Issue: #17032015
March 17, 2015
ST. IGNATIUS WEBPAGE

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

Read Homily

 

 

TRUTH SERUM
This week's Truth Serum is entitled How a Week With Monks Changed My Views on Lent,
click here.

 

POOR BOX COLLECTION

Each weekend 
St. Ignatius specifies a Poor Box collection for a needful cause. This week's focus is The Loyola Jesuit Secondary School in Malawi.
T
o learn more
  click here


MASS MUSIC

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

WORLD WATCH

Weekly updates on Christian persecution around the globe. Keep a prayerful watch on what is happening with your brothers and sisters!
   click here
ST. IGNATIUS CALENDAR
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SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF FRANCIS--A VERY DIFFERENT POPE

My Dear Sisters and Brothers in the Faith,
  
  

This past Friday was the second anniversary of the election of Jorge Bergoglio as the 266th Pope or Bishop of Rome as he likes to call himself. For many Catholics and non-Catholics the world over, these past two years of his papacy have been unparalleled in their lifetime and brim with amazing surprises. In the minds of most people, his unique vision and energy have given the Church a fresh sense of a refocused mission and a dynamic presence on the world's stage.  His pastoral style and far-reaching ideas have caught the attention and imagination of the world-wide community.

 

In a perceptive article that appeared in the National Catholic Reporter, author Austen Ivereigh, who published what many consider the best book on the life of Pope Francis, The Great Reformer: Francis and the Making of A Radical Pope, has written about the ecclesiology of Francis. He shows the great shift in the understanding of Church that Francis has brought to Rome and the significant impact this new vision of Church is having on the Church's mission and its future.

 

Reaching back to the year 2007, Ivereigh says that was when Bergoglio revealed his capacity to become an emerging leader for the Latin American Church and eventually for the universal Church in 2013. In 2007 the then Archbishop of Buenos Aires was chosen to be the principal author of a document that celebrates the Church as a "Church of the people." That foundational document became the basis for Francis' own Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel) when he became Pope.

 

Ivereigh says that the great reform that Francis has initiated within the Church has its source in Latin America. He indicates that "Just as the Church in Spain and Italy was the source of the Counter-Reformation (16th Century), and the Church of France and Germany the source for the Second Vatican Council (20th Century), Latin America is now the wellspring of a new era of Church reform (21st Century). If Francis perplexes Europeans and North Americans long accustomed to thinking in liberal conservative terms, it is because he uses a lens and a language that come from outside those categories."

 

To read more about this intriguing reflection on how Francis has brought to the Vatican a "Latin American" ecclesiology and culture that are having profound ramifications for the whole Church, please open this link to Ivereigh's article. CLICK HERE

 

Gratefully in Jesus, 

 


A Psalm by John Coltrane at next Sunday's 10:30 Mass
Psalm (fr. A Love Supreme
In the early sixties, the great jazz saxophonist John Coltrane had developed a serious heroin addiction, and as a result experienced dental problems that threatened to end his playing days. By 1965 he had recovered from his addiction as well as his dental problems and had had a spiritual awakening. The musical expression of that awakening was his ground-breaking suite A Love Supreme.
 
In the final movement of A Love Supreme, Psalm, Coltrane performs what he calls a "musical narration"of a devotional poem he included in the liner notes of the album. That is, Coltrane "plays" the words of the poem on saxophone, but does not actually speak them. In the version that Tim Murphy and Paul Teie will perform at Sunday's 10:30 Mass, the words have been re-united with the music that John Coltrane improvised to his poem in 1965. To follow the story of A Love Supreme on the NPR podcast, click here.  
A Wee Little Background On Ireland's Most Beloved Saint
What Is St. Patrick's Day? 
By:  Neil Hargrove

Green beer, green food, green clothes. Is there more to Saint Patrick's Day?

