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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TRUTH SERUM
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This Week's Truth Serum
Contagious: Love in the Time of Ebola
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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 Helping Up Mission 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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EXTRAORDINARY SYNOD ON PASTORAL CHALLENGES TO THE FAMILY
My Dear Sisters and Brothers:
For the past two weeks (October 5-19) more than 200 cardinals, bishops, priests, married couples and single lay persons gathered at the Vatican with Pope Francis in the first of two Synods dedicated to the discussion of the pastoral issues and questions impacting the families of the world. After much listening and debating the bishops voted up and down on each of the proposals emerging from the Synod. The results of the voting can be read by clicking here.
In a special message sent by the bishops at the Synod the day before the assembly ended, they and Francis sent special greetings to all the families of the world, particularly all those who follow Christ. They spoke of themselves as the "pastors of the Church (who) grew up in a family and ...come from a great variety of backgrounds and experiences. As priests and bishops, we have lived alongside families who have spoken to us and shown us the saga of their joys and difficulties." They spoke about how they listened and dialogued during the Synod. They admitted that they recognize the great challenge to remain faithful in conjugal love. They acknowledged the impact of an enfeebled faith, individualism, stress, aging, death and a weakened economic system on marriages and family life.
In a genuine effort to make certain that all people are welcome in the community of the Church, the bishops said "Christ wanted his Church to be a house with doors always open to welcome everyone. We warmly thank our pastors, lay faithful, and communities who accompany couples and families and care for their wounds."
In a touching part of their message they indicated that the core of the house (Church) is the light of the wedding story-- the love of a man and woman. That light is a gift, which is a grace. "In this light, conjugal love, which is unique and indissoluble, endures despite many difficulties. It is one of the most beautiful of all miracles and the most common."
To read the full message released by the bishops and Pope Francis the day before the close of the Synod please click here.
Gratefully in Christ,

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Lecture: A Jesuit Reflects On A Jesuit Pope
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Last night Fr. John R. Donahue, S.J. gave a lecture entitled A Jesuit Reflects On A Jesuit Pope. For those who were unable to attend, or for those who want to see it again, we present it here.
 | Lecture: "A Jesuit Reflects On A Jesuit Pope" |
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St. Ignatius Movie Night
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Film: Who is Dayani Cristal?
- Friday, October 24
 On Friday Night, October 24, the St. Ignatius Justice & Peace Committee will host the showing of Who is Dayani Cristal? Deep in the sun-blistered Sonora Desert beneath a cicada tree, Arizona border police discover a decomposing male body. Lifting a tattered t-shirt, they expose a tattoo that reads "Dayani Cristal". Who is this person? What brought him here? How did he die? And who - or what- is Dayani Cristal? In an attempt to retrace his path and discover his story, director Marc Silver and Gael Garcia Bernal embed themselves among migrant travelers on their own mission to cross the border, providing rare insight into the human stories which are so often ignored in the immigration debate. A beautifully tender film that gently reveals the complexity and humanity behind the much-sensationalized issue of global migration, Michael Andrews of Amnesty International USA states that it should be "required viewing for all members of Congress." In keeping with the Justice & Peace Committee's call to "articulate, advocate, and act upon critical social, economic, cultural and political issues that affect us, our city and our world - we are thrilled to present Who is Dayani Cristal? The film will be briefly introduced by a member of the Justice & Peace Committee. This event will begin at 7:30 PM in Ignatian Hall. There is no charge. Popcorn, snacks and refreshments will be served.
| Who Is Dayani Cristal? - Official UK Trailer |
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Maryland Interfaith Domestic Violence Coalition -Weekend of Ministry
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 We wanted to point out to you that this weekend, October 24-26 is the Maryland Interfaith Domestic Violence Coalition "Weekend of Ministry". The focus of the weekend is to raise awareness during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In doing our part to raise awareness we want to put out a simple statement from domesticviolence.org: "Domestic violence should not happen to anybody. Ever. Period." But it does - and when it does, there is help. Maybe you have lived with abuse, maybe it happened just once; maybe you work or live next to someone who is being abused right now. Whoever you are, we wanted to provide some articles, pamphlets and links for you to find the help you need. Remember these two things: -
First, abuse is NEVER okay
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Second, you are not alone.Help is yours for the asking. Your safety as well as the ones attached to you is a priority.
