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Clergy Corner

May 22, 2022

My dear St. Ignatius faith family,

The tensions in the life of the church is nothing new. Today’s first reading (Acts 15: 1-29) mirrors such a tension at the time of the Apostles. 

Acts chapter 15 outlines the deliberations of the Council of Jerusalem, which took place around A.D. 50. Prior to the gathering, certain disciples of Jesus in Antioch claimed that "unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” Paul and Barnabas, Luke says, had a passionate debate with them. Ultimately, the issue was brought to Jerusalem to be decided by the apostles and the elders, guided by the Holy Spirit. And the decision of the council was that being circumcised was not necessary for salvation.

This must have shaken many of the early Jewish Christians. However, the peace of Christ prevailed. What must bind the church together throughout its differences is the realization that the Holy Spirit is present among the disciples of Jesus. Christ connects the giving of the Holy Spirit to the giving of his
peace to the disciples.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus says: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” Christ's peace is unique. It is not comparable to that of shaky political allegiances but to the steadfastness of God. In Jesus' use of the word, we must consider the Hebrew concept of “shalom” as I mentioned in my previous column. It can mean health, the well-being of the whole person and friendship, as well as the absence of war. All of these must certainly be considered as aspects of peace. However, two other important senses of shalom come closer to Jesus' deepest meaning of peace. For shalom can indicate divine grace in general and, in particular, the salvation Jesus Christ brings.

Christ's peace, however, does not inoculate us from the reality of the world and its suffering. It does not protect us from physical or psychological pain. The peace of Christ gives us grace to carry on our crosses with a purpose. Ultimately, the peace of Christ is the gift of eternal life (John 10:28). It is the gift of joy (John 15:11) that transcends the vicissitudes and losses of this life, because it offers the deepest joy of
salvation, which God only can give.

In fact, a kind of healthy struggle or healthy suffering is good for us. Let me give you an example. A certain man was a collector of moths. One day, while walking in a park, he saw the cocoon of a rare moth hanging from a tree twig. He clipped the twig and took the cocoon home.

A few days later he saw movement inside the cocoon, but the moth didn’t emerge. The next day he saw movement again, but again nothing happened. When it happened a third time, he lost his patience, took a knife and slit the cocoon. Yes, the moth crawled out. But to the moth collector’s dismay, it was
undeveloped and soon died.

Later a biologist friend explained why. He said that God has arranged it in such a way that a moth must struggle to escape its cocoon. It’s this struggle that causes it to develop and makes it strong enough to survive the hostile environment. When the moth collector tried to make it easy for the moth, he destroyed its chances to grow and develop.

Something like that happens with us. God programs struggle into our lives. It is his way of helping us grow physically, psychologically, morally and spiritually. And all the while we are struggling, God is close at hand. God knows that it is for our own good that we struggle for a while. For it is through this
kind of struggle that we grow and develop spiritually—grow into mature Christians!

Shalom,
Fr. Francis

Mi querida familia de fe de San Ignacio,

Las tensiones en la vida de la iglesia no son nada nuevo. La primera lectura de hoy (Hechos 15: 1-29) refleja tal tensión en el tiempo de los Apóstoles.

El capítulo 15 de Hechos describe las deliberaciones del Concilio de Jerusalén, que tuvo lugar alrededor del año 50 d. C. Antes de la reunión, ciertos discípulos de Jesús en Antioquía afirmaron que "a menos que seas circuncidado según la costumbre de Moisés, no puedes ser salvo". Pablo y Bernabé, dice Lucas, tuvieron un debate apasionado con ellos. Finalmente, el asunto fue llevado a Jerusalén para que lo decidieran los apóstoles y los ancianos, guiados por el Espíritu Santo. Y la decisión del concilio fue que la circuncisión no era necesario para la salvación.

Esto debe haber sacudido a muchos de los primeros judíos cristianos. Sin embargo, la paz de Cristo prevaleció. Lo que debe unir a la iglesia a través de sus diferencias es la comprensión de que el Espíritu Santo está presente entre los discípulos de Jesús. Cristo conecta el don del Espíritu Santo al don de su paz a los discípulos.

En el Evangelio de hoy, Jesús dice: “La paz les dejo, mi paz les doy”. La paz de Cristo es única. No es comparable a la de las lealtades políticas inestables sino a la firmeza de Dios. En el uso que hace Jesús de la palabra, debemos considerar el concepto hebreo de "shalom" como mencioné en mi columna anterior.

Puede significar la salud, el bienestar de toda la persona y la amistad, así como la ausencia de guerra. Todos estos deben ser considerados ciertamente como aspectos de la paz. Sin embargo, otros dos sentidos importantes de shalom se acercan más al sentido más profundo de Jesús de paz. Porque shalom puede indicar la gracia divina en general y, en particular, la salvación que trae Jesucristo.

La paz de Cristo, sin embargo, no nos inocula de la realidad del mundo y su sufrimiento. No nos protege del dolor físico o psíquico. La paz de Cristo nos da la gracia para llevar nuestras cruces con un propósito. Al final, la paz de Cristo es el don de la vida eterna (Juan 10:28). Es el don del gozo (Juan 15:11) que trasciende las vicisitudes y pérdidas de esta vida, porque ofrece el gozo más profundo de la salvación, que
sólo Dios puede dar.

De hecho, nos conviene una especie de lucha sana o de sufrimiento sano. Déjame darte un ejemplo. Un hombre era un coleccionista de polillas. Un día, mientras caminaba por un parque, vio el capullo de una rara polilla colgando de la rama de un árbol. Cortó la ramita y se llevó el capullo a casa. Unos días después vio movimiento dentro del capullo, pero la polilla no emergió. Al día siguiente volvió a ver movimiento, pero tampoco pasó nada. Cuando sucedió por tercera vez, perdió la paciencia, tomó un cuchillo y cortó el capullo. Sí, la polilla se arrastró fuera. Pero para consternación del coleccionista de
polillas, no se desarrolló y pronto murió.

Más tarde, un amigo biólogo explicó por qué. Dijo que Dios lo ha dispuesto de tal manera que una polilla debe luchar para escapar de su capullo. Es esta lucha lo que hace que se desarrolle y lo hace lo suficientemente fuerte como para sobrevivir en un entorno hostil. Cuando el recolector de polillas trató de ponérselo fácil a la polilla, destruyó sus posibilidades de crecer y desarrollarse.

Algo así sucede con nosotros. Dios programa luchas en nuestras vidas. Es su forma de ayudarnos a crecer físicamente, psicológicamente, moralmente y espiritualmente. Y mientras luchamos, Dios está cerca. Dios sabe que es por nuestro propio bien que luchamos por un tiempo. Porque es a través de este tipo de lucha que crecemos y nos desarrollamos espiritualmente, ¡convirtiéndonos en cristianos maduros!
​
Shalom,
Padre Francisco

 May 15, 2022

     Some years ago, our daughter was teaching at St. Killian’s School, and I received a call from her. She asked me to come down to her classroom and settle a dispute  between her and one of her students. So, off I went to St. Killian’s. When I arrived, she explained that they were discussing the 10 Commandments and that one of her students had raised the question there were just two commandments (to explain: when Jesus is challenged by one of the scholars about inheriting eternal life, Jesus responds by asking what is written in the law. The scholar responds – you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself. [Luke 10:25-27]). So, in a sense, her student was actually correct. But then I sent the room into an uproar; I     declared that they were both wrong. I said that Jesus left us with just ONE COMMANDMENT! To LOVE – to love God and to LOVE everyone else.
 
     St. Peter, in his first letter, advises the Christian community, “Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without  complaining. As each one received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
 
     Paul, in his letters advises his followers “to be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ.” And, elsewhere, in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he   details what is LOVE – “It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails”
 
     In today’s Gospel, Jesus says: “I give you a new commandment: LOVE ONE ANOTHER. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
 
     All of our readings today speak to this point – LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Paul and Barnabas travel through the eastern provinces encouraging the followers of the WAY (we were not called Christians yet) to persevere in the faith. In each of the places they visited, they were greeted and welcomed – they shared the love of the disciples of the WAY. As we look further in the Acts of the Apostles and in Paul’s letters, we see that as he traveled the people would give him gifts to be presented to the other communities and money to be given to the congregation in Jerusalem where it would be distributed to the needy.
 
   In Revelations, John explains how the vision he had of the new Jerusalem was the dwelling for the human race and that God will dwell with them and they will be His people. We see the reflection of God’s love when “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, for the old order has passed away.”  In John’s first letter he declares: “God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him. (1 John 4:16).
 
You and I are present day disciples of Jesus – followers of the WAY (Christians –   Catholic  Christians) and as disciples, we are called to follow Jesus’ commandment – to love one another. How do we show this love? What are we called to do? Like the early Christians, we are called to share what we have with the needy and put Peter’s and Paul’s advice into practice – forgive one another. And most  importantly, to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
Dn. George

Hace algunos años, nuestra hija estaba enseñando en la escuela St. Killian's School y   recibí una llamada de ella. Me pidió que fuera a su salón de clases y resolviera una  disputa entre ella y uno de sus alumnos. Entonces, me fui a St. Killian's. Cuando llegué, me explicó que estaban discutiendo los 10 Mandamientos y que uno de sus alumnos había planteado la pregunta de que solo había dos mandamientos (para explicar: cuando uno de los eruditos desafía a Jesús acerca de heredar la vida eterna, Jesús responde preguntando lo que está escrito en la ley. El erudite responde: Amarás al Señor tu Dios con todo tu corazón, con todo tu ser, con todas tus fuerzas y con toda tu mente, y a tu prójimo como a ti mismo. [Lucas 10:25- 27]). Entonces, en cierto sentido, su estudiante estaba realmente en lo correcto. Pero luego envíe la habitación en un alboroto; Declaré que ambos estaban equivocados. ¡Dije que Jesús nos dejó sólo un MANDAMIENTO! AMAR – amar a Dios y AMAR a todos los demás.
 
San Pedro, en su primera carta, aconseja a la comunidad cristiana: “Sobre todo, que nuestro amor mutuo sea intenso, porque el amor cubre multitud de pecados. Sean hospitalarios unos con otros sin quejarse. A medida que cada uno recibió un don, utilízalo para servirse unos a otros como buenos administradores de la multiforme gracia de Dios”.
 
Pablo, en sus cartas, aconseja a sus seguidores “ser amables unos con otros, compasivos, perdonándose unos a otros como Dios nos perdonó a nosotros en Cristo”. Y, en otra parte, en la carta de Pablo a los corintios,      detalla qué es el AMOR: “Todo lo soporta, todo lo cree, todo lo espera, todo lo soporta. El amor nunca falla”
 
En el Evangelio de hoy, Jesús dice: “Les doy un mandamiento nuevo: ÁMENSE los unos a los otros, como yo los he amado, así también ustedes deben amarse los unos a los otros. En esto conocerán todos que son mis discípulos, en el amor que se tengan unos a otros.”
 
Todas nuestras lecturas de hoy hablan de este punto: AMARSE LOS UNO A LOS OTROS. Pablo y Bernabé viajan por las provincias orientales animando a los seguidores del CAMINO (aún no nos llamamos cristianos) a perseverar en la fe. En cada uno de los lugares que visitaron fueron recibidos y bienvenidos, compartieron el amor de los discípulos del CAMINO. A medida que miramos más allá en los Hechos de los Apóstoles y en las cartas de Pablo, vemos que mientras viajaba, la gente le daba regalos para presentarlos a las otras comunidades y dinero para entregar a la congregación en Jerusalén, donde se distribuiría a los necesitados.
 
En Apocalipsis, Juan explica cómo la visión que tuvo de la nueva Jerusalén era la morada de la raza humana y que Dios moraría con ellos y ellos serían su pueblo. Vemos el reflejo del amor de Dios cuando “Él enjugará toda lágrima de sus ojos, y no habrá más muerte ni luto, ni llanto ni dolor, porque el antiguo orden ha pasado”. En la primera carta de Juan declara: “Dios es amor, y quien permanece en el amor permanece en Dios y Dios en él. (1 Juan 4:16).
 
Usted y yo somos discípulos de Jesús en la actualidad, seguidores del CAMINO (cristianos, cristianos católicos) y, como discípulos, estamos llamados a seguir el mandamiento de Jesús: amarnos unos a otros. ¿Cómo mostramos este amor? ¿Qué estamos llamados a hacer? Al igual que los primeros     cristianos, estamos llamados a compartir lo que tenemos con los necesitados ya poner en práctica el consejo de Pedro y Pablo: perdonarnos unos a otros. Y, lo más importante, AMARNOS UNO A OTRO.
Dn. George.
 

 

May 8, 2022

Greetings from Fr. Jacob Varughese, the new Associate Pastor
 
I am Fr. Jacob Varughese born on 25th May 1975 .  I am from India, Kerala and my father is Mr. Varughese Abraham and my mother is Mrs. Mariamma  Varughese.  I have two brothers and three sisters.  My father was a lay apostle and his duty was to visit the various parishes and proclaim the word of God and my mother is a house wife.  
 
I  was ordained as a priest on November 24th 2004 after my theological and philosophical studies in Pune.  My first appointment was as house minister in Trivandrum Kerala for six months and I was asked by the provincial to go and serve the community in West Bengal, North India.  There I served as Pastor of the parish and served as the Vice Principal in the school. During this time, I completed  my Masters in Public Administration.  I came back to Kerala and I was appointed as Pastor of three parishes there. During this time, I completed my studies in Bachelor in Education. After three years in this parish, I was appointed as the Principal of Mar Ivanios Bethany School and Pastor of another parish near to the school.  During this period, I completed my Masters in Social Science.  After two years in the school, I was asked to take charge as Administrator of Bethany College of Education, Bethany    Navajeevan Matriculation School and Bethany Navajeevan CBSE School in Tamil Nadu.  During this period, I completed my Masters in Education.  From there I was elected as the Chief Finance Officer of the Bethany Navajeevan Province and I served in that post for six years continuously. My term as Chief Finance Officer ended in 2021. I was then  appointed as the Administrator of Mount Bethany School in Kerala till April 15, 2022. From April 20, 2022 I am now appointed as the Associate Pastor in St. Ignatius of Loyola Church, Hicksville.  
 
The most precious gift one can get in this world is a loving mother. Mother is more than a word. She is an emotion characterized by never ending love and care. There are no words that can fully express a mother’s love. She is the most powerful and amazing person one can ever have.
 
The Bible has lots to say about the role and traits of mothers and familial love. Prophet Isaiah says “As one whom his mother comforts so I will comfort you” (Isaiah 66:13). The book of Proverbs speaks about a mother “she opens her mouth with wisdom and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue” (Proverbs 31:26). Edwin Chapin said that “No language can express the power, heroism and majesty of a mother’s love.”
 
All the religions in this world command to their followers to recognize the contribution of mothers to their families and to their children as well as to the humanity. In Hinduism, mother is the one person who is most glorified and considered worthy of respect and service. No doubt, she is created with the qualities such as love, sacrifice, forbearance and selfless service to her children.
 
Today when we celebrate Mother’s Day, let us thank our mothers and pray for them. We can’t explain the role of our mother in our life. In each and every moment we can feel the love and care of our mothers. They not only gave us birth but nursed us, nurtured us and trained us to be good human beings in this world. She gives her hands to us when we fall in our steps. We should remember all our mothers, whether they are alive or have gone to their eternal reward.
On the cross, Jesus gave us a precious gift – Mother Mary – our Heavenly Mother. “When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, ‘woman, behold your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘behold your mother’” (Jn 19:25-26). Pope John Paul II remarked that if you want to study the ways of Christian life, you should study it from Mother Mary.
 
On this Mother’s Day, let us sing the beautiful song we sing on the feast day of  The Presentation:
“Gentle woman, peaceful dove, teach us wisdom, teach us love.”
 

Saludos del P. Jacob Varughese, el nuevo pastor asociado
 
Soy el padre Jacob Varghese. Nací en Kerala, India en 1975. Mi padre es el Sr. Varughese Abraham y mi madre es la Sra. Mariamma Varughese. Tengo dos hermanos y tres hermanas. Mi padre era apóstol laico y su deber era visitar las distintas parroquias y proclamar la palabra de Dios y mi madre es ama de casa.
 
Fui ordenado sacerdote en 2004 después de mis estudios teológicos y filosóficos en Pune. Mi primer         nombramiento fue como ministro de la casa en Trivandrum Kerala durante seis meses y el provincial me pidió que fuera y sirviera a la comunidad en Bengala Occidental, India del Norte. Allí serví como pastor de la      parroquia y como subdirector de la escuela. Durante este tiempo completé mi Maestría en Administración    Pública. Regresé a Kerala y fui nombrado pastor de tres parroquias allí. Durante este tiempo completé mis    estudios de Licenciatura en Educación. Después de tres años en la parroquia fui nombrado director de la      escuela Betania Mar Ivanios y pastor de otra parroquia cercana a la escuela. Durante este período completé mi Maestría en Ciencias Sociales. Después de dos años en la escuela, me pidieron que me hiciera cargo como administrador de Bethany College of Education, Bethany Navajeevan Matriculation School y Bethany       Navajeevan CBSE School en Tamil Nadu. Durante este período completé mi Maestría en Educación.
 
A partir de ahí, fui elegido como director de finanzas de la provincia de Bethany Navajeevan y ocupé ese puesto      durante seis años continuos. Mi mandato como director de finanzas finalizó en 2021. Fui nombrado   administrador de la Escuela Mount Bethany en Kerala hasta el 15 de abril de 2022. A partir del 20 de abril de 2022 fui designado pastor asociado en la Iglesia San Ignacio Loyola, Hicksville.
 
El regalo más precioso que uno puede recibir en este mundo es una madre amorosa.   Madre es más que una palabra. Es una emoción caracterizada por el amor y el cuidado sin fin. No hay palabras que puedan expresar plenamente el amor de una madre. Ella es la persona más poderosa y sorprendente que uno puede tener.
 
La Biblia tiene mucho que decir sobre el papel y las características de las madres y el amor familiar. El profeta Isaías lo dice así: “Como alguien a quien su madre consuela, yo te consolaré” (Isaías 66:13). Proverbios habla de las madres así “ella abre su boca con sabiduría y la enseñanza de la bondad está en su lengua” (Proverbios 31:26). Edwin Chapin dijo que “Ningún lenguaje puede expresar el poder, el heroísmo y la majestuosidad del amor de una madre”
 
Hoy, cuando celebramos el día de la madre, debemos agradecer a nuestras madres y orar por ellas. No podemos explicar el papel de nuestra madre en nuestra vida. En todos y cada uno de los momentos podemos sentir el amor y el cuidado de nuestra madre. No solo nos dieron a luz, sino que nos cuidaron, nos nutrieron, nos entrenaron para ser un ser humano en este mundo. Ella nos dio sus manos cuando caímos en nuestros pasos. Debemos recordar a todas nuestras madres ya sea que estén vivas aquí o hayan ido a su recompensa eterna.
 
En la cruz, Jesús nos dio un regalo precioso: la Madre María, la Madre celestial. “Al ver Jesús a su madre y al discípulo a quien amaba, dijo a su madre: Mujer, ahí tienes a tu hijo. Entonces dijo al discípulo: he aquí tu madre” (Jn 19, 25-26). El Papa Juan Pablo II dijo que si quieres estudiar los caminos de la vida cristiana debes estudiarlos de la Madre María.
 
En este día de la madre, cantemos el hermoso cántico que cantamos en la fiesta de la presentación, “dulce mujer, pacífica paloma, enséñanos la sabiduría, enséñanos el amor”.
 

May 1, 2022

What a grace-filled week we had! God allowed us to celebrate Easter with the positive message that we are a “Resurrection People in His unfathomable mercy.” This means that we are not supposed to lie buried in the tomb of our sins, evil habits, and dangerous addictions. It gives us the Good News that no tombs can hold us down any longer – not the tombs of despair, discouragement, doubt, or death itself. Instead, we are expected to live a joyful and peaceful life, constantly experiencing the real presence of the Risen Lord in all the events of our lives.
Now that we have entered the Easter Season that leads to Pentecost, I want to thank so many generous people who helped make our Lenten and Holy Week liturgical celebrations such uplifting experiences of faith. Martha’s Guild, Ushers, Altar Servers, Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Music Ministry, Sacristans, Parish Staff, and all of our volunteers who performed their various services with devotion and faith and careful attention. I feel so privileged and blessed to work with our Priests, Deacons, Sisters, and Staff who        contributed to the prayerful celebration of this Holy Season. A special thank you to all of our parishioners and friends for your prayerful presence during this Lenten Season and Holy Triduum and generous  contributions to the various needs of the parish through your sacrificial giving.
The Divine Mercy celebration reminds us of God’s mercy in our daily lives and our call to be merciful to others. Thank you Catholic Daughters and the Divine Mercy Group for arranging the Chaplet, adoration, and decorations on Divine Mercy Sunday. A special thanks to the Divine Mercy Hispanic group leader Sandra Martinez, for donating a beautiful chasuble for the parish with the Divine Mercy image.
My prayerful congratulations to RCIA members who received the Sacraments of Initiation and our second grade students who will receive Holy Communion for the first time this weekend and next. With great joy, we welcome them to the Eucharistic banquet and into the active ministry of our beautiful parish. While this is an important event for the individual believers and their immediate families, it is also a graced     moment for St. Ignatius Parish to consider the importance of this source of nourishment for body and spirit. It is our Easter faith that, in the celebration of the Sacraments, we regularly encounter the Risen Christ. Thank you, Deacon George and Deacon Mario, along with Migdalia, Paul, and other volunteers.
On May 14, Bishop John Barres will be here at St. Ignatius to confirm our eighth graders. We warmly welcome him and pray that they will be deeply touched by the marvelous gift of the special sacrament of Confirmation that the Bishop celebrates for us. Please keep all of our young people in your prayers and appreciate their parents cooperating with our dedicated Religious Education Program team.
This is the month of May, the month of Mary. Please join us for Holy Rosary throughout the month,  at 8:25 am in the Church. A special welcome to Holy Mass on May 8 for May Crowning and a special   blessing for the mothers. We invite all our mothers to join with First Holy Communicants to sing and praise God for the Blessed Mother and our beloved mothers, their role in giving life and nourishing our faith. We will have a special Fatima Holy Mass and procession on May 13 at 6:00 pm.
We have a precious Easter gift from God for our parish, Fr. Jacob Varughese, who will serve our parish as an Associate Pastor. You will read more about him next week. Welcome Fr. Jacob to our beautiful vibrant parish.
Let us continue to pray for one another and our parish.
In Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Shibi
 
¡Qué semana tan llena de gracia tuvimos! Dios nos permitió celebrar la Pascua con el     mensaje positivo de que somos un “Pueblo resucitado en su insondable misericordia”. Esto significa que se supone que no debemos estar enterrados en la tumba de nuestros pecados, malos hábitos y peligrosas adicciones. Nos da la Buena Noticias de que ninguna tumba puede detenernos por más tiempo, ni las tumbas de la desesperación, el desánimo, la duda o la muerte misma. En cambio, se espera que vivamos una vida alegre y pacífica, experimentando  constantemente la presencia real del Señor Resucitado en todos los eventos de nuestras vidas.
 
Ahora que hemos entrado en el Tiempo Pascual que lleva a Pentecostés. Quiero agradecer a tantas personas generosas que ayudaron a hacer de nuestras celebraciones litúrgicas de Cuaresma y Semana Santa experiencias de fe tan edificantes. Martha's Guild, mujeres, monaguillos, lectores, ministros eucarísticos, ministerio de música, sacristanes, personal parroquial y todos nuestros voluntarios realizaron sus diversos servicios con devoción, fe y atención cuidadosa. Me siento tan privilegiado y bendecido de trabajar con nuestros sacerdotes, diáconos, hermanas y personal que contribuyeron a la celebración de oración de esta Temporada Santa. Un
agradecimiento especial a todos nuestros feligreses y amigos por su presencia en oración durante esta        Temporada de Cuaresma y el Triduo Santo y sus generosas contribuciones a las diversas necesidades de la   parroquia a través de su ofrenda sacrificial.
 
La celebración de la Divina Misericordia nos recuerda la misericordia de Dios en nuestra vida diaria y nuestro llamado a ser misericordiosos con los demás. Gracias al grupo de las Hijas Católicas y la Divina Misericordia por organizar la Coronilla, la adoración y las decoraciones el Domingo de la Divina Misericordia. Un   agradecimiento especial a la líder del grupo hispano de la Divina Misericordia, Sandra Martínez, por donar una hermosa casulla para la parroquia con la imagen de la Divina Misericordia. Mis felicitaciones en oración a los miembros de RICA que recibieron los Sacramentos de Iniciación y a nuestros estudiantes de segundo grado que recibirán la Sagrada Comunión por primera vez este fin de semana y el próximo. Con gran alegría les damos la bienvenida al banquete eucarístico y al ministerio activo de nuestra hermosa parroquia. Si bien este es un evento importante para los creyentes individuales y sus familias inmediatas, también es un momento de gracia para que toda la parroquia de St. Ignatius considere la importancia de esta fuente de alimento para el cuerpo y el espíritu. Es nuestra fe pascual que, en la celebración de los Sacramentos, nos encontramos          regularmente con Cristo Resucitado. Gracias, Diácono George y Diácono Mario, junto con Migdalia, Paul y otros voluntarios.
 
El 14 de mayo, el obispo John Barres estará aquí en St. Ignatius para confirmar a nuestros alumnos de octavo grado. Le damos una calurosa bienvenida y rezamos para que se sientan profundamente conmovidos por el maravilloso don del sacramento especial de la Confirmación que el Obispo celebra por nosotros. Mantenga a todos nuestros jóvenes en sus oraciones y agradezca a sus padres que cooperen con nuestro equipo dedicado del Programa de Educación Religiosa.
 
Este es el mes de mayo, el mes de María. Únase a nosotros para el Santo Rosario durante todo el mes a las 8:25 de la mañana en la Iglesia. Una bienvenida especial a la Santa Misa del 8 de mayo por la Coronación de Mayo y una bendición especial para las madres. Invitamos a todas nuestras madres a unirse a las Primeras   Santas Comulgantes para cantar y alabar a Dios por la Santísima Madre y nuestras amadas madres, su papel en dar vida y nutrir nuestra fe. Tendremos una Santa Misa especial de Fátima y procesión el 13 de mayo a las 6:00 de la tarde.
 
Tenemos un precioso regalo de Pascua de Dios para nuestra parroquia, el P. Jacob Varughese, quien servirá a nuestra parroquia como pastor asociado. Leerás más sobre él la próxima semana.Bienvenido, P. Jacob, a    nuestra hermosa y vibrante parroquia.Sigamos orando unos por otros y por nuestra parroquia.
 
En Jesús y María,
P. Shibi
 

April 24, 2022

My dear St. Ignatius faith family,

As you may know, since the year 2000, the Second Sunday of Easter has been designated Divine Mercy Sunday. While the background of the feast centers on the devotion deriving from the apparitions of Our Lord given to St. Faustina Kowalska, the Church has invited all of us to contemplate the Risen Lord as the Ambassador of Divine Mercy. His Easter appearance to the apostles, as they huddled together in fear behind the locked doors, is a most suitable Scripture story to reflect on the   revelation of God’s divine mercy.
A significant aspect of the encounter between the Risen Lord and His disciples is that Jesus self-invites  Himself to come to their midst. He does not need to be invited; He does not need to break down doors in order to approach them. Instead, he came and stood among them. Here, the connection to divine mercy is clear.    Divine mercy is always there; it is always before us; we need the eyes of faith to see it. It is we who put up barriers or close the doors preventing us from divine mercy. This is precisely what Thomas does at first.  Rather than believing in the testimony of his companions, Thomas closes himself off from the  community and he refuses to believe them. He might have been hurt that the Lord appeared to the rest of the apostles in his absence.
When Jesus appeared to the disciples the first time, He had already breathed the Holy Spirit on them and charged them with the power to forgive and retain sins. This occurred in Thomas' absence.  However, a week later, Jesus again appeared to the apostles; and this time Thomas was with them. Once again, Jesus greeted them again in his signature style greeting: "Peace be with you." Through the peace bestowed upon the apostles and through the power of divine presence and mercy, Thomas was able to grow in his faith and declared the strongest Biblical statements of faith ever uttered: "My Lord and my God!"
In this Sunday’s Gospel (John 20: 19-31), Jesus uses the greeting “peace be with you” three times. The word “peace” or “shalom” in Hebrew is a very powerful word, pregnant with rich meaning. When Jesus says “peace,” he does not mean just absence of war or violence, He uses it in the typical Hebrew and Biblical       traditions.
Shalom is one of the key words and images for salvation in the Bible. The Hebrew word “shalom” refers most commonly to a person being safe and sound, well and whole. It is about the “well-being” of the  individual and society and their flourishing. In the New Testament, shalom is revealed as the reconciliation of all things to God through the work of Christ (Colossians 1:19–20).
Shalom is multidimensional. It is about complete well-being — physical, psychological, social, and  spiritual. It flows from all of one’s relationships being aligned. In other words, it means our relationships with God, with oneself, and with others are in harmony.
Shalom consists of not only outward peacefulness but also peace within. Those who trust in the Lord have    inner security; therefore, they can sleep well (Psalm 4:8). God gives “perfect peace”— i.e., profound  psychological and emotional peace – to those who steadfastly set their minds on him (Isaiah 26:3).
Jesus brings us peace with other human beings. Our peace with and from God gives us the resources to     maintain unity and love with others through continual forgiveness and patience (Colossians 3:13–15).
The reason for the war and violence we experience today is the absence of Jesus and God’s shalom among us. May Christ be our peace, our shalom (Ephesians 2:14). May His mercy—Divine Mercy—be our sheltering rock (Psalm 18: 3-4)                                                                                                                                                                                 Shalom,                                                                                                                                                                             
  Fr. Francis

Mi querida familia de fe de San Ignacio,
 
Como sabrán, desde el año 2000, el Segundo Domingo de Pascua ha sido designado   Domingo de la Divina Misericordia. Mientras que el fondo de la fiesta se centra en la devoción derivada de las apariciones de Nuestro Señor dadas a Santa Faustina Kowalska, la Iglesia nos ha invitado a todos a contemplar al Señor Resucitado como embajador de la misericordia divina. Su aparición pascual a los apóstoles, mientras se currucaban juntos con miedo detrás de las puertas cerradas, es un relato bíblico muy adecuado para reflexionar sobre la revelación de la divina       misericordia de Dios.
 
Un aspecto significativo del encuentro entre el Señor Resucitado y sus discípulos es que Jesús se auto-invita a venir en medio de ellos. No necesita ser invitado; no necesita derribar puertas para acercarse a ellos. En      cambio, vino y se paró entre ellos. Aquí, la conexión con la misericordia divina es clara. La misericordia divina está siempre ahí; está siempre ante nosotros; necesitamos los ojos de la fe para verlo. Somos nosotros los que ponemos barreras o cerramos las puertas que nos impiden la misericordia divina. Esto es precisamente lo que hace Thomas al principio. En lugar de creer en el testimonio de sus compañeros, Thomas se cierra a la          comunidad y se niega a creerles. Le pudo haber dolido que el Señor se apareciera al resto de los apóstoles en su ausencia.
 
Cuando Jesús se apareció a los discípulos por primera vez, ya había soplado el Espíritu Santo sobre ellos y les había dado el poder de perdonar y retener los pecados. Esto ocurrió en ausencia de Thomas. Sin embargo, una semana después, Jesús se apareció nuevamente a los apóstoles; y esta vez Thomas estaba con ellos. Una vez más, Jesús los saludó de nuevo con su característico estilo de saludo: "La paz sea con ustedes". A través de la paz concedida a los apóstoles ya través del poder de la presencia divina y la misericordia, Tomás pudo crecer en su fe y declaró las declaraciones bíblicas de fe más fuertes jamás pronunciadas: "¡Señor mío y Dios mío!"
En el Evangelio de este domingo (Juan 20, 19-31), Jesús utiliza tres veces el saludo “la paz sea con ustedes”. La palabra “paz” o “shalom” en hebreo es una palabra muy poderosa, cargada de un rico significado. Cuando Jesús dice “paz”, no se refiere  simplemente a la ausencia de guerra o violencia. Lo usa en las tradiciones     típicas hebreas y bíblicas.
 
Shalom es una de las palabras e imágenes clave para la salvación en la Biblia. La palabra hebrea “shalom” se refiere más comúnmente a una persona sana y salva, sana y completa. Se trata del “bienestar” del individuo y la sociedad y su florecimiento. En el Nuevo Testamento, shalom se revela como la reconciliación de todas las cosas con Dios por medio de la obra de Cristo (Colosenses 1:19–20).
 
Shalom es multidimensional. Se trata del bienestar completo: físico, psicológico, social y espiritual. Fluye de todas las relaciones de uno que están alineadas. En otras palabras, significa que nuestras relaciones con Dios, con uno mismo y con los demás están en armonía.
 
Shalom consiste no solo en la paz exterior sino también en la paz interior. Quien confía en el Señor tiene      seguridad interior; por lo tanto, pueden dormir bien (Salmo 4:8). Dios da “paz perfecta”, es decir, profunda paz psicológica y emocional, a aquellos que fijan su mente en Él (Isaías 26:3).
 
Jesús nos trae la paz con los demás seres humanos. Nuestra paz con y de Dios nos da los recursos ara mantener la unidad y el amor con los demás a través del perdón y la paciencia continuos (Colosenses 3:13–15).
La razón de la guerra y la violencia que experimentamos hoy es la ausencia de Jesús y el shalom de Dios entre nosotros. Que Cristo sea nuestra paz, nuestro shalom (Efesios 2:14). Que su misericordia, la Divina Misericordia, sea nuestra roca protectora (Salmo 18: 3-4)
 
Shalom,
P. Francisco
 

 

April 17, 2022

Picture




DIOCESE OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE 
OFFICE OF THE BISHOP 
                                                                                                                                                                Easter 2022 
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: 
 
Christ is Risen, Alleluia!  
Every Easter, as we celebrate our Lord’s victory over death, we delight in the consolation that all is restored  through the Resurrection, and we ponder God’s relentless invitation to live the divine life given at baptism. 
This is the good news of our faith: Christ has conquered death and we are invited to life. This good news needs to be heard time and again. Even when things are bleak, we remember Christ is victorious and that  we have been invited to witness to his victory. As Pope Francis says: 
“Where all seems to be dead, signs of the resurrection suddenly spring up. It is an irresistible force. Often  it seems that God does not exist: all around us we see persistent injustice, evil, indifference and cruelty. But  it is also true that in the midst of darkness something new always springs to life and sooner or later produces  fruit. On razed land life breaks through, stubbornly yet invincibly. However dark things are, goodness  always re-emerges and spreads. Each day in our world beauty is born anew, it rises transformed through  the storms of history. Values always tend to reappear under new guises, and human beings have arisen time  after time from situations that seemed doomed. Such is the power of the resurrection, and all who evangelize  are instruments of that power.”1 
We know well the bleakness that can overwhelms us. How good it is to recall God’s goodness! The Risen  Lord moves through the locked doors of fear to lead us, to lead our families and to lead the world to peace.  May we never forget God’s triumph over death and our baptismal call to be an instrument of that power.  May we show the Risen Lord to all we meet.  
This Easter, as we rejoice in Christ’s Resurrection, let us remember especially those who suffer in Ukraine  and the millions who have been displaced by that tragic war. Together, we pray that the    Risen Christ bring  light to their darkness and give them peace.  
Be assured of my prayers for you in these holy and joyful weeks. 
Happy Easter! 
 
Sincerely in Christ, 
 Most Reverend John O. Barres 
Bishop of Rockville Centre
 
 1 Pope Francis, The Joy of the Gospel, n. 276.
Post Office Box 9023, Rockville Centre, NY 11571-9023 • phone 516.678.5800 • fax 516.678.3138 • bishopsoffice@drvc.org 

Pascua de Resurrección 2022 
 
Queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo: 
 
¡Cristo ha Resucitado, Aleluya! 
En cada Pascua, mientras celebramos la victoria de nuestro Señor sobre la muerte, nos deleitamos con el  consuelo de que todo ha sido restaurado a través de la Resurrección, y reflexionamos sobre la      incesante  invitación de Dios a vivir la vida divina dada en el bautismo. 
Esta es la buena nueva de nuestra fe: Cristo ha vencido a la muerte y nosotros estamos invitados a la vida.  Esta buena noticia debe ser escuchada una y otra vez. Incluso cuando las cosas son sombrías, recordemos  que Cristo es victorioso y que hemos sido invitados a dar testimonio de su victoria. Como dice el Papa  Francisco: 
“Donde todo parece estar muerto, de repente brotan signos de la resurrección. Es una fuerza  irresistible. A  menudo parece que Dios no existe: a nuestro alrededor vemos que persiste la injusticia, la maldad, la  indiferencia y la crueldad. Pero también es cierto que en medio de la oscuridad siempre brota algo nuevo  que tarde o temprano da fruto. En la tierra arrasada la vida se abre paso,  obstinadamente pero de forma  invencible. Por oscuras que sean las cosas, la bondad siempre resurge y se esparce. En nuestro mundo la  belleza nace de nuevo cada día, resurge transformada a través de las tormentas de la historia. Los valores  siempre tienden a reaparecer bajo nuevas formas, y los seres humanos se han levantado una y otra vez en situaciones que parecían condenadas. Tal es el poder de la resurrección, y todos los que evangelizan son  instrumentos de ese poder”. 
Conocemos muy bien que nos puede abrumar la desolación. ¡Qué bueno es recordar la bondad de    Dios! El  Señor Resucitado se mueve a través de las puertas cerradas del miedo para guiarnos, para guiar a nuestras  familias y para guiar al mundo hacia la paz. Que nunca olvidemos el triunfo de Dios sobre la muerte y  nuestro llamado bautismal a ser un instrumento de ese poder. Y que podamos mostrar al Señor Resucitado  a todos los que nos encontremos. 
En esta Pascua, mientras nos regocijamos con la Resurrección de Cristo, recordemos especialmente a los  que sufren en Ucrania y a los millones que han sido desplazados por esa trágica guerra. Recemos juntos para que Cristo Resucitado ilumine sus tinieblas y les dé paz. 
Tengan la seguridad de mis oraciones por todos ustedes en estas semanas santas y alegres. ¡Feliz   
Pascua de Resurrección! 
Sinceramente suyo en Cristo, 
 Reverendísimo Mons. John O. Barres 
Obispo de Rockville Center 

1 Papa Francisco, La alegría del Evangelio, n. 276.
Post Office Box 9023, Rockville Centre, NY 11571-9023 • phone 516.678.5800 • fax 516.678.3138 • bishopsoffice@drvc.org
 
 



April 10, 2022

My dear St. Ignatius Parish family,
          This sixth Sunday of Lent is given the title Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord. With the blessing of and procession with palms, we begin our Holy Week     recalling the Messianic entrance into Jerusalem that leads to Christ's Passion. We welcome Jesus into our lives, asking him to allow us to share in his suffering, death, and Resurrection. This is also when we remember and relive the events that brought about our redemption and salvation. That is why the Holy Week liturgy presents us with the actual events of the dying and rising of Jesus. The liturgy also enables us to experience vicariously, here and now, what Jesus went through then. In other words, we  commemorate and relive during this week our dying to sin and selfishness and rising in Jesus, healed, reconciled to God and each other, and redeemed by His death and rising for us.
          Today we join the Palm Sunday crowd in spirit to declare our loyalty to Christ and fidelity to His teachings by actively participating in the Palm Sunday liturgy. As we carry the palm leaves to our homes, we declare our choice to accept Jesus as the King and ruler of our lives and our families. Let us express our gratitude to Jesus for redeeming us by His suffering and death through our active      participation in the Holy Week liturgy and our reconciliation with God and His Church, repenting of our sins and receiving God's pardon and forgiveness from Jesus through His Church.  
       Our parish Joins Catholic parishes in our diocese to offer reconciliation on Monday, April 11, from 2-4 pm and 6-9 pm for individual confession and absolution in the Church. All are encouraged to make the Sacrament of Penance a part of their Lenten preparations. Now the confessions are back in Church, and so request you to enter only through the Penitent's door to do the face-to-face or behind the screen confessions. (Our confessionals have two doors, one entry is marked as priest, and the other door is marked as Penitent). Those who like to have a face-to-face confession, please ask the priest while you are inside the confessional, and then the screen will be moved to see each other. Please note  the change of Saturday Confessional time. Now  it is  from 4:00-4:45 pm. In addition to this, from now onwards we are providing opportunity for confessions on every first Sunday and all Sundays of Lent, except Palm Sunday, after the 9:30am Mass. 
      On Tuesday, April 12, our bishop, John Barres, will celebrate the Chrism Mass and bless the oils used throughout our diocese during the coming year. The three oils are Oil of the Catechumens – used to anoint those preparing for Baptism, Oil of the Sick – used to anoint those suffering from illness, and Sacred Chrism – used to anoint during Baptism, Confirmation, Ordination, and to consecrate a new  altar.
           Lent ends, and the Paschal Triduum (three days) begins with the evening Mass on Holy Thursday.  Because of the importance of these three days, only the Triduum services are permitted. There will be no morning Masses, funerals, or other rites celebrated. Please refer to the schedule to join us for various services arranged during the Holy Week.
          As we prepare to celebrate Jesus' victory over death, we gratefully remember Fr. Andres  Fernandez, who has gone to his eternal reward in heaven. He had served our parish for three years, especially the Hispanic Community. He is remembered for his commitment to our parishioners and his ability to connect Bible in everyday life situations. He made parishioners understand that we could always go further when serving the Lord, and there is much more to do than what we regularly do. May God reward him for his faithful life, and may he rest in peace.
In Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Shibi
 
Mi querida familia de la Parroquia de San Ignacio, 
​
Este sexto domingo de Cuaresma recibe el título de Domingo de Ramos de la Pasión del Señor. Con la bendición y procesión de ramos iniciamos nuestra Semana Santa recordando la entrada mesiánica en Jerusalén que desemboca en la Pasión de Cristo. Acogemos a Jesús en nuestra vida, pidiéndole que nos permita compartir su sufrimiento, muerte y resurrección. También es cuando recordamos y revivimos los eventos que dieron lugar a nuestra     redención y salvación. Por eso la liturgia de la Semana Santa nos presenta los hechos reales de la muerte y resurrección de Jesús.
La liturgia también nos permite experimentar indirectamente, aquí y ahora, lo que Jesús pasó  entonces. En otras palabras, conmemoramos y revivimos durante esta semana nuestra muerte al  pecado y al egoísmo y nuestra resurrección en Jesús, sanados, reconciliados con Dios y entre nosotros, y redimidos por Su muerte y resurrección por nosotros.
Hoy nos unimos a la multitud del Domingo de Ramos en espíritu para declarar nuestra lealtad a    Cristo y fidelidad a sus enseñanzas participando activamente en la liturgia del Domingo de Ramos. Mientras llevamos las hojas de palma a nuestros hogares, declaramos nuestra elección de aceptar a Jesús como el Rey y gobernante de nuestras vidas y nuestras familias. Expresemos nuestra gratitud a Jesús por redimirnos con su sufrimiento y muerte a través de nuestra participación activa en la      liturgia de Semana Santa y nuestra reconciliación con Dios y Su Iglesia, arrepintiendonos de nuestros pecados y recibiendo el perdón de Dios y el perdón de Jesús a través de Su Iglesia.
Nuestra parroquia se une a las parroquias católicas de nuestra diócesis para ofrecer la reconciliación el lunes 11 de abril de 2 a 4 pm y 6 a 9 pm para la confesión individual y la absolución en la Iglesia. Se anima a todos a que hagan del Sacramento de la Penitencia parte de sus preparativos para la   Cuaresma. Escucharemos confesiones solo en la Iglesia y le pediremos que ingrese solo por la puerta del Penitente para hacer confesiones cara a cara o detrás de la pantalla. (Nuestros confesionarios tienen dos puertas, una entrada está marcada para el sacerdote y la otra puerta está marcada para el penitente). Aquellos a quienes les gusta tener una confesión cara a cara, pregúntenle al sacerdote mientras están dentro del confesionario, y luego la pantalla se moverá para verse. Recuerda el cambio de hora del Confesionario; es todos los sábados de 4:00-4:45 pm.
El martes 12 de abril, nuestro obispo, John Barres, celebrará la Misa Crismal y bendecirá los aceites utilizados en toda nuestra diócesis durante el próximo año. Los tres aceites son el Aceite de los Catecúmenos, que se usa para ungir a los que se preparan para el Bautismo, el Aceite de los Enfermos, que se usa para ungir a los que sufren de enfermedades, y el Sagrado Crisma, que se usa para ungir durante el Bautismo, la Confirmación, la Ordenación y para consagrar un nuevo altar.
Termina la Cuaresma y comienza el Triduo Pascual (tres días) con la Misa vespertina del Jueves   Santo.Debido a la importancia de estos tres días, solo se permiten los servicios del Triduo. No se    celebrarán misas matutinas, funerales u otros ritos. Consulte el horario para unirse a nosotros en   varios servicios organizados durante la Semana Santa.
Mientras nos preparamos para celebrar la victoria de Jesús sobre la muerte, recordamos con gratitud al P. Andrés Fernández, que se ha ido a su eterna recompensa en el cielo. Había servido a nuestra parroquia durante tres años, especialmente a la comunidad hispana. Se le recuerda por su compromiso con nuestros feligreses y su capacidad para conectar la Biblia en situaciones de la vida cotidiana. Hizo entender a los feligreses que siempre podemos ir más allá cuando servimos al Señor, y que hay mucho más que hacer de lo que hacemos regularmente. Que Dios lo recompense por su vida fiel, y que en paz descanse.
En Jesús y María, 
P. Shibi 
 

April 3, 2022

My dear St. Ignatius Parish family,
Consumers Report put out a little book entitled, How to Clean Practically Anything. The book tells you what solvent to use for nearly every kind of stain. Here are a few: Glycerin will remove the stain from a ballpoint pen. Boiling water will remove berry stains. Vinegar will remove crayon stains. To remove a rust stain from your cotton work clothes, moisten the spot with some full-strength vinegar and then rub in a bit of salt. Ammonia will remove blood stains. Alcohol will remove grass stains. Hydrogen peroxide is good for magic marker stains. Mix a teaspoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide with a little cream of tartar or a dab of non-gel toothpaste, rub the paste on the stain with a soft cloth, rinse, and the stain, whatever it was, should be gone. Try a little meat tenderizer to remove protein-based stains like milk, chocolate, and blood from clothes. Use bleach on mildew stains. Lemon juice works well on rust stains. 
 
After reading this long list of techniques to deal with stains, you will be surprised that this book is silent about what affects our lives the most. The book lists absolutely nothing for the stain of sin. And the reason it doesn't is that there is only One Person who can do that. Only Jesus Christ, the Incarnation of Divine Mercy, as described in today’s Gospel, can forgive us our sins when we repent, confess our sins, and ask for God’s pardon and forgiveness. 
 
The Gospel text today speaks not just about forgiveness of God, but of non-condemnation. When someone you love, trust, and respect hurts you, you get shattered many times. This opens two paths for us, either harbor resentment and retaliate or forgive from your heart and move on. If we opt to pay back the damage done by the other, that would change our priorities in our life, affect our relationships, and bring bitterness to people around us. 
 
As Christians, perhaps our only option is to forgive others as Jesus forgave his offenders. Specifically in this weekend, Gospel Jesus does not condemn either the woman or the condemners of the woman. If you want to run a successful race you must keep your eyes forward, toward the goal to be reached, and not backward on the road already crossed. Our ultimate destiny is heaven and not the appreciation and acceptance of others. When the voices of the crowd and the stones of their condemnation are bearing down on us, we need to fly to Jesus. He alone can dispel all those negative messages and replace them with the Good News of God’s love and forgiveness. 
 
How is Lent going? During this Holy Season, the Church invites us to seek, pare down, refocus, and plant “new ways” to come closer to God. The most beautiful accomplishment of this Lent and Ignatian Year was that we could publish a Parish Prayer Book. Thank you AnsyMary for your dedication and selflessness to assemble various Catholic devotions, prepare the prayers and reflections, and compile this prayer book for the spiritual nourishment of the parish community. I am sure that The Annexure, she has included, will be of great help and use for us. As a parish family, God blessed us to organize a retreat on Ignatian Spirituality on March 19. I am grateful to Fr. George Witt, SJ for offering us such a wonderful retreat day and to the Activities Committee who with the support of Catholic Daughters and Columbites, for arranging Breakfast, Lunch, and Refreshments for over 80 participants. Our parishioners and friends supported us to organize this day,  especially the following people helped with either the set-up, serving, clean-up, or by donating food. Thank you, Mary Ann Lang (L) Hannelore Stadler, Derek Stadler, Kathy Dolan, Pam Flanagan, Carol Hogan, Barbara Cheslock, Karen Warner, Tina Devlin, Peggy Gill, Nancy Foster, Kathy Balnis, Ellen Lentini, Marian Scotti, Anne  Napoli, Cynthia Dias, and Diane Del Priore. Together we can make wonders for the Greater Glory of God. 
In Jesus and Mary, 
Fr. Shibi Pappan 
 
 Mi querida familia parroquial de San Ignacio,
Informe de consumidores publicó un librito titulado Cómo limpiar prácticamente cualquier cosa. El libro le dice qué solvente usar para casi todos los tipos de manchas. Aquí hay      algunos. La glicerina eliminará la mancha de un bolígrafo. El agua hirviendo eliminará las manchas de bayas. El vinagre quitará las manchas de crayón. Para quitar una mancha de óxido de su ropa de trabajo de algodón, humedezca la mancha con un poco de vinagre puro y luego frote con un poco de sal. El amoníaco eliminará las manchas de sangre. El alcohol eliminará las manchas de hierba. El peróxido de hidrógeno es bueno para las manchas de marcador mágico. Mezcle una cucharadita de peróxido de hidrógeno al 3 % con un poco de crémor tártaro o un poco de pasta de dientes sin gel. Frote la pasta sobre la mancha con un paño suave. Enjuagar. La mancha, fuera lo que fuera, debería haber desaparecido. Pruebe un poco de ablandador de carne para eliminar las manchas de proteínas como la leche, el chocolate y la sangre de la ropa. Use lejía en las manchas de moho. El jugo de limón funciona bien en las manchas de óxido. 
Después de leer esta larga lista de técnicas para tratar las manchas, te sorprenderá que este libro guarde   silencio sobre lo que más afecta a nuestra vida. El libro no enumera absolutamente nada para la mancha del pecado. Y la razón por la que no es así es que solo hay una persona que puede hacer eso. Solo Jesucristo, la Encarnación de la Divina Misericordia, como se describe en el Evangelio de hoy, puede perdonarnos     nuestros pecados cuando nos arrepentimos, confesamos nuestros pecados y pedimos el perdón y el perdón de Dios. 
El texto evangélico de hoy habla, no sólo del perdón de Dios, sino de la no condenación. Cuando alguien a quien amas, en quien confías y respetas te lastima, te destrozas muchas veces. Esto nos abre dos caminos, o guardas resentimiento y tomas represalias o perdonas de corazón y sigues adelante. Si optamos por resarcir el daño hecho por el otro, eso cambiaría nuestras prioridades en nuestra vida, afectaría nuestras relaciones y traería amargura a las personas que nos rodean. 
Como cristianos, quizás nuestra única opción sea perdonar a los demás como Jesús perdonó a sus ofensores. Específicamente en este fin de semana, el evangelio de Jesús no condena ni a la mujer ni a los que condenan a la mujer. Si quieres correr una carrera exitosa debes mantener la mirada hacia adelante, hacia la meta a alcanzar, y no hacia atrás en el camino ya recorrido. Nuestro destino final es el cielo y no el aprecio y la   aceptación de los demás. Cuando las voces de la multitud y las piedras de su condenación caen sobre  nosotros, necesitamos volar hacia Jesús. Sólo Él puede disipar todos esos mensajes negativos y reemplazarlos con las Buenas Noticias del amor y el perdón de Dios. 
¿Cómo va la Cuaresma? Durante esta Temporada Santa, la Iglesia nos invita a buscar, reducir, volver a     enfocar y plantear “nuevos caminos” para acercarnos a Dios. El logro más hermoso de este año cuaresmal y año ignaciano fue que pudimos publicar un libro de oración parroquial. Gracias AnsyMary por su dedicación y desinterés para reunir varias devociones católicas, preparar las oraciones y reflexiones, y compilar este libro de oraciones para el alimento espiritual de la comunidad parroquial.Estoy seguro de que el Anexo, que ella ha incluido será de gran ayuda y utilidad para nosotros.Como familia parroquial, Dios nos bendijo para organizar un retiro sobre la espiritualidad ignaciana el 19 de marzo. Agradezco al P. George Witt SJ por ofrecernos un día de retiro tan maravilloso y al comité de actividades con el apoyo de las Hijas Católicas y Colombettes por organizar el   desayuno, el almuerzo y los refrescos para más de 80 participantes. Nuestros feligreses y amigos nos apoyaron para organizar este día, especialmente las siguientes personas que ayudaron con la preparación, el servicio, la limpieza y la donación de alimentos. Gracias, Mary Ann Lang (L), Hannelore Stadler, Derek Stadler, Kathy Dolan, Pam Flanagan, Carol Hogan, Barbara Cheslock, Karen Warner, Tina Devlin, Peggy Gill, Nancy Foster, Kathy Balnis, Ellen Lentini, Marian Scotti, Anne Napoli, Cynthia Dias y Diane Del      Priore. Juntos podemos hacer maravillas para la mayor gloria de Dios. 
 
En Jesús y María, 
P. Shibi Pappan 
 


March 27, 2022

My dear St. Ignatius faith family,
 
           The beautiful story we read in today’s Gospel (Lk 15:1-3, 11-32) is called the parable of the prodigal son. In modern parlance, we can say it is one of the best short stories in literature. No less than an authority than Charles Dickens called it, “the most touching story in literature.”
          This magnificent story was intended to focus on the father rather than on either of the two sons in the story. In my opinion, instead of calling it the parable of the prodigal son, it could perhaps be more accurately termed the parable of the prodigiously loving father.
          Jesus painted a powerful picture of the man and his two sons. The younger son got his share of the inheritance from his father and blew it on loose and riotous living. After he had spent his money,  all his good-time friends deserted him. He was left alone with his hunger, longing, and guilt. He began to realize what a mistake he had made in leaving his father! He repented and returned to his  father.
         When the older brother returned from work in his father's fields, he was infuriated to discover a party was going on for his brother. He refused to join. He should have been happy that his little    brother had come back home. There is something revealing in his protest to his father. He considered working for his father a form of slavery, not filial help. His work was motivated by selfishness, not love. The older son represents the Scribes and Pharisees who complained about our Lord's merciful treatment of sinners.
          The story was really intended to focus on the father in order to reveal something deeper about God. When the younger son brought up the idea of leaving home, the father was in turmoil. He knew the dangers that lay ahead for his son. Yet he equally understood the young man's need and right to be free. The father rightly refused to dominate his son’s decision because he realized that love, to be true, must be freely given--it cannot be forced. Therefore, when the boy insisted on his freedom, the father in his loving-kindness sadly agreed.
        All the while the son was gone, the father was hoping that the experience would teach his son a lesson. Every day, he might have gone to the top of the hill and scanned the road as far as he could see with the hope that he would catch sight of his son returning. One day, his hope was fulfilled. He rushed to meet his son, threw his arms around him; and with an impetuosity that revealed his deep emotion--he would not even let his son complete the little speech he had so carefully memorized--he embraced his lost son.
         What a great love the father had for his son. However, his love is really no less for the older son. He refused to be forced into taking sides with the one brother against the other. Though each had failed in his own way, the father never stopped loving them both. With all their shortcomings, he
regarded them both as his beloved sons.
         In some ways, we are like the younger son; and in other ways, we are like the older son. But wherever we stand, Jesus wants us to know that God gives us human freedom because he wants a love that is freely given, not forced. Jesus also wants us to know that after even the most terrible sins of ours, God will be waiting for us with open arms to take us back as his beloved children. This is the divine love we are called to imitate. Indeed, our God is an understanding and a forgiving Father—a prodigiously loving Heavenly Father.
 
Fr. Francis
 
Mi querida familia de fe de San Ignacio,
 
          La hermosa historia que leemos en el Evangelio de hoy (Lc 15, 1-3, 11-32) se llama la parabola del hijo pródigo. En lenguaje moderno podemos decir que es uno de los mejores cuentos de la literatura. Nada menos que una autoridad como Charles Dickens lo llamó “la historia más conmovedora de la literatura”.
          Esta magnífica historia tenía la intención de centrarse en el padre en lugar de en cualquiera de los dos hijos de la historia. En mi opinión, en lugar  de llamarla la  parábola del hijo  pródigo, quizás podría denominarse con más precisión la parábola del padre prodigiosamente amoroso.
         Jesús  pintó un cuadro poderoso  del hombre y sus  dos hijos. El hijo menor recibió su parte de la herencia  de su  padre y la gastó  en  una vida  relajada y desenfrenada. Después de  haber  gastado  su dinero, todos  sus  buenos  amigos  lo  abandonaron. Se  quedó  solo  con   su  hambre, anhelo y culpa. ¡Comenzó a  darse  cuenta  del  error que  había  cometido al  dejar  a su padre! Se arrepintió y volvió con su padre.
         Cuando el hermano mayor regresó del trabajo en los campos de su padre, se enfureció al   descubrir  que  se  estaba  organizando  una  fiesta  para su  hermano. Se negó a  unirse. Debería haber estado feliz de que su hermano pequeño hubiera regresado a casa. Hay algo revelador en su protesta a su padre. Consideraba que trabajar para su padre era una forma de esclavitud, no una ayuda filial. Su obra estaba motivada por el egoísmo, no por el amor. El hijo mayor representa a los escribas y     fariseos que se quejaban del trato misericordioso de nuestro Señor con los pecadores.
         La historia realmente tenía la intención de enfocarse en el padre para revelar algo más profundo acerca de Dios. Cuando el hijo menor planteó la idea de irse de casa, el padre se puso nervioso. Sabía los peligros que acechaban a su hijo. Sin embargo, entendió igualmente la necesidad y el derecho del joven a ser libre. El padre, con razón, se negó a dominar la decisión de su hijo porque se dio cuenta de que el amor, para ser verdadero, debe darse libremente, no puede ser forzado. Por lo tanto, cuando el niño insistió en su libertad, el padre en su bondad amorosa accedió tristemente.
         Mientras el hijo no estaba, el padre esperaba que la experiencia le diera una lección a su hijo.Todos los días, podría haber ido a la cima de la colina y escaneado el camino hasta donde podia ver con la esperanza de ver a su hijo regresar. Un día, su esperanza se cumplió. Corrió al encuentro de su hijo, lo abrazó; y con una impetuosidad que revelaba su profunda emoción - no permitía ni siquiera que su hijo terminara el pequeño discurso que tan cuidadosamente había memorizado - abrazó a su hijo perdido.
         Qué gran amor tenía el padre por su hijo. Sin embargo, su amor realmente no es menor por el hijo mayor. Se negó a que lo obligaran a ponerse del lado de un hermano contra el otro. Aunque cada uno había fallado a su manera, el padre nunca dejó de amarlos a ambos. A pesar de todos sus defectos, los consideraba a ambos como sus amados hijos.
        De alguna manera, somos como el hijo menor; y en otros aspectos, somos como el hijo mayor. Pero dondequiera que estemos, Jesús quiere que sepamos que Dios nos da la libertad humana porque quiere un amor que se da libremente, no a la fuerza. Jesús también quiere que sepamos que incluso después de nuestros pecados más terribles, Dios nos estará esperando con los brazos abiertos para  recibirnos de nuevo como sus hijos amados. Este es el amor divino que estamos llamados a imitar. De hecho, nuestro Dios es un Padre comprensivo y perdonador, un Padre Celestial prodigiosamente   amoroso.
 
Padre Francisco
 

March 20, 2022

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, peace be with you.

Today we celebrate the 3rd Sunday of Lent, and the readings this week continue inviting us to           repentance and to become productive people.

When was the last time that you felt God spoke to you? Was it today? Yesterday? Sometime ago?  In our daily activities, God uses different sources to get our attention. It could be through the scriptures, a hymn, a prayer, from hearing someone preaching, whatever it is, we need to pay attention to those moments when God wants to tell us something. The first reading today tells us that when God spoke to Moses, He did it through a burning bush while he was tending the sheep.  
 
In order for us to listen to God, we have to take the first step. If you notice, the scripture says that when Moses turned aside to look, that is when he received his calling.  Moses! Moses! God said, and Moses said here I am.  God said, do not come near! Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is Holy ground.  (EX 3:4-5)
 
 Does this story sound familiar to you? God calls each one of us by our name, and from the moment that we decide to enter into a relationship with Him, we realize that we are on Holy ground, that we need to take our sandals off.  Those sandals can be compared to our own sins.  Our sandals might be dirty or worn out from walking the wrong path.  
 
God made Moses an instrument of salvation even with his past mistakes, but not before making him go through the desert.  The 40 days of lent reminds us of the struggles of the Israelites in the desert and our own struggles in the world.   Some Israelites died in the desert for their lack of discipline and    vigilance against temptation.  St Paul in the 2nd reading makes a comparison between the events of the desert and the events in our own lives. He warns us to stay firm, because the temptations in our lives are no different than the ones of the Israelites in the desert. (1 Cor 10:1-6, 10-12)
 
In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells the story of the barren fig tree, which some describe as a symbol of     Israel. The owner comes in search of fruit but found none, then he orders the gardener to cut it down, but the gardener intercedes for it and asks for more time.  This story reminds us that the time for each one of us is limited and we must respond to God’s calling properly.  May God bless you.

Your brother in Christ,
Deacon José
 

​Mis queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo, la paz este con ustedes.

Hoy celebramos el III Domingo de cuarezma, y las lecturas continuan                 invitandonos al arrepentimiento y a ser personas productivas.

Cuando fue la ultima vez que usted sintio que Dios le hablo? Fue hoy? Ayer? Hace algun tiempo? en nuestras actividades diarias, Dios usa diferentes fuentes para llamarnos la atencion.  Podria ser por medio de las escrituras, un himno, una oracion, o al escuchar la predica de alguien, cualquier cosa que sea tenemos que estar atentos a esos momentos cuando Dios quiere decirnos algo.   La 1ra lectura nos dice que cuando Dios le hablo a Moises, lo hizo por medio de una zarza ardiente mientras cuidaba las ovejas. 
Pero para escuchar la voz de Dios nosotros tenemos que dar el primer paso. Si notaron, las escrituras dicen que cuando Moises se detuvo a observar fue cuando recibio el llamado. Dios le dijo, Moises! Moises! Y Moises respondio, aqui estoy.  Dios le dijo no te acerques mas.  Sacate tus sandalias porque el lugar que pisas es tierra sagrada. (Exodo 3:4-5).
Le parece familiar esta historia? Dios nos llama a cada uno de nosotros por nuestro nombre.   Y desde el momento que decidimos entrar en una relacion con Dios nos damos cuenta que estamos en tierra sagrada, que necesitamos quitarnos las sandalias.  Esas sandalias pueden ser comparadas con nuestros propios pecados.  Nuestras sandalias pueden estar sucias o gastadas de caminar los caminos          equivocados.
Dios hizo de Moises un instrumento de salvacion pero antes tuvo que pasar por el desierto.  Los 40 dias de cuarezma nos recuerdan las tribulaciones de los Israelitas en el desierto y nuestras propias tribulaciones.  Algunos Israelitas murieron en el desierto por falta de disciplina y vigilancia contra las tentaciones.  San Pablo en la 2da lectura hace una comparacion entre los eventos del desierto y los eventos en nuestras propias vidas.  El nos advierte que debemos estar firmes porque las tentaciones en nuestras vidas no son diferentes de las tentaciones de los Israelitas en el desierto.  (1ra Cor 10:1-6,     10-12).
En el evangelio de hoy, Jesus cuenta la historia de la higuera que no daba fruto.  Algunos la describen como el pueblo de Israel.   El dueño viene en busca de fruto pero no hallo ninguno. Entonces ordeno al viñador que la cortara pero el viñador intercedio por ella y pidio mas tiempo.  Esta historia nos recuerda que nuestro tiempo aqui en la tierra es limitado y debemos responder al llamado de Dios apropiadamente.  Que Dios los bendiga.
 
Su hermano en Cristo,
Diacono José
 

March 13, 2022

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March 6, 2022

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My dear St. Ignatius Parish family,
 
Now, as Russia deploys troops to Ukraine, let us trust in God and ask the Mother of God to intercede for Ukraine for an end to escalations and troop deployments. Let us unite with the Holy   Father, Bishop John Barres, and people of faith for God’s miraculous    intervention to restore peace and conversion of the hearts of all involved. Thank you for your prayers and fasting on last Wednesday for Ukraine and let us dedicate all our sacrifices for world peace during this lent. Let us remember that there are innocent people on both sides of this conflict. As the world turns to war and destruction, let us call on these holy men and women of Ukraine , especially Blessed Vasil Velischkovsky and the other 27 ‘new martyrs, St. Volodymyr, St. Olga, St. Anthony of the Caves, St. Josaphat, Sts. Cyril and Methodius, and Holy Mother for their presence with suffering humanity especially with little innocent children who are exposed to situations of terror and horror during war. 
 
Our Lady, venerated as Mother of God at Zarvanytsia, the “Place of Disruption,” pray for the people of Ukraine. 
 
In Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Shibi
 

​
Mi querida familia de San Ignacio, 
 
Ahora que Rusia desplegó tropas en Ucrania, confiemos en Dios y pidamos a la    Madre de Dios que interceda por Ucrania para que cese la escalada y el despliegue de tropas. Unámonos con el Santo Padre, el obispo John Barres, y la gente de fe por la intervención milagrosa de Dios para    restaurar la paz y la conversión de los corazones de todos los involucrados. Gracias por sus  oraciones y ayuno el miércoles pasado por Ucrania y dediquemos   todos nuestros sacrificios por la paz mundial durante esta Cuaresma. Recordemos que hay personas inocentes en ambos lados de   este conflicto. A medida que el mundo se vuelve hacia la guerra y la destrucción, llamemos a estos hombres y mujeres santos de Ucrania, especialmente al Beato Vasil Velisschkovsky y a los otros 27 nuevos mártires, San Volodymyr, Santa Olga, San Antonio de las Cuevas, San Josafat, Santos Cirilo y Metodio, y la Santa Madre por su presencia con la humanidad que sufre, especialmente con los pequeños niños inocentes que están expuestos a situaciones de     terror y horror durante la guerra. 
 
Nuestra Señora, venerada como Madre Zarvanytsia, el “Lugar de la Interrupción”, ruega por el pueblo de Ucrania. 
 
En Jesús y María, 
P.Shibi 

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February 27, 2022

My dear St. Ignatius faith family,
 
Jesus admonishes us, “Do not judge and you will not be judged. Do not condemn and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37). The Lord is reminding us to avoid judging others. Instead, He wants us to look inwardly and  examine ourselves first.
 
Good words flow from a generous and kind heart while evil and destructive words flow from an evil one. A tree is known by its fruit; out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks! In today’s Gospel passage (Luke 6:39-45), Jesus condemns our careless and rash judgments of others. He uses the funny  examples of one blind man leading another blind man; and, again, one man with a log stuck in his eye, trying to remove a tiny speck from another’s eye. Just imagine these scenarios. They are ironic and humorous!
 
Each one of us has had experiences of saying things we deeply regretted later, but by then, the harm has  already been done. Even though we may revoke our words, the initial damage or harm may not be reversed.
In our family or in our relationship with others, we often say hurtful things, only to regret them later. We judge others very often. We complain about what we suffer from others without thinking about what they suffer from us. When we judge others we make our reconciliation with them a difficult task.” Mother        St. Theresa used to say: “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.”
 
We are often careless in saying things without understanding the impact it makes on others. “A gentle      answer turns away wrath, but hard words stir up anger” (Proverbs 15: 1). “Kind words are like honey–sweet to the soul and healthy for the body” (Proverbs 16:24). We are all guilty of not being kind with our words. Today, therefore, Jesus is inviting us to have a change of heart and a more positive attitude towards others.
 
We should avoid judging others because we do not see all the facts or circumstances that may have led a person to do something wrong. No one except God is good enough to judge others. God alone sees the whole truth and can read the human heart. Hence, only He has the ability and authority to judge all of us.
 
We are often prejudiced in our judgment of others. Therefore, total fairness cannot be expected from us,  especially when we are judging those near or dear to us. We have no right to judge because we have the same faults as the one we are judging and often to a greater degree. Therefore, be compassionate.
 
St. Philip Neri watching the misbehavior of a drunkard commented: “There goes Philip but for the grace of God.” Hence, we should leave all judgment to God, practice mercy and forgiveness, and pray for God’s grace to get rid of all forms of hypocrisy in our lives. Let us remember the wise admonition: “When you point one finger of accusation at another, three of your fingers point at you.”
 
Let us ask Almighty God to help us build human relationships with positive, kind, and loving words, and avoid all forms of negative and judgmental words and deeds. Let us ask the Lord to transform us as we begin our Lenten journey this Ash Wednesday and give us the grace to celebrate worthily this Lenten      season.
 
Fr. Francis
 
 Mi querida familia de fe de San Ignacio,
 
Jesús nos advierte: “No juzgues y no serás juzgado. No condenes y no serás condenado. Perdona y serás perdonado” (Lucas 6:37). El Señor nos está recordando que evitemos juzgar a los demás.
 
En cambio, Él quiere que miremos hacia adentro y nos examinemos a nosotros mismos primero. Las buenas palabras fluyen de un corazón generoso y bondadoso, mientras que las malas y destructivas fluyen de un  corazón malvado. Un árbol se conoce por su fruto; ¡De la abundancia del corazón habla la boca!
 
En el pasaje del Evangelio de hoy (Lucas 6:39-45), Jesús condena nuestros juicios descuidados y precipitados de los demás. Usa los divertidos ejemplos de un ciego guiando a otro ciego; y, nuevamente, un hombre con un tronco clavado en su ojo, tratando de sacar una pequeña mota del ojo de otro. Imagínense estos escenarios. ¡Son irónicos y graciosos!
 
Cada uno de nosotros ha tenido experiencias de decir cosas de las que después nos arrepentimos   profundamente, pero para entonces el daño ya estaba hecho. Aunque podamos revocar nuestras palabras, es posible que el daño o perjuicio inicial no se revierta.
 
En nuestra familia o en nuestra relación con los demás, a menudo decimos cosas hirientes, solo para  arrepentirnos más tarde. Juzgamos a los demás muy a menudo. Nos quejamos de lo que sufrimos de los demás sin pensar en lo que ellos sufren de nosotros. Cuando juzgamos a los demás, hacemos que nuestra  reconciliación con ellos sea una tarea difícil”. La Madre Santa Teresa solía decir: “Si juzgas a las personas, no tienes tiempo para amarlas”.
 
A menudo somos descuidados al decir cosas sin comprender el impacto que tienen en los demás. “La respuesta suave quita la ira, pero las palabras duras despiertan la ira” (Proverbios 15:1). “Las palabras  amables son como la miel: dulces para el alma y sanas para el cuerpo” (Proverbios 16:24). Todos somos culpables de no ser  amables con nuestras palabras. Hoy, por lo tanto, Jesús nos invita a un cambio de corazón y a una actitud más positiva hacia los demás.
 
Debemos evitar juzgar a los demás porque no vemos todos los hechos o circunstancias que pueden haber     llevado a una persona a hacer algo mal. Nadie excepto Dios es lo suficientemente bueno para juzgar a los demás. Sólo Dios ve toda la verdad y puede leer el corazón humano. Por lo tanto, solo Él tiene la capacidad y la autoridad para juzgarnos a todos.
 
A menudo tenemos prejuicios en nuestro juicio de los demás. Por lo tanto, no se puede esperar de nosotros una justicia total, especialmente cuando estamos juzgando a aquellos que nos son cercanos o queridos. No tenemos derecho a juzgar porque tenemos las mismas faltas que el que estamos juzgando y muchas veces en mayor grado. Por lo tanto, sea compasivo.
 
San Felipe Neri al ver la mala conducta de un borracho comentó: “Ahí va Felipe pero por la gracia de  Dios”. Por lo tanto, debemos dejar todo juicio a Dios, practicar la misericordia y el perdón, y orar por la gracia de Dios para deshacernos de toda forma de hipocresía en nuestras vidas. Recordemos la sabia  advertencia: “Cuando señalas con un dedo acusador a otro, tres de tus dedos te señalan a ti”.
 
Pidámosle a Dios Todopoderoso que nos ayude a construir relaciones humanas con palabras positivas, amables y amorosas, y evitemos toda forma de palabras y acciones negativas y críticas. Pidámosle al Señor que nos transforme al comenzar nuestro viaje de Cuaresma este Miércoles de Ceniza y nos dé la gracia de celebrar     dignamente este tiempo de Cuaresma.
 
Padre Francisco
 

 

February 20, 2022

Dear friends:

On this Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time, our readings invite us to meditate upon a few aspects of our Christian growth into the image of God.
 
In baptism, we are called to mirror and image the mercy and forgiveness the Lord has won for us, as    David would not harm his enemy, so we are challenged to love and pardon those who wrong us.

In today’s first reading, David is the good guy and Saul the bad guy out to kill him. David believes that Saul is the Lord’s anointed king, so his conscience tells him not to kill him.
 
Making the right choices in life its not just a list of dos and don’ts, or just a good intention, it’s about   having the Spirit of Christ in you and act accordingly to do the right thing for the right reason and sacred scriptures helps us understand that the love of God and neighbor are the right reasons.

St. Paul in today’s Epistle calls Adam the first man and Christ the second. He created Adam with a rational soul, moral and immoral with free will and conscience, and was able to know God and choose to obey Him or to disobey Him. We already know his choice as the Star Wars fans would say, Adam went to the Dark side meaning turning his back on God. Yes, it probably would be easy to blame Adam for original sin, but we are not responsible for original sin. God does not punish us for Adam’s sin, but for our own. We have inherited fallen human nature from Adam. In Christ, we inherit the supernatural       immortal life that Adam lost by faith and in baptism, we get divine life and share into the divine family, Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.

In today’s gospel, Jesus is asking us to love our enemies, to do good to those who hate us, bless those who curse us and pray for those who mistreat us, give without asking anything in return without expecting  a payment, forgive and you will be forgiven. Wow, as I was meditating on this gospel, it came to my mind those followers of Jesus who said that this teaching was too hard and walked away from Him and Jesus asked His disciples whether they also wanted to leave? And Peter answered Him “Lord to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

WWJD? What will Jesus do? The point of Jesus’ sermon today comes at the end “the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.” In other words, do unto others what you would have them do unto you. Jesus always say that “whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine you did for me.” {MT 25:40}

That is the vision that needs to be believed and lived in every act of every day of every life. When we lose control, get angry or upset at someone, when we are scared, frustrated and are in front of situations that are difficult and sometimes we think that we are going to lose control, always come back to the Lord and ask your self WHAT WILL JESUS DO?
 
These are opportunities to grow as a better human being and become an image of Christ.

This is a quote from Daily Catholic Wisdom from Aurora Griffin

“I HAVE FOUND IT’S BEST TO THINK OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AS YOUR EXTENDED FAMILY, SOME MEMBERS WILL BE WEIRD, OTHERS WILL DRIVE YOU CRAZY, AND STILL OTHERS WILL BE YOUR BEST FRIENDS, WHATEVER YOUR DISAGREEMENTS ARE, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST.

PEACE 
Deacon Mario
 
Queridos amigos:

En este 7th domingo del tiempo ordinario nuestras lecturas nos invitan a meditar en ciertos aspectos de nuestro crecimiento cristiano en la imagen De Dios.
En bautismo somos llamados a reflejar esa imagen de amor, misericordia y perdón que nuestro Señor a ganado para nosotros, como David no le hizo daño a su enemigo, nosotros somos      llamados a amar y perdonar aquellos que nos hacen algo malo.

En la primera lectura David es el hombre bueno de la historia y Saul el malo quien quiere matar a David, pero David reconoce que Saul es el rey ungido por Dios, y su conciencia le dice que no debe matarlo.

Tomar las decisiones correctas no siempre es fácil, no es una lista de estos si o esto no, o solamente una buena intención, se trata de tener el Espíritu de Cristo en nuestro ser, y así comportarnos de acuerdo a su imagen, el hacer lo correcto por la razón correcta y las sagradas escrituras nos ayudan a entender que el amor De Dios y amor al prójimo son la razón correcta.

San Pablo en su epístola llama a Adam el primer hombre y a Jesus el segundo. Dios creo a Adam con    espíritu rational, moral y in-moral con libertad de escoger y consciencia, pudo conocer a Dios y podia obedecerlo o desobedecerlo, nosotros ya sabemos su decisión, como los fanáticos de la guerra de las     galaxias {Star Wars} dirían se fue al lado obscuro o oculto, que significa le dio la espalda a Dios, si     posiblemente es fácil hecharle la culpa a Adam y el pecado original, pero nosotros no somos responsables por el pecado original, Dios no nos castiga por el pecado de Adam, pero si por nuestros pecados, tenemos la herencia de la humanidad caída por medio de Adam. Pero en Cristo tenemos la herencia de una vida supernatural la vida inmortal, esa vida que Adam perdió y por fe y nuestro bautismo  conseguimos la vida divina, la herencia de compartir dentro de la familia divina, Padre Hijo Espritu Santo, nuestra Santa      Madre, San Jose etc.

El evangelio de hoy Jesus nos pide que amemos a nuestros enemigos, a hacer el bien a quienes nos odian, a bendecir los que nos maldicen y orar por aquellos que nos tratan mal, a dar sin pedir nada a cambio, no esperar paga alguna, a perdonar y así se nos perdonara, Wow mientras meditaba en este evangelio me     recordaba de aquellos seguidores de Jesus que dijeron estas enseñanzas son muy difíciles de seguir y se fueron de su presencia, Jesús entonces les pregunto a sus discípulos tambien ustedes se quieren ir? Y   Pedro contesto 
“A quien iremos Señor a quien iremos” tu tienes palabras de vida eterna.
WWJD? What will Jesus Do? Que haría Jesus?
El punto de Jesus en este evangelio llega al final “con la misma medida con la que midan, serán medidos” en otras palabras hagan a otros lo que quieren que les hagan a ustedes.
Jesus siempre dijo que “ cualquier cosa que hagamos por el mas pequeño de mis hermanos lo hicieron por mi. [MT 25:40].
Esa es la mission que tenemos que creer y vivirla en cada acto todos los días de nuestra vida. Cuando    perdemos control, nos enojamos o alguien nos cae mal, cuando tenemos miedo, nos frustramos y estamos frente a situaciones que son difíciles y pensamos que vamos a perder el control? Siempre regresemos al Señor y preguntemos WWJD? Que haría Jesus?
Estas son oportunidades de crecimiento a crecer como una mejor persona humana y transformarnos en la imagen de Cristo.
Esta es una cita de la sabiduría catolica del dia por Aurora Griffin:
“La mejor manera de pensar es que la iglesia Catolica es una familia extendida, algunos miembros son raros, otros te vuelven loco, y otros son tus mejores amigos, no importa si no estan de acuerdo, siempre seremos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo.

Paz Diácono Mario
 
 

February 13, 2022

My dear St. Ignatius Parish family,
 
 This weekend liturgy invites our attention to the Beatitudes. They reflect certain values, revolutionary values. They contradict the accepted values of the World of his time. The basic principle of the kingdom Jesus proclaims is that the poor and the suffering are blessed. The poor and the suffering are those who have no earthly security. They open themselves to God and invoke Him, and they are blessed because God is with them, offering them the Kingdom.
 
Father Louis Everly, a noted Belgian theologian, priest, and writer says that so many people never find happiness because they do not know where to look for it. Too many people make the mistake of seeking one more material thing, one more pay raise, one more promotion, one more problem solved, or one more handicap to overcome. "If only I had that," they often say, "I would be happy." Too late they learn that happiness does not come from the outside, but from within. Howard Hughes was one of the wealthiest men who ever lived, but he could not buy contentment or peace of mind. That is the first thing that is evident as we view the Beatitudes. Happiness is not synonymous with the pursuit of pleasure. This week’s challenge is, “Will you be happy in the world’s way, or in Christ’s way.”
 
Pope Francis announced The Theme for the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops: For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission. In October, the preparatory document and the vademecum (handbook) were released. With the convocation of the Synod of  Bishops, Pope Francis invites the entire Church to reflect on a theme that is decisive for its life and mission: “It is precisely this path of synodality which God expects of the Church of the third millennium. This journey, which follows in the wake of the Church’s ‘renewal’ proposed by the Second Vatican Council, is both a gift and a task.”
 
The Synod on Synodality is a two-year process of listening to the dialogue started on October 9, and 10, 2021 the synodal process will conclude in 2023. As a parish family, we will join hand in hand with the Universal Church through the guidance of our diocese for a Synodal Church.
 
The Second Sunday of February is celebrated as World Marriage Sunday. The theme for this year’s celebration of National Marriage Week is “Called to the Joy of Love.” Throughout this week, kindly pray for engaged and for married couples. As a sacrament of the Church, we glimpse the love and faithfulness of God in the love and faithfulness of the married couple. Thanks to our parish staff  and  volunteers who assist couples in preparing for both a beautiful wedding and a holy marriage.  Thanks to married couples who model their vocation to the rising generation.
 
In Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Shibi
 
Mi querida familia de la Parroquia de San Ignacio, 
 
La liturgia de este fin de semana invita nuestra atención a las Bienaventuranzas. Reflejan ciertos valores, valores revolucionarios. Contradicen los valores aceptados del mundo de su tiempo. El principio básico del reino es que Jesús proclama que los pobres y los que sufren son bendecidos. Los pobres y los que sufren son aquellos que no tienen seguridad terrenal. Se abren a Dios y lo invocan, y son bendecidos porque Dios está con ellos, ofreciéndoles el Reino.
 
