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Issue # 01032016 March 1, 2016
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Mexico's bishops attend a meeting with Pope Francis in the cathedral in Mexico City, Feb. 13 (CNS photo/Paul Haring).
Here are some reflections of the Bishop of Stockton, Stephen Blaire, on the pope's words to Mexican bishops recently published in America magazine:
"The church has a mission to offer the light of Christ to the world. Jesus has redeemed all creation.
... The church calls for a social order built on solidarity among all peoples and calls for right relations that respect honesty, truth, human rights and freedom, especially in the practice of one's religious faith. The church speaks of the economy in terms of serving the human person and speaks against the greedy accumulation of wealth to the detriment of the poor and an unfair and inequitable distribution of the goods of the earth. The earth and its goods belong to the human family and are entrusted to our care.
...We work together with all people of goodwill, and even with some of not so goodwill, to promote the common good. The church can be a partner with other faith traditions, community organizations, government and business in promoting what is just and right for society.
...We can offer a moral perspective that flows from the light of Christ. In standing against the evil of abortion we can improve how we work to address the desperate situations that people find themselves in that give occasion to such evil. Our opposition to physician-assisted suicide can engage us in strengthening palliative care and better helping people to die well. We can do our part in promoting better paying jobs and reduction of the higher unemployment rates in places like the San Joaquin Valley, where I am a bishop, and where people are working two or three low-paying jobs to keep food on the table. We can organize our parishes to be more active in keeping kids in school through graduation...No less important is how we care for God's creation in places like San Joaquin Valley, where so many suffer from poor air quality. Most importantly we can strengthen and promote the family as the basic unit of society.
...As sinners we need to be open to learning, to letting the Spirit guide us and acknowledging that we do not know it all. The transformation of the world in Christ might begin with us being willing to dialogue with the world on the advancement of the human condition so that we might learn from the world and better know what needs transformation by the Gospel.
Yes, I still feel some discomfort in applying the words of Pope Francis to myself as a bishop of the church. I still ask myself if I have not walked close enough with the poor. But it is never too late to accept the challenge. The Year of Mercy is a good time for me to examine my conscience and to undergo a new conversion of heart. The great question of our day, for us bishops and for all of us as the church, is this: How do we as the church in today's very complex world witness to the light of Christ and collaborate in making our world more just, building a solidarity with all people of good will for peace and reconciliation?"
(To read Bishop Blaire's complete article in America Magazine, entitled "
By your side, In His service,
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Laetare Sunday is this weekend.
Laetare Sunday is the popular name for the Fourth Sunday in Lent. Laetare means "Rejoice" in Latin, and the Introit (entrance antiphon) in both the Traditional Latin Mass and the Novus Ordo is Isaiah 66:10-11, which begins "Laetare, Jerusalem" ("Rejoice, O Jerusalem").
This Sunday we will indeed "rejoice" with many selections by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart at the 10:30 Mass.
If you would like to know more about the background of Laetare Sunday, click here.
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| This should make you smile. |
A good reminder of why we should never pre-judge people based on appearance.
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This Is My Father's World
The Story Behind the Hymn
On Sunday the St. Ignatius Quartet beautifully performed
the favorite hymn, "This is my Father's World." We thought you'd like to know some of the history behind the song.
Maltbie D. Babcock (1858-1901) was an extraordinarily talented young man from a well-to-do family, so he could easily have succeeded at any profession. God called him to be a minister of the Gospel, and he followed the call faithfully.
As a student at Auburn Theological Seminary (at that time located in Auburn, in the Finger Lakes area of upstate New York) he excelled at scholastics as well as a host of other things-- baseball, swimming, and music in particular. He enjoyed nature, and was an avid fisherman. He wrote poetry.
The story is told of him encountering a bully who was giving a child a hard time. Babcock picked up the bully by the nape of the neck and the seat of his pants and threw him over a fence. Read more.
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Young Adult Ministry Update
The St. Ignatius Young Adult Ministry has had a terrific start to 2016 with about 40 people participating in last weekend's Charis Retreat. They also had great success at their Mardi Gras party, fair trade tasting, yoga, MLK day of service and prayer walk, and the Lenten faith sharing groups - there are 4 full groups this Lent!
There are many Young Adult events occurring in the month of March alone! If you are in your 20s or 30s and would like to participate, we would love to have you. To learn about events over the next month, click here.
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Worship with Offerings, Liturgy, and Prayer for Others
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POOR BOX
Each weekend St. Ignatius specifies a Poor Box collection for a needful cause. This week's support goes towards Vulnerable Families in Need. |
MASS MUSIC
Attached is the listing for the music selections at next Sunday's10:30 Mass.
