Issue # 05312016                                                            May 31, 2016




Looking Toward November 

Carissimi,
 
Recently Peter Steinfels, co-founder of the Fordham Center on Religion and Culture and a former editor of Commonweal, wrote a thoughtful and nuanced article entitled "The Semi-Fascist Candidate."

I share a bit of it because so many parishioners of whatever party are among the "elites" - intellectual, religious, cultural, economic, and political - Mr. Steinfels calls to sober reflection. I am by no means suggesting who anyone should vote for. I am merely reminding us of our duty to form our consciences thoughtfully and with discernment in the coming months.
 

"He has built a political movement on a populist nationalism that scapegoats enemy groups both within and without. He will expel or bar alien intruders. He plays relentlessly on a sense of national humiliation, victimization, grievance, and decline. He asserts that the nation faces an emergency that justifies torture and murdering the wives and children of our terrorist enemies, even briefly suggesting that as Commander in Chief he could order the military to violate the laws of war...he scorns virtually the entire political class as "stupid" or "without a clue," i.e., unable to make a deal. He takes no note of Congressional procedures and Constitutional limits. He is indifferent to civil liberties except for gun rights, and has spoken ominously about reining in the press. When asked about compromise, he replies by vaunting his own "flexibility," as though compromise were nothing more than a personal skill rather than an appreciation for distinctive outlooks and interests. If none of that rings an alarm bell, you haven't read enough about Europe in the 1920s and '30s."

"...I deliberately choose semi-fascist for its historical resonance. It calls to mind a critical period in the last century. We continue to judge the public figures of that time by the political and moral choices they made regarding a fresh form of venomous politics."

"Fascisms, often inchoate in early stages, have never come to power without the acquiescence or connivance of elites.  American voters, yes, but especially American elites, intellectual, religious, cultural, and above all economic and political, now face a moment of profound choice."
 
 By your side, In His service, 


A Tale of Two Brothers
The Other Prodigal Son - The Prodigal's coming-home gala was for both sons.

 Growing up in Sunday school, I was very familiar with the Prodigal Son-at least as he was rendered in flannelgraph. I disapproved of his behavior with righteous indignation; as the first-born child of a Baptist household, I empathized with the older brother. How was it fair that the bad boy got a party and the good one didn't? It wasn't until I was much older that I realized the story was infinitely more about the father's love than the prodigal's misconduct. 
 
Only recently, however, have I begun to discover that the older son in Jesus' story is every bit as lost as the younger one. In his book The Prodigal God, Timothy Keller points out that the two brothers represent the two basic ways people try to make life work. The younger son pursues "self-discovery"-he's on a quest to find and fulfill himself, even if a few people have to get hurt along the way. The older brother is committed to a more socially respectable way of being in the world-the way of "moral conformity." He's on a program of self-salvation, earning the approval of his community and the favor of his father; when he feels the terms of this deal are violated, his good attitude evaporates into resentment. Read More  
As we close out the school year and enter into summer...A good reminder.  

I saw a dear friend a few days ago. I stopped by to ask her how she was doing, how her family was. She looked up, voice lowered, and just whimpered: "I'm so busy... I am so busy... have so much going on."

Almost immediately after, I ran into another friend and asked him how he was. Again, same tone, same response: "I'm just so busy... got so much to do."

The tone was exasperated, tired, even overwhelmed.

And it's not just adults. When we moved to North Carolina about ten years ago, we were thrilled to be moving to a city with a great school system. We found a diverse neighborhood, filled with families. Everything felt good, felt right.

After we settled in, we went to one of the friendly neighbors, asking if their daughter and our daughter could get together and play. The mother, a really lovely person, reached for her phone and pulled out the calendar function. She scrolled... and scrolled... and scrolled. She finally said: "She has a 45-minute opening two and half weeks from now. The rest of the time it's gymnastics, piano, and voice lessons. She's just.... so busy." Read More
Upcoming Event...

Friday, June 3 - 7:30 PM
Friday Night Movie: "Pride" - The Embracing God's Gifts ministry will host the showing of Pride, a 2014 British LGBT-related historical comedy-drama film written by Stephen Beresford and directed by Matthew Warchus. It was screened as part of the Directors' Fortnight section of the 2014 Cannes Film Festival. Writer Stephen Beresford said a stage musical adaptation involving director Matthew Warchus is being planned. For more information, click here.
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 Crisis 


MASS MUSIC
Here is the listing for the
music selections at next Sunday's 10:30 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, May 31 - 5:30 PM
Bishop Madden's Prayer Walk for Peace in the City - Bishop Madden's next Prayer Walk will be at St. Veronica's (806 Cherry Hill Rd.) in Cherry Hill. This is the Tuesday after Memorial Day. Violence in and around Cherry Hill has been especially bad in recent years, yet the community is rallying. The parish collaborates with a Safe Streets location there and works to help galvanize the community. They need your support on May 31st. This walk can have a strong symbolic effect, as it takes place shortly before summer, which is when violence tends to rise.  Time: 5:30 meal, with the walk beginning about 6:00 PM.

