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Issue # 06282016 June 28, 2016
Carissimi,
Next week I will update you about the results of the parish survey which 207 of you were kind enough to fill out before Christmas. This week I want to remind you that the survey and the planning process that is going to follow it will bring changes to every parish in the Archdiocese, including ours.
The term "missionary readiness" means that we need to be generous and imaginative in working with other parishes to make the Church a living presence in our city. What follows is an emphasis added passage from the Archbishop's pastoral letter, A Light Brightly Visible: Lighting the Path to Missionary Discipleship. I shared it with you last November.
"The Catholic Church not only will maintain, but also seek to enhance her missionary presence in the Archdiocese. There is no question of whether we will be present, but rather a need thoughtfully to consider how we can best be present, recognizing that our presence takes many forms, including through parishes, schools, charities, and health care institutions. These institutions themselves must undergo a missionary transformation so that everything they do is channeled for the evangelization of today's world rather than for [their] self-preservation.
In light of this missionary impulse, we must configure our presence in a way that is pastorally and organizationally effective, sustainable, and responsive to the changing needs of God's people. Our presence must seek to support the pastoral, spiritual, educational and service needs of our communities in ways that are a witness to the Spirit of the Gospel. The goal of regional planning is to envision our future and concretely plan how to make that vision a reality."
By your side, in His service,
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Two Video Thoughts re: The 4th of July 2016
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The Mindless Menace of Violence....
As we lead up to the nation's July 4th celebration, I thought about what a year it has been with all of the tragic killings in Baltimore, Charleston, San Bernardino, Paris, Orlando, and other places around the world. They have certainly bred fear, distrust, anguish and grief. These events have continued to polarize political stances on who should be allowed to enter or remain in our country, and who should not. As we move toward the presidential election in November there seems to be little unity, but rather vitriolic attacks on candidates and political parties, each side nearly guaranteeing the demise of our great nation if the other side is elected.
I thought I'd share two videos this week as we approach our nation's birthday celebration. The first is from another time of national turmoil - the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., not so long after the assassination of President Kennedy, and less than a year before the killing of Malcolm X. The video is Robert Kennedy's famous speech, The Mindless Menace of Violence, given the day after King's killing, and in my mind one of history's great speeches. I believe it to be as relevant on this 4th of July week as it was when it was first given on April 5, 1968. The images of Freddie Gray, the Paris and Orlando nightclubs, the church in Charleston, and the center in San Bernardino could easily replace images of the fallen MLK and the civil rights atrocities of the mid to late 60's. I think it's appropriate to share Kennedy's speech this week.
Stand By Me...
The second video is certainly less somber. It's the classic Ben E. King hit from 1961, and it has been reproduced by the organization "Playing For Change." Playing for Change is a movement created to inspire and connect the world through music. The idea for this project came from a common belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people. With this past year's tragedies and uprisings, I thought perhaps we could all use a little uplifting and rallying towards unity.
Playing for Change was born in 2002 with a vision to hit the streets of America with a mobile recording studio and cameras in search of inspiration and the heartbeat of the people. This musical journey resulted in the award-winning documentary, A Cinematic Discovery of Street Musicians. The effort spread globally and now features street musicians from around the world - all of them pouring out their hearts and talents towards a common message. Here's hoping that this classic sets your soul a rocking and inspires you to embrace the differences of others in a time of great division and separatism. I hope you enjoy both videos, and that you have a terrific and safe 4th!
In Jesus' magnificent love,
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| | Video: Robert Kennedy - "Mindless Menace of Violence" Speech |
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| | Video: Stand By Me | Playing For Change | Song Around the World |
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The Rockets' Red, White, and Blue Glare...
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How did fireworks become America's Fourth of July pastime?
For as long as Americans can remember, the nation has celebrated the Fourth of July by staging grand fireworks shows in public squares and lighting smaller displays at home. Why do we commemorate Independence Day by setting off thousands of small explosions?Because John Adams wanted us to. Before the Declaration of Independence was even signed, he envisioned fireworks as a part of the festivities. In a letter to Abigail Adams on July 3, 1776, he wrote that the occasion should be commemorated "with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more." The first commemorative Independence Day fireworks were set off on July 4, 1777. Read More
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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
Vulnerable Families in Crisis.
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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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MEDICAL SUPPLIES FOR PERU
As we've shared, 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. This is the last weekend to bring your items 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. You may also drop them off at the church office.
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Celebrating the Seventh-Annual 31 Days with St. Ignatius
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July is almost here, which means we're getting ready for the Seventh-Annual 31 Days with St. Ignatius. This month-long celebration of Ignatian spirituality leads up to the feast day of its namesake on July 31. We've put together a calendar of Ignatian articles and more for you to be inspired daily.