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INTERNATIONAL
CHRISTIAN CONCERN
Weekly updates on Christian persecution around the globe. Keep a prayerful watch on what is happening with your brothers and sisters!
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| This Week's Special Event |
Interfaith Power & Light, an organization that supports faith communities in responding to climate change, will present a free Home Energy Workshop in partnership with Retrofit Baltimore at St. Ignatius on Sunday, March 6, at 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.
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| Runners For Others: An Ignatian 5k - Register Now! |
Register online now for Runners For Others: An Ignatian 5K, a 3.1-mile race and 1-mile family walk at
9 a.m. Saturday, April 9, in Patterson Park.
and look under "Upcoming Races."
- Activities begin at 8 a.m. at the park on race day, at the entrance near the corner of Eastern Avenue and S. Linwood Avenue.
- Proceeds will go to the eight Jesuit schools and organizations in the Baltimore area to support a variety of initiatives that directly help people in need.
- Registration fees are $25 until March 15, with discounts for certain groups (see registration site for details) and FREE registration for children age 10 and under and members of religious orders.
To download event flyer
click on image |
- To volunteer or become a sponsor, send a message to ignatian5k@aol.com.
- Proceeds from the race will go to these organizations to support their charitable activities.
- Medals will be awarded to the top overall finishers, and the top finisher in each age group.
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Father Watters to Receive Inaugural "Beyond the Finish Line" Award at the Race
The Runners for Others: An Ignatian 5K will present the inaugural "Beyond the Finish Line" Award to Father William Watters, SJ, at the annual race. This annual award celebrates Ignatian service and commitment to others, by honoring an individual possessing the vision, courage, humility and stamina to make great things happen.
Now in its fourth year, the Runners for Others: An Ignatian 5K event brings together all of the Jesuit organizations in the greater Baltimore area. In choosing Father Watters to be the honoree for the inaugural award, the Race Committee celebrates his decades-long broad involvement in nearly every one of the Jesuit ministries, as a parish priest, educator, advocate, leader, spiritual adviser and role model.
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Friday, March 4 until 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 5.
Regional Observances of 24 Hours for the Lord
When calling for the Jubilee of Mercy, Pope Francis asked the Universal Church to celebrate "24 Hours for the Lord" in Lent 2016 with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and a special opportunity for the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The "24 Hours for the Lord" will be marked here in the Archdiocese of Baltimore from 3 p.m. on Friday, March 4 until 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 5.
The eight "Holy Door" sites in the Archdiocese of Baltimore will host this 24-hour period of prayer and penance. Click here for more information.
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Sunday, March 6 - Noon
Interfaith Power & Light - an organization that supports faith communities in responding to climate change, will present a free Home Energy Workshop in partnership with Retrofit Baltimore at St. Ignatius on Sunday, March 6, at Noon in the Chapel of Grace. Click here for more info.
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Monday, March 7 - 4:30 PM
Maryland March for Life - Disappointed that the blizzard kept you from the National March for Life this year? Join us in Annapolis for the 38th Annual Maryland March for Life. A full afternoon of activities, singers, speakers, and events is planned. Click here for more info.
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Monday, March 7 - 7 PM
Young Adult Lenten Reflection - The young adults are invited to a Lenten evening of reflection on Monday, March 7th at 7:00 PM in the main church. We will reflect on our current Lenten journey and experience the Stations of the Cross. Please join us for a time of fellowship and prayer.
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Tuesday, March 8 - 6:30 PM
The Inigo Book Group will meet on Tuesday, March 8 at 110 E. Madison Street (the parish office building) to discuss "The Door" and "The Boys in the Boat". The meeting will begin with social time from 6:30-6:45 and will be followed by the respective discussions from 6:45-7:35 and 7:35-8:25. All are welcome. On April 12 the group will discuss "Sense and Sensibility" by Jane Austen. Please contact Catherine Young with any questions at pianocate2@gmail.com.
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Tuesday, March 8 - 6:30 PM
Solidarity on Tap - at Ropewalk Tavern, 1209 S Charles St, Baltimore. Jesuit Volunteer Corps and Ignatian Solidarity Network welcome all to join us for a simple gathering for socializing and social justice. Fr. Steve Spahn, SJ will share his reflections on encountering mercy through social justice. Drinks and food will be available for purchase. Click here to download flyer.
