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ST. IGNATIUS WEBPAGE
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TRUTH SERUM
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With Pope Francis releasing his Encyclical on the Environment and Climate Change...We thought it would be pertinent to talk about the connection between Environmental Degradation and Human Trafficking. This week's Truth Serum is entitled
Climate Change and Slavery: The Perfect Storm? - 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 support goes to
The Sudan Relief Fund who, because of the current crisis in their country asked us for assistance. 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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Our Nation's Heart Is Broken Once Again
Photographs of the nine victims killed at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina are held up by congregants during a prayer vigil on June 19, 2015.(Win McNamee/Getty)
My Dear Sisters and Brothers in the Faith,
Last week our nation experienced once more the shocking murder of nine of our fellow citizens gunned down by Dylann Roof in the Emanuel AME Church of Charleston, South Carolina. As an act of blatant racial violence, we are compelled to face one more time the racial hatred we pretend does not exist in our country. If we dare to be honest with ourselves, we all know full well that our American culture remains steeped in racial antipathy in spite of all the progress we have made since the civil rights movement of the 1960s. As Baltimoreans, we don't have to go outside our own city to recognize the reality of the existence of rampant racism. If we doubt the truth of our culture's racism, let outsiders tell us what they see. In its opening story about what occurred in Charleston, last Friday's edition of Canada's leading newspaper, the Globe and Mail, had this to say: "A church massacre in the heart of the Old South has reopened the most enduring wound in American life: the life of slavery." Our past sins still live with us and continue to traumatize us, as a nation and people.
Yet the good news in the face of this great tragedy is the remarkable responses of the relatives of those who were killed. On Friday, at the arraignment in court of the alleged killer, the judge invited family members of the victims to come forward to speak if they wished to do so. Five relatives stepped in front of the judge and spoke powerful words of Christian forgiveness to Dylann Roof. One of those persons, Nadine Collier, the daughter of victim Ethel Lance, offered this extraordinary testimony. "I forgive you. You took something very precious away from me. I will never get to talk to her ever again. I will never be able to hold her again; but I forgive you and have mercy on your soul...You hurt me. You hurt a lot of people. If God forgives you, I forgive you." To read the testimony of the other four relatives in last week's Washington Post, please click here.
In a much more hopeful story, we were made aware of the long-awaited Encyclical on the Environment. Released last Thursday, it received wide coverage in the media across the globe. We encourage our parishioners to find time to read this lengthy document by clicking here. We will aim at eventually inviting a panel of experts to address this powerful document. Meanwhile, we should become knowledgeable ourselves about what Pope Francis is saying to the whole human family about our common home: Mother Earth.
Finally, our parish council will be convening at a special session this Thursday to discuss Archbishop Lori's Pastoral Letter, A Light Brightly Visible--Lighting the Path to Missionary Discipleship. This document was sent to parishes throughout the Archdiocese last Monday. The work and challenge of implementing the vision of this document will be getting underway this autumn. Our own parish, its staff, its council, its ministries, its committees, its people will be required to engage in the process that faces every parish over the next several years. The outcome will impact every parish and parishioner in this diocese. To read the document, please click here.
Gratefully in the Risen Jesus,
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A Major Issue Today
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Many of you have heard of Joe Ehrmann. He has been a spiritual leader in Baltimore for decades. He is an educator, author, activist, pastor and coach. He was a college All-American athlete who played professional football for 13 years - most notably with the Baltimore Colts. Among numerous awards, Joe has been named "The Most Important Coach in America." Here is his Tedx Talk he gave in Baltimore in 2013. As we see the violence around us in this country and this city - it's an important message. Enjoy.
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Summer Project - Toiletry collection this week and next.
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Catholic Charities' Weinberg Housing and Resource Center provides shelter for 275 people in Baltimore every day! |
Weinberg Center Needs Our Help!
The Weinberg Housing Resource Center, down the street on Fallsway, is a code blue shelter for the homeless but it is also much more. WHRC provides transitional housing, job training and counseling for men and women who are working to turn their lives around. When they are ready to go out on their own, WHRC helps them find a place to live. This summer we will be collecting items that the residents must have while they are at WHRC, and also the basic supplies they need to help them become more independent after they leave the facility.
This week and next we are collecting toiletries for the residents at WHRC. Please bring such things as soap, shampoo & conditioner, disposable razors, shaving cream, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, combs, etc. Items that you would normally have in your toiletry bag. Any amount helps!
