the needs of the family by listening, being open and looking to the Lord." Pressing forward, he indicated that in order to search for what today the Lord asks of his Church, we must lend our ears to the beat of this time and perceive the '"scent of the people today."
Francis pointed out the three key graces which we need to seek from the Holy Spirit on behalf of the bishops as the Synod gets underway. First, we must ask for "the gift of listening for the Synod Fathers: to listen in the manner of God, so that they may hear, with God, the cry of the people; to listen to the people until they breathe the will to which God calls us."
The second grace to be sought for the bishops is the gift of "openness toward a sincere discussion, open and fraternal, which leads us to carry with pastoral responsibility the questions that this change in epoch brings."
Finally, the third grace to seek is for the Synod members to overcome situations of difficulty with persistence, patience, and creativity, all of which "lies in a gaze." That gaze means keeping "our eyes fixed on Jesus Christ" which requires pausing for moments of contemplation when people look with adoration upon his face.
Francis spoke words of hopefulness: "If we assume his way of thinking, of living, and of relating, we will never tire of translating the Synodal work into guidelines and paths for the pastoral care of the person and of the family."
It is these three graces that we need to seek from the Holy Spirit for the Synod participants as they discuss and debate the major issues facing families all over the world today. You can keep in touch with what is happening each day at the Synod by googling: GLOBAL POST.
Gratefully in Christ,
P.S. - We're getting many questions about "What is a Synod?" - here's a wonderful video that can walk you through it.
 | | What is a Synod? The basics |
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| The Migrant's Saint: Toribio Romo |
Last night in Ignatian Hall, before approximately 70 people, we held a panel discussion entitled: Immigration Crisis: "Children At Our Border". It was an immensely informative evening discussing such things as:
- Roots of the Crisis: Wars, Gangs and Poverty
- Which organizations are already working for the children?
- What is being done?
- What are the priorities?
- How can we help?
One of the great moments in the evening was the presentation of Father William Hart McNichols' Icon: Santo Toribio Romo, Patron of Immigrants. Rosemary Thompson of the P. Francis Murphy Initiative for Justice and Peace, gives this information about the the icon:
"When Fr. Bill McNichols (www.fatherbill.org) heard that the Murphy Initiative had been invited to speak at St Ignatius Catholic Church he immediately offered to ~ " write " an icon . Fr. Bill said he felt it was time to paint Saint Toribio ~ the patron St of the Immigrant. Fully aware that the Murphy Initiative has been working on the critical issue of the children at the border Fr. Bill included in his icon a child. The icon whose full name is St Toribio Romo Patron of Immigrants is a depiction of a turn of the century Mexican priest with striking deep blue eyes wearing a red stole marking him as a martyr of the Catholic Church .Standing close to St Toribio is a child clearly frightened and yet aware of a protective guardian; the child is holding onto a blue medallion of the Blessed Mother. The Mother of God appears to us again in the night sky~ this time, in the heavens above the saint in the form of the full moon. Fr. Bill patiently explains that the moon reflects the sun and so the moon represents the Blessed Mother who is always reflecting her son. Fr. James Martin SJ said of the St Toribio icon that it was completed in "kairos" time for our world and for our church. That is "the appointed time in the purpose of God." Immigration is indeed an issue that requires our compassion, prayer and imagination. This treasured icon will be in Baltimore until early November and then will be sent to Arizona. It has been purchased by St Mathew's Parish (www.stmatthewaz.org) in Phoenix Arizona. The pastor Fr. Ray, like St Toribio, serves the immigrant, undocumented and the child."  | | Presentation of Icon |
To view the introduction of the icon at last nights' meeting click on the video: From Banderas News:The Migrant's Saint: Toribio Romo is a Favorite of Mexicans Crossing the BorderWikipedia:Who was Toribio Romo González?
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Upcoming Events
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Panel Discussion: "When a member of your family 'comes out' ..."
- Sunday, October 12
A panel of parents, adult children and a psychologist will have a serious, open-hearted conversation about various 'coming out' experiences in which family members are told...
What happened then ... who, what, and how is it now?
What were key experiences for all the family members?