El Padre Louis Everly, un destacado teólogo, sacerdote y escritor Belga, dice que muchas personas nunca encuentran la felicidad porque no saben dónde buscarla. Demasiadas personas cometen el error de buscar una cosa material más, un aumento salarial más, una promoción más, un problema más resuelto, una desventaja más superada. "Si tan solo tuviera eso", suelen decir, "sería feliz". Demasiado tarde aprenden que la felicidad no viene de afuera sino de adentro. Howard Hughes fue uno de los hombres más ricos que jamás haya vivido, pero no podía comprar satisfacción o tranquilidad. Eso es lo primero que es evidente al ver las Bienaventuranzas. La felicidad no es sinónimo de la búsqueda del placer. El desafío de esta semana es: "¿Serás feliz a la manera del mundo, o a la manera de Cristo?".
 
El Papa Francisco anunció el tema de la XVI Asamblea General Ordinaria del Sínodo de los Obispos: Por una Iglesia sinodal: Comunión, Participación y Misión. En octubre se publicó el documento preparatorio y el vademécum (manual). Con la convocatoria del Sínodo de los Obispos, el Papa Francisco invita a toda la Iglesia a reflexionar sobre un tema que es decisivo para su vida y misión: "Es precisamente este camino de sinodalidad lo que Dios espera de la Iglesia del tercer milenio. Este camino, que sigue la estela de la "renovación" de la Iglesia propuesta por el Concilio Vaticano II, es a la vez un don y una tarea".
 
El Sínodo sobre la sinodalidad es un proceso de escucha de dos años, el diálogo comenzó el 9 de octubre y el 10 de octubre de 2021 el proceso sinodal concluirá en 2023. Como familia parroquial, nos uniremos de la mano con la Iglesia Universal a través de la guía de nuestra diócesis para una Iglesia sinodal.
 
El segundo domingo de Febrero se celebra como el Domingo Mundial del Matrimonio. El tema para la celebración de este año de la Semana Nacional del Matrimonio es "Llamados a la Alegría del Amor". A lo largo de esta semana, oren amablemente por las parejas comprometidas y por las casadas. Como sacramento de la Iglesia, veamos el amor y la fidelidad de Dios en el amor y la fidelidad de la pareja casada. Gracias a nuestros feligreses que ayudan a las parejas a prepararse tanto para una hermosa boda como para un matrimonio santo. Gracias a las parejas casadas que modelan su vocación a la nueva generación.
 
 En Jesús y María, 
P. Shibi 
 

February 6, 2022


 
My dear St. Ignatius Parish family,
 
As we celebrated the World day of the  Consecrated on     February 2nd , we appreciate the dedication of   people who set apart their lives for God and His Church through the profession of the vows of  poverty, chastity, and           obedience. Out of this dedication, comes their love of the world for its salvation and the upbuilding of the Church. I dedicate this week's column to knowing and  appreciating the lives of Rev. Sisters in St. Ignatius Convent. Thank you      Sisters for your participation in the day-to-day activities of   St. Ignatius Parish through your prayers, presence, and       involvement. 
 
                                                                                                       Sister Karen Lademann, OP
 

I have been called by name to live my life as an Amityville Dominican since 1973.  I first met the   Dominicans in grammar school at St. Rose of Lima in Massapequa and had them both in Queen of the Rosary Academy and Molloy College.  My ministries as a Sister have been varied and have served both in the Diocese of Brooklyn and Rockville Centre.  Some of my ministries have been in             elementary school and high school as a teacher and principal, Director of Religious Education,       Director of a Human Service Center and presently a Wellness Advocate for our senior sisters in our Motherhouse in Amityville.
If I look back over these past 48 years as a sister, I have been greatly enriched by God’s people in all my ministries.  They have shown me the face of God in many different ways.  And I pray that I have also shown them God’s face and His love for them.  May I continue in the holy preaching as a sign of joy and hope to the people of God as I minister to and with them.
 
                                                                                                   Sister Kathleen P. Murphy O.P.
 
I have been an Amityville Dominican Sister for 58 years.  I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from Molloy College and a Masters in Theology Degree from Immaculate Conception Seminary.  I have ministered as an elementary school teacher of grades 4 through 8 in Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Lindenhurst, Our Lady of Hope, Middle Village, Christ the King, Commack and here at St. Ignatius Loyola.
I returned to the parish in 1976 as principal and later served as Human Services Coordinator for 20 years.  For four years, I was Pastoral Associate at St. Boniface Martyr in Sea Cliff.  Since 1999, I have been a Parish Outreach Coordinator at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre.  It has been a real blessing for me to minister to those in need for 42 years and to be supported in that ministry by the generosity of parishioners.
I was happy to return to residence here in 2007 and continue to do so today.

                                                                                                              Sister Mary O’Donnell, O.P
 
I have been a member of the Sisters of St. Dominic, for the past sixty-seven years.  As  women  religious, we strive to ground our life in prayer, study, community and mission, the four pillars of       Dominican life.  My undergraduate studies were completed at St Francis College in Brooklyn and my Masters degrees are from Hunter College and the College of New Rochelle. My elementary school     
teaching ministry began in Queens in the mid 1950’s and ended in the late sixties in Bayamon,   Puerto-Rico.  While there, I received a grant from the  Inter-American University of P.R. to assist me in teaching English to speakers of other languages.  When I returned to the States, my community sent me to teach high school students at Maria Regina, D.H.S. in Uniondale.
 
In 1972, and for what turned out to be the next thirty-seven years, I began a commitment to serving  God’s people as an elementary and  high school principal at: Christ the King, Commack, St Joseph,   Garden City, St. Ignatius Loyola, Hicksville and our community’s high school, Queen of the Rosary Academy aka: “QRA.”  The Academy was located on the grounds of our Motherhouse.  During the years I served at “QRA” , I was blessed to come to know and work with many of the parishioners of  St. Ignatius Loyola Parish whose daughters attended QRA—Deacon George Mais and Mickey, his wife, just to name one.
 
I thank God for His grace and mercy throughout my years in active ministry and for the support and   encouragement I have received from my  pastors, parents, parishioners and colleagues.
 
                                                               Sister Joan Klimski, OP
 
· I have been a member of the Dominican Sisters of Amityville for the past 53 years and over those years have had many experiences in ministry.
 
· During my elementary school experience at St. Luke’s in Whitestone, I had the opportunity to teach 2nd and 7th grade and to prepare the children to receive their sacraments.  While I was at St. Luke’s,  I worked with a woman giving At Home Retreats for women in the parish.
 
· Teaching high school, I had the opportunity to work on overnight retreats for the juniors and seniors. 
· Through a project from the United Nations, I worked with high school students for their presentations at the UN Woman’s Conference.
· While I was a DRE at Incarnation in Queens Village, the pastor gave me the opportunity to be trained as a faith base community organizer through Faith in Action. I was the parish representative for Faith in New York. With my team leaders in the parish, we worked with community boards to provide funding/opportunities for after school activities for the teens.
 
· I am currently the Director of Faith Formation at St. Thomas the Apostle in West Hempstead. My role is to provide a positive experience for the children as well as their parents in learning about our faith. I also give support to my catechists in giving workshops and materials.
     In Jesus and Mary,
           Fr. Shibi
 
Mi querida familia de la Parroquia de San Ignacio, 

Al celebrar el Día Mundial de los Consagrados el 2 de febrero apreciamos la dedicación de las personas que dedican su vida a Dios y a su Iglesia a través de la profesión de los votos de pobreza, castidad y obediencia. De esta dedicación proviene su amor por el mundo para su salvación y la edificación de la Iglesia. Dedico la columna de esta semana a conocer y   apreciar la vida de las Reverendas Hermanas en el Convento de San Ignacio. Gracias Hermanas por su participación en las actividades diarias de la Parroquia de San Ignacio a través de sus oraciones, presencia y participación. 
                                                                                     
                                                                                     Hermana Karen Lademann, OP 

He sido llamada por mi nombre para vivir mi vida como dominica de Amityville desde 1973. Conocí a las dominicas por primera vez en la escuela primaria en Santa Rosa de Lima en Massapequa y las tuve en la Academia Reina del Rosario y en el Colegio de Molloy. Mis ministerios como Hermana han sido variados y he servido tanto en la Diócesis de Brooklyn como en el Centro de Rockville.    Algunos de mis ministerios han sido en la escuela primaria y secundaria como maestra y directora, Directora de Educación Religiosa, Directora de un Centro de Servicios Humanos y actualmente como Defensora de Bienestar para nuestras hermanas mayores en nuestra Casa Madre en Amityville. 
Si miro hacia atrás estos últimos 48 años como hermana, he sido grandemente enriquecida por el pueblo de Dios en todos mis ministerios. Me han mostrado el rostro de Dios de muchas maneras diferentes. Y rezo para que también les haya mostrado el rostro de Dios y su amor por ellos. Continúe en la santa predicación como signo de alegría y esperanza para el pueblo de Dios mientras les   ministro y con ellos. 

                                                                                           Hermana Kathleen P. Murphy OP 
 

He sido hermana dominica de Amityville durante 58 años. Tengo una Licenciatura en Artes en  Historia del Colegio de Molloy y una Maestría en Teología del Seminario de la Inmaculada Concepción. He ministrado como maestra de escuela primaria de los grados 4 al 8 en Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro, Lindenhurst, Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza, Middle Village, Cristo Rey, Commack y aquí en San Ignacio de Loyola. 
Regresé a la parroquia en 1976 como directora y luego me desempeñé como Coordinadora de  Servicios Humanos durante 20 años. Durante cuatro años, fui asociada pastoral en San Bonifacio Mártir en Sea Cliff. Desde 1999, he sido Coordinadora de Alcance Parroquial en la Catedral de San Inés en Rockville Centre. Ha sido una verdadera bendición para mí ministrar a los necesitados durante cuarenta y dos años y ser apoyada en ese ministerio por la generosidad de los feligreses. 
Estaba feliz de volver a residir aquí en 2007 y continuar haciéndolo hoy. 
                                                                                       
                                                                                                       Hermana Mary O'Donnell, OP 

He sido miembro de las Hermanas de Santo Domingo durante los últimos sesenta y siete años. Como mujeres religiosas, nos esforzamos por cimentar nuestra vida en la oración, el estudio, la comunidad y la misión, los cuatro pilares de la vida dominica. Completé mis estudios universitarios en el Colegio San Francisco en Brooklyn y mis maestrías son de Hunter College y Colegio de
Nueva Rochelle. Mi ministerio de enseñanza en la escuela primaria comenzó en Queens a mediados de la década de 1950 y terminó a fines de la década de 1960 en Bayamón, Puerto Rico. Mientras   estuve allí, recibí una beca de la Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico para ayudarme a enseñar inglés a hablantes de otros idiomas. Cuando regresé a los Estados Unidos, mi comunidad me envió a enseñar a estudiantes de secundaria en María Regina, D.H.S. en Uniondale. 
En 1972, y durante lo que resultaron ser los siguientes treinta y siete años, comencé un compromiso de servir al pueblo de Dios como directora de una escuela primaria y secundaria en: Cristo Rey,  Commack, San José, Garden City, San Ignacio de Loyola, Hicksville y la escuela secundaria de   nuestra comunidad, Academia Reina del Rosario también conocida como: "QRA". La Academia    estaba ubicada en los terrenos de nuestra Casa Madre. Durante los años que serví en “QRA”, tuve la bendición de conocer y trabajar con muchos de los feligreses de la parroquia San Ignacio de Loyola cuyas hijas asistían a QRA: el diácono George Mais y Mickey, su esposa, solo por nombrar una. 
Doy gracias a Dios por su gracia y misericordia a lo largo de mis años en el ministerio activo y por el apoyo y el aliento que he recibido de mis párrocos, padres, feligreses y colegas. 
                                                                                                               Hermana Joan Klimski, OP 
· He sido miembro de las Hermanas Dominicas de Amityville durante los últimos 53 años y  durante esos años he tenido muchas experiencias en el ministerio. 
· Mi experiencia en la escuela primaria en San Lucas en Whitestone tuve la oportunidad de enseñar en segundo y séptimo grado y preparar a los niños para recibir sus sacramentos. Mientras estaba en San Lucas, trabajé con una mujer que daba retiros en casa para mujeres en la parroquia. 
· Enseñando en la escuela secundaria, tuve la oportunidad de trabajar en retiros nocturnos para los juniors y seniors. 
· A través de un proyecto de las Naciones Unidas, trabajando con estudiantes de secundaria para sus presentaciones en la Conferencia de Mujeres de la ONU. 
· Mientras era DRE en Encarnación en Queens Village, el pastor me dio la oportunidad de  capacitarme como organizadora comunitaria basada en la fe a través de Fe en Acción. Yo era la  representante parroquial de Fe en Nueva York. Con los líderes de mi equipo en la parroquia,  trabajamos con las juntas comunitarias para brindar financiamiento/oportunidades para  actividades extracurriculares para los adolescentes. 
· Actualmente soy la Directora de Formación de Fe en Santo Tomás Apóstol en West Hempstead. Mi función es proporcionar una experiencia positiva para los niños y sus padres en el aprendizaje de nuestra fe. También doy apoyo a mis catequistas en la impartición de talleres y materiales. 
En Jesús y María, 
P. Shibi 
 


January 30, 2022

My dear St. Ignatius Parish family,
 
One of our favorite national pastimes is "passing the buck." We have all played this game of letting someone else do what we should be doing, of handling a job, a            responsibility, or an assignment. We particularly like to pass the buck when listening to sermons. We think that some of the best homilies, retreats, conferences, and lectures we hear are "meant for     someone else." We listen and say: "That's good advice for my kids," "My neighbors should have heard this homily," or "That's aimed at my office staff," and so on. And that is precisely what Jesus' hometown people did. They did not acknowledge that they were poor, blind, or prisoners who needed a savior and liberator. Hence, they not only rejected Jesus and His "liberation theology," but also tried to  eliminate him from the world as their ancestors had killed the prophets sent to them by God.
 
  Wednesday is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. February 2, forty days after Christmas, has been given the name Candlemas since one tradition associated with this feast is the blessing of      candles used in prayer. Since 1997, the Presentation of the Lord has been recognized as the World Day for Consecrated Life for women and men in consecrated life who are called to reflect the light of Jesus Christ to all people. The celebration of World Day for Consecrated Life is transferred to the  following Sunday to highlight the gift of consecrated persons for the whole Church. Please pray for our Nuns at St. Ignatius Convent, and in next week's bulletin, we will acknowledge their outstanding service to God and society. Fr. Francis and I belong to a religious order, "Order of the Imitation of Christ" (OIC), commonly known as "Bethany Ashram." Please keep our Order in your prayers.
 
  February 3 is the optional memorial of Saint Blaise. Using unlit candles that were blessed the          previous day, this memorial of the fourth-century bishop and martyr traditionally includes the      blessing of throats. A general version of the blessing will follow the Holy Mass at the 7.00 am and 9:00 am Mass on Thursday.
 
  This weekend is the beginning of National Catholic Schools Week. The theme for this annual          observance is "Catholic Schools – Faith. Excellence. Service." Quality academic standards are      practiced and maintained in catholic schools. Because of high standards and rigorous instruction, the students learn the standard educational subjects and art, music, language, study skills, and the skills needed to be lifelong learners.
 
  Catholic school offers many opportunities for students and families to put their faith into action through service, projects, and other similar giving endeavors. The catholic schools teach students to become future servant leaders, faith-filled disciples, and enriched citizens in our community. These shared qualities make Catholic schools succeed. Faith development, academic excellence, and        dedication to service set Catholic schools apart from other educational options. Please consider opting for catholic schools for your children/grandchildren if your resources allow. As our good neighbor, Holy Family School in Hicksville and other schools will offer scholarships and financial aid to        accommodate deserving students into the catholic educational system.
Let us continue to pray for our beautiful parish and one another.
 
In Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Shibi
 
​Mi querida familia de la Parroquia de San Ignacio, 
Uno de nuestros pasatiempos nacionales favoritos es "pasar la pelota". Todos hemos jugado este juego de dejar que alguien más haga lo que deberíamos estar haciendo, de entregar un trabajo, una responsabilidad o una asignación. Particularmente nos gusta pasar la pelota  cuando escuchamos sermones. Creemos que algunas de las mejores homilías, retiros, conferencias y disertaciones que escuchamos están "destinadas a otra persona". Escuchamos y decimos: "Ese es un buen consejo para mis hijos", "Mis vecinos deberían haber escuchado esta homilía", o "Eso está dirigido al personal de mi oficina", etc. Y eso es precisamente lo que hizo la gente de la ciudad natal de Jesús. No reconocieron que eran pobres, ciegos o prisioneros que necesitaban un salvador y       libertador. Por lo tanto, no solo rechazaron a Jesús y su "teología de la liberación", sino que también trataron de eliminarlo del mundo como sus antepasados habían matado a los profetas que Dios les había enviado. 
El miércoles es la Fiesta de la Presentación del Señor. El 2 de febrero, cuarenta días después de Navidad, se le ha dado el nombre de Candelaria ya que una tradición asociada con esta fiesta es la bendición de las velas que se usan en la oración. Desde 1997, la Presentación del Señor es         reconocida como la Jornada Mundial de la Vida Consagrada para las mujeres y los hombres de vida consagrada que están llamados a reflejar la luz de Jesucristo a todos los pueblos. La celebración de la Jornada Mundial de la Vida Consagrada se traslada al domingo siguiente para resaltar el don de las personas consagradas por toda la Iglesia. Por favor oren por nuestras Monjas en el Convento            St. Ignatius, y en el boletín de la próxima semana, reconoceremos su destacado servicio a Dios ya la sociedad. Padre Francis y yo pertenecemos a una orden religiosa, la "Orden de la Imitación de      Cristo" (OIC), comúnmente conocida como "Bethany Ashram". Por favor mantenga nuestra Orden en sus oraciones. 
El 3 de febrero es la memoria facultativa de San Blas. Utilizando velas apagadas que fueron         bendecidas el día anterior, este memorial del obispo y mártir del siglo IV incluye tradicionalmente la bendición de las gargantas. Una versión general de la bendición seguirá a la Santa Misa en la Misa de las siete de la mañana y las nueve de la mañana el jueves. 
Este fin de semana es el comienzo de la Semana Nacional de las Escuelas Católicas. El tema de esta celebración anual es "Escuelas católicas: Fe. Excelencia. Servicio". Los estándares académicos de calidad se practican y se mantienen en las escuelas católicas. Debido a los altos estándares y la instrucción rigurosa, los estudiantes aprenden las materias educativas estándar y el arte, la música, el idioma, las habilidades de estudio y las habilidades necesarias para ser aprendices de por vida. 
Las escuelas católicas ofrecen muchas oportunidades para que los estudiantes y las familias pongan su fe en acción a través del servicio, proyectos y otros esfuerzos de donaciones similares. Las         escuelas católicas enseñan a los estudiantes a convertirse en futuros líderes servidores, discípulos llenos de fe y ciudadanos enriquecidos en nuestra comunidad. Estas cualidades compartidas hacen que las escuelas católicas tengan éxito. El desarrollo de la fe, la excelencia académica y la dedicación al servicio distinguen a las escuelas católicas de otras opciones educativas. Considere optar por       escuelas católicas para sus hijos/nietos si sus recursos lo permiten. Como nuestro buen vecino, la    Escuela de la Sagrada Familia en Hicksville y otras escuelas ofrecerán becas y ayuda financiera para acomodar a los estudiantes que lo merecen en el sistema educativo católico. 
Sigamos orando por nuestra hermosa parroquia y por los demás. 
En Jesús y María, 
P. Shibi
 

January 23, 2022

My dear St. Ignatius faith family,
 
In today’s gospel (Lk. 4:14-21), we see the realization of centuries of promise and waiting fulfilled. It happened in the unpretentious synagogues of a virtually        unknown village called Nazareth. It was the practice in synagogue to have a     reading from the Law and another from the Prophets of the Old Testament, followed by a sermon.
 
In today’s event, Jesus was invited to act as both reader and preacher. It was really as if the eyes of all the people of God ever lived were on Jesus at that moment; century upon century of promises from God and of waiting by the people focused upon that moment in time.
 
Jesus read a passage from the book of Isaiah. Then he spoke simple, but momentous words-- words beyond the comprehension of his listeners: “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” Jesus was the perfect fulfillment of everything ever written in the Old Testament; he embodied and completed in his one person the whole destiny and purpose of the chosen people.
 
It was from the chosen people, God raised up great prophets, teachers of the people, like Moses,
Isaiah, Jeremiah and many others. These men taught the people what God was like. By means of the prophets, the judges, and the kings, God pointed out the way of life that his people were to follow. God made of his chosen ones a priestly people. They were set apart to offer pleasing worship to the one true God and to receive his favors in return.
 
On that apparently ordinary day in the humble synagogue of Nazareth, the great thing happened in a humble way. Jesus in simple words spoke the tremendous truth. In effect, he said: I am the one you have been waiting for. All the centuries of promise and waiting have become reality in me. With his pronouncement, another great truth began to unfold. Jesus as Messiah was also God Himself.
 
Because Jesus was God, he was more than a prophet or a teacher. A teacher says,” This is the law; follow it and you will be on the way to happiness.” Jesus being God could say,” I am the way; follow me.” Well, a priest of the Old Testament offered worship in the name of the people and prayed that God would grant his favor of eternal life. Jesus as God was the perfect priest who offered himself as a victim of sacrifice and won for us eternal life with absolute certainty. Jesus gives us himself and says, “I am the life.”
 
We are the new chosen people of God. Jesus is alive and active among us, the Church. To fulfill our destiny, we must be committed to Christ. He is the person we must know, because he is the truth. His way of living we must follow and imitate, because he is the way to true happiness. Through the      celebration of the Holy Mass, our personal relationship with Christ is strengthened. It is at the Mass that we hear the truth of Christ proclaimed. It is here that we see how Christ lived. It is here that we receive Christ as our spiritual Life.
 
Thus, Christ is our truth; Christ is our way; Christ is our life. It is here at the Mass that we are
pre-eminently in contact with our Lord and God. It is here, we receive the grace and the strength
to fulfill our destiny as the chosen people of God.
Fr. Francis
 

​Mi querida familia religiosa de San Ignacio:
 
En el evangelio de hoy (Lc 4, 14-21), vemos la realización de siglos de promesa y espera cumplida. Sucedió en las sinagogas sin pretensiones de un pueblo prácticamente desconocido llamado Nazaret. Era práctica en la sinagoga tener una lectura de la Ley y otra de los Profetas del Antiguo Testamento, seguida de un sermón.
En el evento de hoy, Jesús fue invitado a actuar como lector y predicador. Era realmente como si los ojos de todo el pueblo de Dios estuvieran puestos en Jesús en ese momento; siglo tras siglo de promesas de Dios y de espera del pueblo enfocadas en ese momento en el tiempo. Jesús leyó un pasaje del libro de Isaías. Luego pronunció palabras sencillas, pero trascendentales, palabras más allá de la comprensión de sus oyentes: “Hoy se cumple este pasaje de las Escrituras en presencia de ustedes”. Jesús fue el cumplimiento perfecto de todo lo escrito en el Antiguo Testamento; él encarnó y completó en su única persona todo el destino y propósito del pueblo elegido.
 
Fue del pueblo elegido, Dios levantó grandes profetas, maestros del pueblo, como Moisés, Isaías,
Jeremías y tantos otros. Estos hombres le enseñaron a la gente cómo era Dios. Por medio de los
profetas, los jueces y los reyes, Dios señaló el camino de vida que su pueblo debía seguir. Dios hizo de sus elegidos un pueblo sacerdotal. Fueron apartados para ofrecer adoración agradable al único   Dios verdadero y recibir sus favores a cambio.
 
En ese día aparentemente ordinario en la humilde sinagoga de Nazaret, la gran cosa sucedió de manera humilde. Jesús en palabras sencillas dijo la tremenda verdad. En efecto, dijo: Yo soy el que has estado esperando. Todos los siglos de promesa y espera se han hecho realidad en mí. Con su    pronunciamiento, otra gran verdad comenzó a revelarse. Jesús como Mesías también era Dios mismo.
 
Debido a que Jesús era Dios, era más que un profeta o un maestro. Un maestro dice: "Esta es la ley;  síguela y estarás en el camino de la felicidad". Jesús, siendo Dios, podía decir: "Yo soy el camino, sígueme". Pues bien, un sacerdote del Antiguo Testamento ofrecía adoración en nombre del pueblo y rezaba para que Dios le concediera el favor de la vida eterna. Jesús como Dios fue el sacerdote       perfecto que se ofreció a sí mismo como víctima del sacrificio y ganó para nosotros la vida eterna con absoluta certeza. Jesús se da a sí mismo y dice: "Yo soy la vida".
 
Somos el nuevo pueblo elegido de Dios. Jesús está vivo y activo entre nosotros, la Iglesia. Para
cumplir nuestro destino, debemos estar comprometidos con Cristo. Él es la persona que debemos
conocer, porque él es la verdad. Su modo de vivir debemos seguirlo e imitarlo, porque él es el
camino a la verdadera felicidad.
 
A través de la celebración de la Santa Misa se fortalece nuestra       relación personal con Cristo. Es en la Misa que escuchamos proclamar la verdad de Cristo. Es aquí donde vemos cómo vivió Cristo.Es aquí que recibimos a Cristo como nuestra Vida espiritual.
 
Así, Cristo es nuestra verdad; Cristo es nuestro camino; Cristo es nuestra vida. Es aquí en la Misa que estamos preeminentemente en contacto con nuestro Señor y Dios. Es aquí donde recibimos la gracia y la fuerza para cumplir nuestro destino como pueblo elegido de Dios.
 
Padre Francisco
 

January 16,2022

A Happy and Holy 2022 to all.  We are beginning Ordinary Time again in the church, this is the longest period of the Liturgical year – 34 weeks.  Today is the Second    Sunday of Ordinary Time in the Cycle C or the year of Luke (when most of the Gospel readings are taken from Luke, the Evangelist).  The other thing that we need to recall about Ordinary Time is that we are travelling with Jesus during His ordinary journeys, His day-to-day life as He travels between his home in  Nazareth in Galilee to Jerusalem, beginning when He was about 30 until his crucifixion at age 33.  
 
We begin our journey this year with the story of Jesus’ first miracle at the Wedding at Cana.  Jesus has just begun His public life – Mary, His mother, and Jesus have been invited to a wedding at Cana in Galilee.  Jewish weddings at the time of Jesus were typically 6 to 7 days long to allow for all the      relatives and friends to join the happy couple to celebrate their marriage.  It was when Jesus and Mary attended the celebration that Mary discovered that they had a problem, there was no more wine. We hear  Jesus’ reluctance  to  get involved,  but  Mary instructs  the  servers  to follow Jesus’  directions. 
Jesus instructs the servers to fill the wine jars with water and then take some to the head waiter, who        discovered that the water had been turned into wine. 
 
Scholars see this first of Jesus’ miracles as an indication of the importance Jesus placed on the         sacrament of marriage.  We see this reflected in today’s first reading from the prophet Isaiah who is speaking to the exiles in Babylon.  Isaiah presents a beautiful metaphor describing God’s love for    Jerusalem, He will forgive the sins of the Israelites and restore them.  Isaiah compares God’s love for them to a marriage covenant, calling them Hephzibah (My Delight) and Beulah (Espoused).  And scholars see Jesus’ first miracle as an indication of the day foreseen by Isaiah and fulfilled by Jesus as God’s plan for the redemption of Israel.  
 
St. Paul adds another dimension to this picture in his letter to the Corinthians.  He describes the many gifts of the Holy Spirit and how these charisms are really signs of the love God shares among the three persons of the Blessed Trinity – a family which through our baptism we have been invited to join, to participate in sharing this great love.  These gifts have been given for the well-being of others in the family of believers in order to give witness to the glory and power of God.  As Paul says, “There are many gifts but only one Giver; there are different gifts but only one goal,” the common good of the whole believing community.  Therefore, we must use these gifts to nourish the ties that bind us to Christ, because we are united with God in a marital relationship – we are family.  We are bound to one another, much as “in-laws” we are linked to every member of the Church through our baptism. we all participate in this great family and are responsible to protect and enrich this          family.  Paul is telling all of us to support each other, to join together and be united in our efforts to build the Church and God’s Kingdom here on earth.  
 
The church fathers saw this first miracle as a manifestation of the powerful love of a husband for his wife and the wife for her husband just as God loves his spouse, the Church.  As ministers of the       sacrament of matrimony – husbands and wives mirror the great love of God in our midst.  
Let us spend this year growing in our love for each other, for all of God’s kingdom and praying that God will bless our efforts to grow His family.  
God Bless you,
Deacon George Mais
 
​Un feliz y Santo 2022 para todos. Estamos comenzando nuevamente el Tiempo           Ordinario en la iglesia, este es el período más largo del año litúrgico: 34 semanas. Hoy es el Segundo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario en el Ciclo C o el año de Lucas (cuando la mayoría de las lecturas del Evangelio son tomadas de Lucas, el Evangelista. La otra cosa que necesitamos recordar sobre el Tiempo Ordinario es que estamos viajando con Jesús durante Sus viajes ordinarios, Su vida cotidiana mientras viaja entre su hogar en Nazaret en Galilea y Jerusalén, comenzando cuando tenía alrededor de 30 años hasta su crucifixión a los 33 años.
 
Comenzamos nuestro viaje este año con la historia del primer milagro de Jesús en las Bodas de Caná. Jesús acaba de comenzar su vida pública: María, su madre y Jesús han sido invitados a una boda en Caná de Galilea. Las bodas judías en la época de Jesús duraban típicamente de seis a siete días para permitir que todos los familiares y amigos se unieran a la feliz pareja para celebrar su matrimonio. Fue cuando Jesús y María asistieron a la celebración que María descubrió que tenían un problema, ya no había vino. Escuchamos la reticencia de Jesús a involucrarse, pero María instruye a los servidores a seguir las instrucciones de Jesús. Jesús instruye a los servidores para que llenen las tinajas de vino con agua y luego se las lleven al jefe de camareros, quien descubre que el agua se había convertido en vino.
 
Los eruditos ven este primero de los milagros de Jesús como una indicación de la importancia que Jesús le dio al sacramento del matrimonio. Vemos esto reflejado en la primera lectura de hoy del  profeta Isaías que habla a los exiliados en Babilonia. Isaías presenta una hermosa metáfora que      describe el amor de Dios por Jerusalén, Él perdonará los pecados de los israelitas y los restaurará. Isaías compara el amor de Dios por ellos con un pacto matrimonial, llamándolos Hephzibah (Mi     delicia) y Beulah (Desposados). Y los eruditos ven el primer milagro de Jesús como una indicación del día previsto por Isaías y cumplido por Jesús como el plan de Dios para la redención de Israel.
 
San Pablo añade otra dimensión a este cuadro en su carta a los Corintios. Describe los muchos dones del Espíritu Santo y cómo estos carismas son realmente signos del amor que Dios comparte entre las tres personas de la Santísima Trinidad, una familia a la que por nuestro bautismo hemos sido
invitados a unirnos, a participar en compartir este gran amor. Estos dones han sido dados para el   bienestar de otros en la familia de creyentes para dar testimonio de la gloria y el poder de Dios. Como dice Pablo, “Hay muchos dones pero un solo Dador; hay diferentes dones pero un solo fin”, el bien común de toda la comunidad creyente. Por lo tanto, debemos usar estos dones para nutrir los lazos que nos unen a Cristo, porque estamos unidos a Dios en una relación marital, somos familia. Estamos vinculados unos a otros, tanto como los “suegros”, estamos vinculados a cada miembro de la Iglesia a través de nuestro bautismo. Todos participamos de esta gran familia y somos responsables de proteger y enriquecer a esta familia. Pablo nos está diciendo a todos que nos apoyemos unos a otros, que nos unamos y estemos unidos en nuestros esfuerzos para construir la Iglesia y el Reino de Dios aquí en la tierra.
 
Los padres de la iglesia vieron este primer milagro como una manifestación del poderoso amor de un esposo por su esposa y de la esposa por su esposo así como Dios ama a su esposa la Iglesia. Como ministros del sacramento del matrimonio, los esposos y las esposas reflejan el gran amor de Dios    entre nosotros. Pasemos este año creciendo en nuestro amor mutuo, por todo el reino de Dios y    orando para que Dios bendiga nuestros esfuerzos para hacer crecer a Su familia.
 
Que Dios Los Bendiga,
Deacon George Mais
 

January 9, 2022

My dear St. Ignatius Parish family,
Today we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord.  The liturgical season of Christmas         concludes with today’s Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. This feast day is one that helps bridge the Christmas season and Ordinary Time. Today’s feast is also known as the third epiphany, when Jesus is presented to the world, after the first two “epiphanies” of the Nativity and the Magi’s visit.
One of the questions that may come to our mind on this day is “Why was Jesus baptized?”  Jesus' baptism was different from ours. He underwent baptism not for forgiveness of sins, but as an example for us. "Christ is baptized not to be made holy by the water, but to make the water holy." His baptism established a way for us to be cleansed from our sins and to receive the Holy Spirit. The voice from  heaven and the hovering of the Holy Spirit showed Him to be the Messiah.
Ever since Adam and Eve, we have been born with a deficiency in our relationship to God. This is called original sin. Although some think of original sin as a black mark on the soul, it is more           appropriately thought of as a void. With Original Sin and our consequent sins, we have disinvited God from our lives. Every baby born since Adam and Eve, with the exception of Jesus and Mary, are born with this void. When we are born, the Trinity does not dwell in our soul but must be invited in. At baptism, this original sin is washed away as we invite the Holy Trinity into our lives and also, any  actual sins we have committed are forgiven.
Today, therefore, we celebrate not only Jesus’ baptism, but we celebrate God’s gracious coming among us in this very human way. We celebrate the baptism of ourselves. The covenant of love is  extended from Father to Son to all of the children of God.
This is why today is a great feast day. It’s the beginning of something new. It’s the beginning of new hope. It’s the beginning of a new faith. And, of course, it’s the beginning of a sharing of a new kind of love where we give ourselves to God and God gives Himself to us.
As we celebrate the New Year, let us hope that it will be a much better year than the last one.       However, let us submit ourselves to God’s will! It is more important that we live the true Catholic life in the new year.  Whether we are as poor as the shepherds of Bethlehem or as educated as the Magi from the East, let us live our baptismal promises. This would be an appropriate gift for the Christ Child next Christmas.
As we celebrate the feast of the baptism of Jesus, it is a great day to reflect on our own baptism and its significance for us. Let’s look into our own lifestyle today, to see if our direction is right. Many of us were baptized as infants, and it is good to examine how we have been living out the obligations of our new birth.
I am grateful to all who have helped us to keep holy this holiday season. Thankful for all our          volunteers and staff  for their hard work to bring “the Spirit of Christmas” to Hicksville and gladden by the    genuine appreciation and support you showered upon them. I am extremely grateful for your            participation in the spiritual life of St. Ignatius in person or virtually, and supporting it by sharing your resources and treasures with the parish. May God generously bless you all.
Thank you for your generosity to our parish and to others during this holy Season.
Let us continue to pray for one another and for our beloved parish.
In Jesus and Mary, 
Fr. Shibi Pappan
                     
Mi querida familia parroquial de San Ignacio,
 
Hoy celebramos el bautismo del Señor. El tiempo litúrgico de Navidad concluye hoy con la Fiesta del Bautismo del Señor. Este día festivo ayuda a unir la temporada navideña y el tiempo ordinario. La fiesta de hoy también se conoce como la tercera   epifanía, cuando Jesús es  presentado al mundo, después de las dos primeras “epifanías” de la Natividad y la visita de los magos.
 
Una de las preguntas que pueden venir a nuestra mente en este día es "¿Por qué fue bautizado Jesús?"
El bautismo de Jesús fue diferente al nuestro. Jesús es Dios y el Espíritu Santo siempre estuvo presente dentro de él. "Cristo es bautizado, no para ser santificado por el agua, sino para santificar el agua". Se sometió al bautismo como un ejemplo para nosotros y el Espíritu le mostró que era el Mesías. Su         bautismo estableció un camino para que seamos limpiados de nuestros pecados y recibamos el Espíritu Santo.
 
Desde Adán y Eva, nacimos con una deficiencia en nuestra relación con Dios. A esto se le llama pecado original. Aunque algunos piensan en el pecado original como una mancha negra en el alma, es más   apropiado pensar en él como un vacío. Con el pecado original y nuestros pecados consecuentes, hemos retirado a Dios de nuestras vidas. Todos los bebés nacidos desde Adán y Eva, con la excepción de Jesús y María, nacen con este vacío. Cuando nacemos, la Trinidad no habita en nuestra alma, sino que debemos ser invitados a entrar. En el bautismo, este pecado original se supera al invitar a la Santísima Trinidad a nuestras vidas. Además, todos los pecados reales que hayamos cometido son lavados.
 
Entonces, hoy, celebramos no solo el bautismo de Jesús, sino que también celebramos la venida de la   gracia de Dios entre nosotros de esta manera muy humana. Celebramos el bautismo de nosotros mismos. El pacto de amor se extiende de Padre a Hijo a todos los hijos de Dios. Y es por eso que hoy es una gran celebración. Es el comienzo de algo nuevo. Es el comienzo de una nueva esperanza. Es el comienzo de una nueva fe. Y, por supuesto, es el comienzo de compartir un nuevo tipo de amor en el que nos           entregamos a Dios y Dios se entrega a nosotros.
 
Al celebrar el Año Nuevo, esperemos que sea un año mucho mejor que el anterior.  Sin embargo, ¡sometámonos a la voluntad de Dios! Es más importante que vivamos la verdadera vida católica en el   nuevo año. Tanto si somos tan pobres como los pastores de Belén como si somos tan educados como los magos de Oriente, vivamos nuestras promesas bautismales. Este sería un regalo apropiado para el niño Jesús la próxima Navidad.
 
Al celebrar la fiesta del bautismo de Jesús, es un buen día para reflexionar sobre nuestro propio bautismo y su significado para nosotros. Echemos un vistazo a nuestro propio estilo de vida hoy, para ver si nuestra dirección es la correcta. Muchos de nosotros fuimos bautizados cuando eramos bebés y es bueno          examinar cómo hemos estado viviendo las obligaciones de nuestro nuevo nacimiento.
 
Estoy agradecido con todos los que nos han ayudado a santificar esta época festiva. Todos nuestros
voluntarios y personal están felices por su arduo trabajo para traer “el espíritu de la Navidad” a Hicksville y están contentos por el genuino aprecio y apoyo que les brindó. Estoy extremadamente agradecido por su participación en la vida espiritual de San Ignacio y su apoyo al compartir sus recursos y tesoros para la parroquia.
 
Gracias por su generosidad con nuestra parroquia y con los demás durante esta temporada santa.
Continuemos orando los unos por los otros y por nuestra amada parroquia.
 
En Jesús y María, 
P. Shibi Pappan
 

January 2, 2022

My dear St. Ignatius Parish family,
It's Epiphany! Matthew describes the Bethlehem scene with the Holy Child, as the Magi being led by the star to THE STAR Child: "They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and upon entering the house, they saw the child with Mary, his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their    treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh." These mysterious Magi men give the Lord a special reception. A lesson here for us in the church is to imitate the Magi. We should seek The Lord where He appears, for example at Holy Mass, and we should honor HIM with prayers and praise and kneeling-down in homage, at Mass. We should bring a gift to honor Him, as in our sacrificial giving of our time, treasure, and talents. Just like Holy Joseph and Blessed Mary put the Magi's gifts to good use, perhaps for their flight to Egypt to  protect Baby Jesus, so will St. Ignatius Parish in 2022, put your offerings to good use. Help us with a Magi's heart. At the gospel's end, the Magi and Holy Joseph and Blessed Mary receive     special guidance on what next steps they were to make. May God guide the US right in 2022. 
 
The Gospel on Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we listen to how as soon as the angels had revealed the Christ Child's birth, the shepherds went in haste to the manger. Similarly, on receiving the angel's message about her cousin Elizabeth's pregnancy, Mary went "in haste" to help her. Our mother comes in haste to our aid when we call upon her. And she will always help us to be free from all that keeps us from loving her son as we should—to make haste in serving God's kingdom. In giving oneself to Mary, you can trust that she will always lead you to Jesus. In our sinfulness, Mary leads us to Christ's mercy. In our sorrows and sufferings, Mary leads us to the sweet comfort of her son. In our joys, Mary leads us to magnify God. When we turn to Mary in prayer, she leads us deeper into the mystery of God. She helps us to overcome our vices and our selfishness. I thank those who come "in haste" to help us to make our Christmas at St. Ignatius so prayerful and joyful,  giving extra time for the parish celebrations prior to Christmas, for Christmas, and in these days up through now. We have a    beautiful Christmas time due to the help of many, especially Martha's Guild, Wreath and Blanket  Committee,  Liturgy Committee, Spanish Ministries, etc. Great job, volunteers and staff! Thank you for your generosity to our parish and to others during this Holy Season. We here at the rectory are so grateful for all of the cards and gifts and the heart-touching messages of encouragement and prayers. 
 
As we reflect on 2021, we expected an end to the pandemic, but the world is still going through restrictions and speculations. While humanity can only do what we can in our strength, I want to remind you that God is in    control regardless of where we have been or where we are going! Let His name be always glorified. I am deeply indebted to you, my beloved parishioners, various ministries, volunteers, and well-wishers, for keeping  St. Ignatius an indwelling place of God's mercy and love; thank you, Frs. Francis and Benjamin, Dns. George, Mario, and Jose for being the channels of God's grace; thank you for human service; and St. Vincent De Paul for being the face of God's generosity; thank you, Joan and Tony, for your leadership to organize and maintain our beautiful church. Thank you Religious Education Team under the leadership of Nivia, the children and parents for the Christmas Pageant. I acknowledge the tireless effort of Ansy Mary for being the Director of Digital  Evangelism and Communication. You transformed our website, Facebook, with your inputs and diligently       introduced new ideas to renew and nourish the faith life through prayers and programs. Thank you for the       Religious Education program videos that you create every week and helping with  the script for the Christmas Pageant. Thank you for sharing your talents with St. Ignatius Parish. A special thanks for designing the manger and for the idea of outdoor Nativity scene to remind everyone that Jesus is the one and only reason for the       season. Thank you Alvaro for building the manger and donating it to our parish. Thank you Juan and team for all your support and help. 
Let us enjoy this season of Christmas : O Come Let Us Adore HIM, CHRIST THE LORD. Let us continue to pray for one another and for our parish. 
In Jesus and Mary, 
Fr. Shibi Pappan
 

Es Epifanía! Mateo describe la escena de Belén con el Santo Niño, como los Magos siendo guiados por la estrella hacia LA ESTRELLA NIÑO: "Se llenaron de alegría al ver la estrella, y al entrar en la casa, vieron al niño con María, su madre. Se postraron ellos mismos y le rindieron homenaje. Entonces abrieron sus tesoros y le ofrecieron regalos de oro, incienso y mirra ". Estos misteriosos magos dan al Señor una recepción especial. Una lección aquí para nosotros en la iglesia es     imitar a los magos. Debemos buscar al Señor donde Él aparece, como en la Santa Misa, y debemos    honrarlo con oraciones y alabanzas y arrodillarnos en homenaje, como en la Misa. Debemos traer un regalo para honrarlo,  como en nuestra entrega sacrificial de nuestro tiempo, tesoro y talentos. Así como el Santo José y la Santísima María hicieron un buen uso de los dones de los magos, tal vez para su huida a Egipto para proteger al Niño Jesús, la Parroquia de San Ignacio en 2022 hará un buen uso de sus ofrendas. Ayúdanos con el corazón de un mago. Al final del evangelio, los magos, el santo José y la santísima María reciben una guía especial sobre los próximos pasos que debían dar. Que Dios guíe a los Estados Unidos en 2022. 
 
El Evangelio sobre la solemnidad de la Santísima Virgen María, escuchamos cómo tan pronto como los ángeles revelaron el nacimiento del Niño Jesús, los pastores se dirigieron en apuro al pesebre. Asimismo, al recibir el mensaje del ángel sobre el embarazo de su prima Isabel, María fue “en apuro” a ayudarla. Nuestra madre viene en apuro en nuestra ayuda cuando la llamamos. Y ella siempre nos ayudará a estar libres de todo lo que nos impide amar a su hijo como deberíamos: para       apresurarnos en servir al reino de Dios. Al entregarse a María, puede confiar en que ella siempre le conducirá a Jesús. En nuestra pecaminosidad, María nos conduce a la misericordia de Cristo. En nuestros dolores y  sufrimientos, María nos conduce al dulce consuelo de su hijo. En nuestras alegrías, María nos lleva a magnificar a Dios. Cuando nos dirigimos a María en oración, ella nos lleva más profundamente al misterio de Dios. Ella nos ayuda a superar nuestros vicios y nuestro egoísmo. Agradezco a los que vienen "en apuro" para ayudarnos a que nuestra Navidad en San Ignacio sea tan orante y alegre, dando tiempo extra para las celebraciones parroquiales antes de la Navidad, para la Navidad, y en estos días hasta ahora. Tenemos una hermosa Navidad gracias a la ayuda de muchos, especialmente del gremio de Marta, el comité de coronas y mantas, el comité de liturgia, los ministerios en español, etc. ¡Buen trabajo, voluntarios y     personal! Gracias por su generosidad con nuestra parroquia y con los demás durante esta Temporada Santa. Aquí en la rectoría estamos muy agradecidos por todas las tarjetas y regalos y los mensajes de ánimo y oraciones que nos llegan al corazón. 
 
Mientras reflexionamos sobre el 2021, esperábamos el fin de la pandemia, pero el mundo aún atraviesa  restricciones y especulaciones. Aunque la humanidad sólo puede hacer lo que puede con sus fuerzas, quiero recordarles que Dios tiene el control, ¡independientemente de dónde hayamos estado o a dónde vayamos! Sea siempre glorificado su nombre. Estoy profundamente en deuda con ustedes, mis queridos feligreses, varios    ministerios, voluntarios y simpatizantes, por mantener a San Ignacio como un lugar donde habita la  misericordia y el amor de Dios; gracias, PP. Francis y Benjamin, Dns. George, Mario y Jose por ser los canales de la gracia de Dios; gracias por el servicio humano; y San Vicente de Paúl por ser el rostro de la generosidad de Dios; gracias, Joan y Tony, por su liderazgo para organizar y mantener nuestra hermosa iglesia. Gracias Equipo de Educación Religiosa bajo el  liderazgo de Nivia, los niños y padres para el Desfile de   Navidad. Agradezco el incansable esfuerzo de Ansy Mary por ser la Directora de Evangelismo y Comunicación Digital. Has transformado nuestra página web, Facebook, con tus aportaciones y has introducido diligentemente nuevas ideas para renovar y nutrir la vida de fe a través de oraciones y programas. Gracias por los videos del  programa de Educación Religiosa que crea cada semana y el guión para el Concurso de Navidad. Gracias por compartir sus talentos para la parroquia de San Ignacio. Un agradecimiento especial por diseñar el   pesebre y por la idea de un pesebre afuera para recordarles a todos que Jesús es la única razón de la  temporada. Gracias Álvaro por construir el pesebre y donarlo a nuestra parroquia. Gracias Juan y equipo por todo tu apoyo y ayuda.
Disfrutemos de esta temporada de Navidad : Venid, adorémosle, CRISTO EL SEÑOR. 
 
Continuemos orando los unos por los otros y por nuestra parroquia. 
En Jesús y María, 
P. Shibi Pappan
 

December 26, 2021

            Christmas 2021 
 
To the People of God of the Diocese of Rockville Centre: 
 
On December 1, 2019,  Our Holy Father Pope Francis issued Admirabile Signum, an Apostolic Letter On the Meaning and Importance of  the Nativity Scene. It is a beautiful reflection that I draw on every Christmas  season and one which I urge you to read and pray.1 
In it, the Holy Father reminds us that the simple act of arranging our Nativity set links us to the past, opens  questions for the present, and orients the future. It is an act that has an existential impact. 
Pope Francis says: “Setting up the Christmas creche in our homes helps us to relive the history of what took  place in Bethlehem. Naturally, the Gospels remain our source for understanding and       reflecting on the event.  At the same time, its portrayal in the creche helps us to imagine the scene. It touches our hearts and makes  us enter into salvation history as contemporaries of an event that is     living and real in a broad gamut of  historical and cultural contexts.”  
 
The beautiful scene of parents and grandparents setting up creches together with children and      grandchildren  is a powerful multi-dimensional experience of catechesis – the teaching and passing on of our Catholic faith  and our belief in the Incarnation of Jesus Christ to the next generation.  
 
Parents and grandparents have that wisdom of teaching children and grandchildren how to assemble and  situate the creche, but at the same time, they also have the catechetical and relational sensitivity to let  children and grandchildren make choices about where the shepherds, the sheep, the three kings are to be  placed.  
 
Children are encouraged to place the Holy Family – Mary, Joseph and the Prince of Peace – with their own  hands into the center of the creche. How often children then enjoy, sometimes on their own and sometimes  with brothers and sisters and family members, moving and interacting with the figurines. How often their  biblical imaginations and souls are set on fire with God’s love as they play with their family Nativity sets. 
 
The Holy Father continues: “I would like now to reflect on the various elements of the nativity scene in  order to appreciate their deeper meaning. First, there is the background of a starry sky wrapped in the  darkness and silence of night. We represent this not only out of fidelity to the Gospel accounts, but also  for its symbolic value. We can think of all those times in our lives when we have experienced the darkness  of night. Yet even then, God does not abandon us, but is there to answer our crucial questions about the  meaning of life. Who am I? Where do I come from? Why was I born at this time
in history? Why do I  love? Why do I suffer? Why will I die? It was to answer these questions that God became man. His  closeness brings light where there is darkness and shows the way to those dwelling in the shadow of  suffering (cf. Luke 1:79).”  

We can drift through life dodging and repressing these critical existential questions of life. We can live  blindly and superficially. 
Our Catholic belief in the unity of the Nativity and the Crucifixion, the Creche and the Cross,         Bethlehem  and Golgotha keeps our lives centered and focused on the things that really count in our short time on earth  – the Last Things (Death, Judgment, Heaven and Hell) and a belief in the Eternal Joy of Heaven, our true  home. 
The Holy Father continues to press the existential questions: “The presence of the poor and the lowly in the  nativity scene remind us that God became man for the sake of those who feel most in need of his love and  who ask him to draw near to them. Jesus, ‘gentle and humble in heart’ (Matthew 11:29), was born in  poverty and led a simple life in order to teach us to recognize what is essential and to act accordingly. The  nativity scene clearly teaches that we cannot let ourselves be fooled by wealth and fleeting promises of  happiness. We see Herod’s palace in the background, closed and deaf to the      tidings of joy. By being born  in a manger, God himself launches the only true revolution that can give hope and dignity to the disinherited  and the outcast: the revolution of love, the revolution of            tenderness. From the manger, Jesus proclaims, in  a meek yet powerful way, the need for sharing with the poor as the path to a more human and fraternal  world in which no one is excluded or                marginalized.”  
May our prayer, silent contemplation and creative family catechesis of the Nativity scene help us to be  instruments of a Gospel revolution of humility, charity, mercy, tenderness, and solidarity with the sick, the  poor and the suffering. 
May our commitment to “holiness and mission” bless our contemplative Synodal listening and our  Eucharistic Revival and Evangelization. 
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your families! 
                                                                                                                         Sincerely in Christ, 
                                                                                                                    Most Reverend John O. Barres 
                                                                                                                         Bishop of Rockville Centre
 
  1https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_letters/documents/papa-francesco-lettera ap_20191201_admirabile-signum.html

                  Navidad 2021 
 
Para el Pueblo de Dios de la Diócesis de Rockville Centre: 
 
En diciembre 1ero, 2019, nuestro Santo Padre Francisco publicó Admirabile Signum, una Carta   Apostólica  Sobre el Significado y la Importancia del Nacimiento. Esta es una hermosa reflexión a la que yo recurro  cada temporada navideña y a la que les exhorto a leer y rezar.1 
 
En ella, el Santo Padre nos recuerda que el simple acto de arreglar nuestro pesebre [Belén, Nacimiento] nos  vincula con el pasado, nos abre interrogantes para el presente y nos orienta al futuro. Es un acto que tiene  un impacto existencial. 
 
El Papa Francisco dice: “Instalar el pesebre en nuestras casas nos ayuda a revivir la historia que tuvo lugar  en Belén. Naturalmente, los Evangelios siguen siendo nuestra fuente para comprender y        reflexionar sobre  el acontecimiento. Al mismo tiempo, su representación en el pesebre nos ayuda a imaginar la escena. Nos  toca el corazón y nos hace entrar en la historia de la salvación como          contemporáneos de un acontecimiento  vivo y real en una amplia gama de contextos históricos y     culturales.”  
 
La hermosa imagen de los padres y de los abuelos preparando juntos el pesebre con sus niños y sus nietos  es una poderosa experiencia multidimensional de la catequesis – de enseñar y transmitir      nuestra fe Católica  y nuestra creencia en la Encarnación de Jesucristo a la próxima generación.  
Los padres y los abuelos tienen esa sabiduría de enseñar a sus niños y a sus nietos a montar y colocar el  pesebre, pero al mismo tiempo, ellos también tienen la sensibilidad catequética y la afinidad para dejar a  los niños y a los nietos que tomen la decisión de dónde van a colocar los pastores, las ovejas y los tres reyes  magos.  
 
Se anima a los niños a colocar la Sagrada Familia -María, José y el Príncipe de la Paz- con sus        propias  manos en el centro del pesebre. Con qué frecuencia los niños disfrutan, a veces solos y a veces con sus  hermanos y familiares, moviendo e interactuando con las figuras. Cuántas veces su    imaginación bíblica y  sus almas arden con el amor de Dios mientras juegan con sus belenes            familiares. 
 
El Santo Padre continua: “Me gustaría ahora reflexionar sobre los distintos elementos del belén      para  apreciar su significado más profundo. En primer lugar, está el fondo de un cielo estrellado       envuelto en la  oscuridad y el silencio de la noche. Lo representamos no sólo por fidelidad a los        relatos evangélicos, sino  también por su valor simbólico. Podemos pensar en todos los momentos de nuestra vida en los que hemos  experimentado la oscuridad de la noche. Pero incluso entonces, Dios no nos abandona, sino que está ahí  para responder a nuestras preguntas cruciales sobre el sentido de la vida. ¿Quién soy yo? ¿De dónde vengo?  ¿Por qué he nacido en este momento de la historia? ¿Por qué amo? ¿Por qué sufro? ¿Por qué moriré?  Para responder a estas preguntas, Dios se hizo hombre. Su cercanía trae luz donde hay tinieblas y muestra  el camino a quienes habitan en la sombra del      sufrimiento (Lucas 1:79).”  
 
Podemos ir a la deriva por la vida evadiendo y reprimiendo estas cuestiones existenciales críticas de la vida.  Podemos vivir a ciegas y superficialmente. 
 
Nuestra creencia católica en la unidad de la Natividad y la Crucifixión, el Pesebre y la Cruz, Belén y el  Gólgota, mantiene nuestras vidas centradas y enfocadas en las cosas que realmente cuentan en nuestro   corto  tiempo en la tierra - las Últimas Cosas (Muerte, Juicio, Cielo e Infierno) y una creencia en la Alegría Eterna  del Cielo, nuestro verdadero hogar. 
 
El Santo Padre sigue insistiendo en los asuntos existenciales: "La presencia de los pobres y de los                 humildes  en el belén nos recuerda que Dios se hizo hombre por aquellos que se sienten más       necesitados de su amor  y que le piden que se acerque a ellos. Jesús, ‘manso y humilde de corazón (Mateo 11:29), nació en la  pobreza y llevó una vida sencilla para enseñarnos a reconocer lo esencial y a actuar en consecuencia. El  belén nos enseña claramente que no podemos dejarnos engañar por la riqueza y las promesas efímeras de  felicidad. Vemos el palacio de Herodes al fondo, cerrado y sordo a las noticias de alegría. Al nacer en un  pesebre, Dios mismo lanza la única y verdadera revolución que puede dar esperanza y dignidad a los  desheredados y marginados: la revolución del amor, la revolución de la ternura. Desde el pesebre, Jesús  proclama, de manera mansa pero poderosa, la    necesidad de compartir con los pobres como camino   hacia  un mundo más humano y fraterno en el que nadie sea excluido ni marginado.  
 
Que nuestra oración, nuestra silenciosa contemplación y la creativa catequesis familiar del Pesebre nos  ayude a ser los instrumentos de una revolución evangélica de humildad, caridad, misericordia, ternura y  solidaridad con los enfermos, los pobres y los que sufren. 
 
Que nuestro compromiso de "santidad y misión" bendiga nuestra escucha sinodal contemplativa y nuestro   renacimiento eucarístico y de evangelización. 
 
Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo para ustedes y sus familias! 
                                                                                                                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                 Sinceramente en Cristo, 
                                                                                                                 Reverendísimo John O. Barres 
                                                                                                                 Obispo de Rockville Centre
 

 1https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/es/apost_letters/documents/papa-francesco-lettera ap_20191201_admirabile-signum.html
 

December 19, 2021


My dear St. Ignatius Parish family,

This weekend, we are pleased to present the Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year that ended           August 31, 2021. Thank you to all who continue to support our parish and its ministries with your time,   talent, and treasure. We are blessed to get several sponsors for most of the projects we completed this year,  including side altars renovation, buying new St. Joseph statues, refurbishment of Sacred Heart and Blessed Mother statues, Holy Family grotto (H.F prayer corner), and several other projects. Through Casino visits, Golf outings, St. Ignatius Lucky Draw, Wreath Sales, fundraising by different ministries and special donations by parishioners and friends enabled us to have a surplus balance.  In making this report, I am especially grateful for the dedicated work of Sr. Karen and the Finance Committee, Jeanne Calhoun and David Fantry.
 
Another wonderful achievement is reaching the CMA goal. Thank you Joan Della Ratta, Peggy Gill, and       volunteers for organizing various events for this important cause. Thank you Tony Condron and the   maintenance team for your diligent work through renting and leasing our facilities. The data shows that    together we remain faithful stewards, trusting in God’s faithfulness and continuing to rely on the generosity of all those who are St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish.   
 Fr. Shibi Pappan
​
Mi querida familia de fe de San Ignacio,

Este fin de semana, nos complace presentar el informe financiero anual para el año fiscal que finalizó el 31 de agosto de 2021. Gracias a todos los que continúan apoyando a nuestra parroquia y sus ministerios con su tiempo, talento y tesoro. Tenemos la suerte de contar con varios patrocinadores para la mayoría de los proyectos que completamos este año que incluyeron la renovación de altares laterales, la compra de      nuevas estatuas de San José, la restauración del Sagrado Corazón y las estatuas de la Santísima Madre, la gruta de la Sagrada Familia (rincón de oración de HF) y varios otros proyectos. A través de visitas al     casino, salidas de golf, sorteo de la suerte de San Ignacio, venta de coronas, recaudación de fondos por parte de diferentes ministerios y donaciones especiales de feligreses y amigos nos permitieron tener un   saldo excedente. Al hacer este informe, estoy especialmente agradecido por el trabajo dedicado de la Hna. Karen y el comité de Finanzas, Jeanne Calhoun y David Fantry. 
Otro logro maravilloso es alcanzar la meta de CMA. Gracias Joan Dellaratta, Peggy Gill y los voluntarios por organizar varios eventos para recaudar fondos para esta importante causa. Gracias, Tony Condron y el equipo de mantenimiento por su trabajo diligente para recaudar dinero mediante el alquiler y arrendamiento de nuestras instalaciones. Los datos muestran que, juntos, seguimos siendo fieles mayordomos, confiando en la fidelidad de Dios y continuando confiando en la generosidad de todos los que somos la Parroquia San Ignacio de Loyola.
 
​P. Shibi Pappan

December 12, 2021

My dear faith family of St. Ignatius,  
 
This Sunday is traditionally called "Gaudete Sunday" or “Rejoice Sunday.”  “Gaudete” in Latin means, “rejoice.”  In today’s second reading, St. Paul instructs the Philippians:  "Rejoice in the Lord always" (ph. 4: 4).  Today we light the pink candle on the advent wreath.  In some places, the priest also wears a pink vestment—a symbol of joy.  We are joyful because the coming of the Lord is near—Christmas is almost here!
 
In this context, it is appropriate to reflect on the symbolism of the advent wreath itself.  Here are some points we can reflect on:
· The circle is the symbol of eternity.  It is eternity’s clock that says: “In the ending is the beginning”—        every ending is a new beginning.
· It is a circle of green branches—cut and left to whither—it reveals our impermanence; and our eternal life is represented in the evergreen.
· It is also a crown, the victor’s laurel garland, as they did in Olympia, in Greece, and in Greco-Roman tradition.
· It is a crown for the chosen people—“a chosen race, a royal priesthood,” as we are told during Holy Baptism.
· It is a crown for us—baptized & confirmed—whose heads are smeared with the royal oil, Holy Chrism. Thus, we are marked for eternity!
With four candles lit, the Advent wreath is the “fiery crown” that we give to Christ the King, who returns amidst the growing gloom to take us to our Eternal Home of light and joy. And, therefore, Rejoice! Gaudete!
 
What is the reason in our broken world for this rejoicing?  We attend to what John the Baptist has signaled for us. He declared:  One is coming to proclaim good news and release for the captives.  That’s what prophet Isiah prophesied and it is fulfilled in our Lord:  “The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners, to announce a year of favor from the Lord and a day of vindication by our God” (Lk. 4: 18).
 
Therefore, rejoice—not just be happy, but be joyful.  Well then, what is the difference between happiness and joy?
· A dictionary definition of happiness is “a state of well-being, a pleasurable or satisfying experience.” 
 · The definition of the word “rejoice,” from which our word “joy” comes, is “to feel great delight, or an exuberance of gladness from within.”
· According to a Biblical scholar, the Bible teaches that happiness is fleeting; because it often depends on things outside of us.  However, true joy is       internal and lasting; it is also eternal because it is based on our relationship with Jesus Christ, which is itself an everlasting source of joy.
 · Happiness is an emotion; and it is temporary. While joy is an attitude of the heart—it is long lasting; it emanates from within.  
Pope Francis says that true joy does not come from things or from possessing things, no! It is born from the encounter, from the relationship with others; it is born from feeling accepted, understood and loved; and also from accepting, from understanding, and from loving. Joy is born from the gratuitousness of an encounter—an encounter with others and encounter with God.
 Therefore, my friends, “Gaudete!” Not just be happy; but be full of joy. As St. Paul says, rejoice in the Lord, always!
 
Fr. Francis
 
​
Mi querida familia de fe de San Ignacio,
 
Este domingo se llama tradicionalmente "Domingo de Gaudete" o "Domingo de Regocijo". "Gaudete" en latín significa, "regocíjate". En la segunda lectura de hoy, San Pablo instruye a los filipenses: "Regocíjate siempre en el Señor" (Fil. 4: 4). Hoy encendemos la vela rosa de la corona de adviento. En algunos lugares, el sacerdote también usa una vestidura rosa, un símbolo de alegría. Estamos alegres porque la venida del Señor se acerca; ¡la Navidad ya casi está aquí! 
En este contexto, conviene reflexionar sobre el simbolismo de la propia corona de adviento. Aquí hay algunos puntos en los que podemos reflexionar: 
● El círculo es el símbolo de la eternidad. Es el reloj de la eternidad que dice: “En el final está el      principio”, cada final es un nuevo comienzo. 
● Es un círculo de ramas verdes, cortadas y dejadas secar, revela nuestra impermanencia; y nuestra vida eterna está representada en el árbol de hoja perenne. 
● También es una corona, la guirnalda de laurel del vencedor, como lo hicieron en Olimpia, en   Grecia y en la tradición grecorromana. 
● Es una corona para el pueblo elegido: “una raza elegida, un sacerdocio real”, como se nos dice  durante Santo Bautismo. 
● Es una corona para nosotros, bautizados y confirmados, cuyas cabezas están untadas con el aceite real, Santo Crisma. ¡Por lo tanto, estamos marcados para la eternidad! 
● Con cuatro velas encendidas, la corona de Adviento es la “corona de fuego” que le damos a Cristo Rey, quien regresa en medio de la creciente oscuridad para llevarnos a nuestro Hogar Eterno de luz y alegría. Y, por lo tanto, ¡Regocíjate! ¡Gaudete! 
¿Cuál es la razón en nuestro mundo quebrantado de este regocijo? Atendemos lo que Juan el Bautista nos ha señalado. Declaró: Uno viene a proclamar buenas nuevas y liberar a los cautivos. Eso es lo que profetizó el profeta Isías y se cumple en nuestro Señor: “El espíritu del Señor Dios está sobre mí, porque el Señor me ha ungido; me ha enviado a traer buenas nuevas a los pobres, a sanar a los quebrantados de corazón, a proclamar libertad a los cautivos y libertad a los presos, a anunciar un año de gracia del Señor y un día de vindicación por nuestro Dios”  (Lc. 4:18). 
Por lo tanto, regocíjense, no solo sean felices, sino estén gozosos. Bueno, entonces, ¿cuál es la diferencia entre felicidad y alegría? 
● La definición de un diccionario de felicidad es "un estado de bienestar, una experiencia placentera o satisfactoria". 
● La definición de la palabra "regocijarse", de la cual proviene nuestra palabra "alegría", es "sentir un gran deleite, o una exuberancia de alegría desde dentro". 
● Según un erudito bíblico, la Biblia enseña que la felicidad es fugaz; porque a menudo depende de   cosas externas a nosotros. Sin embargo, el verdadero gozo es interno y duradero; también es eterno porque se basa en nuestra relación con Jesucristo, que es en sí mismo una fuente eterna de alegría. 
● La felicidad es una emoción; y es temporal. Si bien la alegría es una actitud del corazón, es duradera; emana desde adentro. 
El Papa Francisco dice que la verdadera alegría no proviene de las cosas ni de poseerlas, ¡no! Nace del encuentro, de la relación con los demás; nace de sentirse aceptado, comprendido y amado; y también de aceptar, de comprender y de amar. La alegría nace de la gratuidad del encuentro, del encuentro con los demás y del encuentro con Dios. 
Por eso, amigos míos, "¡Gaudete!" No solo sea feliz; pero esté lleno de alegría. Como dice San Pablo, ¡regocíjense en el Señor, siempre! 
 
P. Francis
 

December 5, 2021

My dear faith family of St. Ignatius,
 
            A blizzard hit the Kansas prairie. Two feet of snow drifted to five and six feet in   places. The telephone rang in the doctor’s home. The time had come for John Lang’s wife to have her baby. But it was impossible for the doctor to get through those drifts. John Lang called his  neighbors: Can you help the doc to get through? In no time, from all directions, came men and boys with plows and shovels. They labored with all their might almost for two hours until finally the old doc was able to make it just in time to deliver the Lang boy. Today, to all of us comes a call from another Father, God the Father through His prophet Isaiah and repeated by Jesus’ own cousin, John the Baptist: “Make ready the way of the Lord.” But we are called, not to remove piles of snow, but piles of sin, neglect, thoughtlessness, the things that make it difficult and often impossible for the Divine Child to be reborn to our hearts and lives.
        
​John the Baptist asks us to look deeply into our spiritual life. The mountains and the valleys refers not so much to physical obstacles, but to the spiritual obstacles caused by social injustice when some people have too much and others are deprived. The mountains and the valleys are the rich and the poor, the haves and the have-nots. The crooked and the smooth refer to the sinful hearts of human beings which are set right through repentance. To prepare the way for the Lord, therefore, means that people must first turn away from their sins and work to build a just and egalitarian society.
 
         The Christians used to decorate houses with Christmas wreath that denotes the spiritual belief in life  everlasting. The evergreen branches have thorns. When used in a wreath, it represents the thorn on  Jesus' crown when he was crucified. Bright red holly berries symbolize Jesus' blood that was shed for us. When Christians hang a wreath on their door or in their window, it's an invitation for Christ to come into their home and profess faith in the miracle birth of the baby Jesus. I am glad that our  parishioners continued the tradition of wreath decoration under the leadership of Edward Sottile  and Mike Tuzzolo and the following parishioners helped them;  Mary Ann Lang, Joe Malerba, Colleen Tuzzolo, Camille  Gugliotti, Deborah Sottile, Peggy Gill, Joan Gonzales, Maria Pitonza, Dan  Sullivan, Daniel Sullivan and Diane Ryan. Thank you Juan Medrano, Jose Elias Diaz, Aminta Pineda, Minerva Castillo  for decorating the wall and trees at the church entrance with the lights. Thank you parishioners and friends for supporting the Wreath and Blanket Sale, and invite you to join with us for the lighting of the Christmas tree on December 4th ,
Saturday, at 6pm.  
         Thank you to the 5 & 6 Level Students of the Religious Education Program for organizing  Children’s Holy Mass last Sunday at 11AM. You did a fabulous ministry as greeters, servers, lectors, and  by participating in the offertory procession and passing the collection basket. Thank you Nivia Soto,         catechists and parents for helping our students to “Learn together and Worship together.”   
 
        As we come to the end of the Year of St. Joseph on December 8th, let us consecrate ourselves to    
St. Joseph who “invites us to rediscover the filial relationship with the Father,” renew faithfulness to prayer and listen intensely to God’s will. We will have a special dedication to the Blessed Mother and to          St. Joseph in the Solemnity Holy Masses of the Immaculate Conception. I invite all our parishioners for the hour of grace from 12pm to 1pm.
 
         We will have a special Advent reflection by Dn. Jerry on Third Sunday of Advent (Dec.12) Mass at 9.30am. He will guide us to prepare for the coming of Jesus into our lives. Please attend this Holy Mass and invite your friends as a sign of our readiness to welcome Jesus. 
 
Fr. Shibi Pappan
 

Mi querida familia de fe de San Ignacio,
 
Una ventisca azotó la pradera de Kansas. Dos pies de nieve cayeron a cinco y seis pies
en algunos lugares. Sonó el teléfono en la casa del médico. Había llegado el momento de que la esposa de John Lang tuviera a su bebé. Pero el médico no pudo atravesar esas derivas. John Lang llamó a sus vecinos: ¿Pueden ayudar al médico a pasar? En poco tiempo, de todas direcciones, llegaron hombres y muchachos con arados y palas. Trabajaron con todas sus fuerzas durante casi dos horas hasta que finalmente, el viejo doctor pudo hacerlo, justo a tiempo para entregar al chico Lang. Hoy, a todos nos llega un llamado de otro Padre, Dios Padre, a través de su profeta Isaías y repetido por el primo de Jesús, Juan el Bautista: "Prepara el camino del Señor”. Pero estamos llamados a no quitar montones de nieve, sino montones de pecado, negligencia, desconsideración, las cosas que hacen difícil y muchas veces imposible que el Divino Niño renazca en nuestros corazones y vidas. 
 
Juan el Bautista nos pide que miremos profundamente en nuestra vida espiritual. Las montañas y los valles se refieren no tanto a obstáculos físicos como a las barreras espirituales provocadas por la injusticia social cuando algunas personas tienen demasiado y otras se ven privadas. Las montañas y los valles son los ricos y los pobres, los que tienen y los que no tienen. Lo torcido y lo liso se refieren a los corazones pecaminosos de los seres humanos, que se enderezan mediante el arrepentimiento. Por lo tanto, preparar el camino para el Señor significa que las personas primero deben apartarse de sus pecados y trabajar para construir una sociedad justa e igualitaria. 
 
Los cristianos solían decorar las casas con coronas navideñas que denotaban la creencia espiritual en la vida eterna. Las ramas de hoja perenne tienen espinas. Cuando se usa en una corona, representa la espina en la corona de Jesús cuando fue crucificado. Las bayas de acebo de color rojo brillante simbolizan la  sangre de Jesús que fue derramada por nosotros. Cuando colgamos una corona en nuestra puerta o en nuestra ventana, es una invitación para que Cristo entre en nuestro hogar. Me alegra que nuestros  feligreses continúen la tradición de la decoración de coronas bajo el liderazgo de Edward Sottile y Mike    Tuzzolo. Los siguientes feligreses se unieron a Mary Ann Lang, Joe Malerba, Colleen Tuzzolo, Camille Gugliotti, Deborah Sottile, Peggy Gill, Joan Gonzales, Maria Pitonza, Dan Sullivan, Daniel Sullivan y  Diane Ryan. Gracias, Juan Medrano por decorar la pared y los árboles en la entrada de la Iglesia con las luces. Gracias, feligreses y amigos por apoyar la venta de coronas y mantas, y los invitamos a unirse a  nosotros para encender el árbol de Navidad el 4 de diciembre a las seis de la tarde. 
 
Gracias a los estudiantes de nivel 5 y 6 del Programa de Educación Religiosa por organizar la Santa Misa Infantil el domingo pasado a las once de la mañana. Hicieron un ministerio fabuloso como saludos, servidores, lectores, participaron en la procesión del ofertorio y pasaron la canasta de recolección. Gracias, Nivia Soto, catequistas y padres, por ayudar a nuestros estudiantes a "aprender y orar juntos". Invito a   todos nuestros feligreses a la hora de gracia de 12pm a 1pm.
 
Al llegar al final del Año de San José, el 8 de diciembre, consagramos a San José, que "nos invita a redescubrir la relación filial con el Padre", renovar la fidelidad a la oración y escuchar intensamente la voluntad de Dios. Tendremos una especial dedicación a la Santísima Madre y San José en las          solemnidades de las Santas Misas de la Inmaculada Concepción.Tendremos una reflexión especial de Adviento a cargo de Dn. Jerry Reda el tercer domingo de Adviento (12 dediciembre) Misa a las nueve y media de la mañana. ¿Podrías asistir a esta Santa Misa e invitar a tus amigos como señal de nuestra     disposición para recibir a Jesús?
 
P. Shibi Pappan
 

November 28, 2021

My dear faith family of St. Ignatius,
 
This Sunday, we begin the season of Advent. On this day, the church invites us to be ready and be  prepared to  receive  the Lord.  Advent means coming; we wait  eagerly for those we love.  In the liturgical calendar, the season of Advent means a joyful waiting, a waiting for someone we love. Here we wait for the coming of Jesus; and there is the eagerness within us to receive him as we look forward to this great event of God becoming man.
 
There are three aspects of Jesus’ coming we commemorate. First, we look at the past as we anticipate the celebration of the birth of Jesus in History that took place 2000 years ago, His first coming. Secondly, we look to the present as we prepare ourselves to receive Him in our daily lives, especially on Christmas day. We accept Him in the Word and in the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. Finally, we look into the future and await His coming at the end of times in majesty and glory to judge the world.
 
Today’s Gospel (Lk. 21:25-28, 34-36) speaks in special terms of the end of the world and Jesus’ final coming. It announces the Lord’s prophesy and how we must prepare ourselves to meet Him. The     entire chapter focuses on the events that will accompany the end of the world. These signs will be   cosmic in nature. “And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great   glory.”
 
When Jesus comes in His great Glory, escorted by all the angels, He will judge all of us according to what we have done. One of the standards will be how we treated others, especially the least among us. For Jesus identifies Himself with the poor and the marginalized people. He says: “I tell you solemnly, insofar as you did this for one of the least of my brothers, you did it for me” (Mt. 25:40).
 
The well-known preacher and writer Norman Vincent Peale tells us of his life experience.  When he was a young boy, he was walking down the street with his father who was a pastor. They came across a beggar who was dirty and smelly. He came to Norman and touched his hand and asked for some money for food. Norman seeing the man dirty and in tattered clothes recoiled and brushed him aside. His father told him that he must respect the man and not behave in this way. The boy replied that after all he was dirty and worthless. His father told him that in this world there is no one worthless, for all are the children of God. Then he took out one dollar, all he could afford, and gave to the boy. He said to him to give it to the man and tell him that it was in the name of Jesus he was giving the gift.  Norman refused at first but on his father’s insistence, he ran after the man and gave the money to him saying it was given in the name of Jesus.  The man looked at him, gave him a big smile, and said: “I thank you my son in the name of Jesus.” Norman said that in the genuine smile of that man who looked worthless he found the real face of Jesus, which he never forgot in his life.
 
Fr. Francis
 
Mi querida familia de fe de San Ignacio,
 
Este domingo comenzamos la temporada de Adviento. En este día, la iglesia nos invita a estar listos y preparados para recibir al Señor. Adviento significa venir;  esperamos ansiosamente a los que amamos. En el calendario litúrgico, el tiempo de Adviento significa una espera gozosa, una espera por alguien a quien amamos. Aquí esperamos la venida de Jesús; y  existe el anhelo dentro de nosotros por recibirlo mientras esperamos con ansias este gran evento en el que Dios se hace hombre.
 
Hay tres aspectos de la venida de Jesús que conmemoramos. Primero, miramos al pasado mientras  anticipamos la celebración del nacimiento de Jesús en la Historia que tuvo lugar hace 2000 años, su primera venida. En segundo lugar, miramos al presente mientras nos preparamos para recibirlo en nuestra vida diaria, especialmente el día de Navidad. Lo aceptamos en la Palabra y en el sacramento de la Sagrada Eucaristía. Finalmente, miramos hacia el futuro y esperamos su venida al final de los tiempos con majestad y gloria para juzgar al mundo.
 
El evangelio de hoy (Lucas 21:25-28.34-36) habla en términos especiales del fin del mundo y la   venida final de Jesús. Anuncia la profecía del Señor y cómo debemos prepararnos para encontrarnos con Él. Todo el capítulo se centra en los eventos que acompañarán al fin del mundo. Estos signos serán de naturaleza cósmica. "Y entonces verán al Hijo del Hombre viniendo en una nube con poder y gran gloria". Cuando Jesús venga en Su gran Gloria, escoltado por todos los ángeles, nos juzgará a
todos según lo que hayamos hecho. Uno de los estándares será cómo tratamos a los demás,  especialmente a los más pequeños entre nosotros. Porque Jesús se identifica con los pobres y marginados. Dice: “Les digo solemnemente que en la medida en que hicieron esto por uno de mis hermanos más pequeños, lo hicieron por mí” (Mt. 25:40).
 
El conocido predicador y escritor Norman Vincent Peale nos cuenta su experiencias de vida cuando era un niño, caminaba por la calle con su padre, que era pastor. Se encontraron con un mendigo sucio y maloliente. Se acercó a Norman, le tocó la mano y le pidió dinero para comer. Norman, al ver al hombre sucio y con la ropa hecha jirones, retrocedió y lo apartó a un lado. Su padre le dijo que debía respetar al hombre y no comportarse de esa manera. El niño respondió que después de todo él estaba sucio y no valía nada. Su padre le dijo que en este mundo no hay nadie sin valor, porque todos son
hijos de Dios. Luego sacó un dólar, todo lo que podía pagar, y se lo dio al niño. Le dijo que se lo diera al hombre y le dijera que era en el nombre de Jesús que le estaba dando el regalo.
 
Norman se negó al principio, pero ante la insistencia de su padre, corrió tras el hombre y le dio el dinero diciendo que se lo había dado en el nombre de Jesús. El hombre lo miró, le dedicó una gran sonrisa y dijo: "Te agradezco hijo mío en el nombre de Jesús". Norman dijo que en la sonrisa genuina de ese hombre que parecía inútil encontró el verdadero rostro de Jesús, que nunca olvidó en su vida.
 
P. Francis

November 21, 2021

y dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, peace be with you.
 
On behalf of Father Shibi, the Priests and Deacons, I want to thank all the volunteers, past and present, that have dedicated their time to the service of our community of Saint Ignatius of Loyola Parish. May our Lord keep us strong in our faith so we can continue putting our time and talents to the service of our Lord and his people.
 
The Church today celebrates the Solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. If you have noticed, we celebrate this feast every last Sunday of the liturgical year and it is the Sunday prior to  Advent. According to history, this feast was established by Pope Pius XI in 1925.
 
Much could be said about the history of this feast, but the main purpose is to remind us that in the   middle of all the difficulties and suffering of this world, where many people put their trust in all kinds of leaders with the hope of some solutions to their problems, we must always remember that Jesus was, is and will always be the solution to our problems and needs.
 
I also take this opportunity to congratulate the Salvadorian Community for celebrating today the feast of The Queen of Peace, Mary, the Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
 
Today’s readings invite us to meditate on two very important points. One is that there will be an end to every kingdom here on earth. God’s kingdom is the only one that will last forever. And the other point is that we must prepare ourselves to receive this eternal kingdom. Pope Francis says that as Christians we must learn how to live in the moment and in the time. What does this mean? Most of us know how to live in the moment, but not in the time. The moment is what we have in our hands now, but the time belongs to God. So we must live the present to build the future.
 
In the first and second reading, Daniel and John’s visions are similar, (Dan 7,13-14) (John 1:5-8) they both see Jesus coming in the clouds full of power and glory, with dominion over everything that  exists, and people from every part of the earth will serve Him and respect Him. These prophetic  readings remind me of the words of Saint Paul to the Philippians when he said that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil 2:10-11).
 
Will there be an end of the world? When is it going to be? We don’t know. What we do know is that all of us one day will be called to go back to the Lord. So we should not focus so much on how or when the end of the world will be, but to prepare ourselves for when the time to meet the Lord comes. May God bless you.
 
Your brother in Christ,
 
Deacon José Contreras.

Mis hermanos y hermanas en Cristo, la paz esté con ustedes.
 
En nombre del padre Shibi, Sacerdotes y Diaconos, quiero agradecer a todos los servidores del pasado y el presente que han dedicado su tiempo al servicio de nuestra comunidad de San Ignacio de Loyola.  Que Dios nos mantenga fuertes en la fe para que podamos continuar poniendo nuestro tiempo y talentos al servicio de Dios y su pueblo.
 