Parking: There is ample street parking at the St. Veronica's 
Gathering: We'll begin with the meal in the parish hall next to the church. If you would like to ride over with other members of our parish, meet us in front of St. Ignatius Church at 5 PM.


Wednesday, June 1 - 6:30 PM
The Young Adult Ministry's Summer BBQ will be on Wednesday, June 1st at 6:30 PM in the back patio of 108 E. Madison Street. Burgers and drinks will be provided; please bring a sharable side dish for all to enjoy! For more information contact  Alli Clayton.
 

Wednesday, June 8 - 7 PM
Interfaith/Ecumenical Committee Meeting - if you are interested in joining or learning more about the Interfaith Committee, this is the meeting for you. The Interfaith Committee plans our yearly New Year's Eve City Wide Interfaith Prayer Service, and several other interfaith gatherings throughout the city during the year. If you're interested, we'd love to have you. We will meet at the Parish Offices at 110 E. Madison Street. For more information contact Donna Price at [email protected].


Thursday, June 9 - 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 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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Tuesday, June 14 - all day
Day of Prayer at Chapel Point with Fr. Bill Watters, SJ - Our own beloved Fr. Watters is leading a guided day of prayer and reflection at historic St. Ignatius Church in Chapel Point, Port Tobacco, Maryland. This event is being presented by the Maryland Jesuit Province and looks like it will be a really wonderful and spiritual experience For more information, click here
 
 



Tuesday, June 14 - 6:30 PM 
The Inigo Book Group will meet on Tuesday, June 14 in the Parish Offices at 110 E. Madison Street to discuss The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell with Bill Moyers. The meeting begins with social time at 6:30 - 7:00 which is followed by the discussion until 8:30. Any questions? Please contact Catherine Young at [email protected].
 

Thursday, June 16 - 7 PM
Young Adult Movie Night - Join the Young Adults for a showing of Pope Joan on Thursday, June 16 at 7:00 PM in Ignatian Hall. Johanna Wokalek, John Goodman, and David Wenham star in director S�nke Wortmann's adaptation of author Donna Woolfolk Cross' novel about a woman who dared to live like no other woman in history, and found herself at the center of a treacherous political conspiracy. Click here for more information. For the schedule of other young adult ministry movie showings,  click here. 
 

Monday, June 20 - 2 PM
The Cultural Arts Committee = August planning event will be held on Monday, June 20 at 2:00 PM at the Parish Offices: 110 N. Madison Street, Baltimore, MD 21202. If you are interested in participating in this committee that plans musical events as well as art gallery showings, poetry readings and dramatic presentations, you are welcome!


Wednesday, June 22, 7:30 PM
Prayer Service for Peace in the Middle East - On the 22nd of every month somewhere in the Baltimore area, people of all faiths gather in a church, mosque or synagogue to pray for peace in the world, particularly in the most troubled areas including the Middle East. On June 22, the interfaith prayer service will take place in the Chapel of Grace at St. Ignatius Church at 7:30 PM. Yara Cheikh will be the main speaker, updating us on the situation in Syria. Mark your calendars now and plan to come and pray for peace in our world!



Sunday, June 26 - 9:30 AM
Respect Life Committee - promotes church teaching on the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death both in the parish and in the community. You are welcome to join us to see all that St. Ignatius does to impact both our church and the surrounding geographic area. The meeting will be held in Gonzaga Hall. For more information contact Jerry Lawler at [email protected] 


Monday, June 27
Young Adults - The Young Adults Summer Book Club will start the week of June 27th! This summer, we'll be reading My Badass Book of Saints: Courageous Women who Showed Me How to Live by Maria Morera Johnson. This spiritual memoir weaves in her life experiences with the lives of 24 inspirational and faithful women. If you want to join our book club, which will meet weekly for 6 weeks, fill out this survey!


Tuesday, June 28 -  7 PM
Embracing God's Gifts - You are invited to join members of our gay and lesbian community at 7:00 PM on the 4th Tuesday of each month. This month's meeting will be held in Ignatian Hall as we welcome Tom Bonderenko of Moveable Feast who will share his unique story and discuss ways we can become involved with this extraordinary ministry. 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.
   