 

It's a day to rival New Year's Eve and Mardi Gras. In cities all over the world, from Dublin to Sydney to Tokyo, people flock to the streets to celebrate all things Irish and to indulge in parades, beer, and the color green. In fact, some of a child's earliest memories might even be getting pinched for failing to wear green on March 17-known across the globe as Saint Patrick's Day. But how did this simple feast day, which originated on a small island in the Northern Atlantic in honor of a local celebrity, become a widespread celebration that spans the globe?


The History of Saint Patrick's Day

The legacy of Saint Patrick (approximately 385-461 AD) is found, in part, in the celebration of his Saint's Day, which corresponds to the day of his death, March 17. This day was originally celebrated only in Ireland and was considered a more somber day of remembrance than its modern incarnation.

 

Around the ninth and tenth centuries, over four hundred years after Saint Patrick's death, the people of Ireland began to celebrate a feast day to honor him and his missionary efforts in Ireland. Though a feast day certainly marked a time of remembrance for what the saint did, it also granted a reprieve from work and provided a church-condoned reason for celebrating-albeit in moderation.

 

This is a key element to why Saint Patrick's Day became so important to practicing Christians. March 17 falls during the Christian season known as Lent. During Lent, Christians historically gave up something for a period of forty days (excluding Sundays) until Easter. Saint Patrick's Day essentially provided an extra "Sunday" where the self-imposed restrictions of Lent were lessened.  - READ MORE
From The Curiosity Collective
Does God Care About Our Suffering?
Does God even care when we suffer? Angie Smith reflects on God's presence during a painful loss in her life. Enjoy! 
Does God Care About Our Suffering? 
Does God Care About Our Suffering?
6 PM Mass Moves Upstairs on Palm Sunday
Pardon Our Growth
For the past number of years the 6 PM Mass has met downstairs in the Chapel of Grace. It started with 8 people, and now it is bursting at the seams with rarely an available seat. Due to fire regulations we find we need to close off allowing further entrance shortly after the Mass begins. This Mass has long been known as the "intimate" Mass, or the "cave" Mass. As we have now outgrown the Chapel for the 6 PM Mass, we will be moving it upstairs beginning on Palm Sunday, March 29th. We love the growth, and embrace the challenge to keep those elements of intimacy and closeness with others as we grow. Come grow with us!
Year of Consecrated Life
Wake Up the World!
This week's reflection for the Year of Consecrated Life was written by Rev. Thomas M. Simisky, S.J. who teaches Spanish and is assistant to the principal at Fairfield Preparatory School. In the fall, he will become the President of Fairfield Prep.Click on the following link: Week 16- March 16, 2015
Runners for Others: An Ignatian 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk
How You Can Run...Or Be Involved 
Please support the third annual Runners for Others: An Ignatian 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk on Saturday, April 18.

Proceeds from the race support a variety of social ministries at our parish and at all the other Jesuit organizations in the Baltimore area. As you leave Mass this weekend, you will find a table in the Narthex or in the Reeves Gallery with some of our parish runners and walkers to help you register or sponsor this event.

Register at http://eliteracemanagement.com/runners-for-others-2015/. Don't want to actually run? We understand...but that doesn't mean that you can't still support this wonderful cause. You can be a "virtual runner" for others by making a donation and receiving this year's race T-shirt in the mail.
Upcoming Events
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.

 

 

 

 


Friday Night Lenten Observance  

- Friday, March 20

  

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 topic is Crucifixion and Death (Mark 15:22-47).

If you are able to help with the meal by making soup or salad, or bringing bread or beverages, please contact Diane White at [email protected], or call the parish office. Please join us. And invite a friend.

 

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 [email protected]  

 

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 
Looking 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 [email protected] 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 Concert Choir
- Friday, April 10 - 7:30 PM
Another favorite event is right around the corner! The Georgetown University Concert Choir presents selections from Amadeus Mozart, Gabrielle Faure, Maurice Durufl� and other critically acclaimed choral works. Georgetown University's premier choral ensemble specializes in classical choral works, dating from the 9th Century to the present day. Admission is free (although donations are accepted). A reception will follow.