La Iglesia hoy celebra la solemnidad de nuestro Señor Jesucristo rey del universo. Si han notado,      celebramos esta fiesta el ultimo Domingo del año liturgico y es el Domingo antes de que empieze el       Adviento. De acuerdo a la historia, esta fiesta fue establecida por el Papa Pio XI en el año 1925.
 
Podriamos hablar mucho acerca de la historia de esta fiesta, pero el proposito principal es para          recordarnos que en medio de todas las dificultades y sufrimientos de este mundo, donde muchas      personas ponen su confianza en todo tipo de lideres con la esperanza de soluciones a sus problemas, debemos siempre recordar que Jesus fue, es y sera siempre la solucion a nuestros problemas y        necesidades.
 
Tambien aprovecho la oportunidad para felicitar a la comunidad Salvadoreña,  por celebrar hoy la    fiesta a nuestra Reina de la paz.  Maria, la Madre de nuestro Señor Jesucristo.
 
Las lecturas de hoy nos invitan a meditar en dos puntos muy importantes.  Uno es que todo reino aqui en la tierra llegara a su fin.  Solamente el reino de Dios durara para siempre.  El otro punto es que debemos prepararnos para recibir este reino eterno. 
 
El Papa Francisco dice que todo Cristiano debe de aprender a vivir en el momento y en el tiempo. Que quiere decir esto? La mayoria de nosotros sabemos vivir el momento pero no el tiempo.  El momento es lo que tenemos en nuestras manos, pero el tiempo le pertenece a Dios.  Entonces, debemos vivir el momento construyendo el futuro. 
 
En la primera y segunda lectura de hoy, El profeta Daniel y el apostol Juan, tienen visiones similares, (Dan 7,13-14) (John 1:5-8).  Los dos ven venir a Jesus en las nubes lleno de poder y gloria, a El se le da el dominio sobre todo lo que existe, y personas de todas partes de la tierra le serviran y los            respetaran.    Estas lecturas profeticas me recuerdan las palabras de San Pablo a los Filipenses, el dijo que al nombre de Jesus se doblara toda rodilla en los cielos, en la tierra y entre los muertos, y toda    lengua proclamara que Cristo Jesus es El Señor para gloria de Dios Padre.  (Filip. 2:10-11).
 
Habra un fin del mundo? cuando sera?.  No lo sabemos, lo que si sabemos es que un dia todos seremos llamados a volver al Señor.   Por lo tanto nuestro enfoque no deberia ser tanto en como o cuando sera el fin del mundo, sino a prepararnos para cuando llegue el tiempo de encontrarnos con Dios.
 
Que Dios los bendiga.
Su hermano en Cristo,
 

 

November 14, 2021

​My dear St. Ignatius Parish family,

​Every time we recite the Creed, we profess our faith in the Second Coming of Jesus. "But of that day or hour, no one knows neither the angels in heaven nor the Son, but only the Father" (Mark13:32). It shows the humility and obedience of Jesus and His loyalty to His   Father. The Second Coming is always imminent and always impending. Christ is already present in different ways, and we await the fullness of His revelation in glory. The signs of the second coming are scary, unless we understand the characteristics of apocalyptic literature. The upheaval in the sun, moon, and stars is not simply meant to predict destruction, but it is a way of illustrating the  transformation of the present world into God's Kingdom. This Gospel passage is not about demolition, but re-creation. "a new heaven and new earth." Therefore, the underlying message of this week's    Gospel is Hope.
 
The foundation of Christian's hope is that "the Son of Man will come in the clouds to gather together His chosen ones from the ends of the earth: (Mark 13:26-27), and those who led a righteous life through love and perseverance “shall live forever and shall shine brightly like the stars forever." Dan12:3). Are we looking forward to shine like stars in Eternal Home? May the Advent Season help us to reflect more about our preparation for meeting with Angels and Saints along with the Blessed  Mother and Jesus on the last moment of our lives here on earth? Let us continue to remember our    departed loved ones and for those who no one remembers. Our prayers aid in the perfect purification of the Souls in Purgatory and assist in their purification to become more like God. Thank you for reciting St. Gertrude's prayer and remembering those names entered in the "All Souls’ Novena  Prayer,"  "The Book of Life," and "The Book of Remembrance."
 
On November 11, 1918, the First World War, which some called the "war to end all wars," ceased. In commemoration of that day, the United States of America declared Armistice Day, a national holiday known as Veterans' Day. Liturgically 11/11is the memorial of St. Martin of Tours, a patron of          soldiers. This month of remembrance and the month of thanksgiving, let us salute our veterans for their sacrifice and courage. They were obedient and loyal to this great nation; hence, they "shall live forever and shall shine brightly like the stars forever." Let us thank them through our prayers and kind gestures.
 
The Holy Rosary is a prayer that can transform our hearts and our lives. God blessed our parish to do the Ministry-led Rosary every day in October at 8.25 am. The enthusiasm of the ministry leaders and members is greatly appreciated for representing your ministry and praying for the intentions. May the good Lord reward you for your sacrifices, and may the Holy Rosary help you to understand the will of God in your lives. We show we are part of the Universal Church when we pray the Rosary for our  Holy Catholic Church and parish intentions. We unite ourselves to our fellow brothers and sisters in faith when we pray the Holy Rosary together. This year's 'International Rosary' allowed us to connect with different cultures through the Holy Rosary. We prayed in German, Italian, Spanish, French, and Goan languages. We have a great group of parishioners to lead and organize the Rosary on every      occasion. I entrust them, our "Daughters of Holy Rosary," to our Blessed Mother’s keeping. I am greatly indebted to Peggy Gill, for her exceptional dedication to lead and support fostering our devotion to Blessed Mother.  Let us continue to pray for one another and for our parish.
In Jesus and Mary,                    
Fr. Shibi Pappan 

Mi querida familia parroquial de San Ignacio,
 
Cada vez que recitamos el Credo, profesamos nuestra fe en la Segunda Venida de Jesús. "Pero de aquel día y hora nadie sabe, ni los ángeles en el cielo ni el Hijo, sino el Padre sólo" (Marcos 13:32). Muestra la humildad y obediencia de Jesús y su lealtad a su Padre. La Segunda Venida es siempre inminente. Cristo ya está presente de diferentes maneras y esperamos la plenitud de su revelación en gloria. Las señales de la segunda venida dan miedo a menos que  comprendamos las características de la literatura apocalíptica. La agitación en el sol, la luna y las  estrellas no tiene como objetivo simplemente predecir la destrucción, sino que es una forma de ilustrar la transformación del mundo actual en el Reino de Dios. Este pasaje del  Evangelio no se trata de demolición, sino de recreación, "un cielo nuevo y una tierra nueva". Por lo tanto, el mensaje subyacente del evangelio de esta semana es la esperanza.
 
El fundamento de la esperanza cristiana es que "el Hijo del Hombre vendrá en las nubes para reunir a sus escogidos de los confines de la tierra: (Marcos 13:26-27), y a los que llevaron una vida justa a través del amor y la perseverancia. "Vivirá para siempre y brillará como las estrellas para siempre"
 (Dan. 12:3). ¿Esperamos brillar como estrellas en el Hogar Eterno? Que la temporada de Adviento nos ayude a reflexionar más sobre nuestra preparación para el encuentro con los ángeles y los santos. Junto con la Santísima Madre y Jesús en el último momento de nuestras vidas aquí en la tierra. Sigamos
recordando a nuestros seres queridos difuntos y por aquellos a quienes nadie recuerda. Nuestras       oraciones ayudan en la perfecta purificación de las Almas en el Purgatorio y ayudan en su purificación para llegar a ser más como Dios. Gracias por recitar la oración de Santa Gertrudis y recordar los    nombres ingresados en la "Oración de la Novena de Todas las Almas", "El Libro de la Vida" y "El Libro del Recuerdo".
 
El 11 de noviembre de 1918 cesó la Primera Guerra Mundial, que algunos llamaron la "guerra para poner fin a todas las guerras". En conmemoración de ese día, los Estados Unidos de América declaró el Día del Armisticio, una fiesta nacional conocida como Día de los Veteranos. Litúrgicamente el 11/11 es el memorial de San Martín de Tours, un patrón de los soldados. Este mes de recuerdo y el mes de acción de gracias, saludemos a nuestros veteranos por su sacrificio y valentía. Fueron obedientes y  leales a esta gran nación; por lo tanto, "vivirán para siempre y brillarán intensamente como las estrellas
para siempre". Agradezcamos con nuestras oraciones y amables gestos.
 
El Santo Rosario es una oración que puede transformar nuestro corazón y nuestra vida. Dios bendijo a nuestra parroquia para que rezara el Rosario dirigido por el Ministerio todos los días de octubre a las 8:25 de la mañana. El entusiasmo de los líderes y miembros del ministerio es muy apreciado por       representar su ministerio y orar por las intenciones. Que el buen Dios les recompense por sus   sacrificios y que el Santo Rosario les ayude a comprender la voluntad de Dios en sus vidas.  Demostramos que somos parte de la Iglesia Universal cuando rezamos el Rosario por nuestra Santa  Iglesia Católica y las intenciones parroquiales. Nos unimos a nuestros hermanos y hermanas en la fe cuando rezamos juntos el Santo Rosario. El 'Rosario Internacional' de este año nos permitió
conectarnos con diferentes culturas a través del Santo Rosario. Oramos en los idiomas alemán, italiano, español, francés y de Goa. Tenemos un gran grupo de feligreses para dirigir y organizar el Rosario en cada ocasión. Las encomiendo, nuestras "Hijas del Santo Rosario", al cuidado de las Benditas Madres. Estoy muy agradecido con Peggy Gill por su dedicación excepcional para liderar y apoyar el fomento de nuestra devoción a la Santísima Madre.
 
Continuemos orando los unos por los otros y por nuestra parroquia.
En Jesús y María, el
P. Shibi Pappan
 


November 7

Both the first reading and the Gospel speak of widows, who gave all that they had. The
generosity of the widows is outstanding, because they were both in a difficult situation
with extremely meager resources. Yet, out of the little they possessed, they were ready to give   everything for the service of God. Their sacrifices were certainly most acceptable to the Lord. The widow, who  supported Elijah, was helped in return by a miraculous supply of flour and oil that sustained her and her son through the period of drought. The widow, who offered coins in the temple, was praised by Jesus and  assured that her offering was extremely valuable in the sight of God. Therefore, the value of a gift is not in its quantity and quality, but in the amount of love with which it is given and the extent of the sacrifice that one makes. The offering God wants from us is not just our financial support of our faith community but, more importantly, our hearts and lives. As a parish family, we are blessed to have several volunteers who have given their talents, treasures and time for the building up of St. Ignatius.

All Saints Day was celebrated on October 31 at the 9:30 a.m. Mass. Twenty-two children dressed up as Saints and shared their thoughts about their favorite saints. Thank you, Rosemary Cassese and Katelyn Tuzzolo, for preparing first-grade students. Thank you, Rev. Sean Magaldi, for celebrating the "Youth Holy Mass" for seventh and eighth graders at 11:00 a.m. The presence of Nivia Soto, Sue Cleary, Joe Panarelli, and other teachers show their love for God and children, and we thank parents and families for supporting your children with your example by participating in the Holy Mass. 

​Once again, the Activities Committee proved their organizing abilities by hosting a farewell party for Fr. Frank, who has been a part of this parish for the last three years. He has now moved to The Holy Redeemer Church in Freeport. I am grateful for his ministry and wish him the very best in his new residence.
We hosted our annual All Souls Memorial Mass on Tuesday, November 2, at 7:30 p.m. I want to thank Pam Flannigan and the Ministry of Consolation team, who have planned and carried out many prayerful funerals for the many faithfully departed, and welcome back those families for this special memorial service. The Memorial  Altar, the Book of Life, and the Book of Remembrance allowed us to express our love and herald the undivided bond   between the living and the dead. The Book of Remembrance is kept throughout the month near the baptismal font, and you are invited to enter the names of your loved ones in it. Let us say a prayer and offer Masses for all the    departed during this month and live in the hope that one day we will be reunited with our friends and families in the Eternal Home.
By the grace of God, I was able to visit my family in India after five years. Several times I planned to visit home and even booked the flight; however, different issues led to the cancellation at the last minute. This time  Fr. Abraham, OIC encouraged me to plan a trip and offered his support. I spoke to Msgr. Walden who permitted   Fr. Abraham, OIC to stay at St. Ignatius to cover my duties. Fr. Francis, OIC consented to be "Acting Pastor" and managed the parish well with Fr. Benjamin and Fr. Abraham. I am   grateful to our priests and staff for working double time on my behalf. Let us continue to do everything for God's greater glory and the salvation of souls.
In Jesus and Mary,                    
Fr. Shibi Pappan

Tanto la primera lectura como el Evangelio hablan de las viudas, que dieron todo lo que tenían. La generosidad de las viudas es sobresaliente porque ambas se encontraban en una
situación difícil con recursos sumamente escasos. Sin embargo, de lo poco que poseían,
estaban dispuestas a darlo todo por el servicio de Dios. Ciertamente, sus sacrificios
fueron sumamente aceptables para el Señor. La viuda, que apoyó a Elías, recibió ayuda a
cambio de un suministro milagroso de harina y aceite que los sostuvo a ella y a su hijo durante el período de sequía. La viuda, que ofreció monedas en el templo, fue alabada por Jesús y aseguró que su ofrenda era     sumamente valiosa a los ojos de Dios. Por lo tanto, el valor de un regalo no está en su cantidad y calidad, sino en la cantidad de amor con que se da y en la magnitud del sacrificio que se hace. La ofrenda que Dios quiere de nosotros no es solo nuestro apoyo financiero a nuestra comunidad de fe, sino, lo que es más importante, nuestro corazón y nuestra vida. Como familia parroquial, tenemos la bendición de tener varios voluntarios que han aportado sus talentos, tesoros y tiempo para la edificación de San Ignacio. Planeamos organizar un "Día de Agradecimiento a los Voluntarios" el sábado 20 de noviembre, con la Santa Misa a las 5:00 de la tarde, seguido de una reunión con comida y amistad. Consulte el boletín para obtener más detalles.
El Día de Todos los Santos se celebró el 31 de octubre en la Misa de las 9:30 de la mañana. Veintidós niños se disfrazaron de  santos y compartieron sus pensamientos sobre sus santos favoritos. Gracias, Rosemary Cassese y Katelyn    Tuzzolo, por preparar a los estudiantes de primer grado. Gracias, Rev. Sean Magaldi, por celebrar la "Santa Misa de los Niños" para los alumnos de séptimo y octavo grado a las 11:00 de la mañana. La        presencia de Nivia Soto, Sue Cleary, Joe Panarelli y otros maestros muestra su amor por Dios y los niños, y agradecemos a los padres y familias por apoyar a sus hijos con su ejemplo al participar en la Santa Misa.
Una vez más, el comité de actividades demostró sus habilidades organizativas al organizar una fiesta de despedida para el P. Frank, quien ha sido parte de esta parroquia durante los últimos tres años. Ahora lo trasladan a la Iglesia del Santo Redentor en Freeport. Estoy agradecido por su ministerio y le deseo lo mejor con la nueva residencia.
Celebramos nuestra Misa Anual Conmemorativa de Todos los Santos el martes 2 de noviembre a las 7:30 de la tarde. Quiero agradecer a Pam Flannigan y al equipo del Ministerio de Consolación, que han planeado y    llevado a cabo muchos funerales de oración por los muchos fallecidos fielmente, y dar la bienvenida a esas  familias a este servicio conmemorativo especial. El Altar Conmemorativo, el Libro de la Vida y el Libro del Recuerdo nos permitieron expresar nuestro amor y anunciar el vínculo indiviso entre los vivos y los   muertos. El libro de recuerdos se guarda durante todo el mes cerca de la pila bautismal, y se le invita a ingresar los nombres de sus seres queridos en él. Hagamos una oración y ofrezcamos misas por todos los difuntos durante este mes y vivamos con la esperanza de que algún día nos reuniremos con nuestros amigos y familiares en el Hogar Eterno.
Por la gracia de Dios, pude visitar a mi familia en la India después de cinco años. Varias veces planeé ir a casa e incluso reservé el vuelo. Sin embargo, diferentes cuestiones llevaron a la cancelación en el último minuto. Esta vez el P. Abraham OIC me animó a planificar un viaje y me ofreció su apoyo. Hablé con Mons. Walden, quien permitió al P. Abraham OIC para quedarse en St. Ignatius para cubrir mis deberes. P. Francis OIC consintió en ser "párroco interino" y administró bien la parroquia con el P. Benjamin y el P. Abrahán.  Agradezco a nuestros sacerdotes y al personal por trabajar el doble de tiempo en mi nombre. Continuemos haciendo todo por la mayor gloria de Dios  y la salvación de las almas.
                                                                  
En Jesús y María, el
P. Shibi Pappan
 

 

October 31, 2021


Hello Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
It’s that time again in which we as a family, as a church begin a journey with brothers and sisters that did not have the opportunity to  receive the  Sacraments of Initiation, which is called RCIA.  
 
What’s RCIA? 
It means Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, a process by which unbaptized adults are instructed in the teaching and practices of Catholicism and introduced into the Catholic Church.  It consists of various rites that usually take place at Sunday’s Mass, sometimes in the process are involved baptized adults or      Catholics who are preparing to receive the sacraments of  Confirmation and  Eucharist.  
Our Lord Jesus said: “COME AND SEE” (JOHN 1,39) 
Jesus invites people to see him and to see that he fulfills what he promises, come with me and  follow me, is perhaps the simplest definition of our faith.  
RCIA is a path where we discover our Catholic faith. It is difficult to see everything in the  beginning, but it reveals itself as our brothers and sisters walk with the Lord and follow him. It is the Lord who guides us in this journey of faith.  This process which begins in September and culminates at the Easter vigil, has several stages. It’s     important to remember that understanding faith is as important as having faith.  
Stage 1: 
Questions: in which they want to know about Jesus, what is faith? 
Stage 2: 
Catechumens: during this period we study sacred scripture and discuss, the main points of  Catholic doctrine. (Sacraments, Mass, Mary, history of salvation etc.) 
Stage 3: 
Purification ie illumination: This stage takes place in the weeks leading up to Easter, and is a  time     dedicated to a deeper spiritual preparation to receive the sacraments during the Easter  vigil. Those who had completed their preparation, become members of the church by receiving  the sacraments of      Christian Initiation that are Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. 
Stage 4: 
Mistagogia ( post baptismal catequesis) this is the last stage and usually last several weeks  from Easter to Pentecost, it’s a time to reflect on the mysteries of the sacraments and to begin to live your new faith in a practical way.  
 
Registrations are open now. We meet every Tuesday starting September 24 from 7pm to 9pm  which is in Spanish. Deacon George does English preparation. Please contact  him for  time and dates.  
I want to thank Migdalia Vasquez and Maria Elena Hueso who work along with me in this  program. Without their help, it will be almost impossible to run this program and the invitation is  open to  anyone who wants to volunteer.  May God bless them in this ministry among others that they perform in our     parish.  
Brothers and sisters in Christ lets pray for these catechumens that the Lord may accompany  them and   enlighten them on this path of preparation. Remember our mission statement “We  believe,  We welcome, We worship, We serve, We learn together. “
May the God of love bless you Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Amen.

​Deacon Mario 

Hermanas y hermanos en Cristo, a llegado el tiempo otra vez en el cuál nosotros como         familia, como iglesia comenzamos el peregrinaje con nuestros hermanos y hermanas que no tuvieron las oportunidad de recibir los sacramentos de iniciación cristiana, que es llamado RCIA
 
Que es RCIA?
 
Significa rito cristiano de iniciación de adultos, es un proceso en el cual personas adultas que no han sido bautizadas o no completaron los sacramentos de iniciación crístiana, son instruidos en las enseñanzas y          practicas de la fe catolica y son  introducidos a la iglesia.
 
Consiste en varios ritos que usualmente se llevan a cabo en la misa dominical, en este proceso a veces estan    involucrados adultos que se preparan para recibir la Eucaristía por primera vez y la Confirmación.
Nuestro Señor Jesus dijo: “Vengan y vean” [Jn 1,39]
 
Jesus invita a las personas a verlo y ver como el cumple las promesas del Padre, vengan conmigo síganme y    esto es posiblemente la definición mas simple de nuestra fe, seguir a Jesus.
Este proceso empezó en septiembre y culmina en la Vigilia Pascual, tiene varios pasos, pero es muy importante recordar que entender la fe, es tan importante como tener fe.
 
Paso 1:
Pregunta: que es la Fe quiero conocer mas de Jesus
 
Paso 2:
Cathecumenos durante este periodo se estudia sagradas escrituras y se discute los puntos importantes de la      doctrina      catolica. [sacramentos, Misa, Virgen Maria, Historia de la salvación, etc.]
 
Paso 3:
Purificación e iluminación, este paso se lleva a cabo en las semanas antes de Easter o Semana Santa, y es un tiempo       dedicado a una preparación espiritual mas profunda, preparándose a recibir los sacramentos en la Semana Santa, aquellos que han completado su preparación se hacen miembros De la Iglesia recibiendo los     sacramentos de iniciación cristiana, [Bautismo, comunión y confirmación}.
 
Paso 4:
Mistagogia {catequesis despues del bautismo o Semana Santa] este es el ultimo paso que regularmente dura    varias        semanas desde Easter hasta Pentecostes, es un tiempo para reflexionar en los misterios de los          sacramentos y empezar a   vivir esta nueva Fe de una manera practica.
 
Las registraciones estan aun abiertas, nos reunimos todos los martes en la cafeteria de la escuela vieja de 7pm    en adelante en español y en ingles por favor comunicarse con la rectoría.
 
Quiero agradecer a Migdalia Vasquez y Maria Elena Hueso quien trabajan junto conmigo en este programa de educación religiosa, sin su ayuda seria casi imposible poder llevar esto a flote gracias que Dios les bendiga  siempre por decir si al   Señor.
 
Hermanas y hermanos en Cristo oremos por estos catecumenos que el Señor siempre los acompañé les de su     luz en este camino de preparación, recordemos nuestra mission
Creemos, damos bienvenida, adoramos, servimos y aprendemos juntos.
 
Que Dios de amor les bendiga Padre, Hijo y Espíritu Santo. Amén

Diácono Mario
 

October 17, 2021

Here we are at the Twenty-ninth Sunday of Ordinary Time, the year is practically gone – liturgically speaking.  The readings this Sunday present us with what it means to be truly great.  
Muhammad Ali famously introduced himself – “I am the greatest!”  Of course, he was speaking about his ability to fight – to box as the American euphemism goes.  But what the message for today is speaking about is the true greatness in the Kingdom of God.  
We are all familiar with today’s Gospel reading, where James and John, the sons of Zebedee, ask Jesus to place them at his left and right in His kingdom.  This story appears in the three synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) with only minor differences, but the message is the same – the one who wishes to be great among you will be your servant.  Jesus then tells the apostles “The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.”  
The first reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah is the last of the “Servant-of-the-Lord” oracles and is a beautiful description of the sinless Servant who will voluntarily suffer to atone for the sins of his people and save them from the judgment of God.  The Church fathers saw these oracles as prophesies of Jesus who laid down His life for the forgiveness of our sins.
The author of the Letter to the Hebrews connects the Suffering Servant of the Old Testament with the compassion and priestly actions of Jesus who offered Himself as a sacrifice to the Father; and describes how Jesus was just like us in all things except sin.  
And our psalm today gives us the thrust of the message today – we need to place all our hope in     Jesus.  
Jesus is telling the apostles and us that greatness is not measured by title, position on the dais or how much power one has, but by how valuable one is to his neighbor.  Jesus, as the suffering servant, gives us a great example connecting suffering with service.  Think about it, sometimes we get so involved with helping someone, we don’t recognize that it required a personal sacrifice on our part to complete the task; we didn’t recognize the sacrifice.  A husband and wife will sacrifice convenience, time, and comfort for each other and for their family.  They don’t see it as sacrifice, but do it out of love.  Jesus showed us the ultimate love.  
Jesus tells James and John that they will share the cup of sacrifice with him (James was beheaded by Herod Agrippa and John was exiled) and we too must share His cup to be true followers – true disciples.  The Church needs true disciples who are cross-bearers and servants; people who will step-out and help their neighbors without counting the cost.  As members of this parish, we are called to be servants of each other; to offer our help to make this parish great; and to bring each other closer to the Kingdom of God.  None of us possesses every thing that our community needs, but together we can answer the call to make it GREAT.  
Let us make a special effort this week to serve God and our neighbor every day and to pray that Jesus will show us the way to be a true servant – someone who is ready to accept God’s will and put ourselves at the service of others.                                                                                                                                                      Respectfully, 
Deacon George Mais
 


Aquí estamos en el Vigésimo Noveno Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, el año       prácticamente ha terminado, litúrgicamente hablando. Las lecturas de este domingo nos presentan lo que significa ser verdaderamente grande.
Muhammad Ali se presentó a sí mismo: "¡Soy el más grande!" Por supuesto, estaba hablando de su capacidad para pelear, para boxear, como dice el eufemismo estadounidense. Pero lo que el mensaje de hoy habla es sobre la verdadera grandeza en el Reino de Dios.
 
Todos estamos familiarizados con la lectura del Evangelio de hoy donde Santiago y Juan, los hijos de Zebedeo, le piden a Jesús que los coloque a su izquierda y derecha en su reino. Esta historia aparece en los tres evangelios sinópticos (Mateo, Marcos y Lucas) con solo pequeñas diferencias, pero           el mensaje es el mismo: el que desee ser grande entre ustedes será su servidor. Jesús luego les dice a los apóstoles: "El Hijo del Hombre no vino para ser servido, sino para servir y para dar su vida en   rescate por muchos".
 
La primera lectura del Libro del profeta Isaías es el último de los oráculos del “Siervo del Señor”
y es una hermosa descripción del Siervo sin pecado que voluntariamente sufrirá para expiar los
pecados de su pueblo y salvarlos del juicio de Dios. Los padres de la Iglesia vieron estos oráculos   como profecías de Jesús que dio su vida por el perdón de nuestros pecados.
 
El autor de la Carta a los Hebreos conecta al Siervo Sufriente del Antiguo Testamento con la
compasión y las acciones sacerdotales de Jesús que se ofreció como sacrificio al Padre; y describe cómo Jesús era como nosotros en todas las cosas excepto en el pecado.
 
Y nuestro salmo de hoy nos da la idea central del mensaje de hoy: debemos poner toda nuestra
esperanza en Jesús.
 
Jesús les está diciendo a los apóstoles y a nosotros que la grandeza no se mide por el título, la
posición en el estrado o cuánto poder tiene uno, sino por lo valioso que es para su prójimo. Jesús,    como el siervo que sufre, nos da un gran ejemplo de conectar el sufrimiento con el servicio. Piénselo, a veces nos involucramos tanto en ayudar a alguien que no reconocemos que requirió un sacrificio personal de nuestra parte para completar la tarea; no reconocimos el sacrificio. Un esposo y una      esposa sacrificarán la conveniencia, el tiempo y la comodidad el uno por el otro y por su familia. No lo ven como un sacrificio, pero lo hacen por amor. Jesús nos mostró el amor supremo.
 
Jesús les dice a Santiago y Juan que compartirán la copa del sacrificio con él (Santiago fue
decapitado por Herodes Agripa y Juan fue exiliado) nosotros también debemos compartir Su copa para ser verdaderos seguidores, verdaderos discípulos. La Iglesia necesita verdaderos discípulos que sean portadores de la cruz y servidores; personas que darán un paso al frente y ayudarán a sus vecinos sin tener en cuenta el costo. Como miembros de esta parroquia, estamos llamados a ser servidores unos de otros; ofrecer nuestra ayuda para hacer grande esta parroquia;y acercarnos unos a otros al Reino de  Dios. Ninguno de nosotros posee todo lo que nuestra comunidad necesita, pero juntos podemos        responder al llamado para hacerlo GRANDE.
 
Hagamos un esfuerzo especial esta semana para servir a Dios y al prójimo todos los días y orar
para que Jesús nos muestre el camino para ser un verdadero siervo, alguien que esté listo para
aceptar la voluntad de Dios y ponerse al servicio de los demás.
 
Respetuosamente, Diácono George Mais
 

October 10, 2021

My dear faith family of St. Ignatius,
 
This Sunday’s gospel passage (Mark 10:17-30) makes it plainly clear that there is more to Christianity than just keeping the commandments. That is what Jesus is   trying to tell us through today’s Gospel story.
 
Jesus reviewed with the rich man the commandments, which are the starting point of Christian life. The man said he had kept them all. Jesus admired him for this. But Jesus also made it clear to the rich man that Christianity is more than just a set of negative commandments—like not stealing or not cheating. Christianity is far more positive.
 
Jesus said to the rich man in effect: Granted, you’ve never hurt anyone, but what have you done to help anyone? Have you ever used your wealth to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, or shelter the homeless?
 
It was at this point that the rich man saw how sadly he was still lacking in perfection. Therefore, Jesus held out to him a challenge. The challenge Jesus held out to the rich man is something like this: How badly do you want eternal life? How badly do you want to follow me? Do you want these badly enough to sacrifice your possessions for them? The rich man was basically saying: Master, I want them—but not that badly.
 
And so the rich man rejected Jesus’ invitation. The thought of using his wealth for anything other than himself and his family was too much for him—too great a sacrifice for him.
 
This brings us to ourselves today. We are like the rich man in today’s gospel. We have kept the commandments too, but we haven’t yet been able to reach out as generously as we could to the needy, the naked, and the hungry.
 
This raises some questions: What do we do if we find ourselves in the situation just described? Do we lower our head and walk away from Jesus, as the rich man did? What do we do?
 
The gospel suggests the answer to our question. Right after Jesus tells his disciples, “it is much harder for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle,” they ask, “Who, then, can be saved?”
 
Jesus replies, “This is impossible for man but not for God.” In other words, we can do nothing by ourselves, but with God at our side, we can do everything.
 
How do we enlist God’s help? There is an old adage that says, “God helps those who help themselves.” And there is another one that says, “If we walk toward God one step, he’ll run toward us ten steps.”
 
The answer to our question lies right here. The way to seek God’s help is not merely to ask him for it in prayer. We should do this, of course; but we should also do something more. We should take the first step and follow the Lord.
 
Today’s gospel is not an invitation to make a great journey all at once. It is merely an invitation to take the first step of that journey. If we take that first step by reaching out to someone in real need, God will come running toward us, take us by the hand, and walk at our side for the entire journey of our life.
 
Fr. Francis
 
Mi querida familia de fe de San Ignacio,
 
El pasaje del evangelio de este domingo (Marcos 10: 17-30) deja claramente en claro que hay más en el cristianismo que simplemente mantener los mandamientos.Eso es lo que Jesús está tratando de decirnos a través de la historia del Evangelio de hoy.
 
Jesús repasó con el rico los mandamientos, que son el punto de partida de la vida cristiana. El hombre dijo que los había guardado todos. Jesús lo admiró por esto. Pero Jesús también le dejó en claro al hombre rico que el cristianismo es más que un conjunto de mandamientos negativos, como no robar ni hacer trampa. El
cristianismo es mucho más positivo.
 
En efecto, Jesús le dijo al hombre rico: De acuerdo, nunca has lastimado a nadie, pero ¿qué has hecho para ayudar a alguien? ¿Alguna vez ha utilizado su riqueza para alimentar a los hambrientos, vestir a los desnudos o albergar a los desamparados?
 
Fue en este punto que el hombre rico vio con qué tristeza todavía le faltaba perfección. Por tanto, Jesús le lanzó un desafío. El desafío que Jesús le presentó al hombre rico es algo como esto: ¿Cuánto deseas la vida eterna? ¿Qué tanto quieres seguirme? ¿Los quieres lo suficiente como para sacrificar tus posesiones por ellos? El   hombre rico básicamente estaba diciendo: Maestro, los quiero, pero no tanto.
 
Y entonces el rico rechazó la invitación de Jesús. La idea de usar su riqueza para cualquier otra cosa que no  fuera para él y su familia era demasiado para él, un sacrificio demasiado grande para él.
 
Esto nos trae a nosotros mismos hoy. Somos como el hombre rico del evangelio de hoy. También hemos guardado los mandamientos, pero todavía no hemos podido tender la mano tan generosamente como pudimos a los necesitados, los desnudos y los hambrientos.
 
Esto plantea algunas preguntas: ¿Qué hacemos si nos encontramos en la situación que acabamos de describir? ¿Bajamos la cabeza y nos alejamos de Jesús, como lo hizo el hombre rico? qué hacemos?
 
El evangelio sugiere la respuesta a nuestra pregunta. Inmediatamente después de que Jesús les dice a sus discípulos, "es mucho más difícil para un rico entrar en el Reino de Dios que para un camello pasar por el ojo de una aguja", preguntan, "¿Quién, entonces, puede ser salvo?"
 
Jesús responde: "Esto es imposible para el hombre, pero no para Dios". En otras palabras, no podemos hacer nada por nosotros mismos, pero con Dios a nuestro lado, podemos hacer todo.
 
¿Cómo conseguimos la ayuda de Dios? Hay un viejo adagio que dice: "Dios ayuda a los que se ayudan a sí mismos". Y hay otro que dice: "Si caminamos hacia Dios un paso, él correrá hacia nosotros diez pasos".
 
La respuesta a nuestra pregunta está aquí. La forma de buscar la ayuda de Dios no es simplemente pedírsela en oración. Deberíamos hacer esto, por supuesto; pero también deberíamos hacer algo más. Debemos dar el primer paso y seguir al Señor.
 
El evangelio de hoy no es una invitación a hacer un gran viaje de una vez. Es simplemente una invitación a dar el primer paso de ese viaje. Si damos ese primer paso al acercarnos a alguien que realmente lo necesita, Dios vendrá corriendo hacia nosotros, nos tomará de la mano y caminará a nuestro lado durante todo el viaje de nuestra vida.
 
P. Francis
 

September 26, 2021

My dear St. Ignatius Parish family,
 
      My installation as the twelfth Pastor of St. Ignatius parish was a sign of God's abundant love, the trust and Confidence of Bishop Barres, and the love and  support of parishioners and friends. I cannot thank you enough for being a welcoming and loving parish. We have heard many positive comments about the day, and I trust it was both meaningful and inspirational, right from the  Eucharistic Celebration to the parish picnic.
      Bishop Henning concluded the Rite of Installation, praying for my ministry at St. Ignatius Parish. "God the Father, You nourish and protect Your Church, providing it with pastors and stewards of Your word and  sacraments. Strengthen this pastor as he continues his ministry among Your people. Under His   guidance, help the members of this parish ever more faithfully to follow Your Son, Jesus Christ, who is Lord, forever and ever. Amen ".  I recommit myself to do His ministry with a "shepherd's heart."
     I am nothing without the help of the clergy and nuns of St. Ignatius. Thank you, Frs. Francis, Benjamin, Frank, Deacons George, Mario, and Jose. You have been a great help for me to fulfill my  responsibilities. Thank you, Rev. Srs. Karen, Mary, Kathleen, and Joan, for your active involvement in the parish life with your presence and prayers. Grateful for my friend Fr. Sean Magaldi for his role as the M.C of the installation Mass.
    St. Ignatius parish is my family. The staff, ministry leaders, and parishioners are very kind and helpful. Thank you for the selfless service of the activities committee under the leadership of Mary Ann Lang in arranging the parish picnic and reception in the parking lot. Their unbelievable dedication and thoughtful      planning made the day a huge success. "We’re better together." I appreciate all our volunteers   especially, the members of the Activities Committee Karen Warner, Barbara Cheslock, Eleanor  Aldridge, Carol Hogan, Juan Medrano, Jim Mulligan, Kathy Dolan, Tina Noonan with Shelby and Kyle, Pam Flanagan, Maria   Pitonza,    Suzanne McCartney, Hannelore, and Derek Stadler, Anette Sullivan, and Tina Blackwood. The Spanish and   Vietnamese communities played their role very well to support this event. Thank you Lorena Medrano for homemade food.  I appreciate all our volunteers especially Jaime & Erika Aldana, Luis & Tesla Reyes, Rafael & Migdalia Vasquez, Celia Santos, Giovanna Duran, Delfina Hernandez, Minerva, Hilda Amador, Nolvia   Amador Roxana, Jose & Lorena Medrano, Olga Ventura, Alejandra Serrano, Alicia Reyes, Ana Berríos, Maria Huaman, Alvaro & Aminta Pineda, Jose & Sandra Martínez, Reyna Aguilar , Norma Martínez, Jose & Maria Hernández, Carlos & Liz Campos, Jorge Flores, Salvador Castaneda, Chaire, Elsa Medrano. This volunteers list is incomplete as I cannot include everyone here now. More names will be added when I get the report from   other ministry leaders.
    Thank you, Knights of Columbus, for the "Honor Guard." Jim Mulligan of Knights for serving the beer and wine, Carol Hogan and Paul Kraus, and other volunteers to help him. Monica Joseph and Emil Pacic for helping with beverages. Thank you, Mariel and Jim Sheehan, for the beautiful music. Thank you, Barbara and Migdalia for lecturing at this Mass. Thank you, Ushers and Volunteers, Altar servers,  Sacristans Tony, Jeff, and Sean for preparing for the Mass. Thank you, AnsyMary, my best friend, for supporting my priestly ministry always,     especially here at St. Ignatius. I gratefully acknowledge our friendship and thank you for preparing the Liturgical Booklet for the installation. Thank you Ansy for the idea of the banner displayed on the premises, and the Vietnamese  community members under the leadership of Dien Nguyen for  implementing it. Thank you, Joan Della Ratta and parish staff, especially Tony Condron, for your vision and planning. I am indebted to Erika and Michael Parish trustees, Parish Pastoral Council, Finance Council, and all the wonderful    parishioners and friends. Thank you Joe Malerba and Becky Reilly for the pictures.
   It is indeed a great joy to have several priests and deacons along with Bishops to thank God at the altar for His infinite love for us and my Pastorate. It is a great honor to be here to serve God with you and to continue the incredible legacy of St. Ignatius for the greater glory of God.

​In Jesus and Mary,
Fr.Shibi Pappan
 
Mi querida familia parroquial de San Ignacio, 

Mi instalación como el duodécimo párroco de la parroquia de San Ignacio fue un signo del abundante amor de Dios, la confianza del obispo Barres y el amor y apoyo de los    feligreses y amigos. No puedo agradecerles lo suficiente por hacer un "esfuerzo   adicional" para ser una parroquia acogedora. Hemos escuchado muchos comentarios positivos sobre el día, y confío en que haya sido significativo e inspirador, desde la  Celebración Eucarística hasta el picnic parroquial. El Obispo Henning concluyó el Rito de Instalación, orando por mi ministerio en la Parroquia de San Ignacio. "Dios Padre, tú alimentas y  proteges a tu Iglesia, proporcionándole pastores y administradores de tu palabra y sacramentos. Fortalece a este pastor mientras continúa su ministerio entre tu gente. Bajo su guía, ayuda a los miembros de esta   parroquia cada vez más fielmente a seguir a tu Hijo Jesucristo, que es Señor, por los siglos de los siglos. Amén ". Me comprometo de nuevo a hacer Su ministerio con "corazón de pastor". 
No soy nada sin la ayuda del clero y las monjas de San Ignacio. Gracias, padres. Francis, Cesar, Benjamin, Frank, Diáconos George, Mario y Jose. Me has sido de gran ayuda para cumplir con mis responsabilidades. Gracias, Rev. Hnas. Karen, Mary, Kathleen y Joan, por su participación activa en la vida parroquial con su presencia y oraciones. La parroquia de San Ignacio es mi familia. El personal, los líderes ministeriales y los feligreses son muy amables y serviciales. Gracias por el servicio desinteresado del comité de actividades   bajo el liderazgo de Mary Ann Lang en la organización del picnic parroquial y la recepción en el  estacionamiento. Su increíble dedicación y cuidadosa planificación hicieron que el día fuera un gran éxito. "estamos mejor juntos." Aprecio especialmente a todos nuestros voluntarios, los miembros del Comité de Actividades Karen Warner, Barbara Cheslock, Eleanor Aldridge, Carol Hogan, Juan Medrano, Jim Mulligan, Kathy Dolan, Tina Noonan con Shelby y Kyle, Pam Flanagan, Maria Pitonza, Suzanne McCartney, Hannelore y Derek Stadler, Anette Sullivan y Tina Blackwood. Las comunidades española y vietnamita jugaron muy bien su papel para apoyar este evento. Agradezco a todos nuestros voluntarios   especialmente a Jaime y Erika Aldana, Luis y Tesla Reyes, Rafael y Migdalia Vasquez, Celia Santos, Giovanna Duran, Delfina Hernandez, Minerva, Hilda Amador, Nolvia Amador Roxana, Jose y Lorena Medrano, Olga Ventura, Alejandra Serrano, En especial Alicia Reyes, Ana Berríos, Maria Huaman, Alvaro y Aminta Pineda, Jose y Sandra Martínez, Reyna Aguilar, Norma Martínez, Jose y Maria Hernández, Carlos y Liz Campos, Jorge Flores, Salvador Castaneda, Chaire,  Elsa Medrano. Esta lista de voluntarios está incompleta, pero se agregarán más nombres cuando reciba el informe de otros líderes ministeriales. Lorena y el equipo jugaron un papel importante en organizar la comida que me dio tranquilidad. Gracias por su amor. 
Gracias, Caballeros de Colón, por la "Guardia de Honor". Jim Mulligan de los Caballeros por la cerveza y el vino, Caol Hogan y Paul Kraus, y los otros voluntarios que lo ayudaron. Monica Joseph y Emil Pacic por ayudar con las bebidas. Gracias, Mariel y Jim Sheehan, por la música. Gracias, Barbara y Migdalia por dar una conferencia en esta Misa. Gracias, Ujieres y voluntarios, monaguillos, sacristanes Tony, Jeff y Sean por prepararse para la Misa. Mi amigo el P. Sean Magaldi por su papel como MC de la misa de instalación.   Gracias, AnsyMary, mi mejor amiga, por apoyar mi ministerio sacerdotal siempre, especialmente aquí en San Ignacio.  Reconozco con gratitud nuestra amistad y gracias por preparar el Folleto Litúrgico para la     instalación. Gracias Ansy por la idea de la pancarta exhibida en las instalaciones, y los miembros de la      comunidad vietnamita bajo el liderazgo de Dien Nguyen por implementarla. Agradezco nuestra amistad y la preparación del Folleto litúrgico para la instalación. Gracias a Joan y al personal de la parroquia,                especialmente a Tony, por su sabiduría y planificación. Estoy en deuda con los fideicomisarios parroquiales de Erika y Michael, el Consejo Pastoral Parroquial, el Consejo de Finanzas y todos los maravillosos          feligreses y amigos. Gracias Joe Malerba y Becky Reilly por las fotos.

De hecho, es una gran alegría tener 28 sacerdotes y 6 diáconos junto con dos obispos para agradecer a Dios en el altar por su infinito amor por nosotros y mi pastorado. Es un gran honor estar aquí para servir a Dios con ustedes y continuar el increíble legado de San Ignacio para la mayor gloria de Dios .

En Jesús y María, 
P. Shibi Pappan

September 19, 2021 

Blessings and Best Wishes from former Pastors and Mentors of Fr. Shibi as he is appointed as the twelfth Pastor of St. Ignatius

It is a joy and a privilege to celebrate with you the installation of   Fr. Shibi Pappan as the Pastor of St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish in  Hicksville.  From December, 2014 through November, 2018, Fr. Shibi was an Associate Pastor in our  parish (St. Patrick, Smithtown).  During those years, we were blessed to be touched by his goodness, love, humility, holiness, intelligence, and a beautiful priestly presence.  He, along with so many other foreign priests, are blessed with the promise Jesus made when St. Peter asked what he would receive by giving up everything  to follow Him: “Everyone who has  given up houses or brothers or sisters or fathers or mothers or children or lands for the sake of  My name, will receive a  hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life.”  As Fr. Shibi blessed us during the four years he  was with us and became a father who guided, consoled, sacrificed, loved, and walked with us in our journey of faith, so now he has been privileged to enrich you with his priestly presence and heart.  


These words from St. Paul in his letter to the Colossians (3-12-17) are an apt description of who Fr. Shibi is as a true priestly servant of God: “Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another. If one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. Over all of these put on love, that is the bond of perfection. Let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one Body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or     in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”    Msgr. Ellsworth R. Walden, Pastor, St. Patrick, Smithtown

Congratulations, Fr. Shibi!


   8 September 2021 – Feast of the Nativity of Mary

Dear Fr. Shibi,

             I write to congratulate you on your appointment as Pastor of  St. Ignatius Loyola Parish, Hicksville.  When I heard the news, I was very happy for you – but I was  not surprised.  You have so many fine personal and pastoral qualities that I considered it only a matter of time before Bishop Barres entrusted this responsibility to you.
You bring to the pastorate your unfailingly cheerful nature with which you truly Serve the Lord With Gladness.  Your compassionate ministry will be a blessing to all you care for in Hicksville. I am confident that your parishioners and your staff already recognize how blessed they are in your  presence among them.
You also bring to your pastorate your skills in administration – not always the most enjoyable side of being a pastor, but certainly necessary as a responsible steward of all that has been placed under your watchful care.  Overseeing a parish as large as St. Ignatius is no small charge, but I know that you are generous in your time, attention, and energy.  You will do well!
As I write this on the Feast of the Nativity of Mary, I pray that you will be strengthened under her intercession as Mother of the Church and Mother of the Clergy.  I am confident that, in the words of your parish patron, Ignatius of Loyola, you will give and not to count the cost. . . toil and not seek for rest. . . labour and not ask for reward, save that of knowing that you do the Lord’s  will. 
 
Fraternally in the Priesthood of Jesus,
Msgr. Jim Swiader
Pastor, St. Joseph Parish, Garden City

 
Bendiciones y mejores deseos de los antiguos pastores y mentores del P. Shibi
 
Es una alegría y un privilegio celebrar con ustedes la toma de posesión del P. Shibi Pappan como    párroco de la parroquia de San Ignacio Loyola en Hicksville. Desde diciembre de 2014 hasta noviembre de 2018, el P. Shibi era pastor asociado en nuestra parroquia (St. Patrick, Smithtown). Durante esos años        tuvimos la bendición de ser tocados por su bondad, amor, humildad, santidad, inteligencia y hermosa presencia sacerdotal. Él, junto con tantos otros sacerdotes extranjeros, es bendecido con la promesa que hizo Jesús cuando San Pedro le preguntó qué recibiría al renunciar a todo para seguirlo: “Todo el que hayarenunciado a casa o hermanos o hermanas o padre o madre o hijos o tierras por causa de mi nombre recibirá cien veces más y heredarán la vida eterna". Como el P. Shibi nos bendijo durante los cuatro años que estuvo con nosotros y se convirtió en un padre que nos guió, consoló, sacrificó, amó y caminó con nosotros en nuestro camino de fe, por lo que ahora ha tenido el privilegio de enriquecerlos con su sacerdotal presencia y su corazón. 
Estas palabras de San Pablo en su carta a los Colosenses (3-12-17) son una descripción adecuada de quién es el P. Shibi es como un verdadero siervo sacerdotal de Dios: “Vístanse, como escogidos de Dios,   santos y amados, de compasión, bondad, humildad, mansedumbre y paciencia de corazón, soportándose unos a otros y perdonándose unos a otros, si uno tiene un agravio contra otro; como el Señor te ha perdonado, así también debes hacer tú. Y sobre todo esto, ponte amor, es decir, el vínculo de la perfección. Y permitan que la paz de Cristo gobierne sus corazones, la paz a la que también fueron llamados en un Cuerpo, y sean agradecidos. Deje que la palabra de Cristo more en abundancia en ustedes, mientras con toda sabiduría se enseñan y se exhortan unos a otros, cantando salmos, himnos y cánticos espirituales con gratitud en su corazón a Dios. Y todo lo que haga, de palabra o de hecho, hazlo todo en el nombre del Señor Jesús, dando       gracias a Dios Padre por medio de él. 
Mons. Ellsworth R. Walden 
Pastor, St. Patrick, Smithtown

   
Felicitaciones, P. ¡Shibi! 
 

                                 8 de septiembre de 2021 - Fiesta de la Natividad de María 
Querido P. Shibi, 
Le escribo para felicitarle por su nombramiento como párroco de la parroquia San Ignacio Loyola en Hicksville. Cuando escuché la noticia, me alegré mucho por ti, pero no me sorprendió. Tiene tantas buenas cualidades personales y pastorales que lo consideré sólo una cuestión de tiempo antes de que el obispo Barres le confiara esta responsabilidad. 
Traes al pastorado tu naturaleza infaliblemente alegre con la que realmente sirves al Señor con alegría. Su ministerio compasivo será una bendición para todos los que le importan en Hicksville. Estoy    seguro de que sus feligreses y su personal ya reconocen lo bendecidos que son en su presencia entre ellos. 
También aporta a su pastorado sus habilidades en la administración; no siempre es el lado más agradable de ser pastor, pero ciertamente es necesario como administrador responsable de todo lo que ha sido puesto bajo su cuidadoso cuidado. Supervisar una parroquia tan grande como San Ignacio no es una tarea pequeña, pero sé que eres generoso con tu tiempo, atención y energía. ¡Lo harás bien! 
Mientras escribo esto en la fiesta de la Natividad de María, oró para que seas fortalecido bajo su     intercesión como Madre de la Iglesia y Madre del Clero. Confío en que, en palabras de tu patrón parroquial, Ignacio de Loyola, darás y sin contar el costo. . . trabajar y no buscar descanso. . . Trabaja y no pidas     recompensa, salvo la de saber que haces la voluntad del Señor. 
 
Fraternalmente en el Sacerdocio de Jesús, 
Mons. Jim Swiader 
Pastor, Parroquia St. Joseph, Garden City

 

September 12, 2021

My dear St. Ignatius Parish Family,
         
          Today’s Gospel drives home the fact that, what Jesus wants from us is not mere intellectual recognition of Him. He asked His disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” (Mark 8:27). When they informed Him the various opinions of people, He  asked them this  personal question, “But who do you say that I am?” (v. 29). The point is that if we are not acknowledging and accepting Him in a personal way, not much change will happen in our lives.  Many times, though we accept Him as Christ our Savior, we fail to understand His whole mission. As suffering and death was the core of His mission, to follow Jesus, we must deny ourselves, take up the daily crosses of our everyday lives, and surrender ourselves completely to His divine will.
          
          Next  Sunday is Catechetical Sunday.  It is a National Day, where we celebrate the passing on of our faith to the next generations. On this day, new Catechists are formally commissioned, and the already  committed ones rededicate themselves to this mission of faith to the community. Each baptized person is called to stand on faith and be a witness to the Gospel. This is a time to reflect on this ministry. This year's theme is: Say the Word and My Soul Shall be Healed / Una Palabra Tuya Bastará para Sanarme. Each Catechist can be a healing hand of God, in the lives of His favorites, our children.
 
           St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish has been preparing for in-person classes for catechism following Covid protocols. We had a meeting with our dedicated catechists to plan for the new catechetical year, and we are all set for beginning the class by the end of September. I thank Collen Tuzzolo for her     service to  St. Ignatius Parish, and will remember her in my prayers as she returns to her teaching      career in a school.  I wish her success in her new position as she focuses on molding young minds.  Nivia Soto, who has 25years of experience in the Religious Education Program, with five years of     administrative  experience will be the CRE. Barbara Malerba will continue as the Administrative     Secretary. Sr. Karen will be the  spiritual guide for the Catechists and students. I feel confident that Nivia, together with Barbara and the Grade Level Coordinators of the Religious Education program, will have a  successful, faith-filled year with the guidance of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and our Blessed Virgin Mary.
           
           On the Exultation of the Cross Feast Day, September 14th, after the exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament, we will have a short reflection on the seven Last Words of Jesus on the Cross, and on the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows, we will reflect on her seven sorrows at 8.45am, before the 9am Mass. Please join us on both of these days and  remember the salvation we got through the redemptive act of love of Jesus, and Mary as a                         Co-redemptrix.            
 
          Finally, I thank each one of you for the love and prayers you have showered on me during this past year, and seek your continued blessings and prayers in this new Pastoral Ministry. I personally invite each one of you to my Pastoral Installation Mass, on September 18th at 5pm, and to the Parish Picnic that follows, with food, music, fun and entertainment.
 
In Jesus and Mary,
 Fr.Shibi Pappan
 

Mi querida familia de la parroquia de San Ignacio,

El evangelio de hoy nos recuerda el hecho de que lo que Jesús quiere de nosotros no es un mero reconocimiento intelectual de Él. Preguntó a sus discípulos: "¿Quién dice la gente que soy?" (Marcos 8:27). Cuando le informaron las diversas opiniones de la gente, Él les hizo esta pregunta personal: "¿Pero quién dices que soy?" (v. 29). El punto es que si no lo reconocemos y aceptamos de manera personal, no sucederá mucho cambio en nuestras vidas. Muchas veces, aunque lo aceptamos como Cristo, nuestro Salvador, no entendemos toda Su misión. Como el sufrimiento y la muerte eran el núcleo de su misión, para seguir a Jesús, debemos negarnos a nosotros mismos, tomar las cruces diarias de nuestra vida cotidiana y entregarnos por completo a su Divina Voluntad. 
 
Cada bautizado está llamado a transmitir la fe y ser testigo del Evangelio. Este es un momento para reflexionar sobre este ministerio. El tema de este año es: Di la Palabra y mi alma será sanada.   Cada catequista puede ser una mano sanadora de Dios, en la vida de sus favoritos, nuestros hijos. 
 
La parroquia San Ignacio de Loyola se ha estado preparando para las clases presenciales de catecismo siguiendo los protocolos de Covid. Tuvimos una reunión con nuestros dedicados catequistas para planificar el nuevo año catequético, y estamos listos para comenzar las clases a fines de septiembre. Agradezco a Collen Tuzzolo por su servicio a la parroquia de San Ignacio, y la recordaré en mis oraciones cuando regrese a su carrera docente en una escuela. Le deseo éxito en su nuevo puesto mientras se enfoca en moldear mentes jóvenes. Nivia Soto, quien tiene 25 años de experiencia en el Programa de Educación Religiosa, con cinco años de experiencia administrativa será la CRE. Barbara Malerba continuará como Secretaria Administrativa. Hna. Karen será la guía espiritual de los catequistas y estudiantes. Estoy seguro de que Nivia, junto con Barbara y los coordinadores de nivel de grado del programa de educación religiosa, tendrán un año exitoso y lleno de fe con la guía de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo y nuestra Santísima Virgen María. 
 
En la fiesta de la Exaltación de la Cruz, el 14 de septiembre, después de la exposición del Santísimo Sacramento, tendremos una breve reflexión sobre las siete últimas palabras de Jesús en la cruz, y en el Memorial de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores, reflexionaremos sobre sus siete dolores a las 8.45 am, antes de la Misa de las 9 am. Únase a nosotros en estos dos días y recuerde la salvación que obtuvimos a través del acto redentor de amor de Jesús, y María como Corredentora. 
 
Finalmente, agradezco a cada uno de ustedes por el amor y las oraciones que me han derramado en este último año y busco sus continuas bendiciones y oraciones en este nuevo ministerio pastoral. Los invito personalmente a cada uno de ustedes a mi Misa de Instalación Pastoral, el 18 de septiembre a las 5 pm, y al Picnic Parroquial que sigue, con comida, música, diversión y  entretenimiento.
 
En Jesús y María,
P. Shibi Pappan
 

September 5, 2021

My dear St. Ignatius Parish Family,
 
Welcome! Hope you all enjoyed the summer .I want to personally and warmly  welcome all of you to St. Ignatius parish after summer break. We are so glad to see more and more people coming back to church and actively getting involved in various ministries of the parish. We had organized a great celebration for the feast of  St. Ignatius. The Festal Mass by Bishop Barres, Veneration of Relics, Ice-cream social and Movie night with Pizza dinner were the results of the hard work of Activities Committee and various ministries of St. Ignatius. Thank God for His  unfathomable mercy and love for His parish and guiding us to do “everything for the greater glory of Him.”
 
Parents, students, and teachers are very aware of the rituals associated with back-to-school. We pray for all who are navigating that transition, especially teachers to balance freedom and discipline in the right measure for each student, to give genuine praise as much as possible, to give constructive        criticism in a manner that is palatable to the students. Let them keep politics out of the classroom and help students to admire the “preciousness of life” and help students to welcome and embrace everybody without fear or prejudice.
 
Monday, September 6 is Labor Day. The Parish office will be closed in observance of the holiday. The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City. In 1884, the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday with the Central Labor Union urging similar organizations to celebrate a workingmen's holiday. It became a Federal Holiday in 1894. Please join us Monday, September 6 at 9.00am Mass to pray and remember the hard work of labor for our country, society and especially those who built our Church and School buildings.
 
Mothers have a great role in nurturing our earthly lives, and hence have a special place in our hearts. Our Blessed Mother also nurtures our spiritual lives, and guides us in our heavenly journey. I invite all of you to join us and celebrate her birthday at the 9am Holy Mass on September 8, and  honor her in a very special way.
 
In particular, on Saturday, September 11, at 9:00 am Holy Mass, the twentieth anniversary of the  terrorist attacks on this country, we pray for all firefighters, police officers, and emergency   medical technicians who serve our local communities. Let us continue to pray for one another and the families who lost their loved ones.
 
We planned our Parish Picnic on September 18, after 5.00PM Holy Mass with food, fun and  entertainments. While preparing for this event, I was informed by Bishop Henning that I am appointed as the twelfth Pastor of St. Ignatius of Loyola. In order to avoid two celebrations in a row, we decided to  combine both events together and I will be installed on September 18th at 5.00 PM by Bishop Henning. All are welcome to the installation and to the reception that will follow in the parish parking lot. I am grateful to all who are planning and preparing  for these celebrations. Let us continue to pray for one another and for our parish.
 
In Jesus and Mary,
Fr.Shibi Pappan
 
Mi querida familia de la parroquia de San Ignacio,
¡Bienvenidos! Quiero personalmente y calurosamente darles una bienvenida a todos ustedes de la parroquia de San Ignacio después de las vacaciones de verano. Estamos muy contentos de ver que más y más personas están regresando a la iglesia y participando activamente en varios ministerios parroquiales. Hemos organizado una gran celebración de la fiesta de San Ignacio. La Misa Festal del Obispo Barres, el Social de Helados y la Noche de Cine con cena de pizza fueron el resultado del arduo trabajo del comité de  actividades y varios  ministerios de San Ignacio. Gracias a Dios por su insondable misericordia y amor por su   parroquia y por guiarnos a hacer "todo para la mayor gloria de él". 
Los padres, estudiantes y maestros son muy conscientes de los rituales asociados con el regreso a clase. Oramos por todos los que están atravesando esa transición, especialmente los maestros, para equilibrar la libertad y la disciplina en la medida correcta para cada estudiante, para dar elogios      genuinos tanto como sea posible, para dar críticas constructivas de una manera que sea aceptable    para los estudiantes. Permita que mantengan la política fuera del aula y ayude a los estudiantes a     admirar la “preciosidad de la vida” y permita que los estudiantes reciban y abracen a todos sin miedo ni prejuicios. 
El lunes 6 de septiembre es el Día del Trabajo. La oficina parroquial estará cerrada en observancia del  feriado. El primer feriado del Día del Trabajo se celebró el martes 5 de septiembre de 1882 en la ciudad de Nueva York. En 1884, el primer lunes de septiembre se eligió como feriado, y el  Sindicato Central de Trabajadores instó a organizaciones similares a celebrar el feriado de los   trabajadores. Se convirtió en un feriado federal en 1894. Únase a nosotros el lunes 6 de septiembre en la Misa de las 9:00 am para orar y recordar el arduo trabajo del labor para nuestro país, la sociedad y especialmente para nuestra parroquia y escuela. 
Las madres tienen un gran papel en nutrir nuestras vidas terrenales y, por lo tanto, tienen un lugar   especial en nuestros corazones. Así también, Nuestra Santísima Madre nutre nuestras vidas  espirituales y nos guía en nuestro viaje celestial. Los invito a todos a unirse a nosotros y celebrar su cumpleaños en la Santa Misa de las 9 am el 8 de septiembre, y honrarla de una manera muy especial.
De manera particular, el sábado 11 de septiembre, a las 9.00 am de la Santa Misa, vigésimo  aniversario de los ataques terroristas en este país, rezamos por todos los bomberos, policías y técnicos de emergencias médicas que sirven a nuestras comunidades locales. Sigamos orando unos por otros y por las familias que perdieron a sus seres queridos. 
 Hemos organizado nuestro picnic parroquial para el 18 de septiembre, después de la Santa Misa de las 5:00 p.m. con comida y entretenimiento. Mientras se preparaba para la celebración, me informaron que el Obispo Barres me nombró como el duodécimo pastor de San Ignacio de Loyola. Para evitar dos  celebraciones seguidas, decidimos combinar ambos eventos y el Obispo Henning me    instalará el 18 de  septiembre a las 5:00 pm. Todos son bienvenidos a la instalación y a la recepción que seguirá en el  estacionamiento parroquial. Agradezco a todos los que están planificando y   preparándose para estas celebraciones. Sigamos orando los unos por los otros y por nuestra parroquia. 
En Jesús y María,
P. Shibi Pappan

June 27, 2021

My dear faith family of St. Ignatius,

Today’s Gospel passage (Mark 5:21-43) has two important characters.  They are examples of faith.  Moreover, along with their faith, they are willing to do whatever it takes to realize their goals.

The first person is a sick woman. She trusts that Jesus can heal her. However, she also realizes that she must do more than just trust Jesus.  She must go a step farther. She must do her part. She cannot just sit at home and wait for Jesus to come to her. She must get up, go to Jesus, and present herself to him for healing.

The same is true of the second story in today’s gospel. Jairus also trusts that Jesus can heal his sick daughter. However, Jairus also realizes that he must do more than just trust Jesus.  He     realizes that he must go a step farther. He must do his part.  He must cooperate with Jesus. Since his daughter is too sick to come to Jesus, he must ask Jesus to come to her.

Thus, the two people in today’s gospel do more than just trust in Jesus. They go a step          farther.  They do their part. They make use of the ordinary means God gave them to obtain the healing they need.

Sometimes, we forget that God normally acts in our lives through ordinary means. We forget that we must do our part.  In other words, we cannot sit idly by and expect God to work some miracle for us.  We must first use all the ordinary means God gives us to help ourselves.

It is like a student, without studying, just prays to God to help him to pass his final exam.  God never intended prayer to be a substitute for study. He never intended prayer to be a substitute for hard work.

Remember, receiving God’s help is a two-way street. It involves our cooperation with God. We must do our part, and God will do His part.

St. Ignatius of Loyola describes our cooperation with God this way: “We must work as if     everything depends on us, but we must pray as if everything depends on God.”  Or as the old adage puts it so well ‘‘God helps those who help themselves.”
 
That’s the way God deals with us when it comes to helping us. He has set us free.  We all have free wills.  Therefore, He does not force His help on us. He makes it available to us and leaves us free to use it or not.

God does not treat us like puppets. He treats us like partners. In other words, God gives us all the ordinary resources we need for all our ordinary daily living.

However, when we do turn to God for our needs, we can be sure of His divine help, for He is our Father and we are His children.  Therefore, we can pray to Him: Lord, in your fatherly love for us, you have set us free.  Help us to show our love for You by returning our love to You always. Amen.

Fr. Francis
 
Mi querida familia de fe de San Ignacio,
 
El pasaje del Evangelio de hoy (Marcos 5: 21-43) tiene dos personajes importantes. Son ejemplos de fe. Además, junto con su fe, están dispuestos a hacer lo que sea necesario para lograr sus objetivos. 

La primera persona es una mujer enferma. Ella confía en que Jesús la puede curar. Sin embargo, también se da cuenta de que debe hacer algo más que confiar en Jesús. Debe dar un paso más. Ella debe hacer su parte. No puede quedarse sentada en casa y esperar a que Jesús venga a ella. Debe   levantarse, ir a Jesús y presentarse ante él para que la cure. 

Lo mismo ocurre con la segunda historia del evangelio de hoy. Jairo también confía en que Jesús puede curar a su hija enferma. Sin embargo, Jairo también se da cuenta de que debe hacer algo más que confiar en Jesús. Se da cuenta de que debe dar un paso más. Debe hacer su parte. Debe cooperar con Jesús. Dado que su hija está demasiado enferma para venir a Jesús, debe pedirle a Jesús que venga a ella. 

Por lo tanto, las dos personas en el evangelio de hoy hacen más que simplemente confiar en Jesús. Van un paso más allá. Ellos hacen su parte. Hacen uso de los medios ordinarios que Dios les dio para obtener la curación que necesitan. 

A veces, olvidamos que Dios normalmente actúa en nuestras vidas a través de medios ordinarios. Olvidamos que debemos hacer nuestra parte. En otras palabras, no podemos quedarnos de brazos cruzados y esperar que Dios haga algún milagro para nosotros. Primero debemos usar todos los    medios ordinarios que Dios nos da para ayudarnos a nosotros mismos. 

Es como un alumno que, sin estudiar, simplemente reza a Dios para que le ayude a aprobar su examen final. Dios nunca quiso que la oración fuera un sustituto del estudio. Nunca tuvo la intención de que la oración fuera un sustituto del trabajo duro.

Recuerde, recibir la ayuda de Dios es una vía de doble sentido. Implica nuestra cooperación con Dios. Debemos hacer nuestra parte y Dios hará la suya. 

San Ignacio de Loyola describe nuestra cooperación con Dios de esta manera: “Debemos trabajar como si todo dependiera de nosotros, pero debemos orar como si todo dependiera de Dios”. O como dice el viejo refrán "Dios ayuda a los que se ayudan a sí mismos". 

Así es como Dios nos trata cuando se trata de ayudarnos. Él nos ha liberado. Todos tenemos libre  albedrío. Por lo tanto, no nos obliga a ayudarnos. Él lo pone a nuestra disposición y nos deja libres para usarlo o no. 

Dios no nos trata como marionetas. Nos trata como socios. En otras palabras, Dios nos da todos los recursos ordinarios que necesitamos para nuestra vida diaria ordinaria. 

Sin embargo, cuando nos volvemos a Dios para nuestras necesidades, podemos estar seguros de Su ayuda divina, porque Él es nuestro Padre y nosotros somos Sus hijos. Por lo tanto, podemos orarle: Señor, en tu amor paternal por nosotros, nos has liberado. Ayúdanos a mostrarte nuestro amor devolviéndote nuestro amor siempre. Amén. 
​
P. Francis
 

June 20, 2021

Last week we entered into what the Church calls “Ordinary Time”; in the weeks ahead, the Church liturgy will have us journeying with Jesus and his disciples, reliving their experience of His words and deeds, coming to know and believe in Him as they did.

Yes, brothers and sisters, this ordinary time is for us to learn and listen to the Lord and walk with him as he interacts with his people. And today’s liturgy shows us the power of God over everything that He has created, the wind, the sea, and the storms.

In the book of Job, he has protested and maintained his innocence in the face of the intense suffering he      endured; but God simply stresses his wisdom and power in creation, who shuts within, doors the sea and waves are stilled! God has power over his masterpiece, his creation; the natural forces are powerless against him. Notice how our psalm provides an outline for today’s Gospel. The sailors in their ships were in deep   water in the storm and they cried to the Lord in their distress and He rescues them.

In the Gospel Jesus sets out for the east side of the lake of Galilee with his disciples, suddenly a storm with high winds came sweeping down, and Jesus was sleeping on a cushion, which symbolizes His spirit of total trust in the Father, and the disciples' weakness in faith, scared asking Jesus for help; what does Jesus do?    Rebuked the wind and said to the sea “Quiet! Be still” The wind ceased and there was a great calm. Jesus asked them, Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?

Sometimes we question God as Job did in today’s first reading or we doubt the presence of Jesus in our lives, especially in the storms of our lives. We always claim that Jesus is the center of our life, and yet sometimes when we face a crisis or severe problems, we immediately turn in many different directions and panic looking for answers before we turn to God.

We should always imitate the trust that Jesus shows in the father, with confidence that He will bring us to shore safely from every storm that comes our way.

Brothers and sisters as we continue walking with Jesus, let us always remember that even if He is sleeping, He is taking care of us because He is faithful to His promises and His Church. We are all in this together as a new creation as St Paul tells us today, yes we are a new creation in Christ, old things have passed away, we can’t go back to what we were before.

Let us trust with great confidence in the Father of Jesus Christ and our Father. He is not like us, unstable    always changing and moving from one attitude to another. God is simply Love;  so let us give thanks to the Lord, for His love is everlasting.

Peace  Deacon Mario
 
La semana pasada entramos en lo que la iglesia llama “Tiempo Ordinario”, en las semanas siguientes, la liturgia De la Iglesia nos invita a un peregrinaje con Jesus y sus discípulos, reviviendo sus experiencias, sus palabras y sus obras, llegando a conocerle mas y creer en el como lo hicieron los discípulos.
 
Si hermanos y hermanas este tiempo ordinario, para nosotros, es un tiempo para aprender y escuchar al Señor, a caminar con el y aprender a interactuar con su gente, y la liturgia de hoy nos muestra el poder De Dios sobre toda su creación, el viento, el mar y las tormentas.
 
El libro de job, el a protestado su inocencia en medio de un intenso sufrimiento por el cual a pasado, la respuesta De Dios es simplemente mostrar su sabiduría y su poder en la creación, yo le puse limites al mar, de las nubes sus pañales, le dice a las holas hasta aquí llegaras, no más allá; el poder De Dios sobre su obra  maestra, su creación, las fuerzas naturales no tienen poder sobre el.
 
Veamos com nuestro Salmo nos provee una introducción para el Evangelio de hoy, los marineros en sus      barcos en aguas profundas, hay tormenta y ellos claman al Señor en su tribulación, su angustia y el Señor los rescata.
 
En el evangelio Jesus se va con sus discípulos en el lado este del lago de Galilea, de repente una tormenta con vientos fuertes que los amenaza, y Jesus durmiendo en un cojin, simbolizando su espíritu de confianza total en el padre, y sus discípulos débiles de Fe, con miedo pidiéndole a Jesus que los ayude, y que es lo que hace   Jesus?
 
Reprende el viento y dijo al mar “Cállate!, enmudece, entonces el viento ceso y sobrevino una
gran calma, porque tenían tanto miedo?.
 
A veces nosotros queremos interrogar a Dios como lo hizo Job en la primera lectura, o temenos nuestras dudas sobre la precencia de Jesus en nuestras vidas, especialmente en las tormentas de nuestras vidas, siempre decimos que Jesus es el centro de nuestras vidas, pero a veces cuando nos enfrentamos a una crisis o  problemas serios, inmediatamente tómanos distinta dirección y nos da pánico buscando soluciones por otro lado antes de pedirle a Dios que nos ayude.
 
Nosotros siempre debemos de imitar la confianza de Jesus para con su Padre Dios, con confianza que el nos llevara a salvo a la orilla de cada tormenta que pasemos en nuestras vidas.
 
Hermanos y hermanas mientras continuamos caminando con Jesus, siempre recordemos, que aunque el duerma, Jesús siempre nos estará cuidando y protegiendo, porque el es fiel a sus promesas y su barca el la  Iglesia en la cual todos estamos como una nueva creación como nos dice San Pablo hoy, si somos una nueva creación en Cristo, las cosas viejas ya pasaron, no podemos regresar a lo que éramos antes.
 
Vamos con fe y confianza en nuestro Padre Celestial, el Padre de Jesus, nuestro Padre, Jesus is amor y eso es lo que es Dios, no es como nosotros que somos unestables, siempre cambiando, moviéndonos de una forma de ser a otra, no Dios es simplemente amor; vamos entonces a darle gracias a Dios porque su amor dura para siempre.
 
Peace Diácono Mario
 

June 13

My dear St. Ignatius Parish family,
 
We are once again back in the Ordinary Liturgical Season of the Church. Seasons will keep on   changing. But one thing never changes, and that is God. We are given inspirational readings for doing our small part, even it be in small ways to fulfill His Divine plans for us. In the first reading from Ezekiel, we see that God promised to give the Messiah, who is often described by the prophets as a branch. The Jewish people in the time of Jesus, were awaiting the Messiah, or Anointed One, who would liberate them from the captivity of the Romans, by fighting like a military warrior. But Jesus was a teacher, a healer and a friend. He chose only twelve men, not an army, and starting with a   Kingdom the size of a mustard seed, the Church has grown all over the world. Jesus taught about the Kingdom of God in ways relatable to ordinary people. One way He did this was through parables, which are significant not only for His time, but for all times. In today’s Gospel, we can see two such parables based on the common experience of farming .The first highlights the relative insignificance of the human effort, and we have to understand and accept that so much happens without us being aware of it. Just like the farmer has to trust that the earth will perform its work, the members of God’s  Kingdom must trust in God to fulfill his promises. The mustard shrub parable highlights the small  beginnings of the Kingdom and its generosity. The little seed barely drew attention, but eventually it becomes a refuge of shade and strength. Likewise, the Kingdom of God, the Church, which began with Jesus’ disciples, now  embraces millions. Even today, in these difficult times of the pandemic, the Church stood as the pillar of faith. God always exalts the humble who submit to His will and Divine plan.
 
The feast of Corpus Christi (The Body and Blood of Christ) is a time when Catholics can show their love for Christ in the Real Presence by honoring Him in a very public way. It is also a wonderful way in which we can show our love for our neighbors by bringing Our Lord and Savior closer to them. It is the Church’s official act of homage and gratitude to Christ, who instituted the Holy Eucharist and gave the Church its greatest treasure. Last Saturday, as a parish family we celebrated this great Solemnity with an outdoor Blessed Sacrament procession. Various ministries of the parish set up four altars along the route, representing us bringing Christ to the four corners of the earth. The first station was arranged in front of the Church. I thank Tina Devlin (L) and members of the Catholic Daughters,    Lectors, Ushers and St. Vincent de Paul for preparing the beautiful altar. The second altar was in front of the St. Joseph Statue, prepared by Peggy Gill (L) and members of  Martha's Guild, Eucharistic Ministers and Columbiettes. Thank you for the graceful altar in front of the foster father of Jesus. The third altar was gorgeously prepared in front of the Blessed Mother of the Holy Eucharist. Thank you Maria Pitonza (L) and the members of St. Anne's Prayer Group, Men's Prayer Group, and       Charismatic Group. The fourth station was in the prayer garden, in front of the Eucharistic Lord Jesus, Divine Mercy. Thank you, Juan Medrano (L) and members of Emaus, Divine Mercy, and Ministry of Consolation for an admirable Altar. Thank you Joan and Tony for planning and organizing the procession, Jim and Wadis for the Music, Thank you Joan and Delfina for arranging altar servers, and grateful for their prayerful assistance, Fr. Francis, Dn. Jose and Dn. Mario for leading prayers and your fraternity. My strength and encouragement comes from you, my dear parish family, and your active participation.  
 
Next week as we celebrate Father’s Day, a word about fathers. Jesus, Our Lord, needed an earthly   father, St. Joseph to nourish Him, and to take care and love Him. Do we need anything more than this to understand the role of our fathers in our lives?! They sacrifice and love us to the core. How can we ever thank them enough? Let us pray for them, living or dead, especially on Father’s Day.
 
In Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Shibi Pappan
 

​Mi querida familia parroquial de San Ignacio, 
 
Una vez más estamos de vuelta en el Tiempo Litúrgico Ordinario de la Iglesia. Las estaciones seguirán cambiando. Pero una cosa nunca cambia: Dios, y recibimos lecturas inspiradoras por hacer nuestra pequeña parte, incluso en pequeñas formas, para cumplir Sus planes Divinos para nosotros. En la primera lectura de Ezequiel, vemos que Dios prometió dar al Mesías, quien a menudo es descrito por los profetas como una rama. El pueblo judío en la época de Jesús, estaba esperando al Mesías, o Ungido, que los        liberaría del cautiverio de los romanos, luchando como un guerrero militar. Pero Jesús fue maestro, sanador y amigo. Eligió sólo doce hombres, no un ejército, y comenzando con un reino del tamaño de una semilla de mostaza, la Iglesia ha crecido en todo el mundo. Jesús enseñó sobre el Reino de Dios de maneras que se puedan relacionar con la gente común. Una forma en que hizo esto fue a través de parábolas, que son      importantes no sólo para Su tiempo, sino para todos los tiempos. En el evangelio de hoy, podemos ver dos de esas parábolas basadas en la experiencia común de la agricultura. El primero destaca la relativa insignificancia del esfuerzo humano, y tenemos que entender y aceptar que, tantas cosas pasan sin que nos demos cuenta. Así como el agricultor tiene que confiar en que la tierra realizará su trabajo, los miembros del Reino de Dios deben confiar en Dios para cumplir sus promesas. La parábola del arbusto mostaza destaca los pequeños comienzos del Reino y su generosidad. La pequeña semilla apenas llamó la atención, pero eventualmente se convierte en un refugio de sombra y fuerza. Así mismo, el Reino de Dios, la Iglesia, que comenzó con los discípulos de Jesús, ahora abarca a millones. Incluso hoy, en estos tiempos difíciles de la pandemia, la Iglesia se erige como el pilar de la fe. Dios siempre exalta a los humildes que se someten a su voluntad y plan divino. 
 
La fiesta del Corpus Christi (El Cuerpo y la Sangre de Cristo) es un momento en el que los católicos pueden mostrar su amor por Cristo en la Presencia Real honrandolo de una manera muy pública. También es una manera maravillosa en la que podemos mostrar nuestro amor por nuestro prójimo acercándose a Nuestro Señor y Salvador. Es el acto oficial de homenaje y gratitud de la Iglesia a Cristo, quien instituyó la Sagrada Eucaristía y dio a la Iglesia su mayor tesoro. El sábado pasado, como familia parroquial, celebramos esta gran solemnidad con una procesión del Santísimo Sacramento al aire libre. Varios ministerios de la parroquia instalaron cuatro altares a lo largo de la ruta, representandonos llevando a Cristo a los cuatro    rincones de la tierra. La primera estación se dispuso frente a la Iglesia. Agradezco a Tina Devlin y a los miembros de las Hijas católicas, Lectores, Ujieres y San Vicente de Paúl por preparar el hermoso altar. El segundo altar estaba frente a la estatua de San José, preparado por Peggy Gill y los miembros de Martha 's Guild, Ministros de Eucaristía y Columbiettes. Gracias por el elegante altar frente al padre adoptivo de Jesús. El tercer altar fue magníficamente preparado frente a la Santísima Madre de la Sagrada Eucaristía. Gracias Maria Pitonza y los miembros del Grupo de Oración de Santa Ana, el Grupo de Oración de Hombres y el Carismático Grupo. La cuarta estación fue en el jardín de oración, frente al Señor Eucarístico Jesús, Divina Misericordia. Gracias, Juan Medrano y miembros de Emaús, Divina Misericordia y Ministerio de Consolación por un Altar admirable. Gracias Joan y Tony por planificar y organizar la procesión, Jim y ______ por la música, gracias Joan y ______ por organizar a los monaguillos y agradecido por su ayuda en oración. P. Francis, Dn. Jose y Dn. Mario por liderar las oraciones y su fraternidad. Mi fuerza y aliento provienen de ustedes, mi querida familia parroquial, y de su participación activa.
 
La semana que viene, mientras celebramos el día de los padres, unas palabras sobre los padres. Jesús, nuestro Señor, necesitaba un padre terrenal, San José, que lo alimentara, lo cuidara y lo amara. ¿Necesitamos algo más que esto para comprender el papel de nuestros padres en nuestras vidas? Ellos sacrifican y nos aman hasta la médula. ¿Cómo podemos agradecerles lo suficiente? Oremos por ellos, vivos o muertos, especialmente en el Día de los Padres.
 
En Jesús y María, 
P. Shibi Pappan
 

June 6, 2021

My dear St. Ignatius Parish family,

Wish you all a Blessed Corpus Christi Sunday. Today’s Gospel Reading is the Mark an account of the Last Supper, and it is interwoven with the references to the Passover of the Old Testament. There is no mention of the Passover lamb in this account, highlighting that Jesus himself is the sacrificial offering. Jesus established the new covenant with His Blood, in the meal, which was outwardly concluded in the traditional way with a final cup of wine. Thus, He fulfilled the covenant we saw in the first reading. The new Passover feast did not finish at the table, but at Calvary, where Jesus  sacrificed Himself totally for us. This exactly is, and should be the essence of our Eucharistic celebration. The sacrificial celebration  at the Eucharistic table should continue to our daily lives. By the ultimate sacrificial  love with which Christ died for us in reparation of our sins and redeemed us, we should love our fellow beings. Only then does our celebration at the altar, here in the Church, become really meaningful, and we become true children of God.
 
Deep down in our heart, we all thirst for God because we are all created by God, and the only thing He wants from us is our love. Only Christ can, and will, satisfy our  hunger and quench our thirst.  Everyday, in fact every hour, whenever a Mass is celebrated, Jesus is offering Himself to all humanity, at one or another part of the world  so that we can feel an  incredible intimacy with Him. Jesus Christ makes Himself food to nourish us and become one with us. As we celebrate the Corpus Christi Sunday, try to spend some time in front of the Most Blessed Sacrament, allowing the miracle that takes place in each Mass to resonate in your heart and mind. I invite all of you to come for the Annual Corpus Christi Eucharistic Procession on Saturday, after the 5pm Mass, and honor Jesus, truly and wholly present in the Most Blessed Sacrament. Also, soon after the 7.30 am Mass, we will have an hour of adoration after which the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed and kept in our          Adoration Chapel, so that you can spend time as per your convenience.
 
