By the Light of a Star

Dear Sisters and Brothers— 

Though the trappings have disappeared, I hope that the memories of Christmas 2023 still warm your hearts and that the graces of the season continue to bring light into your lives as we settle into what the Church calls Ordinary Time. (So called because of the use of ordinal numbers: the Second Sunday of Ordinary time, for example.)

However, the other sense of “ordinary” can also apply, and the Scripture readings the Church gives us these weeks reflect that. We are hearing the stories of the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry as he calls his first disciples and exercises his divine power over unclean spirits and all that seeks to thwart God’s designs for Creation. But before we head into the ordinary completely, I’d like to acknowledge the extraordinary.

Christmas 2023 at St. Ignatius was extraordinary—and beautiful! From the lighted fresh evergreens in the sanctuary and vibrant red banners adorning the stately columns, to the carefully placed figures of the Holy Family and their many visitors in the creche, to the long-rehearsed and stunningly sung carols, Christmas was extraordinarily beautiful. My deepest gratitude to the generous volunteers and the dedicated staff who enabled us to pray and to celebrate in such splendor and with such meaning. I also want to thank all who were so generous by your participation in the Advent Giving Tree, making Christmas more joyful for the clients of 14 agencies that support throughout the year our sisters and brothers in need. Many also brought Gifts from the Magi to the Family Christmas Mass, supporting the Epiphany Center for mothers and their infants and toddlers. Truly, all of you were the light of the Star of Bethlehem for so many. Thank you.

On another note, two things regarding the work on the church. First, the pews and kneelers in the two middle front sections are gone for restoration and replacement, respectively. They will be out well into the season of Lent, so on Sundays, we will gather together differently. As this goes to print, the configuration of things is still to be determined. This much I know: we will bring the altar down onto the floor of the church, so you will not have to bring your binoculars! Second, this month we will start to see the fruit of the past nine months of restoration. The work on the southeast spire is near completion, and the scaffold there will come down. I am as eager as you for this first reveal! Also in the coming weeks, the restored stained-glass windows will begin to cast their beautiful light throughout the nave once again.

Finally, an introduction. Barbara Kennedy has joined the St. Ignatius Parish staff as Office Manager. Working with us part time, Barb is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the parish and for supporting the work of our program directors. She comes to us with decades of experience as an office manager and service work for her church. In the few hectic pre- and post-Christmas weeks she has been with us, Barb has established herself as an effective colleague to whom we can turn with confidence to get things done. We are very grateful to have her as a member of the team! Many of you will recognize Barb, as she is a new member of our faith community, along with her son Patrick, whom many know from his work with us during the bulk of our Preservation & Promise campaign. Welcome, Barb!

Oremus pro invicem,

Fr. Greg