In this week's Faith in Focus, Director of Faith Formation Lisa Freese discusses the Jewish roots of Pentecost, and what the coming of the Holy Spirit means for us today.

New research in April by the Pew Research Center recently found that about 40 percent of Catholics continue to watch Mass online, despite a recent lifting of mask mandates and other loosening restrictions around Covid-19. This statistic tracks closely with our own data about livestream attendance here at St. Ignatius Parish. For most, it’s been a wonderful, even radical, experiment. My guess, though, is that many have also experienced a sense of frustration or disappointment at times – both technologically and and spiritually.

Over the past few weeks here at St. Ignatius, our parish has been blessed to bear witness to many of our fellow parishioners who have celebrated their Sacraments of Initiation. For those of us who have been present during what amount to public professions of faith, these moments have been moving and reminiscent of other sacramental celebrations experienced both by ourselves and by those we love.

In his pastoral letter, Fr. Greg announces the launch of the public phase of the Preservation & Promise Campaign, an extraordinary fundraising effort that will help us preserve and restore our magnificent church. In addition to the physical restoration, we will invest in our faith community’s future, securing funding for our ongoing formation in faith, social ministries outreach and for innovation. This once-in-a-generation campaign will help ensure that our parish remains vibrant and relevant and that our “beacon on the hill” stands tall for the century ahead.

In this week's In The Margins, Director of Liturgy and Music Maggie Warner tells us about the importance of the Paschal Candle and the vital role played by bees in its production.

Tonight and tomorrow, Christians around the world gather together to celebrate our highest of holy days: the resurrection of Jesus. In his pastoral letter, Fr. Greg reminds us that love is stronger than death and that the Light of the Word dispels both our personal and communal darknesses.

As we begin Holy Week, Fr. Greg invites us to enter into these sacred days with a sense of hope, trusting that all that has been lost will be renewed.

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.