Father Joe Muth, Pastor of St. Matthew Catholic Church, will moderate the discussion of the panelists and time for audience participation with questions and answers.This event will be held on Sunday, October 12, 2014 following the 11:00am liturgy, approximately from 12:30 to 3:00pm in the St. Matthew church hall, 5401 Loch Raven Boulevard, 21239. (Enter off of the Loch Raven Blvd parking lot.) Refreshments will be served.
 A Note from Deacon Paul Weber:
As a deacon I have served the gay and lesbian community and their families for over 25 years. I would like to invite any parent of a gay or lesbian son or daughter to contact me. The anxiety, pain and questioning that such parents can experience can be great. Talking about the situation with others who understand and have had similar experiences can help. Each and every child is a gift from God and deserves to be loved. Be reassured that any and all contact will be held in strictest confidence. I will be happy to come to you if that is preferred. Please contact Deacon Paul at 410-747-2452 or webermp@verizon.net.
Young Adult Bible Study
- Monday, October 13
 The Bible Study group will conclude it's reading of With Open Hands by Henri Nouwen at our next bible study on Monday, October 13th at 8:00PM. No prior reading is required beforehand. We will be moving onto our next book at the following meeting on Monday, October 27th at 8:00PM. That book will be Fr. Mitch Pacwa's Mary-Virgin, Mother, and Queen: A Bible Study Guide for Catholics which can be found on Amazon by clicking here. 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 Gonzaga Hall at 8:00 PM. For more information, contact Duarte Aguiar at DuarteAguiar@st-ignatius.net.
Iñigo Book Group
- Tuesday, October 14
Iñigo Book Group will meet on Tuesday, October 14 in Ignatian Hall to discuss the book "View from Castle Rock" by Alice Munro. The meeting begins with social time from 6:30-7:00 and is followed by the discussion until 8:30. All are welcome! On Tuesday, November 11 the group will hold its annual planning meeting at the same location and time. All are invited to attend as we decide what books to read during 2015. The group does not meet in December.
Annual Ministry Fair
- October 18 & 19
Plan to come to Ignatian Hall after Mass the weekend of October 18 & 19 where our various ministries will be featured. Learn about the many ministries and volunteer opportunities available at St. Ignatius Church. See the exhibits, talk with those who serve on the committees, pick up literature, and sign up to participate in their activities. The fair will be open to all after each of the Masses.
New Socks and New Underwear Drive
- October 18 and 19
"Do you have any socks? Any underwear?" Now that the cold weather is approaching, those are the questions that our Loaves and Fishes volunteers get asked frequently when they are serving patrons on the streets of Baltimore. Socks and underwear are not just an accessory - they're a necessity. Last year, we had such a generous response to our plea for warm socks, we're expanding it this year to include men's underwear, which is desperately needed. And so, on October 18 and 19, we will be collecting NEW men's socks, large sizes and the warmer the better, and NEW men's underwear, also with the larger sizes preferred, in special boxes which will be in the narthex upstairs and in the gallery outside Ignatian Hall downstairs. We thank you in advance for your generosity in meeting this important need.
Loaves & Fishes Orientation Meeting
- Sunday, October 19
 If you are a regular volunteer, or are wanting to begin working with our Loaves & Fishes outreach ministry, we will be holding an orientation meeting on Oct 19th in Gonzaga Hall at 7PM, after the 6 PM Mass (See description of ministry below).
Adult Confirmation - October 19  Are you a Catholic who has never been confirmed? Do you wish to experience the fullness of the initiation sacraments of the Catholic Church by receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation? Archbishop William Lori will be conferring the sacrament of Confirmation on adult Catholics (age 16 and older) on Sunday, October 19, at the 4:30 p.m. Mass at the Basilica of the Assumption. The Department of Evangelization of the Archdiocese of Baltimore in conjunction with the Basilica will offer three sessions to prepare adults to receive this sacrament. The sessions are designed to offer immediate preparation for Confirmation focused on catechesis on the Holy Spirit, discipleship, prayer, the sacramental life, and a review of core Catholic beliefs. The formation series will be held at the Catholic Center, 320 Cathedral Street, Baltimore, 20201, on Saturdays, October 4, 11 & 18, 2014, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. To register or for more information, please call Kathy Wandishin at 410-727-3565 X220 or email kwandishin@baltimorebasilica.org. Parish Forum
- After every Mass the weekend of October 25/26
 Please note the corrected date in line above. After every Mass the weekend of October 25/26, the Pastor and members of the Pastoral Council will be presenting a Parish Forum to update parishioners on the status of the five-year Strategic Plan (2011-2016) and its implementation. Our hope is that every parishioner will take the time to attend one of the meetings to give us your feedback and ask any questions that might arise. You can view The Strategic Plan Grid by clicking here. Young Adults Seekers' Retreat - November 8-9  Charis Ministries, founded in 2000 and and dedicated to nurturing those in their 20s and 30s through retreats based in Ignatian spirituality, is holding one of their Young Adult Seekers' Retreats.