This Friday, June 11th  we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, and on this Saturday,  June 12th  the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. We all consider heart as the place where we feel all emotions, particularly love. Maybe because we associate the death of a person with the stopping of a heartbeat, even though in medical terms, death is confirmed only by brain death. So it is good to reflect on the immense love of Jesus by which He endured all the cruel torture, and honor His heart in a special way. I invite all of you to join us for the Holy Hour here at  St. Ignatius on this Friday, soon after the 9am Mass, and also to honor our Blessed Mother for her role as co-redemptrix, join us this Saturday at 8.25am  for the Rosary .
 
As our Religious Education is in need of Volunteers for Catechism for the next year, (please check page 12 of this bulletin for details), please keep this matter in your mind for prayerful consideration.
Thank you all for your continuous support to the parish, even in these difficult times. God bless you.
 
In Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Shibi Pappan
 

​Mi querida familia parroquial de San Ignacio, 
 
Les deseo a todos un bendito domingo de Corpus Christi. La Lectura del Evangelio de hoy es el relato de Marcos de la Última Cena, y está entretejido con las referencias a la Pascua del Antiguo Testamento. No hay mención del cordero pascual en este relato, destacando que Jesús mismo es la ofrenda del sacrificio. Jesús estableció el nuevo pacto con Su Sangre, en la comida, que se concluyó exteriormente de la manera tradicional con una última copa de vino. Así, cumplió el pacto que vimos en la primera lectura. El nuevo Pascual banquete no terminó en la mesa, sino en Calvario, donde Jesús se sacrificó totalmente por nosotros. Esto es exactamente y debe ser la esencia de nuestra celebración eucarística. La celebración del sacrificio en la mesa eucarística debe continuar en nuestra vida diaria. Por el amor supremo de sacrificio con el que Cristo murió por nosotros en reparación de nuestros pecados y nos redimió, debemos amar a nuestros semejantes. Sólo entonces nuestra           celebración en el altar, aquí en la Iglesia, se vuelve realmente significativa y nos convertimos en verdaderos hijos de Dios. En el fondo de nuestro corazón, todos tenemos sed de Dios, porque todos fuimos creados por Dios, y lo único que Él quiere de nosotros es nuestro amor. Solo Cristo puede, y lo hará, satisfacer nuestra hambre y saciar nuestra sed. Todos los días, de hecho cada hora, siempre que se celebra una Misa, Jesús se ofrece a sí mismo a toda la humanidad, en una u otras partes del mundo. para que podamos sentir una intimidad increíble con él. Jesucristo se hace a Sí mismo         alimento para nutrirnos y volverse uno con nosotros. Mientras celebramos el domingo de Corpus Christi, trate de pasar un tiempo frente al Santísimo Sacramento, permitiendo que el milagro que tiene lugar en cada Misa resuene en su corazón y mente. Los invito a todos a venir a la anual del Corpus Christi procesión eucarística el sábado, después de la misa de las 5:00 pm, y honrar a Jesús, verdadera y totalmente presente en el Santísimo Sacramento. Además, poco después de la Misa de las 7:30 am, tendremos una hora de adoración después de la cual el Santísimo Sacramento será expuesto y guardado en nuestra Capilla de Adoración, para que pueda pasar el tiempo según su conveniencia. 
 
Este viernes 11 de junio celebramos la Solemnidad del Sacratísimo Corazón de Jesús, y este sábado 12 de junio la Memoria del Inmaculado Corazón de María. Todos consideramos el corazón como el lugar donde sentimos todas las emociones, particularmente el amor. Tal vez porque asociamos la muerte de una persona con la interrupción de los latidos del corazón, aunque médicamente, la muerte ocurre solo por muerte cerebral. Por eso es bueno reflexionar sobre el inmenso amor de Jesús por el cual soportó toda la cruel tortura, y honrar su corazón de una manera especial. Los invito a todos a unirse a nosotros para la Hora Santa aquí en San Ignacio este viernes, poco después de la Misa de las 9:00 am, y también para honrar a nuestra Santísima Madre por su papel de corredentora, únase a    nosotros este sábado a las 8.25 am para el Rosario. 
 
Como nuestra educación religiosa necesita voluntarios para el catecismo durante el próximo año, (consulte la página 12 de este boletín para obtener más detalles), por favor mantenga este asunto en su mente para considerarlo en oración. Gracias a todos por su continuo apoyo a la parroquia, incluso en estos tiempos difíciles. Que Dios los bendiga.
​
En Jesús y María, 
P. Shibi Pappan
 

May 30, 2021.

 My dear St. Ignatius Parish family,

Wish you all a Blessed Holy Trinity Sunday. We see in today’s Gospel reading, that, though the disciples came to the mountain in obedience to the directive of the risen Lord, they were confused. ‘They worshiped, but they doubted’. It is quite understandable after what they experienced in those last days of Jesus. They have seen Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, and many other miracles, including multiplication of bread and   other healings. But then they also saw Jesus dying on the cross, and then the resurrected Lord. When they were with Jesus, they might have assumed many things like, Jesus would always do the miracles, and they had to just follow Him, where ever He went. Or may be, they might have even thought, He being the Messiah would establish an earthly kingdom, where they might be holding important positions. But that was not what was in store for them. Now they were totally clueless about their future. Above all they might be wondering how long this risen Lord would be with them, and what role they had to do. Jesus totally understood their mental  conflict, and assured them of His power and divinity. He gave them the apostolic commission to carry on His work in the world. They were to make disciples, baptize them in the Trinitarian name, and teach the  people to   observe His commandments. We all are baptized in the name of the Trinity, and we also have to do our part in sharing the Gospel and become better stewards of our time, talent and treasure.

This Sunday, as we observe Memorial Day, we are honoring those who served our country with the sacrificial love of Christ. They are good examples for this sharing of the Gospel by their very lives. Let us honor and pray for all those brave hearts who laid down their lives in protecting our country. Let us also not forget those who are still serving, and also the families of both the living and deceased.

As we conclude the month of May, dedicated to our Blessed Mother, I invite all, especially those who have done the 33 day Total consecration to Jesus through Mary, to conclude the month with a good confession and the Act of  Consecration on May 31st. Whenever we recite a Hail Mary, we are seeking our mother’s intercession at the time of our death also. She will surely assist us both now and at our death time. This year  being St. Joseph year, let us continue to seek his intercession also as he is the Patron Saint of happy death, and the role model for fathers. After all, eternal life with Christ is the ultimate goal for all of us. In two days time, we are entering the month of June, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, let us reflect in a special way of His love, mercy and forgiveness. It is quite sad to see some people at the dying bed, worrying about whether they are forgiven completely, that too about the sins they have committed long back, and sometimes some even doubt the forgiveness of God even after a good confession, and repeatedly say the same sins even that of their childhood. It is always good to approach the sacrament of confession with a truly repentant heart and go with the confidence that once we have made a good confession with the decision of amendment, God has   forgiven us completely. It is we who are not forgiving ourselves. So in this month of Sacred Heart let us     reflect deeper on His merciful love and live as people of hope, peace and happiness.

Next month we celebrate Father’s day. We, the priests at St. Ignatius will offer all weekend Masses for all fathers, especially for whom prayers are requested for in our Novena Mass envelopes. Let us offer a spiritual bouquet for them as they  reflect the love of Jesus Himself, and St. Joseph. We have already begun the St. Ignatian year on May 20 which will end  on July 31st, 2022, his feast day. This is a great occasion of joy as our parish is under his patronage. We are planning various activities to learn more about him and his ways of  following Jesus. I hope by now you all are aware that our Parish has started a easy, fast, safe, secure and reliable online giving facility. I express my sincere gratitude for all your contributions. Please continue to support us in all ways possible, to ensure the smooth running of our church.
In Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Shibi Pappan
 
Mi querida familia parroquial de San Ignacio, 
 
Deseándoles a todos un Bendito Domingo de la Santísima Trinidad. Vemos en la lectura del Evangelio de hoy, que aunque los discípulos vinieron a la montaña en obediencia a la directiva del Señor resucitado, están confundidos. 'Adoraban, pero dudaban'. Es bastante comprensible después de lo que vivieron en esos últimos días de Jesús. Han visto a Jesús resucitar a Lázaro de entre los muertos y muchos otros milagros, incluida la multiplicación del pan y otras curaciones. Pero luego también vieron a Jesús    muriendo en la cruz y al Señor resucitado. Cuando estaban con Jesús, podrían haber asumido muchas cosas como, Jesús siempre hace milagros, y tienen que seguirlo a donde sea que vaya. O tal vez, incluso podrían  haber pensado, siendo Él el Mesías, establecerá un reino terrenal, dónde estarán ocupando puestos  importantes. Pero eso no era lo que les esperaba. Ahora no tienen ni idea de su futuro. Por encima de todo, pueden preguntarse cuánto tiempo el Señor resucitado estará con ellos, y qué papel deben o tienen que desempeñar. Jesús comprende totalmente su conflicto mental y les asegura su poder y divinidad. Les da la comisión apostólica de llevar a cabo su obra en el mundo. Deben hacer discípulos, bautizarlos en el nombre Trinitario y enseñar a la gente a observar sus mandamientos. Todos somos bautizados en el nombre de la  Trinidad, y también tenemos que hacer nuestra parte para compartir el Evangelio y convertirnos en mejores administradores de nuestro tiempo, talento y tesoro. 
 
Este domingo, al observar el Día de los Caídos, estamos honrando a quienes sirvieron a nuestro país con el amor  sacrificado de Cristo. Son buenos ejemplos de este compartir del Evangelio con sus propias vidas.  Honremos y oremos por todos esos corazones valientes que dieron su vida para proteger a nuestro país. Tampoco olvidemos a los que todavía están sirviendo, y también a las familias de los vivos y los difuntos. 
 
Al concluir el mes de mayo, dedicado a nuestra Santísima Madre, invitó a todos, especialmente aquellos que han        realizado los 33 días de consagración total a Jesús a través de María, a concluir el mes con una buena confesión y el   Acto de Consagración el 31 de mayo. Siempre que rezamos un Ave María, buscamos la intercesión de nuestra madre también en el momento de nuestra muerte. Seguramente nos ayudará tanto ahora como en el momento de nuestra muerte. Este año, siendo el año de San José, sigamos buscando su intercesión también, ya que él es el Santo Patrón de la feliz muerte y el modelo a seguir para los padres. Después de todo, la vida eterna con Cristo es la meta máxima para todos nosotros.

En dos días entramos en el mes de junio, dedicado al Sagrado Corazón de Jesús. Reflejemos de manera especial su amor, misericordia y perdón. Es bastante triste ver algunas personas en el lecho de la muerte,   preocupándose por si son perdonados por completo, por los pecados que han cometido hace mucho tiempo, y a veces algunos incluso dudan del perdón de Dios incluso después de una buena confesión, y repetidamente dicen lo mismo pecados incluso los de su niñez. Siempre es bueno abordar el sacramento de la confesión con un corazón verdaderamente arrepentido e ir con la confianza de que una vez que hemos hecho una buena  confesión con la decisión de enmienda, Dios nos ha perdonado por completo. Somos nosotros los que no nos perdonamos a nosotros mismos. Entonces, en este mes del Sagrado Corazón, reflexionemos más profundamente en Su amor misericordioso y vivamos como personas de esperanza, paz y felicidad. 

Este mes celebramos el día de los padres. Nosotros, los sacerdotes de San Ignacio, ofreceremos todas las misas de fin de semana para todos los padres, especialmente para quienes se soliciten oraciones en nuestros sobres de la Novena. Ofrezcamos un ramillete espiritual para ellos, ya que reflejan el amor de Jesús mismo, y de San José. Ya hemos comenzado el año San Ignacio el 20 de mayo que se finalizará el 31 de julio de 2022, su fiesta. Esta es una gran ocasión de alegría ya que nuestra parroquia está bajo su patrocinio. Estamos planificando diversas actividades para conocer más sobre él y sus formas de seguir a Jesús. 
 
Espero que a estas alturas todos sepan que nuestra parroquia ha iniciado una instalación de donaciones en línea segura y confiable. Expreso mi más sincero agradecimiento por todas sus contribuciones. Continúe apoyándonos de todas las formas posibles, para asegurar el buen funcionamiento de nuestra iglesia. 
 
En Jesús y María, 
P. Shibi Pappan

May 23,2021


​My dear faith family of St. Ignatius,

This Sunday, we celebrate the feast of Pentecost.  It has a long-standing  tradition.  Among the ancient Jews, this was originally a harvest festival. It was a feast in which God’s generous abundance was celebrated with great gratitude and exuberant joy. Later, for the Jews, it became the festival of the Law given on Mount Sinai.

For us Christians, the name Pentecost comes from the Greek word: “Pentecoste.”  It literally means the fiftieth day—fiftieth day after Easter!  It's the birthday of the Christian Church. It's the festival celebration of our New Covenant with God.  It's the Feast of the Holy Spirit. It's a celebration of our own particular giftedness. And it's the Last Sunday of Easter, signifying that Easter is one long and glorious time. 

In order to convey Pentecost's essential meaning--as an event connected with Easter--the Church chose as   today's Gospel reading, a scene from the first Easter night. It tells us how the apostles had locked themselves up out of fear for their lives. That was understandable. It had been a terrible week, in which they had seen their leader's triumph in the beginning of the week turn to betrayal, pain, torment, and death. They had been absent when he needed them most; they had all kinds of regrets for which they needed the solace of one     another; and they knew that their leader's fate could easily befall themselves. It was like some of the times of our own lives when everything goes wrong: the passing away of loved ones, the loss of jobs, terrible loneliness. 

Yet here he was! Instead of berating them for their fear, Jesus wished them "peace."  Suddenly, the apostles' fear changed into joy. This kind of intense joy is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. It's a joy characteristic of all Jesus' followers, as Jesus had explained at the Last Supper. It's a joy that should be evident in our community. 

Jesus then gave them a mission: "As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” This was a new kind of mission--a mission to spread the love of God to the world. To all of us who hear the Gospel, that mission is one of Jesus' farewell gifts, along with peace and joy. It puts meaning into our life--a meaning that is beyond  superficial, everyday, ordinary experiences. 

In giving this mission, Jesus “breathed” on the apostles. This may seem a strange procedure to us, but from the Jewish Scriptures the apostles were familiar with God doing this. The first creation account describes God's breath as a wind hovering over the primeval waters. Again, when God created Adam He breathed on him, giving him life.  Isaiah portrays the Spirit as a guide directing the Messiah from within. Elijah recognized the presence of the Spirit in a whispering wind. Ezekiel breathed life into dry bones and they  became alive (Ezk. 37:1-14). 
 
The Spirit of God continues to breathe over the universe. Through His Spirit, God continues to create. He   vivifies us and stimulates our religious fervor through His gifts. In short, He makes all things new.  Let us, therefore, pray:  “Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of thy love.  Send forth thy Spirit and they shall be created.”  Amen.                         

Fr. Francis
 
Mi querida familia de fe de San Ignacio,                                                                                            
Este domingo celebramos la fiesta de Pentecostés. Tiene una larga tradición. Entre los judíos antiguos, originalmente se trataba de una fiesta de la cosecha. Fue una fiesta en la que la generosidad de Dios se celebró con gran gratitud y exuberante alegría. Más tarde, para los judíos, se convirtió en la fiesta de la Ley dada en el monte Sinaí. 

Para nosotros los cristianos, el nombre Pentecostés proviene de la palabra griega: "Pentecostés". Literalmente significa el quincuagésimo día, el quincuagésimo día después de Pascua. Es el cumpleaños de la Iglesia   Cristiana. Es la celebración festiva de nuestro Nuevo Pacto con Dios. Es la Fiesta del Espíritu Santo. Es una celebración de nuestro propio talento particular. Y es el último domingo de Pascua, lo que significa que la Pascua es un tiempo largo y glorioso. 

Para transmitir el significado esencial de Pentecostés, como evento relacionado con la Pascua, la Iglesia eligió como lectura del Evangelio de hoy, una escena de la primera noche de Pascua. Nos dice cómo los apóstoles se encerraron por temor a perder la vida. Eso fue comprensible. Había sido una semana terrible, en la que habían visto cómo el triunfo de su líder al comienzo de la semana se convirtió en traición, dolor, tormento y muerte. Habían estado ausentes cuando más los necesitaba; ellos tenían todo tipo de  arrepentimientos por los que necesitaban el consuelo el uno del otro; y sabían que el destino del líder fácilmente podría sucederles a ellos mismos. Fue como algunos de los momentos de nuestra propia vida en los que todo sale mal: la muerte de seres queridos, la pérdida de trabajos, una soledad terrible. 

¡Sin embargo, aquí estaba! En lugar de reprenderlos por su miedo, Jesús les deseó "paz". De repente, el miedo de los apóstoles se transformó en gozo. Este tipo de gozo intenso es uno de los frutos del Espíritu Santo. Es un gozo característico de todos los seguidores de Jesús, como Jesús lo explicó en la Última Cena. Es una alegría que debería ser evidente en nuestra comunidad. 
Entonces Jesús les dio una misión: "Como el Padre me envió, así también yo los envío a ustedes". Este fue un nuevo tipo de misión: una misión para difundir el amor de Dios en el mundo. Para todos los que escuchamos el Evangelio, esa misión es uno de los dones de despedida de Jesús, junto con la paz y la alegría. Nuestra vida - un significado que va más allá de las experiencias superficiales, cotidianas y ordinarias. 

Al dar esta misión, Jesús “sopló” sobre los apóstoles. Esto puede parecer un procedimiento extraño para nosotros, pero de las Escrituras judías los apóstoles estaban familiarizados con Dios haciendo esto. El primer relato de la creación describe el aliento de Dios como un viento que se cierne sobre las aguas primigenias. Una vez más, cuando Dios creó a Adán, sopló sobre él, dándole vida. Isaías describe al Espíritu como una guía que dirige al Mesías desde adentro. Elías reconoció la presencia del Espíritu en un viento susurrante. Ezequiel sopló vida a los huesos secos y ellos cobraron vida (Ez. 37: 1-14). 

El Espíritu de Dios continúa soplando sobre el universo. A través de Su Espíritu, Dios continúa creando. Él vivifica nos estimula y estimula nuestro fervor religioso a través de sus dones. En resumen, Él hace todas las cosas nuevas. Por tanto, oremos: “Ven Espíritu Santo, llena los corazones de tus fieles y enciende en ellos el fuego de tu amor. Envía tu Espíritu y serán creados ". 
​
Amén. 
P. Francis
 

May 9, 2021

My dear St. Ignatius family,
Today is Mother’s Day, and in the very onset, I would like to wish all mothers of our Parish family, A VERY HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY. May God bless you and give you health in mind and body, throughout your lives. May you be taken care of, for the countless sacrifices you have made for your children, and the family as a whole. May you be rewarded for all that you do for the welfare of society, and in particular for our parish and church as a whole. As I wrote last week, throughout this month, the priests here at St. Ignatius, will offer all the weekend Masses for all those mothers honored or remembered by their family members. The   envelopes  received from you for your mothers, will be kept near the altar, and their names can be found on pages 13 &14 of this bulletin. Let us continue to honor them and show them our love by this spiritual bouquet, along with the other surprises and gifts you have planned for them.

In this week, the connection between motherhood and the reception of  Holy Communion has struck me very deeply. The moment a woman conceives and comes to know about it, mentally and psychologically motherhood begins in her. She no longer feels alone, and in everything she does, she is automatically  concerned about her child in her womb. They give up many things for the sake of the unborn child...the child which they have never seen. Of course, there are exceptions, I do agree. But that small number should not outweigh the majority who prepare for the birth of the child with much enthusiasm, nourish themselves with whatever is good for the growth of the fetus. What happens to us when we receive Jesus who is truly present in the Holy Eucharist? Shouldn’t we feel that same oneness with Him? Shouldn’t we keep our body and soul clean for the Holy One Who abides in us? As we  celebrate this great day, try to reflect on this aspect a little more.

Another thought that came into my mind regarding motherhood, is the spiritual motherhood. For instance, my benefactress, Elizabeth Bachmayer, who sponsored me as a seminarian, consider me as her spiritual son, and we pray for each other every single day, and we keep in touch regularly. I remember her especially in every single Mass I celebrate. Isn’t it a beautiful motherhood? As Jesus said, we priests who have left our own     families to embrace the bigger family of the church, are privileged to have many such spiritual mothers, who pray for us. What about the anonymous sponsors of those in various orphanages in different parts of the world? Aren’t they carrying  them in their hearts?   Also what about those mothers who adopt children? It’s true that they are not their biological mothers, and have not carried them in their wombs, but aren’t they giving their children, a motherly love? Haven’t they conceived their children in their hearts? Isn’t that too a  beautiful ”conception?” So it is good to pray for all those who play the role of a spiritual mother in our lives. Let us  also remember our godmothers  in our prayers, especially today.

Our Blessed Mother carried Jesus in her womb, gave birth to Him and nourished Him with her milk. She is  indeed the Mother of God. As Jesus gave her as our mother, we are privileged to have the mother of God as our mother. She loves us immensely and is always trying to help us in all our spiritual and corporal needs, just like she helped in the wedding in Cana, even before we ask her. Every single day, she is mothering us. Shouldn’t we wish her on  Mother’s Day and make this day special for her. This Sunday, we are  honoring Our   heavenly Mother in a special way, and expressing our immense love to her by crowning her. Our pure little ones who received their First Holy Communion on the last two Saturdays, will do that on behalf of all of us, at the 9:30am Mass. May Our Lord and Mother Mary keep them safe from all evil and temptations throughout their lives. A big thank you to all those who made it happen, especially the parents, catechists and St. Anne  prayer group who prepared them.

Last but not least, I would like to invite all of you who can come, to join us, at least for one day, and lead the rosary if possible. Let us thank her from our hearts for all her intercessions, and express our love and gratitude by praying the rosary everyday, as a family and as individuals. She is the Queen of Families, the Queen of Peace. On May 13th,  we have a special Fatima Memorial bilingual Mass at 6:30pm, which will be followed by a candle-lit rosary procession, outside the Church. I invite all of you to join us  So have a happy and blessed Mother’s Day weekend. Let us also pray for our nurses, as we celebrate National Nurses week.  Happy Nurses Week. Thank you for  being an angel of healing and hope, especially in this time of pandemic.                                                                                                                                                                                  
In Jesus and Mary,                                                                                                                                                                    
    Fr. Shibi Pappan
 
Mi querida familia de San Ignacio,
Hoy es el Día de la Madre, y desde el principio, me gustaría desear a todas las madres de nuestra familia parroquial, UN MUY FELIZ DÍA DE LAS MADRE. Que Dios las bendiga y les dé salud mental y corporal a lo largo de sus vidas. Que te cuiden por los innumerables sacrificios que has hecho por tus hijos y la  familia en general. Que sea recompensada por todo lo que hace por el bienestar de la  sociedad y, en particular, por nuestra parroquia y la iglesia en general. Como escribí la semana pasada, y durante todo este mes, los sacerdotes aquí en San Ignacio ofrecerán todas las misas de fin de semana para todas aquellas madres honradas y recordadas por sus familiares. Los sobres que recibamos de ustedes para sus madres se mantendrán cerca del altar y sus nombres se pueden encontrar en la página 11 de este boletín. Sigamos honrando las y mostrándoles nuestro amor con este ramo espiritual, junto con las demás sorpresas y regalos que les han planeado.

En esta semana, la conexión entre la maternidad y la recepción de la Sagrada Comunión me impactado    profundamente. En el momento en que una mujer concibe y llega a conocerlo, mental y psicológicamente, comienza en ella la maternidad. Ya no se siente sola, y en todo lo que hace, automáticamente se preocupa por el niño en su útero. Renuncian a muchas cosas por el bien del feto, el niño que nunca han visto. Por supuesto, hay excepciones. Estoy de acuerdo. Pero ese pequeño número no debe superar a la mayoría que prepara con mucho entusiasmo el nacimiento del niño, se nutre de lo que sea bueno para el crecimiento del feto. ¿Qué nos pasa cuando recibimos a Jesús que está verdaderamente presente en la Sagrada Eucaristía? ¿No deberíamos sentir la misma unidad con Él? ¿No deberíamos mantener nuestro cuerpo y alma limpios para el Santo que habita en nosotros? Mientras celebramos este gran día, intenta reflexionar sobre este aspecto un poco más.

Otro pensamiento que me vino a la mente con respecto a la maternidad es la maternidad espiritual. Por ejemplo, mi benefactora, Elizabeth Bachmayer, quien me patrocinó como seminarista, me considera su hijo espiritual, oramos el uno por el otro todos los días y nos mantenemos en contacto con regularidad. La recuerdo especialmente en cada misa que celebró.¿No es una hermosa maternidad? Como Jesús dijo, los sacerdotes que hemos dejado nuestras propias familias para abrazar a la familia más grande de la iglesia, tenemos el privilegio de tener muchas madres espirituales que oran por nosotros. ¿Qué pasa con los      anónimos patrocinadores de aquellos en varios orfanatos en diferentes partes del mundo? ¿No los llevan en sus corazones? Además, ¿qué pasa con las madres que adoptan niños? Es cierto que no son sus madres biológicas y no las han llevado en el útero. Pero, ¿no les están dando a sus hijos un amor maternal? ¿No han concebido a sus hijos en su corazón? ¿No es también una hermosa "concepción"? Por eso es bueno orar por todos aquellos que desempeñan el papel de madre espiritual en nuestras vidas. Recordemos también a    nuestras madrinas en nuestras oraciones, especialmente hoy.

Nuestra Santísima Madre llevó a Jesús en su vientre, lo dio a luz y lo alimentó con su leche. Ella es de hecho la Madre de Dios. Como Jesús la dio como nuestra madre, tenemos el privilegio de tener a la madre de Dios como nuestra madre. Ella nos ama inmensamente y siempre está tratando de ayudarnos en todas nuestras necesidades espirituales y corporales, como ayudó en las bodas de Caná, incluso antes de que se lo pidamos.

Todos los días, ella nos está cuidando. ¿No deberíamos desearle el día de la madre y hacer que este día sea especial para ella? Este domingo, honramos a Nuestra Madre celestial de una manera especial, y le expresamos nuestro inmenso amor coronándose. Nuestros niños pequeños, que son puros de alma, que recibieron su Primera Comunión los dos últimos sábados, lo harán en nombre de todos nosotros, en la Misa de las 9:30 am. Que Nuestro Señor y la Madre María los mantengan a salvo de todos los males y tentaciones a lo largo de sus vidas. Un gran agradecimiento a todos los que lo hicieron posible, especialmente a los   sacerdotes, catequistas y el grupo de oración de Santa Ana que prepararon los niños.

Por último, pero no menos importante, me gustaría invitar a todos los que puedan venir a unirse a nosotros, al menos por un día, y dirigir el rosario si es posible. Démosle gracias de corazón por todas sus intercesiones, y expresemos nuestro amor y gratitud rezando el rosario todos los días, como familia y como individuos. Ella es la reina de las familias, la reina de la paz. El 13 de mayo por la noche, tendremos una misa bilingüe especial en memoria de Fátima a las 6:30 pm,que será seguida por una procesión del rosario a la luz de las velas, fuera de la Iglesia. Los invito a todos a unirse a nosotros. Así que tengan un feliz y     bendecido día de las madres este fin de semana.Oremos también por nuestras enfermeras, mientras celebramos la Semana Nacional de enfermeras.Feliz Semana de enfermeras. Gracias por ser un ángel de sanación y esperanza, especialmente en este tiempo de pandemia.              
​               
En Jesús y María,
P. Shibi Pappan

May 2, 2021

​My dear St. Ignatius family,

Last week, on Saturday, 24th  we had the Sacrament of Confirmation. May the Holy Spirit  enlighten those who  received Confirmation, in their faith  journey. I thank  Bishop Henning for preceding the ceremony. Yesterday was indeed a great day. We started the First Holy Communion of this year. Next Saturday we also have First Holy Communion. These children prepared their hearts and were  waiting to receive our Lord. I take this opportunity to congratulate the children, parents and the catechists who guided them. May God reward their dedication. When we were children, we too enthusiastically prepared our hearts to receive Jesus in the Holy Eucharist for the first time. But as time passed by, the enthusiasm diminished, and for many it has become a routine. When we were children, we were innocent, we did most of the things taught by our parents, Catechists, and priests. Let the maturity we attain in our adulthood be not a  hindrance, but a guiding force in our spirituality. As adults, it is our  responsibility to show these kids that we are still eagerly waiting to  receive Him. Otherwise, it would be just a fairy tale experience we give them, with nice dress and food, and celebrations. So I would like to remind each one of us, to set an example for these children by our actions rather than our words, as the readings of this Sunday urges us to do so.

In today’s first and second readings, we see that our actions should proclaim our faith louder than our words. When Saul tried to join the disciples, they were afraid of him. But later when they saw the change in him for themselves, and that Saul was speaking boldly about Jesus, they believed his words of conversion. In the   second reading also, we are invited to act rather than speak, and in the Gospel reading we see that we can bear fruits only with Jesus. So let us do everything with Him, and come out with flying colors.

This is the month of May, dedicated to our Blessed Mother. She is a good role model for these children as well as ourselves in all aspects. As a devout Jewish girl, she was expecting the Messiah, and was leading a life of prayers. She kept her purity all through her life. She never doubted God’s immense love and His plans, and readily said her  “ yes” without worrying about the consequences that awaited her. Let us allow her to take our hands and lead to Jesus her Son, and our Lord. To honor her in a special way, throughout this month, we will be praying the Rosary at 8:25am. I invite all of you to join us and pray with us. Each day the rosary will be led by a family, or a group of friends. The rosary booklets will be provided in the Church. This is the month of mothers. She is our heavenly mother. Let us offer these rosaries as bouquets to her and honor her, our Mother and the Mother of Jesus.

Let us also not forget our earthly mothers whether living or deceased, who love us so much and have  sacrificed a lot of their comforts for taking care of us. In this month, we the priests here at St. Ignatius, will offer all the weekend Masses for all those mothers honored or remembered by their family members. The   envelopes received from you for your mothers, will be kept near the altar, and their names can be found on page 14 of this bulletin. Let us honor them and show them our love by this spiritual  bouquet also, along with the other surprises and gifts you have planned for them.

As more people are getting vaccinated, things are slowly getting back to normal. I am happy to let you know that Saint Anne Mother’s Prayer group are getting ready to restart their prayer meetings on every Monday night from 7:30pm to around 8:45pm (except on holidays), to pray the rosary and prayer requests, and also to reflect on the upcoming Sunday readings, with the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. All who can, are invited to join them.

Two weeks ago, throughout an entire week, we went through the discourse of the bread of life from the Gospel of John, Chapter 6. We saw Jesus, emphatically telling the need to receive His body and blood to attain eternal life. I appreciate the love and faith of those who are coming to receive Him with this intention, even in these trying times of this pandemic. I also encourage all who have received both of the vaccine doses to safely and slowly come back to Church. Hope to see you all in one of the Masses real soon. Till then, I will meet you all in my prayers.

In Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Shibi Pappan
 
​Mi querida familia de San Ignacio,
 La semana pasada, el sábado 24, tuvimos el Sacramento de la Confirmación. Que el Espíritu Santo ilumine a quienes recibieron la confirmación, en su camino de fe. Agradezco al obispo Henning por presidir la   ceremonia. De hecho, ayer fue un gran día. Comenzamos la Primera Comunión de este año. El próximo sábado también tenemos la Primera Comunión. Estos niños prepararon sus corazones y estaban esperando recibir a nuestro Señor. Aprovecho para felicitar a los niños, padres y catequistas que los guiaron. Que Dios recompense su dedicación. Cuando éramos niños, preparamos nuestro corazón con demasiado   entusiasmo para recibir a Jesús en la Sagrada Eucaristía por primera vez. Pero con el paso del tiempo, el  entusiasmo   disminuyó y para muchos se ha convertido en una rutina. Cuando éramos niños,  éramos inocentes, hacíamos la mayoría de las cosas que nos enseñaban nuestros padres, catequistas y   sacerdotes. Dejemos que la madurez que alcancemos en la edad adulta no sea un obstáculo sino una fuerza guía en nuestra espiritualidad. Como adultos, es nuestra responsabilidad mostrarles a estos niños que todavía  estamos  esperando ansiosamente recibirlo. De lo contrario, sería solo una experiencia de cuento de hadas que les damos, con buenos vestidos y comida, y celebraciones. Por eso, me gustaría recordar a cada uno de nosotros que debemos dar ejemplo a estos niños con nuestras acciones y no con nuestras palabras, ya que las lecturas de este domingo nos instan a hacerlo.

En la primera y segunda lectura de hoy, vemos que nuestras acciones deben proclamar nuestra fe más fuerte que nuestras palabras. Cuando Saulo trató de unirse a los discípulos, le temieron. Pero más tarde, cuando vieron el cambio en él por sí mismos, y que Saulo estaba hablando con valentía acerca de Jesús, creyeron en sus palabras de conversión. También en la segunda lectura se nos invita a actuar más que a hablar, y en la lectura del Evangelio vemos que solo podemos dar frutos con Jesús. Así que hagamos todo con Él y salgamos con gran éxito.

Este es el mes de mayo, dedicado a nuestra Santísima Madre. Ella es un buen modelo a seguir para estos niños, así como para nosotros en todos los aspectos. Como niña judía devota, esperaba al Mesías y llevaba una vida de oraciones. Mantuvo su pureza durante toda su vida. Ella nunca dudó del inmenso amor de Dios y de Sus planes, y prontamente dijo “sí” sin preocuparse por las consecuencias que la aguardaban. Dejemos que ella tome nuestras manos y nos lleve a Jesús, su Hijo, y nuestro Señor. Para honrarla de manera  especial, a lo largo de este mes, estaremos rezando el Rosario a las 8:25 am. Los invito a todos a unirse a nosotros y orar con nosotros. Cada día el rosario será dirigido por una familia o un grupo de amigos. Los folletos del rosario se proporcionarán en la Iglesia. Este es el mes de las madres. Ella es nuestra madre celestial. Ofrezcamos estos rosarios como ramo y honremos a ella, nuestra madre y la madre de Jesús.

Tampoco olvidemos a nuestras madres terrenales, vivas o fallecidas, que nos aman tanto y han sacrificado muchas de sus comodidades por cuidarnos. En este mes, nosotros, los sacerdotes aquí en San Ignacio, ofreceremos todas las misas de fin de semana para todas aquellas madres honradas o recordadas por sus familiares. Los sobres que reciban de ustedes para sus madres, se guardarán cerca del altar. Démosles también este ramo espiritual, junto con las demás sorpresas y obsequios que ha planeado para ellos.

A medida que más personas se vacunan, las cosas vuelven lentamente a la normalidad. Me complace  informarles que el grupo de oración de Santa Ana Madre se está preparando para reiniciar sus reuniones de oración todos los lunes por la noche de 7:30 p.m. a aproximadamente 8:45 p.m. (excepto los días festivos), para rezar el rosario y las peticiones de oración, y también para reflexionar sobre las próximas lecturas dominicales, con la exposición del Santísimo Sacramento. Todos los que puedan, están invitados a unirse a ellos.
​
A lo largo de la semana pasada, repasamos el discurso del pan de vida del Evangelio de Juan,Capítulo 6. Vimos a Jesús, diciendo enfáticamente la necesidad de recibir Su cuerpo y Su sangre para alcanzar la vida eterna. Agradezco el amor y la fe de quienes vienen a recibirlo, con esta intención, incluso en estos tiempos difíciles de esta pandemia. También animo a todos aquellos que han recibido ambas dosis de la vacuna a que regresen a la Iglesia de manera segura y lenta.Así que espero verlos a todos en una de las misas, muy pronto. Hasta entonces los encontraré a todos en mis oraciones.
 
En Jesús y María,
P. Shibi Pappan
 

April 25, 2021

My dear faith family of St. Ignatius,

“I am the Good Shepherd,” declares Jesus in this Sunday’s Gospel (Jn. 10:11-18). The good shepherd concept is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition. The Old Testament is filled with stories of shepherds; it refers to good as well as bad shepherds of Israel. It is not easy to be a good shepherd. A good shepherd has to know his sheep, be available to them in all their needs; sometimes, he will have to risk his own life to save them. For example, take the story of David. The First Book of Samuel tells us how young David volunteered to fight the Philistine giant, Goliath. David defeated Goliath with a slingshot, risking his own life and finally saving the people of Israel.

The ancient shepherds encountered danger from wild animals and also from outlaws and rustlers. Sometimes, the shepherds died in defending their flocks. In his book on the Holy Land, entitled The Land and the Book, W. M. Thomson recorded the tragic story about a young shepherd who was tending his flock in the vicinity of Mount Tabor. Suddenly three Bedouin rustlers appeared. The young man did not flee. He stood his ground and fought. The episode ended with the young shepherd dying for his sheep.

The ancient shepherd’s dedication to his flock inspired the biblical writers to speak of God as a shepherd. God’s dedication to Israel was like that of a shepherd. Thus, the psalmist sings: “The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need.... Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid” (Ps. 23:1, 4). Since the religious leaders of Israel took God’s place on earth, they were also referred to as shepherds. Unfortunately, with the passage of time, Israel’s religious leadership deteriorated. When this happened, Prophet Ezekiel spoke out in God’s name, saying: “You are doomed, you shepherds of Israel! You take care of yourselves, but never tend the sheep.... So I will give them a king like my servant David to be their shepherd and he will take care of them” (Ez. 34:2-4, 23).

It is with this background that we should read today’s gospel. Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd, who is willing to die for the sheep....” Like the good shepherd David, Jesus cares for the weak and helpless. He heals the sick and goes out in search of the stray and lost sheep like you and me. Jesus does still more: He suffers for us; he dies for us; he rises from the dead and shares his own risen life with us--his sheep. Indeed, Jesus is the ultimate Good Shepherd promised by Almighty God. Jesus not only laid down his life for us 2,000 years ago, but also continues to dwell in our midst and bless us, through his words, sacraments and the church. Jesus continues to do more. He lays down his life for his sheep every day in the Eucharist.

We too are called to be the shepherds of the Lord. This call is addressed not only to the clergy but also to all the followers of Jesus Christ. Each one of us has a call to take care of others—as parents, siblings, ministers, leaders and so on. Let us follow the example of our Good Shepherd and apply it in our own lives.

Fr. Francis 
​Mi querida familia de San Ignacio,
 
La semana pasada, el sábado 24, tuvimos el Sacramento de la Confirmación. Que el Espíritu Santo ilumine a quienes recibieron la confirmación, en su camino de fe. Agradezco al obispo Henning por presidir la         ceremonia. De hecho, ayer fue un gran día. Comenzamos la Primera Comunión de este año. El próximo sábado también tenemos la Primera Comunión. Estos niños prepararon sus corazones y estaban esperando recibir a nuestro Señor. Aprovecho para felicitar a los niños, padres y catequistas que los guiaron. Que Dios recompense su dedicación. Cuando éramos niños, preparamos nuestro corazón con demasiado   entusiasmo para recibir a Jesús en la Sagrada Eucaristía por primera vez. Pero con el paso del tiempo, el  entusiasmo   disminuyó y para muchos se ha convertido en una rutina. Cuando éramos niños,    éramos    inocentes,  hacíamos la mayoría de las cosas que nos enseñaban nuestros padres, catequistas y   sacerdotes. Dejemos que la madurez que alcancemos en la edad adulta no sea un obstáculo sino una fuerza guía en nuestra espiritualidad. Como adultos, es nuestra responsabilidad mostrarles a estos niños que todavía        estamos      esperando ansiosamente recibirlo. De lo contrario, sería solo una experiencia de cuento de hadas que les damos, con buenos vestidos y comida, y celebraciones. Por eso, me gustaría recordar a cada uno de nosotros que debemos dar ejemplo a estos niños con nuestras acciones y no con nuestras palabras, ya que las lecturas de este domingo nos instan a hacerlo.
En la primera y segunda lectura de hoy, vemos que nuestras acciones deben proclamar nuestra fe más fuerte que nuestras palabras. Cuando Saulo trató de unirse a los discípulos, le temieron. Pero más tarde, cuando vieron el cambio en él por sí mismos, y que Saulo estaba hablando con valentía acerca de Jesús, creyeron en sus palabras de conversión. También en la segunda lectura se nos invita a actuar más que a hablar, y en la lectura del Evangelio vemos que solo podemos dar frutos con Jesús. Así que hagamos todo con Él y         salgamos con gran éxito.
Este es el mes de mayo, dedicado a nuestra Santísima Madre. Ella es un buen modelo a seguir para estos niños, así como para nosotros en todos los aspectos. Como niña judía devota, esperaba al Mesías y llevaba una vida de oraciones. Mantuvo su pureza durante toda su vida. Ella nunca dudó del inmenso amor de Dios y de Sus planes, y prontamente dijo “sí” sin preocuparse por las consecuencias que la aguardaban. Dejemos que ella tome nuestras manos y nos lleve a Jesús, su Hijo, y nuestro Señor. Para honrarla de manera          especial, a lo largo de este mes, estaremos rezando el Rosario a las 8:25 am. Los invito a todos a unirse a nosotros y orar con nosotros. Cada día el rosario será dirigido por una familia o un grupo de amigos. Los folletos del rosario se proporcionarán en la Iglesia. Este es el mes de las madres. Ella es nuestra madre     celestial. Ofrezcamos estos rosarios como ramo y honremos a ella, nuestra madre y la madre de Jesús.
Tampoco olvidemos a nuestras madres terrenales, vivas o fallecidas, que nos aman tanto y han sacrificado muchas de sus comodidades por cuidarnos. En este mes, nosotros, los sacerdotes aquí en San Ignacio,      ofreceremos todas las misas de fin de semana para todas aquellas madres honradas o recordadas por sus    familiares. Los sobres que reciban de ustedes para sus madres, se guardarán cerca del altar. Démosles también este ramo espiritual, junto con las demás sorpresas y obsequios que ha planeado para ellos.
A medida que más personas se vacunan, las cosas vuelven lentamente a la normalidad. Me complace        informarles que el grupo de oración de Santa Ana Madre se está preparando para reiniciar sus reuniones de oración todos los lunes por la noche de 7:30 p.m. a aproximadamente 8:45 p.m. (excepto los días festivos), para rezar el rosario y las peticiones de oración, y también para reflexionar sobre las próximas lecturas     dominicales, con la exposición del Santísimo Sacramento. Todos los que puedan, están invitados a unirse a ellos.
A lo largo de la semana pasada, repasamos el discurso del pan de vida del Evangelio de Juan,Capítulo 6. Vimos a Jesús, diciendo enfáticamente la necesidad de recibir Su cuerpo y Su sangre para alcanzar la vida eterna. Agradezco el amor y la fe de quienes vienen a recibirlo, con esta intención, incluso en estos tiempos difíciles de esta pandemia. También animo a todos aquellos que han recibido ambas dosis de la vacuna a que regresen a la Iglesia de manera segura y lenta.Así que espero verlos a todos en una de las misas, muy pronto. Hasta entonces los encontraré a todos en mis oraciones.
 
En Jesús y María,
P. Shibi Pappan
 
Mi querida familia de fe de San Ignacio,

“Yo soy el buen pastor”, declara Jesús en el Evangelio de este domingo (Jn. 10: 11-18).El buen concepto del pastor está profundamente arraigado en la tradición judía. El Antiguo Testamento está lleno de historias de pastores; se refiere tanto a los buenos como a los malos pastores de Israel. No es fácil ser un buen pastor. Un buen pastor tiene que conocer a sus ovejas,estar disponible para ellas en todas sus necesidades; a veces, tendrá que arriesgar su propia vida para salvarlos. Tomemos, por ejemplo, la historia de David. El primer libro de Samuel nos cuenta cómo el joven David se ofreció como voluntario para luchar contra el gigante filisteo Goliat. David derrotó a Goliat con una honda, arriesgando su propia vida y salvando al pueblo de Israel.

Los antiguos pastores se encontraron con el peligro de los animales salvajes y también de los forajidos y ladrones. A veces, los pastores morían defendiendo sus rebaños. En su libro sobre Tierra Santa, titulado La tierra y el libro, WM Thomson registró la trágica historia de un joven pastor que cuidaba su rebaño en las cercanías del monte Tabor. De repente aparecieron tres ladrones beduinos. El joven no huyó. Se mantuvo firme y luchó. Finalmente, el episodio terminó con el joven pastor muriendo por sus ovejas.

La dedicación del antiguo pastor a su rebaño inspiró a los escritores bíblicos a hablar de Dios como pastor. La dedicación de Dios a Israel fue como la de un pastor. Así, el salmista canta: “El SEÑOR es mi pastor; Tengo todo lo que necesito ... Aunque atraviese la oscuridad más profunda, no temeré ”(Sal. 23: 1, 4). Dado que los religiosos líderes de Israel ocuparon el lugar de Dios en la tierra, también se les conocía como pastores.

Desafortunadamente, con el paso del tiempo, el liderazgo religioso de Israel se deterioró.Cuando esto sucedió, el profeta Ezequiel habló en el nombre de Dios, diciendo: “¡Están condenados, pastores de Israel! Ustedes se cuidan, pero nunca cuidan a las ovejas.... Así que les daré un rey como mi siervo David para que sea su pastor y él los cuidará” (Ez. 34: 2-4, 23).

Es con este trasfondo que debemos leer el evangelio de hoy. Jesús dice: "Yo soy el buen pastor, que está dispuesto a morir por las ovejas ..." Como el buen pastor David, Jesús se preocupa por los débiles e indefen- sos. Cura a los enfermos y sale en busca de los extraviados y oveja perdida como tú y yo. Jesús hace aún más: Él sufre por nosotros; muere por nosotros; resucitó de entre los muertos y comparte su propia vida resucitada con nosotros - sus ovejas. De hecho, Jesús es el Buen Pastor supremo prometido por Dios Todopoderoso. Jesús no solo dio su vida por nosotros hace 2000 años, sino que también continúa morando entre nosotros y bendiciendonos, a través de sus palabras, los sacramentos y la iglesia. Jesús sigue haciendo más.Da su vida por cada de sus ovejas en la Eucaristía.

También nosotros estamos llamados a ser pastores del Señor. Este llamado está dirigido no solo al clero sino también a todos los seguidores de Jesucristo. Cada uno de nosotros tiene un llamado a cuidar de los demás, como padres, hermanos, ministros, líderes, etc. Sigamos el ejemplo de nuestro Buen Pastor y apliquemos en nuestra propia vida.

P. Francisco 

April 18, 2021

It has been a while since I have written to you and here we are in Easter Season. Jesus has risen and is with us. Happy Easter to all, Alleluia.

The big change during Easter Season is that the first reading from Sacred Scripture is taken from the Acts of the Apostles, the second volume of the Evangelist Luke. It is in this book that we are introduced to the early Christian community. In today’s first reading, Peter has cured a crippled beggar “in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean,” and is now addressing the people who had seen the cured beggar walking and following Peter and John closely. His address is a combination of admonition and encouragement. First, he reminds them of who Jesus is and what they had done “out of ignorance,” and then he encourages them to “Repent, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be wiped away.”

This year all of the second readings are from the first letter of John. This letter was to a community which has experienced a number of problems – some of their members had advocated that Jesus was not the Son of God, others had stated that Jesus was not Divine, and there were other heresies being pushed on this community. John is writing this letter to address these issues and he begins by reminding them and us not to sin and to recall that there is a means for forgiveness – Jesus Christ – our “Advocate with the Father.”

Today’s Gospel reading from Luke recounts Jesus first appearance to the Apostles. It begins when the two disciples who had walked with Jesus on the road to Emmaus are recounting their recognition of Jesus in the breaking of bread and suddenly Jesus is there in their midst. It has been a very busy day for Jesus; first he has risen from the dead; then he traveled with the two disciples the seven miles to Emmaus and paused to dine with them; and now he has appeared in the upper room.

Jesus first words are “Peace be with you.” He then proceeded to show them his hands and feet and invite them to “touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones.” Jesus is trying to convince his followers that he has truly risen and is standing in their midst. Jesus then proceeded to teach the apostles, just like he had the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, about how all of sacred scripture including the prophets and psalms had foretold his death and resurrection. We are called to relive the “upper room experience”. Each time we celebrate the Eucharist, we hear Jesus speaking to his disciples in the “Liturgy of the Word” and we are in the presence of Jesus sharing the broken bread in the “Liturgy of the Eucharist”.

You and I are disciples of Jesus Christ, we are his followers – his witnesses; by our baptism we have been commissioned to continue the mission of the Apostles to bring Jesus’ word to the ends of the earth. By our lives we are witnesses to others of God’s love for everyone. We are his eyes, ears, hands and feet, bearing witness to his love, mercy and forgiveness by our compassionate loving service to all our brothers and sisters – our neighbors.

The Church needs dedicated witnesses: priests, deacons, sisters, brothers, teachers, doctors, nurses – everyone. By bearing witness, we testify to the power of Jesus risen from the dead alive in us. We need to be the one who will be willing to answer this question: “Are you willing to bring Jesus to the poor and needy of the world?” We need to be ready to say: “YES I am!”

Respectfully,
Deacon George A. Mais, Jr. 
Ha pasado un tiempo desde que les escribí y aquí estamos en la temporada de Pascua. Jesús ha resucitado y está con nosotros. Felices Pascuas a todos, Aleluya.

El gran cambio durante la temporada de Pascua es que la primera lectura de la Sagrada. Escritura está tomada de los Hechos de los Apóstoles, el segundo volumen del evangelista Lucas. Es en este libro que se nos presenta a la comunidad cristiana primitiva. En la primera lectura de hoy, Pedro ha curado a unlisiado mendigo“ en el nombre de Jesucristo el nazareno”, y ahora se dirige a las personas que habían visto al mendigo curado caminar y seguir de cerca a Pedro y Juan. Su discurso es una combi- nación de amonestación y aliento. Primero, les recuerda quién es Jesús y lo que habían hecho "por ignorancia", y luego los anima a "Arrepiéntanse, pues, y conviértanse, para que sus pecados sean borrados".

Y este año todas las segundas lecturas son de la primera carta de Juan. Esta carta fue dirigida a una comunidad que ha experimentado una serie de problemas: algunos de sus miembros habían defendió que Jesús no era el Hijo de Dios, otros habían declarado que Jesús no era Divino y se estaban imponiendo otras herejías en esta comunidad. Juan está escribiendo esta carta para abordar estos problemas y comienza recordándoles a ellos y a nosotros que no pecar y recordar que hay un medio para el perdón: Jesucristo, nuestro "Abogado ante el Padre".

La lectura del Evangelio de hoy de Lucas relata la primera aparición de Jesús a los Apóstoles. Comienza cuando los dos discípulos que habían caminado con Jesús en el camino a Emaús relatan su reconocimiento de Jesús en la fracción del pan y de repente Jesús está allí en medio de ellos. Ha sido un día muy ajetreado para Jesús; primero ha resucitado de entre los muertos; luego viajó con los dos discípulos las siete millas hasta Emaús y se detuvo a cenar con ellos; y ahora ha aparecido en el aposento alto.

Las primeras palabras de Jesús son "La paz sea contigo". Luego procedió a mostrarles las manos y los pies e invitarlos a "tocarme y ver, porque un fantasma no tiene carne ni huesos". Jesús está tratando de convencer a sus seguidores de que realmente ha resucitado y está parado en medio de ellos. Entonces Jesús procedió a enseñar a los apóstoles, al igual que lo había hecho con los dos discípulos en el camino a Emaús, acerca de cómo todas las Sagradas Escrituras, incluidos los profetas y los salmos, habían predicho su muerte y resurrección.

Estamos llamados a revivir la “experiencia del aposento alto”. Cada vez que celebramos la Eucaristía, escuchamos a Jesús hablando a sus discípulos en la “Liturgia de la Palabra” y estamos en presencia de Jesús compartiendo el pan partido en la “Liturgia de la Eucaristía”.

Tú y yo somos discípulos de Jesucristo, somos sus seguidores, sus testigos; por nuestro bautismo hemos sido comisionados para continuar la misión de los Apóstoles de llevar la palabra de Jesús hasta los confines de la tierra. Con nuestras vidas somos testigos para los demás del amor de Dios por todos.

Somos sus ojos, oídos, manos y pies, dando testimonio de su amor, misericordia y perdón mediante nuestro servicio amoroso y compasivo a todos nuestros hermanos y hermanas, nuestros vecinos.


La Iglesia necesita testigos dedicados: sacerdotes, diáconos, hermanas, hermanos, maestros, médicos, enfermeras, todos. Al dar testimonio, damos testimonio del poder de Jesús resucitado de entre los muertos vivos. Necesitamos ser los que estén dispuestos a responder a esta pregunta: "¿Estás dispuesto a llevar a Jesús a los pobres y necesitados del mundo?"Necesitamos estar listos para decir: "¡SÍ, lo soy!"
​

Respetuosamente,
​el diácono George A. Mais, Jr. 


April 11, 2021

My dear St. Ignatius Parish family,

Happy Feast of the Divine Mercy!


The Sunday after Easter is designated as the Divine Mercy Sunday by Pope St. John Paul II in 2000. Today’s feast encourages us to believe that no matter whatever wrongs we may have done, Jesus is ready to forgive us. He loves us immensely and wants us to experience His endless mercy. All we need to do is repent, and turn to Him with confidence.

The Divine Mercy devotion first started in the 20th century when the Polish saint, St. Faustina Kowalska, reported a series of visions of Jesus in which He asked her to tell the world about the mercy of God. In her visions, she saw Jesus as per this diary entry. ”In the evening, when I was in my cell, I saw the Lord Jesus clothed in a white garment. One hand [was] raised in the gesture of blessing; the other was touching the garment at the breast. From beneath the garment, slightly drawn aside at the breast, there were emanating two large rays, one red, the other pale. In silence I kept my gaze fixed on the Lord; my soul was struck with awe, but also with great joy. After a while, Jesus said to me, "Paint an image according to the pattern you see, with the signature: Jesus, I trust in You. I desire that this image be venerated, first in your chapel, and [then] throughout the world" (Diary, 47). The Image of The Divine Mercy represents the risen Christ whose hands and feet bear the marks of the Crucifixion. When St. Faustina asked about the meaning of the rays from His pierced Heart, Jesus explained, "The pale ray stands for the Water which makes souls righteous. The red ray stands for the Blood which is the life of souls. ... These two rays issued forth from the very depths of My tender mercy when My agonized Heart was opened by a lance on the Cross" (Diary, 299). Saint Faustina was not impressed when she felt that the image painted by the artist Eugene Kazimirowski, of Vilnius under the direction of St. Faustina and her confessor, Blessed Michael Sopocko, was not even close in magnificence to the vision she had of our Lord. She wrote: “I felt very sad about it, but hid this deep in my heart. When we had left the artist's house, Mother Superior [Irene] stayed in town to attend to some matters while I returned home alone. I went immediately to the chapel and wept a good deal. I said to the Lord, "Who will paint you as beautiful as You are?" Then I heard these words: "Not in the beauty of the color, nor of the brush lies the greatness of this image, but in My grace" (Diary, 313).

We have been preparing for this great feast day from Good Friday. Every single day, we experience His immense mercy, love and forgiveness, and with a grateful heart, we should take some time exclusively to be with Him, at least on this day. I thank Rev. Prasanna & the Divine Mercy Ministry for organizing the special prayers this afternoon at 2:30 PM. Please see page 12 of this bulletin for details. I also invite all of you to join us on every Friday at 3pm for praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet. I thank all who are joining us now, especially regularly. Let us remember our need of His mercy not only today, but every day of our lives.

In Jesus and Mary,
Fr.Shibi Pappan 

Mi querida familia de la parroquia de San Ignacio,
​

Feliz Fiesta de la Divina Misericordia. El domingo después de Pascua es designado como el Domingo de la Divina Misericordia por el Papa San Juan Pablo II en 2000. La fiesta de hoy nos anima a creer que sin importar los errores que hayamos cometido, Jesús está listo para perdonarnos. Él nos ama inmensamente y quiere que experimentemos Su infinita misericordia.

Todo lo que tenemos que hacer es arrepentirnos y volvernos a Él con confianza.La devoción a la Divina Misericordia comenzó en el sigloXX cuando la santa polaca, Santa Faustina Kowalska, informó sobre una serie de visiones de Jesús en las que él le pidió que contara al mundo acerca de la misericordia de Dios. En sus visiones, vio a Jesús según esta entrada del diario. “Por la noche, cuando estaba en mi celda, vi al Señor Jesús vestido con una túnica blanca. Una mano estaba alzada en gesto de bendición; la otra mano tocaba la prenda en el pecho. De debajo de la prenda, ligeramente apartada en el pecho, emanaban dos grandes rayos, uno rojo, el otro pálido. En silencio mantuve la mirada fija en el Señor; mi alma se llenó de asombro, pero también de gran alegría. Después de un rato, Jesús me dijo: "Pinta una imagen según el patrón que ves, con la firma: Jesús, en Ti confío. Deseo que esta imagen sea venerada, primero en tu capilla, y [luego] en todo el mundo" (Diario, 47). La Imagen de la Divina Misericordia representa al Cristo resucitado cuyas manos y pies llevan las marcas de la Crucifixión. Cuando Santa Faustina preguntó sobre el significado de los rayos de Su Corazón traspasado, Jesús explicó: "El rayo pálido representa el Agua que hace a las almas justas. El rayo rojo representa la Sangre que es la vida de las almas". Estos dos rayos brotaron de lo más profundo de Mi tierna misericordia cuando Mi Corazón agonizante fue abierto por una lanza en la Cruz” (Diario, 299). Santa Faustina no se impresionó cuando sintió que la imagen pintada por el artista Eugene Kazimirowski de Vilnius, bajo la dirección de Santa Faustina y su confesor, el Beato Miguel Sopocko, ni siquiera se acercaba en magnificencia a la visión que tenía de nuestro Señor. Ella escribió: “Me sentí muy triste por eso, pero escondí esto en lo profundo de mi corazón. Cuando salimos de la casa del artista, la Madre Superiora [Irene] se quedó en la ciudad para atender algunos asuntos mientras yo regresaba sola a casa. Fui inmediatamente a la capilla y lloré mucho. Le dije al Señor: "¿Quién te pintará tan hermoso como eres?" Entonces escuché estas palabras: "No en la belleza del color, ni en el pincel está la grandeza de esta imagen, sino en Mi gracia" (Diario, 313).

Nos hemos estado preparando para esta gran fiesta desde el Viernes Santo. Todos los días, experimentamos Su inmensa misericordia, amor y perdón, y con un corazón agradecido, debemos tomarnos un tiempo exclusivamente para estar con Él, al menos en este día. Agradezco al Rev. Prasanna y al Ministerio de la Divina Misericordia por organizar las oraciones especiales de esta tarde a las 2:30pm. Consulte la página 10 de este boletín para obtener más detalles.También los invito a todos a unirse con nosotros todos los viernes a las 3:00pm para rezar la Coronilla de la Divina Misericordia. Agradezco a todos los que se unen con nosotros ahora, especialmente con regularidad. Recordemos nuestra necesidad de Su misericordia no solo hoy, sino todos los días de nuestra vida.

En Jesús y María,
P. Shibi Pappan 

April 4, 2021

My dear St. Ignatius Parish family,

Alleluia ! Christ is truly Risen. We also say with the Psalmist, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Wish you all a very Happy and Blessed Easter! May you be enraptured with the amazement of Our Lord’s Resurrection. Today we celebrate the greatest of all Christian feasts, the Feast of all Feasts, Easter. Our faith would have no meaning, if Christ was not resurrected. We are Easter people, and every Sunday we celebrate “mini—Easters”, as each Sunday echoes that, as Christ has resurrected from the dead, we too will one day rise with Him.

Easter Sunday readings show the power of resurrection, and generates hope in our lives, which should transform us into His witnesses. Just like His weak disciples who fled for life, were transformed and filled with hope and courage to die for Him, we too should be vibrant in our faith-filled life. Easter is all about Heaven, and we are all looking forward for that all through our lives. So today we celebrate this ultimate destiny Jesus has won for us.

All the four Gospels revolve around the Passion, Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus. Even after more than 2000 years, it has not lost its significance. It is because pain is universal. Pain touches every human being, going beyond all barriers of age, gender and nationality. The struggle to understand the mystery of human suffering is as old as human history. The life of Jesus which is both a historical event and a present reality, consoles and comforts the people in their sufferings. The B.C. (Before Christ) / A.D (which actually stands for the Latin phrase anno domini, which means “in the year of our Lord.” ) dating system shows the impact of the life of Jesus Christ to the extent of becoming the dividing point of world history. The birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Christ are the “turning points” in world history. Therefore, it is fitting that Jesus Christ is the separation of “old” and “new.” His resurrection reminds us that suffering of any form is not the last word of our lives. When we realize who God is, and that to Him we belong, our whole perspective of life changes, and we start to live life differently. Then we start to live with hope, which enables us to overcome our enemy the devil, and his constant attempts to discourage us and to make us forget our very essence, and live as hopeless people.

Our Lord Himself strengthens us through the Sacraments in this worldly battle. All our religious practices like the Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet and other devotions to the Saints help us to keep our memories of the life of Jesus fresh, and live in this hope. Please join us at 3pm for the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Novena we have started on Good Friday, which we will continue through this week till next Sunday, which is the Divine Mercy Sunday. Let us remember His love, mercy and forgiveness not only in this Easter Season, but throughout our lives and extend it to the people we meet.

I thank Bishop Henning for gracing the Easter Vigil with His presence and blessings. I also thank Bishop Luis M Romero for celebrating Holy Week liturgies for the Spanish Community. I congratulate all the RCIA candidates and thank all their sponsors and volunteers. I also thank all who made the liturgical services of this week more meaningful, especially my fellow Priests, Deacons, our Parish Staff, Martha’s Guild, Altar Servers, Ushers, Lectors, EMs, Music Ministry and other volunteers.. In a special way, I thank the Boy Scouts especially Mike, who led the project to make the tomb. May you all enjoy the joy and peace of the risen Lord.

In Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Shibi Pappan 


Mi querida familia de la parroquia de San Ignacio,

¡Aleluya! Cristo ha resucitado verdaderamente. También decimos con el salmista: “Este es el día que hizo el Señor. Regocijémonos y alegrémonos en ello. ¡Les deseo a todos una muy feliz y bendita Pascua! Que se sienta embelesado
por el asombro de la Resurrección de Nuestro Señor.Hoy celebramos la más grande de todas las fiestas cristianas, la Fiesta de todas las Fiestas, la Pascua. Nuestra fe no tendría sentido si Cristo no resucitó. Somos gente de Pascua, y todos los domingos celebramos las "mini Pascuas", ya que cada domingo se hace eco de que, como Cristo resucitó de entre los muertos, también nosotros resucitamos con Él.

Las lecturas del Domingo de Resurrección muestran el poder de la resurrección y genera esperanza en nues- tras vidas que debe transformarnos en sus testigos. Así como Sus débiles discípulos que huyeron por la vida fueron transformados y llenos de esperanza y valentía para morir por Él, nosotros también debemos ser vi- brantes en nuestra vida llena de fe. La Pascua tiene que ver con el cielo, y todos lo estamos esperando, a lo largo de nuestras vidas. Así que hoy celebramos este destino final que Jesús nos ha ganado.

Los cuatro evangelios giran en torno a la pasión, crucifixión y resurrección de Jesús. Incluso después de más de 2000 años, no ha perdido su importancia. Es porque el dolor es universal. El dolor toca a todo ser hu- mano, traspasando todas las barreras de edad, género y nacionalidad. La lucha por comprender el misterio del sufrimiento humano es tan antigua como la historia de la humanidad. La vida de Jesús, que es a la vez un hecho histórico y una realidad presente, consuela a las personas en sus sufrimientos.El BC (Antes de Cris- to)/A.D. (que en realidad significa la frase latina anno domini, que significa "en el año de nuestro Señor") el sistema de datación muestra el impacto de la vida de Jesucristo hasta el punto de convertirse en el punto di- visorio de la historia mundial. El nacimiento, la vida, el ministerio, la muerte y la resurrección de Cristo son los "puntos de inflexión" en la historia del mundo. Por lo tanto, es apropiado que Jesucristo sea la separación de lo "antiguo" y lo "nuevo". Su resurrección nos recuerda que el sufrimiento de cualquier forma no es la última palabra de nuestra vida. Cuando nos damos cuenta de quién es Dios, y que a Él le pertenecemos, toda nuestra perspectiva de la vida cambia y comenzamos a vivir la vida de manera diferente. Entonces comen- zamos a vivir con esperanza, lo que nos permite vencer a nuestro enemigo, el diablo y sus constantes inten- tos de desanimarnos y hacernos olvidar nuestra esencia misma y vivir como personas sin esperanza. Nuestro Señor mismo nos fortalece a través de los sacramentos en esta batalla mundana. Todas nuestras prácticas religiosas como el Rosario, la Coronilla de la Divina Misericordia y otras devociones a los santos nos ayudan a mantener frescos nuestros recuerdos de la vida de Jesús y vivir en esta esperanza. Únase a nosotros a las 3 pm para la Coronilla y la Novena de la Divina Misericordia que comenzamos el Viernes Santo, que continuaremos durante esta semana hasta el próximo domingo, que es el Domingo de la Divina Misericor- dia. Recordemos Su amor, misericordia y perdón no solo en esta temporada de Pascua, sino a lo largo de nuestra vida y extendemos a las personas que encontremos.

Agradezco al obispo Henning por honrar la Vigilia Pascual con su presencia y bendiciones.Felicito a todos los candidatos de RCIA y agradezco a todos sus patrocinadores y voluntarios.También agradezco a todos los que hicieron que los servicios litúrgicos de esta semana fueran más significativos, especialmente a mis com- pañeros sacerdotes, diáconos, nuestro personal parroquial, monaguillos, ujieres, lectores, ministros eucarísticos, ministerio de música y otros voluntarios. De manera especial, agradezco a los Boy Scouts, especialmente a Mike, quien lideró el proyecto para hacer la tumba. Que todos disfruten del gozo y la paz del Señor resucitado.

En Jesús y María,
P. Shibi Pappan 

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March 28, 2021

My dear faith family of St. Ignatius,

When Jesus entered the City of Jerusalem seated on the back of a donkey, people were excited and exuberant. Waving palm branches, they shouted: “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! ...Hosanna in the highest!” Now, what is the deeper meaning of this event-- the way Jesus entered the city and the way the people waving palm branches and shouting “Hosanna”? Oddly enough, the key to the answer lies in the donkey Jesus was riding. Although we look down upon donkeys, people in biblical times honored them. The donkey was an animal of peace, as opposed to the horse, which was an animal of war carrying soldiers into battle.

Prophet Zechariah had prophesied that the Messiah would ride into Jerusalem on a donkey. Jesus now carries out Zechariah’s prophecy. As Jesus fulfills this prophecy, he makes two important statements. First, he affirms that he is the Messiah of Israel. Second, he reveals that his messianic mission is to bring peace and salvation to all. This revelation was badly needed in Jesus’ time, because many people were getting confused about the Messiah’s mission. For example, some thought an important part of the Messiah’s mission would be to rally people to his cause and drive the Romans out of Palestine into the sea. Hence, Jesus’ action of riding into Jerusalem on “an animal of peace” flies in the face of this idea. It reveals that this Messiah is not going to be a warrior-king. In fact, Jesus has not come to sit on a throne and be served by the conquered people. Instead, He has come to kneel on the floor and wash the feet of his disciples. Jesus has not come to rally people behind him and do battle against other people. Instead, He has come to rally them and do battle against poverty, hunger, hatred, and all forms of injustice. He came to fulfill our dreams and to save us through his suffering and death, and resurrection. Commenting on this Sunday’s “Passion Reading,” Bishop Fulton J. Sheen observed that the Passion is the story of Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection and we have a part in it.

In a sense, we are there in the Passion of Jesus Christ. Yes, we are there in one character or another. It might not be wrong to say, one time or another in our lives, we might have been several of them! Sometimes, we are Simon of Cyrene or Veronica who helps Jesus on His way to Calvary. Sometimes, we are John who stays with him at the foot of the cross. Sometimes, we are blustery Peter who lashes out at His enemies. Sometimes, we are Peter who betrays the Lord. We are all there: sometimes with Him, sometimes ignoring Him, sometimes looking the other way. Nevertheless, we are all there!

This week is Holy Week. It is the opportune time to repent and return to the Lord. Let us show that through our corporal works of mercy and our sacramental life. Let us be there with the Lord by participating in the Liturgies of the Sacred Triduum. Let us be there by partaking in the mystery of Jesus’ Last Supper and the mystery of his suffering on Good Friday, so that we can worthily celebrate Holy Easter with great jubilation!
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Fr. Francis 

Mi querida familia de fe de San Ignacio,

Cuando Jesús entró en la ciudad de Jerusalén sentado en el lomo de un burro, la gente estaba emocionada y exuberante. Agitando ramas de palmera, gritaron: “¡Hosanna! ¡Bendito el que viene en nombre del Señor! ... ¡Hosanna en las alturas! "Ahora, ¿cuál es el significado más profundo de este evento: la forma en que Jesús entró en la ciudad y la forma en que la gente agitaba palmas y gritaba "Hosanna"? Curiosamente, la clave de la respuesta está en el burro que montaba Jesús. Aunque despreciamos a los burros, la gente en los tiempos bíblicos los honraba. El burro era un animal de paz, a diferencia del caballo, que era un animal de guerra que llevaba soldados a la batalla.

El profeta Zacarías había profetizado que el Mesías entraría en Jerusalén en un burro. Jesús ahora lleva a cabo la profecía de Zacarías. Mientras Jesús cumple esta profecía, hace dos declaraciones importantes. Primero, afirma que es el Mesías de Israel. En segundo lugar, revela que su misión mesiánica es traer paz y salvación a todos.Esta revelación era muy necesaria en la época de Jesús, porque muchas personas estaban confundidas acerca de la misión del Mesías. Por ejemplo, algunos pensaron que una parte importante de la misión del Mesías sería unir a la gente a su causa y expulsar a los romanos de Palestina al mar. Por lo tanto, la acción de Jesús de entrar en Jerusalén en “un animal de paz” va en contra de esta idea. Revela que este Mesías no será un rey guerrero. De hecho, Jesús no ha venido a sentarse en un trono y ser servido por los pueblos conquistados. En cambio, ha venido a arrodillarse en el suelo y lavar los pies de sus discípulos. Jesús no ha venido para unir a la gente detrás de él y luchar contra otras personas. En cambio, ha venido pa- ra unirlos y luchar contra la pobreza, el hambre, el odio y todas las formas de injusticia. Vino para cumplir nuestros sueños y salvarnos a través de su sufrimiento, muerte y resurrección. Al comentar sobre la “Lectura de la Pasión” de este domingo, el obispo Fulton J. Sheen observó que la Pasión es la historia del sufrimien- to, la muerte y la resurrección de Jesús y nosotros somos parte de ella.

En cierto sentido, estamos allí en la Pasión de Jesucristo. Sí, estamos ahí en uno u otro personaje. Puede que no esté mal decir, en un momento u otro de nuestras vidas, ¡podríamos haber sido varios de ellos! A veces, somos Simón de Cirene o Verónica que ayuda a Jesús en su camino al Calvario. A veces, somos Juan quien se queda con él al pie de la cruz. A veces, somos un Pedro violento que arremete contra sus enemigos. A veces, somos Pedro que traiciona al Señor. Todos estamos allí: a veces con Él, a veces ignorándolo, a veces mirando para otro lado. Sin embargo, ¡todos estamos allí!

Esta semana es Semana Santa. Es el momento oportuno para arrepentirse y volver al Señor. Demostremos eso a través de nuestras obras corporales de misericordia y nuestra vida sacramental. Estemos allí con el Señor participando en las Liturgias del Sagrado Triduo. ¡Estemos allí participando del misterio de la Última Cena de Jesús y del misterio de su sufrimiento el Viernes Santo para que podamos celebrar dignamente la Santa Pascua con gran júbilo!
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P. Francis 

March 21, 2021

My dear St. Ignatius Parish family,

We are just two weeks away from Easter and next week is Palm Sunday. Now in these last weeks of the season of Lent, some might have intensified the Lenten practices, and some might have given up the initial enthusiasm. Most of us are familiar with the saying “ Life is a journey and heaven is the destination, if Jesus leads the way.” Just like we take wrong paths in the earthly journeys, we make mistakes in this journey of life also. But to reach the destination, we do have to come back to the original right path. Some times you need a small deviation and sometimes a U turn itself is needed. But to turn back to the right path, first of all we have to realize that we went wrong, then we have to find out where we went wrong, and thirdly, we have to find out why we went wrong so that it can be avoided in the future. The sooner the better, as it will be easier then. This is applicable to our spiritual journey also. Sometimes we may realize whether a decision made was right or wrong only after a long duration of time. But still you can always correct it, as it will be better than never correcting it and going in the wrong path, only because we have gone so far.

How do we find that we are in the wrong path? God has created us in His image and so we are all good in the beginning. As the journey progresses, we deviate from our original path, and explore the temptations offered by the devil. But God’s inner voice will be always speaking to us. No one commits a serious sin all of a sudden. It is the result of a gradual inner transition, mostly without our notice So we have to curb all such thoughts and desires as soon as they pop up in our minds, considering the potential danger it will cause if not done so. So we have to be careful of what we feed our soul. What appears to be alright in the beginning, may be very harmful in the long run. For example, our youth do many wrong things because of peer pressure. Just to fit in a so called popular group, they try things that they are taught is sin, and even knowing that it is wrong and eventually become addicts of it. So whenever we feel ashamed of ourselves deep inside or scared of getting caught, it is a clear sign that what we are doing is not right, and so we have to stop it immediately if possible. If needed, never hesitate to take proper help and guidance from trust worthy people .

God provides us the nutrition for this spiritual journey by giving Himself to us in the Eucharist. You can always share your worries and problem with Him by spending time with Him in the Adoration Chapel as He is truly present in the Most Blessed Sacrament. But remember He is present within you, so wherever you are, you can always connect to Him. To make a U turn in life , you can always approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation where He is waiting for your return like a loving father. He will never shout at you or punish you for the mistakes done. He will be just happy that you have turned back to him.

As I said in the beginning of this lent season, the Lenten practices we started are not to be stopped as the season ends. All these external and spiritual practices are meant to create a change of attitude in us, and for the rest of our lives. “ Life of Pi “ is a philosophical novel written by Yann Martel, which was later made into a film. Martel has said that Life of Pi can be summarized in three statements: "Life is a story"; "You can choose your story"; "A story with God is the better story". Gordon Houser suggests that there are two main themes of the book: "that all life is interdependent, and that we live and breathe via belief." It is really true that life with God only makes meaning to our lives. Only then will we find meaning for our sufferings which will in turn help us to overcome them with the strength from God. If we reflect on the lives of the Holy Family and saints, we can understand that life with God does not mean life without problems. It does not mean a bed of roses, but we will be able to handle the thorns and at the same time enjoy the fragrance and beauty of the roses. That is what we learn from Jesus, what we take away in every Lent.

In Jesus and Mary,
Fr.Shibi Pappan 

Mi querida familia de la parroquia de San Ignacio,
Estamos a solo dos semanas de la Pascua y la próxima semana es el Domingo de Ramos. Ahora, en estas últimas semanas de la temporada de Cuaresma, algunos podrían haber intensificado las prácticas de Cuaresma, y algunos podrían haber abandonado hace mucho tiempo el entusiasmo inicial. La mayoría de nosotros estamos familiarizados con el dicho "La vida es un viaje y el cielo es el destino, si Jesús abre el camino”. Así como tomamos caminos equivocados en los viajes terrenales, también cometimos errores en este viaje de la vida. Pero para llegar al destino, tenemos que volver al camino correcto original. A veces se necesita una pequeña desviación y, a veces, se necesita un cambio de sentido. Pero para volver al camino correcto, primero debemos darnos cuenta de que nos equivocamos. Luego tenemos que averiguar dónde nos equivocamos y, en tercer lugar, temenos que averiguar por qué nos equivocamos para poder evitarlo en el futuro. Cuanto antes mejor, entonces será más fácil. Esto también se aplica a nuestro viaje espiritual. A veces podemos darnos cuenta de si una decisión tomada fue correcta o incorrecta solo después de un largo período de tiempo. Pero aún así siempre puedes corregirlo, ya que será mejor que nunca corregirlo e ir por el camino equivocado, sólo porque hemos llegado tan lejos.

¿Cómo nos damos cuenta de que estamos en el camino equivocado? Dios nos ha creado a Su imagen y por eso todos somos buenos al principio. A medida que avanza el viaje, nos desviamos de nuestro camino original y exploramos las tentaciones que ofrece el diablo. Pero la voz interior de Dios siempre nos estará hablando. Nadie comete un pecado grave de repente. Es el resultado de una transición interior gradual, en su mayoría sin que nos demos cuenta. Así que tenemos que frenar todos esos pensamientos y deseos, tan pronto como aparezcan en nuestras mentes, considerando el peligro potencial que causará si no lo hacemos. Por eso tenemos que tener cuidado con lo que alimentamos nuestra alma. Lo que parece estar bien al principio puede resultar muy perjudicial a largo plazo. Por ejemplo, nuestros jóvenes hacen muchas cosas malas debido a la presión de sus compañeros. Solo para encajar en un grupo llamado popular, intentan cosas que se les enseñan como pecado, e incluso saben que eso es incorrecto, y eventualmente se vuelven adictos a ello. Entonces, siempre que nos sintamos avergonzados de nosotros mismos en el fondo, o temerosos de que nos atrapen, es una clara señal de que lo que estamos haciendo no está bien, por lo que debemos detenerlo de inmediato si es posible. Si es necesario, nunca dude en obtener la ayuda y la orientación adecuadas de personas de confianza.

Dios nos proporciona la nutrición para este viaje espiritual entregándonos a nosotros en la Eucaristía. Siem- pre puedes compartir tus preocupaciones y problemas con Él, pasando tiempo con Él en la capilla de adoración, ya que Él está verdaderamente presente en el Santísimo Sacramento.

Pero recuerda que Él está presente dentro de ti, así que dondequiera que estés, siempre puedes conectarte con Él. Para dar un giro de 180 grados en la vida, siempre puedes acercarte al Sacramento de la Reconciliación donde Él espera tu regreso como un padre amoroso. Él nunca te gritará ni te castigará por los errores cometidos. Él estará feliz de que te hayas vuelto hacia él.
Como dije al comienzo de esta temporada de Cuaresma, las prácticas de Cuaresma que comenzamos no se detendrán cuando termine la temporada. Todas estas prácticas externas y espirituales están destinadas a crear un cambio de actitud en nosotros, y así por el resto de nuestras vidas. "Life of Pi" es una novela filosófica escrita por Yann Martel, que luego se convirtió en película. Martel ha dicho que Life of Pi se puede resumir en tres afirmaciones: "La vida es una historia"; "Puedes elegir tu historia"; "Una historia con Dios es la mejor historia". Gordon Houser sugiere que hay dos temas principales del libro: "que toda la vida es interdependiente, y que vivimos y respiramos a través de la fe". Es realmente cierto que la vida con Dios solo le da sentido a nuestra vida. Sólo entonces encontraremos sentido a nuestros sufrimientos que a su vez nos ayudarán a superarlos con la fuerza de Dios. Si reflexionamos sobre la vida de la Sagrada Familia y los santos, podemos entender que la vida con Dios no significa una vida sin problemas. No significa un lecho de rosas, pero podremos manejar las espinas y al mismo tiempo disfrutar de la fragancia y belleza de las rosas. Eso es lo que aprendemos de Jesús, lo que nos llevamos cada Cuaresma.
​

En Jesús y María,
P. Shibi Pappan 

March 14, 2021

My dear St. Ignatius family,

Last week we saw how St. Joseph perfectly obeyed God in all that he was told. How can we obey someone without questioning, to the extreme perfection by which St. Joseph did. If any one obeys someone else, or listen to someone’s opinion and do it, there can be only two reasons. Either it will be out of that much love or out of fear. Now, if St. Joseph was afraid of God, there would not have been a perfect father– son relationship with Jesus, and Jesus wouldn’t be obeying Joseph. Also, Joseph was doing everything willingly. If he was scared of God, he wouldn’t have worried when he lost Jesus for 3 days. It just shows his paternal concern for his son, just like any father would have faced in such a situation. Now another factor needed to obey someone is complete trust in that person. St. Joseph knew that God will do everything for the benefit of all, and that Divine plan will always be better than his plan. So he trusted God completely. One more factor needed for obedience is to give priority to the other person willing to sacrifice our desires. Yet another factor to value the other person’s opinion, is extreme humility. So we can undoubtedly conclude that St. Joseph was obedient to God in the highest degree out of his supreme love of God, extraordinary degree of trust in God and exemplary humility. So as we celebrate the Solemnity of St. Joseph on this Friday, March 19th, let us try to inculcate these virtues to at least some extent, and in a special way seek his protection and intercession for ourselves, our loved ones and for the entire Church. It is good to reflect on the 7 joys and sorrows of St. Joseph, at least on his feast day. This will help us in some degree to handle the various ups and downs of our lives. Here at St. Ignatius, we are reflecting on his joys and sorrows on this Friday, the 19th of March at 8:25 AM. All are invited to join us.
May St. Joseph guide us and pray for us, as we turn to him.

As we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th, I thankfully remember St. Patrick’s Church in Smithtown, where I was appointed in my ministry in the US and my Pastor and Mentor Msgr. Ray, Fr. Fred and Fr. Sean, who is like a brother to me. It was there, I was molded and I remember all of them and my parishioners, and pray for all of them in a special way.

