January 16, 2018 Edition
Carissimi,

One of the 1 st things the Lutheran Bishop who preached at the New Year’s Eve Service said was, “ Our Archbishop has called us together.” At the end of the service, the Archbishop received a standing ovation after calling all of us to create better narrative for Baltimore.

Last Saturday he issued a statement on the racism of Mr. Trump. The  Eccellenza speaks carefully but does not mince words. I hope you will pray over them:

"There has been much (justifiable) outrage over the President’s recent disparaging and insensitive remarks about some immigrants to the United States as well as his administration’s purgative immigration policies threatening the safety and unity of many immigrants and their families. What must not be lost in these statements and policy decisions is the underlying lack of acknowledgement of the dignity that is inherent in every human person. Sadly, this same seeming lack of regard for the dignity of every human life coming out of Washington has become all too prevalent elsewhere in our society.

" The treatment of all persons with respect and dignity is the foundational principle of a civilized society. It is fundamental to who we are as a human family and is at the heart of the moral code that we live by as people imbued with the goodness of God, the Creator. Without that mutual respect, we begin to see those among us who are different, especially those living on the margins of society, as unworthy of respect, as “lesser” humans. This tragically flawed view of humanity rears its ugly head not only in discussions about immigration, but also the ongoing quest for racial equality. Coupled with the hopelessness and helplessness that are the by-product of such societal judgments, too many citizens turn to lives defined by acts of despair and desperation.

" Each of us has been given the gift of life, the most precious gift any of us could ever receive. And with that gift comes the capacity to love another, to contribute something of ourselves to the common good. When we begin to see and treat human life as disposable or we lose sight of that dignity possessed by all of God’s children, whether they are immigrants, the unborn, the elderly, the homeless, the addicted, or minorities, then we’ve lost our way as a human family and as a nation."

He really is our Archbishop. Bravo, Eccellenza Vostra!
Upon the recommendation of the Pastoral Council,  I am exploring the possibility of forming a Liturgical Ministry Committee . I am looking for parishioners who have an understanding of the Liturgy, good organizational skills, and are willing to actively assist with the following tasks:

  •  Providing me feedback and suggestions for liturgical planning
  • Training readers, acolytes, ushers, and greeters of all ages for all the Masses
  •  Implementing a scheduling software program
  • Developing security and safety procedures during liturgies
  • Composing a weekly call to prayer and the General Intercessions
  • Organizing a flower guild
  • Planning for liturgical seasons and special Feasts
  • Coordinating the ministers at the 10:30 AM and 6:00 PM Masses
  • Encouraging and enhancing children and young adult participation in parish liturgies

I f you responded before and have not heard from me, it's because there was a problem with the link in which to contact me. PLEASE RESPOND TO ME AGAIN . If you would like to explore this opportunity for service, I would like to hear from you at jimcasciotti@st-ignatius.net .
MLK Events Followup
An Event That Helped Dismantle Racism

by Toni Moore- Duggan

Saturday January 13 was a step forward in the war against the tentacles of racism for the St. Ignatius community, our Racial Justice Circle and all who attended.

Fueled by grace, the workshop, Warriors of Healing , brought over 40 people to the table to share their desire for healing and reconciliation. We sat poised in active listening, nurtured by prayer, meditation and dialogue as we examined our personal desires, our faith and truths of racial injustice. Lead by the stirring talks of Fr. Jim Casciotti, Ralph Moore and Delores Moore we were able to explore the sins of racism as they existed in the past and how it presents its venom again and again in our Church, our children, our families, our communities, our workplace and our societies. Bidden or unbidden, it finds ways to make its desires for division and destruction seen, heard, and felt again and again.

This event was not a gathering for shame or blame, but a time of sharing, enlightenment and forgiveness, for "all I have done and all I have failed to do." Those who attended were energized by the talks, prayers, socialization, and dialogue. In the end, we created a "Litany of Positive Actions for Forward Movement." 

We laid before the Lord our examination of consciousness formulated into prayers, words, and actions. We are a mighty people of believers who will dismantle racism. We will not leave the legacy of this injustice unchallenged for the next generations of our children to clean up. We are called to let the Gospel stand up inside each of us, strengthen our resolve, order our steps, and move forward.

Emmanuel - God is with us.
Parishioners Participate in Maryland "Fight for $15" Kickoff in Annapolis on MLK Day
A group of 9 parishioners from St. Vincent de Paul and St Ignatius attended the kickoff of the Maryland "Fight for $15" campaign in Annapolis yesterday on MLK Day. They visited 12 legislators or their staff from Baltimore City or Baltimore County, and one from Anne Arundel County. They were well-received and either received a commitment to co-sponsor or other support from almost all. The following is a press release from Gabriel Pedreira regarding what happened.
Sen. Madaleno, Del. Hettleman and Maryland Fight for $15 Coalition Launch Campaign to Raise State Minimum Wage to $15 by 2023

Annapolis, MD - On the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s Poor People’s Campaign, hundreds of poverty-wage workers, leaders from faith, business, immigrant and labor groups joined Maryland State Senator Richard Madaleno and Delegate Shelly Hettleman to launch a year-long campaign supporting bills, to be introduced in the House and Senate that would raise the state's minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2023. Despite having some of the nation's wealthiest communities, the United Way reports that 35% of all Maryland households struggle to afford basic household necessities. 

“As federal policy bends wildly in favor of corporate and special interests, it’s time for the state of Maryland to address our workers’ needs” said Hettleman, the primary sponsor of the bill. “I am very pleased to sponsor this legislation that will gradually increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour in the year 2023, an effort to address wage stagnation and growing inequality.”  READ MORE
A Question to Consider...
Are You A Racist?
A Few Observations From Deacon Paul
Most people will sincerely and indignantly answer NO.

