Issue # 12042016                                                                                   April 12, 2016

Carissimi,

Tuesday, 26 April, is Maryland's primary election. As you know, many races are essentially decided by who wins the primary. How you vote is a personal matter in which others, including me, may not interfere.
 
However, as citizens and as Catholics, we have a civic and a moral duty to vote and to make our choices according to an informed conscience that puts the common good above personal advantage.
 
To put it bluntly, voting with a closed mind or a closed heart is an act of disrespect and negligence for our republic, our own dignity, and the good of our neighbors.
 
The Maryland Catholic Conference surveyed the state's 2016 candidates for U.S. Senate and House of Representatives about their positions on important issues. (
www.mdcatholic.org/elections)
 
During their upcoming terms, the men and women we choose to represent us will decide many issues affecting the values the Church promotes.
 
I strongly urge you to go to the website and consider what you find there in forming your conscience and then voting according to your conscience.
 
My affection and respect,
 

5K Followup
Ignatian 5K Participants Brave Cold Rain to Run for Others 
by Anne Haddad

Record-low temperatures and steady rain (with threats of snow) accounted for a lower-than-expected turnout at the fourth annual Runners For Others: An Ignatian 5K on Saturday.  However, the event succeeded in raising enough money to be able to distribute more than $1,500 to each of the nine Jesuit organizations in the Baltimore area, thanks to registration revenue and dozens of generous sponsors, said parishioner Chip Cooke and Bill Macsherry, co-founders of the event. Since the event began in 2013, it has raised a total of $52,000. 
         
This year's event featured the inaugural "Beyond the Finish LineAward, to be given at the race annually to an individual possessing the vision, courage, humility and stamina to make great things happen. The race committee chose Father William Watters, SJ, former pastor of St. Ignatius, as the award's first recipient.   
           
Presenting the award to Father Watters was his former student, Wayne Gioioso Jr., who has been a sponsor of the Ignatian 5K race since its inception. Mr. Gioioso urged everyone to strive for the mindset that he admired in Father Watters, which is to continuously work against -- agere contra selfishness
every day, in every interaction

"Father Watters is the most selfless and genuine person I have ever met," Gioioso said. "I speak for all who know him when I say he profoundly changed my life."

Of the 251 registered participants and "virtual runners,some 150 attended and ran or 
walked in spite of the weatherThe rain abated just before runners gathered at the start line for 
the blessing by Father James Casciotti, SJ, pastor of St. Ignatius Church. Most runners wore 
warm waterproof layers, but Loyola Blakefield student and cross-country runner Kevin Wegner, 
17, ran the 3.1 miles with no shirt to come in first overall in 16 minutes and 58 seconds.  

Parishioners Aganze Nkere, Brendan O'Kane and Joseph Hillery each came in first in their respective age groups. A list of all winners by age group is here , and a list of all finishers is here. Photos taken by parishioner Ben Wibisono can be seen here, and photos by Coyle Studios, one of the sponsors of the event, can be seen here
A Followup to Sunday's "Syria: A Faith & Justice Response"
Syrian Panel Discussion - Helping Us To Understand.
by Sherri Currie

After the 10:30 Mass on April 10th, the Chapel of Grace was thankfully filled to capacity. Saint Ignatius parishioners and guests heard panelists from the Jesuit Refugee Service USA, the International Rescue Committee, former associate director of Refugees and Asylees, Catholic Relief Services, as well as parishioners who are advocating and actively engaged in assisting refugees. 

Most of us are only remotely aware of the human tragedy taking place due to the civilian war in Syria in its 5th year-4 million civilians internally displaced and more than 4 million displaced in the surrounding countries.  There are migrants and refugees in route to Europe, and others waiting for asylum in USA, Canada, or Australia. Baltimore, Montgomery and Prince George's counties all have a history of involvement in support of refugees, that provide us with opportunities to become engaged. Through the dedicated people on Sunday's panel, we heard accounts of individuals and families suffering acutely from the effects of war: death, displacement, separation from loved ones, lack of affordable food, work and education. The speakers provide medical, social, educational, legal and financial assistance, however there is an increasing need for individuals like ourselves.  

As members of God's community, we are reminded of our moral obligation to be exposed to the will of God.  We are encouraged to check in to our own hearts, get informed, move beyond our fears, and grow in a spirit of welcome---in a concrete way. We are obliged to link these suffering people to ourselves and to associate them with the peaceful and dignified people that they are. We reject any notion that people are cattle, terrorists or unwelcome strangers. We are called to serve, and are fortunate to be in a place where a welcoming spirit can thrive. Flyers were distributed from the organizations, with ways we can help through service, donations, advocacy and outreach. Click here to download flyer.

