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Issue # 06222016 June 22, 2016
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NOTE: Fr. Casciotti is in and out of town over the next few weeks on retreat, vacation, and Jesuit business. In his absence several members of the staff will fill in as guest columnists for Fr. Casciotti's feature column, "The Main Thing". This week's column is written by Fr. Bill Watters, S.J.
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Loyola Early Learning Center
From the founding of the Society of Jesus in 1540, schools have been a part of Jesuit DNA. No surprise, therefore, that our parish played a large role in founding two schools over the past 25 years: St. Ignatius Loyola Academy in 1993 and Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in 2006.
For the last nine months, a Steering Committee, comprised of parishioners Aurelia Burt, Yara Cheikh, Jacki Rone, and Fr. Watters, along with Boz Borowiecki and John Harmon have been conducting a feasibility study about establishing a preschool at the corner of St. Paul and Madison Streets for 60 children with the hope to open it in September 2017.
For the past several months:
- Focus groups have met to determine whether there are families both within our parish and very much outside our parish, especially from east and west Baltimore, who would send their young ones to the preschool.
- A subcommittee has been crafting a professional program that will meet the affective, cognitive, physical, social and spiritual developmental needs of preschoolers.
- Architects and contractors have reviewed and drawn plans for the renovations of the first two floors of our building at 801 St. Paul St.
- A 501(c) (3) not-for-profit corporation is being established. Work has begun on setting up a Board of Trustees of 12 to 15 people. And the task of raising the finances for both capital and operational needs is underway.
The Steering Committee meets regularly and presents the findings of its study to both Jim Schaefer, a parish corporator, and Fr. Casciotti. In turn, our pastor has been briefing the pastoral council, the finance committee and parishioners with reports and updates.
At the moment, all indicators point to a positive outcome for hosting and sponsoring a preschool at St. Ignatius Parish. On the other hand, it is important to complete the study by Labor Day in order to warrant a final decision at that time to go forward in planning the preschool for September 2017. It is our hope that, like St. Ignatius Loyola Academy and Cristo Rey Jesuit, Loyola Early Education Center will become another contribution of St. Ignatius Parish, its parishioners and supportive friends to the children of our struggling city of Baltimore who need institutions of hope for their education and future lives.
AD MAJOREM DEI GLORIAM ET BONUM ANIMARUM
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Entitlement, commitment and understanding the real meaning of 'until death do us part.'
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Pope Francis Says Christians Don't Understand Marriage. Is He Right?
As is his custom, Pope Francis made news for saying something un-popely.
We're getting used to hearing this pontiff speak differently and unexpectedly about issues than his predecessors-issues like climate change, qualifications for communion and global poverty.
But last week, Pope Francis answered a question about marriage that garnered no small amount of controversy.
He responded to a question from an audience member at a conference about the current "crisis in marriage." The Pope answered that people today-particularly young people-don't understand real biblical commitment. Here's what he said: Read More
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The Unheard Story of the Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is one of the most iconic buildings on earth - but there's a lot you probably don't know about it. In this tour-de-force talk, art historian Elizabeth Lev guides us across the famous building's ceiling and Michelangelo's vital depiction of traditional stories, showing how the painter reached beyond the religious iconography of the time to chart new artistic waters. Five hundred years after the artist painted it, says Lev, the Sistine Chapel forces us to look around as if it were a mirror and ask, "Who am I, and what role do I play in this great theater of life?" |
| | Video:Elizabeth Lev: The unheard story of the Sistine Chapel |
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Video: The UW School of Medicine's 2016 Distinguished Alumna Award:
Dr. Barbara J. deLateur
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This month St. Ignatius parishioner Dr. Barbara deLateur was honored by the University of Washington School of Medicine for her more than 50-year career in physical medicine and rehabilitation. With more than 180 publications, she has made a significant contribution to the understanding of the benefits of exercise, particularly among older adults, and has helped improve the quality of life for thousands of individuals.
Barbara, we too are honored to know you, serve with you, and to call you friend and servant of Christ!
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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 to
Global Health Volunteers
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MASS MUSIC
Here is the listing for the
music selections at next Sunday's 10:30 Mass.
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PERSECUTED CHRISTIAN REPORT
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 WEEKEND: MEDICAL SUPPLIES FOR PERU
Once again, parishioners Mary Gorman and Larry and Nancy Fitzpatrick will be joining a group of 40 other medical professionals to provide surgical services to the poor and medically underserved in Northern Peru through Global Health Volunteers. We would like to help them as much as we can by donating essential supplies, including over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen (adult, child and infant), acetaminophen (adult, child and infant), vitamins (adult and child), antacids, antibiotic ointment, band-aids, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, combs, pens, pencils, markers, pads, and paper. Crutches, canes etc. are also welcome. Please bring your donations this weekend and leave them in a collection box in the narthex or gallery. The container will be sent to Peru during the first week of July. Thank you for your generosity to this noble cause.
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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. Come join us tonight!
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Sunday, June 26 - 9:30 AM
Respect Life Ministry - 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 jlawler0@gmail.com.
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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!
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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 themissionbridge@yahoo.com. To learn more about the Embracing God's Gifts Ministry click here.
