Issue: #12082015

December 8, 2015

ST. IGNATIUS WEBPAGE

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TRUTH SERUM

Looking at this week's Advent Theme, "Peace," our Truth Serum is entitled: Waiting for Peace During Advent.
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POOR BOX COLLECTION

Each weekend

St. Ignatius specifies a Poor Box collection for a needful cause. This week's support goes to CASA de Maryland, an organization that focuses on supportive care for immigrants in Maryland.

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MASS MUSIC

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

Last week there was a notice in the bulletin and e-zine that the Loyola Early Learning Center Committee is conducting a feasibility study for a possible preschool. What committee, you ask?

Several years ago Fr. Watters gathered some interested folks to explore the possibility of opening a pre-school for children between the ages of two and five. The Committee did some preliminary work and was asked by Fr. Provincial to wait for the arrival of the new pastor [me] before going further. When I took office, we reconvened the group. Here is where things stand:

The proposed school would open in September of 2017 with 20 children between the ages of two and three and, over three years, grow to an enrollment of 59 students, ages two to five. This school would be available to children of parishioners and children from low income families in the wider community.

The Loyola Early Learning Center would be incorporated as a separate 501C3 non-profit corporation and be housed in the basement and first floor of 801 St. Paul St. [The Ignatian Volunteer Corps would move to other space owned by the Historic Trust.]

The operating budget of the school would come from tuition, grants, and scholarships.

We are currently soliciting bids on the cost of preparing the facilities of the school. If feasible, the Historic Trust, using capital campaign funds raised for the poor, would fund these renovations.

We are holding focus groups here [13 Dec. after the 10:30 Mass in the Chapel of Grace] and at other sites to gauge the interest of parishioners and others in enrolling their children in the first class.

I have great hope for this project because of the good we could do for our own children and for the urban poor who live to the East and West of us-and because Fr. Watters has already successfully launched two thriving schools from St. Ignatius!

I welcome your questions and comments and will keep you apprised of what we learn and propose to do.

By your side, in His service,

ADVENT - WEEK 2: THE "PEACE" THEME OF ADVENT

ADVENT WEEK 2 - Peace

THE STORY BEHIND...

I have loved singing this song at Christmas time. The tune is slow and majestic and "haunting" and thrilling. The theology of the words is impeccable. The song is ancient. . . . and the author is unknown. We have no idea who wrote this. Just some monk sometime before 800 A.D. A time in history we often call "the Dark Ages." Civilization, it seemed, had broken down and mankind was sliding backwards into more chaos, ignorance, pestilence, and unending warfare. But someone, somewhere in a monastery in Europe, penned a song that would reach across the ages to encourage and thrill millions even in the 21st century. Who knew?

During those "Dark Ages" the Bible was inaccessible for most people. But the monk who composed this song must have had a full and rich knowledge of Scripture. The song displays a wealth of phrases from Old Testament prophecies that speak of the coming of the Messiah. He is the "rod of Jesse," the "Dayspring from on high," the "Key of David," and "Wisdom from on high." For the people of the Medieval world who did not have a Bible to read, this was a teaching tool, expressing the hope and truth of Christmas--- the fulfillment of ancient prophecies in the birth of Christ. - READ MORE

THE CELEBRATION OF HANUKKAH HAS BEGUN

Do They Know It's Hanukkah?

There's more than one "happy holiday" for Christians this season.

As we progress through Advent towards Christmas, the Jewish faith has entered into their celebration of Hanukkah (December 6-15). In the briefest of explanations, Hanukkah (Chanukkah), is the Jewish festival of rededication, also known as the festival of lights. It is an eight day festival beginning on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev. According to tradition as recorded in the Talmud at the time of the rededication, there was very little oil left that had not been defiled by the Greeks. Oil was needed for the menorah (candelabrum) in the Temple, which was supposed to burn throughout the night every night. There was only enough oil to burn for one day, yet miraculously, it burned for eight days, the time needed to prepare a fresh supply of oil for the menorah. An eight day festival was declared to commemorate this miracle. Note that the holiday commemorates the miracle of the oil, not the military victory.

The greater message of Hanaukkah is that God preserves his people Israel and he spreads his name among the nations of the world as well. I suppose from the Christian perspective, the miracle of Hanukkah is the preservation of God's people Israel and preparing his people for the days of Messiah. If it had not been for Hanukkah, there might not have been a Jewish people for Messiah to be born into.

And so, many thoughts swirled through my mind this week as I considered those beginning the observation of Hanukkah, and those of us who approach Christmas to celebrate the birth of Christ. It was then that I came across an article that brought an interesting comparison of Christmas and Hanukkah. I share it with you. Enjoy!

Do They Know It's Hanukkah?

There's more than one "happy holiday" for Christians this season.
by Ted Olsen

The Christmas wars have changed focus in the last few years. There are still the reruns of fights over displaying nativity scenes, stars of Bethlehem, and less religious displays like Christmas trees on government-run spaces. Hundreds of lawyers are standing by, waiting for a city council to squelch caroling or a school principal to crush a candy-cane handout.