A special thank you to those who are already serving:  Dr. Issam Cheikh and the entire Cheikh Family, Fr. Tom Smolich SJ, Dr. Martin Ford, Vonetta Edwards, Kevin Croft, Madeline Lacovara, and Anne Haddad.  We are also very grateful to our Pastor, and the Justice and Peace Committee for bringing this dialogue to fruition.
Pastoral Reflection
The Restoration of Peter - John 21:
1-23

by John C. Odean

Fr. Casciotti's homily on Sunday was truly beautiful. It was about the restoration of Peter after Peter had denied Jesus three times - and in his own mind disqualified himself from any future ministry. Fr. Casciotti's words got me thinking again about this marvelous encounter with our loving Lord - which has spoken to me so many times in my life.

As you remember, the story started with Peter telling some of other apostles that he was going to go back to fishing. This is important because Peter had left this profession to follow Christ just about 3 years earlier. Here he says: "I'm going fishing" - which is in the ongoing perfect tense. In essence he is saying: "I am going back to my old life before we met Christ." In other words, "Hey guys, it was nice while it lasted, but let's be real...it's over."

Something Fr. Casciotti said on Sunday (can't remember what triggered it now) made me think about how often the Lord whispers to our hearts about plans he has for us, directions that stir us, and we set out with such resolve about where we are going, and the great things he's shown us that are going to happen. And then through some fumbling or inconsistencies of our own, the resolve withers, and we go back to the way it was before he stirred us toward that thing he called us into. What I see in Peter's encounter with Christ is that when we fail or disqualify ourselves in our own eyes, Jesus comes and pulls us out of our pit and self-disqualification. Read More
Smiles, Laughter, Joy....Contagious!
Smile, Joy, Laughter....Contagious!
Video: Smile, Laughter, Joy...Contagious!
Confirmation For Adult Catholics Information & Registration

The 50 days of Easter in this Year of Mercy offer us a special opportunity to reflect with gratitude on God's infinite mercy. As you know, this season concludes with the celebration of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday, May 15, 2016. On this great feast, Archbishop Lori will celebrate Mass at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen at 3:00 PM and confer the Sacrament of Confirmation on adult baptized Catholics.
 
The Sacrament of Confirmation for baptized adult Catholics is the responsibility of the  Office of Worship and Sacramental Formation in the Department of Evangelization. Information can be found on the Office's webpage under "Quick Links" on the right. You can also go directly to the online registration form by following this link: http://www.archbalt.org/evangelization/worship/confirmation-registration.cfm 
If you are a candidate who would like to be confirmed at Pentecost on May 15, the registration deadline is Friday, May 8, 2016.
Worship with Offerings, Liturgy, and Prayer for Others


POOR BOX
Each weekend St. Ignatius specifies a Poor Box collection for a needful cause. This week's support goes to
Vulnerable Families in Need.


MASS MUSIC
Here is the listing for the
music selections at next Sunday's10:30 Mass.



PERSECUTED CHRISTIAN REPORT
Weekly updates on Christian persecution around the globe. Keep a prayerful watch on what is happening with your brothers and sisters!

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, April 12 - 5:30 PM
Bishop Madden's Prayer Walk for Peace in the City - Please join Bishop Madden for his next prayer walk on Tuesday, April 12 at 5:30 PM at Immaculate Conception Church (1512 Druid Hill Avenue, Baltimore MD 21217). The evening will begin with a light meal and end before 7:30 PM. Read More 


Tuesday, April 12 - 6:30 PM
The Inigo Book Group will meet on Tuesday, April 12 in the Parish Offices at 110 E. Madison Street to discuss "Sense and Sensibility" by Jane Austen. The meeting begins with social time at 6:30 - 7:00 which is followed by the discussion until 8:30.  All are welcome.  On May 10 the group will discuss "The Sense of an Ending" by Julian Barnes.  Any questions?  Please contact Catherine Young at [email protected].


Thursday, April 14 - 6:30 PM
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; 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


Monday, April 18 - 7:30 PM
Lecture by William T. Miller, S.J., "Biblical Mercy"William T. Miller, S.J. is the Adjunct Professor of Theology and Scripture at Loyola University Maryland. On Monday, April 18 at 7:30 PM he will give a lecture entitled Biblical Mercy: The Basic Biblical Image of Mercy in the Second Covenant. In this lecture Miller will discuss how the references to mercy in the Old Testament are often picked from the prophets or the psalms, but will explain why mercy should also be studied in larger contexts such as the book of Exodus. For more information, click here.


