St. Ignatius Martyr Parish

THE PSALMS: class four, offered twice (once on Monday, March 3rd morning and once on Wednesday, March 5th evening); co-facilitated by Rabbi Monty Eliasov, President of the Twelve Tribe Torah Institute and Rabbi of Congregation Shalom Rav in Austin, TX, and Mike Richardson, a member of the St. Ignatius Martyr community active in the facilitation of Centering Prayer and other adult faith formation ministries; (see "NEW DATES" flyer in distribution racks). Contact: Mike Richardson -- telephone: 440-8840 or 633-0491, email: pmike [at] mail.utexas.edu

STEWARDSHIP LEADERSHIP RETREAT: Saturday, March 29th 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. As we all know our faith community is working together to deepen our commitment to being good stewards of our time, talent and treasure. It flows from our commitment to being a true follower of Jesus. Jesus made it clear that it is his mission and therefore our mission to bring about the kingdom of God here on earth. Stewardship is central to this mission of Jesus. As individuals and as a community contributing our time, talent and treasure to creating a just society ruled by compassion and love, we come closer to being Christ for others and bringing the peace of Christ into our world.  Read More »

The Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Court #2391, will award a $500 scholarship to a graduating junior high school student who is accepted and will attend a Catholic high school for the Fall semester 2008. A $1000 scholarship will be awarded to a high school graduating senior who is accepted at an accredited college or university and will attend the Fall semester of 2008. Awardees will be picked from those applicants whose family is registered as a member of St. Ignatius, Martyr, parish.

An application form can be picked up in the Church Office, from the parish youth director or St. Ignatius school principal. Completed applications must be delivered to the Church Office no later than March 24, 2008.

Have you ever wondered what God wants you to do with your life? Come to "Discovering God's Vision for Your Life: You and Your Spiritual Gifts." Discover your spiritual gifts, find out where God is calling you to serve and use your gifts to carry out God's work in the world. You will find deep meaning and experience powerful joy in your life. This five part series begins Thursday, April 3rd, 7:00-9:30 p.m. in the Family Center. Flyers and registration forms are in the display racks at the doors of the church. Registration deadline is March 24th. For more information and registration, contact Sean McGuire at 442-3602 or by email or Roberta Murray at 288-5621 or email rmurray [at] austin.rr.com.  Read More »

Easter Triduum Festival Choir: The Easter Triduum Festival Choir will begin rehearsals from 7-8p.m. on Wednesdays, starting Wednesday, February 20th. The choir is open to all singers. Ability to read music is a plus, but not required. Singers must be able to carry a tune. We invite you to be a part of this wonderful ministry. Please contact any choir member for more information or Andrea Pobanz, Director of Music & Liturgy.

THE PSALMS: class three, offered twice (once on Monday, February 25th morning and once on Wednesday, February 27th evening); co-facilitated by Rabbi Monty Eliasov, President of the Twelve Tribe Torah Institute and Rabbi of Congregation Shalom Rav in Austin, Texas, and Mike Richardson, a member of the St. Ignatius Martyr community active in the facilitation of Centering Prayer and other adult faith formation ministries; (see "NEW DATES" flyer in distribution racks). Contact: Mike Richardson -- telephone: 440-8840 or 633-0491, email: pmike@mail.utexas.edu

LADIES CLUB, Arts ‘n' Crafts Workshop: Our first workshop for this year is scheduled for Wednesday, February 27th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Fr. John Payne House. Once again we wish to invite those Ladies who wish to share their time and talents and ideas for completing handmade items of all kinds to be sold at the Fall Fest on Saturday, September 27th. A light lunch will be served; so plan on spending the day.  Read More »

Lenten Fish Dinners: The Knights of Columbus will again be selling their delicious fish dinners every Friday during Lent February 8th from 5:30p.m. to 7:00p.m. in the Family Center. Both fried fish and baked fish will be available. Take out orders will also be available. The cost is $7.00 for a regular plate; $6.00 for a child's plate or a senior's plate. Come and enjoy a delicious dinner with your fellow parishioners. No tips. No sales tax. Drink and dessert included. Where else can you get a deal like that????

OTHER IDEAS ON LENT: The annual Lenten season is a fitting time to climb the holy mountain of Easter. The Lenten season has a double character, namely to prepare both the catechumens and faithful to celebrate the paschal mystery. The catechumens, both with the rite of election, the scrutinies and by catechesis, are prepared for the celebration of the sacraments of initiation; the faithful, ever attentive to the Word of God and prayer, prepare themselves by penance for the renewal of their baptismal promises.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS- Every Friday during Lent starting at 5:30 p.m. in the Church.

FROM ASHES TO EASTER: Each family is invited to pick up a special Lenten container, and keep it on or near the dining table in your home. Put in some coins each day during Lent and pray for the missions. Return your container to the parish on Easter. Money collected will help Missions Abroad, our Diocesan Home Missions and International Mission projects.

If you are an Extraordinary Minister of the Holy Eucharist who ministers to the home bound, retirement home community and hospital patients, or would like to give of yourself in this ministry please make plans to attend the required training on Wednesday, February 20th at 7:00 p.m. in the Annex Chapel.

This is a wonderful ministry of giving a small amount of your time each week to bring the Holy Eucharist to fellow parishioners. We are in constant need of people who feel called to this ministry.