Thursday, June 30 - 7 PM
Young Adult Movie Night - Join the Young Adults for a showing of The House I Live In on Thursday, June 30th at 7:00 PM in Ignatian Hall. For the past 40 years, the war on drugs has resulted in more than 45 million arrests, $1 trillion dollars in government spending, and America's role as the world's largest jailer. Yet for all that, drugs are cheaper, purer, and more available than ever. Filmed in more than twenty states, The House I Live In captures heart-wrenching stories of those on the front lines - from the dealer to the grieving mother, the narcotics officer to the senator, the inmate to the federal judge - and offers a penetrating look at the profound human rights implications of America's longest war. For more information, click here.
Future Events Put On Your Calendar 
All Church Parish Picnic - Saturday, August 6

Place it on your calendars. This year's picnic will be held on Saturday, August 6 at the Bellarmine Retreat Center in the mountains of Blue Ridge Summit, PA. Come away for a day of hiking, nature walking and swimming. A wonderful time of fun and fellowship awaits you. This is a perfect way for those who don't yet know many people at St. Ignatius to begin new friendships...and for those who do to deepen your already existing relationships. If you'd like to make a weekend of it some
parishioners rent rooms or bring their tents for Friday and Saturday evenings. More information to come. If you have any questions, please contact Kathleen Talty at [email protected] 
In the Media
 
No Matter How You Slice It, Pope On Women Deacons A Big Deal
Nuns sing as they wait for Pope Francis' arrival at an audience with the heads of women's religious orders in Paul VI hall at the Vatican May 12. (CNS/Paul Haring)
 
By Father Edward Beck
Crux Contributor  |  May 27, 2016 
 
It's no secret that the off-the-cuff remarks of Pope Francis often generate more news than long, labored-over prepared texts. We tend to like our leaders, popes included, to come off as unfiltered, unhandled and unplugged.

At a recent meeting of the Superiors General of Religious Women in Rome when asked about the possibility of women being ordained deacons, Francis responded, "I would like to constitute an official commission to study the question: I think it will be good for the church to clarify this point, I agree, and I will speak to do something of this type." Read More 
 
 

Crux
Latest Jesus Movie Has Promise, But It Goes Unfulfilled -
"Last Days in the Desert" is now playing in limited release.

"Who do men say that the Son of man is?" Jesus asked his disciples in Matthew 16. Answers varied at the time, and Jesus movies have offered many takes: Jesus as a gentle healer (Cecil B. DeMille's silent "The King of Kings"); the transcendent Word ("The Greatest Story Ever Told"); a socially conscious prophet (Pasolini's "The Gospel According to Matthew"); a pointedly Jewish Messiah (Zeffirelli's "Jesus of Nazareth"); a self-tortured savior ("The Last Temptation of Christ"); and a divine suffering servant ("The Passion of the Christ"). 
 

America Magazine: 
Steering the Ship of State- 15 Ways President Obama has changed the direction of America -With less than nine months
left in his term, President Obama must be thinking about how his presidency will be assessed by history. The 44th president had an unusually ambitious agenda upon taking office, but economic and political realities forced him to put aside some goals and compromise on others. Read More    

Paid Parental Leave Offered In Chicago
The Archdiocese of Chicago will begin offering 12 weeks of paid parental leave to its staff beginning on July 1. The new policy is open to fathers and mothers who just had children or adopted children.  Read More   
 





Sojourners Magazine   
Water Warriors: How Four Activists Let the World Know About the Water Crises In Flint & Detroit -Long before national outlets covered water shutoffs in Detroit or toxic water in Flint, Monica Lewis-Patrick, Debra Taylor, Nayyirah Shariff, and Claire McClinton were protesting, marching, and going door-to-door to inform citizens of the problem. Read More 

The Activist's Guide to Contemplation - What is the relation of [contemplation] to action? Simply this. He who attempts to act and do things for others or for the world without deepening his own self-understanding, freedom, integrity, and capacity to love, will not have anything to give others. He will communicate to them nothing but the contagion of his own obsessions, his aggressiveness, his ego-centered ambitions, his delusions about ends and means, his doctrinaire prejudices and ideas. There is nothing more tragic in the modern world than the misuse of power and action. -Thomas Merton Read More
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Catholic News Agency
Did Facebook 'Blacklist' Religious News in Their Trending Topics? - Earlier this month, a report from Gizmodo dropped the equivalent of a social media bomb - several former Facebook employees said the company routinely suppressed conservative news in the social media giant's "trending news" section. Read More


The Jesuit Post
A Stolen Past Is Just the BeginningAs the sun set through the windows of the retreat center, four brave seniors shared their stories.

"What obstacles have you faced in your life?" was - and has been for years - the prompt for this first night of sharing on the Red Cloud High School spring senior retreat. This year, as the four spoke their turns, their classmates listened in different ways, some covering their face in their hands, some crying their way through boxes of tissues, some staring out the window, and some getting out of their chairs to cradle the speakers in their arms, themselves sobbing through the final words of their testimonies.
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