ST. IGNATIUS WEBPAGE
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You can read or view last Sunday's Homily by clicking on links below: Text Version
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TRUTH SERUM
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This week's Truth Serum looks at "The Violence at Charlie Hebdo: A Sacred Tragedy."
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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's focus is for a young boy in Nigeria with eyes on becoming a priest. 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
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Weekly updates on Christian persecution around the globe. Keep a prayerful watch on what is happening with your brothers and sisters!
click here
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ST. IGNATIUS CALENDAR
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JOIN OUR LIST
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THE POPE'S ASIAN JOURNEY
In this photo taken Monday, Jan. 12, 2015 and made available Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2015 Pope Francis speaks to reporters en-route to Colombo, Sri Lanka, as he commenced his Asian tour. The pontiff arrived in Sri Lanka Tuesday at the start of a weeklong Asian tour saying the island nation can't fully heal from a quarter-century of ethnic civil war without pursuing truth for the injustices committed. (AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano, pool)
My Dear Sisters and Brothers in the Faith:
As I write this column, I am aware that Pope Francis is in the midst of his Asian pastoral visitation to Sri Lanka and the Philippines. Coverage of his second trip to the Orient within the span of five months has all the earmarks of being another significant event in the mission of his papacy of reaching out to the masses, especially the poor and marginalized, particularly the young, the old and the sick. Wherever he goes, Francis makes every attempt to spend time with the voiceless. In a very real way, he has become their voice to the world-wide community that too often has overlooked and forgotten them and their urgent needs. He readily reflects the image of the compassionate Jesus of the Gospels who had a predilection for the "little ones," the anawim (the poor of every sort, the vulnerable, the oppressed), whom he loved to be with. The same is true of Francis. He is an icon of the compassion and mercy of Jesus in our times. Is this not the reason why the press has made Francis the world's superstar?
On another matter, it is interesting to note that on his flight to the Philippines after visiting Sri Lanka, Francis addressed a number of questions from the reporters accompanying him. In the wake of the violent murders that took place in Paris the week before last, a French correspondent asked the Pope his thoughts about freedom of religion and freedom of speech. In response to this delicate question, Francis offered this answer.
"I believe these are both fundamental human rights. ... We are talking about Paris. Let's be clear. Everyone has the right to practice their own religion freely, without offending (anyone). ... I cannot offend, make war and kill in the name of their religion, that is, in God's name. What is happening shocks us. But let us think about how many wars there have been in the name of religion throughout history. ... We, too, are sinners in this respect. But we must not kill in God's name. This is an aberration. ... Every person has not only the freedom, the right, but also the duty to say what he or she thinks in aid of the common good . . . but without offending. It is true that one should not react violently, but, if my friend insults my mother, he can expect a punch. It is normal. One should not provoke, one should not insult other people's faith. There is a limit. And there are limits to freedom of expression."
Obviously, there is much more to be said about this timely and challenging topic. It is important to keep in mind as the debate unfolds over these two freedoms that Francis stands stalwartly behind both freedoms while upholding constraints on the freedom of speech when it comes to expressing insults about someone's religion.
To view more of the questions and answers that surfaced during the hour interview with the Pope, simply CLICK HERE.
Gratefully in the Lord Jesus Christ,
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Continuing on with the Martin Luther King Day Remembrance
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The Prayers of Martin Luther King Jr. John Dear | Jan. 15, 2013
Recently, I came across a new collection of prayers by Martin Luther King Jr., Thou, Dear God: Prayers that Open Hearts and Spirits (edited by Lewis V. Baldwin, Beacon Press, 2012). For his birthday today, I thought I'd offer here a sample of those prayers to encourage us on our journey so we might be, like Dr. King, people of prayer, peace, justice and nonviolence. His prayers, of course, raise questions about our own prayers. To whom do we pray? How do we pray? What do we ask for? Thomas Merton taught us the apophatic prayer of sitting in the void, in darkness, while St. Ignatius Loyola taught us to use our imaginations and fantasize about the Gospel (pick a story, imagine you are in it, feel what it's like, notice what Jesus looks like, listen to what he says to you, and so forth). Medieval monks taught lectio divina, reading the scriptures prayerfully, while others emphasize the prayer of communal liturgy and Gospel hymns. Personally, I recommend 30 minutes of silent time every day to dwell in intimate love with the God of peace, with the nonviolent Jesus. Every Christian tradition advocates intercessory prayer -- begging God for what we need. "Ask and it will be given to you," Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount ( Matthew 7:7). "Ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you" ( John 15:7). "All that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours. And when you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance so that your heavenly God may in turn forgive you" ( Mark 11:24-25). Contrary to what we often hear in our parishes, I think we should beg God for every global gift of disarmament, justice and nonviolence as a way to pray for the coming of God's reign. - READ MORE OF ARTICLE
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Continuing the Conversation...
