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ST. IGNATIUS WEBPAGE
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You can view last Sunday's Homily by clicking on link below:
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TRUTH SERUM
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This week's Truth Serum is about the Third Pillar of Lent, Almsgiving. To read It Just Makes Sense, click here. |
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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 The Weinberg Housing and Resource Center.
To learn more click here
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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.
click here
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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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PARISH RESULTS FROM SYNOD'S FOCUS ON THE FAMILY
My Dear Sisters and Brothers in the Faith,
Invited to respond to a Questionnaire composed by the Vatican after last October's Synod on the Family so that the Synod's leadership might better prepare for next October's second session, we as a parish issued an abbreviated form, written by the Archdiocese of Baltimore, of the original 46 questions to our parishioners. They were encouraged to respond to the questions by email or by attendance at one of the forums which our Deacon, Paul Weber, facilitated after several Sunday Masses. In light of these many responses, Deacon Weber, assisted by our Director of Communications, John Odean, compiled our parishioners' answers and arranged them in five different categories which can be found by clicking on the following link - Parish Compilation of Synod Questions.
We did receive a very extensive response to the original Vatican Questionnaire from one of our thoughtful parishioners. If you would like to see what he wrote, please click the following link - Single Parishioner's Response.
For those who would like to see what the Vatican's 64 questions were, please click this link - Entire Vatican document known as the LINEAMENTA.
At our recent weekly staff meeting, members were asked to review our parishioners' responses and to recommend those answers that we, as a staff, believe should be studied more carefully as possible new areas for our parish to develop needed ministries in service for our people. We identified several sensitive responses that we will investigate further:
- Support for Families with Children at Different Levels who Present Challenges
- Assistance to Families to Help Them Foster the Catholic Faith Within the Family Itself
- Minister to Couples Who Are Working Through Personal Difficulties
- Celebrate Parishioners' Special Wedding Anniversaries on a Monthly Basis to Honor Their Marriage Commitments.
The Vatican's Synod on the Family has opened the door for the Church around the world to take more seriously than ever its central role and critical ministry in serving families spiritually, pastorally and socially. It is at the very heart of the Gospel and the mission of Jesus himself. We at St. Ignatius are grateful for this moment in the life of the Church to participate in this effort to address the Family in its many needs and blessings. We thank all our parishioners who responded to the questions sent by the Vatican/Archdiocese.
Gratefully in the Lord Jesus,
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Lenten Pillar #3: ALMSGIVING
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It Just Makes Sense!
Almsgiving, the third pillar of Lent, is simply a response by us to God - a response to the insights we have gained through prayer and fasting - the other two pillars of Lent. We do not give because we are required to give or because we feel guilty if we don't, but because we are so grateful for all that God has given us.
Ultimately our journey of Lent may begin with reflecting on "me and God," but our prayer and fasting lead us to the realization that none of us are walking this journey alone - that the needs of all are the responsibility of all in the Body of Christ.
In his Message for Lent 2015, Pope Francis asks us to reach out to those in need:
"...we can help by acts of charity, reaching out to both those near and far through the Church's many charitable organizations. Lent is a favorable time for showing this concern for others by small yet concrete signs of our belonging to the one human family."
Mike Aquilina breaks down the challenge of almsgiving and explains why it is the most neglected of the three pillars of Lent:
"Many Americans today enjoy a better standard of life than any Byzantine emperor ever knew. Central heat, central air conditioning, electric lights, consistently safe food and water, antibiotics, and even aspirin - these are luxuries beyond the dreams of our ancient ancestors."- READ MORE
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A Powerful Video for Lenten Meditation
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In My Seat: A Pilot's Story from Sept 10th-11th
When you have 15 minutes, we encourage you to watch the following true Christian story.This is about a pilot who was supposed to be on American Airlines Flight 11 the morning of 9/11. Flight 11 was the first Boeing 767 to fly into one of the buildings at the World Trade Center. This is unlike anything we have seen, read or heard about 9/11. Enjoy!
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In My Seat - A Pilot's Story from Sept 10th - 11th
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Year of Consecrated Life
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Wake Up the World!
