News & Updates | January 2021 |
|
Dear Friend,
Like everyone else, I am deeply disturbed by the events in Washington, DC this past Wednesday. The violent assault was shocking to witness and has shaken our nation to its core.
What it all means for the future of our country is yet to be seen, but two things are clear: we need to honor the shock and grief we are currently experiencing, and we need to acknowledge that there will be no moving forward together without a profound experience of reconciliation and healing.
Recent Jesuit documents remind us that this latter task is no simple matter, involving as it does the need for truth, transparency, and a willingness to acknowledge individual and collective sinfulness. As people formed in the Ignatian tradition, reading the signs of this fractious time, let us not be deaf to the call to be agents of these sorely needed virtues.
While we cannot control the course of history at the national level, we do have choices to make. In the coming weeks, as we work through our grief, I encourage all of us who are inspired by Ignatian spirituality to examine our own experiences of division, acknowledge our complicity in creating or maintaining it, and foster through prayer and action the healing and reconciliation to which we are called.
And in all of it, let us keep our eyes on our Lord, Jesus Christ, who knows our pain, remains with us through it, and will supply the grace we need.
Sincerely in Christ,
|
|
Rev. George M. Witt, SJ
Executive Director
Office of Ignatian Spirituality
|
|
|
|
Let Us Pray for Human Fraternity |
Pope Francis asks us to pray this month that "the Lord may give us the grace to live in full fellowship with our brothers and sisters of other religions, praying for one another, open to all."
Click here for a short video on this month's prayer intention.
|
|
|
|
BOSTON COLLEGE
Opportunities at BC School of Theology and Ministry in 2021
The School of Theology and Ministry at Boston College has a number of opportunities for teachers and ministers:
|
|
The Office of Ignatian Spirituality remains committed to the pursuit of racial justice. As a staff we continue to prayerfully discern our roles in both the perpetuation and the fight against systemic racism. We invite everyone in our community to join us in praying for conversion of heart and in discerning how to take action. Each month we share what is informing our prayer and conversation among our staff. |
|
|
|
Dear White Catholics: It’s time to be anti-racist and leave white fragility behind.
by Andrew Lyke (America Media)
|
"Catholic anti-racist activism is about changing minds and hearts and forming alliances for creating the 'Beloved Community' and bringing forth the reign of God. As Christians, we know the power of the cross. We should not run away from it but face it, endure it and suffer through it. White fragility is a cross that Catholics must bear and suffer through."
|
|
|
|
The Racist Attack on Our Nations Capitol
by Fr. Bryan Massingale (America Media)
|
"As I watch the unimaginable scenes of insurrection from our nation’s capital, where our entire Congress was held hostage by the actions of a deluded and deranged mob, I am filled with anger. Righteous anger. Because while what we are watching is horrifying, it is not surprising."
|
|
|
|
ONLINE
Sunday, January 10, 12:00pm (ET)
JFAN/LOYOLA CLUB OF WASHINGTON, DC
Jesuit Friends and Alumni Network Winter 2021 Event
|
The Jesuit Friends and Alumni Network is joining with the John Carroll Society of the Archdiocese of Washington, DC, to welcome John J. DeGioia, President of Georgetown University, to speak at their Winter 2021 Virtual Luncheon on the topic of "Higher Education in a Post Pandemic World." The event will take place on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021, beginning at 12:00pm. Registration is required.
|
|
|
|
|
|
ONLINE
Sunday, January 24, 3-6 PM (ET)
CHARIS MINISTRIES
Mindful Movement & Prayer: A Young Adult Virtual Mini-Retreat for Women
|
During this virtual mini-retreat, participants will be guided through yoga postures and prayer, and invited to reflect individually and with others in community. No prior yoga experience necessary.
The retreat is free and open to all women in their 20s and 30s. Click here for more info and to register. |
|
|
|
|
|
ONLINE
Tuesday, February 2
ST. ANTHONY'S PARISH
Book Discussion: "Where the Hell Is God?" by Richard Leonard, SJ
|
St. Anthony's Jesuit Parish is Oceanside, NY, is hosting an online discussion group on the book "Where the Hell is God?" by Richard Leonard, SJ. The discussion will be led by Betsy Selman Babinecz, LCSW, DCSW, BCD and Vincent Biagi, SJ. Attendees are required to purchase the book, read it, and come prepared to discuss the book.
To register, contact Karen Suero at ksuero@sacli.org or 516.459.9386. Zoom Information will be sent advance. |
|
|
|
|
|
ONLINE
Wednesdays, Feb. 3-Mar. 24, 7:00-8:30pm
ST. IGNATIUS LOYOLA PARISH NYC
Meeting Christ in Prayer
|
St. Ignatius Loyola Parish in New York City is offering an 8-week, online retreat called "Meeting Christ in Prayer." Based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola, this program introduces participants to various ways of praying and provides an opportunity to support one another through faith-sharing via Zoom.
|
|
Ignatius House, Atlanta, GA |
|
Find your next retreat on our calendar of retreats offered by OIS and our partners across the Jesuit network.
|
|
Connect with God with the new online library of prayer experiences led by the pastoral team at Ignatius House Jesuit Retreat Center. Engaging talks, handouts, and music. Explore videos and materials for prayer at your own pace. Register for brand new online offerings at enrichment.IgnatiusHouse.org. |
|
Did someone forward you this email? |
|
Office of Ignatian Spirituality | USA East Province of the Society of Jesus
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
