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ST. IGNATIUS WEBPAGE
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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 Saint Frances Academy, a predominantly African American Catholic High School with a focus on service to the poor and subsidized tuition which depends on donations to maintain its operations. To learn about its history and mission
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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CALENDAR
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JOIN OUR LIST
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I am sharing with you today some reflections on fear and faith by the Rev. John Hudson, a United Church of Christ pastor in Sherborn, MA:
We are so afraid these days. According to a December 15th New York Times/CBS Newspoll, 60 percent of Americans are "very worried about terrorists coming from abroad or domestic attackers inspired by foreign extremists." And just in case we are not afraid enough, we have ever eager politicians and leaders who gleefully exploit our fears in the hope of gaining personal power. So too we can thank our "if it bleeds, it leads" attention deficit disordered media, for making sure a microphone and camera are poised to report whatever the next big threat is today...
I'm exhausted by all our human fears. Tired of the fear mongers. Fear: that shuts us down and closes our hearts and minds as citizens and fellow children of God. Fear: that pushes us to circle the wagons and demonize "the other" and do all we can to keep the stranger out. Fear: that makes plenty of money for the press and garners plenty of votes for candidates but which is a paper tiger, a mythical nightmare, a cultural warped fantasy we seem forever addicted to. Fear: that in the wise words of 12 step spirituality is so often in fact: False Evidence Appearing Real.
...we are in the midst of celebrating twelve days of Christmas, the story of God come down to earth in a little baby. The divine message weaved throughout the story can work for all of us, regardless of our faith: "Do not be afraid." Fear not. A young teenage mother and anxious father are told a baby is coming, by an angel, who lovingly reminds them: "DO NOT BE AFRAID!" Quaking shepherds witness a gaggle of celebratory angels in a night sky and are told by that celestial choir: "DO NOT BE AFRAID!"
So here's a collective resolution and hope for the coming year: to not be so afraid and filled with so much fear. This prayer doesn't mean that events in this beautiful and broken world won't sometimes scare the heck out of us. We are only human, after all. It does mean that in the face of our fears, we are called to have courage. To put threats into perspective. To trust in the essential goodness of 99.999 percent of our fellow human beings. To even have faith in a power greater than all of us, who made all things and weaved throughout the fabric of existence, love, which is forever seeking to be born.
By your side, in His service,
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A Little Background About Who We Are
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A Jesuit, huh?
So you find yourself loving St. Ignatius Catholic Community for so many reasons. And then someone asks you why you love your Church so much, and what does it mean that it is a Jesuit Church? Here's a little primer video from Fr. James Martin, S.J. that gives some language to the basics of what it means to be "Jesuit."
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| | Video: A Jesuit Primer by James Martin, SJ |
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Upcoming Events
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Iņigo Book Group
- Tuesday, January 12 Iņigo Book Group will meet on Tuesday, January 12, in Ignatian Hall to discuss TransAtlantic by Colum McCann. The meeting begins with social time at 6:30 followed by the discussion of the book and choosing of the books for 2016. All are welcome. The next meeting will be held on Feb. 9 (book to be discussed will be announced ASAP). Any questions? Please contact Catherine Young at pianocate2@gmail.com. Women of the New Testament  - Tuesday, January 12
The Women of the New Testament group is currently discussing 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 6:45 PM in the Conference Room at the Parish Offices (110 East Madison Street).
"KEEPING THE DREAM ALIVE - A CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR."
In celebration of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., St. Ignatius Church is hosting a few memorable events, and participating in other city offerings that we wanted to point you towards. We are calling the week: "Keeping the Dream Alive - A Celebration of the Life of Martin Luther King, Jr." Listed below are events we encourage you to participate in. Blankets for Viva House - Weekend of January 16-17 As part of our "Keeping the Dream Alive: "A Celebration of the Life of Martin Luther King, Jr.," we will be collecting new blankets for the people served by Viva House, the Catholic Worker Community in Southwest Baltimore. If you would like to participate, please bring one or more new blankets to Ignatian Hall the weekend of January 16-17 so they can be distributed by Viva House on Dr. Martin Luther King Day.
St. Ignatius Movie Night: Sisters of Selma
- Friday, January 15 - 7 PM
 The St. Ignatius Catholic Community Racial Justice Forum is hosting a showing of the documentary: Sisters of Selma: Bearing Witness for Change. After the violence of "Bloody Sunday" in 1965, Catholic sisters from around the country followed their faith to join the voting rights protests in Selma, Alabama. Never before in American history had vowed Catholic women made so public a political statement. Risking personal safety to bring change, the sisters were themselves changed--and they tell us how. Selma's African Americans attest to the importance of Catholic clergy in their lives--and explain why it took another 35 years to become fully enfranchised. For complete information on this event click here.