Later, the weekend of July 19, we will be collecting housewarming items for WHRC. This month, ten residents will be moving out into their own places - but they have nothing for their new apartments - no bed, no shower curtain, no dishes, no utensils. A complete list of Items for the housewarming baskets will be provided later - in the meantime you can see WHRC's list online by clicking here. (NB: Only the smaller items will be collected at St. Ignatius.)
Thank you for your generosity to those who are in need!
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Did We Remember to Tell You?
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 We were scheduled to do an excellent panel discussion called "Guns, Freedom, and Catholic Social Teaching" a few weeks ago, but needed to postpone it because of various scheduling issues. Many of you have been asking about it - so we wanted to tell you...it's back on the books!
We will be presenting this timely and needful panel discussion on Monday, September 21st. We will give you more details as they become available...but we thought you would want to circle the date on your calendar.
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A New Justice and Peace Subcommittee
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 Justice and Peace Committee Announces the Formation of Racial Justice Subcommittee
The Justice and Peace Committee has formed a new Subcommittee and we welcome new members! Our mission statement reads: "The Racial Justice Subcommittee of the Justice and Peace Committee defines racial justice as the systematic, transformative, and fair treatment of all races that results in equal opportunities and outcomes for all. The foundation of our Christian faith is rooted in the knowledge that all are made in the image and likeness of God. With this truth, we are devoted to upholding the dignity of all persons through, with, and in Christ. We stand in solidarity with those facing hardship and injustice due to race. We will create spaces for dialogue, prayer, and listening, and develop activities and training that promote education and advocacy. Our goal is to be stewards of faith, hope, and love by promoting model relationships that are rooted in truth, compassion, equality, and peace." If you would like to join us, please contact one of the subcommittee Chairs, Toni Moore- Duggan tjmduggan@aol.com and Courtney Krug cekrug2@gmail.com. Please consider attending the next meeting on Thursday evening, July 9th at 6:30 PM.
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| Christmas in July |
Well, not exactly. This is actually a "Save the Date" for Cottage In The Church - a new event from the Justice and Peace Sub-Committee Justice Issues Especially Affecting Women. The event will be held Sunday, December 6 from 8 AM-12 PM.
Nonprofit groups helping low- or no- income women will be selling handmade wares and other items in Ignatian Hall after every Mass. Plan to begin your Christmas Shopping by buying from those who need money the most - and support the cottage industries of women, locally and globally. St. Ignatius is pleased to host this pathway to earning power for poor women - the rest is up to you and your spending power!
Do you know of a non-profit/crafting group that might well fit the above event? If so, please contact Andraya Dolbee at: andrayadolbee@gmail.com
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| Upcoming Events |
FREE CONCERT FRIDAY.
- Friday, June 26
 On Friday evening, June 26, 7:00-8:30 PM, at St. Clement Church in Lansdowne, there will be a concert performed by Dan Schutte, a founding member of the St. Louis Jesuits. Dan is a well-known singer/composer who has given us "Here I Am, Lord", "City of God", "Sing A New Song" and many, many more hymns. This concert is free -- no tickets are needed. It is sponsored by Oregon Catholic Press. For additional information, contact Jim DeBoy (JimDeBoy@comcast.net or 443-799-3096).
Miracle Healing Service
- Sunday, June 28
Dr Bob Sawyer and the Healing Team will conduct a Miracle Healing Service at St Joseph Monastery Church, 3801 Old Frederick Road, on Sunday, June 28 from 2-5 PM. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available. Come and bring those who need Jesus to heal them. For details and flyer, click here.
 Pride Prayer Service
- Thursday, July 9
Embracing God's Gifts, St. Ignatius' Gay & Lesbian ministry, is inviting you to join us on Thursday, July 9th at 7 PM in the Chapel of Grace, where we will give thanks to God for the gift of our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters in a Prayer Service. Through music, readings, prayer and a spirit of gratitude, we will gather to celebrate being members of God's family. All are welcome and please bring a friend! A light reception will follow in Ignatian Hall.
 Justice & Peace Committee
- Thursday, July 9
The Justice & Peace Committee is dedicated to the service of faith and the promotion of justice. 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); support justice issues especially impacting women; and advocate for and develop diversity in our community. We remain committed to organizations working for domestic and international peace and justice. We invite you to join us at our next meeting on Thursday, July 9 at 7:30 PM at the church offices (805 N. Calvert Street). For more information about the Justice & Peace Committee, contact the committee chair, Candra Healy. All are welcome!
Young Families Ministry Summer Gathering
- Friday, July 10
Looking for ways to connect, commune, and celebrate marriage and family? Join St. Ignatius' ever-growing community of young married couples and families as we blend the spiritual, social and practical aspects of family life.