Once again this year, the cry about a "war on Christmas" has reached a fever pitch. This year's play out had to do with some some individual Christians' indignation at Starbucks for using plain red cups that seemed not to state "Merry Christmas" - thus attacking Christmas itself. Apparently this group is not alone in their view that Christmas is under siege. One organization is selling bumper stickers that read, "This is America! And I'm going to say it: Merry Christmas!" and "Merry Christmas! An American Tradition." (I don't remember the American part of the Christmas story, but I haven't re-read Luke 2 yet this year.) Also for sale: "Just Say Merry Christmas" bracelets. ("They're guaranteed to ward off the evil spirits of the ACLU grinches," says the ad.)

Just say Merry Christmas? To everyone? Regardless of whether they actually celebrate Jesus' birth? To borrow a line from Band Aid (creators of the worst holiday song of all time), "Do they know it's Hanukkah?" For the story of Hanukkah ironically sheds light on the aggressive "Merry Christmas!" trend.

In 167 B.C., the Maccabees rebelled against the Syrian king Antiochus IV, who desecrated the temple in Jerusalem with an altar to Zeus, and tried forcibly to Hellenize the Jews. After years of fighting, Judas Maccabeus and his small band of guerillas drove the Syrians from the temple, then cleansed and rededicated it. Modern Hanukkah observances focus less on Judas's military victory than on the miracle of a single day's worth of consecrated oil-the only container undefiled by Antiochus-burning for eight days.

Christianity has its own Hanukkah story in John 10, one that has little to do with the Nativity, and that took place about two centuries after the Maccabees revolted.

"Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem," John writes. "It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon's Colonnade."

There's no menorah recorded here, nor a manger. Instead, there is a revolutionary in the temple that Judas Maccabeus had reconsecrated after defeating a massive imperial army, on the day that his victory was remembered. It was a provocative act, and John reports that Jesus' fellow Jews were provoked. "How long will you keep us in suspense?" they asked. "If you are the Christ, tell us plainly."

Jesus did answer plainly, but he didn't talk about Judas Maccabeus, Antiochus, Caesar, or Rome. "I did tell you, but you do not believe," he said. "You do not believe because you are not part of my flock." After another exchange, Jesus departed "across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. Here he stayed." Where Judas Maccabeus had fought his opponents, Jesus escaped.

The Jewish Hanukkah story is one of triumph over a culture that wanted to force the Jews to assimilate against their will. The Christian Hanukkah story is one that starts with Jesus asking provocative questions, but retreating rather than forcing the issue.

To insist that non-Christians say "Merry Christmas" instead of "Happy Holidays" runs against the lessons of both Hanukkah stories.

JUST A THOUGHT...

"We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, homeless and naked. But the poverty of being unwanted, unloved, uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty."

- Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

ANGEL TREE/JESSE TREE INSTRUCTIONS

Just a reminder that this is the weekend for all Angel Tree gifts to be brought back into the church. If you took an Angel Tree tag, your gifts should be WRAPPED and labeled with the Angel tag, and placed under the tree in the narthex this next Sunday. If you have a Jesse Tree gift for the homeless, they may be placed under the tree any time before Christmas, UNWRAPPED for ease of delivery. If you are bringing in grocery gift certificates, they should be placed in the offertory collection basket and NOT under the Jesse/Angel Tree.

If you can volunteer to help deliver the Angel Tree gifts to the families before Christmas, please contact Dan or Brandie D'Orazio at dgdorazio@gmail.com or bdorazio@gmail.com; 410-385-0944.There are still a few Angel tags available. If you would like to buy a gift for a child whose parent is incarcerated, contact Dan or Brandie now.

A HUGE THANK YOU!

And today we send out a huge 'thank you' to all for your hard work with Cottage In The Church. Ignatian Hall was full of tables laden with wares, happy folks selling and happy shoppers with, eventually, empty pockets! So many people helped with this event, and the trouble in singling them out is that you are always bound to forget a few. So how about a great big 'many thanks' to all for a terrific event.

In checking with each vendor during the day - and all said they had had a very good day - some particulars: The Gilchrist Hospice partnership with Tanzania sold some $800 worth (this vendor a direct result of Kay Haddon's meetings with St. Matthews in the early days); The Women's International Network table sold some $200 - an amount that will provide supplies for many more art (and art therapy) projects for the girls they rescue from human trafficking; 10,000 Villages, the nonprofit fair trade franchise located in Fells Point, was busy at every shopping wave and promised they would happily come back; The small business chocolatier sold out with most products within a half hour; The Women's Justice Table and The Bake Table made approximately $900 combined, all of which will go to the Asylee Women's Enterprise.

Again...thank you, thank you, thank you!

UPCOMING EVENTS

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

- Tuesday, December 8

Today is the feast of the Immaculate Conception, a Holy Day of Obligation. Masses will be celebrated in the Chapel at 7:25 AM, 12:10 PM and 5:30 PM.

