March 30, 2020
Video: Pastor's Corner - Church updates March 30, 2020
COVID-19: Discerning a Path to God

What part of the path to God is the COVID-19 epidemic showing us?

The current experience of COVID-19 is showing us many things about ourselves and our world. In particular, I want to focus on how it is lighting up various aspects of our path to God and how, even in difficult times, there is consolation to be found.

First of all, it is showing us that we are one humanity. Every human being, every people, each culture that contributes to human diversity is part of this one, varied, rich and interdependent humanity.

It is showing us how overcoming a crisis is possible. It is possible when we become aware of the importance of looking after the Common Good and taking seriously our own individual responsibility. We can only live as one body. Separately, for each person or each people on their own, it is impossible.

It is showing us that there is no difference in age, race, religion or social status within our one humanity. Each and every one of us is part of it, no one is left out, no one of us can do without the others.

It is showing us that we want to walk together. We are all concerned; we help each other to overcome fears and anxieties. Each one of us is looking for a way to lend a hand, starting by putting what we ourselves want in second place and accepting the measures and sacrifices that allow us to contribute to the good of all.

It is showing us the competence and generosity of those who are in the front line, caring for those affected, seeking solutions or making difficult decisions for the good of all. It is showing us the sensitivity of so many people or organizations and the enormous reserve of solidarity that exists: in young people, in adults and in the elderly, in all corners of human society.

It is showing us the power of faith, the strong bonds that unite believers, the love of Jesus Christ that impels us, reconciles us and unites us. There are so many people praying together on social media. They want to profess their faith, that faith which they feel in the depths of their hearts and which they cannot keep to themselves.

I have been receiving information about the many creative initiatives that have been taken both in the provinces, regions, communities and apostolic works of the Society of Jesus... as well as in collaboration with others. I thank the Lord for all of this. I encourage you to continue looking for the best ways to be close to those in need, in order to continue to walk the common path together.

I join in the prayer of the whole body of the Society of Jesus, of the Catholic Church, of all Christian Churches, of other religions or beliefs and of all those who, with their attitude of solidarity, are looking for and are finding appropriate ways to continue to lend a hand.

We do not know how long this stretch of the road is or what will follow after. So, let us ask for light to see the way forward and the grace that we need to walk it as brothers and sisters, in solidarity with the whole of humanity and with the planet on which we live.

May the Lord bless us and keep us as we walk this journey together. AMEN
A Little Foolishness...
Video: "Stayin' Inside" – Coronavirus Bee Gees Parody
A Reflection
Lent in the Season of Coronavirus

by MB Mitcham

“I wasn’t expecting to give this much up for Lent.”

When the 2020 season of Lent began in the United States, very few could have predicted what would become the new normal within the span of a few short weeks. What began as well-intentioned choices on the part of some to selectively forego some common pleasures—sweets, social media, television or other indulgences—during the days leading up to Holy Week, soon morphed into a new reality, heretofore unprecedented in our modern era. A reality in which much of which we had taken for granted—going to work or school, visiting with friends or family members, attending religious services, or even being able to leave our homes when we want—are no longer possible for the foreseeable future. Even items previously considered necessities— many foods, medicines and toilet paper (the scarcity of which still boggles the mind)—are now either in limited supply, or are not able to be found.  READ MORE
Opportunities For Growth
During this time of isolation, lockdown and quarantine, it is more important than ever to continue finding God in all things. This digital retreat is a tool for exactly that. Pray through it individually, or invite members of your community to reflect and share together remotely.

Each module will begin with a short audio reflection. You will then be invited to meditate on images, short videos and Scripture, as well as reflect on discussion questions and contemplative activities.

About the Retreat Author
Eric Clayton is a senior communications manager at the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States, specializing in Ignatian spirituality and storytelling. Prior to the Jesuits, Eric worked at Catholic Relief Services, managing and producing content for various programs and initiatives, including the flagship Lenten program, CRS Rice Bowl. Additionally, Eric has managed social media for Maryknoll Lay Missioners, developed and directed retreats for the Sisters of Bon Secours, and taught classes in social media and nonprofits at Towson University. His writing has appeared in Busted Halo , Amendo , Grotto Network and more. He has a BA in international studies and creative writing from Fairfield University and an MA in international media from American University. He lives in Baltimore, MD with his wife, daughter and hedgehog where they are parishioners at St. Ignatius Catholic Community (except the hedgehog). We are so proud of you Eric!

You can reach Eric at eclayton@jesuits.org or follow him at @eclaytopia .

Facilitation Suggestions
The beauty of a digital retreat is that it can happen anytime, anywhere, with any number of people. To that end, consider a few ideas:

Make a personal retreat.
Commit to progressing through each module over the course of four days. Each day, visit the module when you wake up, when you break for lunch, and when you finish dinner. See what resonates with you at these different times of day. See what sticks with you.

Make a retreat with friends.
Find a means of virtual communication that suits you and your friends and use that as a way to check in on one another as you progress through the retreat. Ask one another the reflection questions as provided or create your own. Consider selecting one module per week and checking in periodically or at a predetermined time.

Make a retreat with your parish, school or work community.
We're all looking for ways to stay connected with communities we otherwise saw everyday. Consider inviting parish groups to make this retreat together, electing one facilitator to guide discussions and check-ins. Share it in your school newsletter or Facebook page. Or invite some coworkers to pray with you during this challenging times.
Ignatian Examen for Life During COVID-19

Our friends at  Ignatian Solidarity Network —and most notably, in partnership with Susan Haarman, a colleague at Loyola University Chicago—have published an  "Ignatian Examen for Life During COVID-19."    This prayerful resource is currently available in  English ,  Spanish ,  Portuguese ,  Italian , and  Lithuanian . A great way to center during this difficult season.
Worship with Offerings and Liturgy
POOR BOX 
This weekend's Poor Box support goes to support the Vulnerable Families in Crisis.
MASS MUSIC   
Attached is the listing for the music selections at next Sunday's 10:30 Mass.
(No listing until Masses resume)
In the Media
Staff inspect medical equipment at an emergency hospital set up amid the coronavirus outbreak in Jakarta, Indonesia, on March 23. (Hafidz Mubarak A/Pool Photo via AP)

Coronavirus ethics begins with a recognition of our limitations

by Kevin W. Wildes

The   Covid-19 pandemic   gives us, in the Judeo-Christian tradition, an opportunity to remember that we are finite creatures. The United States has a “can do” culture that brought us to the moon, but we can be impatient and expect things to happen instantly. The coronavirus brings us face to face with the reality that we have limitations. We have a limited number of hospital beds. Our health care personnel are limited, and our knowledge is limited.

Our ability to face reality will be tested on the frontlines, where heroic health care workers face their own health risks while they deal with supply shortages and long work hours. Americans do not like to talk about limits; it goes against our national mythology. But we have always limited health care by excluding people from the system. Before the Affordable Care Act was passed, over   44 million Americans   were without health insurance; even now that number is   over 25 million . READ MORE