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Joshua Smith
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A Reflection Essay on Last Friday's Showing of "American Promise" and the Discussion That Followed
by Joshua Smith***
Friday evening, I found myself at Saint Ignatius Catholic Community, in a room full of diverse people, screening the documentary American Promise. After the film, Dr. Lisa Williams, who is the Director of Equity and Cultural Proficiency for the Baltimore County Public School System, facilitated a discussion.
The documentary is about the lives of two African American boys as their parents desperately pursue a quality education for their sons. The cameras follow the boys for twelve years, starting from the age of five until their graduation from high school. The film waded through issues of race, class, education, prejudice, parenting and social environment without directly making statements about them. The Directors' choices left much for the viewer to process by his/herself. This made discussion a bit difficult because racial issues can be very uncomfortable to talk about in a multicultural setting. Individuals from differing races find it hard to have open and honest conversations about race, usually because of the fear of invalidation or being called a racist. Mistrust and genuine concern for offending someone are two factors that steer people away from these topics. Because of this, conversation runs the risk of being stifled and detoured or being volatile and divisive. I found it somewhat disappointing, but not shocking, that the discussion that followed the film ventured into a critical analysis of the failure of the parents to adequately nurture their sons rather than addressing the issues of race, class, and education that were affecting the boys. By the film directors' leaving it up to the audience to process, they allow for the audience to deflect away from the difficult content and towards something they are more comfortable with, which in this particular setting was parenting and personal experiences.
The racism of today is not as overt as it was in the 1950's and 60's during the Civil Rights Movement. It does, however, remain deeply integrated into our American culture. You can not turn on the television or pick up a newspaper and not see the reinforcement of racial stereotypes - if you know what it looks like. To end systemic racism, which really does exist in our country, people have to make a conscious effort to become enlightened to the hidden darkness, which perpetuates white privilege and black inferiority. As a self-described conscious black male, I definitely saw many subtle nuances of systemic and individual racism within the film and a few overt examples. Dr. Lisa Williams tried to steer the discussion in the direction of a deeper understanding of root issues, however a few members of the audience continued to talk about personal experience and/or parenting instead of the systemic problems in the educational system. I'm not certain that the majority of the audience saw those subtle nuances, because they weren't things the documentary directors focused on, nor has the majority of the audience had the opportunity to experience the educational system as a person of color.
Overall, I thought the experience of watching the film and the discussion was good and much needed. I say this because people getting together to talk about these things is essential for racial reconciliation and it doesn't happen enough, especially in a multicultural context. Right now in our city and our country it is extremely important that people of faith embody reconciliation and justice. History has shown us that Christians who don't speak up about injustice, end-up hurting the name of Christ for future generations. As Christ said, "What good is the salt, if it has lost its saltiness?" In the shadow of Eric Garner and Ferguson, Jesus followers have the difficult task of engaging in uncomfortable conversations and becoming conscious of the systemic and structural racism that plagues our nation. There is a scene, where one of the young boys (Idris) stares at his mother asking her, "It's better to be white, right?" Until our children are no longer asking that question, we have work to do...I can promise you that. I look forward to continuing the discussion!
***Our guest essayist is Joshua Smith. He is a Community Activist; Founder of Be Love; Intentional Living Pastor at Gallery Church; and a resident of Hollins Market. Joshua is married to the lovely Laurie Smith.
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Things we liked this week...
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Just sayin'...
| Matthew West Video - Do Something |
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Upcoming Events |
Women of the New Testament
- Tuesday, January 20
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 discussing chapters 5 and 6 of the book Lost Women of the Bible: The Women We Thought We Knew by Carolyn Curtis James. The next meeting is on Tuesday, January 20 at 7 PM in Ignatian Hall. Please join us. For more information, contact Kay Haddon: retkayhaddon@comcast.net.
Prayer Service for Christian Unity
- Friday, January 23
The Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity takes place each year from January 18-25. The Central Maryland Ecumenical Council (CMEC) is hosting a prayer service for Christian Unity on Friday, January 23rd at 7:30 PM at the Cathedral of the Incarnation. Partnering with CMEC in this endeavor are St. Ignatius Catholic Community, The Cathedral of the Incarnation, and the P. Francis Murphy Initiative for Justice and Peace. Father Joe Muth, Pastor of St. Matthew's Catholic Church will be the homilist for this service. Cathedral of the Incarnation is located at 4 E. University Parkway in Baltimore. For more information call CMEC at 410-464-6194.