To learn more about the Immaculate Conception, we've included an article entitled "8 Things You Need to Know About the Immaculate Conception" published by the National Catholic Register. CLICK HERE.

Advent Penance Service

- Wednesday, December 9

Enter into the Advent season with the freshness of reconciliation with God by attending our Advent Penance Service. This year's service will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Church - 120 N Front St, Baltimore - at 7:30 PM on Wednesday, December 9th. Several priests will be available for individual confession, including those from St. Ignatius. Please join us for a time of prayer, reflection, and mercy at this solemn time of year.

Justice & Peace Advent Prayer Service

- Thursday, December 10

Advent is a time to reflect and refocus on the important areas of our faith. At a time of the year when schedules get hectic, it is helpful to slow down and contemplate the real message of Advent.

Join us for a meditative evening of 'lessons and carols' highlighting the beautiful artwork located within St. Ignatius Church on Thursday, December 10th at 6:30 PM. Arranged to focus on five specific pieces, attendees will sing, pray, and process through the church taking time to reflect on a social justice issue associated with the artwork.

Hosted by the Justice & Peace Committee, the evening will provide an opportunity for parishioners to intentionally and prayerfully reflect on the Advent season, the Holy Year of Mercy, and the important work we are called to do as Christians.

The Justice & Peace Committee is organized through subcommittees with work that focuses on: developing diversity in our community; supporting immigration reform; advocating for economic justice through a paid sick leave initiative; promoting justice for women; and alleviating hunger and homelessness in Baltimore City. The emphasis of each subcommittee will be highlighted by a particular station during the event.

All are welcome. A simple supper will be served following the prayer service. We hope you will join us!

Interest Meeting for the Loyola Early Learning Center

- Sunday, December 13

The Parish's Loyola Early Learning Center Committee is conducting a feasibility study. The plan is for this preschool to open in 2017 for initially 20 children (between ages 2 and 3), and expand to 60 enrollees in future years. This school would be available to children of parishioners and children from low income families in the wider community.

Families with young children are invited to attend a focus group in the Chapel of Grace on Sunday, December 13, 2015. The meeting will begin at 11:45 AM and should end by 1:00 PM. Children are welcome.

Young Adult Ministry - Ugly Sweater Christmas Party

- Sunday, December 13

Celebrate the joys of the season with the young adults at our Christmas party after the 6:00 PM Mass on Sunday, December 13th in Ignatian Hall! Wear your ugly Christmas sweater and bring your favorite sharable dish for this potluck event. All young adults and those attending the 6 PM Mass are invited. Email alliclayton@st-ignatius.net with any questions.

The Young Adult Community at St. Ignatius is a welcoming environment for young adults in their twenties and thirties. We strive to build community by fostering a loving, respectful, faith-seeking and fun atmosphere. We come together to explore our Catholic faith, while opening our doors to all young adults who are open to and respectful of our faith. We gather for social, spiritual, and service-oriented events. These not only help the young adults of St. Ignatius strengthen in community, but also aim to strengthen the community of Baltimore City and beyond.

IN THE MEDIA

Proclaim the Jubilee

Reviving an ancient biblical practice for the Year of Mercy

FOR I HAVE SINNED. Pope Francis goes to confession during a Lenten penance

service in St. Peter's Basilica on March 13.

The declaration by Pope Francis of the Jubilee of Mercy, to begin on Dec. 8, 2015, and end on Nov. 20, 2016, provides the whole church a glorious opportunity for prayerful preparation and reflection. Accordingly, an understanding of the scriptural context of the jubilee is useful. Chapter 25 of Leviticus records the Lord's command that every seventh year Israel should neither plant nor prune their fields and vineyards, trusting that during this year the Lord would feed all of the people-both Israelite and non-Israelite-as well as the animals. Similar to the seventh day of rest during the week, this was known as the sabbath year. - READ MORE

A Year of Mercy:

What can we expect in the Jubilee Year? A lot, actually.

VATICAN CITY - Just days before the opening of the Year of Mercy called by Pope Francis, the Vatican has presented new details on the Extraordinary Jubilee.

At a Friday press briefing, Archbishop Rino Fisichella, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization, provided pilgrim information, described celebrations for the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica, and outlined the five sins (whose pardon is reserved to the Holy See) that special missionary priests of mercy will have the faculty to absolve during the Jubilee Year of Mercy. - READ MORE

	America Magazine: Singing About The Dark Times: A writer's Advent journal The Lessons of Paris: The language of war will not help fight terrorism
	Aleteia: Father Mourad: Defeating ISIS Within a Cell of Prayer Video: Elderly Dad Stages His Death to Gather Family Together
	National Catholic Reporter: Women in Leading Positions at Vatican Increasing
	Relevant Magazine: Watch Justin Bieber Discuss How He Rediscovered His Christian Faith

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.

e-zine compiled by John C. Odean