ST. IGNATIUS WEBPAGE
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You can read last Sunday's Homily
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TRUTH SERUM
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This week's
Truth Serum is entitled
#PopeinDC: This Evangelical's Zacchaeus Moment
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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 Jesuit Refugee Service.
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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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Real Family Values in a Field Hospital
The Church's defense of family life extends beyond protecting "traditional marriage" to support and accompany all those who strive to live lives of self-emptying love and fidelity, especially in pastorally difficult situations.
This is the consistent teaching and practice of Pope Francis from the now famous "Who am I to judge" to the recent reform of annulment procedures:
I see clearly that the thing the church needs most today is the ability to heal wounds and to warm the hearts of the faithful; it needs nearness, proximity. I see the church as a field hospital after battle. It is useless to ask a seriously injured person if he has high cholesterol and about the level of his blood sugars! You have to heal his wounds. Then we can talk about everything else. Heal the wounds, heal the wounds ... And you have to start from the ground up.
One area for strengthening family life is help for parents in adjusting to having a LGBT son or daughter-and help for daughters and sons who want to come out to their parents.
To this end, the Embracing God's Gifts ministry of the parish is sponsoring a panel discussion in the Chapel of Grace between 1 and 3 p.m., on Sunday 4 October - click here here for more information.
The panel will include gay persons, parents of gay sons/daughters, Deacon Paul Weber, and a Professor from Loyola University's Department of Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Care. There will be an opportunity for audience participation and a question and answer session.
This panel is an effort to promote a safe world for our LGBT sisters and brothers to live truthfully and openly-and to empower Catholic families to respond to the Gospel call of love with courage and compassion.
As Rita Mae Brown wrote, "About all you can do in life is to be who you are. Some people will love you for you. Most will love you for what you can do for them, and some won't like you at all."
May you and I-and every member of our parish family-love one another for who we are and for who, being loved, we can become.
By your side, in His Service,
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"but she out of her poverty put in all she had" (Luke 21:4)
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For Your Spiritual Growth
Here's that amazing principle of forgetting about ourselves when seeing someone in need, and giving from the little we have. Do you feel hope and gratitude this week, having watched so many manifestations of our nation becoming once again enthralled with Jesus' love, His message and His ministry? "O God, Revive Us Again in This Day - that Your People May Rejoice in You!"
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FOR THE HOMEBOUND...
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Would You Like A Visit?
We know that through the vast circulation of this e-newsletter there are some out there who are unable to get to St. Ignatius Church for Mass or other various functions. Deacon Paul Weber is asking if you would like a visit, just to chat or have a coffee or tea. He'd like to show you that our parish community cares and has not forgotten you.
If that would be your situation, please call him at 410-727-3848. If he is not available, leave your name, phone number and the best time to return your call. He will do so as soon as possible.
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REEVES GALLERY
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New Showing
This Sunday, we are pleased to announce a new exhibit entitled LOVE ONE ANOTHER. An exhibit and timeline highlighting the history and the pursuit for social justice within our nation and through our own Catholic Christian community here at St. Ignatius in Baltimore. This exhibit is in conjunction with our Racial Justice Forum on October 11. It is co-curated by Toni Moore-Duggan, Michael Duggan, and installed by David Cunningham. The exhibit will run until October 11.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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The Cry of the Earth Speaker Series
- Wednesday, September 30 (Dr. Stephen Scharper, Ph.D.)

Climate change science has emerged in the last three decades as one of the most vexed and contentious areas of contemporary research.
From the muzzling of environmental scientists in Canada to the censorship of leading climate change researchers in the United States, politics has tinctured, tethered, and at times eclipsed scientific data on one of the most important issues of our times. In his pioneering encyclical "Laudato Si," Pope Francis takes on the climate change issue, directly utilizing contemporary scientific research on climate change and its effects, such as global warming, rising sea levels, the acidification of oceans, and species lost. This talk explores a series of questions:
- What role can a Catholic voice play in the science climate change debate?
- Does Pope Francis have unique credentials for addressing climate change science?
- Does climate change science challenge people of faith to a deeper understanding of their relationship to and responsibilities for creation?
This lecture will be presented by Stephen Scharper, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, at 7 PM on September 30 at:St. Vincent de Paul Church 120 North Front Street Baltimore, Maryland 21202 Phone: 410-962-5078
For full information, click here.
Morning of Ignatian Reflection
- Saturday, October 3 On the first Saturday of the month, Ignatian Mornings of Reflection are held. These mornings are excellent opportunities to pull away from the hustle and bustle of daily life in order to "dial down" and quiet our hearts before God. The Morning of Reflection is under the direction of Father Bob Hamm, S.J., Director of the Xavier House. He will guide us in an experience of Ignatian Spirituality starting at 8:45 AM and concluding at the 12:10 Mass. This month's focus, Coming to Our Senses, will be dealing with the five senses, relationships, connections among people, and various other topics. All are welcome.