The February Lector Study Group date and place has been moved for February only to help support the Parish Mission. Lectors will meet on February 19th from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. in the school library, on the second floor north side of the Family Center. If you're scheduled to proclaim in late February or early March, please come with your reading prepared.

THE PSALMS: class two, offered twice (once on Monday, February 18th morning and once on Wednesday, February 20th evening); co-facilitated by Rabbi Monty Eliasov, President of the Twelve Tribe Torah Institute and Rabbi of Congregation Shalom Rav in Austin, Texas, and Mike Richardson, a member of the St. Ignatius, Martyr community active in the facilitation of Centering Prayer and other adult faith formation ministries; (see flyer in distribution racks).
Contact: Mike Richardson -- telephone: 440-8840 or 633-0491, email: pmike@mail.utexas.edu  Read More »

RCIA Rite of Election: As we begin the Lenten season, this is a time of prayer and reflection for the adults and children who have been in the process of the Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA). On the first Sunday of Lent, we prayed over our candidates and catechumens in preparation for their presentation to Bishop Aymond at the Rite of Election. Over the course of Lent, we will be celebrating a Penitential Rite for baptized Candidates wanting to be fully initiated into the Catholic Church and Scrutinies for those Elect who will be baptized at the Easter Vigil on March 22nd. These Rites will take place on each Sunday (February 17 - March 9) at the 9a.m. Mass.

We invite you to enter into this Lenten journey with our Elect (formerly called Catechumens) and Candidates as they prepare for their Baptism and Full Communion in the Catholic Church.

RCIA Inquiry Sessions: The RCIA is how the Church introduces itself to persons who are interested in becoming full members of the Catholic Church? We continue to receive inquiries regarding this process year-round. In response to these requests, new inquiry sessions will be starting on Thursdays, 7:00-8:30p.m. for anyone interested in becoming Catholic. Our first session for this group will be Thursday, February 28th, the meeting place to be determined. Call Sister Helen Marie at the Church Office for further information.

If you are an Extraordinary Minister of the Holy Eucharist who ministers to the home bound, retirement home community and hospital patients, or would like to give of yourself in this ministry please make plans to attend the required training on Wednesday, February 20th at 7:00 p.m. in the Annex Chapel.

This is a wonderful ministry of giving a small amount of your time each week to bring the Holy Eucharist to fellow parishioners. We are in constant need of people who feel called to this ministry.

THE PSALMS: four one and one-half hour classes, each class offered twice (once on Monday mornings beginning February 18th; and once on Wednesday evenings beginning February 20th); co-facilitated by Rabbi Monty Eliasov, President of the Twelve Tribe Torah Institute and Rabbi of Congregation Shalom Rav in Austin, Texas, and Mike Richardson, a member of the St. Ignatius, Martyr community active in the facilitation of Centering Prayer and other adult faith formation ministries; (see "NEW DATES" flyer in distribution racks) Contact: Mike Richardson -- telephone: 440-8840 or 633-0491 / email: pmike [at] mail.utexas.edu

ASH WEDNESDAY: Ashes are an ancient symbol of penance predating Christianity. They remind us of our mortality. We come from dust and unto dust we shall return.They are made from the burned palms of last year. Placing ashes on the head was an ancient penitential custom, as is evident in the Bible (e.g. Jonas 3:5-9). From about the fifth century, sinners, confessed their sins on Ash Wednesday. They did not receive absolution but were enrolled in the "order of penitents," signified by placing ashes in the form of a cross on their foreheads. They were then assigned public penance to be performed throughout Lent and on Holy Thursday morning they received absolution.

RECOMMENDED READING FOR LENT: Sacred Attention: A Spiritual Practice for Finding God in the Moment by Margaret D. McGee (Skylight paths, 2007); Reconciliation by Bishop Robert Morneau (Orbis, 2007); The Tradition of Catholic Prayer by the Monks of St. Meinrad (Liturgical Press, 2007); A Time for Leaving by Mary Fahy (Paulist Press); Sacred Space: The Prayer Book 2008 by Jesuit Communications Centre (Ave Maria Press, 2007).  Read More »

THE PSALMS: four one and one-half hour classes, each class offered twice (once on Monday mornings beginning February 18th; and once on Wednesday evenings beginning February 20th); co-facilitated by Rabbi Monty Eliasov, President of the Twelve Tribe Torah Institute and Rabbi of Congregation Shalom Rav in Austin, Texas, and Mike Richardson, a member of the St. Ignatius, Martyr community active in the facilitation of Centering Prayer and other adult faith formation ministries; (see "NEW DATES" flyer in distribution racks) Contact: Mike Richardson -- telephone: 440-8840 or 633-0491 / email: pmike [at] mail.utexas.edu

Stephen Ministry: Was someone there for you when you needed help and support? Think about giving back by being trained as a Stephen Minister. You will receive 50 hours of initial training. Following commissioning, you will receive ongoing training and supervision. We may need to postpone our training class scheduled to begin February 7th, if we do not have more trainees. If you have been thinking about Stephen Ministry and would like more information, call the church office at 442-3602 and a Stephen Leader will contact you. This one-on-one caring ministry responds to the number of ministers we have available.

ATTENTION EXTRA ORDINARY EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS: If you are interested in taking Holy Communion to those who are homebound, in hospital or nursing homes there will be training on Wednesday, February 20th starting at 7 p.m. in the Annex Chapel.