This week's reflection for the Year of Consecrated Life, was written by Fr. Dan Ruff, S.J. who came to St. Ignatius a number of times when he was a professor at Loyola University before he was appointed as the pastor of Old St. Joseph's Church in Philadelphia. Click on the following link: Week 15- March 9, 2015
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Fr. John O'Malley, S.J. Lecture
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Last night was the Fr. John O'Malley, S.J. Lecture entitled "Synods, Yesterday and Today: Who Cares?" Below is the lecture video. Enjoy!
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Reminder: Early-Bird Registration Ends March 15
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 Runners for Others: An Ignatian 5K
Don't forget to register for the 3rd Annual Runners for Others: An Ignatian 5K! Join us Saturday, April 18 in Patterson Park for a morning of running, walking and fun. You'll get a free t-shirt - even if you are a "virtual runner"! All proceeds support local Jesuit organizations in their social outreach throughout the Baltimore area --including St. Ignatius!
Register now by click here before the fees increase.
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| Upcoming Events |
- Tuesday, March 10
 The Inigo Book Group will meet on Tuesday, March 10 in Ignatian Hall to discuss "Cutting for Stone" by Abraham Verghese. The meeting begins with social time at 6:30 and is followed by the discussion until 8:30. All are welcome. On April 14 the group will discuss "The Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr. Please contact Catherine Young at pianocate2@gmail.com with any questions.
Economic Justice Sick Leave Advocacy Event
- Wednesday, March 11
 Over 700,000 of our sisters and brothers working in Maryland have NO paid sick days. If they are sick or a child is sick, they work while sick or send sick children to school, or stay home and lose much needed pay.
Working Matters, a coalition of more than 130 organizations - many of whom represent the faith community - has reintroduced the Healthy Working Families Act (SB 40 / HB 385). The proposed legislation would allow workers to earn one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to a maximum of seven days per year for full-time workers. Now that the House and Senate hearings are complete, it is imperative that members of the Senate Finance and House Economic Matters committees hear from Marylanders who agree that no one should have to choose between their job and the well-being of their family. Legislation is currently pending in Annapolis that would address this problem.
We have until April 14 to pass legislation by persuading our elected representatives, through meetings, petitions, phone calls, letters and reaching out to others. To that end our Justice & Peace Committee is planning an Economic Justice Sick Leave Advocacy Event on Wednesday, March 11 from 7-9 PM. Please join us in Ignatian Hall as we tackle the task of passing this legislation that will help so many in our community! For more information contact: Terry Cavanagh at tcavanagh@seiumddc.org.
Justice & Peace Committee
- Thursday, March 12
 The Justice and Peace Committee is dedicated to the service of faith and the promotion of justice. The Committee aims to address the challenges that affect the work of justice in our community. Presently, our social justice work is focused on Immigration; Economic Justice; Bread for the World; and the immigrant/asylee project, New Day, New Hope. We are organized through subcommittees that identify particular programs to more effectually: serve the poor and our focus on hunger and homelessness in Baltimore City; support Immigration advocacy and projects - at risk children and families; Economic Justice (legislatively advocate a paid sick leave initiative); and expand diversity within our parish community. We remain committed to organizations working for domestic and international peace and justice. Please join us on Thursday evening, March 12, at 7:30 p.m. in Gonzaga Hall. For more information contact the committee chair, Candra Healy, chealy@loyola.edu.
Friday Night Lenten Observance
- Friday, March 13
Join us for Mass in the church at 5:30, followed by Stations of the Cross, then a simple Lenten meal of soup, salad and bread in Ignatian Hall before we hear (and then discuss) a presentation on scripture by Dr. John Pilch. This week's topics are Jesus' Betrayal and Arrest (Mark 14:32-52) and The Trials (Mark 14:53-15:21).
If you are able to help with the meal by making soup or salad, or bringing bread or beverages, please contact Diane White at dwhite1@jesuits.org, or call the parish office. Please join us. And invite a friend.
 Mozart on Laetare
- Sunday, March 15
Sunday is the Fourth Sunday of Lent, which is traditionally called Laetare Sunday. (To learn about Laetare Sunday click here). At the 10:30 Mass, our talented choir accompanied by stringed instruments as well as organ, will be presenting selections from Mozart's works, including Ave Verum Corpus, Misericordias Domini, and the Sanctus and Bened1ctus from Missa Brevis in F. Plan to join us, and invite a friend as we "rejoice".
