Carissimi,
This week Fr. Nouwen speaks to us of gratitude and detachment:
"To be able to enjoy fully the many good things the world has to offer, we must be detached from them. To be detached does not mean to be indifferent or uninterested. It means to be non-possessive. Life is a gift to be grateful for and not a property to cling to.
"A non-possessive life is a free life. But such freedom is only possible when we have a deep sense of belonging. To whom then do we belong? We belong to God, and the God to whom we belong has sent us into the world to proclaim in his Name that all of creation is created in and by love and calls us to gratitude and joy. That is what the "detached" life is all about. It is a life in which we are free to offer praise and thanksgiving.
"Human relationships easily become possessive. Our hearts so much desire to be loved that we are inclined to cling to the person who offers us love, affection, friendship, care, or support. Once we have seen or felt a hint of love, we want more of it. That explains why lovers so often bicker with each other. Lovers’ quarrels are quarrels between people who want more of each other than they are able or willing to give.
"It is very hard for love not to become possessive because our hearts look for perfect love and no human being is capable of that. Only God can offer perfect love. Therefore, the art of loving includes the art of giving one another space. When we invade one another’s space and do not allow the other to be his or her own free person, we cause great suffering in our relationships. But when we give another space to move and share our gifts, true intimacy becomes possible."
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Saint Patrick Church, Erie, PA
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Saturday is St. Patrick’s Day…but what do you know about him?
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We all know that Saturday is St. Patrick's Day. For many of us that means corned beef, cabbage, soda bread, a dark brown beverage, and all the accoutrements. Did you know that St. Patrick was a follower of Christ who had a very intense life at a young age, and was hugely responsible for Ireland coming to Christ?
Early Life
St. Patrick, apostle of Ireland, was born in England circa 385. His father, Calphurnius, was a deacon from a Roman family of high social standing. His mother, Conchessa, was a close relative of the great patron St. Martin of Tours. St. Patrick's grandfather, Pontius, was also a member of the clergy. Surprisingly, St. Patrick himself was not raised with a strong emphasis on religion. Education was not particularly stressed during his childhood either. Later in life, this would become a source of embarrassment for St. Patrick, who in the early 440s, would write in his
Confessio
, "I blush and fear exceedingly to reveal my lack of education."
When St. Patrick was 16 years old, he was captured by Irish pirates. They brought him to Ireland where he was sold into slavery in Dalriada. There, his job was to tend sheep. Saint Patrick's master, Milchu, was a high priest of Druidism, a Pagan sect that ruled religious influence over Ireland at the time.
St. Patrick came to view his enslavement as God's test of his faith. During those six years of captivity, he became deeply devoted to Christianity through constant prayer. In a vision, he saw the children of Pagan Ireland reaching out their hands to him. With this, he grew increasingly determined to free the Irish from Druidism by converting them to Christianity. He returned to Ireland as a missionary, and in his teachings, combined Irish pagan beliefs with Christian sacrament, devising the Celtic Cross. He is annually honored on March 17.
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Two Great Videos
Below are two videos that talk about St. Patrick's life (a grownup one...and one for kids that, in our opinion, all adults should really watch!) Happy St. Patrick's Day!
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St. Patrick History - Version #1
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St. Patrick History - Version #2
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Three Main Events This Weekend
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CALL TO ACTION
Maryland Fight for $15 Campaign Needs
You
For Its Final Push!
On Sunday, March 18, the
Economic Justice Subcommittee
of the St. Ignatius Justice & Peace Committee will be conducting an Offering of Letters to push our state representatives to pass the
Fight for $15 Bill
.
The
Fight for $15 Bill
will raise the Maryland State minimum wage from $9.25 to $15 an hour by 2023. As a Jesuit Catholic community, this bill is of special interest to us because it represents a systematic way to facilitate justice for many of our most vulnerable neighbors who, despite toiling many hours, currently do not receive the compensation they need and deserve to meet their most basic needs and thus realize their fullest potential as citizens and honor their dignity as human beings.
In order to ensure this crucial piece of legislation is not delayed any longer, we must make it clear to our State Senators and State Delegates that this bill is a priority to us. We also must act now, because the current legislative session ends April 9, less than a month away.
So please join us this Sunday, following the 9:00 AM Mass, the 10:30 AM Mass, or the 6:00 PM Mass for letter-writing sessions in Ignatian Hall. Sample letters, writing paper, envelopes, pens, stamps, and the addresses of respective legislators to contact will be provided for parishioners and guests. We just need you (and your family, and your friends!) to show up so that our collective voice may be heard.
For as it is written in Scripture,
So shall my word be that goes from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I propose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
(Isaiah 55:11)
Contact the Economic Justice Subcommittee Chair, Terry Cavanagh, at (202) 368-4814 or
tcavanagh@seiumddc.org
with any questions. Thank you for your support and commitment to this very worthy cause.