Tuesday, April 19 - 6:45 PM
The Women of the New Testament group, which meets on the third Tuesday of the month, is concluding the discussion of Reading the Women of the Bible: A New Interpretation of Their Stories by Tikva Frymer-Kensky. This book address�es 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).


Thursday, April 21 - 7:00 PM
Baltimore Local Food & Brew - Young Adults are invited to an evening of local food and beer tasting on Thursday, April 21 at 7:00 PM! During this event, we will talk about Baltimore's strengths and hopes as we near the one-year anniversary of Freddie Gray's death and learn about how we as Catholic young adults can become more involved in promoting justice in our city. Location: Ignatian Hall.


Thursday, April 21 - 7:00 PM

Interfaith/Ecumenical Committee - There will be a planning meeting of the Interfaith/Ecumenical Committee on Thursday, April  21 at 7 PM at the Parish Offices at 110 E Madison Street. If you would like to join this committee, or find out more information about it, contact Donna Price at [email protected].

 
Sunday, April 24 - 2:30 PM
Cracking the CodesThe St. Ignatius Catholic Community Racial Justice Forum and the Young Adult Ministry will host an encore event in presenting the documentary Cracking the Codes: The System of Racial Inequity as an opportunity for a Racial Justice Dialogue Event. For more information, click here.


Monday, April 25 - 7:00 PM
Interfaith Prayer Service for Healing in Baltimore - Along with leaders of Jewish, Muslim, and other Christian churches, the Archdiocese of Baltimore will co-host an evening of interfaith prayer for peace in Baltimore on Monday, April 25 at 7 p.m. at the Basilica. All are welcome. For more information, click here.

Tuesday, April 26 - 7:00 PM
Embracing God's Gifts - 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
[email protected]. To learn more about the Embracing God's Gifts Ministry click here
In the Media
 
Top Ten Takeaways from "Amoris Laetitia"

Pope Francis's groundbreaking new document "Amoris Laetitia" ("The Joy of Love") asks the church to meet people where they are, to consider the complexities of people's lives and to respect people's consciences when it comes to moral decisions. The apostolic exhortation is mainly a document that reflects on family life and encourages families. But it is also the pope's reminder that the church should avoid simply judging people and imposing rules on them without considering their struggles. 

Using insights from the Synod of Bishops on the Family and from bishops' conferences from around the world, Pope Francis affirms church teaching on family life and marriage, but strongly emphasizes the role of personal conscience and pastoral discernment. He urges the church to appreciate the context of people's lives when helping them make good decisions.  The goal is to help families-in fact, everyone-experience God's love and know that they are welcome members of the church. All this may require what the pope calls "new pastoral methods" (199).

Here are ten things to know about the pope's groundbreaking new document. Read More

Additional Information from the Archdiocese of Baltimore:
  1. View the Apostolic Exhortation
  2. Summary of the Apostolic Exhortation 
  3. Questions and Answers
  4. Town Hall on Marriage and Family Life 
  5. Order a hard copy of the Apostolic Exhortation
 
Archbishop William E. Lori presents the Monsignor Arthur F. Valenzano Joyful Servant Award
to J
esuit Father William J. Watters. (Kevin J. Parks/CR Staff) 

Fr. William Watters, SJ, Receives Award from Catholic Charities

 


Crux
Pope Extends Another Olive Branch to Traditionalist Catholic  In what amounts to a category-bending gesture, Pope Francis, often seen as a progressive pontiff indifferent to the concerns of more traditionalist Catholics, reportedly has vowed to extend his recognition of the confessions heard by priests of a breakaway traditionalist group indefinitely. Read More






Sojourners Magazine   
How to Love Beyond Group Loyalty
(Editor's note: March 3 is St. Katharine Drexel's feast day in the Roman Catholic Church.) We cannot control or shape the place of our birth. It gives us our bounds for understanding ourselves on this earth. It is difficult to grow beyond our background to include others who are different within the scope of our compassion. Most often we are inclined to feel loyalty only to people who are similar to us in critical regards. 
   
 
America Magazine   
Don't Be a Jerk
'Coarsened" is a word you've probably heard more and more frequently in the past few years. It's most often applied to the state of public discourse in our country, particularly in the political sphere. Lately, some of our political candidates have been calling one another names, using schoolyard taunts and shouting over one another during televised debates.
Read More

 
Relevant Magazine 
What Does Spiritual Growth Actually Look Like?
All living things grow. With human beings, we watch babies learn to crawl, to walk, to talk. We grow from total dependence on our parents to eventually being parents ourselves. The maturing process is a journey to independence. Our spiritual journeys are just the opposite. We start off in rebellion against God, thinking we are fully independent from Him. Read More
 

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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