 Join us on Monday, January 26 in Ignatian Hall for bible study which begins at 8PM. We will continue to use 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.
SHORT BIBLE STUDY SURVEY: As we begin a new semester/term/season/year, you are probably reevaluating your schedule and commitments. If you haven't been to Bible Study in a while, now is a great time to visit again! If you've never been, first time Bible Studiers are always welcome. Wherever you fall on the spectrum, please help us out with a reply to a simple survey by clicking here.
Embracing God's Gifts
- Tuesday, January 27
You are invited to join members of our gay and lesbian community in the Parish Offices at 805 N. Calvert Street at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 27. This group is open to anyone interested in fostering support, maintaining communications, and encouraging social activities among diverse members of our parish. We will continue reading Fortunate Families. You do not have to have read the book or done the assignment...you are welcome! Since this will be our "Christmas" meeting, we will make it festive and have a time of refreshments! For more information, contact Gordon Creamer at themissionbridge@yahoo.com. To learn more about the Embracing God's Gifts Ministry click here.
Charm City Baroque Concert
- Saturday, February 7
"The Glory of the German Baroque": Charm City Baroque (Michael De Sapio, Baroque violin; Marc Bellassai, harpsichord; Jessica Powell-Eig, viola da gamba) explore the wit, whimsy, pathos and gravitas of German Baroque violin music. Program features music by the great 17th century violin virtuosos Heinrich Biber and Jacob Walther as well as movements from JS Bach's Partita no. 1 for unaccompanied violin. The Concert, approximately one hour, without intermission will begin at 3 PM. Concert is free of charge, but a free will offering will be gratefully accepted.
Charm City Baroque is a young chamber ensemble dedicated to the most glorious era of western music. Formed by several friends who met while studying at the Peabody Conservatory, CCB brings the music of the 17th and 18th centuries to vivid life through the use of period instruments and insight into historical performances practice. Find them here on Facebook.
Iņigo Book Group
- Tuesday, February 10
The Iņigo Book Group will meet on Tuesday, Feb.10 in Ignatian Hall to discuss "The Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline. The meeting begins with social time from 6:30-7:00 and is followed by the discussion until 8:30. All are welcome! On March 10 the group will be discussing "Cutting for Stone" by Abraham Verghese. Please contact Catherine Young at pianocate2@gmail.com with any questions.
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Mark Your Calendar
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Spring 2015 Weekend Retreat -"Behold the Face of God" Friday April 24 - Sunday April 26 2015
Loyola on the Potomac, Faulkner, Maryland
Based on the methodology and content of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, this retreat is conducted in an atmosphere of prayerful silence and includes generous amounts of time for prayer, personal reflection and the cultivation of a deep relationship with God.
Our theme invites our retreatants to explore the Ignatian Principles of being "Contemplatives in Action" and "Finding God in all Things."
The invisible God is made visible through his creative work. Everything is made and continues in existence by God's creative/salvific work in Christ (John 1: 118). By seeing what God does, we come to know who he is. All that we see is a reflection of God, leads us to God and yet God is not contained in or limited to any created thing. We deepen our ability to see and understand with eyes of Faith.
The retreat is open to anyone who desires to grown in their relationship with God through prayer. For fees, registration, and further information CLICK HERE.
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In the Media |
 Former NFL Star Walked Away from $37 Million to Feed the Hungry with His Farm BY ALEX HEIGL
Jason Brown tends to his fields in Louisburg, N.C.
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Jason Brown is happily living the biggest mistake of his life.
At least, that's what his agent called the former St. Louis Ram's 2012 decision to leave behind his $37 million NFL contract, buy 1,000 acres of farmland, and feed Missouri's hungry.
Brown, who learned farming largely from YouTube and by gathering advice from local farmers in Louisburg, North Carolina, is growing sweet potatoes and cucumbers, the former of which recently yielded his first harvest: 100,000 lbs. of food, which he donated to local food pantries. "When you see them pop up out of the ground, man, it's the most beautiful thing you could ever see," Brown said. "It's unusual for a grower to grow a crop just to give away," Rebecca Page, who organizes food collection for the needy, told CBS. "And that's what Jason has done. And he's planning to do more next year."
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