We'll also be welcoming some guest bloggers here at dotMagis during July, joining our regular bloggers in exploring ways of encountering God through using the five senses. Look for posts from writers including Ginny Kubitz Moyer; James Martin, SJ; Becky Eldredge; Joseph Tetlow, SJ; Tim Muldoon; Vinita Hampton Wright; Gary Jansen; Jim Manney; Mark Thibodeaux, SJ; and Kerry Weber.
Please join in the celebration by adding your own thoughts in the comments to this or any post. Use the hashtag #31DayswithIgnatius on your favorite social media, and share the ways you've been touched by St. Ignatius and the spiritual outlook that bears his name.
July's dotMagis posts will include the link to each day's 31 Days with St. Ignatius reading/viewing, so to get those daily reminders, be sure to subscribe to dotMagis now.
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All Church Parish Picnic Update
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Plans are underway for the parish's annual picnic on the weekend of August 5, 6 and 7, 2016 at Blue Ridge Summit, PA. The picnic will be held Saturday, August 6, and will include tasty grilled items, side salads and dishes and desserts. Come away for a time 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.
Tickets will go on sale soon.
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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 will be showing 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 will be showing 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 13 - 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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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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Kansas City Bishop Apologizes for 'Betrayal' of Sexual Abuse
Bishop James Johnston Jr. of the Kansas City-St. Joseph diocese, delivers a homily during the "Service of Lament" at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in downtown Kansas City, Mo., on June 26, 2016. (RNS/Sally Morrow)
by Sally Marrow Religion News Service | Jun. 27, 2016
A single chime rang out after each abuse victim's statement was read over the speakers at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in downtown Kansas City, a solemn echo to enduring pain.
It was a simple, symbolic gesture but one that had an almost inexpressible resonance for those who had been abused, and for many Catholics in a diocese so identified with clergy abuse that its last bishop was forced to resign.
"The pain was so intense, I did not want to live," said one person in testimony from victims that was read out during the special liturgy of penitence on Sunday, June 26.
At the "Service of Lament" other readers voiced similar messages of pain, and also accusations at the church itself:
"When I was brave enough to tell you the truth, you chose to side with my abuser." Read More
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Relevant Magazine
Could a New App Help End Human Trafficking? - Taking pictures of your next hotel room could be a small step in helping victims of sex trafficking around the world. A new app and website called TraffickCam allows travelers to upload pictures of hotel rooms around the world to a database where the photos are matched against a police database. Read More
Yet Another Study Proves That Systemic Racism is Real - Years ago, my husband and I spent many hours with close friends planning a racial reconciliation conference. My husband and I are white. Our friends are black. Throughout the process, we experienced a few fleeting moments of turbulence but overall, the conversations were devoid of tension and conflict. That was about to change. Read More
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Crux
Spin Aside, SCOTUS Abortion Ruling is no Earthquake - Despite claims by pro-choice forces that Monday's Supreme Court decision on Texas regulations for abortion clinics is a breakthrough victory, Charles Camosy says examination of the decision suggests it's more a technicality than an earthquake. Read More
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America Magazine:
Out of Kenya: The Somali refugee crisis reaches a crescendo in East Africa - It has been one of the terrible paradoxes of the modern global refugee crisis: Often those countries least capable of responding to the complex needs of refugees are the ones forced to shoulder the greatest burden in caring for them. Read More
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Sojourners Magazine
I Am a Stranger in Two Strange Lands - I am a stranger in two strange lands. Born in the U.K. and an immigrant to the U.S., my understanding of self changed yesterday. As the U.K. voted to leave the EU and the U.S. Supreme Court's tied decision left an appeals court block on President Obama's executive order on immigration in place - my identity as an immigrant and a Briton changed. Read More
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Catholic News Agency
Beware 'Polite Persecution,' Archbishop Warns - With relics of two English martyrs currently touring the U.S., the Archbishop of Baltimore implored Catholics to follow their example by defending religious freedom.
Speaking at the opening Mass of the annual "Fortnight for Freedom," Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore, chair of the U.S. bishops' ad hoc Committee on Religious Liberty, clarified that "we are not here tonight to argue a point of constitutional law nor are we here to re-argue what has already been persuasively argued in our courts."
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The Jesuit Post
Beauty Breaks Through - I stirred in the blackness, a restless night of sleep. Groggy and dazed, I checked my phone to see if it was reasonable to get up, and read a push notification from BBC News that Christina Grimmie had been shot and killed in Orlando. All I wanted was to sleep through the night, wake up, have a nice cup of coffee with my parents, and enjoy a full, mild spring day in my hometown. Instead, I spent the next hour in screen-lit darkness, watching and listening to Christina. Read More
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National Catholic Reporter
Francis: Christians Must Apologize to Gay People for Marginalizing Them - The Catholic church and other Christian communities must apologize to gay people and to many groups they have let down or offended throughout history, Pope Francis has said. 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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