We know that Mary went out of her way, even in pregnancy, to help Elizabeth who was in need. Also we see Mary extending a helping hand in the wedding of Cana, even when she was not asked, and even when a miracle was needed. So both Mary and Joseph, and of course Jesus, in His earthly life, helped others out of self- less love. They have set examples for us to follow. So in addition to spiritual works of mercy, we have to do corporal works of mercy not only in lent, but everyday of our lives. But many of you won’t be getting direct opportunities to do so. The St. Vincent de Paul Ministry in our parish gives you a great platform for this.

Your neighbors in need in Hicksville are greatly helped by generous donations from poor boxes located in the four areas of our Church. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul ensures that your poor box contributions go directly for food, rent, utility bills, and other essentials that keep our neighborhood’s families from becoming hungry and homeless. During this challenging and difficult pandemic, the Society's members continue to seek out and help our Hicksville neighbors. In 2020 alone, the Society donated thousands of dollars to neighbors who were in need of rent, utilities bills, supermarket gift cards, and much more!
As part of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Ministry, Society members make home visits to lend prayer, compassion, and financial and concrete support. Recently Society members secured furniture, including a bed and a kitchen table and chairs, for a neighbor who had been homeless, but now found her way to an unfurnished apartment. The family also received supermarket gift cards to fill her refrigerator. Our neighbor was now nourished both spiritually and physically. In a commitment to Christ, Society members and the family joined in a prayer of thanks and gratitude. Your generous donations to the poor boxes make this all possible. So consider this as a mission in your lives, especially a Lenten Mission.
​

In Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Shibi Pappan 

Mi querida familia de San Ignacio,

La semana pasada vimos cómo San José obedeció perfectamente a Dios en todo lo que le dijo. ¿Cómo podemos obedecer a alguien sin cuestionar, a la perfección extrema con la que lo hizo San José? Si alguien obedece a otro, o escucha la opinión de alguien y lo hace, solo puede haber dos razones. O será por amor o por miedo. Ahora, sí San José le tenía miedo a Dios, no habría habido una relación perfecta entre padre e hijo con Jesús, y Jesús no estaría obedeciendo a José. Además, José estaba haciendo todo de buena gana. Si hubiera tenido miedo de Dios, no se habría preocupado cuando perdió a Jesús durante 3 días. Simplemente muestra su preocupación paternal por su hijo, al igual que cualquier padre se habría enfrentado en tal situación. Ahora, otro factor necesario para obedecer a alguien es la total confianza en esa persona. San José sabía que Dios haría todo en beneficio de todos y que el plan divino siempre sería mejor que el suyo. Así que confió en Dios completamente. Un factor más necesario para la obediencia es dar prioridad a la otra persona dispuesta a sacrificar nuestros deseos. Otro factor más para valorar la opinión de la otra persona es la extrema humildad. Entonces, sin duda, podemos concluir que San José fue obediente a Dios en el más alto grado por su supremo amor a Dios, extraordinario grado de confianza en Dios y humildad ejemplar. Así que mientras celebramos la Solemnidad de San José este viernes 19 de marzo, tratemos de in- culcar estas virtudes al menos en cierta medida, y de manera especial busquemos su protección e intercesión por nosotros, para nuestros seres queridos y por toda la Iglesia.
Es bueno reflexionar sobre las 7 alegrías y dolores de San José, al menos en su día festivo. Esto nos ayudará en cierto grado a manejar los diversos altibajos de nuestra vida. Aquí en San Ignacio estamos reflexionando sobre sus alegrías y tristezas, este viernes 19 de marzo. Todos están invitados a unirse con nosotros a las 8:25 de la mañana para lo mismo. Que San José nos guíe y ore por nosotros, mientras nos dirigimos a él. Mientras celebramos el Día de San Patricio el 17 de marzo, recuerdo con gratitud la Iglesia de San Patricio en Smith- town, donde fui designado en mi ministerio en los Estados Unidos y mi pastor y mentor Mons. Ray, el P. Fred y P. Sean, que es como un hermano para mí. Fue ahí, fui moldeado y los recuerdo a todos ellos ya mis feli- greses, y rezo por todos ellos de una manera especial. Sabemos que María hizo todo lo posible, incluso duran- te el embarazo, para ayudar a Isabel que estaba en necesidad. También vemos a María extendiendo una mano, a su amiga en las bodas de Caná, incluso cuando no se le pidió, y eso también incluso cuando se necesitaba un milagro. Así que tanto María como José, y por supuesto Jesús en Su vida terrenal ayudaron a otros por amor desinteresado. Nos han dado ejemplos a seguir. Entonces, además de las obras de misericordia espirituales, tenemos que hacer obras de misericordia corporales, no solo en la Cuaresma, sino todos los días de nuestra vida. Pero la mayoría de ustedes no tendrán oportunidades directas para hacerlo. El ministerio de San Vicente de Paul en nuestra parroquia les brinda una gran plataforma para esto. Sus vecinos necesitados en Hicksville reciben una gran ayuda con las generosas donaciones de cajas pobres ubicadas en las cuatro áreas de nuestra Iglesia. La Sociedad de San Vicente de Paúl se asegura de que sus contribuciones de las cajas pobres se destinen directamente a alimentos, la renta, facturas de servicios públicos y otros elementos esenciales que evitan que las familias de nuestro vecindario no pasen hambre y que no se queden sin hogar.
Durante esta pandemia desafiante y difícil, los miembros de la Sociedad continúan buscando y ayudando a nuestros vecinos de Hicksville. ¡Solo en 2020, la Sociedad donó miles de dólares a vecinos que necesitaban ayuda con la renta, facturas de servicios públicos, tarjetas de regalo de supermercados y mucho más!

Como parte del Ministerio de la Sociedad de San Vicente de Paúl, los miembros de la Sociedad realizan visitas domiciliarias para brindar oración, compasión y apoyo financiero y concreto. Recientemente, los miembros de la Sociedad aseguraron muebles, incluyendo una cama y una mesa de cocina y sillas, para una vecina que había estado sin hogar, pero ahora encontró su camino a un apartamento sin amueblar. La familia también recibió tarjetas de regalo del supermercado para llenar su refrigerador. Nuestro vecino ahora estaba nutrido tanto espiritual como físicamente.

En un compromiso con Cristo, los miembros de la Sociedad y la familia se unieron en una oración de agradecimiento y gratitud. Sus generosas donaciones a los pobres hacen que todo esto sea posible. Así que consideren esto como una misión de sus vidas, especialmente una misión de Cuaresma.

En Jesús y María,
​P. Shibi Pappan 


March 7, 2021

My dear St. Ignatius family,
​

We are in the season of Lent, and at the same time in the month of March. Though most of the time, March comes in lent, nothing much is heard about a lent with St. Joseph. That very fact tells us why he is the perfect example to be followed in our Lenten journey. As the Catholic Church has devoted this year to St. Joseph, to learn his virtues and seek his paternal protection, it would be a good decision to walk with him in this Lenten journey.

St. Joseph always did all he had to do, without seeking any attention from anyone. St. Joseph was chosen by God to play the role of a father to Jesus in His earthly life. Even when Joseph was under great stress, when he came to know about Mary’s pregnancy, he dealt with that in a very mature way, and that is recorded in Mt.1:19, ”Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly.” From this one Biblical verse, we can understand the greatness of Joseph, and that’s exactly why he was granted this great privilege and responsibility to be the father of Jesus, to give Him the name Jesus, (for the Jews naming ceremony is of great importance) here on this earth. We all know how significant the role of a father is in everyone’s life.“ In the Bible, we don’t see much references about St. Joseph, but all that we get are very significant ones. For example the one we see in Jn.6:41. Here we see people wondering “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph?” We can understand two important facts from this, Joseph took care of Jesus in such a good way, just the way a biological father would do, and that Jesus though Son of God, was perfectly obedient to Joseph. Otherwise, people would have been telling this the other way around. Isn’t Joseph the father of Jesus, especially because of the popularity of Jesus. Second of all, Joseph was a simple law abiding Jew and had never made any public appearances like this. That’s why people wondered how Jesus got this type of wisdom. In Mathew’s Gospel, we see “Is he not the carpenter’s son?” (Mt.13:55). So we can assume that he was a well known carpenter of that time. As he found dignity in work, the church honors him on May.1st, as St. Joseph the Worker. Though God chose him to this special role, he was not given a privileged earthly life in anyway. In fact, he had to face extra difficulties as part of this, like he had to literally flee to protect baby Jesus and His mother Mary, and had to live as refugees in Egypt.

​Just like the way God spoke to Joseph of the Old Testament, in his dreams, all the revelations to St. Joseph occurred in his dreams. It was through a dream, God chose him as the protector of Mary and Jesus, and it was in dreams he was instructed to flee to Egypt and then again to return to Nazareth. Now when we think about this
“sleeping” of St. Joseph, we can imagine his mental disposition at such troubling times. So he definitely might have been communicating to God from the depths of his heart, may be in great anguish, but with full trust in God’s providence. That’s why three times he got God’s message while he was sleeping and we can see that he had followed the instructions he got, exactly word by word. In Mt.1:24,we see, ”When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.” Then in Mt.2:13,14 “the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you.” Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him. “Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. In Mt.2:19-21,we see when Herod had died, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead. ”He rose, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. He never doubted God or His plans, and so he didn’t ask any questions like “ why”, “how”, “when”, ”what if”. In all these instances, we can see only perfect obedience out of complete trust in God. This is a great aspect we have to imbibe in this season of Lent.

The special devotion Pope Francis has to this sleeping St. Joseph is very popular. He has the habit of placing a list containing the problems, petitions, and prayers of the faithful under the statue of the saint so that he will “sleep on it.” This prayer can be found on page 7 of this bulletin. So let us also seek the intercession of sleeping Joseph and entrust him our faith, families, friends and work, like Pope Francis, and make sure to imitate his qualities of simplicity, humility, dignity of work, hard work, love of family, and above all perfect trust and obedience to God.

May St. Joseph guide us and pray for us, as we have decided to follow in his footsteps during this Lenten journey.

In Jesus and Mary,

Fr.Shibi Pappan 

Mi querida familia de San Ignacio,

Estamos en el tiempo de Cuaresma, y al mismo tiempo en el mes de marzo. Aunque la mayoría de las veces, la marcha tuvo lugar durante la Cuaresma, nada más se oyó hablar de la Cuaresma con San José. Ese mismo hecho nos dice por qué él es el ejemplo perfecto a seguir en nuestro camino de Cuaresma. Como este año la Iglesia Católica se ha dedicado a San José para aprender sus virtudes y buscar su protección paterna, sería una buena decisión caminar con él en este camino de Cuaresma.

San José siempre hizo todo lo que tenía que hacer sin buscar la atención de nadie. San José fue elegido por Dios para desempeñar el papel de padre de Jesús en su vida terrenal. Incluso cuando José estaba bajo una gran tensión cuando se enteró del embarazo de María, lo trató de una manera muy madura, y eso se registra en Mateo 1:19, "José, su esposo, ya que era un hombre justo, pero no estaba dispuesto para exponerla a la vergüenza, decidió divorciarse de ella en silencio". A partir de este bíblico versículo, podemos entender la grandeza de José, y esa es exactamente la razón por la que se le concedió este gran privilegio y responsabilidad de ser el padre de Jesús, de darle el nombre de Jesús (para los judíos, la ceremonia de nombramiento es de gran importancia) aquí en esta tierra. Todos sabemos lo importante que es el papel de un padre en la vida de todos. “En la Biblia, no vemos muchas referencias sobre San José. Pero todo lo que obtenemos es muy importante. Por ejemplo el que vemos en Juan 6:41. Aquí vemos a personas que se preguntan "¿No es éste Jesús, el hijo de José?" Podemos entender dos hechos importantes de esto, José cuidó a Jesús de una manera tan buena, tal como padre biológico lo haría, que Jesús, aunque Hijo de Dios, fue perfectamente obediente a José. De lo contrario, la gente habría estado diciendo lo contrario. ¿No es José el padre de Jesús, especialmente debido a la popularidad de Jesús? En segundo lugar, José era un simple judío respetuoso de la ley y nunca había hecho apariciones públicas como esta. Es por eso que la gente se pregunta cómo Jesús obtuvo este tipo de sabiduría. En el evangelio de Mateo vemos “¿No es él el hijo del carpintero? “(Mt.13: 55). Entonces podemos suponer que era un carpintero muy conocido de esa época. Al encontrar dignidad en el trabajo, la iglesia lo honra el 1 de mayo como San José el trabajador. Aunque Dios lo eligió para este especial papel, no se le dio una vida terrenal privilegiada de ninguna manera. De hecho, tuvo que enfrentarse a más dificultades, por ejemplo, tuvo que huir literalmente para proteger al niño Jesús y a su madre María, y tuvieron que vivir como refugiados en Egipto.

Al igual que la forma en que Dios le habló al José del Antiguo Testamento, en sus sueños, todas las revelaciones a San José ocurrieron en sus sueños. Fue a través de un sueño, Dios lo eligió como el protector de María y Jesús, y fue en sueños que recibió instrucciones de huir a Egipto y luego regresar a Nazaret. Ahora, cuando pensamos en este "dormir" de San José, podemos imaginar su disposición mental en momentos tan inquietantes. Así que definitivamente podría haber sido comunicándose con Dios desde lo más profundo de su corazón, tal vez en gran angustia, pero con plena confianza en la providencia de Dios. Es por eso que tres veces recibió el mensaje de Dios mientras dormía y podemos ver que siguió las instrucciones que recibió exactamente palabra por palabra.

En Mateo 1:24, vemos: "Cuando José se despertó, hizo lo que el ángel del Señor le había mandado y se llevó a su esposa a su casa". Luego, en Mateo 2:13, 14 “el ángel del Señor se le apareció a José en un sueño y le dijo:“ Levántate, toma al niño y a su madre, huye a Egipto y quédate allí hasta que yo te lo diga. Herodes buscará al niño para destruirlo. José se levantó, tomó al niño y a su madre de noche y se fue a Egipto. En Mateo 2: 19-21, vemos cuando Herodes había muerto, he aquí, el ángel del Señor se le apareció en sueños a José en Egipto y le dijo: “Levántate, toma al niño y a su madre y vete a la tierra de Israel, porque los que buscaron la vida del niño están muertos. Se levantó, tomó al niño y a su madre y se fue a la tierra de Israel. Nunca dudó de Dios o de sus planes, por lo que no hizo preguntas como "por qué", "cómo", "cuándo", "y si". En todos estos casos, solo podemos ver una obediencia perfecta por una confianza ciega en Dios. Este es un gran aspecto que tenemos que absorber en esta temporada de Cuaresma. Humildad, dignidad del trabajo, trabajo duro, amor a la familia y, sobre todo, perfecta confianza y obediencia a Dios.

Que San José nos guíe y ore por nosotros, mientras buscamos su intercesión.
En Jesús y María,
P. Shibi Pappan 

February 28, 2021

My dear faith family of St. Ignatius,
Faith has its peaks and its lows. Faith has its mountain top experience and its valley experience! Today’s sacred readings (Gen. 22:1-18; Mk. 9:2-10) tell us that our father in faith, Abraham, experienced it. Patriarchs, prophets, and apostles experienced it in their lives. What was heroic about them was that they never lost sight of their destiny and destination; they strived through and persevered in their faith and reached their Eternal Destination.

Like Abraham and apostles, we too experience occasions when our faith seems to disappear or go behind the cloud. When this happens, we long desperately for a sign. Or to put it another way, we long for a sign of Jesus’ glory, like the one Peter, James and John had in today’s Gospel. This raises a question. Why did Peter, James, and John received this special sign of Jesus’ glory--His transfiguration? One reason might be what happened a few days earlier when Jesus told his disciples he was going to suffer and die in Jerusalem. St. Matthew’s Gospel says that when Peter heard this, he cried out: “God forbid it, Lord! That must never happen to you!” Jesus then said to Peter: “Get away from me, Satan! You are an obstacle in my way, because these thoughts of yours don’t come from God, but from man” (Mt. 16:22- 23).Yes, Peter, James, and John probably needed a spiritual shot after that shocking experience—the prediction of Jesus’ suffering and death. Perhaps, that’s also why the Church includes this gospel passage in today’s readings. The Church wants to give us a spiritual shot before it turns our attention to the passion and death of Jesus in Jerusalem on Good Friday.

This brings up a big point about our faith. Our faith is often like a roller coaster. It has its ups and downs. It has mountain top experiences and valley experiences. In other words, there are times when our faith burns bright. There are other times, when it flickers and nearly goes out. In today’s gospel, the faith of Peter, James, and John is bright and strong. However, in a few months, their faith will flicker and almost fail. It will happen on another mountain--the Mount of Olives, in a garden called Gethsemane. And so, too, our faith goes through high points and low points. One scholar compares the high and the low points of our faith to life itself. During high points, life is beautiful. We love everyone. However, during low points, nothing goes right. We feel misunderstood and misjudged, out of place and lost. Faith is like that too. It follows the rhythms of happiness and sadness, light and darkness, ecstasy and agony. The beauty of it all is this. Despite our doubts and suffering, like Abraham, we opt to follow God’s will. Despite our crosses, like the apostles, we opt to follow Jesus . That is heroic and beautiful! It makes us amazing beings--God’s own people!

May our Lenten Journey and the celebration of the Paschal Mystery give us the mountain top experience so that we can carry our crosses purposefully during the time of our valley experiences. Thus, we can also celebrate our Easter glory with our Wounded Savior, the Risen Lord!

Fr. Francis 
Mi querida familia de fe de San Ignacio,
​

La fe tiene sus picos y valles bajos. ¡Fe tiene su experiencia en la cima de la montaña y su experiencia en el valle! Las lecturas sagradas de hoy (Génesis 22:1-18; Marcos 9: 2-10) nos dicen que nuestro padre en la fe, Abraham, lo experimentó. Patriarcas, profetas y apóstoles lo experimentaron en sus vidas. Lo heroico de ellos fue que nunca perdieron de vista su destino; se esforzaron y perseveraron en su fe y alcanzaron su Destino Eterno.

Como Abraham y los apóstoles, nosotros también experimentamos ocasiones en las que nuestra fe parece desaparecer o esconderse detrás de la nube.Cuando esto sucede, anhelamos desesperadamente una señal. O para decirlo de otra manera, anhelamos una señal de la gloria de Jesús, como la que tenían Pedro, Santiago y Juan en el Evangelio de hoy.Esto plantea una pregunta. ¿Por qué Pedro, Santiago y Juan recibieron esta señal especial de la gloria de Jesús: Su transfiguración? Una razón podría ser lo que sucedió unos días antes cuando Jesús les dijo a sus discípulos que iba a sufrir y morir en Jerusalén. El Evangelio de San Mateo dice que cuando Pedro escuchó esto, gritó: “¡Dios no lo permita, Señor! ¡Eso nunca debe pasarte a ti! " Entonces Jesús le dijo a Pedro: “¡Apártate de mí, Satanás! Tú eres un obstáculo en mi camino, porque estos pensamientos tuyos no provienen de Dios, sino del hombre ”(Mt. 16: 22-23).Sí, Pedro, Santiago y Juan probablemente necesitaron una inyección espiritual en el brazo después de esa experiencia impactante: la predicción del sufrimiento y la muerte de Jesús. Quizás, por eso también la Iglesia incluye este pasaje del evangelio en las lecturas de hoy. La Iglesia quiere darnos una inyección espiritual en el brazo antes de centrar nuestra atención en la pasión y muerte de Jesús en Jerusalén el Viernes Santo.

Esto trae a colación un gran punto sobre nuestra fe. Nuestra fe es a menudo como una montaña rusa. Tiene sus picos y valles bajos. Tiene experiencia en la cima de la montaña y experiencia en el valle. En otras palabras, hay momentos en que nuestra fe arde con fuerza. Hay otras ocasiones en las que parpadea y casi se apaga.En el evangelio de hoy, la fe de Pedro, Santiago y Juan es brillante y fuerte.Sin embargo, en unos meses, su fe parpadeará y casi fallará. Sucederá en otra montaña: el Monte de los Olivos, en un huerto llamado Getsemaní. Y así, también, nuestra fe pasa por puntos altos y puntos bajos. Un erudite compara los puntos altos y bajos de nuestra fe con la vida misma. Durante los momentos álgidos, la vida es hermosa. Amamos a todos. Sin embargo, durante los puntos bajos, nada sale bien. Nos sentimos incomprendidos y mal juzgados, fuera de lugar y perdidos.La fe también es así. Sigue los ritmos de la felicidad y la tristeza, la luz y la oscuridad, el éxtasis y la agonía. La belleza de todo esto es esta. A pesar de nuestras dudas y sufrimiento, como Abraham, optamos por seguir la voluntad de Dios. A pesar de nuestras cruces, como los apóstoles, optamos por seguir a Jesús. ¡Eso es heroico y hermoso! Nos convierte en seres asombrosos: ¡el propio pueblo de Dios!

Que nuestro viaje cuaresmal y la celebración del misterio pascual nos den la experiencia de la cima de la montaña. Para que podamos llevar nuestras cruces a propósito durante el tiempo de nuestras experiencias en el valle. Por lo tanto, también podemos celebrar nuestra gloria de Pascua con nuestro Salvador herido, el Señor resucitado.

P. Francis 

February 21, 2021

We just celebrated Ash Wednesday and with this we began our journey into Lent, and Pope Francis reminds us that “Lent is not a time for useless sermons, but for recognizing that our lowly ashes are loved by God, it is a time of grace, a time for letting God gaze upon us with love and in this way change our lives”.

On this first Sunday of Lent, let us begin our journey with self reflection and allow ourselves to experience the mercy of our Lord. What will be your commitment to prayer, fasting and almsgiving this season of Lent be?

In this first Sunday of Lent, the reading from Genesis reminds us of that divine promise of God not to destroy the Earth, a Covenant between God and His people. A Covenant is a solemn agreement between parties, sworn before God, who oversees the oath and this promise or Covenant is extended to all of us.

The first reading recalls our Baptism, the beginning of God’s life in us, just as Noah and his family were rescued from the evil world on this day by water, so are Christians rescued through the waters of Baptism in the new Covenant.

We as Christians make a pledge to live in keeping with God’s will, His covenant to us; as we proclaim in our psalm today ,“your ways O Lord are love and truth, the power of the risen Christ, who is at the right hand of God.”

Today we begin our journey with Jesus in the desert for forty days, this observance of Lent somehow makes us mysteriously participants in these forty days of Jesus, as we engage ourselves in penitential and devotional practices during this season and Christ himself is present and at work in His church every step of the way in this Holy season.

The forty days of Jesus represents the forty years of Israel wandering in the desert, the whole of Israel’s history is concentrated in Him. Jesus is the new Adam, who remains faithful and just where the first Adam had given into temptation. Jesus is totally obedient to the divine will of His father, His victory over Satan the tempter in the desert anticipates victory at the passion.
Jesus is subjected to temptation and death in solidarity with us, but the good news is not only that.Jesus’ victory over temptation and death is one that He shares with all who believe in Him, and that’s what we celebrate at the Paschal Sacrament at the Easter Vigil.

Today as we celebrate the rite of election for our brother catechumens, who are to be admitted to the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil, let us pray for them and with them, always remember that this is the body of Christ His Church and we are all protected under His covenant of love protected by God’s love.

Noah’s ark symbolizes salvation and just as Noah and his family were saved by the waters of the great flood, in the same way we are all saved by the waters of Baptism that the Holy Sprit offers that enables us to resist evil and temptation,. This is the new Covenant, made by the living God, a promise to each one of us together in His Son’s blood, the new and eternal covenant.
​

“IF GOD IS FOR US, WHO CAN BE AGAINST US’
PEACE IN CHRIST ,
Deacon Mario 

Hace unos dias celebramos miercoles de ceniza y con esta comenzamos nuestro
peregrinaje a la curesma.Papa Francisco dice que
“la cuaresma no es tiempo para sermones inutiles o promesas vacias,es tiempo para reconocer que nuestras cenizas humildes son amadas por Dios,es un tiempo de gracia, tiempo de encontrar al Cristo con amor y asi el podra cambiar nuestras vidas.

En este primer Domingo de cuaresma comnezemos nuestro peregrinaje con un examen de conciencia, haciendo confession y asi experimentar la misericordia de Dios.Como viviremos nuestro compromiso de Oracion, de ayuno y caridad en esta cuaresma?

En este primer Domingo de curesma la lectura del Genesis nos recuerda la promesa Divina de Dios que nunca destruira la tierra, una alianza entre Dios y su pueblo. Una alianza, un contrato solemne entre dos jurado ante Dios, es El quien esta frente a este juramento y esta promesa,esta alianza es extendida a todos nosotros.

La primera lectura nos recuerda nuestro bautismo, el comienzo de la vida Divina, la vida De Dios en nosotros, de la misma manera que Noe y su familia fueron salvados por las aguas del diluvio, nosotros somos salvados por las aguas de nuestros bautismos en la nueva alianza.

Nosotros como cristianos juramos vivir siguiendo la voluntad De Dios, su alianza como cantamos en nuestro salmo hoy
“tus caminos O Señor son amor y verdad, el poder de Cristo resucitado quien esta a la derecha del padre”.

Hoy comenzamos este peregrinaje con Jesus en el desierto por cuarenta días, está observancia de curesma de una manera misteriosa nos hace participes en los cuarenta días de Jesus. Cuando participamos en los actos penitenciales y devocionales en este tiempo de curesma, es Cristo quien esta presente trabajando en su iglesia, caminando con nosotros, cada paso que tomamos en esta Santa curesma.

Los cuarenta días de Jesus representan los cuarenta años del pueblo Israelita en el desierto, la historia completa de Israel esta concentrada en Jesus.Jesus es el nuevo Adam quien permaneció fiel hasta el fin, mientras que el primer Adam sucumbio a la tentación y el pecado, Jesus es completamente obediente a la voluntad Divina de su padre, su victoria sobre el diablo y la tentación en el desierto anticipan su victoria en la passion.

Jesus fue tentado y tambien su muerte todo esto lo hizo en solidaridad a nosotros, pero la buena noticia no es solo eso, si no que su victoria sobre la tentación y la muerte es algo que el comparte con todos los que creen en El y eso es lo que celebramos en el misterio Pascual, en la vigilia pascual.

Hoy todas las iglesias celebran el rito de elección para nuestros hermanos y hermanas catecumenos quienes serán admitidos a los sacramentos de iniciación cristiana en la vigilia pascual, unámonos en oración por ellos y con ellos siempre recordando que este es el cuerpo de Cristo, su iglesia y to todos esta- mos protegidos bajo su alianza de amor, protegidos por el amor De Dios.

El arca de Noe símboliza salvación al igual que Noe y su familia fueron salvados por el agua del diluvio, de la misma manera todos somos salvados por las aguas del bautismo, que nos ofrece el Espíritu Santo quien nos ayuda a resistir a satanas y la tentación.

Esta es la nueva alianza que dura para siempre hecha por Dios vivo, una promesa a cada uno de nosotros unidos en la sangre de su hijo Jesus la nueva y eterna alianza.
​

“SI DIOS ESTA CON NOSOTROS, QUIEN PODRÁ ESTAR EN CONTRA”
La Paz de Cristo
Diácono Mario 


February 14, 2021

My dear St. Ignatius family,
Ash Wednesday, which falls on February 17th ,marks the beginning of the 40days of the season of Lent, for this year. Lent is the season in which Christians, all over the world, of different denominations observe special practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving to follow the footsteps of Jesus, more closely..Though He was sinless, He fasted 40 days and nights before His public ministry. Why Jesus did that? Fasting gives immense control of ourselves especially, our body. We know how the people of Ninevah repented, when Jonah addressed them. They, including the King put on sack clothes and sat on ashes. They observed complete fasting from food and drinks. Here the Ninevites sinned and were turning back to God, doing penance for the offenses already committed. So these two aspects alone gives us more than enough reason to observe lent with great sincerity. We are created for a purpose, and to achieve that, we need strength from the source, which is God. We are all sinner, in one way or other, and every single day we fall short from the purpose for which we are created. So we need to repent about those and amend our ways .

In the United States, our present day Catholic Church liturgy, for Ash Wednesday ,is that the priest blesses the ashes made from the burned palm branches distributed on the Palm Sunday of the previous year, and imposes them on the foreheads of the faithful, making the sign of the cross and saying, “Remember, you are dust and to dust you shall return”or “Repent and believe in the Gospel. ”Because of the instruction from Cardinal Sarah and due to the current state of the pandemic, this year the Diocese of Rockville Centre will administer ashes to the faithful by sprinkling the blessed ashes on the top of the head of the recipient. This is the traditional practice of the Roman Rite, and is currently observed in Rome, throughout Europe, and in various other parts of the world. This method, rooted in the scriptural tradition, will allow for ashes to be given easily without making physical contact. This is how the Holy Father, Pope Francis, always receives his ashes on Ash Wednesday!

With a penitent heart and doing penance, we turn our hearts to the Lord, who suffered, died, and rose for our salvation. We are trying to die to an old life and rise to a new life with Christ and renew our baptismal promises. Above all, we strive to live the kingdom of God now ,mindful that the kingdom of this world will surely pass away one day, and our fulfillment is in heaven and heaven only.

I’m sure that you have read lots of articles on this topic, and done many spiritual exercises during Lent over the years. There is no point in doing some extremely good and may be even difficult practices in a very strict way, just to go back to the old ways, once the lent is over. Then we are missing the whole point of lent. Lent should bring about a real conversion in us, though it may be small. Little by little conversion every year, will make a huge change in the end. Some experts say that we can develop habits in 21 days. So if we try really hard,I think we can achieve this to some extent.In lent ,it’s a usual practice to give up something. When we concentrate only on giving up, it eventually creates frustration, and there is always room for the old habit to obsess again, when this season gets over. So it’s not enough to give up some bad habits, but it is equally important to replace them with good habits. As I have mentioned in one of my previous columns, I am from the religious order, Order of Imitation of Christ.(OIC). I strongly recommend to make it a habit to read The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis. It helps to concentrate more on interior life and withdraw from the lure of the world. So let this lent be not just another lent, but the beginning of a new life, with new good life long habits making Jesus as the centre of our lives. Some Lenten activities to achieve this can be found on page 8 of this bulletin. Hope it will be helpful for you.

Wish you all a blessed and fruitful lent..one that will bring you closer to God... In Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Shibi Pappan. 

​
Mi querida familia de San Ignacio,

Miércoles de Ceniza, que cae el 17 de febrero, marca el inicio de los 40 días de la temporada de Cuaresma, de este año. La Cuaresma es la temporada en la que los cristianos, en todo el mundo, de diferentes denominaciones observan prácticas especiales de oración, ayuno y limosna para seguir más de cerca los pasos de Jesús. Aunque no tenía pecado, ayunó 40 días y noches antes de su ministerio público. ¿Por qué hizo eso Jesús? El ayuno, si se hace de buena gana, nos da un inmenso control de nosotros mismos, especialmente de nuestro cuerpo, y nos ayuda a concentrarnos solo en Dios. Sabemos cómo se arrepintió la gente de Nínive cuando Jonás se dirigió a ellos. Ellos, incluido el Rey, se vistieron de saco y se sentaron sobre cenizas. Observaron un ayuno completo de alimentos y bebidas. Aquí los ninivitas pecaron y se volvieron a Dios, haciendo penitencia por las ofensas ya cometidas. Por lo tanto, estos dos aspectos por sí solos nos dan motivos más que suficientes para observar la Cuaresma con gran sinceridad. Fuimos creados con un propósito, y para lograrlo, necesitamos la fuerza de la fuente, que es Dios. Todos somos pecadores. De una forma u otra, y todos los días no cumplimos con el propósito para el que fuimos creados.
Así que debemos arrepentirnos de ellos y enmendar nuestros caminos.

En los Estados Unidos, nuestra liturgia actual de la Iglesia Católica, para el Miércoles de Ceniza, es que el sacerdote bendice las cenizas de las ramas de palma quemadas distribuidas el Domingo de Ramos del año anterior, y las impone en la frente de los fieles, haciendo la señal de la cruz y diciendo: "Recuerda hombre, eres polvo y al polvo volverás
”, o“ Apártate del pecado y sé fiel al Evangelio ”. Pero debido a las instrucciones del Cardenal Sarah y debido al estado actual de la pandemia, este año la Diócesis de Rockville Center administrará cenizas a los fieles rociando las cenizas benditas en la parte superior de la cabeza del destinatario. Esta es la práctica tradicional del Rito Romano y actualmente se observa en Roma, en toda Europa y en varias otras partes del mundo. Este método, arraigado en la tradición bíblica, permitirá que las cenizas se entreguen fácilmente sin hacer contacto físico. ¡Así es como el Santo Padre, el Papa Francisco, recibe siempre sus cenizas el Miércoles de Ceniza!
Durante la Cuaresma, con un corazón arrepentido y haciendo penitencia, volvemos nuestro corazón al Señor, quien sufrió, murió y resucitó por nuestra salvación. Estamos tratando de morir de una vida vieja y resucitar a una nueva vida con Cristo y renovar nuestras promesas bautismales. Sobre todo, nos esforzamos por vivir el reino de Dios ahora, conscientes de que el reino de este mundo ciertamente pasará un día, y nuestro cumplimiento está en el cielo y solo en el cielo.

Estoy seguro de que han leído muchos artículos sobre este tema y han realizado muchos ejercicios espirituales durante la Cuaresma a lo largo de los años. No tiene sentido hacer algo extremadamente bueno e incluso pueden ser prácticas difíciles de una manera muy estricta, solo para volver a las viejas costumbres, una vez que termina la Cuaresma. Entonces nos estamos perdiendo todo el sentido de la cuaresma. La Cuaresma debe producir una conversión real en nosotros, aunque sea pequeña. Poco a poco, la conversión cada año supondrá un gran cambio al final. Algunos expertos dicen que podemos desarrollar hábitos en 21 días. Entonces, si nos esforzamos mucho, creo que podemos lograrlo hasta cierto punto. En cuaresma, es una práctica habitual renunciar a algo. Cuando nos concentramos solo en rendirnos, eventualmente crea frustración, y siempre hay espacio para que el viejo hábito nos obsesione nuevamente, cuando esta temporada termine. Por lo tanto, no es suficiente renunciar a algunos malos hábitos, pero es igualmente importante reemplazarlos con buenos hábitos. Como he mencionado en una de mis columnas anteriores, soy de la orden religiosa, Orden de Imitación de Cristo (OIC).

Recomiendo encarecidamente que conviertan en un hábito leer
La imitación de Cristo de Thomas à Kempis. Ayuda a concentrarse más en la vida interior y a retirarse del mundo. Entonces, que esta Cuaresma no sea solo otra Cuaresma, sino el comienzo de una nueva vida con buenos hábitos de por vida que hacen a Jesús el centro de nuestras vidas. Algunas actividades de Cuaresma para lograr esto se pueden encontrar en el boletín. Esperamos que sean útiles para ustedes.

Les deseo a todos una cuaresma bendecida y fructífera, que los acerque más a Dios.
P. Shibi Pappan 

February 7, 2021

This weekend gospel, we observe three key aspects of the initial stages of Jesus' ministry: The first is its rapidly broadening scope as he moves from one village to another, proclaiming the good news. The second is his spirit of detachment as he does not seek publicity. Thirdly, his ministry is grounded in prayer. Every Christian is called to be another Christ and this Sunday we remember an exceptional priest, Msgr. Alesandro who closely followed these aspects of Jesus' ministry.

For those of us who got to know Msgr. John Alesandro we were aware that he was a well-respected, intelligent and multitalented man; here are a few of his credentials:
  • Priest – 54 years.
  • Pastor and administrator (St. Ignatius 2011).
  • Canon Lawyer.
  • Chancellor of Rockville Center Diocese.
  • Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Rockville Centre.
  • Educator:
  • Adjunct Professor and Distinguished Lecturer at Catholic University (Washington, DC).
  • Professor at St. John’s University (Jamaica, NY).
  • Adjunct Professor at Fordham University Law School (Bronx, NY).
  • Professor at Molloy College, (Rockville Centre, NY).
  • Member of the American Canon Law Society and contributing associate.
  • Accomplished Pianist.

Msgr. Alesandro was also a very good friend of our former pastor Msgr. Donald Bennett; they frequently vacationed together (their favorite trip was to go to Puerto Rico for the Three Kings festival in January).

Msgr. Alesandro would take Msgr. Bennett
’s place on golf outings (I understand that he was a fairly good golfer and enjoyed the challenges of the game).

I had the privilege of working with Msgr. Alesandro here at St. Ignatius Loyola after my ordination to the Permanent Diaconate. At the time I was assisting Mary Jane Mastrodomenico, our Director of Religious Education, with periodic classes for Confirmation preparation – levels 6, 7, and 8. I would take the combined classes for a specific level over to the church building where I would instruct them on one of the Sacraments, beginning with Baptism (6th level). On one of these occasions when we were discussing the importance of the Mass in the life of Catholics, Msgr. Alesandro, as he put it – “stuck his head in to see what was up”. I invited him to join our discussion at which point the teacher in him took over the class. He walked up and down the center aisle taking questions from the students and offering some of the best examples of how we are aided by God’s graces in a special way at the celebration of the Eucharist. After the classes disbursed, Msgr. Alesandro apologized for taking over to which I replied that he could do that any time he felt like it. I told him that I learned a lot myself from his lesson that night and thanked him for sharing with us his great knowledge of Sacred Theology; I invited him to join us for future lessons – which he did on several more occasions; what a wonderful blessing for us all.

God blessed us by having had Msgr. John Alesandro in our lives. Even though he will be missed, we will always have his words of wisdom to guide us.
God Bless you Monsignor Alesandro!

​Respectfully,

Deacon George A. Mais, Jr 


Este evangelio de fin de semana, observamos tres aspectos clave de las etapas iniciales del ministerio de Jesús: El primero es su alcance que se amplía rápidamente a medida que se mueve de un pueblo a otro, proclamando las buenas noticias. El segundo es su espíritu de desapego, ya que no busca publicidad. En tercer lugar, su ministerio se basa en la oración. Cada cristiano está llamado a ser otro Cristo y este domingo recordamos a un sacerdote excepcional, Mons. Alesandro, quien siguió de cerca estos aspectos del ministerio de Jesús.

Para aquellos de nosotros que llegamos a conocer a Mons. John Alesandro sabíamos que era un hombre respetado, inteligente y polifacético; aquí están algunas de sus credenciales:
  •  Sacerdote - 54 años.
  • Pastor y administrador (San Ignacio 2011).
  • Abogado canónico.
  • Canciller de la Diócesis de Rockville Centre.
  • Administrador Apostólico de la Diócesis de Rockville Center.
  • Educador:
  • Profesor Adjunto y Conferencista Distinguido en la Universidad Católica (Washington, DC).
  • Profesor de la St. John's University (Jamaica, NY).
  • Profesor adjunto de la Facultad de Derecho de la Universidad de Fordham (Bronx, NY).
  • Profesor en Molloy College, (Rockville Center, NY).
  • Miembro de la American Canon Law Society y colaborador asociado.
  • Pianista consumado.

Mons. Alesandro también era un muy buen amigo de nuestro ex pastor Mons. Donald Bennett; solían ir de vacaciones juntos (su viaje favorito era ir a Puerto Rico para el festival de los Reyes Magos en enero). Mons. Alesandro llevaría a Mons. el lugar de Bennett en las salidas de golf (tengo entendido que era un golfista bastante bueno y disfrutaba de los desafíos del juego).
Tuve el privilegio de trabajar con Mons. Alesandro aquí en San Ignacio de Loyola después de mi ordenación al Diaconado Permanente. En ese momento estaba ayudando a Mary Jane Mastrodomenico, nuestra Directora de Educación Religiosa, con clases periódicas para la preparación de la Confirmación - niveles 6, 7 y 8. Llevaba las clases combinadas para un nivel específico al edificio de la iglesia donde construiría ellos en uno de los sacramentos, comenzando con el bautismo (6o nivel). En una de estas ocasiones, cuando estábamos discutiendo la importancia de la Misa en la vida de los católicos, Mons. Alesandro, como él mismo dijo, “asomó la cabeza para ver qué pasaba”. Lo invité a unirse a nuestra discusión, momento en el que el maestro en él se hizo cargo de la clase. Caminó de un lado a otro del pasillo central tomando preguntas de los estudiantes y ofreciendo algunos de los mejores ejemplos de cómo las gracias de Dios nos ayudan de una manera especial en la celebración de la Eucaristía. Después de las clases, Mons. Alesandro se disculpó por hacerse cargo, a lo que le respondí que podía hacerlo en cualquier momento que quisiera. Le dije que yo mismo aprendí mucho de su lección de esa noche y le agradecí por compartir con nosotros su gran conocimiento de la Sagrada Teología; Lo invité a unirse a nosotros para futuras lecciones, lo que hizo en varias ocasiones más; qué maravillosa bendición para todos nosotros.

Dios nos bendijo por haber tenido a Mons. John Alesandro en nuestras vidas. Aunque lo extrañaremos, siempre tendremos sus palabras de sabiduría para guiarnos.

¡Dios le bendiga, monseñor Alesandro!
Respetuosamente,
Diácono George A. Mais, Jr 

January 31, 2021

My dear faith family of St. Ignatius:

In this Sunday’s Gospel (Mk 1:21-28), Jesus silences an evil spirit and he commands: “Be quiet! Come out of him.” The spirit obeyed and people were amazed; and they asked: “What is this?” Like the people in today’s gospel, we too ask: “What does this mean?” What is the deeper meaning behind Jesus’ power to expel evil spirits— a power that he also gave to his Church? Jesus answered that question himself, saying, “It is... by means of God’s power that I drive out demons, and this proves that the Kingdom of God is already here.” The deeper meaning behind Jesus’ exorcisms is that the kingdom of Satan, which enslaved people since Adam’s sin, is now giving way to the kingdom of God. This raises an interesting question. If Jesus inaugurated the kingdom of God more than 2,000 years ago, why is evil still so wide- spread today? To put it another way, if Jesus inaugurated God’s kingdom in his lifetime, why is Satan’s kingdom still so powerful? The answer, of course, is that the coming of God’s kingdom is not an instantaneous happening rather, it is a gradual process. It is not a one-time event. It is an ongoing movement in history.

Jesus inaugurated the kingdom of God. However, Jesus left us the task of completing it. That’s why we still pray in the Lord’s Prayer: “Thy kingdom come.” Today we are called to spread the kingdom of God in this world. As we reflect on this Sunday’s Gospel, let us remember the calling that we have received as children of God through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism; let us do our part for the growth of the kingdom of God among us. Let us become the legs and hands of Jesus that endeavor to realize His kingdom.

During the Korean War in the 1950’s, people were hiding in a church and it was bombed for days. There was a beautiful statue of Jesus in front of the church, which needed much protection; and so the American soldiers started to dig around the pedestal to have it taken away to a safer place. Suddenly, a shell hit the area and all went under cover. Once the smoke was cleared, they were all shocked to see the ruins. The statue was broken to pieces and bits were spread all over. The soldiers helped the priest to gather all pieces and reconstruct the statue. They did rebuild the statue except for the hands. They could not find them. Someone in the group offered to make a mold and prepare new hands. The priest told them “no” and to leave it alone. Hence, the statue stood in front of the church without hands; but below the statue were the words in gold letters: “I have no hands. Lend me yours.”

Let us answer that request of our Lord by following him; let us live our vocation to the best of our ability. Let us pray so that Jesus may liberate us—as the possessed man was liberated! May He free us from all those evil spirits, that make us spiritually deaf, mute, or blind.

In short, Jesus is telling us: “I inaugurated the kingdom of God among you. Now I want you to complete it. I have no hands. Lend me yours.” Yes, let us do our part; let us lend our “hands” to Him whatever way we can.

Fr. Francis 
Mi querida familia de fe de San Ignacio:

En el Evangelio de este domingo (Mc 1, 21-28), Jesús silencia un espíritu maligno y manda: “Sé ¡tranquilo! Sal de él ". El espíritu obedeció y la gente se asombró; y preguntaron: "¿Qué es esto?" Como la gente en el evangelio de hoy, nosotros también preguntamos: "¿Qué significa esto?" ¿Cuál es el significado más profundo del poder de Jesús para expulsar a los espíritus malignos, un poder que también le dio a su Iglesia? Jesús mismo respondió a esa pregunta, diciendo: "Es ... por medio del poder de Dios que expulsó a los demonios, y esto prueba que el Reino de Dios ya está aquí". El significado más profundo de los exorcismos de Jesús es que el reino de Satanás, que esclavizó a las personas desde el pecado de Adán, ahora está dando paso al reino de Dios. Esto plantea una pregunta interesante. Si Jesús inauguró el reino de Dios hace más de 2000 años, ¿por qué el mal todavía está tan extendido hoy? Para decirlo de otra manera, si Jesús inauguró el reino de Dios durante su vida, ¿por qué el reino de Satanás sigue siendo tan poderoso? La respuesta, por supuesto, es que la venida del reino de Dios no es un acontecimiento instantáneo. Más bien, es un proceso gradual. No es un evento único. Es un movimiento en curso en la historia.
Jesús inauguró el reino de Dios. Sin embargo, Jesús nos dejó la tarea de completarlo. Es por eso que todavía oramos en el Padre Nuestro: “Venga tu reino”. Hoy estamos llamados a difundir el reino de Dios en este mundo. Al reflexionar sobre el Evangelio de este domingo, recordemos el llamado que hemos recibido como hijos de Dios a través del Sacramento del Santo Bautismo; hagamos nuestra parte para el crecimiento del reino de Dios entre nosotros. Seamos las piernas y las manos de Jesús que se esfuerzan por realizar su reino.

Durante la Guerra de Corea en la década de 1950, la gente se escondía en una iglesia y fue bombardeada durante días. Había una hermosa estatua de Jesús en la iglesia, que necesitaba mucha protección; y entonces los soldados estadounidenses comenzaron a cavar alrededor depedestal para llevarlo a un lugar más seguro. De repente, un proyectil golpeó el área y todos se escondieron. Una vez que se despejó el humo, todos se sorprendieron al ver las ruinas. La estatua se rompió en pedazos y los pedazos se esparcieron por todas partes. Los soldados ayudaron al sacerdote a reunir todas las piezas y reconstruir la estatua. Reconstruyeron la estatua a excepción de las manos. No pudieron encontrarlos. Alguien del grupo se ofreció a hacer un molde y preparar nuevas manos. El sacerdote les dijo "no" y que lo dejaran en paz. Por lo tanto, la estatua se paró frente a la iglesia sin manos; pero debajo de la estatua estaban las palabras en letras doradas: “No tengo manos. Préstame los tuyos".
Respondamos a esa petición de nuestro Señor siguiéndole; vivamos nuestra vocación lo mejor que podamos. Oremos para que Jesús nos libere, ¡como fue liberado el poseso! Que Él nos libere de todos esos espíritus malignos que nos hacen espiritualmente sordos, mudos o ciegos.

En resumen, Jesús nos dice: “Yo inauguré el reino de Dios entre ustedes. Ahora quiero que lo completes. No tengo manos. Préstame los tuyos". Sí, hagamos nuestra parte; preste- mosle nuestras "manos" de cualquier manera que podamos.

P. Francis 

January 24, 2021

The Sunday of the Word of God, instituted by Pope Francis and to be held every year on the third Sunday of Ordinary Time, reminds us of the importance and value of Sacred Scripture for the Christian life, as well as relationship between the word of God and the liturgy.

This Sunday, therefore, presents an ideal opportunity to reread some of the Church’s documents
  1. Through the proclaimed biblical readings in the liturgy, God speaks to his people and Christ Himself pro- claims His Gospel; Christ is the center and fullness of all Scripture, both the Old and New Testaments. Listening to the Gospel, the high point of the Liturgy of the Word,[6] is characterized by a special veneration, expressed not only by gestures and acclamations, but by the Book of the Gospels itself.
  2. The arrangement of the biblical readings, laid down by the Church in the Lectionary, opens the way to understanding the entirety of God's word. It is therefore necessary to respect the readings indicated. An understanding of the structure and purpose of the Liturgy of the Word helps the assembly to receive God’s saving word
  3. The singing of the Responsorial Psalm, is recommended; the psalmist’s function in every community, therefore, should be enhanced. In the homily, beginning with the biblical readings, the mysteries of faith and the norms of the Christian life are explained throughout the liturgical year. Pastors are primarily responsible for explaining Sacred Scripture for everyone to understand it. Bishops, priests and deacons must develop a commitment to carry out  this ministry with special dedication.
  4. Particular importance is attached to silence which, by favoring meditation, allows the word of God to be received inwardly by the listener.
  5. The Church has always paid particular attention to those who proclaim the word of God in the assembly: priests, deacons and readers. It is possible to preface the readings with appropriate and short introductions.
  6. Because of the importance of the word of God, the Church invites us to pay special attention to the ambo from which it is proclaimed. It is not a functional piece of furniture, but a place that is in keeping with the dignity of the word of God. The ambo is reserved for the readings, the singing of the Responsorial Psalm and the Easter Proclamation (Exsultet); the homily and the intentions of the universal prayer can be delivered from it, while it is less appropriate to use it for commentaries, announcements or for directing singing.
  7. The books containing the readings from Sacred Scripture stir up in those who hear a veneration for the mystery of God speaking to his people. For this reason, we ask that care be taken to ensure that these books are of a high quality and used properly. It is never appropriate to resort to leaflets, photocopies and other pastoral aids as a substitute for liturgical books.
  8. In the run up to or in the days following the Sunday of the Word of God, it is fitting to promote formation meetings in order to highlight the importance of Sacred Scripture in liturgical celebrations. The liturgical distribution of the various biblical books in the course of the year and its seasons, as well as what the structure is of the Sunday and weekday cycles of the readings for Mass.
  9. ​The Sunday of the Word of God is also a fitting occasion to deepen the link between Sacred Scripture and the Liturgy of the Hours. This can be done by promoting the community celebration of Lauds and Vespers.

Among the many Saints, Saint Jerome can be proposed as an example because of the great love he had for the word of God. In his attentive listening to the Scriptures, Jerome came to know himself and to find the face of God and of his brothers and sisters. He was also confirmed in his attraction to community life”.

The purpose of this Note is to help reawaken, in the light of the Sunday of the Word of God, an awareness of the importance of Sacred Scripture for our lives as believers, beginning with its resonance in the liturgy which places us in living and permanent dialogue with God.

From the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.
Robert Card. Sarah Prefect 

January 17, 2021

Wow, a new year – 2021 and here we are in Ordinary time already. Ordinary time makes up the largest part of the Liturgical Year – 34 weeks and is broken into two parts; this time between the Christmas season and Lent; and the larger period from Pentecost to the end of the year (usually the last Sunday of November or the first Sunday of December).

But there is nothing ordinary about Ordinary time – the term comes from the word Ordinal, meaning sequential (1, 2, 3, 4, etc.). So, the Sundays of Ordinary time increase by one each week of the season (Second Sunday, Third Sunday, etc.). And we are presented with Gospel readings about Jesus “ordinary” life, his day-to-day journey from his home in Nazareth to Jerusalem over the period from when he was about 30 until his crucifixion at age 33. When we examine his life, we see that it was anything but “ordinary”.

Jesus performed miracles (curing the sick, feeding the 500, walking on water, raising the dead); he taught the Apostles about “Love”, He taught them to pray. We need to seriously read the Gospels regularly and meditate on them – 15 minutes each day. I have found that this does not take us away from our daily chores, but makes them easier.

Today’s Gospel reading from Mark, 1:14-20 – After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Then they abandoned their nets and followed him. He walked along a little further and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets. Then he called them. So, they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him.

MarkwasaGreekconverttoChristianityandinitiallyfollowedPaulbutlaterbecameadiscipleofPeter. He developed his gospel by recounting what he had heard from his teachers and from St. Peter. His is the shortest Gospel partly because he does not add to the message that Jesus is presenting. And if you study his gospel, you will find that he has a central theme – the Apostles did not really understand who Jesus was.

So, let us start with the term “they followed him.” Sound simple, but upon closer look, they did not know Jesus, He was just passing, so why leave their occupation to follow an itinerant preacher? The more you study the Bible and the Gospel stories, you learn that frequently, the other authors tell the same story but with little bits of added or modified information. In this case, Matthew tells almost the same story as Mark, John tells a different story, and Luke added this, “Master, we have worked all night and caught nothing.” But they lower their nets and are overwhelmed at the catch – they need their partners, the Zebedee brothers, to help them bring the catch into shore. And it is then that they are recruited by Jesus.
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So “they followed him” – what does that mean to you? Mark is conveying this simple message – they became disciples of Jesus. But this simple act of deciding to follow Jesus will become something much greater – these men will become the core of a new religion – CHRISTIANITY. These men will all go on to be martyrs for Christ, all except John who will die of old age.

Respectfully,
Deacon George A. Mais, Jr 
¡Guau!, un nuevo año - 2021 y ya estamos en el tiempo ordinario. El tiempo ordinario constituye la mayor parte del año litúrgico - 34 semanas y se divide en dos partes; esta vez entre Navidad y Cuaresma; y el período más largo desde Pentecostés hasta el final del año (generalmente el último domingo de noviembre o el primer domingo de diciembre).
Pero no hay nada ordinario en el tiempo ordinario: el término proviene de la palabra Ordinal, que significa secuencial (1, 2, 3, 4, etc.). Entonces, los domingos del tiempo ordinario aumentan en uno cada semana de la temporada (segundo domingo, tercer domingo, etc.). Y se nos presentan lecturas del Evangelio sobre la vida "ordinaria" de Jesús, su viaje diario desde su hogar en Nazaret hasta Jerusalén durante el período desde que tenía unos 30 años hasta su crucifixión a los 33 años. Cuando examinamos su vida, vimos que era cualquier cosa menos "ordinario". Jesús hizo milagros (curando a los enfermos, alimentando a los 500, caminando sobre el agua, resucitando a los muertos); les enseñó a los Apóstoles sobre el “Amor”, les enseñó a orar. Necesitamos leer seriamente los Evangelios con regularidad y meditar en ellos, 15 minutos cada día. He des- cubierto que esto no nos aleja de nuestras tareas diarias, sino que las facilita.

Lectura del Evangelio de hoy de Marcos, 1: 14-20 - Después de que Juan fue arrestado, Jesús vino a Galilea proclamando el evangelio de Dios: “Este es el tiempo del cumplimiento. El reino de Dios está cerca. Arrepiéntanse y crean en el evangelio ". Al pasar junto al mar de Galilea, vio a Simón y su hermano Andrés echando sus redes al mar; eran pescadores. Jesús les dijo: "Ven a por mí, y los haré pescadores de hombres". Luego abandonaron sus redes y lo siguieron. Caminó un poco más y vio a Santiago, el hijo de Zebedeo, y a su hermano Juan. Ellos también estaban en un bote remendando sus redes. Luego los llamó. En- tonces, dejaron a su padre Zebedeo en la barca junto con los jornaleros y lo siguieron.

Marcos era un griego convertido al cristianismo e inicialmente siguió a Pablo, pero luego se convirtió en discípulo de Pedro. Desarrolló su evangelio contando lo que había escuchado de sus maestros y de San Pedro. El suyo es el Evangelio más corto en parte porque no se suma al mensaje que Jesús está presentando. Y si estudias su evangelio, encontrarás que tiene un tema central: los apóstoles no entendieron realmente quién era Jesús.

Entonces, comencemos con el término "lo siguieron". Suena simple, pero al mirar más de cerca, no conocían a Jesús, él solo estaba de paso, entonces, ¿por qué dejar su ocupación para seguir a un predicador itinerante? Cuanto más estudias la Biblia y las historias del Evangelio, aprendes que con frecuencia, los otros autores cuentan la misma historia pero con pequeños fragmentos de información agregada o modificada. En este caso, Mateo cuenta casi la misma historia que Marcos, Juan cuenta una historia diferente y Lucas agrega es- to: "Maestro, hemos trabajado toda la noche y no hemos pescado nada". Pero bajan las redes y se sienten abrumados por la pesca; necesitan a sus socios, los hermanos Zebedeo, que les ayuden a llevar la pesca a la orilla. Y es entonces cuando Jesús los recluta.

Entonces, "lo siguieron", ¿qué significa eso para ti? Marcos está transmitiendo este simple mensaje: se convirtieron en discípulos de Jesús. Pero este simple acto de decidir seguir a Jesús se convertirá en algo mucho más grande: estos hombres se convertirán en el núcleo de una nueva religión: el CRISTIANISMO. Todos estos hombres llegarán a ser mártires por Cristo, todos excepto Juan, que morirá de viejo.

Respetuosamente,
Diácono George A. Mais, Jr 

January 10, 2021

My Dear St .Ignatius Family,

The Baptism of Our Lord in the River Jordan, by John the Baptist is celebrated this weekend. Jesus started His public ministry after His baptism and hence is appropriately designated as the first Luminous Mystery of the Rosary. The account of this pivotal event in all four Gospels shows its significance and authenticity. The place where John performed this baptism was far below sea level and is considered the earth’s lowest elevation on land. So we can see that Jesus not only came into this world as a human being, but to redeem us He literally went into the lowest point of our earthly existence showing how much He loved us! John might have been reluctant to baptize Jesus, because Jesus was sinless, and needed no baptism. Also, John considered himself unworthy to do it. Jesus came to make us worthy of His Kingdom. So in this month of January, traditionally dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus, let us reverently say “Blessed be the Name of Jesus” with hearts full of gratitude.

The Baptism of Jesus is an event in the New Testament, where we see the opening of Heaven and the Trinitarian union. The Holy Spirit comes in the form of a dove and the voice of God the Father is heard. All of us are baptized in the Trinitarian formula. Through baptism, all our sins are forgiven and we enter into God’s family as a new creature. So it’s good to think about starting to remember our baptism date in a special way. Maybe by celebrating a Mass in thanksgiving for this great privilege to be a member of this big and great family of the Church, or maybe spending a few moments of thanksgiving in the silence of our hearts, wherever we are. I would also like you to consider doing the first goal of this month, to find out the meaning of the name given to you at baptism. Whisper a prayer for all who made it happen- your parents, the priest who baptized you, godparents, and all those who joined in that joyous occasion. The liturgical season of Christmas concludes with today’s Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.

Speaking of the Christmas season, a season full of joy and celebration. I would like to thank all who made it happen in our parish. We are grateful to all who have helped us to keep “holy” this holiday time. I want to express my gratitude to all who minister at Holy Masses. Our priests, Deacons, Nuns, EM’s, Ushers, Lectors, Music Ministry, Altar servers, especially Sean, Steve and Bridget for serving at the midnight Mass, Martha’s Guild who decorated the inside of the Church with the help of the Maintenance Staff. Thank you Tony and crew for setting up the gym for the Christmas Mass. Thank you to several donors for your contribution to buy an all-weather TV to stream the Christmas Mass in the parking lot. Thank you, Knights of Columbus, Tom, for setting up the “Keep Christ in Christmas” banners in a different parts of Hicksville. Thank you Human Service Director Joe, Volunteers Mary Ann, Helen, and Trisha for providing help for the needy every day especially during the Christmas season.

A special word of appreciation to Mike and Ed for organizing the Advent wreath and blanket sale with the help of Diane, Maryann, Joe, Debbie, Maria, Kate, Lauren, and Colleen. The Christmas tree and decoration of the exterior of the Church are the results of the hard work of Mike, Ed, Juan, Olga, Jose Elias, and Luis. We would like to decorate more areas next year to bring the joy of the season to many. I received several emails and cards thanking our Eucharistic ministers and volunteers for presenting Poinsettias to the homebound. Since this initiative is welcomed, I would like to do something similar at Easter time. Thank you Joan Della Ratta for sponsoring it and Frank for helping us to deliver them at a discount rate. Thank you Richard Burg for organizing the distribution of Poinsettias to the homebound.

I thank you not only for your extraordinary generosity to our parish in the Christmas collection, but also for your consistent and generous financial support of the parish throughout the entire year. Your donations make our mission possible.
This was my first Christmas at St. Ignatius. I am deeply indebted to you for guiding and helping me to continue the great tradition of St. Ignatius. Thank you for the many cards and gifts, cookies and cakes, your words of encouragement and blessings. I received a couple of letters from our senior Parishioners who moved outside of the parish, appreciating our ministry which brought tears to my eyes. I feel blessed to minister in this parish. I consider Fr. Francis Samuels
’ appointment as a Christmas gift to our parish
Finally, I thank Joan, Parish secretary, and staff whose diligent and insightful words and actions made a big difference in this trying time. Thank God for your grace and choosing us as an instrument to continue as the heralds of your presence in this world.

In Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Shibi Pappan

“Pray as though everything depended on God; Act as though everything depended on you.” 

Mi querida familia de San Ignacio,
Este fin de semana se celebra el Bautismo de Nuestro Señor en el río Jordán, a cargo de Juan el Bautista. Jesús inició su ministerio público después de su bautismo y, por tanto, apto como primer misterio luminoso del Rosario. El relato de este evento fundamental en los cuatro evangelios muestra su significado y autenticidad. El lugar donde Juan realizó el bautismo estaba muy por debajo del nivel del mar y se considera la elevación más baja de la tierra.Entonces podemos ver que Jesús no solo vino a este mundo como un ser humano sino que para redimirnos, literalmente fue al punto más bajo de nuestra existencia terrenal. Tanto nos amaba. Juan pudo haber sido reacio a bautizar a Jesús, porque Jesús no tenía pecado y no necesitaba bautismo. Además, John se consideraba indigno de hacerlo. Jesús vino para hacernos dignos de Su Reino. Entonces, en este mes de enero, tradicionalmente dedicado al Santo Nombre de Jesús, digamos con reverencia “Bendito sea el Nombre de Jesús” con el corazón lleno de gratitud.

El Bautismo de Jesús es un evento del Nuevo Testamento, donde vemos la apertura del Cielo y la unión trinitaria. El Espíritu Santo viene en forma de paloma y se escucha la voz de Dios Padre. Todos estamos bautizados en la fórmula trinitaria. A través del bautismo, todos nuestros pecados son perdonados y entramos en la familia de Dios como una nueva criatura. Por eso es bueno pensar en comenzar a recordar la fecha del bautismo de una manera especial. Tal vez celebrando una Misa en acción de gracias por este gran privilegio de ser miembro de esta gran y gran familia de la Iglesia, o tal vez pasando unos momentos de acción de gracias en el silencio de nuestro corazón, dondequiera que estemos. También me gustaría que considerara hacer el primer objetivo de este mes, averiguar el significado del nombre que se le dio en el bautismo. Susurra una oración por todos los que lo hicieron posible: tus padres, el sacerdote que te bautizo, los padrinos y todos los que se unieron a esa feliz ocasión.

Hablando de alegría, estábamos en la temporada navideña, una temporada llena de alegría y celebración. Me gustaría agradecer a todos los que lo hicieron posible en nuestra parroquia.El tiempo litúrgico de Navidad concluye con la Fiesta del Bautismo del Señor de hoy. Estamos agradecidos con todos los que nos han ayudado a mantenernos “santos” en esta época festiva.Quiero expresar mi gratitud a todos los que ministran en las Santa Misas. Nuestros sacerdotes, diáconos, monjas, EM, ujieres, lectores, Ministerio de Música, monaguillos, especialmente Sean, Steve, Brigit para la misa de medianoche, Martha's Guild, que decoraron el interior de la iglesia con la ayuda del personal de mantenimiento. Gracias Tony y el equipo por instalar el gimnasio para la misa de Navidad. Gracias a varios donantes por su contribución para comprar un televisor para todo clima para transmitir la misa de Navidad en el estacionamiento. Gracias, Caballeros de Colón, Tom, por instalar la pancarta “Keep Christ in Christmas” en una parte diferente de Hicksville. Gracias al Director de Servicios Humanos Joe, a los voluntaries MaryAnn, Helen y Trisha por brindar ayuda a los necesitados todos los días, especialmente durante la temporada navideña.

Un agradecimiento especial a Mike y Ed por organizar la venta de mantas y coronas de Adviento con la ayuda de Diane, Maryann, Joe, Debbie, Maria, Kate, Lauren y Colleen. El árbol de Navidad y la decoración del exterior de la Iglesia son el resultado del arduo trabajo de Mike,Ed, Juan, Olga, José Elías y Luis. Nos gustaría decorar más áreas el próximo año para llevar la alegría de la temporada a muchos. Recibí varios correos electrónicos y tarjetas agradeciendo a nuestros ministros eucarísticos y voluntarios por presentar Poinsettias a los confinados en casa. Dado que esta iniciativa es bien recibida, me gustaría hacer algo similar en Semana Santa. Gracias Joan Della Ratta por patrocinarlo y a Frank por ayudarnos a entregarlo con una tasa de descuento. Gracias Richard Burg por organizar la distribución de Poinsettias a los confinados en casa.

Les agradezco no sólo su extraordinaria generosidad hacia nuestra parroquia en la colecta de Navidad, sino también su constante y generoso apoyo financiero a la parroquia durante todo el año. Sus donaciones hacen posible nuestra misión.

Esta fue mi primera Navidad en San Ignacio. Estoy profundamente en deuda con ustedes por guiarme y ayudarme a continuar la gran tradición de San Ignacio. Gracias por las muchas tarjetas y regalos, galletas y pasteles, sus palabras de aliento y bendiciones. Recibí un par de cartas de nuestros feligreses mayores que se mudaron fuera de la parroquia apreciando nuestro ministerio que me hizo llorar. Me siento bendecido de ministrar en esta parroquia.Considero el nombramiento del Padre Francis Samuel como regalo de Navidad para nuestra parroquia.

Finalmente, agradezco a Joan, la secretaria parroquial y al personal cuyas palabras y acciones diligentes y perspicaces marcaron una gran diferencia en este momento difícil. Da gracias a Dios por tu gracia y por elegirnos como instrumento para continuar como heraldos de tu presencia en este mundo. Fr.Shibi Pappan 

January 3, 2021

My Dear St .Ignatius Parish Family,

At the very onset, on behalf of the Clergy, Deacons, Nuns and Staff we wish you all A HAPPY & PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR 2021.
The development of vaccines for Covid, indeed is a ray of light at the end of the tunnel. Let us hope that the vaccine will be effective and will end this pandemic very soon. May we be able to go back to our normal life as soon as possible, so that we can do many things more effectively for the service of others, and for the greater glory of God.

As we are in the first days of the New Year, I really hope that by now many of you have set up an altar at home and started reading the Bible. Last Sunday, we celebrated the feast of the Holy Family. There is a reason and purpose why Jesus chose to be born in a family. Jesus, the new Adam, came not as an adult, in the way Adam was created. By being born as a baby, He sanctified families. It is in the Holy Family, the “first miniature Church” was formed. He gave us the clear message that every home is a domestic church. It is there, faith is nourished daily through prayers and activities. When you love one another and care for each other, that means faith in action. May parents become good role models for their children. May children grow in obedience to parents. Let us be thankful for our dearly departed, and let their memories be cherished fondly, and not sadly, in the hope that we all will one day be with our Lord. I would like to remind you that family that prays together stays together.

As we are looking forward for another new year, and after making many resolutions by now, we should reflect for a moment, about the plans we made for 2020, the goals we set, and how much we accomplished. Last year was definitely a challenging year, and the Covid was indeed a reason for the failure of our plans. But what about the other years. Every year, we make many goals. Most of them are extremely good, but at the same time, difficult to do in the long run. So as we start this year, we should make more realistic goals. As the saying goes, well begun is half done. But, beginning well is not enough. Like Jesus and St. Paul, we should be able to finish it. The Wisemen, on their journey to see the Messiah, had faced many difficulties as well as the comfort of a palace. But neither turbulence nor comforts prevented them from finishing the journey they started to worship Jesus.

Having said that, I invite your attention to the “The Waving Girl” statue in Savannah. The girl behind the statue, Florence Martus was the sister of the Elba Island light keeper. She never left the port of Savannah, Georgia, between 1887 and 1931. For more than four decades in a true spirit of hospitality, she greeted and waved at every ship that passed with a table cloth or towel by day and a lantern by night. For more than 44 years she never missed a ship, and each ship as it passed, returned her salute with three blasts of the whistle. The captain who brought the statue refused payment because of the fond memories he had of Florence. When entering the Savannah River, some ships blow their horn to salute the monument to this day. That was the impact of her welcoming persona. When we make decisions, it is not enough to have enthusiasm in the beginning, but it should be there till we accomplish our goal. The statue also gives us another good lesson. We should be able to love and serve others selflessly and remain in their hearts even after our death. Then only our Christian life is fulfilled. We have to continue, what we celebrated at the Altar of the Lord. Then only the celebration becomes really meaningful. Otherwise it will become just a ritual, a monotonous practice.

May God bless us all and enable us to fulfill our plans and dreams. May He give us good health and peace of mind in this new year.

In Jesus and Mary,
Fr.Shibi Pappan

“Pray as though everything depended on God;Act as though everything depended on you”. 
Mi querida familia parroquial de San Ignacio:
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Desde el principio, en nombre del clero, los diáconos, las monjas y el personal, les deseo a todos
UN FELIZ Y PRÓSPERO AÑO NUEVO 2021.

El desarrollo de la vacuna para Covid es un rayo de luz. al final del túnel. Esperemos que la vacuna sea eficaz y ponga fin a esta pandemia muy pronto. Que podamos volver a nuestra vida normal lo antes posible, para que podamos hacer muchas cosas más eficazmente para el servicio de los demás y la mayor gloria de Dios.

Como estamos en los primeros días del Año Nuevo, realmente espero que ya muchos de ustedes hayan instala- do un altar en casa. El domingo pasado celebramos la fiesta de la Sagrada Familia. Hay una razón y un propósito por el que Jesús eligió nacer en una familia. Jesús, el nuevo Adán, no vino como adulto, en la forma en que Adán fue creado. Al nacer como un bebé, santificó a las familias. Es en la Sagrada Familia, se formó la “primera Iglesia en miniatura”. Nos dio un mensaje claro de que cada hogar es una iglesia doméstica. Está ahí, la fe se nutre a diario a través de oraciones y actividades. Cuando se aman y se preocupan por los demás, eso significa que la fe está en acción. Que los padres se conviertan en buenos modelos para sus hijos. Que los hijos crezcan en obediencia a sus padres. Seamos agradecidos por nuestros seres queridos y dejemos que sus recuerdos sean apreciados con cariño, y no con tristeza, con la esperanza de que algún día todos estemos con nuestro Señor. Me gustaría recordarles que una familia que reza unida permanece unida.

Mientras esperamos con ansias otro año nuevo, y después de haber tomado muchas resoluciones a estas alturas, deberíamos reflexionar por un momento sobre los planes que hicimos para 2020, las metas que nos pro- pusimos y cuánto logramos. El año pasado fue definitivamente un año desafiante, y Covid fue de hecho una razón para el fracaso de nuestros planes. Pero ¿qué pasa con los otros años? Cada año, tomamos muchas resoluciones y establecemos metas. La mayoría de ellos son extremadamente buenos, pero al mismo tiempo difíciles de hacer, a largo plazo. Entonces, al comenzar este año, deberíamos establecer metas más realistas. Como dice el refrán, "bien empezado está a medio hacer". Pero empezar bien no es suficiente. Como Jesús y San Pablo, deberíamos poder terminarlo. Los magos, en su camino a ver al Mesías, enfrentaron muchas dificultades, así como la comodidad de un palacio en su viaje. Pero ni la turbulencia ni el consuelo les impidió terminar el viaje que iniciaron para adorar a Jesús.
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Habiendo dicho eso, les invito a que presten atención a la estatua de "The Waving Girl" en Savannah . La chi- ca detrás de la estatua, Florence Martus, era la hermana del guardián de la luz de la isla de Elba. Nunca abandonó el puerto de Savannah, Georgia, entre 1887 y 1931, durante más de cuatro décadas con un verdadero espíritu de hospitalidad. Saludaba a cada barco que pasaba con un mantel o toalla de día y una linterna de noche. Durante más de 44 años nunca perdió un barco, y cada barco, a su paso, le devolvió el saludo con tres toques de silbato. El capitán que trajo la estatua rechazó el pago debido a los buenos recuerdos que tenía de Florencia. Al ingresar al río Savannah, algunos barcos tocan la bocina para saludar al monumento, hasta el día de hoy. Ese fue el impacto de su personalidad acogedora. Cuando tomamos decisiones, no es suficiente tener entusiasmo al principio, pero debe estar ahí hasta que logremos nuestro objetivo. La estatua también nos da otra buena lección. Deberíamos poder amar y servir a los demás desinteresadamente y permanecer en sus corazones incluso después de nuestra muerte. Entonces solo se cumple nuestra vida cristiana. Tenemos que continuar, lo que celebramos en el Altar del Señor. Entonces solo la celebración se vuelve realmente significativa. De lo contrario, se convertirá en un ritual, una práctica monótona.

Que Dios nos bendiga a todos y nos permita cumplir nuestros planes y sueños. Que nos dé buena salud y tranquilidad en este nuevo año.

En Jesús y María

P. Shibi Pappan 

December 27, 2020

My dear faith family of St. Ignatius,
Lately, we feel like we are living through our own “desert experience” as the coronavirus pandemic is spreading in our country. It is sowing a terrible distress, terrorizing cities and suburbs; it is spreading all over the world like a wild fire. It does not discriminate among rich or poor, black or white, young or old, religious or secular, and sinner or saint. This pestilence can be looked at as a metaphor for sin and as an opportunity for grace.

When we sin, we think it affects only us. In fact, it creates a rupture in our relationships with our God, family, community and the world. Since we are profoundly interconnected, inextricably dependent on each other, and more importantly, we are the members of the mystical body of Christ, our sins also affect every- body in some form or another. It has a ripple effect like a pebble thrown into a pond. It has an impact on others, like this virus that is spreading from one person to another; it has an impact on the world. Therefore, we have to take responsibility for how we behave during this pandemic.The other side of this phenomenon is that this also creates an opportunity for us to be more compassionate, more caring, more forgiving and loving. The good we do, the good example we set before others, have a ripple effect; and its impact lasts for ever. Just read the newspapers or watch the digital or other media. They are filled with the stories about Good Samaritans and heroes in our midst who are at the forefront of the service professions, whether it is medical, security, clergy, or other service providers, including our own family caregivers like parents or children.

As we are going through this pandemic, know the hands of God who delivered the Israelites from the slavery of the Egyptians and the terror of pestilence are supporting us. Yes, we may be walking through the desert, but the Lord will provide for us the manna and the water we need. Our strength is the faith that the Lord walks with us as he had with the Israelites as
“a pillar of cloud to guide their way and by night as a pillar of fire” (Exodus 13: 21).It is with this firm conviction of the presence of the Lord journeying with us, as he did with the disciples on the turbulent boat, that we enter the New Year. May the words of our Lord to His disciples “why are you terrified?” (Mark. 4:40) comfort us. The Lord is with us. He is with us through His incarnation, which we have celebrated this week. He is with us in the Holy Eucharist, in the tabernacle, in the sacraments, and in the Word of God. He works miraculously through the first responders, medical professionals, scientists, clergy, Good Samaritans and others. He works with us through His amazing grace and in- finite providence. We need to have eyes of faith to see it and a spiritual heart to experience it .Jesus is our Eternal Physician. He works mysteriously through our fellow human beings. By the grace of God, now we have vaccines and other medications to fight this pandemic. Let us make use of it; let us protect our loved ones and ourselves. Remember, when we suffer, Christ suffers with us—the mystical body of Christ suffers with us. When we are compassionate and become an instrument of God’s love and grace, the mystical body of Christ heals and become whole.
This pandemic also challenges us to reflect on our priorities in life, our relationship with God, family and others. It reminds us of our own fragility and impermanence on this earth; it also invites us to look at fellow human beings and the world with the eyes of God—with compassion and love. It reminds us that we all be- long to the family of God. Yes, we belong to the mystical body of Christ; we are brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ!

As we are ringing in the New Year 2021, let us entrust ourselves in the infinite providence of God as the Israelites did, as the apostles and saints did. May the New Year bring us God
’s abundant grace and a new spring of spiritual renewal.
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We wish everyone a healthy, prosperous, and Blessed New Year!

Fr. Francis 
Mi querida familia de fe de la Iglesia de San Ignacio,

Últimamente, sentimos que estamos viviendo nuestra propia “experiencia en el desierto” a medida que la pandemia de coronavirus se está extendiendo en nuestro país. Está sembrando unaangustia terrible, aterrori- zando ciudades y suburbios; se está extendiendo por todo el mundo como un incendio forestal. No discrimina entre ricos o pobres, negros o blancos, jóvenes oviejos, religiosos o seculares, pecadores o santos. Esta pestilencia puede verse como una metáfora del pecado y como una oportunidad para la gracia.

Cuando pecamos, creemos que solo nos afecta a nosotros. De hecho, crea una ruptura en nuestras relaciones con Dios, la familia, la comunidad y el mundo. Dado que estamos profundamente interconectados, inextricablemente dependientes unos de otros y, lo que es más importante, somos miembros del cuerpo místico de Cristo, nuestros pecados también afectan a todos de una forma u otra. Tiene un efecto dominó como un guijarro arrojado a un estanque. Tiene un impacto en otros, como este virus que se transmite de una persona a otra; tiene un impacto en el mundo.Por lo tanto, tenemos que asumir la responsabilidad de cómo nos comportamos durante esta pandemia.

La otra cara de este fenómeno es que también crea una oportunidad para que seamos más compasivos, más solidarios, más perdonadores y amorosos. El bien que hacemos, el buen ejemplo que damos a los demás, tiene un efecto dominó; y su impacto dura para siempre.

Simplemente lea los periódicos o mire los medios digitales o de otro tipo. Están llenos de historias sobre buenos samaritanos y héroes entre nosotros que están a la vanguardia de las profesiones de servicio, ya sean médicos, de seguridad, clero u otros proveedores de servicios, incluidos nuestros propios cuidadores familiares como padres o hijos.

Mientras atravesamos esta pandemia, sepa que las manos de Dios que libraron a los israelitas de la esclavitud de los egipcios y el terror de la pestilencia nos apoyan. Sí, puede que estemos caminando por el desierto, pero el Señor nos proporcionará el maná y el agua que necesitamos.Nuestra fuerza es la fe en que el Señor camina con nosotros como lo hizo con los israelitas como “columna de nube para guiar su camino y de noche como columna de fuego” (Éxodo 13: 21).

Es con esta firme convicción de la presencia del Señor que viaja con nosotros, como lo hizo con los discípulos en la turbulenta barca, que entramos en el Año Nuevo. Que las palabras de nuestro Señor a sus discípulos "¿por qué están aterrorizados?" (Marcos 4:40) consuélanos.

El Señor está con nosotros. Él está con nosotros a través de Su encarnación, que hemos celebrado esta semana. Él está con nosotros en la Sagrada Eucaristía, en el tabernáculo, en los sacramentos y en la Palabra de Di- os. Trabaja milagrosamente a través de los socorristas, profesionales médicos, científicos, ministros y buenos samaritanos. Él trabaja con nosotros a través de Su asombrosa gracia y Su infinita providencia. Necesitamos tener ojos de fe para verlo y un corazón espiritual para experimentarlo.

Jesús es nuestro médico eterno. Trabaja misteriosamente a través de nuestros seres humanos. Por la gracia de Dios, ahora tenemos vacunas y otros medicamentos para combatir esta pandemia.Aprovechémoslo; rotejamos a nuestros seres queridos y a nosotros mismos.

Recuerde, cuando sufrimos, Cristo sufre con nosotros, el cuerpo místico de Cristo sufre con nosotros. Cuando somos compasivos y nos convertimos en un instrumento del amor y la gracia de Dios, el cuerpo místico de Cristo se sana y se completa.

Esta pandemia también nos desafía a reflexionar sobre nuestras prioridades en la vida, nuestra relación con Dios, la familia y los demás. Nos recuerda nuestra propia fragilidad e impermanencia en esta tierra; también nos invita a mirar a los demás seres humanos y al mundo con los ojos de Dios, con compasión y amor. Nos recuerda que todos pertenecemos a la familia de Dios. ¡Sí, pertenecemos al cuerpo místico de Cristo; somos hermanos y hermanas en Jesucristo!

Al celebrar el Año Nuevo 2021, confiemos en la providencia infinita de Dios como lo hicieron los israelitas, como lo hicieron los apóstoles y los santos. Que el Año Nuevo nos traiga laabundante gracia de Dios y una nueva primavera de renovación spiritual.
.¡Deseamos a todos un Año Nuevo saludable, próspero y bendito!
P. Francis 

December 20, 2020

My dear St. Ignatius Family,

We are in the last week of Advent, and Christmas is around the corner. Today’s Gospel scene is that of the Annunciation to our Blessed Mother. Over the years we have heard, and read, many reflections on this passage, but I would like you to reflect on some questions in the context of the present situation we are facing.

Whose message was it? It was a message from God. When we hear anything, be it good news or bad news we have to check the credibility of the source. Who delivered the message? It was Angel Gabriel who delivered the message. We know that whenever someone does something good to us, we think, he/ she is an angel. Yes, my dear brothers and sisters, let us become angels to others delivering happy news to others, and console others in their sadness, not agents that cause drifts. To whom was the message delivered? It was to a virgin Mary who remained sinless in her time. To have the desire to be in purity, one needs to be in awe of the holiness of God. It needs constant connection with God. We too should always try to be pure in whatever way possible. In this stressful time, instead of depending on unhealthy harmful addictions for relief, find comfort in God. Where was the message given? In her home. Some are discouraged as church activities are not so lively as earlier, because of the pandemic. There are still so many ways we can be good stewards of Christ even from our homes. We have to use our various talents of time, wealth and health, for the greater glory of God. What type of message was delivered? It was of course the good news for the entire humanity, as it offered salvation. But for Mary, an unmarried woman, pregnancy out of wedlock, would mean adultery and would lead to death by stoning. But we can see how she trusted God. Nowadays, most of the times we are hearing lots of news regarding the counts of deaths, infected ones, warnings, precautions to be taken, alerts etc. Many are confused, depressed, lonely and scared in this situation .In spite of all that happened, let us not panic.
 