Loaves & Fishes Fishes Orientation Meeting - Sunday, October 4 (after 10:30 and 6:00 Masses)
| Video on Loaves and Fishes Ministry |
Sunday October 4th is the kick off meeting for the winter program in which updates and training are provided. This is a vital ministry within our church as we feed the homeless of Baltimore on a weekly basis. We are in great need of Volunteers. Please view the video to learn about Loaves & Fishes, and come join us.
When Your Child Comes Out: A Panel Discussion About Parental and Pastoral Support
- Sunday, October 4
In line with Pope Francis' emphasis on the family and how to provide pastoral support to families in all situations, we extend the following invitation:
To any parent who would like help in adjusting to having a LGBT son or daughter - to any child who would like help in telling his/her parent that he/she is a LGBT person - please attend the panel discussion sponsored by our Embracing God's Gifts ministry. The panel will have as participants gay persons, parents of gay sons/daughters, Deacon Paul Weber, and a Professor from Loyola University's Department of Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Care. There will be an opportunity for audience participation and a question and answer session.
National Coming Out Day is October 11th and continues to promote a safe world for LGBT individuals to live truthfully and openly. Our panel is an effort to support this endeavor and to empower Catholic families to respond to the Gospel call of love with courage and peace.
This event will take place from 1-3 PM. For more information, contact Gordon Creamer at themissionbridge@yahoo.com. To download flyer for event, click here.
Lecture: Providing Hope & Transforming Lives: Serving the Needs of Refugees in Eastern Africa
- Monday, October 5 On Monday, October 5th, at 7:00 PM in the Chapel of Grace, Fr. Endashaw Debrework, S.J., the Regional Director of Jesuit Refugee Service Eastern Africa, will speak on Providing Hope & Transforming Lives: Serving the Needs of Refugees in Eastern Africa. The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is an international Catholic organization with a mission to accompany, serve and advocate on behalf of refugees and other forcibly displaced persons. JRS began working in Eastern Africa in the early 1980s, providing food, shelter and medical aid to thousands of people displaced by war and famine in Ethiopia. Today, JRS Eastern Africa works across five countries - Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda - with a focus on education, psychosocial counseling and peace building.
Prayer Walk With Bishop Madden for Peace In the City
- Tuesday, October 6th
Please join Bishop Madden for his next prayer walk on Tuesday, October 6th at 5:30 PM at St. Peter Claver Church (1546 N. Fremont Ave). This is at the epicenter of the April uprisings. We can also say that this is now at the epicenter for efforts at rebuilding and reconciliation. The evening will begin with a light meal and end before 7:30 PM.
If you are interested in participating and would like to go with other members of St. Ignatius, we will gather at our church at 740 N. Calvert no later than 5:00 PM and will drive to St. Peter Claver Church. For those who need a ride, we will make the parish van available. So we can have a headcount for driving purposes, if you intend to participate, please notify us by Monday, October 5th by emailing parish@st-ignatius.net.
Young Adults - Our Lady of the Rosary Devotion
- Wednesday, October 7
 Celebrate the feast day of Our Lady of the Rosary in community with other young adults praying the rosary, talking about the significance of the rosary in our own lives, and exploring questions and non traditional approaches to the prayer. The prayer service will take place in the chapel on Wednesday, October 7th at 6:00 PM. Email alliclayton@st-ignatius.net with any questions.
A Day of Racial Justice Harmony
- Sunday, October 11
| Video: Racial Justice Forum |
Pope Francis stressed the need to "fight all forms of racism intolerance and anti-Semitism... promoting mutual understanding through training and social commitment." Pope John Paul II believed that we need a culture "in which we recognize, in every man and woman, a brother and a sister with whom we can together walk the path of solidarity and peace". To that end, St. Ignatius Church has created a Racial Justice Forum in order to engage, educate, affirm, discern and advocate our call to racial justice. We will approach our role in racial justice, viewing it through the lens of our Christian faith.
Our opening event will be called A Day of Racial Justice Harmony and will be held on Sunday, October 11th in Ignatian Hall following the 10:30 Mass. It will include:
- Program and Music to reflect our Christian call to Racial Justice
- Cultural Foods Reception and Meet & Greet Gathering
- Gallery Display of our St. Ignatius history in the African American Community
- Children's Activities
- Books/Films/Other Resources for Racial Justice learning available
- Opportunities to engage in positive discussions regarding race
Come join us as we view our historical advocacy efforts since the birth of our church. Explore the ways of moving forward in helping our city heal our fractured racial relationship.
