March 6, 2018 Edition
Carissimi,

This passage from the writings of Fr. Richard Rohr is worth praying over:

"For me, the two correctives of all spirituality are silence and service. If either of those is missing, it is not true, healthy spirituality. Without silence, we do not really experience our experiences. We may serve others and have many experiences, but without silence, nothing has the power to change us, to awaken us, to give us that joy that the world cannot give…

"And without clear acts of free service (needing no payback of any sort, even “heaven”), a person’s spiritual authenticity can and should be called into question. Divine Love always needs to and must overflow! To live in this primordial, foundational being itself, which I am calling silence, creates a kind of sympathetic resonance with what is right in front of us. Without it, we just react instead of respond. 

"Without some degree of silence, we are never living, never tasting, as there is not much capacity to enjoy, appreciate, or taste the moment as it purely is. The opposite of contemplation is not action, it is reaction . We must wait for pure action, which always proceeds from a contemplative silence in which we are able to listen anew to truth and to what is really happening. Such spiritual silence demands a deep presence to oneself in the moment, which will probably have the same practical effect as presence to God… 

"Silence is a kind of thinking that is not thinking. It’s a kind of thinking which mostly sees (contemplata) . Silence, then, is an alternative consciousness. It is a form of intelligence, a form of knowing beyond bodily reacting or emotion. It is a form of knowing beyond mental analysis, which is what we usually call thinking….

"I used to think that mysticism was the eventual fruit of years of contemplation; now I think it all begins with one clear moment of mystic consciousness, which then becomes the constant “spring inside us, welling up unto eternal life” (John 4:14)."
Maryland Fight for $15 Update


The Maryland Fight for $15 Campaign Claims Center Stage This Legislative Session
By April 9, Maryland could be on its way to join California, New York, the District of Columbia, many cities and counties, including and our own Montgomery County in raising the statewide minimum wage from $9.25 to $15 an hour by 2023.

Legislation has been introduced in both the Maryland House of Delegates and the Maryland State Senate that, if passed, would effect a gradual increase of the minimum wage to reach $15 an hour over four years. WBAL-TV 11 reports, an analysis by the Economic Policy Institute and the Maryland Center on Economic Policy, found that 573,000 workers would get a raise as a result of this legislation and 273,000 children would benefit from the increased family income.

This exciting prospect is the result of the work of the Maryland Fight for $15 movement, which works in cities, counties and states across the country. On January 15, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, members of the St. Ignatius community participated in the Maryland Fight for $15’s Campaign Launch in Annapolis, where union and nonunion workers, activists, elected officials, small business owners, and other supporters of the movement gathered to voice their support for the legislation to their representatives. The Justice & Peace Committee has also joined the Raise Maryland Coalition in support of the campaign.

A $15 minimum wage would bring great relief to many in Maryland living paycheck to paycheck and renewed hope that legislative action can help us move towards economic justice. While this legislation would not entirely address widespread poverty afflicting Baltimore, where, according to the Baltimore City Health Department , nearly 30% of families currently have an income below the poverty level, and about 13% of the population is unemployed entirely, to quote the Prophets of a Future Not Our Own Prayer , It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an opportunity for the Lord’s grace to enter and do the rest .
For more information about FF$15, contact the Subcommittee chair, Terry Cavanagh at (202) 368-4814 or tcavanagh@seiumddc.org .
Lenten Events and Mass Schedule
Below are various Lenten Events and Masses happening in and around St. Ignatius Parish


Jesus Christ Superstar 'Reboot' Plays on Easter
On Easter Sunday the R&B star will take on the role of Jesus— something he’s been preparing for his whole life.

When John Legend steps into the role of Jesus in front of millions of viewers on Easter Sunday, he’ll be in familiar territory.

In many ways, he’s been preparing for this role his entire life.

“I grew up with not only my parents being very religious, but also my grandfather was our pastor,” he explains, describing his childhood in Springfield, Ohio. And when he says that his family was “very” religious, he’s not exaggerating. Church is in John Legend’s blood.

He continues: “My grandmother was our church organist. My uncle took over for my grandfather when he passed away. I have uncles on my dad’s side who are also ministers and pastors, and one of my uncles is a bishop in Cincinnati.”

In other words, John Legend is intimately familiar with Jesus’ teachings. On the evening of April 1st, Legend will take the lead role in a live adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s massively popular—and controversial— musical Jesus Christ Superstar on NBC.

Save the Dates
On Sunday, March, 18, 2018, the Justice & Peace Economic Justice Sub-Committee will be conducting a Maryland Fight for $15 Offering of Letters in support of the campaign to raise Maryland’s minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2023 by writing letters to our State Senators and St ate Delegates urging them to support Maryland Fight for $15. Following the 9:00 A.M. Mass, the 10:30 A.M. Mass, and the 6:00 P.M. Mass, letter-writing sessions will be held in Ignatian Hall. We are providing parishioners and guests with sample letters, writing paper; envelopes, pens, stamps, and the addresses of respective legislators to contact.

Please make a difference and join us for this special offering of letters. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Also, to learn what has been happening with the Fight for $15, see story box at top of this column.

Director of New Pregnancy Center to Speak at St Ignatius on March 18
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 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.
Racism in the Catholic Church:
A Catholic Conversation
Saturday, April 14 - 8:30 AM
Have you registered for Racism in the Church: A Catholic Conversation yet? 

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. Greer 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.
Upcoming Events and Meetings
Justice & Peace Committee
Thursday, March 8, 6:30 PM
Click here for complete information.


Maryland March For Life
Monday, March 12
Click here for complete information.


Iñigo Book Group
Tuesday, March 13, 6:30 PM
Click here for complete information.


