News - August 2025

Stephen St. Marie "I joined the St Ignatius Parish choir nearly 30 years ago, and I have found it to be a profoundly satisfying way for me to be part of our parish. It was partly for the opportunity to sing aloud and to participate in a musical group, and partly for the companionship with my fellow choristers. But much more for the benefit of a deeper feeling of participation in the Mass and in prayer.

From September 1 (World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation) through October 4 (Feast of St. Francis of Assisi), Christians worldwide celebrate the Season of Creation. For us in the Ignatian tradition, this sacred time is an invitation to “find God in all things” by noticing God’s presence in the beauty of creation and in the cries of the earth and the poor. Rooted in Laudato Si’ and the Jesuit Universal Apostolic Preference of “Caring for Our Common Home,” this season calls us to conversion of heart and to daily choices that embody cura personalis—care for one another and for our common home. Like the Examen, it is a time to pause, give thanks, and discern how God is inviting us to live in deeper harmony with creation. This year, we invite each parishioner to choose one simple practice for one month.

“Our response to the arrival of migrating persons can be summarized by four words: welcome, protect, promote and integrate.” - Pope Francis. Today, this response to a migrating person – welcoming, protecting, promoting and integrating them into the United States – also needs to include migrants who may have been here for years or even decades. One way to offer protection is to share information about certain rights and protections that all people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have under the Constitution. That's where red cards come in. Immigrant Legal Resource Center’s (ILRC) red cards give examples of how people can exercise these rights, for instance when interacting with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other law enforcement agencies.

What a game! Fr. Jerry suggested we all pray a few rosaries before heading out—and it worked. Baseball, like sports in general, can feel like an act of faith: we show up, we hope, and we trust that something good will unfold. This past Sunday, that faith was rewarded with sunshine, great pitching, timely hitting, and even a once-in-a-decade catch.

Teri Stanul "I joined the choir about eight months ago after much prayer, asking God if this is where He wanted me. It was a decision I am very comfortable with, as I’ve always loved worshiping God in Song. Patrick Hagen, our amazing leader, and director is a man of God, and he is very talented in leading us in songs of praise. He is welcoming and very encouraging, as he teaches us with much patience to sing to our Savior. We are a family of believers, who through singing, glorify and praise. Please join us as we pray through song to our adoring God!" Thank you, Teri!

For thousands of years, the Catholic Church and organizations associated with it have met the needs of families and the vulnerable. It is part of who we are. This parish helps people, parishioners as well as those in need who might not be associated with the parish, through "corporal works of mercy." Here are a few examples.

Students are coming back to school, those fortunate enough to have summer vacations are returning to a more traditional schedule . . . For a variety of reasons, the "fall of the leaves" presents a time of renewal for our community. Whether it is being together again in meaningful ways, continuing to live God's love as expressed in the Gospels through Mercy & Justice, or a renewal of responsibility of being the primary catechist for your children, the time is always ripe, but especially so in fall.