"Cracking the Codes - the System of Racial Inequity"- Documentary and Racial Justice Dialogue Event
- Saturday, January 16 - 9 AM
 The St. Ignatius Catholic Community Racial Justice Forum will present the documentary Cracking the Codes: The System of Racial Inequity as the springboard to a Racial Justice Dialogue Event. Film segments are braided with facilitated dialogue. People leave asking new questions and are inspired to engage in change. While the event is free, reservations are required. For full event information and to reserve your spot, click here.
Sunday Mass
- Sunday, January 17 - 10:30 MassAt the 10:30 Mass and the coffee hour that follows, parishioners will have a chance to meet some of the students our parish is supporting at St. Frances Academy, SS. James and John School, St. Ignatius Loyola Academy, and Cristo Rey Jesuit High School.
Lecture by Congressman Elijah Cummings:
- Sunday, January 17 - 3:00 - 4:15 PM
 Homewood Friends Meeting (Quakers) are sponsoring a talk by Congressman Elijah Cummings. He will speak on "One Baltimore, "with the focus being on what concerned citizens can do to make things better in our city. Lecture will include a Question and Answer session. Light refreshments will follow the event, which is free and open to the public.
Location: Homewood Friends Meetinghouse
3107 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21218 For more Information 410-235-4438 or homewoodfriends@verizon.netBishop Madden's Walk for Peace in the City
- Monday, January 18 - 12 Noon
 We will join Bishop Madden on the next Prayer Walk for Peace in the City on Monday, January 18, at St. Bernardine's Catholic Church, 3812 Edmondson Avenue. If you would like to go with other members of the St. Ignatius community, come to our church at 11:30 AM and we can ride over together in the van. Please let us know if you plan to join us by emailing parish@st-ignatius.net by Friday, January 15. ALSO...our Young Adult Ministry is helping set-up and clean-up! If you are part of the Young Adult Ministry and want to participate, they will be arriving at St.Bernardine's Church in Edmondson at 10 AM and leaving around 2 PM. Lunch is included for those who help with this endeavor. Carpooling can be arranged; contact Alli Clayton at alliclayton@st-ignatius.net, to RSVP.
The 23rd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation
- Monday, January 18
 The office of academic affairs at Loyola University Maryland invites you to attend the 23rd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Convocation on Monday, Jan. 18, 2016, at 5 PM in McGuire Hall featuring Claudia Rankine, distinguished guest and author. This event is free and open to the public; however, tickets are required. Click here to reserve your spot. Claudia Rankine is one of the nation's most interesting and powerful voices on race in America today. Her work spans various genres, including visual arts and the essay, and draws on everyday experience, popular culture, and history to create a compelling portrait of what it means to be a member of the American community.
Ecumenical Prayer Service for Christian Unity
- Friday, January 22
 Christian churches of the Baltimore metropolitan area will join Christian communities throughout the world in observing the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity when we are asked to pray, in communion with the prayer of Jesus, "that they all may be one" (John 17:21). Traditionally these eight days of prayer are observed between January 18, the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, and January 25, the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. In accordance with this, the Central Maryland Ecumenical Council is holding an ecumenical prayer service on Friday, January 22, 2016, at 7:30 PM in the Cathedral of the Incarnation, 4 E. University Parkway. The service, which is open to all, is co-sponsored by St. Ignatius Catholic Community and the Episcopal Cathedral of the Incarnation. A reception will follow. There is ample on-site parking with entrance on N. Charles Street. For more information, contact the Central Maryland Ecumenical Council by email at cmecouncil@gmail.com. To download a flyer for this event, click here. To learn more about the history of the Week of Prayer (originally the "Octave of Prayer") for Christian Unity, click here.
 The National March for Life
Washington D.C.
- Friday, January 22
Thousands upon thousands of Americans flock to the Nation's Capital every year on January 22 to remember the more than 55 million Americans who have been lost to abortion. People march to remember the moms and dads who have suffered from the pain of abortion. People march with the vision of a culture of life, one where every child is welcomed into life, and protected by law. Join others in Washington, D.C., and at locations throughout the nation on January 22, 2016 to speak out, to stand up, and to march for life! For more information, click here.
Young Family Ministry "Walters Art Museum" Play Date/Drop In Activity
- Saturday, January 23  On Saturday, January 23rd, the Young Family Ministry will hold a play date / drop-in activity at the Walters Art Museum at 11:00 AM. Meet in the play area outside of the Family Art Center on the lower level of the museum. Cost is free. Lunch is available for purchase in the museum cafe if you would like to prolong your visit. The Walters Art Museum is located at 600 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21202. Please RSVP to Gracie Smith at craig.gracie.smith@gmail.com by January 16.
Home Energy Workshop
- Sunday, January 24
 Interfaith Power & Light, an organization that supports faith communities in responding to climate change, will present a free Home Energy Workshop at St. Ignatius on Sunday, January 24, at 12 noon in the Chapel of Grace. Pope Francis in Laudato Si challenged all of us to take better care for our common home, the Earth, and we can begin that stewardship in our own homes. As the weather turns chilly, come and learn how to better manage energy use and reduce home energy costs at the same time. Estimates are that professional weatherization can save 15-35% in home heating costs! For more information contact Annette Argall at argall@earthlink.net.
A Readers Theater Evening: "Human Life and Human Love': Short Plays by John Conley, SJ - Monday, January 25  Join Rev. John J. Conley, SJ, for an evening of Readers Theater on Monday, January 25th in Ignatian Hall. The event begins at 7:30, is free, and is open to the public. Conley, along with well known Baltimore actors Alex Hewitt and Brian Oakes, will present staged readings of five brief plays: O'er the Towering Steep, a comedy about an unconventional marriage; The Pollock Mug, a drama on the challenge of aging and letting go; Arthritic, a dramatic monologue spoken by a paralyzed sculptress; Farewell to Hippocrates, a Brechtian critique of abortion and euthanasia; The Dissertation, a drama on the memory of the Armenian genocide. Fr. Conley is a playwright who has written many one-act plays that have been produced in Austin, Baltimore, Chicago, Leeds (England), New York City, and Washington, DC. Most recently (September 2015) his play on the Armenian genocide, The Dissertation, was performed at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC and at Theatre Project in Baltimore. Father Conley is a member of the Dramatists Guild. For an event flyer with full bio, click here.
Embracing God's Gifts
- Tuesday, January 26
 You are invited to join members of our gay and lesbian community in the Parish Offices at 110 E. Madison Street at 7:00 PM on the 4th Tuesday of each month. This group is open to anyone interested in fostering support, maintaining communications, and encouraging social activities among diverse members of our parish. For more information, contact Gordon Creamer at themissionbridge@yahoo.com. To learn more about the Embracing God's Gifts Ministry click here.
Young Adult - Yoga
- Thursday, January 27
 Rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit through yoga! Young Adults are invited to a one-hour yoga session, appropriate for all levels. Yoga is an exercise that combines physical fitness with spiritual awareness, honoring the light of God in each one of us. This Yoga Session will be held in Ignatian Hall at 7 PM.
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IN THE MEDIA
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From The Washington Post, an article on last evening's event at St. Ignatius Church Baltimore, MD in support of earned sick leave for Maryland workers. Bishop Denis Madden, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, spoke at the interfaith gathering: "Sick leave cannot be viewed solely from the perspective of dollars and cents. It must be viewed as a necessary contribution to the dignity, health, livelihood of workers and their families." Faith Leaders Add Voices to Maryland Sick-Leave Movement
Maryland faith leaders on Monday joined the swelling ranks of sick-leave advocates backing legislation to require employers in the state to pay workers for time off when they are ill - a proposal that has languished in Congress but found limited success at the state and local levels.
Christian and Jewish clergy, speaking to nearly 100 people at Baltimore's St. Ignatius Church, called on lawmakers in Annapolis to support the sick-leave bills that Maryland Senate Majority Leader Catherine E. Pugh (D-Baltimore) and Del. Luke H. Clippinger (D-Baltimore) plan to introduce during the upcoming legislative session, which begins Wednesday.
Advocates for sick leave say the working poor suffer most when they don't have the benefit, making tough choices about whether to work through illnesses or stay home without earning the wages they need to support themselves and their families.
"Sick leave cannot be viewed solely from the perspective of dollars and cents," Baltimore Archdiochese Bishop Denis Madden said. "It must be viewed as a necessary contribution to the dignity, health, livelihood of workers and their families." - READ MORE
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