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Wednesday, March 9 - 5:30 PM
Bishop Madden Prayer Walk - Please join Bishop Madden for his next prayer walk on Wednesday, March 9 at 5:30 PM. This monthly event is a wonderful opportunity to move through our neighborhoods in unity and prayer to ask God to bring his healing and blessings upon our city. This month's prayer walk will be hosted by St. Ignatius Catholic Community. We are responsible for the worship, readings, and prayers. The walk will move in and about our own community, with visitation of pertinent spots that have been sites of great spiritual blessings and great inner city strife. We invite you to come pray with us, and to join us in Ignatian Hall at 5:30 for the light supper that always accompanies these events.
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Thursday, March 10 - 6:30 PM
Justice & Peace Committee Meeting - 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; advocate for economic justice and legislative initiatives, e.g. paid sick leave and affordable housing; and provide an environment that supports and advocates for racial justice, and develops diversity in our community. Read More
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Saturday, March 12 - 8:45 AM
Ignatian Morning of Reflection - Please note the following schedule change. Due to a conflict in presenter schedules the First Saturday event will be moved from Saturday morning March 5th to Saturday morning March 12th from 8:45 - Noon. The Presentation is "Who Do You Say I Am?" presented by Fr. Bob Hamm S.J. and Toni Moore- Duggan. All are welcome. We hope you find time to attend.
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Doing Something for Somebody
Click on video above to view: The Freezing Child Experiment
Perhaps you, like 20 million others, have seen this video. When I saw it, I felt so thankful that I had purchased sandwiches for two homeless men earlier that day. I felt like I was on the good side.
But since that day - as on countless occasions prior to that day - I have not always been so generous. Sometimes I give to beggars. Sometimes I rationalize my way out of it.
In March 2014 I vowed to do better. That's when I became a beggar for two weeks on my novitiate "pilgrimage." I was initially sent to cities with Jesuit parishes. In those cities, people who loved the Jesuits were happy to help me get from one town to the next. Eventually, though, I had to stop relying on my Jesuit credentials.
I arrived in Fort Worth, Texas, around 7 a.m. on March 11. I knew no one in the city. As I left the bus station it weighed on my mind that, for the first time, I would have to beg on the street. How else would I pay for a ticket to my last destination? Read More
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The Jesuit Post
The Wholeness of a Broken Heart
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Discovering who I was in college didn't come with much affirmation that love could be part of my human experience. I dreamed of marriage and children with all the typical accessories of the
Read More
"It was our pain that he bore..." Punishing innocent immigrants would put the U.S. on the wrong side of the Scriptures. Read More
The Exercises: The Ignatian Adventure - It's slowly been dawning on us here at The Jesuit Post how much we've been using the phrase "Spiritual Exercises" without really ever explaining just what these exercises are, what they're meant to do, or why they mean so much to us. Read More
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America Magazine
Francis Calls for Conversion Across Borders - "
There is still time to change," Pope Francis told the people of Mexico, as he called for "conversion" six times during the homily at his final Mass in Ciudad Juárez, on the border with the United States.
Read More
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Knights of Columbus
Stop the Christian Genocide - A new online petition is urging Secretary of State John Kerry not to exclude Christians from a declaration of genocide at the hands of ISIS. Read More
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Crux
On Being Black and Catholic in the United States
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Is it possible to be black and Catholic in the United States? According to one Catholic scholar, it's still an open question.
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Relevant Magazine
Modern-Day Slavery By the Numbers - Experts estimate that there are anywhere from 20 to 30 million slaves in the world today. Just sit with that for a minute. Read More
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Baltimore Sun
Local Christian, Jewish, Muslim leaders to get Pope Francis' blessing for work in post-Freddie Gray Baltimore -
Christian, Jewish and Muslim leaders from Baltimore, who have stepped up their longstanding interfaith cooperation since the death of Freddie Gray, will travel to the Vatican next week to meet with Pope Francis and receive his blessing for their work, they said Thursday .
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Catholic News Agency
'Torture Works'? Not Really, Say Former Interrogators -
Countering
claims by some politicians that torture is an acceptable part of the fight against terrorism, experts in ethics and interrogation say that the practice is both immoral and ineffective.
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In last week's edition we included an article entitled The Trouble (and Blessing) of Lent. We credited the authorship to our own Sue Cesare. We have received a correction, that we pass on to you. The article was published in the Huffington Post several years ago and was written by David Lose; President of The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. Sue passed the article on for our consideration to include in the e-zine over Lent. She gave proper credit to authorship, and it is we who did not pay careful enough attention to the notation she had sent. Our apologies...and our correction.
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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.
- This e-zine was compiled by John C. Odean
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