When I was 23 I entered a Cistercian monastery. Prior to entrance, I probably thought a psalm was a tropical tree. Upon entering, I was asked to participate in the Divine Office in Latin which I barely knew, and had to chant all 150 psalms each week. For three months I mouthed the words. Then I was assigned a book to read, "The Psalms Are Christian Prayer" by Thomas Worden. In addition, I brought a pocket book edition of the Psalms of the Jerusalem Bible. Bit by bit, I experienced the cyclic ups and downs of life, particularly within the monastic setting, and very gradually I came to understand how the psalms fit my situation perfectly. From being the world's worst sinner I learned to lament, rather than get depressed; I learned to read the New Testament and learn from the past who to call out to from my depths ["Lema, lema sabbachthani"], and how to remember Jesus and what he said ["Do this in remembrance of me"] and realize that God the Father, Jesus and the Kingdom of God are closer to me than I am to myself, i.e., "within me" [Mk.1:15-16] and this demands psalms of gratitude and praise (the Hallel Psalms). Thus when I forget where I have come from and begin to think that I have succeeded on my own, my songs become self-righteous and over confident, and critically judgmental of others not so fortunate as I. Then I fail, and fall on my derriere and become in desperate need of help and cry out in Lamentation again. The psalms are indeed Christian prayer and prayer for all persons of all religions.
I invite you to watch as Sister Carol Perry reflects on our oldest private and community prayers.

by Joshua Smith

Once you have registered, please call Pat Ashby at (410) 547-5372 or email pashby@archbalt.org to verify that the registration has been received.

Please note the following details:
 
Baptismal Certificates: A copy of the baptismal certificate must be submitted, via fax or email, at the time of registration. The fax number is (410) 347-7896. Due to the importance of maintaining accurate sacramental records, please be advised that confirmation certificates cannot be issued unless a copy of the baptismal certificate is received. Before you register online, remember to choose St. Ignatius (Baltimore) as the selected Parish.To register please click here. A copy of your registration form needs also to be sent to Deacon Paul Weber at paulweber@st-ignatius.net or faxed to 410-937-8883.

Immediate Preparation: The Department of Evangelization of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, in conjunction with the Basilica of the National Shrine, will offer three sessions to assist with the immediate preparation of adults who wish to receive this sacrament. The sessions will be focused on catechesis on the Holy Spirit, discipleship, prayer, the sacramental life, and a review of core Catholic beliefs. This formation series will be held at the Catholic Center, 320 Cathedral Street, Baltimore, 20201, on Saturdays, September 12, September 19, and September 26, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
 
To register for these sessions or for more information, please call Kathy Wandishin at (410) 727-3565, x220, or email kwandishin@baltimorebasilica.org.
 
Instructions for Candidates: All candidates, their sponsors, and families are to arrive at the Basilica no later than 3:30 p.m. There will be registration tables in the vestibule of the Basilica and staff from the Department of Evangelization will greet them and direct them to their pews. Candidates, their sponsors, and families will still have reserved pews. 
 
Attire for Candidates: All candidates, sponsors, and families should wear their "Sunday best." No other dress-code guidelines are required.

Jesuit Father William Watters, left, is stepping down as pastor of St. Ignatius in Baltimore and passing the torch to Jesuit Father James Casciotti.