News - September 2025

Every day when we watch the news, we see stories of war, famine, civil unrest, and global climate change forcing people to leave their homes and seek refuge in other lands. Unfortunately, this is not a new phenomenon. On Sunday, October 5, the Church observes the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, an opportunity to reflect on the connections between hope, migration and mission. It began in 1914 to support the high numbers of people from the rural portion of southern Italy and the island of Sicily who were departing because of economic hardship with little hope of ever improving their lives.

Each morning I walk a short distance to take a yoga class in my neighborhood. In the fall/winter the street is still dark: delivery trucks unload fruits and vegetables for a local grocery store, the owner of the coffee shop is just unlocking the door, and city employees are dragging recycling bins across the sidewalk. I also pass by several people within alcoves they use as shelter to sleep during the night. Often they have containers of left-overs from the nearby restaurants that have been opened and picked through: french fries, half a chicken breast, a pizza crust. I call to mind the meal my husband has made for us the night before. I wonder how such hunger can exist in our beautiful city; I know that Jesus calls me to feed the spiritually and physically hungry. ‘Feed my lambs, tend my sheep , feed my sheep’ I hear Jesus say.

Since returning from my extended summer break, many have asked if I’m happy to be back. I very much am! In fact, last week, I surprised myself when I answered, “I am exceedingly happy to be back.” My gratitude to God for being a member of our wonderful faith community has never been deeper.

It is with great concern for the ongoing crisis in Gaza that we share this appeal for urgent relief for survival in Gaza and recovery across the Holy Land. Our Church mourns the terrible suffering of innocent victims of violence in Gaza and surrounding areas. The Holy Father notes with great sorrow that “Gaza is starving.” He continues to call for a cease fire and for aid to enter the territory. Thousands are struggling to survive, protect their children, and live with dignity in dire conditions.

Mary Jo "MJ" McConnell: "For three years I have been honored to be a music minister here at St. Ignatius. We have experienced change, but what keeps us resilient is our love for music and each other. This NYC transplant is truly grateful for the warm embrace of this community, and for the opportunity to grow as a musician. If you are called to make a joyful noise, join us. There are many levels of participation: Sunday worship, Easter week and Christmas celebrations with more challenging repertoire, and our signature annual requiem, which is the most demanding. Come as you are, stay for the joy." Thank you, Mary Jo!

Please join me and my brother Jesuits as we pray in gratitude for the life and ministry of Father Al Grosskopf, S.J., who, at age 94, died peacefully on August 25 at the Sacred Heart Jesuit Center in Los Gatos. Most of us came to know and love Father Al through his ministry as Associate Pastor of St. Ignatius Parish from 1997-2008.

New this year! We’ll have monthly gatherings after the 5:00 PM Mass for discussion, games, and PIZZA. Our first gathering will be Sunday, September 14th—don’t miss it! Here are some upcoming opportunities for youth to get involved: