News - March 2022

Over the past few weeks, our newly named “Elect” (those preparing for baptism at the Easter Vigil) have been participating in three successive rites, known as “Scrutinies.” Director of Faith Formation Lisa Spanuello Freese shines light on these ancient rites.

At St. Ignatius, the RCIA program is informed and shaped by Ignatian Spirituality and its concrete practices of finding God in all things, listening with a discerning heart, meeting people where they are, and becoming contemplatives in action. In this week's In The Margins, RCIA director and master catechist Mary Romo, D.Min, shares her experience of walking with those wishing become Catholic.

In this week's In the Margins, parishioner Ana Gonzalez-Lane speaks of the legacy of César Chávez and how his life's work inspired her to advocate for those who have no voice.

St. Ignatius Parish’s Laudato Si’ Circle is a social justice ministry rooted in love of life and centered on care for our common home. Especially during Lent, we focus on conversion at the individual level which will lead us to advocate for a cultural conversion that addresses the cry of the earth and its creatures.

Learn why Mercy and Justice Commission Co-chair Mike Neary believes that the Commission structure and guidance encourage members to listen for the quiet voice of the Holy Spirit in order to discern carefully how She is calling us to serve today.

Learn why Worship Commission member Carola Shepard believes that the heart of our community is our joint presence at the liturgy and how her own faith has been rejuvenated by participating in this old and sacred rite.

Learn why Miles Handley believes that serving as Faith Formation Commission Chair has reinforced his belief that our faith demands a loving and unambiguous response to the racism inherent in our culture.

Learn why Valerie Kazanjian believes that serving as Community Commission Co-chair has enriched her faith and how you can join her in working to make St. Ignatius Parish a fulfilling and nourishing haven for parishioners.

As part of the "common priesthood of the faithful," lay people are essential partners in ministry. This model of shared leadership has served our parish well for the past eight years. As we begin the process of seeking new members to serve on our Parish Commissions, I ask you to consider nominating yourself or another parishioner for this role. Together, let us continue to create a vibrant and dynamic parish.

St. Ignatius Parish stands with our Ukrainian sisters and brothers as they courageously defend themselves against unprovoked aggression. Let us join Pope Francis and the entire world as we pray for peace, fast from violence, and share what we have with the poor and oppressed.

For a moment last spring, after vaccines appeared, it looked like we might be able to return to each other, in the world outside of our homes and pods, after a seemingly interminable shelter-in-place. Then, March 16th happened.

On March 6, St. Ignatius Parish sent some very special members of our community to St. Mary’s Cathedral to join people from parishes all around the Archdiocese to celebrate the Rite of Election with Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone. This liturgy formally welcomed those preparing for the Sacraments of Initiation to the next step in their faith journey.

Praying with an environmental orientation during Lent, we seek to undergo an ecological conversion.

Just as the natural environment changes with the seasons, so too does the liturgical environment. In this week's "In the Margins," Director of Liturgy and Music Maggie Warner takes us on a tour through the sacred spaces in which we worship, highlighting the signs and symbols of Lent.

On March 6, we celebrate the first Sunday of the liturgical season known as Lent. This season is one of preparation and prayer, of giving up things so as to be free from them, and giving to others so as to be bound to them. This journey to Jerusalem is the first act in the great play of salvation.