Runners for Others: an Ignatian 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk
- Saturday, April 18

The 3rd annual "Runners for Others: An Ignatian 5K" will be held Saturday, April 18, 2015, in Baltimore's Patterson Park. The 5K run and 1 mile fun walk in this historic and sprawling park help raise funds for the Maryland Province's social ministries. Last year, with hundreds of runners and walkers participating, eight Jesuit organizations in Baltimore each received $1,500 to support their social justice ministry programs. To register, click here.


In the Media

Death Comes For the Archbishop
The Martyrdom of Oscar Romero

Thousands gather outside the Metropolitan Cathedral in San Salvador March 30, 1980, as the casket of slain Archbishop Oscar Romero is carried inside for a funeral Mass.

by Kevin Clark | Mar. 23, 2015 Issue

No
one may have noticed the red Volkswagen Passat as it glided slowly to a stop near the modest chapel of Divine Providence Hospital. Two other cars haunted the streets outside the small church: one filled with armed men working as "security" for the assassin and, in the other car, two men who loosely supervised the operation waited to assess its outcome.

 

A thin, bearded man, the Passat's passenger and a stranger to its driver Amado Garay, told Garay to crouch down and pretend to repair something.

 

On another typically hot evening in San Salvador, the Carmelite sisters had kindly left the wing-shaped chapel doors open, hoping for a breath of air to cool the congregants inside. Through the open doors of the Divine Providence chapel the assassin had a clear view of Archbishop Oscar Romero at the altar as he made his way through the homily he had prepared for this requiem Mass, one he agreed to celebrate for the mother of a friend.

 

"My dear sisters and brothers," the archbishop was saying, his homily gathering steam. "I think we should not only pray this evening for the eternal rest of our dear Do�a Sarita, but above all we should take to ourselves her message...that every Christian ought to want to live intensely. Many do not understand; they think Christianity should not be involved in such things," Archbishop Romero said, referring to the "things" of the physical world, the problems of the times in which we live. "But, to the contrary," he continued, "you have just heard in Christ's Gospel that one must not love oneself so much as to avoid getting involved in the risks of life that history demands of us and that those who try to fend off the danger will lose their lives, while those who out of love for Christ give themselves to the service of others will live, live like the grain of wheat that dies, but only apparently. If it did not die, it would remain alone." He was wrapping up yet another memorable homily for those gathered in the church and those who would listen to his words later on the radio. "The harvest comes about," he said, "only because it dies, allowing itself to be sacrificed in the earth and destroyed. Only by undoing itself does it produce the harvest."- READ MORE  



Jesuit.org:
St. Ignatius Group Moves To Support Maryland's Paid Sick Leave Bill

Time Magazine:
Pope Francis Has Taught the Church To Thrive Again

National Catholic Reporter:
Is Dialogue with Islam Possible?

USA Today:
Video: Pope Francis Doesn't Expect to be Pope Much Longer


Commonweal Magazine:
Does Method Matter? A three-part feature of stories on contraception and Catholic identity.
  1. Contraception &; Catholic Identity: NFP 
  2. Contraception amp; Catholic Identity: Belief, and Practice 
  3. Contraception; Catholic Identity: Unnatural Vision?
     

Relevant Magazine: 
Finding Truth in Our Fairy Tales                                               

America Magazine:
Peace and Toilet Paper


Africa Faith & Justice Network:
Archbishop Michael Fitzgerald on the "Grounds For Dialogue With Islam Today"
READER NOTIFICATION:  

"Parish: the thought" is a publication of St. Ignatius Catholic Community, Baltimore. Each edition contains articles and news feeds that are included for awareness of current topics in our world today. The positions expressed by outside authors and news feeds are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or positions of St. Ignatius Catholic Community or its staff.

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                                                                                                                e-zine compiled by John. C. Odean