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Pastoral Council Elections
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Our Pastoral Council meets monthly to advise our pastor on matters of significance for parish life and help plan and coordinate ministries and services. Basically, the Council serves as an interactive, engaged, and committed focus group that also communicates options and decisions with parishioners. Chief among our responsibilities:
- Update our Parish's Strategic Plan to reflect the year's progress
- Host Parish Forums to inform parishioners and garner input
- Hold yearly elections
- Attend monthly Council meetings
Total volunteer hours vary from 4-10 hours/month.
If you are interested in running for one of two positions on the Council in November we would like to hear from you. You can either nominate yourself or someone else. A nominee must be a registered parishioner, age 18 or older, who has been confirmed in the Catholic Church. Nominations must be made no later than Tuesday, October 28. Candidates must attend an orientation session on the evening of Wednesday, October 29. To nominate yourself or someone else, email any of the following members of the nominating committee: Chris Kuczynski (chair), Eric Clayton; Jessica Swing.To download the Pastoral Council Flyer, click here.
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Upcoming Events
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Women of the New Testament
- Tuesday, October 21
The group 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. The group is currently reading the book Lost Women of the Bible: The Women We Thought We Knew by Carolyn Curtis James. Our next meeting is on Tuesday, October 21 at 7 PM in Ignatian Hall. Please join us. For more information, contact Kay Haddon.
A kind of forensic memorial, Who Is Dayani Cristal? pieces together the background of a Central American migrant worker who died trying to cross into the United States. With its compellingly multifaceted approach, its earnest compassion and a celebrity presence in the form of the actor Gael García Bernal, the documentary could be enlisted in the perennial battle over immigration law. (See movie block above for more details) Showing: 7:30 PM in Ignatian Hall. There is no charge, snacks and drinks provided.
Parish Forum
- After every Mass the weekend of October 25/26
Young Adult Bible Study
- Monday, October 27
Join us in Ignatian Hall for bible study which begins at 8PM. We will be starting a new book to help guide us in our scripture readings. The new book is: Mary-Virgin, Mother, and Queen: A Bible Study Guide for Catholics by Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J. - you can find the book 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! For more information, contact Duarte Aguiar at DuarteAguiar@st-ignatius.net.
Embracing God's Gifts
- Tuesday, October 28
You are invited to join members of our gay and lesbian community in the Parish Offices at 805 N. Calvert Street at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, October 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. Contact Gordon Creamer. To learn more about the Embracing God's Gifts Ministry click here.
Morning of Ignatian Reflection
- Saturday, November 1
The first Saturday of the month, Ignatian Mornings of Reflection are held. These mornings are excellent opportunities to pull away from the hustle and bustle of daily life in order to "dial down" and quiet our hearts before God. Morning of Reflection is under the direction of Father Bob Hamm, S.J., Director of the Xavier House. He will guide us in an experience of Ignatian Spirituality starting at 8:45 AM and concluding at the 12:10 Mass. All are welcome.
Lecture by Daniel G. Groody, CSC, Ph.D.
- Friday, November 7
Sponsored by the Notre Dame Club of Maryland. Daniel G. Groody, CSC, PhD presents the Annual Hesburgh Lecture: "A God of Life, a Civilization of Love: Globalization, Justice, and Catholic Social Teaching".
Globalization is rapidly changing and transforming the world in which we live and how we understand our social, economic, political, cultural, and even spiritual lives. It is a time of new opportunities and unprecedented potential, but it brings with it new perils and greater social, political, and economic turmoil than ever before. Amid the times of change, what resources does Catholic social teaching offer for charting the course forward and navigating the path to peace?