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We all think of Ireland. But did you know St. Patrick is also the patron saint of Boston, Missouri, and paralegals? Stop by Ignatian Hall this Sunday before or after your morning Mass for an activity that mixes learning about a popular saint with a full pint of fun (and shamrocks). If you have questions, contact Craig or Gracie Smith at
craig.gracie.smith@gmail.com
.
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Director of New Pregnancy Center to Speak at St Ignatius on March 18
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The Respect For Life Ministry has asked the director of the
Women’s Care Center,
Donna Cohen to come to speak at St. Ignatius. Ms. Cohen will give a presentation on March 18 in the Chapel of Grace after the 10:30 Mass about the Center’s successes and disappointments in the almost 2 years of operation. Please join us for her talk!
It has now been almost 2 years since the Women’s Care Center became the third pregnancy center in our area servicing women with unexpected pregnancies. The WCC which opened 5/9/2016 offers women, often poor and in crisis, free ultrasounds, pregnancy tests, parenting classes and help with baby items. The Center which was
dedicated
by Archbishop Lori on 8/30/16 is strategically placed directly across Belair Road from Whole Women’s Health, one of the largest abortion providers in the area. More than one woman intent on aborting her unborn child has chosen instead to turn into the WCC parking lot and choose life.
Pregnancy centers offer an alternative to the “culture of death” described by Pope St. John Paul II in
Evangeleum Vitae
in 1995. Almost 60 million unborn souls have been aborted in the United States since the Supreme Court Roe V. Wade was decided by the Supreme Court in 1973. Many women in crisis pregnancies are subjected to family and societal pressure to get rid of their unborn. The pregnancy centers can be the only refuge for a woman resisting this pressure.
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Lenten Events and Mass Schedule
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Below are various Lenten Events and Masses happening in and around St. Ignatius Parish
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Upcoming Events and Meetings
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Iñigo Book Group
Tuesday, March 13, 6:30 PM
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Green Team Meeting
Thursday, March 15, 7 PM
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Young Families - Fun With St. Patrick
Sunday, March 18, 9:30 AM
See box above for complete information.
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Maryland Fight For $15 Offering of Letters Campaign
Sunday, March 18, after Sunday Masses
See box above for complete information.
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Director of Women's Care Center Talk
Sunday, March 18, after 10:30 Mass
See box above for complete information.
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Lenten Penance/Reconciliation
Monday, March 19, 7:30 PM
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Women of the New Testament
Tuesday, March 20, 6:45 PM
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Charm City Baroque
Sunday, March 25, 3 PM
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Register now for "Racism in the Catholic Church"
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Have you registered for "Racism in the Church: A Catholic Conversation" yet?
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Pope Francis said,
“Racism today is the ultimate evil in our world.”
Dr. Greer G. Gordon’s back by popular demand following the Call to Action Conference this past October. Dr. Gordon will continue our exploration of Racism in the Catholic Church, specifically here in Baltimore. This event will be held at St. Ignatius Catholic Church on
Saturday, April 14
.
We invite you to join us for a prayerful, closed-door (confidential), conversation on the ways in which the Roman Catholic Community can be active in addressing racism and discrimination. We welcome every interested person to this conversation, and hope that each parish, and academic institution of the Archdiocese of Baltimore will send at least two representatives to participate. Rooted in the Social Teachings of the Church, the day will offer insights into: the nature of discrimination and racism; the Church’s understanding of racism as a sin; tools for identifying and addressing racism; and the development of a practical action plan.
Included in the day will be a presentation by Baltimore’s Racial Justice Circle.
Click here
for complete information, and to register for event.
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Worship with Offerings, Liturgy and Prayers 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
The Women's Care Center.
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MASS MUSIC
Attached 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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Needs at the Loyola Early Learning Center
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The Loyola Early Learning Center has needs for our students. We are asking you to contribute Diapers (2-year kiddies) and decent boys/girls second-hand clothing (Kiddies size: 3T to 5T). Just bring them when you come to Mass and drop them off in the Reeves Gallery. Thanks for your generosity!
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American Injustice: Mercy, Humanity and Making a Difference
Monday, March 19, 2018 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM (EDT)
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America has the largest prison population in the world – and the criminal justice system that puts the men, women, and children in these prisons is broken. Excessive punishment and abuse are widespread, and the collateral consequences are devastating lives and communities. An inspiring and unflinchingly honest speaker, Bryan Stevenson talks about defending some of America’s most rejected and marginalized people. The stories he tells are heartbreaking, yet inspiring, and motivate audiences to make a change.
Bryan Stevenson is one of the country's most visionary legal thinkers and social justice advocates. A MacArthur fellow and founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, Stevenson is a founding leader of the movement against mass incarceration in the U.S. He recently served on President Obama's task force on 21st-century policing.
