News - April 2026

My name is Alexa Martinez. I am a former Bay Area Catholic school student and the current Summer Camp Director at CYO Summer Camp. I am reaching out to share a bit about the summer camp that helped me so much in my youth, in hopes that you can pass this information on to your greater church community.

Mexico is often portrayed in international headlines through the lens of violence, political tension, or cartel-related conflict. While these realities exist and should not be ignored, they do not define the heart of the country. Reducing Mexico to fear-driven headlines overlooks the extraordinary richness of its people, culture, and everyday life. To truly understand Mexico, we must look beyond the news and experience the warmth, resilience, and beauty that shape the nation.

Our Saturday was magical! Thirty of us gathered in Fromm Hall for what was called an Art Retreat in the Ignatian Tradition. No previous art experience was required. All were welcome! All were in quiet anticipation of what we were about to engage in. Our very gifted and fabulous Retreat Director, Katie Wolf, received her MFA from San Francisco Art Institute and her BFA from Santa Clara University. She introduced herself and humbly described her oh so beautiful and varied works of art by way of video which are on display throughout the city. Katie then gathered us together in prayer and community and explained how the creative expression of our art work would be deepening our sense of the Creator working through us. During the time from 9:30 am through 3:50 pm we produced varied works of art always referencing the use of nature in our projects.

On the second Tuesday of every month, St. Ignatius Parish staff and parishioners participate in a Vigil at the Sansome Street Courthouse. Sign up for one or more shifts using this QR code or with the link on our website and in your email newsletter. Parishioners are encouraged to participate in either the 9:30-11:30 am shift on the second Tuesday of the month (led by St. Ignatius) or the 7:30-9:30 am shift on the third Thursday of the month (led by St. Agnes). To participate, you’ll need a smart phone to download a messaging app. Register today for one or more vigils!

To help us keep in mind and in our prayers the humanity and dignity of all members of our extended faith community who are migrants, families and friends of migrants, or otherwise subjected to dehumanizing conduct, we have set up an Altar of Witness within the Bellarmine Chapel in St. Ignatius Church.

The parish’s Anti-Racism Committee invites all, including faithful from outside St. Ignatius, to join us in praying an “Asian American Pacific Islander Rosary” together, in-person and/or on Zoom, during Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, on the following dates...

Kali sarakosti (Καλή σαρακοστή)! This literally means “Good 40-days” in Greek. In Greece, there are many greetings specifically for the beginning of an event. There are also specific greetings for religious occasions in addition to the common ordinary greetings you hear all year round, such as good day, good week or good month. Since our arrival in Greece, we have been greeted by a vibrant Catholic community. Among those who greeted us are Maronites, Jesuits, Franciscans, Capuchins, and priests from all over the world now residing in the cradle of western civilization. Within the Catholic Greece we have visited, we saw a generally thriving church scene.

Ever-glorious St. Joseph, good and faithful servant, God was pleased to place his own family in your care. You who knew the fear of fleeing to protect those you loved, be near to all who seek refuge and safety. Help us recognize Christ in the migrant and the stranger, and respond with courage and compassion. Touch the hearts of those whose policies affect the vulnerable, that they may be guided by wisdom, moved by compassion, and act with justice, always upholding the dignity of every human being. Through your intercession, grant protection to all migrants in danger —especially our parish families— that they may live without fear, and know the fullness of life God intends for all. Amen.