This Sunday the fourth purple candle is lit. It symbolizes Peace. It is also called the Angel’s Candle . It reminds us of the message of the angels to the shepherds: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” (Lk.2:14).More than ever we need His peace now .His peace means not the absence of problems, but to be able to be still have calm in our hearts, amidst turmoil, and seeing His presence in our lives. In order to enjoy complete peace, we have to be free of any malice in our hearts. We have to forgive others from the heart. Though we may get irritated at the behavior of others and react, or maybe even over react, we should never hold any grudges in our hearts. Sometimes it may be extremely difficult, and may be almost near to impossible but forgive, for our loving God has forgiven our innumerable mistakes.  
So as we light this candle of peace we pray: 

Jesus the light of the world give us Your peace .The world as a whole, is going through a very tough time. Help us to keep our focus on You, even in the midst of our troubles. Let us be peace bearers to all, and for- give all. Help us Lord to persevere till the last moment of our lives. Amen . 

The fifth white candle in the center is called the “Christ Candle”.It means Jesus is the light of the world.It is white in colour to represent the purity of Christ, the spotless Lamb.It is lit on the Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

As we continue our preparation for Christmas,I would like you to make a good confession, and prepare the room for Him in Your hearts.In addition to the regular confession on Saturday(3:30 PM to 4:30 PM),there will be a confession on Monday,December 21st, from 5 PM to 8 PM.Confession will be in the old school building.

I encourage you to create a nativity scene at your home.Please do not put everything in it on 24th.But let us make a spiritual journey to Bethlehem ,along with Mary and Joseph, by placing statues in and around the manger, day by day. 

Monday 21st:
Display the manger.
Make our hearts and homes ready to receive Jesus. 

Tuesday 22nd:
Place shepherds outside.
Wait for Jesus with the humility and simplicity of these poor shepherds. 

Wednesday 23rd.:
Place Mary and Joseph.
Let us completely rely on God's providence and obey His Holy will . 

Thursday 24th:
Place the Infant Jesus .
Receive Jesus in our hearts .Do everything to make Him happy and never do anything to make Him sad. 

Before I conclude,I encourage you to read the short story “A Christmas Inspiration” (read story here)  by Canadian writer,Lucy Maud Montgomery.In this touching story, we can see how five young women staying in a boarding house make their grumpy landlady Miss.Allen happy.When they all received gifts, instead of remaining happy in their world, they noticed that Miss.Allen didn’t receive a single gift.Though Miss.Allen never smiled, one young woman got an inspiration to give her a gift.All the others agreed.They gave a big surprise to Miss.Allen and made her so happy that she cried out of joy.It is in giving that we receive true joy .The smile on the face of the receiver is the real gift.Let us see Jesus in others, especially in the less fortunate when we celebrate Christmas.Above all, let nothing steal your attention from Christ.God bless you all. On behalf of all the priests, deacons, nuns and staff also,

I WISH YOU ALL A BLESSED CHRISTMAS FROM THE DEPTHS OF MY HEART. 


In Jesus and Mary,
Fr.Shibi Pappan.
“Pray as though everything depended on God;Act as though everything depended on you.” 

December 13, 2020

My dear St. Ignatius Family,
The third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete Sunday . The Latin word Gaudete means “rejoice”. Hence the readings focus on the first coming of Jesus. The Gospel tells how John the Baptist paved the way for Christ, the Messiah. The first reading is the passage which Jesus read in the synagogue before He started His public ministry. The psalms and the second reading exhorts us to rejoice As God is always near to us.

This Sunday is Gaudete Sunday-the Sunday of Joy. Why must we rejoice? We must rejoice because Jesus comes to bring good news to the poor, bind up hearts that are broken, proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to those in prison. We need His presence more than ever in this present time. The awareness of Jesus as the true source of happiness, makes us courageous and joyous during this challenging time. There is another reason to be joyous. We present the finance report that shows our parish as a debt free parish. Thank you to all who financially support the work and mission of St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish.

I am grateful for the leadership and hard work of Fr. Jim Stachacz and former Finance Chairman, Robert Howard. I take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the dedicated members of the Parish Finance Council chaired by Sister Karen Lademann, Joseph Paneril- li, Gerard Mulholland, Mary Ann Lang, Luisa Adames, Erika Aldana, and Mike Krummenacker.

Throughout this year, while facing the restrictions of the pandemic, we have remained faithful stewards. Thank you to all parishioners who, despite the present circumstances, continue to come to Church as well as those who send in their contributions for the support of St. Ignatius. Regardless of the uncertainties ahead, we will trust in God’s faithfulness as we continue to rely on the generosity of all those who are members and well-wishers of St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish.

I present the Annual Report of St. Ignatius in the following pages for your study and suggestions. Let us together work for the greater glory of God!

In Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Shibi Pappan 
Mi querida familia parroquial de San Ignacio,

El tercer domingo de Adviento se llama Domingo Gaudete . La palabra latina Gaudete significa "regocijarse". De ahí las lecturas se centran en la primera venida de Jesús. El Evan- gelio cuenta cómo Juan el Bautista allanó el camino para Cristo, el Mesías. La primera lec- tura es el pasaje que Jesús leyó en la sinagoga antes de comenzar su ministerio público. Los salmos y la segunda lectura nos exhortan a regocijarnos porque el Señor está siempre cerca de nosotros. 

Este domingo se enciende la tercera vela. Simboliza la alegría, la alegría que el mundo experimentó en elnacimiento de Jesús. llamada la Vela del Pastor , porque al gran gozo del pastor, los ángeles anunciaron que Jesús también vino por personas humildes y sin importancia como ellos. Esta vela es rosa , rosa es el color litúrgico de la alegría. Los fieles regocijan al llegar al punto medio del Adviento. Al encender esta vela de alegría oremos: 

Jesús la luz del mundo, llénanos de desbordante alegría interior. Ayúdanos a compartir esa alegría con todos los que encontremos. Que estemos emocionados con la anticipación de Tu nacimiento, y que sea una señal para el mundo que Usted siempre está cerca. 

En Jesús y María,
P. Shibi Pappan

“Ora como si todo dependiera de Dios; actúa como si todo dependiera de ti.” 

December 6, 2020

My dear St. Ignatius family,
This Sunday the gospel invites us to reflect again on the need for alertness.
Watch. Wait. Welcome

Jesus. John the Baptist, prepared himself for the coming of the Messiah. He also prepared the way to Christ for the people of his time. Just like John, we are to prepare ourselves and those whom God has placed in our lives. We have the responsibility to take care of not only their physical needs, but also their spiritual needs as well. 

This Sunday the Second purple candle is lit. It symbolizes Faith . In some places it represents Love . For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life. (Jn.3:16). This just one verse summarizes God’s immense love for us and our salvation history. All that we need to do is to believe in Him. To have faith in that God cares so much about us. It is called the Bethlehem Candle in remembrance of the prophecy about the birth of Christ in Bethlehem, through the Prophet Micah. Bethlehem is the birthplace of King David. This candle also reminds us of the difficult journey that the expectant Mary had to do with Joseph. Let us pray for all pregnant women as they go through extra stress and difficulties, during this pandemic.

As we light the candle of faith/love, we pray: Jesus the light of the world, help us to have firm faith in You and love You above all. Help us to love each other, with divine love. Amen .

As we are preparing for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, I would like you to reflect on the ten principal virtues of Mary. It is true that God chose her and she was conceived without sin. But it is equally true that our Mother Mary kept her purity all through her life ,and practiced many other virtues as well, to a heroic degree of perfection. Of these, ten are considered as principal virtues. They are Surpassing purity, Di- vine Wisdom, Profound humility, Lively faith, Constant mental prayer, Blind obedience, Ardent charity, Heroic patience, Angelic sweetness and Universal mortification. She is the morning star and is radiating these virtues. So these virtues are usually represented in a Ten-ray star. Let us imitate her and practice these virtues in the best possible way.

It is my pleasure to introduce Fr.Francis Assisi OIC,to our Parish family.He has been an educator for the last thirty years.You can learn more about him in his article in this bulletin.

In Jesus and Mary ,
Fr.Shibi Pappan
“Pray as though everything depended on God;Act as though everything depended on you.” 
Mi querida familia de San Ignacio,

Este domingo el evangelio nos invita a reflexionar nuevamente sobre la necesidad de estar alerta. Miren, Esperen, Reciban a Jesús . Juan el Bautista, se preparó para la venida del Mesías. También preparó el camino a Cristo para la gente de su tiempo. Así, debemos prepararnos a nosotros mismos y a aquellos a quienes Dios ha puesto en nuestras vidas. Tenemos la responsabilidad de cuidar no solo de sus necesidades físicas, sino también de sus necesidades espirituales.

Este domingo se enciende la Segunda vela púrpura. Simbolizala Fe . En algunos lugares representa el Amor . También se le llama el Cirio de Belén en recuerdo de la profecía sobre el nacimiento de Cristo en Belén, a través del Profeta Miqueas.Belén es el lugar de nacimiento del Rey David. Porque tanto amó Dios al mundo que dio a su Hijo unigénito, para que todo el que crea en él no se pierda, sino que tenga vida eterna (Jn 3:16). Este versículo re- sume el inmenso amor de Dios por nosotros y cuánto deseaba salvarnos. Todo lo que tenemos que hacer es creer en Él. Tener fe en ese Dios que se preocupa tanto por nosotros. Esta vela también recuerda el du- ro viaje que la expectante María tuvo que hacer con José. Oremos por todas las mujeres embarazadas que atraviesan situaciones de estrés y dificultades adicionales durante esta pandemia. Al encender la
vela de la fe/amor, roguemos al Señor, Jesús la luz del mundo, ayudad nos a tener una fe firme en to- dos y amor por Usted por encima de todo. Ayúdanos a amarnos unos a otros, con amor divino. Amén.

Mientras nos preparamos para la Solemnidad de la Inmaculada Concepción, me gustaría que reflexionaran sobre las diez principales virtudes de María. Es cierto que Dios la eligió y fue concebida sin pecado. Pero es igualmente cierto que nuestra Madre María mantuvo su pureza durante toda su vida, y practicó también muchas otras virtudes, hasta un grado heroico de perfección. De estos, diez se consideran virtudes principales. Son Pureza Superante, Sabiduría Divina, Humildad Profunda, Fe Viva, Oración Mental Constante, Obediencia Ciega, Caridad Ardiente, Paciencia Heroica, Dulzura Angélica y Mortificación Universal. Ella es la estrella de la mañana y está irradiando estas virtudes. Entonces, estas virtudes generalmente se representan en una estrella de diez rayos. Imitamos y practiquemos estas virtudes de la mejor manera posible. Es un placer para mí presentar al P. Francis Assisi OIC a nuestra familia parroquial. Ha sido un educador durante los últimos treinta años, y pueden aprender más sobre él en su artículo.

En Jesús y María,
P. Shibi Pappan
“Oren como si todo dependiera de Dios; Actúa como si todo dependiera de ti .”

November 29, 2020

First Sunday of Advent
Mt 13-33-37

My Dear St. Ignatius Family,
This Sunday marks the beginning of the liturgical season of Advent. .It comprises the four weeks preceding Christmas, where the faithful are invited for a two fold spiritual preparation . First, of course for Christmas, we prepare for the first coming of Christ as a human, for our salvation, is remembered. Second, as I me tioned in my last bulletin, for His second coming on the last day. This is called Parousia in Christian theology. The word
“Advent” is derived from the Latin word adventus .It means “coming” . It is actually a translation of the Greek word parousia, which means “arrival” or “official visit”. This year as Christmas falls on a Friday, Christmas Eve is on a Thursday. So the fourth week of Advent is shortened. The liturgical color used during this season is purple/violet, as it signifies a time of prayer, penance, and sacrifice. The Gloria is omit- ted on Sundays. So this is a “mini-lent”. The penitential observances of Advent always have a festive character to them . We prepare with a spirit of hope and joy ,focusing on the good qualities symbolized by the four Advent Candles, that are to be incorporated in us. Whereas during Lent, we prepare with a spirit of fast- ing and penance focusing mainly on our sins and weaknesses that are to be eliminated from our lives. The use of the wreath and candles in Churches and homes during Advent is a longstanding Catholic tradition. Understanding the symbolism of the Advent wreath will help for a better spiritual preparation. The wreath is made of evergreen leaves which symbolizes life ,and its circle shape symbolizes the eternity of God .The three purple candles and the pink candle represent the four weeks of Advent. There is a white candle in the center, which represents Christ . Each Sunday one new candle is lit. I will write about each in the coming Sundays.

This Sunday the First purple candle is lit. It symbolizes 
Hope in the coming of Jesus .It is also called the Prophecy Candle in remembrance of the prophecy about the birth of Christ through prophets, especially Prophet Isaiah. In addition to these, in our Church, you can see the statue of expectant Mary to encourage us to joyfully prepare our hearts and minds with her. 
As we light the candle of hope, we pray: 

Jesus the light of the world, kindle in us hope as we prepare for Your coming. Lord, You only know the deep longing we have in our hearts, to welcome You more deeply into our lives. We desire for Your love only. Help us Lord to persevere till the last moment. of our lives. Amen 
. 
In Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Shibi Pappan

“Pray as though everything depended on God;Act as though everything depended on you”. 

Mi querida familia de San Ignacio,

Este domingo marca el comienzo de la temporada litúrgica de Adviento en la Iglesia Católica. Son  
las cuatro semanas anteriores a la Navidad, donde se invita a los fieles a una doble spiritual preparación. Primero, por supuesto, para Navidad, donde la primera venida de Cristo como humano, para nuestra se recuerda salvación, y segundo, como mencioné en mi último boletín, para Su segunda venida en el último día, que se llama Parusía en teología cristiana. La palabra "Adviento" se deriva de la palabra latina adven- tus. Significa "venir". En realidad, es una traducción de la palabra griega parusía, que significa "llegada" o "visita oficial". Este año, como Navidad cae en viernes y Nochebuena es jueves, truncando la cuarta semana.

El color litúrgico utilizado durante esta época es el morado/violeta, ya que significa un tiempo de oración, penitencia y sacrificio, y se omite la oración de Gloria los domingos, como en Cuaresma. Las penitenciales observancia del Adviento siempre tienen un carácter festivo. Nos preparamos con un espíritu de esperanza y alegría enfocándonos en las buenas cualidades simbolizadas por las cuatro Velas de Adviento, que se nos inculcaron, mientras que durante la Cuaresma nos preparamos con un espíritu de ayuno y penitencia enfocándonos principalmente en las malas cualidades que deben ser eliminadas de nuestras vidas.

El uso de coronas y velas en iglesias y hogares durante el Adviento es una tradición católica de larga data. Comprender el simbolismo de eso ayudará a una mejor preparación espiritual. La corona está hecha de hojas perennes que simbolizan la vida y su forma circular simboliza la eternidad de Dios. Además de las cuatro velas que representan las cuatro semanas de Adviento, hay una vela blanca en el centro que representa a Cristo. Cada domingo se enciende una vela nueva, a cada una de las cuales les daré una nota en los próximos domingos.

Este domingo la Primera vela de color púrpura se enciende según el tiempo litúrgico. Simboliza la Esperanza , la anticipación que tenemos en la venida de Jesús. También se le llama la Vela de Profecía en recuerdo de la profecía sobre el nacimiento de Cristo a través de los profetas, especialmente el Profeta Isaías. Además de estos, en nuestra iglesia, se puede ver la estatua de la expectante Virgen María, que nos anima a preparar con alegría nuestro corazón y nuestra mente con ella. Al encender la vela de la esperanza, oramos, Jesús, la luz del mundo, enciende la esperanza en nosotros mientras nos preparamos para Tu venida. Señor, solo Tú conoces el profundo anhelo que tenemos en nuestro corazón, de acogerte más  profundamente en nuestras vidas. Deseamos solo tu amor. Ayúdanos Señor a perseverar hasta el último momento de nuestra vida. Amén. 

November 22, 2020

My dear St. Ignatius family,

Let us adore Christ the King with all angels and saints.

This Sunday, we celebrate the great Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ as the King of Kings. On this day we honor and adore our one and only True Lord and King, the One to Whom all glory and honor are due. He came in humility as a mere human, and established His Kingdom, which is not of this world as He told to Pilate. By celebrating the feast of Christ the King, the Church wants to remind us of His second coming or Parousia, when He comes in glory on the last day as Sovereign Lord and judge of the world. He taught that His Kingdom is priceless like a treasure hidden in the field. The Kingdom which He established without any sword or wars, even after more than 2000 years, is still growing just like He had said in the parable of the mustard seed or the parable of the yeast. The “Christ the King” statue in Poland is world’s largest statue of Jesus in the world (3 3 meters tall - one meter for each year of Jesus’ earthly life). It shows how much His Kingship is still significant. All the other kings and rulers of this world derive and receive their authority and power from God, our King. May our rulers draw inspiration and enlightenment from the King of the Universe, Jesus Christ.

With this celebration, the liturgical year ends, and it is fitting to celebrate this feast day on the Sunday before Advent, as we liturgically wait for the promised Messiah (King). Before that our faith will be tested by trials. But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.(Mt.24:13). One of the best ways for achieving this is to let Him rule our lives. Prayer plays a key role in this. Since Jesus is the Universal king, all creations are His subjects. He has a special concern for the poor and needy, which His followers are to emulate. All His disciples are enjoined to look beyond themselves and move out of their personal concerns, in order to serve the least, the last and the lost. This weekend's Gospel reminds us of the final criterion for eternal life: How did I treat others? Nothing matters as much. With the power of the Holy Spirit, pray that we may recognize those in need. Let us look for opportunities to meet Jesus’ expectation in our daily lives, and pray:

“O Lord our God, You alone are the Most Holy King and Ruler of all nations. We pray to You, Lord, in the great expectation of receiving from You, O Divine King, mercy, peace, justice and all good things. Protect, O Lord our King, our families and the land of our birth. Guard us we pray Most Faithful One. Protect us from our enemies and from Your Just Judgment. Forgive us, O Sovereign King, our sins against you .Jesus, You are a King of Mercy. We have deserved Your Just Judgment. Have mercy on us, Lord, and forgive us. We trust in Your Great Mercy. O most awe-inspiring King, we bow before You and pray; May Your Reign, Your Kingdom, be recognized on earth. Amen.” 

Thank you note from the bottom of my heart... to one and all...

This is my first Thanksgiving here at St. Ignatius. As we begin Thanksgiving week, I am grateful for so many things in my life and in the life of this Parish. Three months have flown by, in the blink of an eye. First and foremost, I thank God for giving me an opportunity to serve in this beautiful Parish. I would like to thank each one of you for the warm welcome, love, prayers, and support you have extended to me in the past three months. I know that you will continue to do so as we make this journey together. A special thanks to the unsung heroes of our Parish , the Rectory Staff, Priests, Deacons, and multiple minis- tries. I am thankful for our priests and deacons for their dedication to nourish us with spiritual food, the religious education leaders for catering to the spiritual and intellectual growth of our students, and Human Services for feeding the hungry and needy. It has been a great blessing to meet many of you and to pray together and grow in our spirituality especially during October, the month of the Rosary.

We have more than thirty active ministries at St. Ignatius. The Covid 19 Pandemic has changed the functioning of these ministries. For example some ministries like St. Anne Prayer Group, St. Ignatius CYO etc. are waiting to lift the restrictions to come back while others are conducting online sessions like Religious Education and Divine Mercy daily chaplet. However, there are some ministries that meet regularly like Knights of Columbus, Sunday Collection Counting Ministry, St. Vincent de Paul, etc. I specifically mention the resolute participation of several ministries to make our liturgical gathering possible. For example Lectors, Altar Servers, Ushers, Eucharistic Ministers, Ministry of Consolation, Music Ministry, Volunteers who clean and sanitize, Maintenance Staff, etc. that deeply touched me beyond words. I am indebted to Martha’s Guild who works hard to maintain this church spick and span, and make this a worthy dwelling place of God. Thank you Jane’s Garden Ministry for the beautification of Church premises. Several other ministries like Pastoral Council, Finance Committee, Catholic Daughters, Men's Prayer Group, Fundrais- ing Committee, Activity Committee, Columbiettes, Scripture Group, Nocturnal Adoration, Blood Bank, and Cub Scouts are a few worth mentioning. I will introduce all the ministries in our Parish, eventually. Whether they meet in person or not, they continue their fundamental responsibility, that is to strengthen each other with prayers. You make a big difference here. Thank you! I gratefully remember Fr. Jim for his support and thank Ivan for setting up the livestreaming, Laura Mazurkiewicz for maintaining our website, and Joe Malerba who volunteered for maintaining Facebook and Instagram page. A special word of thanks to Joan, Jeanne and Tony, and other staff for helping out a lot, to do all for the greater glory of God.
I pray for God’s blessings for you and your families. May He keep you safe.

“Pray as though everything depended on God; Act as though everything depended on you.”
In Jesus and Mary
Fr.Shibi Pappan 

November 15, 2020

Picture
Dear St. Ignatius family,
This week, I am happy and proud to throw a little light on my religious order and its founder Archbishop Mar Ivanios whose process of canonization is ongoing, as many of you have asked me about that.

He was a brilliant student and was deeply spiritual. At the age of 15, therefore, he was recommended to join Seminary School for his high school studies. After receiving his Master’s degree, he was ordained a priest and was appointed as the Principal of a Seminary. Later he was moved to Calcutta, to teach in a College where he devoted his energy in forming a monastic community as an instrument of spiritual renewal within the Eastern Orthodox Church, inspired by both the Christian and Indian monastic traditions. After making the necessary arrangements for the same, he resigned his professorship and started the first Christian religious community in the Eastern Orthodox Church on  August 15, 1919, at Mundanmala, Kerala. He gave the new congregation the name “Bethany Ashram” which is also officially known as the Order of the Imitation of Christ, to which I belong. Bethany Ashram and its beloved founder came to the attention and admiration of Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church, and therefore, he was consecrated as Bishop on May 1, 1925; and he, whose baptismal name was George, chose a new name Mar Ivanios O.I.C. As a result of the relentless study, research, contemplation, and the ascetic life, Mar Ivanios came into the firm conviction to reu- nite with the Catholic Church, and hence, on September 20, 1930, he together with some of the members of Bethany Ashram and other representatives from the community, came into the full communion of the Catholic Church.

In 1932, Mar Ivanios was invited to participate in the 32nd International Congress of Divine Grace in Dublin. During this time, he visited Pope Pius several times, gave lectures in many European Universities and met with King George V of the United Kingdom, G. K. Chesterton, and George Bernard Shaw. Later, during his visit to the USA, he had the privilege of meeting with President Truman. He was a great religious, missionary, and mystic. He founded two religious orders, one for men and the other for women. He wanted to go beyond just giving service to human beings.

In fact, I wanted to join this religious order, as I too, wanted to experience God through monastic (sannyasa) life and sacramental life, just as he intended. He also wanted us to engage the world through evangelization and missionary work. Mar Ivanios, known as “Moses of Malankara Church” and “Apostle of Church Communion” is a great model for religious life and missionary work, and is a great personal source of inspiration for me. His life is a testimony to complete abandonment of oneself to the providence of God. Just like him, I too have taken the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience as a religious. When he had to give up everything in pursuit of truth and communion with the Mother Church, he did not hesitate and left all his possessions and positions in the Orthodox Church. This complete trust in God is a sign of a true Servant of God. Like him, I too, believe that the realization of God is nobler than anything else we can achieve in this life.

As a great missionary, he established 150 new parishes including many mission stations. He brought home to our Mother Church numerous Orthodox Christians and he converted innumerable Hindus. Mar Ivanios erected 50 schools and one college for the benefit of the illiterate and disenfranchised people, especially women in the community. He established many orphanages and social service associations for the poor and marginalized people in India. Through his holiness, religious zeal, and missionary endeavor, Mar Ivanios proved himself to be a true Servant of God, and after scrutinizing his whole life and work, Holy Mother Church has found him worthy to be elevated to the venerable position of a Servant of God, on July 14, 2007. Let us pray that this extraordinary man of great vision and profound holiness be called a saint soon, and ask his intercession also in our journey on this earth.

God had given to Servant of God Mar Ivanios, several talents in order to be spent and multiplied in the service of God and His Kingdom, thereby becoming the source of further blessing for others and themselves. He won several Souls for God. Do I use my talents for the greater glory of God?
​

“Pray as though everything depended on God; Act as though everything depended on you.”
​

In Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Shibi 
Boletín del domingo 15 de noviembre de 2020

Querida familia de San Ignacio,
Esta semana, estoy feliz y orgulloso de arrojar un poco de luz sobre mi orden religiosa y su fundador, el arzobispo Mar Ivanios, cuyo proceso de canonización está en curso, ya que muchos de ustedes me han preguntado sobre eso.

Fue un estudiante brillante y profundamente espiritual. Por lo tanto, a la edad de 15 años, se le recomendó unirse al Seminario para sus estudios secundarios. Después de recibir su maestría fue ordenado sacerdote y nombrado Director de un Seminario. Más tarde fue trasladado a Calcuta, para enseñar en un colegio donde dedicó su energía a formar una comunidad monástica como un instrumento de renovación espiritual dentro de la Iglesia Ortodoxa Oriental, inspirado en las tradiciones monásticas cristianas y orientales. Después de hacer los arreglos necesarios para el mismo, renunció a su cátedra y comenzó la primera comunidad religiosa cristiana en la Iglesia Ortodoxa Oriental el 15 de agosto de 1919, en Mundamala, Kerala. Le dio a la nueva congregación el nombre de "Bethany Ashram", que también se conoce oficialmente como la Orden de la Imitación de Cristo, a la que pertenezco. Bethany Ashram y su amado fundador llamaron la atención y la admiración de la Iglesia Ortodoxa Siria de Malankara, y por lo tanto, fue consagrado como obispo el 1 de mayo de 1925; y él, cuyo nombre bautismal era George, eligió un nuevo nombre Mar Ivanios O.I.C. Como resultado del incansable estudio, investigación, contemplación y la vida ascética, Mar Ivanios tomó la firme convicción de reunirse con la Iglesia Católica, y de ahí, en el 20 de septiembre de 1930, junto con al- gunos de los miembros de Bethany Ashram y otros representantes de la comunidad entraron en la plena comunión de la Iglesia Católica.

En 1932, Mar Ivanios fue invitado a participar en el 32o Congreso Internacional de la Divina Gracia en Dublín. Du- rante este tiempo, visitó al Papa Pío varias veces, dio conferencias en muchas universidades europeas y se reunió con el rey Jorge V del Reino Unido, G.K. Chesterton y George Bernard Shaw. Posteriormente, durante su visita a los Estados Unidos, tuvo el privilegio de reunirse con el Presidente Truman. Fue un gran religioso, misionero y místico. Fundó dos órdenes religiosas, una para hombres y otra para mujeres. Quería ir más allá de dar servicio a los seres humanos.

De hecho, quería unirme a esta orden religiosa, ya que yo también quería experimentar a Dios a través de la vida monástica (sannyasa) y la vida sacramental, tal como él pretendía. También quería que compartiéramos al mundo a través de la evangelización. Mar Ivanios, conocido como el “Moisés de la Iglesia de Malankara” y el “Apóstol de la Comunión de la Iglesia” es un gran modelo para la vida religiosa y el trabajo misionero, y es una gran fuente de in- spiración personal para mí. Su vida es un testimonio del total abandono de uno mismo a la providencia de Dios. Co- mo él, yo también he hecho votos de pobreza, castidad y obediencia como religioso. Cuando tuvo que renunciar a todo en pos de la verdad y la comunión con la Madre Iglesia, no lo dudó y dejó todas sus posesiones y cargos en la Iglesia Ortodoxa. Esta total confianza en Dios es señal de un verdadero Siervo de Dios. Como él, yo también creo que la realización de Dios es más noble que cualquier otra cosa que podamos lograr en esta vida.

Estableció 150 parroquias nuevas, incluidas muchas estaciones misioneras. Mar Ivanios erigió 50 escuelas y una universidad para beneficio de las personas analfabetas y marginadas, especialmente las mujeres de la comunidad. Estableció muchos orfanatos y asociaciones de servicios sociales para los pobres y los marginados de la India. A través de su santidad, celo religioso y esfuerzo misionero, Mar Ivanios demostró ser un verdadero Siervo de Dios, y después de escrutar toda su vida y obra, la Santa Madre Iglesia lo ha encontrado digno de ser elevado a la venerable posición de Siervo de Dios, el 14 de julio de 2007. Oremos para que este hombre extraordinario de gran visión y profunda santidad sea pronto llamado santo y pidamos su intercesión también en nuestro camino por esta tierra.
​

En Jesus y Maria,
Padre Shibi 

​

November 8, 2020

Dear St. Ignatius Family,
This weekend, the Gospel invites us to prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ. Are we prepared for the Master's return? Have you ever sat in front of Jesus and opened your heart and life to Jesus? As a good catholic, I personally invite you to spend time with our Lord Jesus in the Blessed Eucharist. Our faith teaches us the Real Presence of Jesus in Heaven and on Earth under the Sacramental Veil of the Eucharist found in the Tabernacle of every Catholic Church. Some churches, like our Church, are fortunate to have an Adoration Chapel, where the Eucharist is exposed for adoration. During the hours of exposition, the Most Blessed Sacrament is kept in a Monstrance, and at other times retained in the Tabernacle in the Chapel. The Eucharist is God- Jesus, the Risen Lord, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. Our mortal eyes see a host of un- leavened bread, but our eyes of Faith see and recognize Jesus. It is a tremendous gift of faith to believe Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. Our Lord is thirsting for us and our friendship with Him. Come and fall in love with Him, and experience the immeasurable love and unspeakable peace He is offering to each one of us, which no one else in this world can give, which nowhere else you will get. I would also like to invite you to join us every Friday, at 3 O’clock for praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet, in person, or if not possible through our live stream.

For those who visit our Lord in the Adoration Chapel, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. For those who cannot visit the Lord because of physical limitations, work, etc, know that your intentions are in my prayers before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. For those of you who can visit the Lord but are unsure of where to start, I would like to invite you to think about the unconditional love and infinite mercy He has for us, and start by making short visits. I assure you that He will do the rest, as you will experience His magnet- ic love attracting us to be with Him....just to be with Him. You don’t have to do anything, He will do the doing.

Finally, a word about the
veil you see in the Chapel. As a reverence to the Lord, in the absence of an adorer, use the veil to cover the Monstrance. The veil is not to hide something, but it represents our faith in the real presence of Jesus in the Blessed Eucharist. This Mystery is so great, so wonderful, so beyond our comprehension and our ability to focus, that we veil it to remind us of its magnificence and holiness.

Thank you, Colleen, Rosemarie, Katelyn, and the parents to prepare and dress up children like saints on All Saints Day. That was a spectacular moment!

Thank you all for joining us at the All Souls' Day Holy Mass of Remembrance, bringing pictures of your loved ones to place on the memorial Altar, writing the names of your loved ones in the “Book of Remembrance” and enrolling your loved ones in the “All Souls' Novena of Holy Masses”. As we continue to pray for them throughout this month, let us also seek the intercession of St. Joseph, Patron of a Holy Death.

Thank you, Pam, Peggy, Tony, Joan, volunteers, and staff for the arrangements on All Souls Day. I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Consolation for your hard work, on every wake service and funeral, and especially for being vessels of God's compassion and care.

“Pray as though everything depended on God; Act as though everything depended on you.”

In Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Shibi Pappan 
Estimados feligreses de San Ignacio:
Este fin de semana, el Evangelio nos invita a prepararnos para la venida de Jesucristo. ¿Estamos preparados para el regreso del Señor? ¿Jesús nos reconoce? ¿Alguna vez te has sentado frente a Jesús y has abierto tu corazón y tu vida a Jesús? Como buen católicos, los invito personalmente a pasar tiempo con nuestro Señor Jesús en la Santísima Eucaristía. Nuestra fe nos enseña que la presencia real de Jesús es en el Cielo y en la tierra bajo el Velo Sacramental de la Eucaristía que se encuentra en el Tabernáculo de cada Iglesia Católica. Algunas iglesias, como la nuestra, tienen la suerte de tener una Capilla de Adoración, donde se expone la Eucaristía para la adoración. Durante las horas de exposición, el Santísimo Sacramento se guarda en una Custodia, y en otras ocasiones se retiene en el Tabernáculo, en la Capilla. La Eucaristía es Dios
-Jesús, el Señor Resucitado, Cuerpo, Sangre, Alma y Divinidad. Nuestros ojos mortales ven la hostia de pan sin levadura, pero nuestros ojos de Fe ven y reconocen a Jesús. Es un tremendo don de fe creer en Jesús en la Sagrada Eucaristía. Nuestro Señor tiene sed de nosotros y de nuestra amistad con él. Ven y enamórate de Él, y experimenta el amor inconmensurable y la paz indescriptible que Él nos ofrece a cada uno de nosotros, que nadie más en este mundo puede dar, que en ningún otro lugar obtendrás.

También me gustaría invitarlos a unirse con nosotros todos los viernes, a las tres de la tarde, para rezar la Coronilla de la Divina Misericordia, en persona, o, si no es posible, a través de nuestra transmisión en vivo. Para aquellos que visitan a nuestro Señor en la Capilla de Adoración, les agradezco desde el fondo de mi corazón. Para aquellos que no pueden visitar al Señor por limitaciones físicas, trabajo, etc., sepan que sus intenciones están en mis oraciones antes Jesús en el Santísimo Sacramento.
Para aquellos de ustedes que pueden visitar al Señor pero no están seguros de por dónde empezar, me gustaría invitarlos a pensar en el amor incondicional y la misericordia infinita que Él tiene por nosotros, y comenzar haciendo visitas breves. Le aseguro que Él hará el resto, ya que experimentarás Su amor magnético atrayendonos a estar con Él ... solo para estar con Él. Usted no tiene que hacer nada, Él lo hará.

Finalmente, unas palabras sobre el velo que ves en la Capilla. Como reverencia al Señor, en ausencia de un adorador, usamos el velo para cubrir la Custodia. El velo no es para ocultar algo, pero se usa para representar nuestra fe en la presencia real de Jesús en la Santísima Eucaristía. Este Misterio es tan grande, tan maravilloso, tan más allá de nuestra comprensión y nuestra capacidad de concentrarnos, que lo cubrimos con un velo para recordarnos de su magnificencia y santidad.

Muchas gracias por acompañarnos en la Misa Conmemorativa del Día de Todas las Almas, por traer fotos de sus seres queridos para colocar en el Altar conmemorativo y por escribir los nombres de sus seres queridos en el “Libro del Recuerdo” e inscribir a sus seres queridos en la “Santa Misa de Novena de Todas las Almas”. Continuaremos orando por ellos y recordándoles durante este mes.
​

En Jesús y María,
Padre Shibi Pappan 

November 1, 2020

Dear Parishioners:

A woman, who was recently baptized, was asked by a co
-worker, "What is it like to be a Christian saint?" She said, "It is like being a Halloween pumpkin. God picks you from the field, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off you. Then he cuts off the top and scoops out the yucky stuff. He removes the pulp of impurity and injustice and seeds of doubt, hate, and greed. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light of holiness inside you to shine for the entire world to see." What a great Christian way to think about carved pumpkins during the Halloween season!

Halloween is a contraction for “All Hallows Eve” and it refers to the vigil of “All Hallows (Saints) Day. To- day, the secular world tends to glorify the demonic with emphasis on violence and horror and hyper- commercializes it. However, that should never stop Catholics from celebrating Halloween as a vigil celebra- tion of the great feast of All Saints' Day. Therefore, the most important question is not whether we should observe Halloween, but how we should celebrate it. While keeping our children safe, let us help children meet their neighbors, sharing candies and gifts, and more importantly, teach them about Christ’s triumph over sin, death, and Satan. We can use this celebration to introduce saints that courageously fought against Satan like St. Anthony the Great, St. Padre Pio, St. Gemma Galgani, St. John Vianney and St. Teresa of Avi- la. Teach your children the prayer of St. Michael the Archangel using the costumes of saints rather than ghouls. Thank you to the Religious Education Program for celebrating All Saints' Day with the Religious Ed students wearing the costumes of Saints on November 1st at the 9:30 am Holy Mass.

This Sunday we celebrate All Saints' Day. There are many saints whom the Universal Church honors and loves. But there are saints, totally unknown to the world, but fully known to God. They may include our grandparents, neighbors, colleagues, housekeepers, even our enemies- people who looked so ordinary that we never considered them holy. It is the memory of peoples such as these, the Church honors today. On All Souls' Day, we were called upon to pray for all the dead, the dead who are known to us and the dead who may not have anyone to pray for them. Let us place their names in the “Book of Remembrance” and place their pictures on the “Memory Altar” that will be arranged near the Main Altar.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church recommends prayer for the dead in conjunction with the offering of the Eucharistic Sacrifice and also encourages "almsgiving, indulgences, and works of penance undertaken on behalf of the dead" (CCC #1032). Let us not forget to pray for our dear departed, offer Masses for them on their anniversaries, visit their graves, and make daily sacrifices for them. God can foresee and apply the merits of our prayers, penance, and works of charity completed even years after their death.

I would like to thank Terry Meyer from Meyers Farms for the pumpkins and mum plants that she and her family have donated to St. Ignatius. For many years, Terry and her family have generously donated many of the flowers that adorn our altar and our gardens. The Martha’s Guild arranged the flowers and decorated the front of the altar.

I appreciate our parishioners and friends for participating in “The Thank-you Project” which shows our appreciation for military personnel, who currently serve our country, by sending them a thank you note. I am overwhelmed by the dedication of the Catholic Daughters of America for making this project possible during a challenging time. 

Finally, it is election time. Many of you may have cast your vote already. However, if you can't decide on a candidate, pray for God's Wisdom as you prepare to vote, educate yourself on the issues as you look to the Word of God and the teaching of the Holy Catholic Church for direction, and vote, and trust in God for the outcome. Regardless of the results, continue to pray for those in leadership. Did you know that even if the person you voted for is not elected, God can still change hearts? Yes, He can!

​“
Pray as though everything depended on God; Act as though everything depended on you.”

In Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Shibi 

October 25, 2020

Dear Parishioners,
There is a legend handed down from the early Church about John, the beloved disciple of Jesus. Of the twelve original apostles, only John lived to a ripe old age. In his later years, not only his body but also his eyesight and his mind began to fail him. Eventually, according to the legend, John's mind had deteriorated to the point that he could speak only five words, one sentence which he would repeat over and over. The legend says that on every Lord's Day, John would be carried into the midst of the congregation that had assembled for worship in the Church at Ephesus. This is where John spent the last years of his life. Total silence would fall over the congregation, even though they already knew what John was going to say. Then the old man would say the words, "My children, love one another." Over and over, he would repeat these words until he grew tired of talking. No one yawned or gazed into space absentmindedly. They listened as John preached his five-word sermon over and over: "My children, love one another."

No matter how often we hear these words, we are challenged by the demands they place upon us. Loving God, whom we cannot see, is false if it is not complemented by loving our brethren. Scripture reminds us that “those who say, I love God, but hate their brothers and sisters are liars” (1 Jn 4:20-21). Love of God and others is not a “pious slogan” but a powerful challenge to come to the realization that God loves me and the same God is impartial and loves everyone equally. Our love for each other is a reflection of God's love for us. This weekend, let us remember that Christian love “agape” is a decision to do something good for others; it is not something we feel.

All Souls' Day Memorial Holy Mass
As All Souls’ Day approaches, many of us reflect and pray for those we have lost. Losing a loved one is always painful, but experiencing grief during the COVID-19 pandemic is especially difficult. If you lost someone this year, you may not have been able to be present when he or she died. Participation in wakes and funerals has been restricted and many have been unable to mourn in person with family and friends. Therefore, on this All Souls’ Day, we especially commemorate those people during the special Holy Mass at 7:30 pm along with those who died since last All Souls' Day.

All Souls' Day Memorial Altar
We are inviting our parishioners and friends to bring a framed photograph of your dearly departed and place it on a special memorial altar set up near the main altar for the 9:00 am and 7:30 pm Holy Mass on November 2nd. Please call the rectory for further clarification or special assistance.

All Souls' Remembrance Novena
During all Masses in November, St. Ignatius Parish will lift up in prayer those who have gone before us. To have your deceased loved ones remembered at our Masses, we invite you to enroll them in our “All Souls' Day Novena Mass Envelope." Place the envelope in one of the collection baskets in Church or in the Parish Office.

The Book of Remembrance & The Book of Life
During November, the month of All Souls, parishioners and visitors to St. Ignatius Parish are invited to write the names of their beloved deceased in The Book of Remembrance found near the Baptismal font. The Book of Remembrance will remain there through the month of November. In the Book of Life, we will list the names of every person who has been buried from St. Ignatius Parish from November 1, 2019 to October 15, 2020.

“When we love and remember the dead, we prepare ourselves for the mystery of death and eternal life.” Vigen Guroian (author and theologian)
​

Pray as though everything depended on God; Act as though everything depended on you.” In Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Shibi 
Boletín de 25 de octubre
Hay una leyenda transmitida desde la Iglesia primitiva sobre Juan, el discípulo amado de Jesús. De los doce apóstoles originales, solo Juan vivió hasta una edad muy avanzada. En sus últimos años, no solo su cuerpo, sino también su vista y su mente comenzaron a fallarle. Con el tiempo, según la leyenda, la mente de John se había deteriorado hasta el punto de que solo podía pronunciar cinco palabras, una frase que repetía una y otra vez. La leyenda dice que cada día del Señor, Juan era llevado al medio de la congregación que se había reunido para adorar en la Iglesia de Éfeso, donde Juan pasó los últimos años de su vida. El silencio total caería sobre la congregación, aunque ya sabían lo que Juan iba a decir. Entonces el anciano decía las palabras:
"Hijos míos, amense unos a los otros". Una y otra vez, las repetía hasta que se cansaba de hablar,
y nadie bostezaba, ni miraba al vacío distraídamente. Escuchaban a Juan predicar su sermón de
cinco palabras una y otra vez: "Hijos míos, amense unos a los otros".

No importa cuántas veces escuchamos estas palabras, las demandas que nos imponen nos desafían. Amar a Dios, a quien no podemos ver, es falso si no se complementa con amar a nuestro hermanos con quien nos codeamos todos los días. La Escritura nos recuerda que
“los que dicen: “Amo a Dios, pero odian a sus hermanos, son mentirosos” (1 Jn 4, 20-21). El amor a Dios y a los demás no es un "lema piadoso", sino un poderoso desafío para llegar a darme cuenta de que Dios me ama y que el mismo Dios es imparcial y ama a todos por igual. Vi un cartel de un niño pequeño, magullado y golpeado, con estas palabras: “Sé que soy alguien, porque Dios no hace ninguna basura”. Es cierto que Dios no "no hace ninguna basura" porque hace a todos en la imagen y semejanza de Dios. Este fin de semana, recordemos que el amor cristiano “ágape” es una decisión de hacer algo bueno por los demás, no es algo que sentimos.

Altar conmemorativo del Día de los Difuntos
A medida que se acerca el Día de los Difuntos, muchos de nosotros reflexionamos y oramos por aquellos que hemos perdido. Perder a un ser querido siempre es doloroso, pero experimentar dolor durante la pandemia de COVID-19 es especialmente difícil. Si perdió a alguien este año, es posible que no haya podido estar con él o ella cuando murió. La participación en velorios y funerales ha sido restringida y muchos no han podido llorar en persona con familiares y amigos. Por lo tanto, en este Día de los Difuntos, San Ignacio está invitando a nuestros feligreses y amigos a traer una fotografía enmarcada de sus seres queridos difuntos y colocarla en un altar conmemorativo especial instalado cerca del Altar principal en las misas el 2 de noviembre a las
9.00 de la mañana, y a las 7.30 de la noche. Llame a la rectoría para obtener más aclaraciones o asistencia especial.

Recuerdo de todas las almas
Durante todas las misas de noviembre, San Ignacio se levantará en oración a los que nos han precedido. Para que sus seres queridos fallecidos sean recordados en nuestras misas, lo invitamos a inscribir a sus seres queridos fallecidos en nuestro “Sobre de Misas de Novena del Día de los Difuntos” y colocarlo en una de las canastas de recolección o en la oficina parroquial.

El libro del recuerdo y el libro de la vida
Durante el mes de noviembre, el Mes de Todas las Almas, los feligreses y visitantes de la parroquia de San Ignacio están invitados a escribir los nombres de sus seres queridos en el Libro del Recuerdo que se encuentra junto a la pila bautismal. El Libro del Recuerdo permanecerá allí durante el mes de noviembre. En los Libros de la Vida, enumere los nombres de todas las 

October 18, 2020

Dear Parishioners,
In his Inaugural Address on January 20, 1961, John F. Kennedy, the newly
-elected President of the United States, gave the famous challenge: "My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world, ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man. Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us here the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking God’s blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own.” If we personalized Kennedy’s statement it would read, “Don’t ask, ‘What can my country do for me?’ Instead ask, ‘What can I do for my country?’” And add, “Don’t ask, ‘What can God do for me?’ Instead ask, ‘What can I do for the Kingdom of God?’”

We have double citizenship, one of this world in which we live now, and the other of the kingdom of God. We have duties and obligations to both the kingdoms and hence there should be no clashes between the two. Jesus made it very clear to the Pharisees who attempted to trap him that they need to be loyal both to God and to the emperor. No one can peacefully exist in a divided society since a society without rules and regulations cannot offer an atmosphere conducive to living and practicing one’s religion. By our nature, human beings are social beings. Therefore, rules and regulations that bring unity and order to the society need to be respected and a good believer needs to be a good citizen as well. This weekend’s Gospel teaches us that responsible citizenship is a virtue, and therefore, participation in political life is a moral obligation. Voting with the aim of protecting human life, promoting human dignity and advancing the common good of all God’s children helps to make the world a better place.

Today is World Mission Sunday. It is celebrated throughout the Universal Church in response to the Gospel invitation to live in solidarity with all the world’s peoples, especially those most in need of the Good News of God’s love. Let us support the Holy Catholic Church through our prayers and financial support bringing Jesus and His values to the world. How do we celebrate Mission Sunday locally? I want everyone to bring at least one person back to Holy Mass (not someone with compromised immunity). This Sunday, let us recommit ourselves as a missionary of Jesus to bring healing and peace to those who have strayed from the Holy Catholic Church perhaps because of our priestly brothers/ministers irresponsible and scandalous lives. I am happy to meet any person who has any questions especially about the Chapter 11 filing of the diocese.

Catholic Daughters of the Americas is one of the oldest and largest organizations of Catholic women in the Americas. Tina Devlin, CDA Regent, summarizes their activities as follows “Our court, Court Queen of An- gels #869, was formed here at St. Ignatius Loyola parish in 1924. We enjoy gathering for meetings and social events and work to help our communities. Our recent activities include but are not limited to the annual Spiritual Adoption program, the Military Thank You program, donating food and making Easter treat bags for St. Ignatius Human Services, and sponsoring a parish-wide rosary in partnership with the St. Anne Moth- er’s prayer group. We also hold a number of fun events at the parish, and all funds raised throughout the year are distributed to worthy charities both at the parish level and nationally. We invite all Catholic women ages 18 and up to join us”.

As a parish family, we pray that in this trying time, may your Spirit filled service and genuine love bring smiles to many faces. May all of us ask, “What can I do for my parish and the Kingdom of God?”

“Pray as though everything depended on God; Act as though everything depended on you.”

In Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Shibi 
Boletín Artículo 18/10/2020
En su discurso inaugural el 20 de enero de 1961, John F. Kennedy, el recién electo presidente de los Estados Unidos, presentó el famoso desafío: "Mis conciudadanos, no pregunten qué puede hacer su país por ustedes; pregunten qué pueden hacer ustedes por su país. Mis conciudadanos del mundo, no pregunten qué hará los Estados Unidos por ustedes, sino qué podemos hacer juntos por la libertad del hombre. Finalmente, ya sean ciudadanos de América o ciudadanos del mundo, pidanos aquí lo mismo altos estándares de fuerza y sacrificio que les pedimos.
” Con buena conciencia nuestra única recompensa segura, con la historia el juez final de nuestras obras, salgamos a conducir la tierra que amamos, pidiendo la bendición y la ayuda de Dios, pero sabiendo que aquí en la tierra la obra de Dios debe ser verdaderamente nuestra ". Si personalizamos la declaración de Kennedy, diría: “No preguntes: '¿Qué puede hacer mi país por mí?' En lugar de eso, pregunte, '¿Qué puedo hacer por mi país?' ”Y agregue,“ No pregunte, '¿Qué puede hacer Dios por mí?' En lugar de eso, pregunte: '¿Qué puedo hacer por Dios?'”

Tenemos doble ciudadanía, una en este mundo en el que vivimos ahora y la otra en el reino de Dios. Tenemos deberes y obligaciones para ambos reinos y, por lo tanto, no debería haber enfrentamientos entre los dos. Jesús les dejó muy claro a los fariseos que intentaron atraparlo que debían ser leales tanto a Dios como al emperador. Nadie puede existir pacíficamente en una sociedad dividida, ya que una sociedad sin reglas y regulaciones no puede ofrecer una atmósfera propicia para vivir y practicar la propia religión. Por su naturaleza, los seres humanos son seres sociales. Por lo tanto, las reglas y regulaciones que traen unidad y orden a la sociedad deben ser respetadas. El buen creyente debe ser un buen ciudadano también. El Evangelio de este fin de semana nos enseña que la ciudadanía responsable es una virtud y, por tanto, la participación en la vida política es una obligación moral. Votar con el objetivo de proteger la vida humana, promover la dignidad humana y promover el bien común de todos los hijos de Dios ayuda a hacer del mundo un lugar mejor.
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El Domingo Mundial de las Misiones (SMM) se celebra en toda la Iglesia Universal en respuesta a la invitación del Evangelio a vivir en solidaridad con todos los pueblos del mundo, especialmente con los más necesitados de la Buena Nueva del amor de Dios. Apoyemos a la Santa Iglesia Católica a través de nuestra oración y apoyo financiero para llevar a Jesús y sus valores al mundo. ¿Cómo celebramos el Domingo de las Misiones a nivel local? Quiero que todos traigan al menos a una persona de regreso a Misa. Este domingo, volvemos a comprometernos como misioneros de Jesús para traer sanación y paz a aquellos que se han apartado de la Santa Iglesia Católica debido a la vida irresponsable y escandalosa de nuestro hermano sacerdote. Estoy feliz de conocer a cualquier persona que tenga alguna pregunta, especialmente sobre la presentación del Capítulo 11 de la diócesis.

Hijas Católicas de América es una de las organizaciones más grandes y antiguas de mujeres católicas en las Américas. Tina Devlin, CDA Regent resume sus actividades de la siguiente manera: “Nuestra corte, Court Queen of Angels # 869, se formó aquí en la parroquia St. Ignatius Loyola en 1924. Disfrutamos reunirnos para reuniones y eventos sociales y trabajamos para ayudar a nuestras comunidades. Nuestras actividades recientes incluyen, entre otras, el programa anual de Adopción Espiritual, el programa Militar de Agradecimiento, la donación de alimentos y la fabricación de bolsas de golosinas de Pascua para St. Ignatius Human Services y el patrocinio de un rosario parroquial en asociación con la oración con el grupo de la Madre de Santa Ana. También llevamos a cabo una serie de eventos divertidos en la parroquia, y todos los fondos recaudados durante el año se distribuyen a organizaciones benéficas dignas tanto a nivel parroquial como a nivel nacional. Invitamos a todas las mujeres católicas mayores de 18 años a unirse con nosotros ”. Como familia parroquial, oremos para que en este momento difícil, su servicio haga sonreír a muchos rostros. To- dos podemos preguntarnos: "¿Qué puedo hacer por Dios?”

P. Shibi 

October 11, 2020

A Letter From Bishop Barres
​October 1, 2020
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Today, I have some important but difficult news to share with you. Earlier this morning, the Diocese of Rockville Centre has filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. This deci- sion was not made lightly. However, in the year since the passage of the Child Victims Act, more than 200 lawsuits alleging sexual abuse have been filed against the Diocese of Rockville Centre. What became clear is that the Diocese could not continue to carry out its spiritual, charitable and educational missions while also having to shoulder the increasingly heavy burden of litigation expenses associated with these cases.

Filing for Chapter 11, we believe, is the only way for the Diocese to ensure a fair and equitable outcome for everyone involved. That is because the bankruptcy court will centralize all litigation and oversee a settlement that ensures that no survivor is left out or gets unfair compensation at the expense of another survivor. During this period of restructuring, most Diocesan operations and ministries will continue without interruption. We anticipate that current and future financial liquidity will be sufficient to fund normal operations and services during this restructuring process. Our employees will be paid their normal wages. Benefit programs will continue, uninterrupted. Our vendors will be paid for all goods and services after filing, and ordinary operations will continue as before.

We know that most people experience the life of the Church through their parish, so it is important to note that the good work of our parishes and Catholic schools is expected to continue as normal. Since the parish- es and schools of the Diocese of Rockville Centre are separate legal entities, they are not included in this Chapter 11 filing. But it is also the case that after Chapter 11, the Diocese will have fewer financial resources to help struggling schools and parishes.

I also would like to stress that the practice of our Catholic Faith and administration of the sacraments continues just as it has and will not be affected by this legal filing. It is my hope and prayer that operations will be unaffected during the restructuring process as we work to maintain the stability of our many ministries. We will certainly need to prioritize the charitable missions that are essential to Long Island, but the work of the Church must continue. Catholic evangelization must and will continue.
We know that this is hard for people across the Diocese to digest and especially difficult for the many people of Long Island, both Catholic and non-Catholic, who depend on the Church in so many ways. Parishioners will certainly have many questions, so it is important for everyone to understand what this decision means, to avoid any misconceptions.

A settlement will be determined based on the assets of the Diocese and will not include any parish offertory donations collected during Mass or any contributions to the Catholic Ministries Appeal. Our financial and legal advisors are maximizing the availability of insurance coverage and investment proceeds. It is important to note that in bankruptcy, all assets of the Diocese are part of the court record and therefore publicly available and that the process is completely transparent. All public information relating to the filing can be found on a dedicated Chapter 11 website, which can be found by clicking on the Chapter 11 icon found on the diocesan website at www.drvc.org.

For the Diocese, fair and equitable treatment for survivors of sexual abuse has always been a top priority. That is why we created the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program in 2017. Since then, the program has assisted approximately 350 survivors of sexual abuse. But that program also has greatly depleted our financial resources, leaving us with fewer resources to be able to litigate the CVA cases.

Over the last year, our advisors have studied our financial and legal situation extensively and concluded that a Chapter 11 filing was the only way to ensure an equitable settlement for abuse survivors, help us manage litigation expenses and carry out our essential mission and ministries.

We will work diligently with all survivors, creditors and ministries to maintain open communication while we work toward our goal of completing a settlement and a restructuring plan that includes a comprehensive resolution for those suffering survivors. Our Diocese underwent extensive reforms in 2003 with the creation of our Office for the Protection of Children and Young People. We will continue to be vigilant in our commitment to child protection.

I ask each and every Catholic on Long Island during these painful times to embrace the power of the Cross of Jesus Christ and His Divine Mercy, and to help others carry their crosses, especially survivors of clergy sexual abuse. Together, we ask for the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, Mother of the Church, that she continue to intercede for a spirit of holiness and mission in this Diocese and the raising up of a new generation of saints on Long Island to serve the Church and the world. All of us, as members of the faithful, are called to find strength in the Word of God and the Sacraments and to live Christ’s spirit of humility, charity, compassion, sensitivity and courage. We ask for the intercession of our patroness, the courageous martyr Saint Agnes, for the fortitude to joyfully and charitably proclaim the Gospel and the Splendor of Truth in every public square.
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Please know that I am praying for each and every one of you and your families and in a special way for the survivors of clergy sexual abuse. I also pray that through this restructuring process, the Diocese can emerge stronger, having resolved these issues with dignity and fairness and put everyone in a better position to move forward and heal. 

Sincerely in Christ,
Bishop John O. Barres
​Bishop of Rockville Center
Una Carta de Obispo Barres
de octubre de 2020

Queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo:
Hoy tengo una importante pero difícil noticia que quiero compartir con ustedes. Más temprano esta mañana, la Diócesis de Rockville Centre ha presentado una petición voluntaria de reorganización al amparo del Capítulo 11 del código de Bancarrota de los Estados Unidos. Esta decisión no se tomó a la ligera. Sin embargo, en el año transcurrido desde la aprobación de la Ley de víctimas infantiles, se han presentado más de 200 demandas por presuntos abusos sexuales contra la Diócesis de Rockville Centre. Lo que quedó en evidencia es que la Diócesis no podía seguir llevando a cabo sus misiones espirituales, caritativas y educativas y, al mismo tiempo, tener que asumir la carga cada vez más pesada de los gastos que demandan los litigios asociados a estos casos.

Al acogernos al Capítulo 11, creemos que es la única manera de que la Diócesis garantice un resultado justo y equitativo para todos los involucrados. Esto se debe a que el Tribunal de Quiebras centralizará todos los litigios y supervisará un acuerdo que garantice que ningún sobreviviente quede excluido o reciba una compensación injusta a expensas de otro superviviente.
Durante este período de reestructuración, la mayoría de las operaciones y ministerios diocesanos continuarán funcionando sin interrupción. Prevemos que la liquidez financiera actual y futura será suficiente para financiar las operaciones y servicios normales durante este proceso de reestructuración. Nuestros empleados recibirán su salario normal. Los programas de beneficios continuarán, sin interrupción. A nuestros proveedores se les pagará por todos los bienes y servicios después de habernos acogido al Capítulo 11, y las operaciones ordinarias continuarán como antes.

Sabemos que la mayoría de las personas experimentan la vida de la Iglesia a través de su parroquia, por lo que es importante resaltar que se espera que el buen trabajo de nuestras parroquias y escuelas católicas continúe con normalidad. Dado que las parroquias y escuelas de la Diócesis de Rockville Centre son entidades legales independientes, no están incluidas en esta petición para acogerse al capítulo 11. Pero también es cierto que después del Capítulo 11, la Diócesis tendrá menos recursos financieros para ayudar a las escuelas y parroquias en dificultades.

También me gustaría recalcar que la práctica de nuestra Fé Católica y la administración de los sacramentos continúan tal como ha sido y no serán afectadas por esta petición legal. Espero y oro para que las operaciones no se vean afectadas durante el proceso de reestructuración mientras trabajamos para man- tener la estabilidad de nuestra gran cantidad de ministerios. Ciertamente tendremos que priorizar las misiones caritativas que son esenciales para Long Island, pero el trabajo de la Iglesia debe continuar. La evangelización católica debe continuar y continuará.

Sabemos que esto es difícil de asimilar por parte de las personas de toda la Diócesis y especialmente difícil para las muchas personas de Long Island, tanto católicas como no católicas, que dependen de la Iglesia de muchas maneras. Los feligreses tendrán sin duda muchas preguntas, así que es importante que todos entiendan lo que esta decisión significa, para evitar cualquier malentendido.

El acuerdo se determinará con base en los activos de la Diócesis y no incluirá ninguna donación de ofrendas parroquiales recaudadas durante la misa ni ninguna contribución a la Campaña de Ministerios Católicos. Nuestros asesores financieros y jurídicos están maximizando la disponibilidad de la cobertura de seguros y los ingresos de las inversiones. Es importante señalar que, en la quiebra, todos los bienes de la Diócesis forman parte del registro del tribunal y por lo tanto están disponibles públicamente y que el proceso es completamente transparente. Toda la información pública relacionada con la petición se puede encontrar en un sitio web dedicado al Capítulo 11, que se puede encontrar haciendo clic en el icono del Capítulo 11 que se encuentra en el sitio web de la Diócesis en www.drvc.org.

Para la Diócesis, el tratamiento justo y equitativo de los sobrevivientes de abusos sexuales siempre ha sido una prioridad fundamental. Por eso creamos el Programa de Reconciliación y Compensación Independiente en 2017. Desde entonces, el programa ha ayudado a aproximadamente 350 sobrevivientes de abuso sexual. Pero ese programa también ha agotado en gran medida nuestros recursos financieros, y nos ha dejado con menos recursos para poder litigar los casos de la Ley de víctimas infantiles (CVA).

Durante el último año, nuestros asesores han estudiado exhaustivamente nuestra situación financiera y legal, y concluyeron que acogernos al Capítulo 11 era la única manera de garantizar un acuerdo equitativo para los sobrevivientes de abusos, ayudarnos a gestionar los gastos de los litigios y llevar a cabo nuestra misión y ministerios esenciales.

Trabajaremos diligentemente con todos los sobrevivientes, acreedores y ministerios para mantener una comunicación abierta mientras trabajamos hacia nuestro objetivo de llegar a un acuerdo y un plan de reestructuración que incluya una resolución integral para aquellos sobrevivientes damnificados. Nuestra Diócesis experimentó profundas reformas en 2003 con la creación de nuestra Oficina para la Protección de los Niños y los Jóvenes. Seguiremos velando por nuestro compromiso con la protección de los niños.


Les pido a todos y a cada uno de los católicos de Long Island que durante estos tiempos aciagos abracen el poder de la Cruz de Jesucristo y su Divina Misericordia, y que ayuden a otros a llevar sus cruces, especial- mente a los sobrevivientes del abuso sexual del clero. Juntos, pedimos la intercesión de nuestra Bendita Madre María, Madre de la Iglesia, para que continúe intercediendo por un espíritu de santidad y misión en esta Diócesis y por la elevación de una nueva generación de santos en Long Island para servir a la Iglesia y al mundo. Todos nosotros, como miembros de la fe, estamos llamados a encontrar la fuerza en la Palabra de Di- os y los Sacramentos y a vivir el espíritu de Cristo de humildad, caridad, compasión, sensibilidad y coraje. Pedimos la intercesión de nuestra patrona, la valiente mártir Santa Inés, para que nos dé la fortaleza para proclamar alegre y caritativamente el Evangelio y el esplendor de la verdad en cada lugar público.

Sepan que oro por todos y cada uno de ustedes y sus familias y de manera especial por los sobrevivientes de abuso sexual por parte del clero. También oro para que, a través de este proceso de reestructuración, la Diócesis pueda emerger más fuerte, habiendo resuelto estos asuntos con dignidad y justicia y poniendo a todos en una mejor posición para avanzar y sanar. 
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Sinceramente suyo en Christo,
John O. Barres
Reverendísimo John O. Barres
Obispo de Rockville Centre

October 4, 2020

Dear Parishioners,
There is no pain more intense than that of being rejected. Like a sword of sorrow, it pierces our heart and leaves us deeply wounded. Rejection is something that we experience on our daily journey. Jesus felt rejec- tion! The Son of God came to us, showing His love in every possible way, but people rejected Him. The people rejected Him and were indifferent to His message during His earthly ministry. But God’s hand was with Him. In God’s love and mercy, Jesus became the cornerstone of salvation history. He stands as our model and inspiration in our struggles. Today’s Gospel challenges us to produce the fruits of compassionate caring, generous sharing and fostering life.

The first Sunday of October is recognized as Respect Life Sunday and the beginning of Respect Life Month. It is a nationwide effort to help Catholics understand, value, and become engaged in building a culture that supports every human life. As stewards of God’s vineyard, we are called to cherish, defend, and protect those who are most vulnerable, from the beginning of life to its end, and at every point in between. During the month of October, the Church asks us to reflect more deeply on the dignity of every human life. Let us pray and support Pro-life activities in our Parish and diocese.

The month of October is also very special because it is the month of the Holy Rosary. We are invited to reawaken, restart or reinvigorate our commitment to praying the Holy Rosary daily! The word Rosary means a “Crown of Roses.” Our Lady has revealed to several people that each time we say a Hail Mary, we are giving her a beautiful rose. The completion of each Rosary creates a beautiful crown of roses for her. This feast was introduced by Pope St. Pius V (1504-1572) in the year 1571 to commemorate the miraculous victory of the Christian naval forces in the Battle of Lepanto on October 7, 1571. The Holy Rosary is a sure weapon against evil and a shield to protect us in our struggle against the dark forces. How do you plan to celebrate the month of the Rosary? What is the significance of the Rosary in your personal life?

October 4th is the Memorial of St. Francis of Assisi. Traditionally, we join in the blessing of pets and other animals. We will bless our pets this Sunday at 2.15pm near our prayer garden. St. Francis, who died in 1226, was noted for his charismatic personality, deep compassion for all, and his love for God’s creation. St. Francis, who composed the Canticle of the Sun, received the stigmata in 1224. He was canonized only two years after his death. He is the patron of Pope Francis, ecologists, and Italy.
When God spoke to Francis in a dream and told him to rebuild his Church, Francis obeyed. No matter who we are or what we do, God calls us to follow Him and to deepen our relationship with Him. The source and sustenance of Francis’ work arose from his prayer life and his relationship with God – a pattern that would serve us well to imitate. During this special month, let us respect and protect one another, participate in rebuilding our Parish the way God intends, and surrender ourselves to the Blessed Mother through the Holy Rosary.

I invite you to join me and pray for all the ministries of our Parish during this Rosary month. Every day in October, a representative from one of our ministries will lead the Holy Rosary at 8:30 am in the Church. If you want to be included in the list to lead the Holy Rosary, please contact Mrs. Joan Della Ratta, Parish Office Secretary.

Finally, please join in our effort to collect your emails to stay connected to our parishioners.

“Pray as though everything depended on God; Act as though everything depended on you.”
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In Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Shibi 
No hay dolor más intenso que el de ser rechazado. Como una espada de dolor atraviesa nuestro corazón y nos deja profundamente heridos. El rechazo es algo que experimentamos en nuestro viaje diario y Jesús no Fue la excepción. El Hijo de Dios vino a nosotros, mostrando su amor de todas las formas posibles, pero la gente lo rechazó. La gente lo rechazó y fueron indiferente a Su mensaje durante Su ministerio terrenal, pero la mano de Dios estaba con él. En el amor y la misericordia de Dios, Jesús se convirtió en la piedra angular de la historia salvífica que se erige como nuestro modelo e inspiración en nuestras luchas. El evangelio de hoy nos desafía a producir los frutos del cuidado compasivo, compartir generosamente y fomentar la vida.

Como el primer fin de semana de octubre, hoy se reconoce como el Domingo de Respeto a la Vida y comienza el Mes del Respeto a la Vida. Es un esfuerzo a nivel nacional para ayudar a los católicos a comprender, valorar y participar con la construcción de una cultura que sustente cada vida humana. Como mayordomos de la viña de Dios, estamos llamados a apreciar, defender y proteger a quienes son más vulnerables, desde el principio de la vida hasta el final, y en cada punto intermedio. Durante el mes de octubre, la Iglesia nos pide que reflexionemos más profundamente sobre la dignidad de toda vida humana. Oremos y apoyemos las actividades Pro Vida en nuestra parroquia y diócesis. El mes de octubre es muy especial porque es el mes del Santo Rosario que nos invita a despertar, reiniciar y revitalizar nuestro interés y compromiso de rezar el Santo Rosario diariamente!

La palabra Rosario significa "Corona de Rosas". Nuestra Señora ha revelado a varias personas que cada vez que uno reza un Ave María, le está regalando una hermosa rosa y que la finalización de cada Rosario la convierte en una hermosa corona de rosas. Esta fiesta fue introducida por el Papa San Pío V (1504-1572) en el año 1571 para conmemorar la victoria milagrosa de las fuerzas cristianas en la batalla de Lepanto el 7 de octubre de 1571. El Santo Rosario es un arma segura contra el mal y un escudo para protegernos en nuestra lucha contra las fuerzas oscuras. ¿Cómo planeas celebrar el mes del Rosario? ¿Cuál es el significado del Rosario en tu vida personal?

Hoy, 4 de octubre, es la Memoria de San Francisco de Asís. Tradicionalmente nos unimos a la bendición de las mascotas y otros animales. Hemos hecho arreglos para que las bendiciones se lleven a cabo el domingo a las 2:15 pm cerca de nuestro jardín de oración. Francisco, que murió en 1226, se destacó por su carismática personalidad, profunda compasión para todos y su amor por las creaciones de Dios.

San Francisco, que compuso el Cántico del Sol, recibió los estigmas en 1224. Fue canonizado solo dos años después de su muerte. Es el patrón del Papa Francisco, ecologistas e Italia.

Cuando Dios le habló a Francisco en un sueño y le dijo que reconstruyera su Iglesia, Francisco obedeció. No importa quiénes somos o qué hacemos, Dios nos llama a seguirlo y a profundizar nuestra relación con él.

La fuente y el sustento del trabajo de Francisco surgieron de su vida de oración y su relación con Dios, un patrón que nos servirá bien para imitar. Este mes especial, respetemos y protejamos a cada uno
independientemente de su estatus, participemos en la reconstrucción de nuestra parroquia de la manera que Dios quiere que sea y entreguemos a la Santísima Madre a través del Santo Rosario.

Los invito a que me acompañen para que oren conmigo y oren por los diversos ministerios de nuestra parroquia este mes del Rosario. Todos los días, uno de los ministerios a cargo dirigirá el Santo Rosario a las ocho y media de la mañana en la iglesia.
Sigamos orando unos por otros y por nuestra parroquia.
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Padre Shibi 

September 27, 2020

26th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Mt 21:28-32

Dear St. Ignatius Family,

The human freedom which enables us to say “yes” or “no” to God demands that we be responsible for our conduct and accountable for our behavior. One day we will have to stand before the judgment seat of God and answer to our good or evil deeds. The two different responses of the brothers to their father's request in today's gospel reminds us that there is a struggle in all of us. The good news is that with God’s grace we are capable of changing the direction of our lives for the better. God helps us in our struggles through the grace of the sacraments and the spiritual practices of the Church, especially our devotion to the Holy Angels. This week, on Tuesday, September 29th, we celebrate the Feast of the Archangels. On Friday, October 2nd, we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels. We remember the protection that is given to us by God through His Holy Angels.

The Nicene Creed begins with the proclamation, “We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of all things VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE. The existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls “angels” is a truth of faith! Angels are spirits that God created before He made human beings; they were the first creatures ever created and were most powerful, most intelligent, and most beautiful. The angels are represented throughout the Bible as a body of spiritual beings between God and men: "You have made him (man) a little less than the angels" (Psalm 8:6). They, equally with man, are created beings; "praise ye Him, all His angels: praise ye Him, all His hosts . . . for He spoke and they were made. He commanded and they were created" (Psalm 148:2, 5: Colossians 1:16, 17).

In the Bible, names are given to three specific Archangels- Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. Archangels are one of the nine choirs of angels. The nine are 1) Angels, 2) Archangels, 3) Principalities, 4) Powers, 5) Virtues, 6) Dominations, 7) Thrones, 8) Cherubim, and 9) Seraphim.

The Feast of the Three Archangels and Guardian Angels is an opportunity to learn more about them and to grow in deeper devotion and fondness for them.

The Church in her teachings affirms and assures that “from its beginning until death, human life is surround- ed by watchful care and the intercession of the angels. Next to each believer, stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him or her to life.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church # 336)
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The Bible makes it clear that God uses His angels to protect us in this world (see Psalm 91:11) Even Jesus in the Gospel of St. Matthew, (see Matthew 18:10) remarks about an angel assigned to each one of us! They are another extraordinary example of God
’s love for each of us. What a great gift from God!

Let us recite these two prayers everyday:
“Angel of God, my guardian Angel, to whom God’s love entrusts me here. Ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide” Amen.

"Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil; May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; And do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls.” Amen.

“Pray as though everything depended on God; Act as though everything depended on you.”

In Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Shibi 

Querida familia de San Ignacio:
La libertad humana que nos permite decir "sí" o "no" a Dios exige que seamos responsables de nuestra con- ducta y que seamos responsables de nuestra conducta. Un día tendremos que comparecer ante el tribunal de Dios y responder por nuestras buenas o malas acciones. Las dos actitudes diferentes de los hermanos en el evangelio de hoy nos dicen que hay una mezcla de estas dos actitudes diferentes en todos nosotros. La buena noticia es que con la gracia de Dios somos capaces de cambiar el rumbo de nuestras vidas para mejor. Dios nos ayuda en nuestras luchas con la ayuda de los sacramentos y las prácticas espirituales de la Iglesia, es- pecialmente nuestra devoción a los Santos Ángeles. Esta semana, el martes, 29 de septiembre se celebra la fiesta de los arcángeles y el próximo viernes, 2 de octubre, se celebra la fiesta de los Santos Ángeles Cus- todios para recordar la protección que se ofrece a nosotros por Dios, a través del ministerio de su Santos Ángeles.
El Credo de Nicea comienza con la proclamación: “Creemos en un Dios, Padre Todopoderoso, Creador de todas las cosas VISIBLES E INVISIBLES. ¡La existencia de los seres espirituales, incorpóreos que la Sagra- da Escritura suele llamar “ángeles” es una verdad de fe! Los ángeles son espíritus que Dios creó antes de crear a los seres humanos; fueron las primeras criaturas jamás creadas y fueron las más poderosas, inteli- gentes y hermosas. Los ángeles están representados en la Biblia como un cuerpo de seres espirituales inter- medios entre Dios y los hombres: "Lo hiciste (al hombre) un poco menos que los ángeles" (Salmo 8: 6). Ellos, al igual que el hombre, son seres creados; "Alabadle, todos sus ángeles; alabadle, todos sus ejérci- tos ... porque él habló y fueron hechos. Él mandó y fueron creados" (Salmo 148: 2, 5: Colosenses 1:16, 17).
La Biblia nombra a tres Arcángeles específicos: Miguel, Gabriel y Rafael. Los arcángeles son uno de los nueve coros de ángeles. Son 1) Ángeles, 2) Arcángeles, 3) Principados, 4) Poderes, 5) Virtudes, 6) Domi- naciones, 7) Tronos, 8) Querubines y 9) Serafines.
La Fiesta de los Tres Arcángeles y los Ángeles de la Guarda es una oportunidad para aprender más sobre ellos y crecer en una devoción y un cariño más profundos por ellos.
La Iglesia en sus enseñanzas afirma y asegura que “desde su comienzo hasta la muerte, la vida humana está rodeada de un atento cuidado e intercesión de los ángeles. Junto a cada creyente, se encuentra un ángel co- mo protector y pastor que lo lleva a la vida ”. (Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica # 336)
La Biblia deja en claro que Dios usa a Sus ángeles para protegernos en este mundo (ver Salmo 91:11) In- cluso Jesús en el Evangelio de San Mateo, (ver Mateo 18:10) comentarios acerca de un ángel asignado a cada uno de nosotros ! Son otro ejemplo extraordinario del amor de Dios por cada uno de nosotros. ¡Qué gran regalo de Dios!
“Ángel de Dios, mi ángel de la guarda, a quien el amor de Dios me confía aquí. Siempre este día está a mi lado, para iluminar y proteger, para gobernar y guiar”. Amén
“San Miguel Arcángel, defiéndenos en la batalla; sé nuestro amparo contra la perversidad y asechanzas del demonio. Reprímale Dios, pedimos suplicantes; Y tú, Príncipe de la milicia celestial, arroja al infierno, con el divino poder, a Satanás y a los demás espíritus malignos que andan dispersos por el mundo para la perdición de las almas”. Amén.
En Jesús y María, P. Shibi 

September 20, 2020

Dear St. Ignatius Family,
On the third Sunday of September, the Catholic parishes throughout the United States are celebrating Catechetical Sunday under the theme: I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you (I Cor. 11:23).This theme focuses on catechesis, which is an invitation to a whole new life given by Christ Himself. This nation- al designation is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the role that each person plays, by virtue of Baptism, in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel. Catechetical Sunday is an opportunity for all to rededicate themselves to this mission as a community of faith. During this pandemic, it is parents who must help their children learn about their faith and grow in their love for Jesus.

The word, "catechetical" is derived from the root "catechesis," which comes from the Greek word meaning "to echo or resound." Therefore, catechesis is the act of echoing the Catholic faith. A catechist is one who teaches in the name of the Church. Catechists are the instruments through which many come to encounter Christ and hear His voice. I salute St. Ignatius Parish Catechists under the leadership of Colleen Tuzzolo, Barbara Malerba and Katelyn Tuzzolo for your dedication and adaptation during this “new normal time”.

With a desire to help our parish families remain connected to the Church during these socially distant times and with an interest in the spiritual needs of our community, we are pleased to announce that we will be live streaming our daily and Sunday Holy Masses starting this weekend through our parish YouTube channel (St. Ignatius of Loyola RC Church). Please check our parish website (www.stignatiushicksville.org) and bulletin for details.
​

Please review the following liturgical protocols we have received from the diocese. The Diocesan protocols published on June 9, 2020, remain in effect with the exception of the following recommendations and up- dates:
1)    It is recommended that Churches continue to function with alternating pews closed.

2)    The reasonable cleaning measures explained in the June 9th directives should be maintained.

3)    Protocols regarding masks and social distancing outlined in the June 9th directives remain in effect

4)    As of the weekend of September 19 – 20, the following procedures may be adopted:

5)    Holy Communion may be distributed at the normal time during the celebration of Mass.
​

6)    Priests and those distributing Holy Communion should put on their masks, and sanitize their hands immediately before distributing Communion.
i        The faithful are not to “walk away” with the Sacred Host.

ii      If they receive Holy Communion, they must consume the Host immediately

iii    If the minister is masked, those receiving Holy Communion can lower their mask immediately
before receiving the Sacred Host.

iv     The Precious Blood is still not to be distributed to the lay Faithful at this time

v      The Sign of Peace is still to be omitted.
​

vi     No one is to wear gloves while either distributing or receiving Holy Communion.
7)    The dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass remains in effect. Those who are not feeling well or who are at risk, should be reminded to remain at home.
Thank you for your careful observance of these measures. 
“Pray as though everything depended on God; Act as though everything depended on you.” 
In Jesus and Mary, 
Fr. Shibi

September 13, 2020

Dear St. Ignatius Family,
What was the best gift you have ever received? We might have a lot of different answers depending on our ideas about what makes a great gift. For children, it may be a favorite stuffed toy, bicycle, a PlayStation or, for others it might be the first gift from your partner, a personalized necklace, a photo print of an important life moment etc. During my 14 years of priestly ministry, I received several gifts, for example, chalices, chasubles, statues of saints, gift cards, money, and an autograph of my favorite NBA star Steph Curry. Those gifts helped in various ways to enhance my priestly ministry and to reach out to people who are in need. Amongst various gifts, my favorite one is an antique German Reliquary Crucifix with 12 saints. This cross has been handed down to several generations and finally, the family made a decision to give it to a priest. Their family friend, Elizabeth Bachmayer, who was my benefactress during my seminary formation, asked my opinion and thus gave it to me while I was visiting her in Germany.

What is your favorite gift?
As Christians, what is our greatest gift? It is the gift of eternal life. How much did it cost? It cost God His only Son. Jesus, through his Cross, reconciled us to His Father and gave His life as a sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins. Our path to eternal life is a path of the Cross, paved with forgiveness and reconciliation. We shall be forgiven our sins by the merciful God if we are merciful to our transgressors. Forgiveness does not come easy. It is the fruit of our personal friendship with Jesus through prayer, embracing His Cross and carrying our cross in our daily lives.

As we celebrate the “Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross” on the 14th of September, let us exalt the living Christ through our words and deeds with a renewed zeal and commitment. Let us absorb the spirit of Jesus teaching in our hearts this weekend, that those who refuse to forgive others build their own prison, where they are held captive by their own bitterness and hurt. But those who are willing to forgive others, liberate themselves from the shackles of the past and live as the ambassadors of God’s mercy and reconciliation in the world.

One time in the third grade, the children were asked to write an essay about a special person in their life. One 8-year-old decided to write about his grandma. This is what he wrote: "A grandmother is a lady who has no children of her own, so she likes other people's little boys and girls. Grandmas don't have to do anything except be there. If they take us for walks, they slowdown past pretty leaves and caterpillars. They never say “hurry up”. Usually grandmas are fat, but not too fat to tie kids' shoes. They wear glasses and sometimes they can take their teeth out! They answer questions like why dogs chase cats and why God isn't married. They don't talk Baby Talk like visitors do because it is hard to understand. When they read to us they don't skip words or mind if it is the same story over and over again. Everyone should try to have a Grandma especially if they don't have a television, because grandmothers are the only grownups who always have time!"

As we celebrate Grandparents Day this weekend, on behalf of St. Ignatius parish, I thank you from my heart for your prayers, your wisdom, your generosity, your beautiful stories, and for being such an important part of our lives. 'May the wisdom that earned you your gray hairs is now leading you to holiness'( Proverbs 16:31). We will have a special blessing of our dearest Grandparents after every Holy Mass. Happy Grandparents day!!!

“Pray as though everything depended on God; Act as though everything depended on you.”
​

In Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Shibi

September 6, 2020

Father Shibi's Column
​

Dear St. Ignatius Family,
Thank you all for such a friendly welcome during my first weekend at Saint Ignatius. I was able to meet and greet many parishioners and share the word of God with them during the homily at all five Masses. I shared the joy of being a priest and requested your blessings and prayers as I begin my responsibilities of preaching, teaching, and administering the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. I introduced the ABC’s of my ministry here. A stands for Attentive and Available. Attentive to the Word of God and available for His sacred duties. B stands for Believe and Belong. Believe in God and His promises and belong to this faith community. C stands for Carrying and Caring. Carrying my responsibilities faithfully and caring for the needs of His people.
As Catholics, one of our special benefits is the maternal care of the Blessed Mother in our faith journey. There are several Marian Feasts that we celebrate throughout the liturgical year. At the beginning of our faith journey together at St. Ignatius, we have the privilege to celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the 8th of September. We started a Novena in preparation and it is available on our parish Face- book page. Before we were born, our mother first carried us in her heart and then in her womb, nourishing and protecting us. When we are born, our mothers continue to care for us by comforting, nursing and nurturing us as we grow. Mothers do not stop being mothers just because we have grown up. So it is with our Blessed Mother who helps us to learn and grow in Jesus.