For more information on Bryan Stevenson and the Equal Justice Initiative, visit
www.prhspeakers.com
.
For more information about the event, please visit
www.loyola.edu/messina
.
Persons with disabilities who may require special services should contact Disability Support Services at 410-617-2062 at least 72 hours prior to the event. Closed captioning provided.
FAQs
What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?
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presented by
Catholic Men's Fellowship of Baltimore
SATURDAY, MARCH 24 AT 6:00 PM
Loyola Blakefield, Dining Hall
Saturday, March 24, 2018, members of the Catholic Men’s Fellowship from St. Francis Xavier and St. Jo
seph Parishes will be hosting the Ninth Annual Nothing Wasted Charity Dinner
in honor of Fr. Frank McGauley, S.J.
at Loyola Blakefield High School. Wine and hor d’oeuvres will be served in K
nott Hall at 6:00 pm followed by Dinner at 6:30 pm. Fr. Dominic Totaro, S.J. , a missionary to Nigeria for eighteen years, will be the speaker. You are invited and there is no charge for the dinner.
Click here
for complete information
and to register.
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Loyola University Maryland cordially invites you to “Dead Man Walking: The Journey Continues”
Monday, March 26, 2018 - 7 PM
Loyola University - McGuire Hall
Sister Helen Prejean is a member of the Congregation of St. Joseph. She spent her first years with the Sisters teaching religion to junior high school students. Realizing that being on the side of poor people is an essential part of the Gospel she moved into the St. Thomas Housing Project in New Orleans and began working at Hope House from 1981 – 1984.
During this time, she was asked to correspond with a death row inmate Patrick Sonnier at Angola. She agreed and became his spiritual adviser. After witnessing his execution, she wrote a book about the experience. The result was
Dead Man Walking: An Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty in the United States
. It became a movie, an opera and a play for high schools and colleges.
Since 1984, Sister Helen has divided her time between educating citizens about the death penalty and counseling individual death row prisoners. She has accompanied six men to their deaths. In doing so, she began to suspect that some of those executed were not guilty. This realization inspired her second book, The Death of Innocents: An Eyewitness Account of Wrongful Executions, which was released by Random House in December of 2004.
For additional information about the event, and to order tickets, please visit the
event website
.
This event is part of Loyola's Mission Week,
Messina Common Text Program
, and
Bunting Peace & Justice Speaker Series
. It is co-sponsored by
the
office of the president
,
Messina
,
Peace & Justice Studies
,
Catholic Studies
,
office of mission integration
,
the center for community service & justice
,
campus ministry
, , and
the Loyola-Notre Dame Library
.
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(Photo: AP images, Wikipedia Commons, Matt Benson via Unsplash, Antonio De Loera-Brust/Graphic by Antonio De Loera-Brust)
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50 years ago: The Catholic example of Cesar Chavez and Bobby Kennedy
by Antonio De Loera-Brust
It was the most famous reception of Communion in California history. No other single Catholic moment touched on race, labor and politics in such a profound way. On March 10, 1968, at an outdoor Mass in the small agricultural town of Delano, Calif., the farm-worker union leader Cesar Chavez ended a 25-day hunger strike by receiving the body of Christ. Seated next to him was another prominent American Catholic, New York Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Within three months, Kennedy would be dead, and the hopes of the farm-worker movement for a liberation from their exploitation would die with him.
The religious reasons for Chavez’s fast were clear from the start. Chavez refused food for 25 days to urge his supporters to commit themselves to the nonviolence of the Gospel, despite their being targeted with significant violence, intimidation and harassment themselves. He was asking those who followed him to turn the other cheek.
READ MORE
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Spiritual insights for L.G.B.T. Catholics
Over the last few months, I have heard from many L.G.B.T. Catholics who are struggling with their faith and their place in the church. The most common questions concern coming out, that is, sharing the reality of their orientation or identity with family and friends. For many people, young and old, coming out can be frightening, especially if they feel that their church, or God, is somehow against them. But even after people are out, they may still struggle, both with their faith and with the church. So here are five important things to keep in mind.
READ MORE
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No Compromises: ‘The New Testament: A Translation’
Only a very few translators of the Bible have produced masterpieces. Jerome’s Latin Vulgate is one; William Tyndale’s English translation, which contributed much of what is memorable in the King James version, is another. The individual efforts of Ronald Knox, Edgar Goodspeed, and James Moffatt all have their merits, but do not nearly reach the level of Jerome and Tyndale. Most biblical translations, in fact, beginning with the ancient Jewish translation of the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek (the Septuagint), have been communal rather than individual efforts: the King James version and its successors, the Revised Standard Version and the New Revised Standard Version were all produced by committees of translators and editors. If you don’t have genius, at least have consensus.
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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