Is your life feeling crazy? What's important in my life? How do you even figure this out? Where does God fit into this? Come and find out how other young adults answer these questions. Learn how faith plays a role in their journeys and take the time to reflect on your own path. Click here for more information and to register.
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Youth Confirmation
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 If you or someone you know has a child that is interested in being confirmed, please consider registering them in our PREP (Parish Religious Education Program) confirmation class. The cutoff date to register for the confirmation class is Friday, October 17th. This sacrament is celebrated at St. Ignatius every 2 years and we will be confirming our next group of children in May 2015. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Duarte at DuarteAguiar@st-ignatius.net or by calling the parish office at (410) 727-3848.
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Volunteers for Loaves & Fishes Outreach Ministry Needed.
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 Our Loaves & Fishes winter ministry will begin again on October 19. Loaves & Fishes provides a nourishing Saturday and Sunday evening meal served from our van to homeless and poor persons of Baltimore City during the colder months. We need volunteers for Sundays to (1) shop for the food, (2) help to prepare soup or sandwiches in Ignatian Hall, and (3) go out on the van to distribute the food. There are four teams, so your commitment would be just for once each month. You are invited to come to our volunteer orientation meeting in Gonzaga Hall on Sunday, October 19, after the 6 PM Mass (around 7 PM) to learn more about how you can participate in this rewarding ministry. For more information, or to sign up as a new volunteer, contact Vincent Tobin at vincetob@aol.com or Amy Petkovsek at amy.petkovsek@gmail.com.
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| The Good Lie - IN THEATERS NOW! |
"I talked to a group of 'Lost Boys'...and they went, 'How did you know? How did you know that?'"
We want to always point up movies that are good, have spiritual meaning, and particularly focus on the plight of those who need social justice, and someone mounting a cause for those who have no voice of their own. Such is the film, The Good Lie, which had limited theatrical release last week, and will have full release in the next couple of weeks.
The Good Lie tells the story of a group of Sudanese refugees who come to the U.S., where Reese Witherspoon's character assists them in finding employment and ends up helping them reunite with other members of their family. The film shows their early struggles in Africa and the challenges and rewards they experience in America.
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The Good Lie - Trailer
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In the Media
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Professor Tracey Rowland
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Pope Names Five Women to International Theological Commission
Pope Francis, who has said the Catholic Church has "not yet come up with a profound theology of womanhood," named five women, a record number, to the International Theological Commission.
On Sept. 23, the Vatican released the names of 30 theologians who will serve a five-year term on the commission. Women have served on the panel since 2004, but, until now, there have never been more than two.
One of the women is U.S. Mercy Sister Prudence Allen, former chair of the philosophy department at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver, and now a member of the chaplaincy team at Lancaster University, England.
The five women appointees also include Australian Tracey Rowland, dean of the John Paul II Institute for Marriage and Family in Melbourne, who is a prominent authority on the theology of Pope Benedict XVI; and Moira Mary McQueen, a Canadian-British citizen who serves as director of the Canadian Catholic Bioethics Institute at the University of St. Michael's College in the University of Toronto.
In addition to Sister Allen, the commission will include one other American: Capuchin Franciscan Father Thomas G. Weinandy, former executive director of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Secretariat of Doctrine.
According to a Vatican statement, women now constitute 16 percent of the commission's members, "a sign of growing female involvement in theological research."
The International Theological Commission was established in 1969 to study important doctrinal issues as an aid to the pope and to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. It has produced documents in recent years on such topics as "Christian monotheism and its opposition to violence" and "sensus fidei in the life of the church."
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e-zine compiled by John. C. Odean
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