January 19, 2020 ~ 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Dear Friends in Christ,

As we begin “Ordinary Time,” we realize that time is not “ordinary;” rather, it is a gift from God to live our baptismal call – to live out our mission of being joyful missionary disciples. Pope Francis wants us to be a missionary Church. He writes: “I dream of a “missionary option,” that is, a missionary impulse capable of transforming everything, so that the Church’s customs, ways of doing things, times and schedules, language and structures can be suitably channeled for the evangelization of today’s world rather than for her self-preservation.” (Evangelii Gaudium, 27)

Catholic Ministries Appeal: We need to be a parish that is missionary and assists the whole Church in carrying out its mission. Last week, we concluded the Christmas Season with the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord. We were invited to reflect on the gift of our vocation as disciples and sons and daughters of God. God does not call us only as individuals but also to be part of His family – the Church.

As members of the Church, we belong to a parish. Our parish, St. Ignatius, is beginning its celebration of some milestones in its life: the 50th anniversary of the dedication of our church in 2020; the 75th anniversary of the founding of the parish in 2021; and the 75th anniversary of the founding of the school in 2022. As a parish with a rich tradition of faith and generosity, we are connected to the other Catholic parishes and ministries through our common bond of faith and communion with our Archbishop and the Pope. In short, we are part of a larger community of faith in a universal Church. Catholics here and around the world work “Together for the Faith of the Gospel.” (Phil 1:27)

Each year our parish is asked to participate in the Catholic Ministries Appeal, contributing to support the mission of the Church, including support of the poor. We are asked to support six important ministries by contributing to the annual Catholic Ministries Appeal. What are these six ministries? They are Catholic Charities and Catholic Social Services; the Retired Archdiocesan Priests and Senior Clergy; Seminary and Vocations; the New Evangelization; St. Rita School for the Deaf; and finally, Campus, Hospital and Prison Ministries. Families will be receiving a CMA mailing from me this week. Please prayerfully complete your pledge card and return it in the envelope provided, or bring your completed pledge card to Mass.

March for Life: Part of our mission as a parish is to build a Culture of Life, one in which every life is valued, cherished, and protected. January 22nd marks the 47th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. It is a Day of Prayer and Penance. To that end, I will hold a Holy Hour of Reparation for sins against human life from 7pm to 8pm on Wednesday. We will have Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament following the 9:15 am Mass until 8pm. Fr. Dave and I will hear confessions from 6pm-7 pm, and our High School Youth Group will join us for the Holy Hour. These young Catholics will travel to Washington for the Annual March for Life to be witnesses to the gift of human life. Please join with them in praying as they carry out their mission to be God’s witnesses.

I also encourage you to join thousands of Catholics nationwide in the annual Respect Life novena, 9 Days for Life, Tuesday, January 21 – Wednesday, January 29. Get daily intentions, brief reflections, and more. Sign up at www.9daysforlife.com!

Mission: Before Jesus sends His disciples out two by two, He first invites them to be with Him. Please consider the upcoming spiritual opportunities we have at the parish, including the Men’s Retreat; the Welcome Weekend (Christ Renews His Parish); the mission with Immaculée; and many of our Bible Studies as a way to spiritually prepare for our joint mission.

Finally, next week marks the beginning of Catholic Schools Week. I want to thank in advance the many teachers, staff, and parents who make the mission of evangelization possible through Catholic education and who help form our children into joyful, missionary disciples. The Lord has called us to be a light to the nations, that His salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.

– Fr. Fernandes

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