Bio: Rev. Groody is the Director of the Center for Latino Spirituality and Culture at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. Father Groody spent many years doing pastoral work and research in Latin America, particularly along the U.S.- Mexican Border. He teaches, writes and lectures on U.S. Latino spirituality, globalization and the relationship of Christian spirituality to social justice. In addition to his books and articles on these themes, he is the producer of documentary films including "One Border, One Body: Immigration and the Eucharist," and "Dying to Live: A Migrant's Journey." Father Groody's priesthood and scholarship easily intermingle. "When we look at the experience of migrants today," he said recently, "we see that they are hungry in their homeland, thirsty when they cross the desert, naked after having been robbed even of their clothing, imprisoned in detention centers, sick in hospitals, and then, if they make it across, treated as strangers. I think one of the most powerful ways we can be Catholic is to be hospitable to those who are most vulnerable." This Hesburgh Lecture will be held in the Chapel of Grace at 7:30 PM. Refreshments to follow. To download lecture flyer, click here. Young Adults Seekers' Retreat
- November 8-9
Charis Ministries, founded in 2000 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.
Iñigo Book Group
- Tuesday, November 11
The Iñigo Book Group will meet on Tuesday, November 11. This will be annual planning meeting to decide what books to read during 2015. All are welcome. The group does not meet in December.
The Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice (IFTJ)
- November 15-17
The Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice (IFTJ) is an annual gathering for members of the Ignatian family (Jesuit institutions and larger church) to come together in the context of social justice and solidarity to learn, reflect, pray, network, and advocate together. It is a place where people are empowered, re-energized, inspired, challenged, and supported by a community that sees faith and justice integrally linked.
Now in its 17th year, the IFTJ has a rich history rooted in honoring the Jesuits and their companions who were martyred in El Salvador in 1989. This year's gathering will have the special opportunity to honor the martyrs of El Salvador on the 25th anniversary of their assassination. To learn more about the Teach-In For Justice, click here.
If you are interested in joining a group of St. Ignatius parishioners who are going to the Teach-In, contact Candra Healy at chealy@loyola.edu.
Come To The Cabaret!
- Saturday, November 22
A Cabaret Evening of Light Opera and Standards will be presented by the Saint Ignatius Quartet on Saturday, November 22, starting at 7:30 PM in Ignatian Hall.
The musicians of St. Ignatius Church will treat us to a night of light opera, Neapolitan tunes, and standards from Broadway and the top 40, with a little jazz to help things bubble along. Jim Li will treat us to late 19th century popular tunes of Napoli, including the ever-popular O Sole Mio.Rebecca Rossello will sing a couple of delightful songs from the work of Offenbach and Victor Herbert. You will enjoy the song stylings of Julie Kurzava in tunes by Johnny Mercer, Rodgers and Hart, Kurt Weill and more. Rebecca and Jim will perform a duet from Sondheim's Sweeney Todd, followed by Rebecca's interpretations of some classic songs by the Gershwin brothers. Paul Teie will re-introduce you to some neglected songs from the Sixties. And after a sultry set by Kyle Engler, the company will conclude the evening with Nella Fantasia by the great film composer Ennio Morricone, a song that has become a popular part of the Saint Ignatius New Year's Eve Interfaith Service. Ably providing piano artistry will be Mathew Lane and Tim Murphy.We hope you will join us for this delightful evening of song.
While you're enjoying the concert, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a glass of wine, cheese, crackers and dessert. Tickets are $15.00, and will be on sale at all Masses beginning the weekend of November 1st and 2nd. Do plan to join us and invite a friend!
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In the Media
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THE SCARS OF GOD
Painting: Doubting Thomas by Michelangelo Merisi de Caravaggio - 1602
In the song "Dear God 2.0" by The Roots, Monsters of Folk's Jim James poses a sincere question of an all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving God: Dear God, I'm trying hard to reach you
Dear God, I see your face in all I do Sometimes it's so hard to believe you But God, I know you have your reasons Well I've been thinking about
And I've been breaking it down
Without an answer
I know I'm thinking out loud
But if your love's still around
Why do we suffer? Why do we suffer? As Paul Murray, OP notes in his new book Scars: Essays, Poems, and Meditations on Affliction, the temptation for many believers is to respond to this question in a very cold, rationalistic way. Like Job's friends in the classic Old Testament text, we rush to suffering friends "with a great plethora of words and with a whole farrago of noisy and infallible suggestions, insights, admonitions, and explanations." READ MORE |
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e-zine compiled by John. C. Odean
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