The Justice & Peace Committee
- Thursday, October 15
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. This meeting will be in Ignatian Hall, beginning at 6:30 PM. For more detailed information click here.
On Friday, October 16 at 7:30 PM, St. Ignatius Catholic Community will show Pay It Forward, an inspiring and imaginative film that speaks directly to the greatest social problem and character disorder of our times - incivility. Wherever one looks - in the home, on the street, or at work - everyone is consumed with taking care of number one. Small acts of courtesy, it seems, are a thing of the past. Pay It Forward dares to point us in a different direction, through an 11-year-old boy named Trevor, and his innovative "pay it forward" social studies project. It boldly reveals that kindness and putting others first are acts of moral beauty. It concretely proclaims that each person can make a difference in the world by doing good. And it reveals that although we'll probably never know the effects of our acts of compassion, that's okay. The reward is in the act itself. Tissues will be available.
- There is no charge for this event. Popcorn, snacks and beverages will be provided.
Bread For the World Sunday - Sunday, October 18 On Sunday, October 18th, Saint Ignatius will be participating in Bread for the World Sunday - an occasion to raise awareness through prayer and solidarity in the effort to end hunger in Baltimore and throughout the world. During the Sunday liturgies, various prayers will be offered regarding the phenomenon of hunger. The poor box will be designated for No Kid Hungry Maryland - a local affiliate of a national campaign conducted by the non-profit Share Our Strength. Share Our Strength is dedicated to eradicating pervasive hunger among children, particularly through the promotion of after school meals programs. Following this year's Offering of Letters, Bread for the World Sunday offers parishioners the opportunity to engage in tangible action supporting childhood nutrition. Pope Francis reminds us that, "Poverty is the flesh of the poor Jesus, in that child who is hungry." Celebrate with us, as we pray and work to eliminate the scourge of hunger from our society.
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OPPORTUNITY FOR FURTHER GROWTH
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Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice
- November 7 thru 9
On November 7-9, the Ignatian Solidarity Network hosts the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice (IFTJ) at the Crystal Gateway Marriott (just outside of Washington, D.C.) in Arlington, VA. The IFTJ is a special opportunity to participate in the annual gathering with members of the Ignatian family (Jesuit institutions and the larger church) who come together in the context of social justice and solidarity to learn, reflect, pray, and network together. It is a place where people are empowered, re-energized, inspired, challenged, and supported by a community that sees faith and justice integrally linked. And, with an added benefit for us, on Monday, Nov 9, there is an Advocacy Day planned when many IFTJ participants will head to Capitol Hill to share stories, facts, and ask for more just policies with their elected officials. Advocacy efforts will focus on 3 priority areas: Immigration Reform, Environmental Justice, and Human Rights in Central America. Saint Ignatius is a member of the Ignatian Solidarity Network (ISN) and therefore if you want to attend this event, as an individual, you are able to register at a reduced rate. For more information, visit the ISN website at http://ignatiansolidarity.net/iftj/ The Justice and Peace Committee extends an invitation to all parishioners to join us and attend this year's IFTJ. If you are interested, send an email to Candra Healy at chealy@loyola.edu and indicate how the dates you want to attend, whether you want to stay overnight; or commute daily, and if you will participate in the Advocacy Day on the Hill. It is a good idea to visit the website first and view the agenda. Lead time is crucial if you want to attend with the J&P group so you please respond to Candra by 10/2/15.
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IN THE MEDIA
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Behind the Wheel of Feet for Francis, Tools of Evangelization
Pat Hamilton, Laura Hamilton and Paul Tiller
"This machine kills fascists," was the message Woody Guthrie wrote on his guitar. "This machine evangelizes," needs to be added to the paint scheme on the 15-passenger van the Loaves and Fishes Ministry from St. Ignatius Parish in Baltimore donated to Feet for Francis/the Pilgrimage of Love and Mercy, which awoke this morning of Sept. 25 at Neumann University in Aston, Pa. Paul Tiller picked up the van from Father James Casciotti's parish last Sunday morning, and has been behind the wheel since. I've dubbed it the Baltimore Popemobile. It's carried all of our clothing, sleeping bags, air mattresses, bottled water, fruit and snacks - and the gifts of cash, ice and Danish pastries donated by total strangers, moved by the Gospel message of Father Jack Lombardi. We are remaining here tonight, so we do not have to repack it this morning. Instead it is prepared to ferry 22 pilgrims some 15 miles back to Kennett Square, to continue our walk to the papal Mass in Philadelphia Sunday. - READ MORE
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