Lenten Reconciliation Service
- Wednesday, March 18
Communal reconciliation service for parishioners of St. Ignatius, St. Vincent de Paul, & Corpus Christi will be held at St. Ignatius Church at 7:30 PM on Wednesday, March 18. Several priests will be available for private confession.
Embracing God's Gifts Lenten Retreat
- Saturday, March 21
All are welcome to join us for a Lenten Retreat experience sponsored by the Embracing God's Gifts Ministry! Embracing God's Gifts is St. Ignatius' ministry of support, spiritual growth, and events for our LGBT community. The theme of the retreat is All Are Welcome At The Table.Through prayer, meditation and various spiritual exercises, we will journey with this theme and its application to our experience of Christ in everyday living. There will be special consideration of Pope Francis and his wake up call to all Christians about the Gospel standard of mercy and compassion. This event will be held in Ignatian Hall. Schedule is as follows: 9:00 AM Coffee & Light Refreshments; 9:30 AM-3:00 PM Retreat; Mass at 12:10 PM in the Chapel of Grace. For more information contact Gordon Creamer at themissionbridge@yahoo.com.
The Light Is On For You
- Friday, March 27
Reconciliation...Confession...Penance...Mercy...Forgiveness
For the past several years, the parishes of the Archdiocese of Baltimore have participated in a program aimed at promoting the value of participation in the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance). That program is known as The Light Is On For You. By participating in the Sacrament, whether our first time in days, weeks, months or years, we are experiencing God's individual and unwavering love for us and one of the true graces made available to us by our Catholic faith. God loves us just the way we are, but he loves us too much to leave us that way. Parishes in the archdiocese, including St. Ignatius, will be offering this Sacrament of Mercy and Forgiveness on Friday, March 27 from 3:00-8:00 PM. Don't forget that throughout the Season of Lent at St. Ignatius, a priest will be available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation half an hour before every Mass, except on Sundays.
Guide for Celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation
Resource
Young Families Ministry Gathering
- Sunday, March 29
Lookin g for ways to connect, commune and celebrate marriage and family? Join St. Ignatius's ever-growing community of young married couples and families as we blend the spiritual, social and practical aspects of family life. On Palm Sunday - March 29 (3pm), the group will meet for a potluck social gathering at the home of Anne & Mike Mattia in Rodgers Forge (Towson area). Fr. Steve will join the group for a blessing, and babies and toddlers are welcome! Please RSVP to annemattia@icloud.com for details, to let her know how many of you will be attending, and if you would like to contribute any food or drinks.  Georgetown University Choral Group
- Friday, April 10 - 7:30 PM
This was a favorite last year...and they're coming back. We wanted to tell you to "save the date" as you will not want to miss this one. More details as available!
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| In the Media |
 Catholic Publications Call For End To Capital Punishment
Christian Gohl holds a sign during a Jan. 28, 2014, vigil outside St. Louis University College Church ahead the execution of Missouri death-row inmate Herbert Smulls of St. Louis. Smulls was executed after midnight Jan. 29. (CNS/St. Louis Review/Lisa Johnston)
From the editorial boards of America magazine, National Catholic Register, National Catholic Reporter, and Our Sunday Visitor: Next month, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in Glossip v. Gross, a case out of Oklahoma that challenges the most widely used lethal injection protocol as being cruel and unusual punishment. The court took up the case in January after a year of three high-profile, problematic executions in three states. The court will likely issue a ruling by June. Our hope is that it will hasten the end of the death penalty in the United States. Archbishop Thomas Wenski, of Miami, and chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, praised the decision saying, "... the use of the death penalty devalues human life and diminishes respect for human dignity. We bishops continue to say, we cannot teach killing is wrong by killing." The chair of the Pro-Life Activities committee, Boston Cardinal Seán O'Malley, also praised the court's decision to hear the case. "Society can protect itself in ways other than the use of the death penalty," Cardinal O'Malley said. "We pray that the Court's review of these protocols will lead to the recognition that institutionalized practices of violence against any person erode reverence for the sanctity of every human life. Capital punishment must end." - READ MORE
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