The feast of the Nativity of Mary celebrated on September 8th is closely connected with the feast of the Im- maculate Conception of Mary on December 8th. God prepared a fitting dwelling place for his Son, the pure sinless womb of the Virgin Mary. She was prepared by divine providence to be the Mother of Jesus, the Son of God, and therefore was conceived in the womb of her mother Anne without the stain of sin. Her father was Joachim. Her birth is considered a solemn event by the Church.
​

We are celebrating the Nativity of the Blessed Mother on September 8th. We pray in thanksgiving for all that has come to us, and all that is yet to come through her intercession. We pray for solace and for protection, for our Parish, for the Church, and for our country. On September 11, we will remember in a special way what happened to our city, our country, and our world. During the Holy Mass on this Friday, September 11th, let us honor and pray for all firefighters, police officers and emergency medical technicians who serve the local communities; let us pray for the souls of all the people who died in such a horrific way that they may rest in peace and let us pray that the people who lost loved ones find peace.

Finally, this weekend we celebrate Labor Day. This marks the end of summer vacation and the beginning of regular parish and school activities. Our weekend liturgical celebrations invite us to reflect on the dignity of human labor, connecting our work with God’s, which complements the work of God. May the maternal care of the Blessed Mother bring healing to our nation and may her motherly love strengthen the effort of nation-building. May Mary's motherly love support and surround our students during this academic year in the middle of this challenging time.

Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam- for the greater glory of God

In Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Shibi 

August 30, 2020

Fr. Shibi’s Column 
Dear St. Ignatius Family,

It is with great humility and gratitude to the Lord that I begin my journey at St. Ignatius Loyola Church. I am grateful to Bishop John Barres for appointing me to this ministry in such a vibrant and diverse community of faith. I am indebted to Bishop Richard Henning and Reverend Ed Sheridan for their leadership and guidance throughout the transition process.

As I begin my walk with God and you at St. Ignatius, I want to tell you a little about myself. I am a religious priest, belonging to Bethany Ashram (monastery) commonly known as the Order of the Imitation of Christ (OIC). My official name is Fr. Shibi Pappan and my religious name is Fr. Aloysius OIC. This is my 14th year as a priest and 25th year as a professed religious. I was born and raised in Kerala, a southwestern State in India. Kerala is known as “God’s own country” because of its natural beauty, ecological diversity and rich flora and fauna. The people of India have been nurtured through the work of an Apostle, Saints and Missionaries. St. Thomas the Apostle came to Kerala in 52 AD, preached the Gospel and paved the foundation of Christianity in India.

As a young seminarian, I had the good fortune to be trained by missionaries from Europe. I completed my Bachelor's degree in Philosophy and Theology from the Jesuit Papal Seminary in Pune, India. I hope you were able to read about my family, my education and my pastoral background in an earlier bulletin.

On June 22, 2020, Rev. Ed Sheridan called me while I was praying near the Blessed Mother's statue on the grounds of St. Joseph Church in Garden City. He informed me of the Bishop
’s decision to appoint me as the Administrator of St. Ignatius Loyola Church. I was very surprised. I then turned to the Blessed Mother and asked how is it possible to be a Pastoral Administrator of a great Parish during this strange time? There are so many things that are uncertain and difficult to deal with right now. I know that the providence of the Lord brought me to this land and He has a plan for me; His grace is sufficient for me!

I follow a long line of dedicated priests who have served this Parish for many years of their ministry. I admire their dedicated service to this faith community starting with Rev. Ignatius Theodore Goetz to Rev. Jim Stachacz. I pay tribute to Msgr. Donald Bennett whose leadership led to the transformation of the interior of the Church to the original Gothic appearance. I informed Fr. Jim about my appointment and he whole- heartedly welcomed me to St. Ignatius. On my first visit, I prayed in front of the Blessed Sacrament thank- ing God for His mercy in my life. Then I stood before the two beautiful side altars, the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. I placed my heart in Jesus' wounded hands and my whole being in His service and then I entrusted my priestly ministry and my parishioners into the Blessed Mother’s maternal care. My meeting with Fr. Jim and the staff was productive and they introduced me to the spiritual and financial health of the Parish. I am amazed at his leadership and pastoral sensitivity leading the Parish during this challenging time. I thank God for his selfless service; he has led with compassion, humility, love, and hope. I will continue to rely on his wise counsel as I assume my responsibilities and I pray for his successful ministry at Our Lady of Lourdes in Malverne.

I came to the USA in 2014 without a deep understanding of the American culture. There was pain in my transition and culture shock. St. Patrick’s Church in Smithtown became my second home. The nurturing of Msgr. Ellsworth Walden, Rev. Fred Hill, Rev. David Regan, Rev. Sean Magaldi, Rev. Deacon Jerry Reda, the late Rev. Harold Noviello and the late Rev. Deacon Rich Janiec made my transitional journey easy and exciting. Their blessings and the affection of the parishioners and staff led me to where I am now. 

I am so proud that I have been a part of St. Joseph Church in Garden City. Msgr. James Swiader guided and sharpened my God-given skills; Rev. Prasanna Costa encouraged me with his brotherly love and Rev. Deacon Jack McKenna supported me with kindness. Once my appointment was announced, several of the St. Joseph’s parishioners reminded me of their special connection with St. Ignatius. A number of priests were transferred from St. Joseph's to St. Ignatius including Msgr. Bennett. I thank the staff, Rev. Sisters of St. Joseph Convent and parishioners for supporting me with their prayers and assistance. 
In this year of uncertainty, a leadership change may find us anxious and even fearful of what the future will be. I want to assure you that I am here to continue the legacy of St. Ignatius Parish, one that is cherished, formed and built by the sacrifices of several generations. It is important that we continue to turn to God in all of our struggles. He is the source of all goodness. As a priest, my first priority is to be your “cura” curer of souls. Let us walk together as a family, pray and strengthen each other. Please let me know what I can do to serve you for the greater glory of God and the salvation of souls.
In Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Shibi

“Pray as though everything depended on God;
Act as though everything depended on you
”.
St. Ignatius of Loyola 

August 23, 2020

It is hard to believe that my 9 years with you here at St. Ignatius Loyola has come to an end. But, I am grateful that I had these 9 years to serve you. I had the opportunity to teach you, listen to you, laugh with you, cry with you and share in many activities as a priest is called to do acting in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. How appropriate our scripture readings are today with Jesus giving Simon Peter authority over the Church, calling him the rock of the Church and entrusting him with His future mission of the Church. Jesus did this because of Peter’s response to His question of “who do you say that I am?” In Matthew’s Gospel, Peter responds by saying “ you are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Peter pointed out to the disciples and us that Jesus is the Son. He had this ability because he was open to the presence of God the Father working through him. It was a mysterious revelation and a gift given to Peter. Entrusting the keys of the Kingdom of God to Peter is related to our first reading from the Prophet Isaiah. The royal house of Judah could not be trusted anymore by God because they no longer trusted in God. Jerusalem placed its trust in weapons and se- cure walls against enemies instead of turning to God. Jesus as the Son of God now entrusts the keys of God’s kingdom to Peter and His disciples. They are called out of the world to live in a community where the gates of Hell will not overcome, not even death. The role of holding the keys has now been entrusted to us His Church, guarded by the Vicar of Christ, the Pope. Like the disciples, we too have a responsibility to continue the Mission of Jesus and His Church. First however, we need to answer one question that Jesus asks of us, who do you say that I am? Who is Christ in your life and how do you point out the presence of Christ to others?

For me, you as St. Ignatius Parish have shown me the presence of the living Christ in so many ways. You have shown Jesus through your charity. Recall our $2.8 million debt. Because of you and your sacrifice, we have no more debt. More about that later. You have helped raise over $1.5 million due in our Capital Campaign. You have shown me the presence of Jesus by your enthusiasm in celebrating our Catholic heritage here at St. Ignatius Loyola. This was expressed through our beautiful liturgies, the Mardi Gras, the Lenten Missions, the Living Stations of the Cross, the Golf Outing, the Annual Parish Picnic and our Annual International Festival. I also witnessed the love of our faith through Religious Education, Faith Formation and Hu- man Services as well as through our ministries of the Hispanic American Catholics such as the many festivals of prayer and Hispanic culture. We have done so much together as a parish family and I thank you for that. Please show Fr. Shibi Pappan the same hospitality you have given me. What makes our parish special, is that even though we belong to different cultures and traditions, we are all one, whether we are of European, His- panic, S E Asian, East Asian, African, Caribbean decent, St. Paul writes “though we are many, we all belong to the one body of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:10). You have expressed that well.

Finally I would like to thank the parish staff here at St. Ignatius Loyola and the Sisters of St. Dominic for your support and friendship. You have been my eyes, ears, hands and ideas to help build our parish together. May God bless you for all that you do and all that you are. To all, please stop by Our Lady of Lourdes, in Malverne any time to say hello or to say a prayer.
Please pray for me as I pray for you. I close with the words of St. Paul to the people of Phillipi who wrote, “I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to fulfillment by the day of Jesus Christ.” (Pl 1:3-6 May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families. íDios te bendiga todos! May each of us strive to do all things for the greater glory of God.

St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim



St. Ignatius Loyola, Hicksville Good-bye to the Debt
One of the biggest challenges facing me as a new pastor back in June of 2011 was the tremendous debt St. Ignatius Loyola had accrued. When I arrived, the parish had debt to the Diocese of approximately $2.7 million. This was a combination of a loan with the Diocese as well as outstanding insurance and assessment invoices. Compound that with the closing of the school, and the debt seemed to be a mountain the parish would never get over.

Over the next few years, the parish slowly started moving in the right direction. We started having operating surpluses each year and were helped by no school subsidy for three years, a freeze on interest charges and rent for the new school building paid by the VEEB program. At the end of fiscal 2015, the parish was still in debt of $2,260,717.

We decided on doing a Capital Campaign with the dual purpose of eliminating the debt and doing some much needed deferred maintenance on the premise. Our goal was an ambitious $1.5 million which, frankly, I thought was going to be a real challenge to attain. The silver lining in this is the Diocese would match our collected amount dollar for dollar and assist with the administration of the Campaign.

It is with extreme pleasure that I tell you that we reached our goal and are debt free for the first time in decades. We were able to do all projects on our list as well as replacing a boiler in the convent. In addition, the Diocese wrote off the last remaining portion of the loan, leaving us with a rainy day fund in case other projects arise.

I can’t tell you how proud I feel of this accomplishment and really want to thank the parish community of St. Ignatius for your tireless effort in getting to the goal and getting the parish solvent after many years of struggle. As I move on, I will always have fond memories of the parishioner base at St. Ignatius. You accomplished something so special and I will always be grateful for all you did for St. Ignatius and for me.
Father Jim 

August 16, 2020

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August 9, 2020

Summer Prayer
Ignatian Spirituality

Father, Creator of all, thank You for summer!
Thank you for the warmth of the sun
and the increased daylight.
Thank You for the beauty I see all around me
and for the opportunity to be outside and enjoy Your creation.
Thank You for the increased time I have to be with my friends and family, and for the more casual pace of the summer season.
Draw me closer to You this summer.
Teach me how I can pray
no matter where I am or what I am doing.
Warm my soul with the awareness of Your presence
and light my path with Your Word and Counsel.
As I enjoy Your creation, create in me
a pure heart and a hunger and a thirst for You.
Amen. 

August 2, 2020

We need more volunteers to help us with sanitizing the Church after Mass, most especially after the 7am and 9am Masses on weekdays. It is difficult to keep everyone safe with few helpers. Thank you!

ST IGNATIUS IS MOVING AHEAD......
In August, we as a parish will be celebrating the following:
Saturday, August 15 at 11:30am - First Holy Communion Celebration with our Children-Only those with tickets can attend.
Saturday, October 15 at 11:30am-2nd First Holy Communion Celebration with our Children-Only those with
tickets can attend.

Please pray for all of our children and adults who prepared for the sacraments of the Baptism, Eucharist and/or Confirmation since Covid
-19 began.
More sacramental events will be announced as they are scheduled.

I regret to announce that Fr. Shelton Dias will not be with us this summer. The plan was for Fr. Shelton to be with us in August and September. Then the Coronavirus hit. Our hope is to have Fr. Shelton back for next summer. He is doing well.
We are looking for a Part Time Maintenance Worker.

The hours will be Saturday 3 to 7pm and Sunday 3 to 7pm and as needed. The responsibilities will include setting Masses up, keeping the Church clean and orderly, closing the Church, setting alarms, etc.

If interested, please call 225
-4154. 

July 19, 2020

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“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now”. Phl 1:1-5

With this same desire of Saint Paul, I want to express my gratitude to the community of Saint Ignatius of Loyola for receiving me in difficult times of Covid-19. During this time, I have prayed for each faithful member of St. Ignatian family in Hicksville. May God continue to bless and protect this wonderful and lovely community.

I also want to inform you that His Excellency, the Reverend Bishop John Barres assigned me to Saint Anne in Brentwood to help as Associate Pastor on August 26, 2020. As our patron saint, Ignatius of Loyola said "whatever we do, may it be for the great- er glory of God”. God wanted me to spend six beautiful months with this lovely community of St. Ignatius of Loyola seeking to do God's will in every- thing. Doing God's will makes us free and available to serve His people. I will always be grateful for your welcome and your love toward me as a priest. I will continue to pray to Almighty God for each of you and may God maintain
you in the same love you manifest for every priest.

Fr. John Victor, OMI 

July 12, 2020

WHAT KIND OF SOIL ARE YOU FOR GOD’S WORD?
What an appropriate Gospel we are hearing today as we are in the midst of Summer. Jesus gives a parable to the people in Matthew’s Gospel. A parable is a lesson that gets the attention of the hearer. Often it ends in a surprise. Jesus used parables involving agriculture, because that is what the peo- ple of Israel understood. It is in their experience.

In the story of the farmer and the seed, Jesus compares the sower to God, the seed to God’s Word and the soil to our hearts. Notice how the farmer just throws seed spontaneously without looking to where it lands. This is because God wants His Word to reach everyone no matter the environment in their lives. How receptive am I to the Word of God? Do I try to understand it and then give up? Am I a fair-weathered Christian who is excited about God’s word but give up at the first sight of be- ing criticized or suffering that comes my way? Do I allow worldly interests, addictions or my anxieties and fears to strangle God’s Word? Or am I a Christian who embraces God’s Word as best I can and live it out not only in word but in action? Each of us is most likely a little bit of all of these soils. But Jesus is there always planting the seed of His Word into our hearts. It is important that we take the time to cultivate the soil of our lives, so that we can not only receive the Word but let it grow until God’s Kingdom fully resides in us. What kind of soil am I ?

A parishioner who did her best to live out God’s Word was our very own Anne “Schatzie” Murphy. Anne grew up in St. Ignatius and never left. She allowed God to plant His seed of faith and love in her heart. While not perfect, Anne did her best to live out that Word by being active in so many ministries in our parish. We just buried Anne last Monday, July 6, 2020. When we celebrated the 125th Anniversary of our Church Building, Anne wrote me a letter on how special her parish meant to her. At the conclusion, Anne wrote, “I am grateful for all my family and friends here at St. Ignatius. They have played a part of my spiritual life. St. Ignatius has been my spiritual home all my life, I love the Parish and I love the faith I received from God that was truly nourished here.” While we pray that Anne rests with God, may we take the time to embrace our parish and all that it offers and what we can do for the parish. Like Anne, we too will be nourished in Word and Sacrament so that God’s seed will grow fully in us.

GOD IS GOOD- A VICTORY FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
The Little Sisters of the Poor had a victory at the Supreme Court on Wednesday, nine years into the religious order’s bouts of litigation over the Obama-era “contraception mandate” which obliged employers to provide for contraceptive coverage for employees through their health care plans. The Little Sisters of the Poor no longer have to worry about violating their moral beliefs of faith. – Catholic News Agency July 8, 2020

This will be my last column for the this month.
Please pray that our parish has a successful transition as we journey from one Pastoral leader to another. Like our patron, St. Ignatius, may we always strive for the greater glory of God. May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always.

St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim
Have a Safe and Healthy Summer! 

July 5, 2020

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OUR NEW PASTORAL LEADER OF ST. IGNATIUS LOYOLA
Fr. Shibi Pappan (PRONOUNCED –POPP-IN), will arrive as the Administrator of St. Ignatius Loyola on Wednesday, August 26, 2020. Many of you have asked me what is an Administrator and how does that differ from a Pastor? An Administrator has all of the responsibilities of the both temporal and pastoral of the parish without carrying the title of Pastor. An Administrator cannot make certain temporal decisions without permission from the Bishop.

An Administrator has the potential of becoming a Pastor. For example, Msgr. Ed Tarrant first served St. Ignatius Loyola as an Administrator before being named with the title of Pastor. Fr. Shibi is a priest of the Bethany Ashram Religious Order, formerly known as the Order of the Imitation of Christ. When a priest comes from a Religious Order Community or from another diocese, and is assigned as the head of a parish, he is usually first named an Administrator.


Fr. Shibi’s Biography:
Fr. Shibi Pappan arrived in the United State from India in November of 2014 and one month later was assigned to

St. Patrick Church in Smithtown to serve as Associate Pastor. He is a member of the Bethany Ashram religious order (formerly known as the Order of the Imitation of Christ). Fr. Shibi grew up in Kerala, India as the youngest of three children. His mother, T.C. Saramma, was a homemaker. She died in 1997. His father, G. Pappan, was a government worker. His sister Sheeja and brother Shibu are both married and both have two children. As a child, Fr. Shibi says he was fascinated by the work of the priests. He says the priests from the Order of the Imitation of Christ were exemplary models for him which inspired him to join them. The Order of the Imitation of Christ (OIC) is indigenous of India. It was founded by Servant of God Archbishop Mar Ivanios, OIC. Fr. Shibi has a masters degree in Sociology and Psychology as well as a BED (Bachelor of Education). He also holds a bachelors degree in Philosophy and Theology from JDV Seminary in Pune, India. In 2018, Fr. Shibi graduated from St. John’s University, NY with a master's degree in education. Ordained on November 21, 2005, Fr. Shibi’s first several years as a priest has been very busy and productive. He simultaneously served as a parish priest and as principal and boarding master of a senior secondary school. During his tenure, he constructed one church and renovated another. After his four and half years as Associate Pastor at St. Patrick’s, Fr. Shibi’s plans called for him to return to Kerala, India to assist the victims of the horrific and historic flooding in the region last summer. However the Diocese of Rockville Centre and Fr. Shibi’s religious order decided to keep him in the United States and appointed him at St. Joseph Church, Garden City. Msgr. Bennett came from
St. Joseph’s Garden City to St. Ignatius Loyola. Traditions continue.
Please welcome Fr. Shibi with the same St. Ignatius enthusiasm as you have welcomed me
Picture
Congratulations (Felcidades)  Bishop Luís Miguel Romero 
This past Monday, Bishop Barres ordained Bishop Luís Miguel Romero as an Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre. An Auxiliary is a helper-Bishop to assist Bishop Barres with accomplishing the mission of the Church on Long Island. Bishop Romero will head the Office for Hispanic Ministry as well as preside at Confirmations and other liturgies and meetings that Bishop Barres assigns him. Please pray for Bishop Romero. May God bless him and guide him as he helps to lead our church in this 21st century. For more on the ordination, including a gallery of photos, visit www.LICatholic.org 

Please pray that our parish has a successful transition. Like our patron, St. Ignatius, may we always strive for the greater glory of God. May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always. 

​
St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us! 
Fr. Jim 

June 29, 2020

Dear Friends in Christ,

This past Monday, June 22, 2020, I have just completed my ninth year as Pastor here at St. Ignatius Loyola. It seems like yesterday when Bishop Murphy informed me that he had assigned me as Pastor to St. Ignatius Loyola. I recall being very excited and happy because you were to be my first parish as Pastor. I was also enthusiastic because I have a special devotion to St. Ignatius since my last year as a Seminarian student. It was at this time that I went on a 30 day silent retreat to reflect on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola. During this time, I felt very close to Jesus who affirmed my calling to the ordained priesthood. When the Bishop assigned me to St. Ignatius I felt my vocational calling was reaffirmed again. These past nine years have been my most fulfilling years as we faced the joys and sorrows, the ups and downs, together as a family of faith.

You have become my family since I took a promise of celibacy saying that I don’t belong to a single family of my own. This promise has helped me to give of myself totally and completely to you as my parish family, modeling the life of Jesus who gives of himself totally to us. Another promise was that of obedience. At our ordination, the Bishop asked, “Do you promise obedience to me and my successors?” When I said “yes” at that time, not only to Bishop McGann but also to Bishop Murphy, Bishop Barres and to the future Bishops of our Diocese.

As we begin our tenth year together, it is with sadness that I announce that Bishop Barres has asked me to move on from St. Ignatius Loyola to Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes parish in Malverne effective Wednesday, August 26, 2020. Though my plan was to complete the next three years at St. Ignatius, God had another plan. This is a clear example from this Sunday’s Gospel in Matthew where Jesus says “whoever loses their life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 16:25). As priests and disciples, our lives are not our own.

We have done so much together as a parish family. While we struggled with closing of our beautiful school, we focused on the future as a parish family. We attacked our $2.8 million debt and almost brought it to nil. We are completing our Capital Campaign that went over our $1.5 million goal. We celebrated the richness of our Catholic faith whether it was through our beautiful liturgies at Mass, the Lenten Missions, the 125th anniversary of our church building, the annual parish picnic, the annual golf outing, the Mardi Gras, the International Night, Family Life, Religious Ed, Faith Formation, and Activities Committee. This could not be done by one person, it was done by you the body of Christ! Just these past three months during the Covid-19 pandemic, I have been blessed to see your lives even more, as we were able to bless many of your homes. What makes our parish special, is that even though we belong to different cultures and traditions, we are all one, whether we are of European, Hispanic, S E Asian, East Asian, African, Caribbean decent,

St. Paul writes
“though we are many, we all belong to the one body of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:10). You have expressed that well.

I am pleased to announce the name of my successor, Fr. Shibi Pappan (Pronounced Pop-In) who will be assigned as Administrator of St. Ignatius effective August 26, 2020. . Please welcome Fr. Shibi with the same enthusiasm as you have welcomed me.

I am grateful to all of the ministries and each one of you for your hospitality, your talent and your treasure in making St. Ignatius Loyola as special as it is today. While I look forward in leading the parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes, I will always remember you in my heart as you have taught me how to be a Pastor. If there was anything lacking in me, if I have hurt anyone in any way or have disappointed you, please forgive me due to my own faults and sinfulness. I hope to take all that I have learned from you to the people of Malverne.

Please keep me in your prayers as I shall continue to keep you in mine. Please continue to support your parish, Fr. Shibi and all of our ministries as you have supported me. You have truly shown me the spirit of our patron, St. Ignatius Loyola, who said “always do things for the greater glory of God.” Thank you for your love, your enthusiasm and your faith.

May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always.
​

St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim 

June 21, 2020


HOLY COMMUNION DISTRIBUTION
Please follow the ushers on the reception of Holy Communion. Until further notice, Holy Communion will be distributed after the Final Blessing at Mass. After receiving, please vacate the church building.

DESPITE CORONA, DO NOT BE AFRAID
If you are looking for something to do this Summer, I encourage you to read the book “He Leadeth Me”, written by Fr. Walter J. Cizek SJ. Fr. Cizek,(Chee Sheck) was a Polish American Jesuit priest, born in Shenadoah, PA. “He Leadeth Me” is Fr. Cizek’s personal spiritual writing about his missionary work and experience in the Soviet Union from 1939-1963. He was arrested and convicted of being a Vatican spy in 1941. He faced great torture, confinement and was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor in the Gulag in Siberia. These terrible circumstances can not only destroy one’s spirit, but one’s life. Not for Walter Cizek.

He had such great trust in God, that even the most tortuous moments of his life did not destroy his spirit. In the Book “He Leadeth Me,” Fr. Cizek writes about how his utter reliance on God helped him through the most difficult and painful times of his life. He tells of the courage he found through prayer, that helped him with loneliness, pain, frustration, anguish, fear and despair. He is a great example of the type of disciple Jesus speaks about in today’s Gospel. Jesus tells us that we need not be afraid to live out His message of life and love, even if there are others who are against us. St. Paul writes “if God is for us who can be against us”? Not even the enemy of death can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ. Jesus tells us that the Gospel is not only to be listened to but to be lived out each day, even if it means putting our lives or our reputations on the line. Fr. Cizek is a prime example of someone we can read about and learn from, most especially when our faith is being tried each day. The only thing we should fear, and this is not a paralyzing fear, is God. Whenever we say or do something, always ask yourself does this show respect and love for God.

Are we in awe of God? Another name for this kind of fear is Wonder and Awe, a gift of the Holy Spirit. No matter what anyone says or does to us, they can never destroy the soul. That is only left to God. The Church tells us not to love God out of fear of punishment or force. God is here to love, guide and protect us. As scripture tells us, if God can take care of the sparrows, how much more will he take care of us who are made in His image. Hopefully a blessed person like Fr. Cizek, will serve as an example for us to trust in God no matter the dark moments we face in this life. In his book, Fr. Cizek writes “What can ultimately trouble the soul that accepts every moment of every day as a gift from the hands of God and strives always to do His will.”?

THANK YOU PINK TIE & HUMAN SERVICES
Thank you to Pink Tie Deliveries, Nassau Cty Legislators
Rose Walker and Laura Schafer, TOB Council Woman Vicki Walsh, Eric Alexander, Joe Samoldulski, Coordinator of Hu- man Services, Mary Ann, Tricia, and Helen for coordinating an extraordinary event on Friday, June 12
th in distributing prepared meals and donating lots of non-perishable food for those who are hungry in our parish. If you can donate, please do to Hu- man Services 935-8846. This is how we live the Gospel. We not only profess, but practice. Always strive to be like our patron, to live for the greater glory of God. May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families, always,
St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us.
Fr. Jim

“The Church, our Mother, is committed to supporting with all her strength the good and generous presence
of fathers in families, for they are the irreplaceable guardians and mediators of faith through their good- ness, justice, and protection." Pope Francis
​

Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers of our parish. 

June 14, 2020

WELCOME HOME
CHRIST, THE BREAD OF LIFE & MEDICINE OF IMMORTALITY
-WELOMES US BACK
We the priests and staff here at St. Ignatius Loyola, want to welcome back those of you who are able to, your beautiful church building. It has been a long time. We missed you! It was strange celebrating Mass looking at an empty space and just four walls. Although, many of you sent pictures that were placed on pews in our convent chapel. So while celebrating Mass, I was able to have you there. In a spiritual way, you were all present at Mass because we all make up the Body of Christ. St. Paul in his letter today to the Corinthians, writes that the Church makes up you and me. We are the Body of Christ. For as beautiful as it sounds, it is nothing compared to having your physical presence back into our church.

As you return, you will notice we are in a “new normal”. There are quite a few differences to consider as we are still in the Covid-19 Pandemic:

1) Entrances and Exits
Entrance and Exit Ways will be clearly marked. Everyone is to enter the church either thru the front door or the handicap door and then exit through the handicap, north entrance or south en- trance doors closest to the parking lot. Please follow the arrows.

2) MASKS
Everyone is REQUIRED to wear a mask unless you have breathing issues and/or you have a very young child.

3) SOCIAL DISTANCE
We still have to maintain 6 feet social distance from one another.

4) WASH HANDS
Sanitize or Wash your hands. Sanitizers are provided.

5) NUMBER OF PEOPLE ALLOWED IN CHURCH
We are currently in Phase 2 in moving forward from our lockdown. That means that we may allow up to 25% of the capacity in our church to attend and worship at Mass. Here at St. Ignatius, we can allow up to approximately 120 people at each Mass. Certain pews and chairs have been designated where each family and person can sit. Other pews and chairs are cordoned off. When we go beyond 120, parishioners will need to go to another Mass.

6) A NEW MASS SCHEDULE
Since we need time to clean and sanitize the church after each Mass, a new schedule will go into effect until further notice.
Weekday Mass Schedule starting Saturday, June 13th will be one Mass at 9am until further notice. Masses: Saturday 5:00pm, Sunday 7:30am, 9:30am, 12 Noon, 5:00pm Mass in Spanish (Español). Overflows will be in Msgr. Tarrant Hall when necessary. Although, we cannot guarantee an additional overflow at 9:30am. Our apologies. Thank you for your understanding.

There is no obligation to attend Sunday Mass until further notice.

7) HOLY COMMUNION
I am sorry to write that Holy Communion will not be distributed at this time. After the Priests & Deacons receive, all are invited to make an Act of Spiritual Communion Prayer. Even though you are not receiving Holy Communion physically, Jesus is still coming into you in a strong spiritual way in the Eucharist. I really feel for each of you who have not been able to receive since March. However, I pray that your yearning for Jesus in Holy Communion will bring you closer to Him, so that when you do receive, it will be like receiving Jesus for the very first time.

In today’s Gospel from John 6, Jesus uses very strong language to explain the food and drink he offers is his own flesh and blood. He is really giving of Himself in His risen presence to us in the Eucharist. When we see and receive the Eucharist, it is no longer bread and wine but the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ. We call this transubstantiation. Most importantly, we need to pray for the faith to believe that this is really and truly the Lord Jesus that we see, experience and will one day again consume in Holy Communion.

The most important reason why we consume the Eucharist is that we are to become what we eat. Become Jesus. St. Augustine writes: “If we receive the Eucharist worthily, we become what we receive.” And in receiving Christ, we become one body in him, and through him, one with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Through receiving the Eucharist, we enter into a unique and personal relationship with the Trinity and with one another, the Body of Christ. This is why we go to Mass, to become Jesus. Even though, we face so many challenges during the week, Jesus in the Eucharist, makes all the difference. He will not only give us the strength for the week, He brings us salvation and eternal life. Thank you for reflecting on all this information. May we continue to pray with and for one another during these unprecedented times.

May God bless you and keep you and your families always.

St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us.
Fr. Jim 

June 7, 2020

THE HOLY TRINITY—A COMMUNITY OF LOVE
The Holy Trinity is indeed a mystery. However, this does not mean that we should be intimidated or to think that the Trinity has nothing to do with our lives. The Holy Trinity, God who is Father, Son and Spirit all relate to one another as a community where there is no division. We see this love expressed in our readings today where God’s love and mercy is for us, despite our own sinfulness. The God who heard the cries of his people in Egypt, witnessed their affliction and came down to save them ( Ex 3:7-10) now sends his Son, the Word- made- flesh (Jn 1:14) so that “the world”, that is everyone who believes in him, will not be condemned but may be saved. Each of us is invited into this life of love where we are to live in union and communion with God and one another.

We are also called to be living examples of the Holy Trinity in our relationships each day. The Holy Trinity shows us that it is not self-contained, egotistical and self-absorbed but overflowing love, outreaching desire for union with all that God has made. We are to live our lives as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit relate to each other. When we live lives of love, we live the Trinity. When we foster division in our society as we see these days, parish, families, work, school and our relationships, we choose to stand in evil and we push God away. May we pray for the grace to live our lives in communion with one another so that the Holy Trinity will shine in us forever. Please pray for peace and an end to racism, violence and emotional drama that has plagued our nation for centuries, especially during this past week with the killing of Mr. George Floyd. We pray for him, his family and for all in law enforcement. May Mother of the Church, Mother of Peace, pray for us.

INVITING ALL FIRST HOLY COMMUNICANTS WITH THEIR FAMILY
We are EXCITED TO INVITE ALL OF OUR First Holy Communion children for a Blessing with Jesus Drive-by on SUNDAY, JUNE 14 from 12:30pm- 1:30pm. This day is a special day because we as Church celebrate the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist.

Children may wear their communion dresses and suits. Please drive to the entrance in the back on West Nicholai Street by the train tracks. You will be directed to drive in between the two school buildings to receive the blessing from Fr. Jim who will be holding Jesus as the Blessed Sacrament in what is called a Monstrance. Then you may drive to the Blessed Mother Statue near the Human Service building. ONE person may get out of the car and take a picture of their child. That person MUST wear a mask and social distancing must be adhered to. We ask that if your windows are open, to wear a mask as well.

OPEN TIMES FOR THE CHURCH- A CORRECTION
The Church will continue to be open daily for private prayer Monday-Saturday from 12:00 noon to 5:00pm. My apologies for the earlier error in stating that it was open every day. Only one entrance will be open, which will be the door closest to the priest’s garage, located on the north side of the church. I ask that each of us follow the safety guidelines before entering the church. (See page 2 of this bulletin)

Also, a box will be placed at the side entrance for anyone wishing to drop off their weekly collections or to make a donation to the church. I want to thank all who have been giving so generously to the parish during this pandemic. Your generosity has helped us through this time of crisis. You may also mail in your envelopes, give online or go through direct giving in our ACH program. Masses will continue to be online at stignatiushicksville.org. At this time, we are able to allow Funerals and Baptisms for up to 10 people only. The priests have been celebrating each of our Mass intentions since March 20, 2020. I thank you for your patience and understanding during these unprecedented times.

May we always strive to do things for the greater glory of God May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families.

St. Ignatius Loyola pray for us.
Fr. Jim 

May 31, 2020

PENTECOST SUNDAY- A RE-OPENING OF THE DOORS
Since Thursday, March 19, 2020 (Solemnity of St. Joseph), the doors of St. Ignatius Loyola Church have been closed. This was done partly due to the Covid-19 pandemic, my contracting it and the fear of contamination in the church. Since then, the church has been deeply cleaned and sanitized by a company known as All Dry Cleaning.
Following the sanitation, projects from the Capital Campaign continued. Sentry, the company hired to install the fire alarm, continued with their work. In addition, more security cameras were installed in and around the church, most especially in the front of the church ensuring parishioner’s safety. The church was closed during this time, so as to ensure the safety of the workers.

I am happy to announce that as of Thursday, May 28, 2020, the church opened for private prayer each day from 12:00 noon to 5:00pm. Only one entrance will be open, which will be the door closest to the priest’s garage, located on the north side of the church. I ask that each of us follow the safety guidelines before entering the church: 
​

1) wear a mask 2) remain socially distant-6 feet, 3) use the sanitizer before and/or after visit- ing the church, 4) follow the directions and guidelines posted in the church. Only the North transept will be open for prayer.

Also, a box will be placed at the side entrance for anyone wishing to drop off their weekly collections or to make a donation to the church. I want to thank all who have been giving so generously to the parish during this pandemic. Your generosity has helped us through this time of crisis. Your may also mail in your envelopes, give online or go through direct giving in our ACH program. Masses will continue to be online at stignatiushicksville.org. At this time, we are able to allow Funerals and Baptisms for up to 10 people only. The priests have been celebrating each of our Mass intentions since March 20, 2020. I thank you for your patience and understanding.

On this Pentecost Sunday, may the opening of our doors, symbolize the power of the Holy Spirit who opens the doors of our hearts to all the gifts God wants to give us. May the Holy Spirit comfort us in this time and remind us of the ongoing presence of Jesus who remains in our hearts. St. Basil the Great wrote, “ through the Spirit we become citizens of Heaven, we are admitted to the company of the Angels, we enter into the eternal happiness, and abide in God. The Spirit helps us to acquire a likeness to God.”

Let us pray:
Come O Holy Spirit fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Your love.

Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created, and You shall renew the face of the earth.

A Blessed Pentecost to you all! Like our patron, may we always strive to do things for the greater glory of God. May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always.

St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim 

May 24, 2020

THE PRAYER OF JESUS FOR US
As Catholic Christians, we often hear about the importance of prayer in our lives. We may not realize the power prayer has. Prayer is a simple conversation of raising our minds and hearts to God. It demands two simple elements: talking and listening. Prayer allows us to see where God is leading us each day in our lives. The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that “prayer is the life of the new heart. It ought to animate us at every moment. It encourages us to remember God more often than we draw our own breath.” CCC 2697 Today our Sunday readings tell us the power prayer can have in our lives.

In Acts 1, the disciples along with Mary, the Mother of Jesus, are gathered in prayer just after Jesus ascended into Heaven. They went back to the upper room where Jesus had the Last Supper. They are in the in-between time; after the Ascension and before they elect a new apostle, Mathias. They are praying now to see what Jesus has in store for them. This was a retreat time for them. Their prayer opened them and prepared them for the power of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. This time opened their hearts to the coming of Holy Spirit who will help them to preach and bear witness to Christ, in spite of persecutions. Jesus told the disciples that when the Spirit came, they would receive the power they had been promised (Luke 24:49).

In the Gospel John 17, we are given a very special privilege to listen to the prayer of Jesus to the Father. This is known as the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus. In the first part, Jesus prays for Himself and then for the protection and unity of His disciples. In the second part, Jesus entrusts the disciples to His Father because they have accepted His divine origin and have placed their trust in Him. Jesus prays that they will act as agents of truth and love in the world and that they may be protected from evil. Later on in the Gospel, Jesus prays for us too. He prays that we too like His disciples, will be visible signs of His presence to the world.

During these Covid-19 Pandemic Days, we feel we have been forced into a retreat mode in our homes. Instead of giving into frustration, may we use this as a time of prayer like Jesus, Mary and the disciples. Look what prayer did for them. It changed the world! How much more will prayer change us too? In your prayer, ask the Holy Spirit to help you be Jesus’ visible sign to others by acts of truth and love.

Pope Francis said
“the human person grows more, matures more and is sanctified more to the extent that he or she enters into relationships, going out from themselves to live in communion with God, with others and with all creatures.” One of the oldest Novenas of the Church is the Novena to the Holy Spirit. Please go to www.ewtn.com for this Novena prayer. Pray it as a family. Be like Mary and the disciples in the Upper Room. You may see a real difference!

MEMORIAL DAY-PRAY FOR OUR DECEASED VERTERANS
Take time to pray for all of our deceased men and women of the Armed Forces who gave their lives for the freedom of our country. We thank them for their service whether they served at home or abroad. We also pray for our men and women who serve in the Armed Forces today.

May God bless you and Mary keep your families always.
St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim 

May 17, 2020

MAY-THE MONTH OF MARY
May is the Month of our Lady, Mary, Mother of the Son of God and Mother of the Church. Since we are unable to have a formal public Mass and gathering for her annual crowning with flowers, I invite you to join us by car this Saturday May 16, 2020 for a Drive-Thru Prayer, May Crowning and Procession.

The Saint Anne Mother's Prayer Group invites all to the special May Crowning this year: A Drive Thru May Crowning and Blessing at St. Ignatius Loyola. Saturday, May 16th from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. (All visitors are requested to remain in their cars with their windows closed for this event. Please enter by E. Nicholai St. and follow the traffic directions for procession) Please bring a flower to leave at the statue of Our Blessed Mother Mary. We also ask, if you are able, to bring a donation of non-perishable food items for our Human Services Food Pantry.

To prepare spiritually for your visit that day, go to the the Gospel of St. Luke in your Bible at home or online and read Chapter 1 verses 39 to 56. This is Mary's visitation to her cousin Elizabeth, and Mary's Magnificat.

When you arrive at St. Ignatius Loyola you will be lead by one of our priests with the sign of the cross and the Our Father. Then as you travel slowly but smoothly, through our grounds, someone will lead you to pray the Hail Mary as you pass near the statue of the Blessed Mother. Finally, as you begin to leave the grounds at the driveway on East Cherry Street, Fr. Jim will bless you and all in each car with the Blessed Sacrament in the Monstrance. As you are blessed please say the phrase: LORD JESUS, YOU ARE THE BREAD OF LIFE, I TRUST IN YOU.

Once you return home, re-read the Gospel and say as a family or with others: O Mary, Mother of the Church, Conceived without Sin, Pray for Us Who Have Recourse to Thee.

We look forward to seeing you all on Saturday! Thank you to our St. Anne’s Mother’s Prayer Group organizing this drive-thru procession.
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Like our patron, may we always strive to do things for the greater glory of God. May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim

May 10, 2020

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR NURSES ACROSS OUR COUNTRY AND IN OUR PARISH
This week is National Nurses Week (May 6 to May 12, 2020). What a fitting way for each of us to pray for and thank the nurses who have put their lives on the line in taking care of patients with Covid-19. I have recently spoken to nurses who have worked 70 and 80 hours a week in combatting Covid-19. Bishop Barres will be presiding at a special Virtual Mass at St. Agnes Cathedral on May 17 at 11:00am in honor of all the nurses across our country and the world. Nurses have lived by example the words of Jesus who said “there is no greater love than this, to lay one’s life down for a friend” (John 15:13). May we also thank their families who also are a part of the sacrifice in allowing mom and dad to go to the hospital, nursing home or assisted living facility placing all their lives at risk.

Even before Covid-19, nurses have certainly given their all in helping patients and giving them the care they need. They have held the hands of the dying, the elderly, the children, the disabled, pregnant moms and those who are lonely. They have been the eyes, hands and the face of a compassionate Jesus who always loves us. Please read the letter by Bishop Barres in thanking our nurses for the vital role they play in our Catholic hospitals and in all the hospitals across our Island.( The letter is on the following page) In a speech to nurses on March 2018, Pope Francis thanked nurses for their valuable work. He spoke about a Dominican, Sr. Cornelia Caragilo, who was a nurse, who saved his life when he was a young boy. Pope Francis said “the role of nurses in assisting the patient is truly irreplaceable. Like no other, the nurse has a direct and continuous relationship with patients, takes care of them every day, listens to their needs and comes into contact with their very body that he/she tends to.” May God bless all of our nurses, especially the nurses in our parish of St. Ignatius Loyola.

A HAPPY AND BLESSED MOTHER’S DAY 2020
This year will certainly be a very different Mother’s Day as we are still on lock- down due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. But that does not stop us from thanking God for all of our moms, both living and deceased. No matter who we are or where we come from, we all have a mother. Even if we did not have the best of mothers, remember we always have Mary, as our Mother who constantly cares for us. This is a great time to pray the rosary with your family. Thank you to my mom and all our moms for all that you do that are both noticed and unnoticed.

The Magic Of A Mother’s Touch
There’s magic in a Mother’s touch, and sunshine in her smile.
There
’s love in everything she does to make our lives worthwhile.
We can find both hope and courage just by looking in her eyes.
Her laughter is a source of joy, her words are warm and wise.
There is a kindness and compassion to be found in her embrace,
And we see the light of heaven shining from a Mother
’
s face.

May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim 

May 4, 2020

A message to this year's First Communicants

May 3, 2020

MY SHEEP HEAR MY VOICE AND THEY FOLLOW ME
A few years ago, one of my priest friends, Fr. Charlie Papa who died three years ago, told me a beautiful story of how sheep follow the voices of the shepherd. He was in Israel with a group of priests on a tour of the Holy Land, where our Lord Jesus lived and walked the earth. He mentioned that as they were get- ting off the bus for lunch, a group of shepherds came with their sheep to settle down in one large field. The shepherds were taking a break to have their lunch from an already long day. As the shepherds rested, all the sheep mixed in together. One wouldn’t know whose sheep belonged to whom? The priests were wondering how all these sheep were going to follow the right shepherd. As the priests came out of the restaurant, they quickly noticed the shepherds got up and called their sheep. They called each of them by name. Sure enough, each of the sheep followed their own shepherd out of the field. There was no chaos, because they recognized their shepherd’s voice.

As we see from this practical example, Jesus uses the image of the Good Shepherd in John’s Gospel to remind us that He like a shepherd, calls each of us by name. During this Corona-19 pandemic, we have been hearing a lot of voices. Some of panic and death, and others of hope and relief. While it is important to be informed, I try not to get too transfixed by the media so as to not give into the voices of despair and panic. Although, it is very easy to do so.

This week, let us try to listen to the voice that is inside our hearts. That is the voice of the Good Shepherd Jesus who tells us “Do Not Be Afraid” and “Come Follow Me.” Take time to listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd, the Lord speaking to us through His Word, through His Church, through the Mass and the Eucharist. We certainly have the time these days.

The voice of the Good Shepherd calls all of us to a deeper, more honest and more spiritually productive life. He calls us to a deeper conversion, to re-orient our lives, to experience forgiveness, redemption and a newness of life. St. Peter in the Acts of the Apostles and in 1 Peter calls each of us to hear the words of healing and forgiveness despite our sinfulness. By Christ’s “wounds” on the cross “we are healed” (1Peter 2:20b-25). Often however, we give into the voices of shame, despair and defeat. Jesus tells us to listen to the one voice that counts, His. May we also be the voice of the Good Shepherd toward all those we care for, our family, friends, the stranger, the sick and the needy. Maybe you can be the voice of the shepherd calling a person to follow Jesus as an ordained priest or religious. You can also be the voice of the shepherd helping a person to a loving marriage or the sacrifice of the single life.

In our bulletin, you can read a letter written by Pope Francis on our Blessed Mother and the Rosary during the pandemic in the month of May. Take time to reflect on his words. Pray the rosary during May together with your family, friends and neighbors. You can do it online, by the phone or socially distancing together. What better way to listen to the voice of the Shepherd than by asking His Mother for guidance. Mary always leads us closer to her Son, Jesus. We just have to listen. May we take every opportunity to turn up the volume and amplify the voice of the Master, Jesus the Good Shepherd. May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us.

Fr. Jim
An Act of Spiritual Communion

Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all

things, and desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if you were already there and unite myself wholly to you. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen 

 

April 28, 2020

Greetings to you all.  I pray that you and your families are protected, well and safe during this Coronavirus pandemic.  This had impacted all of us at different levels, some more than others.  The Church will still be closed to public masses at least thru the middle of May.  I will keep you updated as to when the church can 1) be open for private prayers and 2) open for public masses.  We need to abide by state law and the Bishop's directives.   
  In the mean time, Fr. John and I will be going around to bless homes from the outside.  I have began this afternoon Tuesday 4/28.   Since this is a rather large task we are going to bless homes over the next several days at specific times.  Also, this depends on the weather.  

Tuesday April 28th-Some homes blessed today 
Wednesday April 29th-1:00pm-4:00pm 
Saturday May 2nd 1:00pm-4:00pm 
Sunday May 3-1:00pm-4:00pm 
Tuesday May 5- 1:00pm-4:00pm

We will contact you either the day before or the morning of the day your are scheduled for the house blessing . 
 As I am gathering all of the addresses we will divide the blessings of homes in sections.  

I ask that you stand either directly outside the door of your home or on the sidewalk/grass or on the inside with the door open.  We will not go in so as to provide safety for you your family and for us.  This is just a brief prayer service to bring the presence of the Risen Christ more into our homes during this time of darkness.  

Please share this with the  people who are in your ministries.  Also, share with neighbors or people you know who are in our parish (ONLY) and would like to have their house blessed. 

You may send me an email with the following information:
Name
Address
Phone Number-Best to Contact  
Email Address

Rev. James T. Stachacz 
Pastor 
St. Ignatius Loyola 
129 Broadway
Hicksville, NY 11801
frjim@stignatius.us 
(516)931-0056 Ext. 147

April 19, 2020

 Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It was about a month ago on this date, The Feast of St. Joseph, that I received those ill fated words from my Doctor, “you have contracted Covid-19”.  This rattled me to the bone.  I did not know what to do next.  Who do I tell?  Will this create a panic?  What can I take in medicine?  You may have had these same feelings and questions if you also have Covid-19.  While I am grateful that I did not have to go to the hospital, I felt connected with anyone diagnosed with this dreadful illness.  My prayers have been for all of you and your families who have struggled.  Even if you, your family and your friends have not experiencing Covid-19, each of you have suffered in some way.  This virus has touched all of us.   Being confined at home, having to stare at a computer all day without real interaction with others, missing my friends physical presence, losing someone to death and no funeral mass, not being able to play sports, having my prom canceled, unsure if we will go back to school, uncertainty of a graduation this year. 
 
      Through all of this the risen Jesus breaks into our midst at says, “PEACE be with you.  I am here for you.”    In John’s Gospel, we read that Jesus breaks through the walls that enclosed the disciples and visits them to prove to that He is indeed truly risen!”   He breaths upon them the Holy Spirit and gives them a command to implement His mission of forgiveness and healing.  The word breath in Hebrew is “ruah” which means Spirit. This is the same breath of God that created the world and brought life to humankind in Genesis.   As Jesus breaths the Holy Spirit upon His disciples he is giving them the power of a new creation to heal and forgive.  The disciples receive the restoring life of God and are now instruments of Jesus offering new life to the world.   This same risen Jesus desires to break through our walls, of isolation, fear, uncertainly and illness. His breath is already upon us from our Baptism and Confirmation.   All we need to do is believe, trust, profess His name to all  and carry out His ministry of healing and mercy.   Then, like the disciples, we too become instruments of His new life for others. 
 
    The two prayers that help us to accomplish our mission are from St. Thomas who said “My Lord and My God” and the words Jesus gave to St. Faustina Kowalska as the Divine Mercy, “Jesus I trust in you.” Please consider praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet, today. May God bless and strengthen you and Mary keep you, during this Easter Season as we continue to meet the challenges of Coronavirus.  St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us.
    
Fr. Jim
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March 22, 2020

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ.

These last few days have been traumatic on each of us in light of Corona19
-the Coronavirus. As churches and business are shut down, we may feel isolated and frightened. As this virus was spreading across the country, I could not help but think of Superstorm Sandy, when we were without power and gas. I even thought of 9/11 feeling helpless. This situation is unprecedented, because we do not know fully know how it began or how worse it will become. The unknown can be scary and unsettling.

Now with the announcement of our church and all the Catholic churches closed from Albany to Montauk, we may feel our church has abandoned us too. Do not fear, do not fret. We need to know that the Lord Jesus is with us. Sometime however, in our business or anxiety, we forget that. How ironic that this happens during the season of Lent, a time where we are suppose to get away from a regular pattern of life and be close to God. The hopeful element we can draw from this time is that our lives are forcing us to do Lenten practices. Make it work for you.
Instead of fretting, take the time to go to the Lord. Let him know your worries and anxieties. I find the Psalms of the Bible help me with that like Psalm 16, 25 or 62. Take time to pray for the many who have COVID 19, those who have died and their families that God will heal them of their grief. Take time to pray for the doctors, nurses, medical staff, and first responders who are on the front line of the virus. May God help them and protect them.

Many of you are probably anxious about not being able to receive Holy Communion until after Easter. Again, do not worry. You can make a spiritual communion with the Lord.

St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) said: “When you do not receive communion and you do not attend Mass, you can make a spiritual communion, which is a most beneficial practice; by it the love of God will be greatly impressed on you.”

St. Jean-Marie Vianney (1786-1859), the famous country priest from Ars, France, once said “when we feel the love of God growing cold, let us instantly make a spiritual Communion. When we cannot go to the church, let us turn towards the tabernacle; no wall can shut us out from the good God.” Also, try to make this time to reach out to others. Maybe you know someone who is alone and needs just a voice to hear. Make that call today. Don’t worry before it is too late . If you have social media, use it like Facebook and or FaceTime. ​

Like everyone, we are figuring out how best to respond to Covid-19. Here at the parish, we will have the church open Monday-Friday from 10 to 6pm, Saturday & Sunday from 10-3pm to allow those who can come to pray. My goal is to expose the Blessed Sacrament for you to allow some deep time with Jesus. What a great time to unite yourself with Him . Remember if you do come, social distancing is the rule of the day. Our parish business hours will be held on a limited basis- Monday –Thursday 9-12 noon 1-5pm and Friday 9-12 noon and 1-3pm. A receptionist will be here to answer your calls during that time. Our essential services of Human Services will be running as long as it can for poor and homeless.

Please know though, if you are at home alone, isolated, you are never really alone. Even though we will not have Mass in public, your priests and I will still be celebrating Mass privately each day. We will have your intentions at that Mass as well as the proper intention that was given to us for that day. When Mass is being prayed in church, you are there.

Each of us is connected to one another through Christ by virtue of our Baptism. Know also that in your heart, Jesus is with you helping you and guiding you. Just call on his name. As we go forward, not knowing what lies ahead for each of us, may we place our trust in the One who is all knowing and all powerful and will never leave His children like orphans.

I would like to end with two prayers, one is a prayer for a spiritual communion when we don’t have the opportunity to receive our Lord in the host. The other is a prayer by Pope Francis praying for an end to this scourge on our planet we call the Coronavirus. Know that you and your families and loved ones. are in my prayers each day especially during this time of crisis. May God bless you always and may Mary keep you in the palm of her hand leading you close to Jesus. St. Ignatius Loyola, St. Joseph and St. Patrick of Ireland, pray for us. Peace in Christ,

Fr. Jim
My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart I embrace You as if you were already there and unite myself wholly to you. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen 

Mary, you shine continuously on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick.
At the foot of the Cross you participated in Jesus
’ pain, with steadfast faith.
You, Salvation of the Roman People, know what we need.
We are certain that you will provide, so that, as you did at Cana of Galilee,
joy and feasting might return after this moment of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform ourselves to the Father
’s will
and to do what Jesus tells us:
He who took our sufferings upon Himself, and bore our sorrows to bring us, through the Cross, to the joy of the Resurrection. Amen.
We seek refuge under your protection, O Holy Mother of God.
Do not despise our pleas – we who are put to the test – and deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin. 

March 15, 2020

WATER FOR LIFE
If there is one element we all need to survive on, it is water. We know that as human beings, while we can go days without food, we cannot survive without water. Science tells us that we can survive three to four weeks without food, but only three to four days without water. Water makes up on average 60% of an adult’s body weight, from 31 % in bones to 83% in lungs.

When Jesus speaks to the Samaritan woman of living water, she misperceives that he is talking about physical water from the well that they both are drawing from. However, Jesus means much more than that. The living water that he speaks about comes from His word that brings the Holy Spirit and eternal life. As water sustains our physical bodies, the Word of Jesus as the Son of God, sustains our souls and gives us life forever.

In the ancient world, knowledge was the one insight that would be the key to every- thing else in life. In the Gospel of John, it is Love that underscores everything. That love was first shared by the Father to the Son. It is the Lord’s word of Love that we are to drink from that will help sustain us in this life and carries over into the life to come.
We need to have faith like the Samaritan woman, that despite her sinfulness, Jesus’ word gave her a new path to begin again. He offers the same path to us each day. As water sustains our physical life, Christ’s word and example sustain our whole life, physical and spiritual too. May we take each day to listen and drink from Christ’s word so like that the Samaritan woman, we too will be forgiven of sin and live forever. The question for us this week is where do I go in life to quench my spiritual thirst? How often do I thirst for Jesus each day?

WE DID IT! CAPITAL CAMPAIGN, CONTINUING OUR MISSION
Thanks to you and to everyone who has given and are giving to the CAPITAL CAM- PAIGN, we have reached our goal and beyond. Currently, our redeemed pledges for the CAPITAL CAMPAIGN is $1.502 Million Dollars. Your
faith, generosity and prayers shows how much you love St. Ignatius Loyola
for the present and the future! Thank you very much, once again. A planned event of gratitude will occur for all who have given to the campaign after Easter.
May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families. May we strive to do all things for the greater glory of God. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!

Fr. Jim 

Due to the spread of the coronavirus and the flu, as a health precaution, the Diocese of Rockville Centre
has instructed each parish
to do the following: 

​
1) Until further notice, there will be no physical sign of peace. During the Rite of Peace, the following is to occur.

Priest: Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your Apostles: Peace I leave you, my peace I give you; look not on our sins, but on the faith of your
Church, and graciously grant her peace and unity in accordance with your will. Who live and reign for ever and ever.
People: Amen.
Priest: The peace of the Lord be with you always.

People: And with your spirit.
Sing or say: Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, etc
....

2)Until further notice, the Precious Blood of Christ (the Chalice) is not to be distributed to anyone other than clergy (priests / deacons) or those who for health reasons must only receive the Precious Blood.

3)ALL parishioners are encouraged to receive Holy Communion in the hand.

4) After Mass, please do not be insulted if the priest/deacon does not shake your hand. This is for the protection of everyone. A wave or bow will suffice.

Let us pray for all those who have contracted the coronavirus or the flu. May God bring them healing and comfort. May the Lord guide our medical and first responder personnel who are on the front lines confronting this disease. May we pray for a calming of mind and hearts during this period of uncertainty.
St. Francis DeSales writes “Quietly bring [your soul] back to the Presence of God, once more placing all your hopes and affections under the direction of His Holy Will ... When you are conscious that you are growing anxious, commend yourself to God.” 

March 8, 2020

SHINE LIKE THE SUN
Have you ever had moments where you really felt God was present? Perhaps it was an experience in Church at Mass or in prayer. Maybe it was at home in prayer or an experience with family members or friends at a party, reunion, a wedding, anniversary, a sacramental moment or during times of grief at a funeral. The day I wrote this column, I was hit with such a bright light from the morning sun coming through the kitchen window. All I could think of was, I wonder if this was the kind of light that the disciples experienced on the mountain that we heard about from today’s Gospel. The experiences I described remind us of God’s presence in what I call God’s given glory moments.

God is always working in our lives. However, we may fail to recognize him unless we are aware. There are times like the ones I mentioned where God makes himself known to us and wants us to know we are not alone.

In today’s Gospel, we witness the transfiguration of Jesus. Prior to this passage, Jesus gave the first of 3 predictions of his passion and death. You can imagine how frightened the disciples must have been. They did not know what was to come. Jesus then brings Peter, James and John up to a mountain (some say Mt. Tabor while others say Mt. Hermon) where suddenly he becomes “bright as the sun.” While in a glow, Jesus is talking with Moses and Elijah. Moses represents the law, while Elijah represents all the prophets. The transfiguration of Jesus occurred to 1) give the disciples strength to face the pain and suffering on the cross; 2) to show that Jesus is the Son of God who fulfills the law and prophets; 3) to show us that we are seeing Jesus in the same way the Father sees Him fulfilling His will.

At the climax of this event, we hear a voice “this is my beloved Son, listen to Him”. When we listen to Jesus’ voice and act in his name by following the Gospel, we too are like Jesus fulfilling the Father’s will. Jesus then says to us rise, carry my message and do not be afraid. During this season of Lent, may we ask ourselves these questions: Where have I encountered Christ in my life? What have been my God given glory moments? Where do I need to listen to God so that like Jesus, I may follow God’s plan for me?

Emmaus-Emaús
Many of you have asked me about the ministry of Emmaus, or in Spanish Emaús. This is a Diocesan sponsored Hispanic Ministry of men and women that meet here at St. Ignatius on Mondays. They also meet in parishes across the Diocese. Here is their ministry description.

Mission
The Mission of the Emmaus Long Island Brother and Sisterhood is to draw back people that are away from the Church and from God. Through retreats from Emmaus, we encourage these people to have a personal encounter with themselves, with Jesus and with the Church.

Objectives
  1. Have the men and women of our community and eventually the entire Nassau / Suffolk County attend the retreat.
  2. Through our Emmaus meetings in the parish, we keep the flame of the Holy Spirit and the love of God always burning in all the brothers and sisters.
  3. To raise awareness among the brothers and sisters about the importance of having all the sacraments, the goal that everyone someday receive communion.
  4. To raise awareness of the importance of service to the parish and to the community.
  5. Religious formation for all, starting with the leaders and / or coordinators of the groups.
  6. Do works of charities as a group and individually.
May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families. May we strive to do all things for the greater
glory of God. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us! Fr. Jim


A WORD ABOUT LITURGICAL PRACTICES AND GOOD HEALTH
In light of the threat of the Coronavirus, the flu and the common cold, it’s a good time to review some common-sense liturgical practices and issues, to help everyone stay healthy and to care for one another as we gather each week at Mass.

Holy Communion:
Priest, Deacons and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are especially encouraged to wash and sanitize their hands before Mass begins. When Communion ministers need to clean their hands during Mass, it is to be done behind the sanctuary, discreetly.

Receiving on the Tongue: Faithful who normally receive Holy Communion on the tongue, should refrain from receiving on the tongue and instead receive in the hand when one has a cold or is otherwise contagious. Do not spread your saliva to the hand of the Communion minister. If you are sick, receive Communion in the hand instead.

Diocese has indicated there will be no sign of peace in any form until further notice.

Mass Attendance: MOST IMPORTANTLY, IF YOU ARE SICK, PLEASE DO NOT COME TO MASS! There is no obligation to participate in Mass at church if you are sick. It is not a sin to miss Mass for this reason. Also there is no need to go to Confession if you miss Mass because you are sick. Personal prayer, reflection on the Sunday Scripture readings is encouraged. Many people enjoy watching the Mass on television on CFN (Catholic Faith Network), EWTN and or Ch. 5 at 5:30am Sundays. 


A big thank you to Bishop Barres for joining us at our annual Mardi Gras 2020! Thank you to our Activities Committee and Maintenance for such a beautiful job. Also thank you to DJ Kyle Noonan for the music and to our Hispanic American parishioners for the beautiful dancing. Thank you to all who came; children, young people, families, parents, grandparents and all alike .
Hope to see you again next year 2021. 
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March 1, 2020

THE GREAT RETREAT OF LENT
We have begun the great Season of LENT! I know that sometimes we can look at this time as something difficult or hard to do. However, we can also look at Lent where we can be joyful because this is a time where the Church helps us to focus more on our relationship with the Lord. Think of this as a great retreat where we put aside some of our daily habits like the cell phone, Facebook, Instagram, Snap Chat, Twitter and instead, talk and listen to God. What is God asking of me this Lent?? Where do I need to purify my life so that the grace of God will live more in me?

Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to go with a priest friend up to Boston College to participate in a seminar on the Gospels of Lent, entitled Encounter & Transformation-The Sunday Gospels of Lent Year A by Fr. Michael R. Simone, SJ STM. As we hear from the Gospels of Matthew and John this Lent, we will have the opportunity to encounter Jesus in a special way. From each encounter comes a transformation. From each transformation, we will have a lesson that we can take and share with others helping them to en- counter Christ through us.

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Matthew shows us how Jesus copes with temptation. Satan tries to distract Jesus from his mission with the temptations of authority, glory and the kingdom. Jesus knows the devil’s tricks and says no. He uses these powerful gifts for the good of His future Mission and in obedience to His Father and not for himself. We too can say no to the temptations that bombard us, because Jesus has shown us the way. He will be with us and he has given us the Holy Spirit to guide us that we received from our Baptism. This Lent may we place all of our trust in Jesus, knowing that all that is wild and evil around us and maybe inside us ultimately comes under the power of God. We just need to take this time during Lent to be open, trust and embrace Him. Ask the Lord Jesus to help you with whatever tempts you the most. He will! As we journey through Lent and with the help of the Gospels, may we come to know that the Father sees and loves in us what he sees and loves in Jesus Christ, his Son. We are special in His heart. May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families. May we strive to do all things for the greater glory of God.

St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim 
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Welcome Fr. John Victor
Below is a brief biography of Fr. John Victor, OMI
I am Fr. John Victor OMI. I belong to a religious community, Oblate of Mary Immaculate. I entered into the Seminary of the Missionaries of Oblate when I was 19 years old. I did my first year from pre-novitiate to philosophy in Haiti. I was sent to Colombia for my pastoral year and then I went to Mexico to finish my Theology. I was ordained a Deacon in Mexico City and a Priest in Port-au-Prince Haiti. After my ordination in December 14, 2008, I spent six months working as an Associated Pastor in the country side of Les Cayes. I was sent to mission in Colombia for 6 years where I worked as an Associate Pastor and to promote vocations serving the Church in my community. I went back to the US in 2015 where I was assigned as an Associate Pastor in my first parish in the Diocese of Rockville Centre at Corpus Christi in Mineola for 4 years and 9 months and at Holy Redeemer in Freeport. Now “Here I am Lord” at St Ignatius of Loyola to do your will and continue to serve the people of God “for the greater glory of God.”

February 23, 2020

HOW TO BE LIKE THE FATHER
In just three days or so, our parish and the entire Christian world, will begin its great retreat that we call LENT! What better way to prepare for Lent then reflecting on this Sunday’s Gospel concerning forgiveness and revenge. In the Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures) there was a law that offered a measured and moderate way to respond if someone did something wrong to you. It was called lex talionis, law of retaliation, from the Book of Exodus 21:24. It was a civilized way of scaling back vengeance-based responses to perceived injuries and injustice. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus takes revenge out entirely.
​

Jesus continues teaching against revenge by saying we are called to be “perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect.” That may sound impossible, especially if we have been truly hurt by someone or another party. How are we to be perfect when we make mistakes? We can do it, not by ourselves, but with God’s help. While we are human and incapable of being truly perfect, St. Paul in his letter to the Corinthians writes “the Spirit of God dwells in you (Corinthians 3:16). So the Holy Spirit is within us to guide and help us in relating to those who have hurt us or whom we may call enemy. Spirit can help us to let go that which we have attached ourselves to for years. Is there someone who has hurt you very deeply in your life? Have you hurt someone very deeply? This Lent, take the person and the event to God in prayer. If it is very difficult to forgive a person, remember you don’t have to be their best friend, however, ask God to forgive them for you. Let go of the hurt and anger that blocks God’s grace from your life. By holding on to our hurt and revenge we are the ones punishing ourselves, not the instigator. May the word of God this Lent open our hearts and heal our wounds so that we can rise from the Ashes of Ash Wednesday and glorify the Lord on Easter Sunday. Happy Lent.. What will you do to allow Lent to make a difference in your life this year?
May we use this prayer as we begin our Lenten journey to Easter:
Father, your ways are not our own.
You see what we cannot and yet you use us as your eyes and ears and hands in the world. Open my mind. Open my heart. Open my eyes. Open my ears.
I want to be used by you to reveal who you are to a world hungry for the transforming power of the true gospel.

May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families. May we strive to do all things for the greater glory of God. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us! 

Father Jim

February 16, 2020

45th ANNUAL MARCH FOR LIFE
Every year the March For Life takes place near the Anniversary of Roe v.Wade, January 22, 1973, when our nation made abortion a law. Since then, over 60 million pre-born babies were killed. You may see me wear the pin 60 representing this number. So many lives have never had the opportunity to make a difference in our world.
St. Theresa of Calcutta said that abortion in the womb causes violence all over the world. What gave me great hope, was seeing so many young people marching saying yes to life and no to death. The theme this year was Pro Life is Pro Woman.

Our President, the first to actually speak at the Pro-Life March, said “every life is sacred, that every child is a precious gift from God.” This is what we are to believe not only as Christians, but as human beings. This year St. Ignatius joined over 300,000 people to show our support for life from its beginning. The best way to change hearts and minds is speaking the truth with love and to pray for mothers who had an abortion, are having an abortion and are contemplating an abortion. Places like the Church and the Life Center of Long Island (516-798-9100) stand in the gap to say we are not just pro-birth but pro-life. Please support them and join us next year in 2021. 
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First Reconciliation
You may have noticed the banner in Church with Jesus and little sheep around him in front of the Baptismal Font. This was placed there in celebration of all of our children who have just received their first reconciliation. What a great title to have: .What Was Lost Is Now Found. As we prepare for the Season of Lent, please give some thought to celebrating this often forgotten sacrament. Reconciliation not only forgives our sins, but it gives us the grace to resist possible sins in the future. May God bless all of our children and young people who celebrated this great sacrament of forgiveness. May they be our role models leading us closer to Jesus.

May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families. May we strive to do all things for the greater glory of God. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim 
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February 9, 2020

Greetings to you all! I have finally returned from my trip to Southeast Asia and the Far East. We arrived home on January 18, 2020. For all of you who travel to Vietnam, Hong Kong, etc. my heart goes out to you for the jet lag you have to endure once you arrive home. The journey was amazing. I was praying for all of our Vietnamese American Catholics whose home is in this part of the world. It is truly a beautiful country with beautiful people. We also prayed for all of our Vietnam Veterans who faced a nation back in the 1960’s during the war. I was thinking what was it like for all these young men and women 50 + years ago. May God bless them and heal them of any wounds from that awful time in our nation’s history. My hope is to share more with you as we journey through this year. For those of you who are concerned that we contracted the Coronavirus, there is no need to worry. The Doctor said we are all fine. We pray though for healing of anyone who has contracted this virus or the flu.

While away, I thank Fr. Alan Bower for serving at some and speaking at all of our Masses during the weekend of January 11-12. Fr. Bower raised the awareness of children who face great poverty abroad. Finally, I want to thank Fr. Miguel Rivera for the service that he has given us, particularly to our Hispanic American Parishioners. Our prayers go with Fr. Miguel as he seeks peace and healing in his life.
¡Dios te bendiga, Padre Miguel.

WELCOME MRS. MARIEL PACIFIC, OUR NEW MUSIC DIRECTOR FOR ST. IGNATIUS LOYOLA
It gives me great joy and happiness to announce that we have hired a new Music Director who will be working for us approximately 28 hours a week. Her name is Mariel Pacific. After a long and arduous process, the Lord through the power of the Holy Spirit, led us to Mariel. Please join me in extending to Mariel and her family a warm welcome to the St. Ignatius Staff and Parish family. Mariel will be playing and singing at the 9:30am,11:00am and 12:30pm Masses on Sundays including funerals and weddings in the Church. Mr. Jim Sheehan, will continue to play and sing at the 5pm Mass on Saturdays on a regular basis. I want to take this opportunity to thank Jim for filling in during this time since July 2019. Also thank you to Alfred Allongo from St. James in Seaford for helping us connect with various Cantors and Organists. Furthermore, thanks to Wadis Turcios for cantoring during this time as well.

Mariel will begin her first choir practice on Wednesday, February 12 at 7:30pm in the church. ALL ARE INVITED. St. Augustine writes “to sing is to pray twice.” St. Cecilia, the Patron St. of Music writes “at once in our hearts and on our tongues we offer double prayers sent heavenward on winged notes to praise God dwelling there”. Through the intercession of St. Cecilia, may God bless Mariel and all who are involved in the Music Minis- try here at St. Ignatius Loyola.

A few words from Mariel:
“Hello Parishioners of St. Ignatius. I want to thank you for making me feel so welcome last Sunday. I am your new Music Director, Mariel Pacific. I come from Immaculate Conception Church in Jamaica Estates (the Passionists) known for its Bishop Molloy Retreat House. I have been a parishioner there my entire life as well as the Cantor since about 1999. My husband, Franco and I have two children: Michael, an 8 yr. old who attends Holy Family, and Olivia, who will be 2 on February 20th. . I look forward to working here at Saint Ignatius and singing with you in this beautiful church.” Mariel 
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WORLD MARRIAGE DAY AND NATIONAL MARRIAGE WEEK
Today the Church has established as World Marriage Day and February 7-14 as National Marriage Week. As we reflect on the Gospel of Matthew where Jesus speaks about salt and light, for those who are married, what flavor do you bring out in your relationship with your spouse? How is your marriage a light to the world showing forth the love Christ has for each of us? St. John Paul II once wrote: “man cannot fully find himself , except through a sincere gift of himself.” What better way to express the gift of oneself but by being a gift to your wife or husband.

Love is not just a feeling, it is a decision that you as husband and wife make each day. Make sure you make Jesus the center of your life because He will help you to love even when it is difficult to love. The three most important elements for a good marriage are communication, communication, communication. For more information, go to foryourmarriage.org. Also, for those of you having difficulties in your marital relationship, please take the opportunity to speak to one of our priests and look toward Marriage Encounter. Their website entitled World Wide Marriage Encounter is wwme.org. Click on that website and schedule a weekend, for you and your spouse. It may be the best marriage gift you can give to each other.

May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families. May we strive to do all things for the greater glory of God. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim 

February 2, 2020

Hello my friends, I want to thank Father Jim for the opportunity to write this week’s Pastoral Letter. I apologize because it is a week late.

Last week January 21st, we started the 9 days for life, 9 days of prayer and in the middle, the March of Life in our Capital Washington where thousands of people gathered for the same cause including parishioners from our parish.

At every stage and in every circumstance, we are held in existence by God’s love. The presence of an ill- ness, disability, or any other challenging situation never diminishes the value of human life. God does not call us to perfection of appearance or abilities, but to perfection in love. Christ invites us to embrace our lives and the lives of others as true gifts.

Abortion tragically rejects the truth that every life is a good and perfect gift. Deserving protection, this violent practice ends the life of a human being at its very beginning and horribly wounds all those involved. But Christ came that we “might have life and have it abundantly” (John 10,10), taking on human flesh for the sake of our redemption, may our culture experience the power of God’s transforming love. That all eyes may be opened to the incredible beauty of every human life.

Abortion is frequently a topic, in the news, political debates and everyday conversation with friends and family. Because the topic is controversial and an emotional issue, many of us feel intimidated when this topic arises, not knowing what to say.

From the first moments of existence, you had all the DNA that would determine your sex, facial features, physique, and the color of your skin, hair, and eyes. At 24 days, your heart began beating, by 8 weeks all your organs were present, and your unique fingerprints were forming. Ultrasounds show that by 18 weeks you could swim, somersault, suck your thumb, and cover your ears if you heard loud music. If you’d been born just 23 weeks after conception, your chance of survival would be 50-80 percent, by 25 weeks it would be over 90 percent, and that’s still months before full term birth.

Now, if someone takes an innocent person’s life after he or she is born, it’s against the law; just minutes before birth, it’s legal in most states and called an abortion. The only real difference is a declaration by the United States Supreme Court in Roe V. Wade (1973).

After four decades of legalized abortion, many children’s lives have been ended, and many parents and family members suffer that loss- often in silence. Yet God’s greatest desire is to forgive, no matter how far we have each strayed from His side. He said to us “don’t be afraid, draw close to my heart”: be assured that it is never to late to seek God’s forgiveness in the sacrament of reconciliation.

My friends pray daily for the end of abortion, that all mothers and children experience the loving support of the church community, and that all who suffer after abortion find healing and peace.

God bless you,

Deacon Mario 

January 26, 2020

"Celebrating 'Sunday of the Word of God'", By Father Nicholas Zientarski, S.T.D.
Fr. Zientarski is the Director of Worship for the Diocese of Rockville Centre. 

In his recent motu propio, Aperuit illis, Pope Francis designated the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time as Sunday of the Word of God, when all Catholics should give special reverence to the Sacred Word, both individually and collectively as members of parishes. In the document, he writes, "Devoting a specific Sunday of the liturgical year to the word of God can enable the Church to experience anew how the risen Lord opens up for us the treasury of his word and enables us to proclaim its unfathomable riches before the world" (no. 2). The first celebration of this special, new day on the liturgical calendar is Sunday, January 26, 2020. 

In reflecting on the motu pmpio and in consultation with the Liturgical Commission of the diocese, Bishop Barres recommends the following suggestions in which parishes may celebrate this speak Sunday:
  • At Masses on this weekend, have a solemn procession with the Gospel book, with an extended Gospel acclamation and use of incense. The priest or deacon takes the Gospel book and processes with it, led by a thurifer, and the priest or deacon then incenses the book before the proclamation.
  • Following the homily, have the people at Mass come forward to reverence the Gospel Book, similar to the way_ the cross is reverenced on Good Friday. The Gospel book, preferably one that has an ornate cover, is held by the priest or deacon as people in the congregation come forward to kiss or touch the book.
  • The lectionary or Gospel book may be put on display in a prominent place in the church. A stand may be created and decorated for the placement of the book.
  • At some point (outside the liturgy), have an exposition and/or demonstration of Lectio Divina.
  • As a practical matter, inspect lectionaries and Gospel books to see if any are in need of replacement.
  • At the homes of parishioners, bibles can be placed in a prominent place and read.
  • In church bulletins, pastors can explain in their letters the prominent place of sacred scripture within the Mass, both in the proclamation of the Word and within the prayers and texts of the Roman Missal 

Given that January 26th is also Catholic Schools' Sunday across the diocese, children from the schools may be able to assist and take part in the activities listed above and a catechesis for them may be given on this day. The full text of the motu propio may be found by following the link:
Click here

January 19, 2019

The following is taken from a flyer entitled Church Etiquette. Please read it and keep it on your refrigerator. 
Dear Parishioners and Friends Church Etiquette
Please keep the following in mind when coming to MASS:
  1. ARRIVE A FEW MINUTES EARLY-take a few minutes to pray and ready yourself for the celebration of the Eucharist.
  2. Observe silence before Mass begins-people are trying to pray.
  3. Please join the rest of our congregation by taking a seat. NO NEED TO STAND IN THE BACK! 
  4. Please bless yourself with Holy Water when you enter and leave the Church. This reminds us of our Baptism. 
  5. Before entering the pew, as a sign of reverence, GENUFLECT (if there’s a medical condition ie age, BOW) to the Blessed Sacrament reserved in the Tabernacle behind the altar. 
  6. TURN OFF ALL CELLPHONES and other electronic devices. Do not text during Mass. 
  7. Please do not chew gum or eat in Church. Do not leave gum underneath the seats.
  8. Did you fast 1 hr before receiving Holy Communion? Are you in a state of grace?
  9. Please remember to make a slight bow as a sign of reverence before Holy Communion. 
  10. Did you say “AMEN” as you received Holy Communion? Yes, I believe!
  11. As the singing finishes, take a few moments after receiving Holy Communion to express 
  12. gratitude in private prayer. Unless there is an emergency, what ARE WE SAYING IF WE LEAVE CHURCH AS SOON AS WE RECEIVE HOLY COMMUNION?
  13. Please PICK UP any tissues, wrappers, and/or water bottles that you may have left in the pew.
  14. WHAT’S THE RUSH?? Please stay until the priest exits the Church.
  15. Don’t forget to take the bulletin home with you. ALSO PLEASE READ IT!! ​

January 5, 2019

THANK YOU to our Liturgical Ministries including our Altar Servers, Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist, Lectors and Ushers , to our musicians, especially Jim Sheehan, Lisa Mischke who directed our choir for Midnight Mass, Wadis Turcios our Cantor , to our Martha’s Guild who decorated our Church so beautifully during the Christmas/Advent Season. Thank you to the Parish Staff and to all who have come to share in the celebration of Mass with us. Your presence makes every bit of effort worthwhile.

THANK YOU to all who have sent Christmas cards, Christmas gifts, Christmas cookies, candies, cakes, foods and other baked goods. May God bless you for your generosity to the priests, deacons, staff and myself.

From all of us at St. Ignatius Loyola Church we wish you the gift of faith, the blessing of hope and the peace of God’s love throughout the New Year. May the shinning Star that guided the Magi to the Lord Jesus continue to guide you in your lives until you meet him in the Eternal Christmas of Heaven. 

May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always. May we remember to al- ways do things for the greater glory of God. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!

Fr. Jim
PS- As you read this message, I will be traveling through the Orient of Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore experiencing another gift of God’s mysteries of the East. Pray for us while we pray for you. 

December 29, 2019

Today Deacon Mais tells us about the events of Christmas.
Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year
I hope you all had a wonderful and blessed Christmas. Here we are in the Christmas season both on the liturgical calendar and the calendar on the wall. Liturgically, Christmas runs from Christmas Eve at 4:00 in the afternoon through the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord which will be celebrated on January 12th, 2020. But for the purpose of this letter I want consider a shorter period – from Christmas day to January 6th, The Feast of the Epiphany; the visit of the Magi (This year the Church celebrates the Epiphany on January 5th)

It is during this time that I enjoy most, listening to Christmas music, especially the religious ones because it helps me focus on the meaning of the season. I don’t have a very large collection of CDs, but I do have some that I enjoy like Handel’s Messiah and some selections from The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC.
Among my favorite Christmas carols are “Silent Night”, “Oh Little Town of Bethlehem”, “Away in a Manger”, and “The Twelve Day of Christmas”.

I find the lyrics of these songs a wonderful opportunity for meditation. Here is an example of the type of meditation we can see in one of these hymns, “The Twelve Days of Christmas” (author unknown). We can see how the author was looking at the 12 days between Christmas and the Epiphany – and look at some of the reasons I see that I am Catholic.

Here is a list of the most common understandings of the meaning of the twelve days:

A Partridge in a Pear Tree – Jesus Christ, Son of God.
Two Turtle Doves – The Old and New Testaments.
Three French Hens – Faith, Hope, and Charity, the Theological Virtues.
Four Calling Birds – The Four Gospels and the Four Evangelists.
Five Gold Rings – The Five Book of the Old Testament, the “Pentateuch”, which gives the history of
man’s fall from grace.
Six Geese A
-laying – the six days of creation.
Seven swans A
-swimming – the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and the Seven Sacraments.
Eight maids A
-milking – the eight Beatitudes.
Nine Ladies Dancing – the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Ten Lords A
-leaping – the Ten Commandments.
Eleven Pipers Piping – the eleven faithful Apostles.
Twelve Drummers Drumming – the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle’s Creed.

Which brings me to the Epiphany – that day when we celebrate the coming of Magi – manifestation of Jesus to the Gentiles. The Magi are introduced to us in Matthew’s Gospel and they frequently referred to as Wise Men and even as kings, and we generally assign them names. Melchior – a Persian, Caspar (Gaspar) – an Indian, and Balthazar – a Babylonian. The important point of Matthew’s Gospel is that this is the first introduction of Gentiles in the New Testament; the beginning of the spread of God’s kingdom to all people.
I hope that this message has helped you grow in your understanding of this wonderful season – The Christmas Season.