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Wednesday, June 29 - 7 PM
Ecumenical Prayer Service for Victims of Orlando Shooting - St. Matthew Church is planning an Ecumenical Prayer Service on Wednesday June 29 at 7 PM to pray for the victims in Orlando and for the Gay, Lesbian, and Muslim communities. Location: 5401 Loch Raven Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21239.
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Thursday, June 30 - 5:30 PM
Bishop Madden's Prayer Walk- will take place on Thursday, June 30, at St. Francis Xavier Parish in East Baltimore (1501 E. Oliver St.). There will be a light meal in the parish hall at 5:30, with the walk starting at 6 PM. Enter to the left side of the church on Dallas Street. There is ample parking on the street around the church, but if you would like to ride over in our parish van, please let us know (parish@st-ignatius.net; 410-727-3848) and meet us in front of St. Ignatius Church at 5:00.
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Thursday, June 30 - 7 PM
Young Adult Movie Night - 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.
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Monday, July 11 - 7:00 PM
Young Adult Movie Night - The Young Adults for a showing of Beasts of No Nation in Ignatian Hall. Beasts of No Nation is a 2015 American war drama about a young boy who survives as his country goes through a horrific war. For more information and to view the trailer click here.
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Wednesday, July 18 - 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
Follow us on Twitter: 
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Thursday, July 14 - 7 PM
Pride Prayer Service - As part of the Baltimore's Faith Community and the 2016 Week of Pride, Embracing God's Gifts, St. Ignatius' Gay & Lesbian ministry, is inviting you to join us on Thursday, July 14th at 7 PM in the Chapel of Grace. We will give thanks to God for the gift of our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters in a Prayer Service. Through music, readings, prayer and a spirit of gratitude, we will gather to celebrate being members of God's family. All are welcome and please bring a friend! A light reception will follow in Ignatian Hall. For a listing of other faith events during Baltimore Pride Week, click here.
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Friday, July 22 - 7:30 PM
Showing of Children of Syria - According to UNICEF, 8.4 million children, more than 80 percent of Syria's child population, have been affected by the conflict, either in Syria or as refugees in neighboring countries.
On July 22nd, please join the Immigration Subcommittee of the St. Ignatius Justice and Peace Committee for a screening of the Frontline documentary, Children of Syria. Click here for more information.
To view trailer, click here.
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by Theresa Vargas
In Baltimore
Two of Khalil Bridges's high school classmates were dead, one stabbed repeatedly inside a classroom, and here he was, worried about whether he could get an ID in time to visit the White House.
The woman at the information desk of the Motor Vehicle Administration Express office, a white-walled room with blue-cushioned chairs, had already said no. The name on his birth certificate didn't match the one on his Social Security card. There was nothing she could do for him.
He took a number and waited.
At least, he would say later, he wasn't alone. Next to him sat Hallie Atwater, the social worker who doled out snacks and support to teenagers hungry for both at his struggling public school in West Baltimore, a mile from the epicenter of the riots that followed Freddie Gray's death last year.. Read More |
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Relevant Magazine
America Is in a War Against Hate - The horrifying and tragic shooting in Orlando, Florida, consumed the national-and in part, global-conversation this week. During the early morning hours of Sunday, a man walked into Pulse, a popular gay club near downtown Orlando and murdered 49 people. The man, Omar Mateen, also physically injured at least 53 more in the course of the shooting. Read More
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Crux
Soul-searching About Hate Incomplete Without Christians - Why do attacks on gays, Muslims, Jews, and other minority groups generate a vast examination of conscience, while acts of hatred or contempt directed at Christians generally provoke basic silence? In part, perhaps, it's because in the popular Western imagination, Christians aren't a minority, but that perception has little relationship with contemporary reality. Read More
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America Magazine:
Truth, Then Love - An Eastern Priest's Vision for Catholic-Orthodox Relations - I recently encountered an Orthodox priest who was taking a group of well-known Russian iconographers to look at religious art at the St. Louis Art Museum. I had met him a little earlier when visiting his parish. He introduced me to the group, in Russian, as a "uniate priest." He likely never intended anything disparaging by this, but the label rang in my ears. Read More
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Sojourners Magazine
Republicans in Congress Working to Ban All Refugees - A group of Republicans in the House of Representatives is working on legislation to ban all refugees from settling in the United States, reports Foreign Policy. While the proposed legislation sounds similar to Donald Trump's proposal to block immigration from all "areas of the world where there is a proven history of terrorism," the refugee ban makes no distinctions based on country of origin. Read More
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Catholic News Agency
How Can the US Counter Religious Extremism? - Despite secularization in some countries, "the world is becoming more religious" and the United States needs to factor this into its foreign policy, one religious freedom expert said Thursday. Read More
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The Jesuit Post
Worth Reading: "Bent Body, Lamb" - "The last time I tell anyone
I don't believe in God is the summer before ninth grade. My mother and I are lying in my parents' bed, still awake at three a.m." This is how Molly McCully Brown begins "Bent Body, Lamb'', her gentle howl of an essay that I am here to tell you that you should read. Read More.
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Archdiocese of San Diego
Bishop McElroy's Statement on the Orlando Shooting - Once again our nation has been murderously rent by hatred and violence, rooted in a counterfeit notion of religious faith and magnified by our gun culture. The shootings in Orlando are a wound to our entire society, and this time the LGBT community has been specifically targeted and victimized. 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
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