On Friday, July 10, the group will meet for a casual social at Belvedere Square, where families set up chairs or blankets, purchase food/drinks and listen/dance to live music.
| Time: | 6PM - 9PM | | Cost: | Free | | Location: | Belvedere Square (529 E. Belvedere Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21212) - the group will gather in the grass/parking lot to the right of the band, on TCBY side. | | Parking: | You will be lucky to find street parking or parking in the Belvedere Square lot unless you arrive early. There will be plenty of parking available in the Staples parking lot, diagonally across from the Senator Theater. | | Ages: | All | | RSVP: | by Thursday, July 9: email Anne Mattia |
 Parish Picnic Weekend - July 17-19
Plans are underway for the parish's annual picnic on the weekend of July 17-19, 2015 at Blue Ridge Summit, PA. The picnic will be held Saturday, July 18, and will include tasty grilled items, side salads and dishes and desserts. Tickets for the picnic are: $20.00 for individual; $25.00 for couple; and $30.00 for family (two adults and children from ages 5 years to 18 years). Tickets will go on sale on June 28. Camping options are also available and more information on camping will follow. Plan to join us!
Summer Bible School  - July 20-24 Our sister parish, St. Vincent de Paul on Front Street, is now accepting registrations for their Vacation Bible School which will run July 20-24 from 9 - 3 PM. There is no charge, and before and after care is available for a fee of $50 for the week or $10 per day. The registration form can be downloaded from www.stvchurch.org and sent to Anne Gibson, children's director at St. Vincent, before July 5.  Women of the New Testament - Tuesday, July 21 On July 21 we will continue our discussion on Reading the Women of the Bible: A New Interpretation of Their Stories by Tikva Frymer-Kensky. This book addresses two of the most significant intellectual and religious issues of our day: the experiences of women in a patriarchal society and the relevance of the Bible to modern life. Both men and women are invited to participate in these fascinating discussions. The meeting will be at 7 PM in Ignatian Hall. If you are interested in joining the group, you may order the book from Candra Healy at chealy@loyola.edu.  Viva House Collection Grocery Collection - Sunday, July 26 Once again this year we will be collecting groceries for the neighbors of Viva House, the Catholic Worker community in southwest Baltimore. Each month Viva House distributes bags of groceries to those in need. Three times each year the community of St. Ignatius supports them in this good work. We will soon be posting a list of what is needed. Thank you for all the generosity you show...you really make a difference to those in need.
 Annual Feast of St. Ignatius
- Sunday, July 26
Plan to join us at the 10:30 Mass on Sunday, July 26, when we will celebrate the feast day of our patron saint in a special way. This will be a particularly beautiful Mass. Our choir will be joined by guest musicians to present outstanding music for the celebration. A grand feast will follow in Ignatian Hall.Further details to follow.
 Annual Ignatian Day Lecture
- Monday, July 27
The Annual Ignatian Day Lecture will take place this year on Monday, July 27th featuring Fr. Tom Gaunt, S.J. and the topic: "Rediscovering Catholic America: Growing, Moving, Changing."
The Catholic population of the United States is dynamic and changing, as it has always been. The factors underlying these changes are often overlooked or misrepresented - factors that are key to understanding the Church's vitality and engagement. Where is the Church growing and diminishing? Who are today's Catholics? Who are tomorrow's parish leaders? This presentation of current research on Catholics is both provocative and insightful. The Ignatian Day Lecture will be held in the Chapel of Grace at 7:30 PM; there is no charge, and a reception will follow in Ignatian Hall.
Fr. Caunt is Executive Director of the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA), and research professor at Georgetown University.
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| In the Media |
Charleston Shooting Church Has Rich History From Slave Revolts to Civil Rights
Martin Luther King, seated third from left, waits to speak at the Emanuel AME church in Charleston. Photograph: The King Center
On Wednesday evening a new, bleak chapter in this rich history was written, when Pinckney and eight congregants were gunned down in cold blood at a basement Bible-study class.
The attack, which police are calling a hate crime, carries troubling echoes of the past.
"If [the shooter] was a white supremacist then he's picked a target that's incredibly symbolic in the black community. He's hit at the very heart of it," said Tim Lockley, a professor of American history at Warwick University who specializes in race relations.
Mother Emanuel was born into an era of violence. In 1822, just four years after the first church was built, a freed slave and carpenter named Denmark Vesey, one of the founders of the Emanuel church, was the ringleader of a vast planned slave insurrection known as "the rising". - READ MORE
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America Magazine:
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National Catholic Reporter:
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Time Magazine:
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The Economist:
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