God Bless you all, Deacon George Mais

I would like to wish you all a Happy and Healthy New Year and Christmas Season. Fr. Ben will be away through January 30th. I will be away from January 1st to the 18th. I will be visiting Fr. McCabe in early January. Please say a prayer for a safe journey to Asia. Fr. Jim 

December 22, 2019

Last weekend, St. Ignatius celebrated the many gifts that we find in our parish of St. Ignatius Loyola. On Saturday, in our Faith Formation Program, on December 14th we celebrated a special prayer service in honor of our Blessed Mother as Mother of God and Mother of us all. On Sunday, December 15th, we celebrated the Feast Day of our Lady of Guadalupé who revealed herself  to a young peasant, St. Juan Diego in Mexico. Many people came representing the local indigenous people of the Mexican countryside and the various Hispanic countries in the Caribbean, Central and South America, showing their great love for Our Lady. We also celebrated our third Ecumenical Advent Prayer Service of Lessons and Carols at Holy Family Parish. What better way to celebrate the coming of Jesus than in our children, our many cultural families in honoring the Blessed Mother and praying in unity with others. We often say Christmas was made for children. The world will tell us that is because we only think of Santa Claus, the presents under the tree, and a child’s joyful face on opening the gifts. Our children can also teach us the real reason and gift for the season; Jesus Christ. They can teach us how to accept Christ more lovingly into our lives and to allow him to be born more into our hearts. Jesus always said “let the children come to me for such is the Kingdom of God”.
What he meant was that we are to be child
like faith in our faith with God and with one another. We do this by opening our hearts, by seeing our God is incarnate around us and in each of us and by letting go of our fears and prejudices. Children often teach us that we need to depend on God as they depend on the love of their parents. This Christmas, may we learn more from St. Joseph and Mary in always thinking about and serving the other. May they be our role models of faith in being more loving, more forgiving, more selfless and more giving toward one another. This is how we make our hearts a home for Jesus. God came as a child for a reason, to remind us of what the gift of innocence and beauty of life is all about and that it can never be lost, if we don’t let it.

On behalf of the Sisters of St. Dominic: Sr Karen, Sr. Kathy, Sr. Mary and Sr. Joan from the Mother House; and our Parish Priests: Fr. Miguel, Fr. Benjamin, Fr. Frank, Fr. Emmanuel (visiting), our Deacons: Mario, José and George; our lay Staff: Colleen, Joe, Tony, Jeanne, Joan, Jim Sheehan and I, we wish you and your families a very Blessed and Merry Christmas. May the light of Christ always glow in your hearts and may He help you to be a true light and gift for all who come into your midst. May the King of Peace help each of us to rise above the negativity, the media bias and the political rhetoric of our country so that we can embrace the objective truths that God has implanted in each of our hearts. Re- member to pray for our Jewish friends who celebrate Hanukkah this week. May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always. May we remember to always do things for the greater glory of God. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Merry Christmas!
Fr. Jim 

December 15, 2019

REJOICE AND BE GLAD, THE LORD IS COMING
Today is Guadete Sunday, meaning rejoice Sunday. We light the rose colored candle on the Advent wreath and the priest usually wears rose colored vestments to symbolize this time of rejoicing. We are inching our way ever so closer to Christmas, for the Lord is near and is already coming into our hearts. In his Apostolic letter Gaudeate et Exsultate (Rejoice & Be Glad) Pope Francis writes that the source of our joy is being holy, which is an attainable goal for each of us. The Pope reminds us that “being holy is the source of our greatest joy.” In his letter, Pope Francis writes “Do not be afraid of holiness. It will take away none of your energy, vitality or joy. On the contrary, you will become what the Father had in mind when he created you, and you will be faithful to your deepest self. To depend on God, sets us free from every form of enslavement and leads us to recognize our great dignity.

The Pope gives the example of Saint Josephine Bakhita who was “abducted and sold into slavery at the tender age of seven, she suffered much at the hands of cruel masters. But she came to understand the profound truth that God, and not man, is the true Master of every human being, of every human life. This experience became a source of great wisdom for this humble daughter of Africa”. (Rejoice & Be Glad 32) My question this week is where do I find joy in my life? Is it from the Lord or from something or someone that I think brings me joy but is false? If it is false, pray to rely more on Jesus. How do I bring the joy of Jesus to others? Joy means Jesus, Others and You!

WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND OUR PARISH GROUNDS?
The fire alarm system has been installed in the church by SENTRY. They need to be tested and inspected by the Fire Marshall before it can be turned on. I am grateful to Michael Livingston and Boy Scout Troop 382 for working on
Michael’s Eagle Scout project which will be a shrine to the Divine Mercy. Michael and his team have been working very hard to make the grounds beautiful and prayerful. Please consider donating to this project by putting a loved ones name on a brick or toward the statue of the Divine Mercy. I am very excited that the once empty grounds, after the house was there for many years, are now being put to good use. Check the bulletin for further information ..

Thank you to all who participated in our annual Christmas Tree Lighting and St. Nicholas Night. I am very grateful to Colleen and Mike Tuzzolo, Barbara and Joe Malerba, Ed Sottile and Deacon George Mais for making this a joyful, prayerful and holy night!

May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families. May we strive to do all things for the greater glory of God. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim 

December 8, 2019

ADVENT CHALLENGES US TO MAKE CHANGE IN OUR LIVES!
Centuries ago, when a King wanted to make a tour of his region he would send a courier, who would go before him entrusted to bring a message to others to announce the King’s coming and to help prepare them for his arrival. The people would go out into the village and beyond to clear the roads from debris or rubble to make sure that the King had a clear path to follow since there were no paved roads.

We experience the clearing of roadways, much to the chagrin of commuters, when the President or any Head of State comes to visit the City of New York. This has become a way of life for many New Yorkers. Much has to happen in order for the leader or dignitary to reach their destination as safely, quickly and efficiently as possible.

During the Second and Third Sundays of Advent, we will focus on a man whose main job is to help people prepare for the arrival of not just any leader, but the head of all peoples of the world, Jesus Christ. John the Baptist, whose name means favored by God, challenges us to clear out the paths that lead to our heart so that Jesus can enter fully into our lives. He tells us in today’s Gospel from Matthew, that we cannot claim exemption from the work of discipleship or using it as a privilege in God’s Kingdom just because we are baptized.

In order to clear a path for Jesus, John challenges us to repentance and conversion. Repentance means not only to be sorry for our sins and wrongdoings, but also to take the next step to change our actions. This is conversion. What is it that is preventing Jesus from fully coming into my life? What are the mountains and valleys that keep Jesus away from us?

The mountains can be the sins of arrogance, pride, selfishness, over self concern, where we feel we don’t need God in our lives everyday. The valleys in our lives can be that of fear, depression and despair that falsely tell us we are no good and we have no one to turn to. Through repentance and conversion, we experience no more harm or ruin but rather peace and harmony as described by the prophet Isaiah in the first reading. Repentance and conversion also means putting faith in a king, as described by Isaiah, who will lead us in the right direction. A leader who is filled with the 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit who will help fill the earth with the knowledge of God. This King is now our Christ who is un- like any of failed kings of Israel who only thought of their own welfare and not that of the people of Israel and Judah.

Repentance and conversion allow us to see that God makes a way where there is no way. This Advent may we be open to the power of the Holy Spirit who renews and refreshes us so that we no longer belong to the shadows of a cluttered world, but to a new way to live in God which will bring us an eternity of light that will last forever.

JOIN US
Please come to Mass on Monday December 9, 2019 for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, if you can. Even though, it is not an obligation, the Immaculate Conception is the Patronal Feast Day for our whole country. Next week, December 15th, please bring your Baby Jesus to church to be blessed. This will take place at all Masses.

Join us for LESSONS AND CAROLS on December 15 at 7:30pm at Holy Family. This is sponsored by all the Christian Churches of Hicksville, including St. Ignatius.

May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families. May we strive to do all things for the greater glory of God. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim 

December 1, 2019

This week Deacon Mario Gomez tells us about Advent.
ADVENT 2019
The first Sunday of advent marks the beginning of the liturgical year, its time of great anticipation as we await the arrival of Christ on Christmas morning. In fact, the word Advent comes from the Latin word ad- venire that means coming or arriving.

Just as in Lent, the liturgical color of Advent is purple. Both of the seasons prepare for a great feast day in the Church year. The final days of Advent from December 17 to December 24, focus particularly on our preparation for the celebrations of the Nativity of our Lord (Christmas).

The color purple, also connotes the penitential dimension of the season of Advent, is a time of preparing, quieting and disciplining our hearts for the full joy of Christmas. The altar is also meant to be decorated in a more restrained manner during this season.

The advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and also to the anniversary of the Lord’s birth on Christmas. Right in the middle of Advent, several Marian feast are also celebrated.

They are the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary and the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
​

“At Christmas we on earth receive Jesus the bread from heaven, it is a bread that never grows stale, but enables us even now to have a foretaste of eternal life,,, I want to come to Bethlehem, Lord, because there you await me. I want to realize that you, lying in a manger, are the bread of my life. I need the tender fragrance of your love so that I, in turn, can be bread broken for the world.“
(Pope Francis Homily Dec 24, 2019).

May each Christmas , as it comes, find us more and more like Him, who at this time became a little child for our sake, more simple minded, more humble, more holy, more affectionate, more resigned, more happy, more full of God.
During advent, we prepare for Christ’s coming in three ways, as an infant who came into this world over two thousand years ago, as Our Lord and Savior coming into our hearts right here and now, and as the Son of Man who will come into this world again at the end of time. We do not know when the last of these will occur, so this season is a good opportunity to focus on preparing our hearts for Jesus now, perhaps by looking for his face in those we encounter.

God bless you all, Merry Christmas
Deacon Mario 

November 24, 2019

Thanksgiving, is the one holiday (holyday) where all people of our nation of different faiths, color and na- tionalities celebrate and come together as one and give thanks to our God for everything that has been granted to us. I share with you a proclamation given President Abraham Lincoln that resonates strongly, most especially today, in our troubled times. Without God, we are nothing.

PROCLAMATION OF THANKSGIVING BY PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN
The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign states to invite and provoke their aggressions, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere, except in the theater of military conflict; while that theater has been greatly contracted by the advancing Armies and Navies of the Union.

Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defense have not arrested the plow, the shuttle, or the ship; the ax has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege, and the battlefield, and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.

No human counsel hath devised, nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and grate- fully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American people. I do, therefore, invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a Day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.

And I recommend to them that, while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty hand to heal the wounds of the nation, and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and union. Done at the city of Washington, this third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States the eighty-eighth.

From all of us here at St. Ignatius Loyola, priests, sisters and staff, have a blessed and joyous Thanksgiving. Please do not go to the stores on Thanksgiving Day.

May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families. May we strive to do all things for the greater glory of God.

​St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!

Fr.Jim, Pastor 

A BIG THANK YOU

Thank You/Gracias from Catholic Daughters
Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court Queen of Angels #869 expresses heartfelt gratitude to all who took part in our Military Thank You Project on the weekend of November 9th and 10th. To all who stopped by our table after our English and Spanish Masses or dropped off at the rectory
-- thank you for the generous response! We received over 363 cards and letters, 208 of which were cards and drawings from students from our Religious Education classes and local schools. We will forward everything to our New York State Liaison, who will send these cards and letters to servicemen and women around the country and overseas throughout the coming year. Our sentiments and good wishes are sure to bring smiles to their faces! Thank you again for remembering those who serve our country! 
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November 17, 2019

Thank you Bishop Barres for a beautiful job in celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation on Tuesday November 5, 2019. Thank you to our Religious Education Director, Mrs. Colleen Tuzzolo, Mrs. Barbara Malerba her Assistant, Mrs. Michele Byrne, Confirmation Coordinator and all our Catechists who helped prepare our young people for this sacrament. Thank you also to our Mr. Jim Sheehan, Organist, our Cantor, Altar Servers, Ushers and Sacristans for helping to create a beautiful Confirmation liturgy. May God bless you for your service and may God bless and guide all of our Confirmandi on the next step of their faith journey. Fr Jim 
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November 10, 2019

BELIEF IN THE RESURRECTION IS THE CENTER OF OUR FAITH
Last Monday evening, we had our annual All Souls’ Day Mass remembering all those who have died and gone before us this past year. During the Mass, we read each of the names of the funerals that were held here at Church. We also asked our parishioners, whose family member had funerals in other places, to call out their names. While each name was read, a candle was lit from the Easter Candle and given to each family, reminding them that new life from the light of Christ abounds for their loved ones. We do this each year marking the importance of All Souls’ Day and the month of November, a month where the Church marks and prays for all the dead, especially for all those souls who are in purgatory waiting to enter into Heaven. We do this in faith and with faith, not to say goodbye, but until we meet again.

Luke’s Gospel and the reading from the Maccabees this Sunday, is all about death and resurrection. In the Gospel of Luke, the Sadducees ask Jesus a question concerning marriage to ridicule the idea of the resurrection. They unlike the Pharisees, do not believe in the resurrection. The Sadducees follow only the first 5 books of the Bible, known as the Torah. They claim that since the Torah offers no clear teaching on the resurrection, it does not exist. 

In his own genius way, Jesus answers them by saying that marriage is an earthly concept. He quotes Genesis 1:28 saying that the main goal of marriage in Judaism is to have children to replace those who will eventually die.

However, in the age to come, replacement is not necessary because all who benefit from the resurrection will never die again. Jesus is also saying that if a spouse loses another spouse, it is okay to marry again. Jesus quotes Exodus 3 where God tells Moses that He is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, who are already physically dead. He implies that God would not say this if they were actually dead. God is invoking their names because these three Patriarchs are alive with God beyond the grave.

As Christians, the doctrine of the bodily resurrection is central to what we believe. St. Paul tells us that if Christ has not been raised, then empty (too) is our preaching; empty (too) your faith” 1Cor 15:14. What else would really motivate our earliest Christian martyrs who went to their graves confident that they will be called back to life. This was the same courage that Jonas Maccabees and his brothers had even before Jesus, in facing the tortuous actions of a murderous king. The fear of death was also conquered when Jesus conquered the grave. Each of us share in this victory over death by our Baptism. For death no longer holds us captive. That is why we can pray with St. Paul when he says to death, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” May each of us lean into these words of comfort this week.

During the month of November, let us pray the early Christian hymn found in Ephesians 5:14 that was usually recited at Baptisms. It reminds us that life does not end at the grave, but only begins in a new way, after death. “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light” (1 Cor 15:55) I pray that this prayer gives each of us hope knowing that one day we will be with our loved ones and our God for- ever. Amen!

Remember to always act and worship for greater glory of God! May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!

Fr. Jim, Pastor 

November 3, 2019

GIVING OPENS THE DOOR TO SALVATION
In today’s Gospel, we hear about the humorous story of Zacchaeus, the tax collector who meets Jesus. Now, Zacchaeus had two strikes against him in his society. First, he was a tax collector. The job of the tax collector was to work for the Roman Government, the enemy of the people of Israel. So, he was taking money from the people and giving it to their ruler. Second, Zacchaeus was rich. Much of it came from his unscrupulous practices. For example, he would often take some of the tax money for himself. So, here we have this outcast who hears that Jesus is coming. He does his best to find Jesus. Being short, he climbs a tree. Then Jesus, who knows he is in the tree, invites himself to Zacchaeus’ house. From that point, Zacchaeus’ heart is changed because he knows that Jesus cares for him despite Zacchaeus’ sinfulness. In response to God’s love for him, Zacchaeus surrenders some of his wealth and restores the injustices he brought onto other people. Jesus replies “today Salvation has come to this house.” Zacchaeus’ grateful heart opened him up to the grace God had for him found in Jesus.

How about us? How grateful are we to the Lord for all the good things God has done for us? One way we can give back to God in gratitude, is through our treasure. We have almost completed our Capital Campaign, and I am grateful to all of you who have given so much to ensure that our debt is substantially reduced and that our infrastructure is strong. We are now in the process of installing a fire alarm for the church. Now, we have to continue to look ahead and keep growing in our daily operations. This is not a sprint, but a marathon that you and I do together with the Lord at our side. Your reflective consideration of your offering to the parish will make all the difference of whether we continue to build God’s Kingdom or struggle in making ends meet. Think about how God has blessed you and your family and then ask what shall I return to the Lord.” I have found that the more I give to my church and others, the more God gives back to me. I have found similar stories from many of our parishioners. St. Paul writes “you will be enriched in every way for your great generosity.” God knows everything about us. It is in our weaknesses that he draws us in so that He can speak to us and direct us to follow his will. Giving opens our hearts to his voice, just like Zacchaeus. While we do not merit salvation, it is in giving that we open our hearts to salvation. As we continue with our Stewardship, how much more is God asking of you to give to St. Ignatius Loyola? How open are you to God’s grace and act of salvation?

WELCOME FR. MIGUEL RIVERA (¡BIENBENUDOS!)
This past Monday I received a call from our Vicar for Clergy Personnel, Fr. Edward Sheridan who told me that we will be receiving a new priest here at St. Ignatius. His name is Fr. Miguel Rivera.

Fr. Miguel has been in the United States since February 2019. He has at least 2 sisters in Brentwood. He is from San Miguel, El Salvador. Please join me in welcoming Fr. Miguel here to St. Ignatius

Loyola. More to come in the future. 

Please pray for our 36 Candidates for Confirmation who will be confirmed this Tuesday by Bishop John O Barres. May the Holy Spirit come upon then and enlighten them to be beacons of light for our world. 

CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER
Congratulations to Mr. Donald (Don) Cleary Jr. on being this year’s recipient of the St. Agnes Medal for St. Ignatius Loyola. Like many of our volunteers, Don has been very faithful to St. Ignatius. He coordinates the parish calendar every week and heads our successful Golf Outing each year. Thank you Don for all of your hard earned work here at St. Ignatius! May God bless you, Don along with Carol and your family. 

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Other recipients of the St. Agnes Medal have been:
2007  Arthur Schreiber
2008  Connie Clark
2009  Peggy Gill
2010  Julietta McLaughlin
2011  Mary Ann Lang
2012  Joan Cunningham
2013 John and Pamela Flannigan
2014 Mary Spadola
2015 Joan and Al Geitner
2016 Lorraine Mierzejewski

2017 Recipient Declined
2018 Carol Hogan

Congratulations to all of our Religious Education Catechists who received a medal for their service to the parish by the Diocese of Rockville Centre at St. Agnes Cathedral last week. May God bless Samantha Sepkowski (in picture), Nancy Foster (in picture), Kate Cimino and Michele Byrne (25 years of service) for your service in education to our parish of St. Ignatius Loyola. May God bless you!
Fr. Jim 
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October 27, 2019

Dear friends in Christ and of St. Ignatius Loyola,
Two weeks ago I wrote to give you giving some insight into the plight of our parish Sunday collections. Today I

write to announce that we will be undergoing an Enhanced Offertory Program encouraged by the Diocese of Rockville Centre and sponsored by Cathedral Corporation in Rome, NY.

The Enhanced Offertory program is a 6 week program (that is measured throughout 14 weeks). The program aims to increase the offering of each parishioner by stressing the importance of giving. The program starts with 3 weekends of in-pew talks. Some of our active parishioners, whom you know, our Deacons and myself will speak at the masses to stress the importance of giving as a disciple of Christ, especially giving to our parish.

During this first weekend, parishioners are introduced to the spirituality of giving. The talk will be given by
our parishioners. The second weekend walks us through the program itself. The talk will be given by our deacons and some parishioners. Finally the third weekend is the commitment weekend which will be done by me. Please take the time to open your hearts, minds and ears to listen. Ask the Lord to guide you in the process. Thank you for your great generosity!

Remember to always act and worship for greater glory of God! May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always.
St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
 
Fr. Jim , Pastor 
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Real Presence
In a recent PEW Research Center study, nearly seven-in-ten Catholics (69%) said that they personally believed that during Catholic Mass, the bread and wine used in Communion “are symbols of the body and blood of Jesus Christ.” The survey also tested whether Catholics know what the Church teaches on the subject. Most Catholics (43%) who believe that the bread and wine are symbolic, do not know that the Church teaches that transubstantiation occurs, that the bread and wine actually become the body and blood of Jesus Christ while not changing their appearance.
Therefore, when we receive Holy Communion at Mass, we are receiving the REAL PRESENCE of Jesus Christ contained in the host which we consume. Transubstantiation has given us the opportunity to be joined with our savior, Jesus Christ; to eat his flesh and drink his blood and remain in him and he in us so that we can be raised up by him on the last day.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states in article 1374: “In the most blessed sacrament of the Eucharist ‘the body and blood, together with the soul and divinity, of our Lord Jesus Christ and, therefore, the whole Christ is truly, really, and substantially contained.’

The great stumbling block for Dr. Scott Hahn and many other protestants is from the Gospel of John: Jesus said “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.... Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.” (Jn 6:51, 53
-55)

At the Last Supper, when Jesus had taken the bread, he gave thanks and broke it and said: “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise, taking the chalice after supper, saying, “This chalice which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” (Lk 22:19-20) Jesus himself has stated that the bread is his body and the wine is his blood.

This is not the first time this issue surfaced; back in 831 when St. Paschasius Radbertus, a Benedictine monk, wrote a short book on the Eucharist, Concerning the Body and Blood of the Lord to explain that the bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus Christ. In 844, a revised copy was sent to the Emperor Charles the Bald (the Holy Roman Emperor) after which the emperor selected Ratramnus Maurus to refute some assertions of Paschasius because there was some misunderstanding of some of the words that St. Paschasius had used in his book. This argument persisted until the 10th century, when Pope Sylvester II stated, in a document of the same title, that St. Paschasius was correct, that the host is the body and blood of Christ. Again, in the 16th century, the Calvinists denied the real presence stating that the host was just bread and the wine was just wine.

Since the Fourth Lateran Council (1215), the Church has taught that
transubstantiation occurs during the consecration of the Mass. “Trans-“ means to pass from one thing to the next; thus when the priest says “this is my body” over the bread and “this is my blood” over the wine, the Eucharistic elements still look, feel, smell, and taste like bread and wine; but they are the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.

When the Council of Trent met (1545
-1563) they declared: “Because Christ our Redeemer said that is was truly his body that he was offering under the species of bread, it has always been the conviction of the Church of God, and his holy Council now declares again, that by the consecration of the bread and wine there takes place a change of the whole substance of the bread into the substance of the body of Christ our Lord and the whole substance of the wine into the substance of his blood. This change the holy Catholic Church has fittingly and properly called transubstantiation.” 

The council of Trent based its declaration on the 4th century Fathers of the Church – St. John Chrysostom, and St. Ambrose.

St. John Chrysostom (347-407) wrote: “It is not man that causes the things offered to become the Body and Blood of Christ, but he who was crucified for us, Christ himself. The priest, in the role of Christ, pronounces these words, but their power and grace are God’s. This is my body, he says. This word transforms the things offered.”

St. Ambrose (Bishop of Milan 374-397) wrote: “Be convinced that this is not what nature has formed, but what the blessing has consecrated. The power of the blessing prevails over that of nature, because by the blessing nature itself is changed.... Could not Christ’s word, which can make from nothing what did not exist, change existing things into what they were not before? Is no less a feat to give things their original nature than to change their nature.”
For those of us who understand philosophy, there is this further documentation of the real presence. St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), in his Office on the Feast of Corpus Christi, reaffirms the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. He wrote that the word substance can have a technical meaning. It means what a thing is beneath its appearance. Philosophically, substance is distinguished from accidents. Accidents are what can change about a substance without changing what it is.

This term accident - sounds strange to us because today we use the term accidents to speak about some- thing happening which was not intended (an auto accident, I spilled the milk); but St. Thomas was using the term philosophically; in philosophy an accident is any entity or event contingent upon the existence of something else. Let me give some examples of accidents: your height, your location, what you are wear- ing, what you are doing. So, accidents really don’t change without some physical action, but substance can change without affecting the accident. This is what happens during Mass when the priest consecrates the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ what the Church calls transubstantiation.

Deacon George A. Mais, Jr. 
​

October 20, 2019

SEÑOR DE LOS-MILAGROS (THE LORD OF THE MIRACLES)
Every year around this time in October, our Peruvian American Catholics celebrate the event of Señor De Los Milagros which translated into English as The Lord of the Miracles. The Lord of the Miracles also known as “Christ of Miracles” is an image painted of Jesus Christ on the cross that is venerated in Lima, Peru. The image was painted in the 17th century by an unnamed African slave taken from what is now Angola to Peru. Its name originated in the 18th century when a large earthquake hit Lima, destroying most of the city except for this image of Jesus Christ crucified. It was the only structure standing after the great quake. This is considered a miracle by many living there. During the month of October, thousands of devotees from all races and different economic backgrounds come and process honoring the religious image through the streets of Lima. Boulevards are decorated in purple on October 18, 19 and 28 to celebrate the Lord of the Miracles. Peruvians also celebrate this feast day here in the United States and across the world. Please join our Peruvian American Catholics for a Mass here at St. Ignatius at 1:45 pm in our Church followed by a large special procession, with an image of the Lord of the Miracles, around our parish grounds beginning at 3:00pm.

The image of Señor de los Milagros depicts the crucified Christ. As you contemplate the mural, you see the painful agony that Christ experiences on the cross. Above the cross, is the Holy Spirit and God the Father. Below and to the right of Christ is his mother, the Virgin Mary with her heart pierced by a metaphorical sword of sorrow. Kneeling and weeping at the foot of the Cross is St. Mary Magdalene. Please come and join us in the beautiful expression of prayer.

INTERNATIONAL FEAST –SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2019
For the past three years, St. Ignatius Activities Committee has sponsored an International Feast. This is to honor all of our cultures that make up St. Ignatius. Please consider coming and bring your families on Saturday, November 2, 2019 for the Mass at 5pm followed by the festival in Msgr. Tarrant Hall. You can come and wear a native costume or bring anything that resembles the richness of where you or your descendants originated. This is an opportunity for us to come together as one community of communities. This will only help us celebrate our identity as St. Ignatius Loyola parishioners. Remember the words Jesus said in John Chapter 17 “I pray Father that they all may be one, as you and I are one” (John 17:21).

Remember to always act and worship for the greater glory of God! May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
​

Fr.Jim, Pastor 

October 13, 2019

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN-CONTINUING OUR MISSION-ALMOST THERE
As of September 17, 2019 the amount that we have reached in paid pledges of our Capital Campaign is $1,458,073.34. we have reached approximately 97% of our goal. Congratulations and a big thank you to all who have completed their pledges. While we are edging closer to the goal of 1.5 million, much of the pledges have trickled off because many have been completed. I thank those who are still giving and urge to continue to do so. Also, for you who have not given yet to the campaign, you too can still be a part of this. Our campaign is about equal sacrifice, not equal giving! Please contact Jeanne or Dave in the Business Office to sign up and donate. As a reminder, the campaign’s purpose is to 1) severely lower our debt of $2.8 million that has accumulated over many years and 2) help us with improving our infrastructure. During this month, a company called Sentry will be here to install a fire alarm for our church. In addition, they will also place cameras around the front of the church property for our security. This is your dollars at work! I thank you again for your sacrifice and your financial gifts.

While our campaign is still going on, our Sunday collections have tanked. Two weeks ago, our Sunday collection was only $6,251. This is abominably low compared to our average Sunday collection of about $11,000 each week. If we keep operating like this, St. Ignatius will incur another severe debt that will eventually cripple our operations. I am sincerely asking each of you to give to our Sunday collection from your heart to help us pay our bills, employ our employees and to continue to spread the good news of the Gospel. One of my main jobs as Pastor is to keep the doors of St. Ignatius Loyola open. But I cannot do that without your financial help. Later this month and in November, I will speak about an increased offertory program. Here is a scripture passage to reflect upon as you prepare to give each Sunday: “The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:6-9 


OCTOBER IS RESPECT LIFE MONTH
During this month of October, we mark it as Respect Life Month where we are to focus on the dignity of human life from natural conception to natural death. The theme is Christ Our Hope: In Every Season of Life.” Bishop Nelson Perez, of Cleveland, writes “Jesus is the anchor of hope to which we all cling”. Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, said this year’s theme is particularly suited for these challenging times. “While attacks against human life seem to grow ever more numerous and callous, we know that Christ has conquered sin and death. Through our Christian hope in the resurrection, we are given the grace to persevere in faith.” We know the attacks on the pre-born have certainly increased here in the state of New York with the recent passage of the Reproductive Health Care Act which allows abortion within the last three months of the child’s birth. This is our state celebrating DEATH! Do you want this for our state? I certainly do not. Pope Francis reminds us that all life has inestimable value; even the weakest and most vulnerable, the sick, the old, the unborn and the poor, are masterpieces of God’s creation, made in his own image, destined to live forever and deserving of the utmost reverence and respect. Let’s not be a throw away culture. I en- courage you to support life by participating in the Catholic Daughter’s Spiritual Adoption Program begin- ning this Sunday and in the Prayer for Life Rosary Night sponsored by our St. Ann’s Mother’s Prayer Group and Catholic Daughters on Friday October 18, 2019 at 7:30pm in the church. May our efforts to protect life be fruitful as we continue to remember to always act and worship for greater glory of God! May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!

Fr. Jim , Pastor 

October 6, 2019

As I am writing this column, our Fr Shelton Dias is on his way home to his Diocese of Columbo, Sri Lanka. I want to thank Fr. Shelton for all of his priestly work here at St Ignatius. He has touched many lives here, including my own. I pray that he will be back with us next Summer of 2020. Please pray for Fr Shelton that his priestly ministry will be a continued success! 
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Being A Faithful Parishioner is its Own Reward
Sometimes my staff and I will often here this phrase “I’ve been a parishioner for 40, 50 etc years in this parish and I deserve what I want.” While a person may be sincere in this statement, this is not a good example of being a disciple of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel this Sunday, Jesus speaks about the humility of the Servant. We are all servants of Jesus. In the parable, we find in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus says. “'We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do” Luke 17:10. In other words belonging to St Ignatius Loyola or any Catholic parish is itself its own reward. We should not be looking for more, otherwise we are defeating the purpose of being a Catholic Christian. We are not Burger King “ have it your way.” May we all pray for the virtue of humility.

May we always strive to live for the greater glory of God. May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always
. St. Ignatius Loyola. pray for us!
Fr Jim,
​
Pastor 

September 29, 2019

This week’s column was written by Deacon Mario Gomez
I want to take this opportunity to thank the entire community of St Ignatius Loyola for your prayers and support. I will like to share about one of the ministries in which I am serving the Lord and his Church, and it is RICA.
​

What’s RICA?
It means rite of Christian initiation for adults, a process which unbaptized adults are instructed in the teaching and practices of Catholicism and introduced into the Catholic Church. It consists of various rites that usually take place in Sunday’s Mass. Sometimes in the process, there are involved baptized adults or Catholics who are preparing to receive the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.


Our Lord Jesus said: “COME AND SEE” (JOHN 1,39)
Jesus invites people to see him and to see that he fulfills what he promises. Come with me and follow me, is perhaps the simplest definition of our faith. RCIA is a path where we discover our catholic faith. It is difficult to see everything in the beginning, but it re- veals itself as our brothers and sisters as we walk with the Lord and follow him. It is the Lord who guides us in this journey of faith.


This process begins in September and culminates at the Easter Vigil. It has several stages, but it’s important to remember that understanding faith is as important as having faith.

Stage 1:
Questions: In which they want to know about Jesus, what is faith?

Stage 2:
Catechumens: During this period we study sacred scripture, and discuss the main points of catholic doctrine. (Sacraments, Mass, Mary, history of salvation etc.)

Stage 3:
Purification and illumination: This stage takes place in the weeks leading up to Easter, and is a time dedicated to a deeper spiritual preparation to receive the sacraments during the Easter Vigil .Those who had completed their preparation, become members of the church by receiving the sacraments of Christian initiation that are Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.

Stage 4:
Mistagogia ( post baptismal catequesis) This is the last stage and usually last several weeks from Easter to Pentecost. It’s a time to reflect on the mysteries of the sacraments and to begin to live your new faith in a practical way.


Registrations are now open. We meet every Tuesday, which started September 24 from 7pm to 9pm that is in Spanish, Deacon George does English preparation. Please get in contact with him for time and dates.

I want to thank Migdalia Vasquez and Luis Reyes who work along with me in this program. Without their help, it will be almost impossible to run this program and the invitation is open to anyone who wants to volunteer.
May God bless them in this ministry and others that they perform in our parish.

Brothers and sisters in Christ lets pray for these catechumens that the Lord may accompany then and enlighten them on this path of preparation. Remember our mission statement We believe, We welcome, We worship, We serve.
May the God of love bless you Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
​

Deacon Mario 

September 22, 2019

WE ARE CALLED TO BE PRUDENT AS JESUS’ DISICPLES

I have to admit that today’s parable that Jesus tells took me for a surprise. At first, it seems that Jesus is praising the dishonesty of the steward who was wasting his master’s goods. However as you read deeper into the story, what Jesus is praising is the stewards ingenuity and prudence. The steward knew he would be without a job and home after his Master fired him. So, he called in his master’s debtors and gave them a discount to help them and give them an advantage. He in return would be cared for by the debtors. Jesus is not judging the steward’s honesty or dishonesty, but is comparing his resourcefulness to the lack of daring motivation on the part of his own disciples. The steward drew on his worldly wisdom and acting cleverly in providing for himself a future and helping those who were poor. Jesus is saying we need to do the same. So many people in our world today use their talents for tear down instead of build up. We can make the difference by asking Jesus for the virtue of prudence. Prudence according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC #1806), is the virtue that uses practical reason to discern our true good in every circumstance and to choose the right means of achieving it. The “prudent man (woman) looks where he is going.” It is saying or doing the proper thing at the proper time and in the appropriate manner. It is the ability to know when to do something or nothing at all. 

The question we can ask ourselves is how prudent am I with my gifts, talents and resources in advancing the Kingdom of God? How do I use my gifts and my finances to help others? Where do I need to work a little bit more so that I am thinking less of self and more of others?

Please remember our CAPITAL CAMPAIGN-CONTINUING OUR MISSION! We are at 97% of our goal of $1.5 million.
Remember to always act and worship for the greater glory of God! May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!

Fr. Jim , Pastor 

​
ONE-HUNDRED SIXTY YEARS OF St. IGNATIUS LOYOLA-PRESENTATION
This year of 2019, we at St. Ignatius Loyola Parish are celebrating our 160th year of living the Catholic faith and worshipping here in the Hicksville community. What a remarkable event to celebrate and cherish in thanksgiving to God for our church, our people and our faith. In honor of this special time, Mary Ann Lang, one of our former parish trustees, and I will be hosting a presentation on the beauty, the people and the symbolism of the two churches of St. Ignatius Loyola. The presentation will be held here in the church next week on Sunday, Sept. 29th at 3:30pm. 
This event is similar to the one we held three years ago in the Hicksville Library. Please join us to see how our forefathers and mothers dedicated and sacrificed their lives to give us the beautiful church we worship in 
today. If you were not able to make the first presentation in the Hicksville Library, please join us. We will show pictures of the first church and our current church as well as the Pastors, Priests and religious who served here. We will discuss the rich symbolism that we see every Saturday night or Sunday, but don’t know its meaning and significance. Please join us for this educational and spiritual event. ​

September 15, 2019

ONE-HUNDRED SIXTY YEARS OF ST. IGNATIUS LOYOLA-PRESENTATION 
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This year of 2019, we at St. Ignatius Loyola Parish are celebrating our 160th year of living the Catholic faith and worshipping here in the Hicksville community. What a remarkable event to celebrate and cherish in thanksgiving to God for our church, our people and our faith. In honor of this special time, Mary Ann Lang, a former parish trustee, and I will be hosting a presentation on the beauty, the people and the symbolism of the two churches of St. Ignatius Loyola. The presentation will be held here in the church on Sunday September 29th at 3:30pm. This event is similar to the one we held three years ago in the Hicksville Library. Please join us to see how our forefathers and mothers dedicated and sacrificed their lives to give us the beautiful church we worship in today. If you were not able to make the first presentation in the Hicksville Library, please join us. We will show pictures of the first church and our current church as well as the Pastors, Priests and religious who served here. We will discuss the rich symbolism that we see every Saturday night or Sunday, but don’t know its meaning and significance. Please join us for this educational and spiritual event.

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN-CONTINUING OUR MISSION-ALMOST THERE
As of September 3, 2019 the amount that we have reached in paid pledges of our Capital Campaign is $1,455,279.84. What an accomplishment! Congratulations and a big thank you to all who have completed their pledges. Thank you also to all those still giving to the campaign. While we have made great strides, there is still more ground to cover. Remember our goal is $1.5 million dollars. We are approximately 96% to our goal. I encourage each person and family who has signed up to keep giving until your pledges are paid. If you have not yet given, you may still do so. Contact our office. Our campaign is about equal sacrifice, not equal giving! The next projects that we will embark on are a fire alarm system for the church and more outdoor cameras around the church. Due to several problems of vandalism, I have decided to place cameras in front and on the sides of the church. This is to ensure your security and protection. Your dollars will help ensure that St. Ignatius Loyola is around for many more years. Thank you again for your sacrifice and your financial gifts. May God bless you for your generosity.
Remember to always act and worship for the greater glory of God! May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
​

Fr. Jim, Pastor

September 8, 2019

BEGINNING OF THE SCHOOL/PARISH ACTIVITIES

It is hard to believe but once again, the summer has gone by too fast and we are in the midst of our regular school and work activities. I hope your summer was at least refreshing. Please join me in praying for all of our students, teachers, administrators and workers who have begun a new academic year. We have many young people who have now graduated into High School and College. Some have begun elementary and middle school. May the Lord guide and bless them in their new journey of knowledge. May they find that God is always at the center of their lives in whatever subject they learn. May God bless our teachers and administrators to do their best in guiding our students in living a life filled with moral values that ultimately lead them to Christ. May God bless our parents as they continue to lead their children on the next step of their journey in life. We pray that our parents will help our children recognize the importance of living as a disciple of Jesus Christ. One way to help you as parents is to bring your children to church each Sunday. May each of us remember our responsibility in helping our young people learn to put Jesus first above all else, as we hear from the Gospel of Luke today. If Jesus comes first in each of our choices, then we are assured the life of heaven.

CONGRATULATIONS TO MRS. JEANNE CALHOUN FOR 25 YEARS OF SERVICE TO ST. IGNATIUS LOYOLA

September 1, 2019 marked an auspicious occasion for our bookkeeper Jeanne Calhoun, who works in our business office. Many of you may not know Jeanne because she works in the lower level of the recto- ry. Like many of our employees, Jeanne works behind the scene. Jeanne has been with St. Ignatius for 25 years. May God continue to guide her in the good work she has done for us in helping us with the temporal needs of our parish, such as paying the bills. I also want to thank each of our employees for the all the service they give to our parish. May God bless and keep you.

SEPTEMBER 11, 2019

This September 11th marks the 18th anniversary of the terror attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the crash in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Like you, I will always remember where I was when I first heard of the news of this terrible day. Our bells here at St. Ignatius will ring marking the times of the attacks. Please take at least 1 or 2 minutes of this day to pray for the almost 3,000 souls that were lost, the families who are grieving and for our nation that we will return to a time of unity, peace and civility.
​

Please continue your payments to our Capital Campaign. We are almost there, reaching 96% of our goal. Remember to always do things for the greater glory of God. May God bless you and Mary keep you and
your families always. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!

Fr. Jim
Pastor 

September 1, 2019

Please read the following Guidelines. I am sure you will find them very informative when attending Pro-Life Events. 

GUIDELINES for PRO-LIFE PRESENCE at PRO-LIFE EVENTS and ABORTIONIST'S SITE

All public pro-life witnessing MUST BE PEACEFUL. This is legal nonviolent direct action. Public pro-life outreach is a statement on behalf of all of the victims of abortion. 

Your participation in a public pro-life awareness event or your presence at an abortion "clinic'. or abortionist's office is an important affirmation of LIFE, exercise of your Constitutional right to free speech and assembly, and a witness against the tragedy of abortion. You are the face of the unborn.  

Babies are dying at the hands of abortionists and their staff. Treat the site appropriately. Eating, loud talking and laughter are out of place.
-> Stay on sidewalks (public property). Do not go on the facility's property or parking lot.
-> Do not impede access of cars to/from driveways or pedestrians to doors or along sidewalks. 
  • Stay with a partner. Carry a camera and cell phone.
  • Hold signs so they can be read by vehicle and/or pedestrian traffic. Don't wave signs in front of traffic. Hold signs tightly; larger ones should have handles or string to loop over the neck.
  • Carry a pro-life pamphlet/card with pro-life assistance contact info.
  • Praying. singing, and Scripture reading should be done without disturbing other pro-lifers who aren't joining your group.
  • Do Not Shout — at patients, workers, residents, those driving by, police, etc. Keep an arm's length away from them and step away from potential confrontations. Calling out to abortion-bound parents should be limited and done prudently; even though you're saying something positive, the stressed client may only "hear" negative screaming at her.
  • Do not shadow (follow along closely) pedestrians.
  • Respond to hecklers gently or not at all. Leave them with a positive life-affirming comment 

Your pro-life witness is seen by those contemplating abortion, those who know or will know someone with an untimely pregnancy, and those hurt by a past abortion decision. Your presence is critical in keeping the plight of the unborn on the public conscience and saving lives. 

[This is not a legal document; distributor is not liable: it is provided for educational purposes only.] 

August 25, 2019

Reverence for the Eucharist 
God our Father assembles His people to sing His praise. Gathered around the table of the word and of the Eucharist, we are nourished with His grace and sent forth to make His kingdom come. Each generation of believers has continued to recognize the Lord Jesus in the breaking of bread. Listed below are reminders of how we can receive Him more reverently and lovingly. 

When you enter the church, please face the tabernacle and genuflect before entering your pew. 

How Do I Receive Communion? 
EITHER IN THE HAND OR ON THE TONGUE ​
​PREPARE yourself to receive the Body of Christ by opening your heart to Him and building a reverence for the,Sacrament. ' Bow your head before reaching priest. 
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I. If you receive on the hand---APPROACH the altar and put out your hands to receive the Host. t fold your hands as Cyril of Jerusalem described in the 4th century: "... do not go stretching out your open hands or having fingers spread out, but make...a throne...which shall receive the King".
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PRESENTATION Your priest or minister will present the Host to you. He will say, "The Body of Christ," you answer "Amen." Receive the Host reverently with cupped hands.
*​Either hand may hold the other; the left hand is usually above the right by custom. 
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COMMUNICATE Yourself by taking one step to the side and then placing the host in your mouth. Use your underneath hand to do this. 
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​RETURN to your place in the congregation.
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  • TAKE CARE not to drop any piece of the Host. 
  • LET ALL your gestures express reverence.
  • DO NOT REACH for the Host; the priest will place It in your Slightly cupped hands place one hand under the other. 
II. If you receive on the TONGUE —If you wish to receive the Host on your Tongue After "The Body of Christ," Say "Amen" and accept the Host with mouth open and without extending your hands. 
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August 18, 2019

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Olga S. Jordan (1932-2019)
Recently, St. Ignatius Loyola celebrated a Funeral Mass for the soul of Olga S. Jordan who died on July 4, 2019. Olga served our parish in many ways, first as a Secretary for our Religious Education Program for many years and then as a Receptionist in our parish office.

Olga had always shared her time and talent in special ways whether it was with hospitality, parish mailings, helping a co-worker with a project or helping me with office work. Olga never thought of her work as just a job, but as a ministry in showing the face of Jesus to all she served. I am grateful to almighty God for Olga’s tenacity, her smile, her zeal and her life of faith.

Olga carried the cross of Christ when she had a stroke two years ago. Since then, she was in and out of different hospital such as Northwell Plainview, Glenn Cove Hospital, Glen Cove and then was moved to the Central Island Healthcare Nursing Home in Plainview.

During this time, Olga faced great odds but did not allow them to define her life. Olga always carried her zeal right to end. Our prayers and sympathy to Olga’s daughters Michele and Ruth and to their families. She was very proud of her children and grandchildren. May Olga now be welcomed into the arms of our Lord who now says to her “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom pre-pared for you from the foundation of the world.” (Matthew 25:34).
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Rest in peace with God, Olga.
Fr. Jim 

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August 11, 2019

Thank you to Joan Chwalisz and Ann Murphy for sponsoring our summer outing to the Thimble Islands in Stoney Creek, CT and to the Trolley Museum in East Haven, CT.
A great time was had by all! 
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Thank you to Colleen Tuzzolo, Barbara Malerba, their leadership team and all the children who participated in this year’s Vacation Bible School 2019! Our theme was Roar, helping our young people to know that God is always with them even in the most challenging of circumstances. 
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I will be on vacation from August 12th through August 26th.
May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
​
Fr. Jim, Pastor 

August 4, 2019

A LETTER OF FAREWELL - FR. ANDRÉS FERNANDEZ

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ:
It is with regret that I inform you that I recently received an email from our Associate
Pastor, Fr. Andrés. He wrote to me that he will no longer continue serving in his priestly ministry at St. Ignatius Loyola. He stated that after a long and deep discernment, he felt that the Lord was calling him back home to Madrid, Spain. He thanks both English and Spanish speaking parishioners for building such a beautiful parish and community here at St. Ignatius Loyola.

While you are surprised as I am, I am sure it was not easy for Fr. Andres to adjust to American culture being far away from home, especially with his health. The Lord calls each of us in different and various ways. Some to serve abroad and some at home. What matters is, that we serve in the Lord’s name.

While many of us have asked “Where is Fr. Andrés?” I am grateful for the service that he has given to us at Mass, Funerals, Weddings and Quinceñeras. One thing to make clear, Fr. Andres is leaving on his own terms. His leaving has nothing to do with the scandals that have recently plagued the Catholic Church. Please pray for Fr. Andrés as he makes a successful transition back home in Madrid, Spain. We wish him well.

In the meantime, I have been in contact with the Diocesan Priest Personnel Office. Unfortunately, it is difficult to get a substitute priest, especially one that speaks Spanish. I am try- ing my best to work on it. Please pray for our parish that the Lord will send us a good priest who will be willing to work well with all of our people.

May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim, Pastor 

July 28, 2019

Thank you to Robert Renner, one of our ushers at the 11:00am Mass, for designing and building our urn carrier for the cremated remains of all of our loved ones at funerals. This will serve as a transport for the urn of a loved one up to the altar of God. This an effective way that we can respect the cremated remains of a person as we would a body. May God bless Robert for sharing his creative gifts, especially for bereaved families.

Prayer for the Dead and the Living
We give them back to you, O Lord, who gave them to us,

and, as you did not lose them in the giving so we do not lose them in return. Not as the world gives do you give, O Lover of souls. For what is yours is ours also, if we belong to you Life is unending because love is undying, and the boundaries of this mortal life are but an horizon, and an horizon is but the limit of our site. Lift us up, strong Son of God, that we may see further! Strengthen us in faith that we may see beyond the horizon! And while you prepare a place for us, as you have promised, prepare us also for that happy place, that where you are we may be also, with those we have loved, forever.
Father Bede Jarret, O.P.

Please welcome back Deacon José Contreras to service to the ordained ministry of the Deaconate. Deacon José will serve at Mass once again on Saturdays/Sundays and preach at least once a month along with our other deacons. Please continue to pray for Deacon José, his wife Yudith and their family.

On behalf of our parish staff, our sisters and our priests, Happy and Blessed St. Ignatius Loyola Day,

July 31st. May we continue to strive like our patron to do all things for the greater glory of God!
Fr. Jim 

July 21, 2019

In continuation from last week, here is our policy for the proper use of cremated remains at a funeral for you or a loved one. Carefully and prayerfully read over this policy. Should you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact me here at the parish.

Peace in Christ,
​Fr. Jim

Mass with Cremated Remains
  • The Urn Carrier will be placed in the middle aisle at the first diamond by the Greeter.
  • The family will meet in the back of the Church (Broadway) as usual.
  •   The Urn will be placed on the Urn Carrier by a family member, greeter or Funeral Director.
  •   The Urn will be blessed by the priest in the back of the Church.
  •   One family member or the Funeral Director while processing with the Urn Carrier will follow the priest and  the altar servers to the foot of the altar, turn the Carrier to face the congregation and rest it over the Cross on the floor.
  •   Family members will follow the Urn Carrier to the foot of the Altar.
  •   A picture may be placed on the Urn Carrier by a family member, up to an 8x10 preferred, any larger
    and an easel will be needed.
  •   Flowers may be placed by a family member on or in front of the Urn Carrier depending upon the size of the floral arrangement. Please keep the arrangement on the small size such as a small vase, small spray or circlet of flowers.
  •   A religious object, such as Rosary or Prayer book may be placed on the Urn Carrier.
  •   The family will then take their seats and the Mass will continue as usual.
  •   After final Commendation and prayer, the Urn Carrier will be recessed back up the aisle by family member or Funeral Director.
  •   The family will take the urn to its place of rest. 

July 14, 2019

A CATHOLIC GUIDE TO CREMATION
For those of us who have lost a loved one or have participated in wakes and funerals of loved ones, I am sure that we have noticed quite a social change when it comes to death and funerals. Have you noticed that a greater number of people in our country are opting for cremation over the burial of a whole body? The following is a summary of the New York State Bishops guide to cremation as well as an article by Fr. Don Miller OFM entitled “Catholics & Cremation.” My hope is that this article will help you and your family when facing delicate decisions at death.

What is cremation? Cremation is the process by which the body of the deceased is reduced to its basic elements. The Catholic Church permits the cremation of the body as long as it is not chosen in denial of Christian teaching on the Resurrection and the sacredness of the human body.

In 1997, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a letter entitled “Reflections on the Body, Cremation and Catholic Funeral Rites.” In this document, the Church allows for “cremated human remains to be present at a funeral for a good reason.” In the past, Catholics were not allowed to bring cremated remains of a loved one to the funeral mass. Now, however, the church allows for cremated remains at the wake and the funeral mass.
This change came as a result of changing trends of funeral practices throughout the country. According to the Cremation Association of North America, the cremation rate within the United States as of 2015 rose to 48.6%. They predict that by 2020 the cremation rate will reach 54.3% This means that more than half of us will choose cremation as the means by which a body will be buried. The Church’s change on cremation shows her pastoral response in assisting families who chose cremation. The Church still stresses, however, her preference for burial or entombment of the body of the deceased. The reason why is that this is an imitation of the burial of Jesus’ body.

When cremation is chosen for a good reason, the Church asks that the full course of the Order of Christian Funerals be celebrated; including the Wake, Funeral Mass and the Rite of Committal (Cemetery). “The preservation of this order allows for the greater expression of our beliefs and values especially the sacredness of human life, the dignity of the individual person and the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the first born of the dead.” NYS Catholic Conference

Often, family members prefer to either have no wake or they skip the church all together, thinking that this is the easier and less expensive thing to do. Even though they may not be religious or have been to church often, please remember that your loved ones may desire a funeral mass. That would be their Catholic right to have one. The funeral mass will help assist the soul of the loved one to get into heaven. Also, the funeral mass, is not just for the deceased, it is for you the bereaved to bring comfort, to remind you that you are not alone and that one day you too will experience the beatific joy of Heaven.

One question that you may ask is “what should become of the cremated remains following the funeral?” Church teaching insists that the cremated remains of a loved one should be treated with the same respect as one would have for the body. The cremated remains of a body are buried or entombed, using the rites pr vided by the Order of Christian Funerals. That means that scattering, dividing and keeping cremated re- mains in the home are not good practices to follow. The remains of a cremated body should be treated with the same respects given to the corporeal remains of a human body. This includes a worthy container to hold the cremated remains. I look at it this way, would I want the body of my loved one in my living room? The same should be for cremated remains. May all of our loved ones who have died rest in the peace and the mercy of God. Amen.

There will be more of this in my article next week on what we do here at St. Ignatius Loyola. In the meantime, I wish each of you a continued safe and enjoyable summer. May it be a time of renewal and prayer for you and your families. This upcoming week I will be on retreat. Please pray for me as I shall pray for you. May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always.

St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us! Fr. Jim 

July 7, 2019

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
​While we are now in what used to be the lazy, hazy days of summer, there are some events that I ask all of us to pay attention to so that we are properly prepared when they occur. Recently, Bishop Barres and Mr. Tom Renker, head attorney for the Diocese of Rockville Centre, met with all the pastors of our Diocese to discuss new legislation for victims suffering from sexual abuse. This law could have a profound impact on our parishes and Diocese. There will be more information forthcoming as I receive it from Rockville Centre and will share it with you as best I can.

What is the Child Victims Act?
The Child Victims Act (CVA) is a law that was passed by the NY State assembly and legislature and signed by our Governor that will change the state’s strict statue of limitations on sexual crimes against children. The CVA will open up a one year window to revive past claims of any age.

What doe the CVA Do?
The CVA does three main things: 1) extend New York’s statue of limitations to allow for criminal charges against sexual abusers of children until their victims turn 28 for felony cases, up from the current age of 23; 2) allow victims to seek civil action against their abusers and institutions that enabled them until they turn 55; 3)open up a one year, one time only period, to allow all victims to seek civil action, regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred.

Who will it affect?
This law will affect any organization that works with children and had a child molester as an employee, minister, or volunteer including churches, public and private schools, the Boy & Girl Scouts, day care centers, etc.

When will the CVA go into effect?
The CVA will go into effect on August 14/15 and continue until August 14/15 of 2020.

What else does the CVA mean?
The CVA means that sexual abuse is not only limited to our church. As the Bishops of New York State, the CVA “now recognizes that child sexual abuse is an evil not just limited to one institution, but a tragic societal ill that must be addressed in every place where it exists.”

What can I do?
While we are in the waiting period, the best thing you can do is pray that the passage of the Child Victims Act brings some measure of healing to all survivors by offering them a path of recourse and reconciliation. Please also pray for our church that we too will continue to heal and grow despite the darkness that seems to surround us.

I pray that during this 4th of July weekend we give thanks to God for our founding fathers and mothers who sacrificed their lives so that we can freely live, worship and express our faith whether in church or out in the public square. Please welcome Deacon Mañuel Ramos, who will speak to us about our Diocesan Mission in the Dominican Republic this weekend and Fr. Shelton Dias who has arrived. Fr. Andres and Fr. Frank will be away for the whole month of July.
May this summer be for you and your families a time of prayer and renewal. Remember to always do things for the greater glory of God. May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!

Fr. Jim, Pastor 

June 30, 2019

As we finished our Easter season with the Ascension of the Lord, Pentecost Sunday, The Most Holy Trinity Sunday and last but not least The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, we experience the action of the Holy Spirit in all of those events and as we get ready to enter in what we as a Church call Ordinary Time. Let’s remember that this Holy Spirit is very much active in our lives.

This Holy Spirit is sent at Pentecost to indwell in human persons, but he is sent when those humans beings are gathered in hope and prayer. That through the Holy Spirit is sent to indwell personally, because the love of the father is shared by the Son in a perfect communion and that is the Holy Spirit representing that love.

“For he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen” {1 John 4:20}. Jesus’ commandment: love one another as I have loved you [John 13:34]. The cross is the intersection of vertical and horizontal beans; all those in Christ must love God and love Neighbor. The horizontal communion we have with one another in the church, especially at Eucharist, is the sacrament [sign and instrument] of our communion with God. If all the members of the church were Christ-like regarding his virtues, attitudes and actions, then we truly would be one in mind and heart, our communion would be sincere and full of compassion, and we would be a convincing sign that Jesus indeed has been sent by the Father [John 17:20-23].

So it is the Holy Spirit that is the soul of the Church animating us as the Body of Christ;
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of communion we share, the source of all gifts, Charisms, offices and work found in the Church; through which the Holy Spirit enables each one of us to help build up the church: these gifts and works are the way we can be charitable to one another. The Holy Spirit makes the Church one, holy, Catholic and apostolic. The Holy Spirit gathers us together at the Eucharist, enabling us to offer, with Jesus the true priest, his offering of himself and us to the father, to share in our Eucharistic communion with God, each other and the communion of Saints, and to go forth into the world bearing and bringing Christ whom we just received.
​

Peace, 
Deacon Mario

June 23, 2019

THIS IS MY BODY, THIS IS MY BLOOD
These words were spoken 2000 years ago by our Lord Jesus Christ at the Last Supper on the first Holy Thursday. Ever since that time, Jesus says these same words through the voice of the Priest “this is My body, this is My blood” at every Mass as the priest represents Christ as the head who feeds us with his body and blood each day. Jesus also said “do this in remembrance of Me”. When he said this, Jesus did not just say it might be a good idea, he said doing this, sharing my body and blood, is essential for our salvation. The Solemnity of Corpus Christi highlights that in a special way today.

In the Gospel of Luke today, we have a foreshadowing of what Jesus does at the Last Supper in the miracle of the loaves and fishes. Jesus does the four (4) fold action, the priest does at Mass; the taking, blessing, breaking and sharing of bread which results in the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000 people. Before this, however, Jesus tells his disciples “to feed them yourselves.” He is telling them you have enough with the 2 loaves and 5 fishes. Trust in me. They did and they became the source of Jesus’ nourishment for others.

This is what we are called to do with our lives, to offer them as food for others. Sometimes in life when I feel I have less, I don’t have a great job or little resources to work with, I am not sure of what to do. But each of us, like the disciples, are given 5 loaves and 2 fish with the gifts and talents God gave us. All we need to do is trust, continually offer ourselves at Mass, listen to Jesus’ words and open our- selves to the grace of the sacraments, knowing that Jesus will always be with us. Today reminds us that as we receive the Body of Christ in the Eucharist, we are the body of Christ each day as one community and church family.

In his Easter Sermon 227 to neophytes, newly Baptized Catholic Christians, St. Augustine writes: “If we receive the Eucharist worthily, we become what we receive.” And in receiving Christ, we be- come one body in him, and through him, one with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Through receiving the Eucharist, we enter into a unique and personal relationship with the Trinity and with one another, the Body of Christ. We become what we eat. This is why we are to go to Mass each week. Let’s face it the world is not easy, life is not easy. However, being with Jesus and receiving him each week will make all the difference . If Jesus can take the simple bread and simple wine and make them into his body and blood, [how much more can Jesus do for us if we allow him? What gifts is Jesus asking you to use to help feed the people he sends into your life? Please join us for the Corpus Christi Procession at 12:30pm today (Sunday) It is a great act of evangelization and witness.

WELCOME FR. SHELDON DIAZ
Fr. Sheldon Diaz, from Sri Lanka, is coming to us for July, August and September. More information to follow next week. Fr. Andres and Fr. Frank will be away for the month of July.

Remember to always do things for the greater glory of God. May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim
Pastor 

June 16, 2019

THANK YOU ST. IGNATIUS LOYOLA & OUR LADY OF MERCY GOLF COMMITTEE, PLAYERS AND PARTICIPANT
St. Ignatius Loyola has sponsored an annual golf outing for the past twenty-two years. We now have co-sponsored the golf outing with Our Lady of Mercy for the past six years. Each year gets better.

Thank you to Don Cleary, Mike Kenny their golf committee and the volunteers from both parishes for a beautiful job well done. You show us what this Sunday, the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity is all about, relationship. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit model for us a relationship of love. Our bi-parish relationship through the golf outing is an example of that love. Thank you also to all of our sponsors and our dinner participants. Your help and presence helped to cap the specialness of the day. A little rain did not dampen our spirits. This is our greatest fundraiser here at St. Ignatius Loyola. If you have not yet sup- ported the outing, please consider doing so next year and in the years to come. Congratulations to Don Cleary for being this year’s honoree. Don has worked many tireless years in making sure the golf outing is a success. May God bless Don, Carol and their family. 
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HAPPY 50TH ANNIVERSARY FR. MICHAEL REID
On May 31, 2019, our friend and weekend priest, Fr. Michael Reid, celebrated his
50th anniversary of ordination to the ordained priesthood. Fr. Reid has had several
parish assignments, but has served for most of his priesthood as Chaplain at A. Holly Paterson Extended Care Facility in Uniondale. The residents of Holly Patterson as well as us he
re at St. Ignatius Loyola, Holy Family, Our Holy Redeemer and many other parishes continue to be blessed by Father Reid’s humble priestly ministry. Fr. Reid often ministers behind the scenes. This reminds me of the passage of Scripture where Jesus said in the Gospel of Matthew 6:1 “take care not to preform righteous deeds in order that people may see them.” Fr. Reid declined an invitation for any major parish celebration whether here or at Holy Family. Fr. Reid will celebrate his next Mass here at 5:00pm on Saturday June 22nd. Stop in to congratulate him. Otherwise your best wishes and prayers will be gratefully appreciated by Fr. Reid. May God bless our Fr. Reid! Ad multos Annos!

We would like to wish all the fathers in our parish a wonderful, happy and blessed Father’s Day. Remember to always do things for the greater glory of God. May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!

Fr. Jim, Pastor 

June 9, 2019

PENTECOST-COME HOLY SPIRIT -OUR MISSION CONTINUES
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHURCH! Yes you, who are the CH-UR-CH, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! It is on this day that we celebrate one of the main events when the CHURCH was born by the power of the Holy Spirit. Originally, Pentecost was a Jewish agricultural feast marking a time when the people would give gratitude to God for the first fruits of the harvest. Then it became a time when Israel celebrated the handing over of the Torah, the Law, from God to Moses and his people on Mt. Sinai. This was God’s way of establishing the covenant, the promise made centuries ago; you will be my people and I will be your God.

For us Christians, Pentecost celebrates the time when the Apostles along with Mary, the mother of Jesus, were huddled in a locked dark upper room. They were still unsure, afraid and riddled with guilt for deny- ing him and walking away from him. They were stuck. However, they prayed with the Blessed Mother for nine days looking for guidance and direction. The Holy Spirit came upon them in what the Acts of the Apostles describes as tongues of fire. Tongues to enable the apostles to speak the words of Jesus in a language that all the people understood no matter their country of origin, and fire, to speak with the passion of burning love. The Apostles were so filled with God’s love and power that they had to share it with the whole world.

We celebrate this day because the same Holy Spirit that inspired the Apostles, is the same Sprit who comes upon us at our Baptism, Confirmation, through the other sacraments, at Mass and whenever we call on Him. The Holy Spirit inspires us to Continue Our Mission as Catholics and parishioners of St. Ignatius Loyola. Too often as one priest wrote, we are more like the apostles on Holy Thursday than on Pentecost. We come to Mass, Jesus prays for us, He feeds us with his body and blood, but when we leave the upper room, our church, we leave him behind, giving into various denials and sins perhaps for comfort like Peter, or maybe out of fear like all the rest.

There is great hope for us, however. If the Holy Spirit can change the lives of coarse fishermen and tax collectors, then the Spirit can do wonders in us as well, if we let Him. When we call upon the Holy Spirit, we too can turn from cowards to heroes, wanderers to apostles, sinners to saints. The key is allowing the Holy Spirit to act. At Mass, in the Eucharistic Prayer, the priest calls down the Holy Spirit in two ways. This is called the Epiclesis. First, upon the bread and wine to become the body and blood of Christ and second, upon us, His people, so that we too are changed and transformed to become Christ for the world. Next time, listen carefully to the words of the Eucharistic Prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to open up the gifts that are found inside you.

As we celebrate this great day, may it be a beginning and not an end of our faith, like a graduation. Too many of us see our growth in faith end after Confirmation. If we wish to leave our Upper Room and carry out our mission as the Apostles of our day, may we beg the Holy Spirit to fill us with tongues of fire, so that with passion, love and great courage we may bring the Gospel to our world, our homes, workplaces, schools and athletic places which so desperately needs to embrace it. Come, Holy Spirit, Fill the Hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love! 
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As we end the Easter Season and enter into Ordinary time, remember to always do things for the greater glory of God. May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always.
St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!

Fr. Jim

Pastor 

June 2, 2019

PRAYING FOR YOU AND FOR UNITY
One of the most awesome tasks as a priest that my brothers and I have is to pray for people like you. There are many times and circumstances where people will ask me as they pass by, Fr. please pray for my family, relative, friend or me. Recently, at a college graduation, security guards were asking for a blessing, joking that they needed it. I learned recently from my spiritual director that the best time to pray for the prayer request, is to do it right on the spot. This helps me not to forget, and secondly I believe that it gives the person some peace at the moment. Knowing that someone is praying for us brings us comfort, because we know that somehow we are connected to the person praying and to God who is listening.

Today we are given an insiders view of Jesus praying to His Father in John Chapter 17 known as the Great High Priestly Prayer. Recently, I read a reflection on this passage from the American Bible Society. It states that in John 17:6-19 Jesus first prays for his apostles, the ones he has known and trained. He prays that they will remain loyal to one another in this time of imminent crisis. He reminds the Father that he has always protected them from harm. He reveals that he is going to return to the Father, clearing the path for his disciples to make that same journey in the future.

In our reading today, John 17:20-26, Jesus continues to pray, not only for the apostles but also for future believers who will believe in him because of the words of the apostles. This means Jesus is praying for us! He is praying that we who respond to the preaching of the Church will share in the same unity He has with His Father. Jesus concludes His prayer saying that the “love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them” too. The love that Jesus speaks about means an attachment. As Jesus is attached to the Father, He desires the same for us too. We show our love for the Father through our love for one another. The one who can help us reach this unity Jesus asks for, is the Holy Spirit. In these days between the Ascension and Pentecost, we pray that the Holy Spirit will come upon us and help us to live in union and communion with one another by our acts of love. Pray the Novena to the Holy Spirit that you can find in the church or online. Go to EWTN.com. If that is too much, you might just want to pray this prayer between now and next Sunday, Pentecost. “Come Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful. And kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And you will renew the face of the earth.” 

GOD BLESS OUR RCIA NEOPHYTES AND CANDIDATES
May God continue to bless all of our neophytes who have now recently fully become Catholic Christians and for our candidates who will be confirmed next Sunday at Pentecost. Thank you to Deacon Mario, Migdalia Velasquez and  to Deacon George for leading people to Jesus through the Church.
 
Remember to always do things for the greater glory of God. May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim
Pastor 

May 26, 2019

Congratulations to our now official Director of Religious Education/Fatih Formation, Mrs. Colleen
Tuzzolo. Colleen recently graduated from St. Joseph's Seminary, Yonkers, NY with a Master of Arts Degree in Theology. The MA in Theology provides a graduate level understanding of the saving mysteries of Christian Revelation in light of the Catholic Tradition. One must acquire 39 credits in Theology with electives in Scripture, Fundamental Theology, Morality , Liturgy and Sacraments , Church History and Catholic Spirituality. May God bless Colleen as she continues to use her gifts here at St. Ignatius for all of our faith formation programs. Thank you also to Mike, her husband and their children for supporting her through her many years of study.
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Fr. Jim 
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The Easter Season was filled with many celebrations, particularly the celebration of our First Holy Communicants at St. Ignatius Loyola. Thank you to Mrs. Colleen Tuzzolo, her Admin Asst., Mrs. Barbara Malerba, all of our catechists, helpers, music ministers, ushers and sacristan for a beautiful job well
done. Most of all thank you to our parents and their children for participating. We hope to see you on Saturday night or Sunday each week to continue your reception of Holy Communion.

Thank you to our Mother's Prayer Group for coordinating our annual May Crowning for our First Holy Communicants. May God continue to bless and guide you for all the beautiful work you do for us as a parish.

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Fr. Jim 
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May 19, 2019

CONTINUING OUR MISSION-CAPTIAL CAMPAIGN UPDATE –LOW COLLECTION RATES
As of May 7, 2019, we have reached up to $1,383,658.95 in paid pledges in our Capital Campaign, Continuing Our Mission. Our goal is $1.5 Million. We are only $116,341.05 or have reached approximately 98.6% of our goal.. Thank you to all who have contributed and are contributing to this ambitious campaign. May God bless each of you for your generosity.

Our next two projects for the church are a fire alarm system and leaders and gutters. If you have not yet had the opportunity to contribute to this worthwhile cause, please contact the rectory business office at 516-931-0056 Ext. 118. It is never too late to contribute. Remember no gift is ever too small. The Lord looks at equal sacrifice, not equal giving. Jesus says “for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” Mt 6:21.

While it delights me that our campaign is going very well, I am saddened by our recent collections over the past seven months. We have had a 80% precipitous drop in our Sunday collections. Why? It could be a number of reasons. One is our capital campaign. Often, we might think that since I am giving to the campaign, I do not have to give so much in my Sunday collection. Unfortunately, this is faulty thinking. These are two separate accounts. It hurts the financial solvency of the parish in the long run if we fail to give to the collection. It is with your help that we can keep our parish vibrant in maintaining its structure, its programs and ministries. Giving to the campaign only, does not help the parish pay its bills.

In John’s Gospel this Sunday, Jesus gives his disciples one last directive in his speech to them before his death on the cross. He tells them to love one another as He has loved them. Bishop Robert Barron writes, “love is actually a great act of the will. It is when you say, I desire your good, not for my sake but for yours. To love is to break the black hole of the ego and say my life is about you.” When coming to church, think about your parish, your church, and say, my life is about you Oh Lord, my life is about my parish of St. Ignatius Loyola. Then make your words concrete in your giving to our Sunday collection. If you have not registered, please do so. What an Easter gift to God! Thank you!
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Remember to always live your life for the greater glory of God. May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!
Fr. Jim
Pastor 

May 12, 2019

THE 50 DAYS OF EASTER
Whenever a family celebrates an event such as a wedding, baptism, first holy communion or graduation they usually go all out and mark these special occasions with a party. Though not a part of our culture, some cultures (ie Poland) celebrate the marriage of their loved ones for at least a week. This is because it marks a new event and a new creation not only for the bride and groom, but for their entire families.

The resurrection is such a momentous event for us as Catholic Christians, we need more than just a few days to unpack this Easter mystery of Jesus rising from the dead. St. Paul 1 Corinthians 15:13-14 writes “if there is no resurrection from the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith”. Since the resurrection of Jesus changed the world and our lives forever, we need to celebrate this event as Church. The Church has given us 50 days to help unpack the power of our Lord’s resurrection in our lives. This year, we celebrate the Easter Season from Easter Sunday, April 21st to Pentecost Sunday, June 9, 2019 with joy and exultation. One sign of the Easter season is the lighting of the Easter (Paschal) Candle. This is located right next to the ambo where our readers read the scriptures for mass. This light represents the light of Christ, which was first brought to us at our baptism and is lit again when we enter into the fullness of eternal life at death. It is also lit when we renew our baptismal promises on Easter Sunday. The candle represents for us that Christ is always with us as our light and that we are to be that same light to one another.

Over the past few weeks, we have heard in the Scriptures how the risen Jesus came to the apostles show- ing them that despite the wounds in his hands and in his side, he is truly alive. He comes to them as a glorified body, something we too will have some day.

The Scriptures tell us that the disciples recognize him only when they believe and have faith. While we hear that “seeing is believing,” we can also say, “believing is seeing.” One strong example of Easter faith, came to my family and me last week while visiting my brother John and his family in Southern California. We were at the San Juan Capistrano Mission in San Juan Capistrano, Ca. This mission is one of 21 churches that was set up by St. Junipero Serra and the Spanish Franciscans. While praying in the main chapel, my brother John lit a candle in honor of my dad who died about 2 years ago. Our dad always lit a candle for someone whenever he visited a church or a chapel. Afterwards, John expressed that we had a sign that dad is okay. After we left the chapel, a large butterfly came flying between my mom and my brother. It landed on John’s shoulder and flew way. Butterflies are signs of resurrection because they are transformed from first being caterpillars . That was our sign that dad somehow was still with us and also with God in heaven. If we did not have faith, we would have thought nothing else but seeing a butterfly flying by us.

Friends, the same Jesus that was present to his disciples is still present to us wherever we are or wherever we go, even if we don’t see butterflies. He always said “I am with you until the end of the world”. Jesus is most especially present to us when we are in church participating in the Eucharist, we call the Mass. He is present to us when we gather with others as the assembly, in the Word read, in the priest, and most especially in Holy Communion. This Sunday, Good Shepherd Sunday, we will hear how the risen Lord is the Good Shepherd who always takes care of us and would sacrifice his life for us repeatedly just so we can share in God’s life and live it to the full.

During this Easter season, take the time to take some holy water home. You may want your home blessed. Contact us here at the rectory. Read the book called the Acts of the Apostles from the Bible to see how the early Christian community grew after the Lord’s resurrection. Stop by the Easter candle and the cross and say a prayer. Pray for all of our First Holy Communicants who are receiving the Lord Jesus for the first time. This is a special time for all of us to renew our belief in our Lord Jesus that he has come to save each of us and that through faith we have eternal life with him. In all of this, it is important to have faith and believe! If you have difficulty, ask Jesus to help you and he will! What are you doing this Easter season to help you recognize Christ’s presence in your midst and to invite others to do the same?

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO ALL MOTHERS
May is a time where we honor the Blessed Mother as our Mother. As we crown her Queen of Heaven and Earth, may we crown her as Queen of our very lives. May she protect all mothers.

Remember to always do things for the greater glory of God. May God bless you and Mary keep you and your families always. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us!

Fr. Jim 

May 5, 2019

THANK YOU
Thank you to everyone who worked so hard making Holy Week and our Masses, during the Easter Triduum, so beautiful and joyful.
Thank you to our Martha’s Guild
- for the Decorations
Both Choirs
Sacristans
-setting up
Altar Servers
Lectors
Ushers
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Boy Scouts
- The Outdoor Easter Fire
To all who put our Worship Aid booklets together.
I also want to send out a big Thank You to all who helped make our Choral Way of the Cross a beautiful Lenten experience. We received $405.00 in
donations and that will go to our Human Services to help the needy in our parish. You have helped us to experience the risen Christ!!
May God bless you all!
Thank you to all who sent Easter cards, foods and gifts. May God bless you for your generosity.

Fr. Jim 

FACEBOOK

The following is an article that was printed in the Times Tribune on February 1, 2019 by Bill Sarnak
Karl Marx declared that religion is the opiate of the masses.

Modern capitalists may have invented a better one, Facebook, the world’s most popular social network with more than 200 million users in the United States and more than 2.27 billion worldwide. Facebook consistently has broken promises about safeguarding user privacy or protecting users from manipulation by malign forces. Facebook exploits a vulnerability in human psychology to addict users. In many ways it’s ripping apart the social fabric of how society works.

Initially, Facebook was supposed to be the great hope for democracy. Facebook has led to less human interaction, not more. It has suppressed human development, not stimulated it. Consequently, American society has regressed.

Face book is an Orwellian surveillance machine. It records, tracks and stores everything users do. “For those who buy or access this information, it provides a comprehensive picture of the individual. Face-book has the ability to access your computer or smartphone, microphone without users’ knowledge. By partnering with data-brokering companies, Facebook has access to an incredible amount of data that has nothing with what users post online. Facebook has information on credit card transactions, where users live, shop, how families spend their time, where people work, what they eat, read and listen to. Information is collected about websites users peruse, outside of Facebook’s platform. This allows Facebook to target users to sell ads.

In order for Facebook’s business model to work, it has to remain a surveillance machine. In short, it’s the ultimate advertising tool. The price is users’ privacy. The United States has no laws governing technologies that utilize the kinds of data collection done by Facebook. My advice is to engage in real time, face-to-face relationships that are full and meaningful that will enrich your life the way God intended. 

April 28, 2019

SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER - “SUNDAY OF DIVINE MERCY”
The celebration of the Sunday of the Divine Mercy takes place on the second Sunday of Easter. What is it and why is this day so important for Catholics? These are some things we should know about this important day of Divine Mercy:

Sunday of Divine Mercy is based on private revelations
The celebration of this feast is based on the private revelations of St. Faustina Kowalska, a Polish religious who received messages from Jesus about his Divine Mercy in the town of Plock, Poland.

It is part of the calendar of the Church since Pope Saint John Paul II
In the year 2000, Pope Saint John Paul II canonized Saint Faustina and during the ceremony he declared: "Therefore, it is important that we fully accept the message given to us by the Word of God on this second Sunday of Easter, which from now on, the whole Church will designate with the name of 'Sunday of the Divine Mercy' ". (Homily, April 30, 2000)

The Church invites to celebrate the Divine Mercy in various beautiful ways
The Church dispenses a plenary indulgence to those who celebrate devoutly: "to make the faithful live this celebration with intense piety, the same Supreme Pontiff (John Paul II) has established that the aforementioned Sunday be enriched with plenary indulgence so that the faithful may receive more abundantly the gift of the consolation of the Holy Spirit and thus cultivate a growing charity towards God and neighbor, and once obtained from God the forgiveness of their sins, they in turn generously forgive their brothers.
" [Decree of the Apostolic Penitentiary of 2002]

The Divine Mercy is linked to the Gospel of the second Sunday of Easter
The image of the Divine Mercy represents Jesus at the moment when he appears to the disciples in the Cenacle - after his Resurrection - when they are given the power to forgive or retain their sins. This moment is recorded in John 20: 19-31, which is the reading of the Gospel this Sunday. That passage is read that day because it includes the appearance of Jesus to the apostle Thomas, in which he invites him to touch his wounds. This event occurred on the eighth day after the Resurrection (John 20:26) and is, there- fore, used in the liturgy eight days after Easter.
Confession is the action of Divine Mercy until the end of time

Jesus empowered the apostles (and their successors in the ministry) with the Holy Spirit to forgive or retain (not forgive) sins. Because they are empowered with the Spirit of God to do this, their administration of forgiveness is effective: it actually eliminates sin instead of just being a symbol of forgiveness.

Let us celebrate and enjoy this wonderful day of Divine Mercy in order to participate in its prizes and blessings that come to us from the open Heart of Jesus.

Fr. Andres A. Fernandez, Pastor Associate 

April 21, 2019

EASTER IS ALL ABOUT REDEMPTION
Recently the sports world witnessed two major redemptions. The University of Virginia Basketball team won the NCAA National Championship and last Sunday, Tiger Woods won the famous golf tournament known as The Masters, in Augusta, Ga. Both had little hope to win anything. Last year after Virginia lost to a 16th seed team, the question was would they ever come back? We saw however, that Virginia through hard work, team effort and a little faith, helped them to win the highest honor in all of college basketball.

Tiger Woods, was a person who lost a marriage, had drinking problems and physical problems where as the Wall Street Journal describes “he was driven to be a bedridden recluse.” The question was whatever happened to Tiger?” Now we see how again hard work, dedication, hope and cooperation brought him an enormous win in the world of golf. The word we use about both Virginia and Tiger is redemption.

Today, Easter Sunday, is a day of redemption for us! We are redeemed not by our own merits but by God, who became human like you and me and took on our sins and defeated them on the cross and by his Resurrection from the dead. The word we use for this event is redemption. The word redemption comes from the Latin redimere, meaning to buy back, or reacquire at a cost. Humankind has been bought back from the grip of sin and death by the love of a God who gave us his only Son, Jesus. When Jesus died on the cross that fateful day, Good Friday, our sins were forgiven and we were reunited with God and one another. When He rose from the dead on Easter, his act of sacrifice on the cross became complete. Jesus is victorious over death by the power of God the Father. We now are given a share in His victory and we are given the liberation to become sons and daughters of God.

Often we are tempted to become discouraged or give up when we face crisis after crisis in our lives. We may feel alone or think we know better than God and we end up in the dark closet obstructing God to restore us with new life. We may fall into despair that is far darker than death. Fr. James Martin in an article “Take Up Your Cross: The Risen Christ and Daily Life” writes that “this is the time to turn to the Resurrection.”

The disciples “failed to realize that they are dealing with the living God, the same one whose Message to Mary Magdalene “Nothing will be impossible with God.” It is because of the Resurrection “we are called not to live behind closed doors of darkness, doubt, fear and death, but to come out of our hiding and accompany Mary Magdalene, Peter and the Beloved disciple (John), weeping sometimes, searching al- ways and ultimately be moved to joy by the dawn of the Resurrection.”

The risen Christ teaches us that we are called to believe what the disciples have seen with their eyes, but we now see with faith. May we never give up because with God everything is POSSIBLE! If God can move a simple stone away, how much more can God do with our hearts and our lives if we trust and have faith in him.

The University of Virginia and Tiger Wood’s story is that in the end they did not win alone. Both had a community where they worked and believed together. Tiger Woods, was no longer the solo sullen fellow. He relied on help from others. This is what we do as an Easter Family in the Catholic Church. We win together because God saves us all together and his desire is that we are one, drawn into the presence of his Son, Jesus Christ. The Resurrection teaches us that as a family, for every Good Friday we experience in life, Easter Sunday always awaits. On behalf of our priests Frs. Andrés, Benjamin, Frank, and our Sisters of St. Dominic, Srs. Mary, Kathy, Karen; and the entire parish staff, I wish you and your family a very Happy and blessed Easter. May the risen Christ dwell in your hearts forever! 

I close with a prayer song that the Church prays during these 50 Days of Easter. It is entitled the Regina Coeli (Latin: Queen of Heaven). You can say this prayer at any time; especially at 6am, 12 noon, 6pm or before retiring for the night.

Regina caeli laetare, alleluia:
Quia quem meruisti portare, alleluia: Resurrexit, sicut dixit, alleluia:
Ora pro nobis Deum, alleluia.

V. Gaude et ltare Virgo Maria, alleluia. R. Quia surrexit Dominus vere, alleluia

Queen of Heaven, rejoice. Alleluia.
For He, whom you did worthy to bear. Alleluia. Has risen as He said. Alleluia.
Pray for us to God. Alleluia.
V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary. Alleluia. R. Because the Lord is truly risen, Alleluia.

Let us pray

O God, Who by the Resurrection of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, has been pleased to give joy to the whole world, grant we beseech Thee, that through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, His Mother, we may attain the joys of eternal life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen!

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN UPDATE-CONTINUING OUR MISSION
WE ARE ALOMOST THERE! (91% of Goal)
We are inching our way toward our paid pledges of $1.5 Million. As of April 2, 2019 we are at $1,368,628.95. That puts us at $131,371.05 below our stated goal. If you are visiting and would like to contribute, your gift will be greatly accepted. If you have not given yet to the Campaign, no gift is ever too small. This is all about equal sacrifice, not equal giving. Thank you to all who have so generously given and are giving to the campaign. We have used our funds well for the church, parking lot and convent. Our next project is the leaders and gutters on the rectory and a fire alarm for the church. Please contact our business office for more information at 931-0056 Ext. 118.
Fr.Jim, Pastor 

April 14, 2019

HOLY WEEK-PALM SUNDAY-LK. 14-23:56
While it’s hard to believe, we have entered into the most sacred time of the year, Holy Week. My hope is that this L