Green Team Meeting
Thursday, March 15, 7 PM
Click here for complete information.


Young Families - Fun With St. Patrick
Sunday, March 18, 9:30 AM
Click here for complete information.


Maryland Fight For $15 Offering of Letters Campaign
Sunday, March 18, after all Sunday Masses
See box above for complete information.


Director of Women's Care Center Talk
Sunday, March 18, after 10:30 Mass
See box above for complete information.


Lenten Penance/Reconciliation
Monday, March 19, 7:30 PM
Click here for complete information.


Women of the New Testament
Tuesday, March 20, 6:45 PM
Click here for complete information.


Viva House Collection this weekend!
Once again we will be collecting groceries for the neighbors of Viva House, the Catholic Worker community in southwest Baltimore. Each month Viva House distributes bags of groceries to those in need. Three times each year the community of St. Ignatius supports them in this good work. When you come to Mass on March 10 or 11 to celebrate, please bring to Ignatian Hall a doubled brown paper bag (or, better still, a reusable bag) filled with:
  • 1 box Cheerios
  • 1 box spaghetti
  • 1 spaghetti sauce
  • 2 cans meat (chicken or chili)
  • 2 boxes macaroni and cheese
  • 1 jar peanut butter

  • 2 cans soup 
  • 1 can vegetable (collards are a favorite)
  • 1 jelly/jam
  • 2 cans beans (without pork)
Will you help us make a decision?

It's About the Church Photo Directory

Early last year we had LifeTouch studios come in and do a series of photo shoots in which many parishioners had individual and family portraits taken. The benefit for the church was that we then had photos that could go into the church photo directory, which helps us all, particularly the staff, identify members. We've had many people begin attending, and/or join the church since that time. We are considering having the studios come out and take photos of those who are new, or did not previously have opportunity to schedule a sitting. As we consider this, were were wondering if you would be so kind as to take a brief survey to assist us in determining whether or not this is something we want to pursue. Please click here , to help us make our determination. We would appreciate it.

Register After Mass this Sunday and Get Free 5K T-shirt
Run (or Walk) in the Park for Others 

Register after Sunday Masses this weekend for the April 7th 5K run and 1 mile family walk. Registration table will be in the narthex or the Gallery, depending on Mass location. As an extra incentive, all who come to the registration table will get a free Ignatian 5K T-shirt (while they last) if they show registration confirmation or register on the spot.

Of course you can also register for the run/walk now, online. The Ignatian 5K and 1-mile family walk kicks off at 9 AM Saturday, April 7, in Patterson Park. Click here to register through Charm City Run, or paste www.MDSJ.org/Ignatian5K i nto your browser.

The family-friendly race allows strollers and leashed dogs; children 10 and younger register for free. All parishioners are welcome to come join the fun and support the runners. To volunteer with the race, send your name and contact information to anne.haddad1@gmail.com              

We Didn't Do It!

From the Archdiocese of Baltimore



There is currently an email-based “scam” that has affected a number of pastors. Emails are being sent to parishioners from fake email accounts under the name of the pastor that state something like, “How are you? I need a favor from you, please email me back as soon as possible…”

If you get one of these...don't respond...trash it!
Summer Growth Opportunity for our Youth
The Missions Office of the Archdiocese of Baltimore is sponsoring a trip to Haiti to serve the poor in our partner diocese of Gonaives. We are looking for volunteers between the ages of 16-20 to participate in this trip. Attached you will find a flyer with more information on the camp.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
 
Dr. Rodrigue Mortel
Director of the Missions Office
Archdiocese of Baltimore
410-547-5498
Worship with Offerings, Liturgy and Prayers for Others
POOR BOX 
Each weekend St. Ignatius specifies a Poor Box collection for a needful cause. Coinciding with our Viva House Grocery collection, this week's
support goes to the
Viva House

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
Cardinal Wuerl's pastoral plan on Amoris Laetitia points the way forward


March 5, 2018
by Michael Sean WInters

This weekend, Washington's Cardinal Donald Wuerl issued a   pastoral plan  on the implementation of  Amoris Laetitia . This text makes an important step towards moving the church beyond the controversies generated by the document, controversies largely confined to the pages of the Catholic press, and focuses on what  Amoris Laetitia  is really about, revitalizing the church's ministry to families, married couples, those preparing for marriage, and those whose marital situation has led them to feel like they no longer belong within the fold. 

Recently, there has been a great deal of debate about whether or not  Amoris Laetitia  constitutes a paradigm shift, and whether such a shift is even possible for a church that believes its doctrines are revealed by God. I wrote about that controversy  here , and my colleague at The Tablet, editor Brendan Walsh, addressed the issue in this  interview  with Cardinal Blase Cupich, which includes a video of the cardinal's lecture at the Von Hügel Institute on this subject. READ MORE
‘We Were Different’
Why Nativism Persists Among U.S. Catholics

by Julia G. Young

A few years ago, I taught an undergraduate course on migration at the Catholic University of America. During one lecture, I compared nineteenth-century Italian migration and contemporary Mexican migration to the United States. A hand shot up, and a student—one of several with an Italian surname—objected. “They’re not the same,” he protested. “My great-grandmother came here legally, and learned English—Mexicans don’t do that.”

As a historian who studies Mexican immigration to the United States, I’m used to hearing statements like this. Concerns about new immigrants’ legal status and failure to assimilate are widespread, and nativism has re-emerged in recent decades. Still, I wondered why this proud young Italian-American Catholic was so unwilling to compare his ancestors to the Mexican Catholic immigrants of today. Why did he not feel a sense of sympathy and solidarity for contemporary immigrants, who share so much with the great waves of Irish, Italians, Poles, and other immigrants of the late nineteenth century? READ MORE