Let me ask another question. Might others perceive your words, actions, or reactions racist? The response should require some hesitation, thought and humility.

Can the people on the corner when you stop for a red light hear the car door lock click? Do you clutch your purse or check your wallet when you walk by people of color?

What do children who are listening to you talk about people of color or other neighborhoods hear and remember?

What did you hear as a child about people of color from your parents and their friends? In the media? At school? At church?

I grew up on a farm near a small town when black-faced minstrels were the comedic entertainment. I enjoyed the Little Rascals. We listened to the Amos and Andy show on the radio with much laughter (showing my age!).

I was in my formative years then and never really thought much about racism or discrimination because I really did not know personally any people of color until I was 17 and joined the military.

One thing that my father taught me without saying a word was that he allowed 4 African-American men to hunt rabbits on our farm because they had to drive 80 miles to find a place that would allow it. His only caveat was “Try not to shoot my animals!” 

My point is that prejudice and insensitivity and discrimination are learned. Those first 10 years are formative from what we hear and experience. It is hard to overcome the bad habits we unconsciously develop, but it is absolutely necessary if we are to live together as Christian people.

If we have ever had a time that should incentivize us to examine how what we say and do, spoken or with body language, might be perceived by people of color it is now. 
Reeves Gallery Exhibit Opens This Weekend
Photo of the "Permafrost Tunnel" in Alaska
Peter Handler, 68, who has lived in Germantown for 34 years, isn’t afraid to mix art and politics. After over 30 years of making custom designed furniture for homes, churches and synagogues, Handler is now creating sculptural pieces about climate change which he calls “the moral issue of our age.”

In the course of creating and designing his series, the next piece he wanted to build was to be about thawing permafrost. He had no sense at all of what the imagery would be, and needed to go to Alaska in order to find imagery. There he and Karen got to meet with scientists studying permafrost, boreal forest, cold, weather building, changing conditions in the tundra, and the Permafrost Tunnel. Additionally, they observed one of the many wildfires that occurred that summer. The exhibit that opens this weekend is a compilation of that trip - a grouping of Peter's photographs, and Karen's water colors. Stop by the Reeve's Gallery before or after Mass to see it!
Events in January
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
January 18-25
Click here for complete information
‌
March for Life
Friday, January 19
Click here for complete information.
‌
Women of the New Testament
Tuesday, January 23, 6:45 PM
Click here for complete information.
‌
Embracing God's Gifts
Tuesday January 23, 7 PM
Click here for complete information.
‌
Respect Life
Tuesday January 23, 7 PM
Click here for complete information.
‌
In the Area
Loyola University Maryland
Mission Integration

announces a retreat

"Praying Together with the Icons of Lent"
March 3-4, 2018

F lintstone Retreat House
13210 Green Ridge Road NE,
 Flintstone, Md. 21530

$50 includes lodging and 3 meals

Worship with Offerings, Liturgy and Prayers for Others
POOR BOX 
Each weekend St. Ignatius specifies a Poor Box collection for a needful cause. This week's support goes to  Ignatian Spirituality Project.

MASS MUSIC   
Attached 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! 

In the Media
Deportees get off a bus at an immigration facility Jan. 11 after a flight arrived in San Salvador, El Salvador, with immigrants who were in the U.S. without documents. U.N. officials said Jan. 12 that U.S. President Donald Trump's reported use of an expletive to describe El Salvador and other countries could "potentially damage and disrupt the lives of many people." (CNS/Reuters/Jose Cabezas)
Times Require Loud, Bold Defense of Migrants
Catholics have special obligation to safeguard vulnerable immigrants


by NCR Editorial Staff | Jan 12, 2018

On Jan. 8, addressing diplomats assigned to the Vatican, Pope Francis   explained again   in no uncertain terms our moral obligation to welcome and protect migrants and refugees. He challenged these national representatives about political rhetoric used against migrants "only for the sake of stirring up primal fears." Francis told them to "abandon the familiar rhetoric and start from the essential consideration that we are dealing, above all, with persons."

That same day, in Washington, the Trump administration announced that it would   not renew the temporary protected status   of some 200,000 migrants from El Salvador, which they've had since 2001 when their country was devastated by an earthquake. The Salvadorans are the latest national group to lose the status. Haitians, Nicaraguans and Sudanese have lost their status   in recent weeks . A half dozen other nationalities including Hondurans and Yemenis are under threat of losing their status and face deportation. READ MORE
Baby Jesus was a Dreamer in Egypt

I feel guilty that I have not written a column on "Dreamers," those children who were brought illegally into the United States by their parents. The reason I find it difficult to write such a column is that for me the whole idea of deporting Dreamers is so mean and unjust that I find it incomprehensible that anyone would want to do it.

No matter what you think of people coming into the country illegally, one can hardly blame children brought by their parents. And once these children have spent their formative years here, the idea of sending them back to a country they do not remember, with a language they may not know, is spiteful. READ MORE
Veto Defeated, Most Maryland Workers to Get Paid Sick Leave

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Some 700,000 workers in Maryland will be able to earn up to five days of paid sick days a year now that state lawmakers have overturned the governor's veto.

The requirement applies to Maryland businesses with 15 or more employees.

The Maryland Senate voted 30-17 Friday to override Gov. Larry Hogan's veto, following a House vote on Thursday. Both chambers mustered the necessary three-fifths to override.

Employees can now earn an hour of sick leave for every 30 hours they work.