Silence remains a scarce commodity in our culture of noise, yet the story of Holy Week overflows with powerful, poignant silences. Jesus meets his antagonists and accusers with a frighteningly dignified silence. Mary stands by the cross with a ponderous silence that beholds the horror of that momentous and terrible hour. All of creation waits in the silence of Holy Saturday—the silence of the grave, a liminal space where what was is no more, and something new is waiting to be born. Each of these holds an invitation, a gentle call to enter into soulful silence as we journey again with Jesus through his final hours. Contemplating these silences opens a receptive space in the heart for the wisdom and grace of the Triduum.
The stoic silence of Jesus punctuates the passion narratives. Consider these arresting scenes: “Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, ‘Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?’ But he remained silent…” (Mark 14:60-61). “[Pilate] entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, ‘Where are you from?’ But Jesus gave him no answer” (John 19:9). “So [Herod] questioned him at some length, but he made no answer” (Luke 23:9). Jesus role-models the silence of dignity, of patience, of acceptance, of surrendering control, of foregoing his life of activity to embrace death with solemn passivity. This is a silence that absorbs hatred and scapegoating, then filters back love that wordlessly expresses, “Forgive them, for they know not what they do.” It is the resolved, resigned stillness of the hospice patient who has made peace with what is happening, prepared to offer the way he dies as his final gift to the world.
Mary witnesses the horror of the cross in silence. She does not protest, nor attack the executioners. There are no words in such moments. Perhaps she recalls the wisdom of the Book of Lamentations, “Let him put his mouth to the dust…” and realizes she can only wait. She sees that evil is having its day, that resistance is useless, that violence, in this moment, has scored a cheap victory. Paradoxically through her silence, she does protest. She resists, she defies by refusing to be seduced into returning hate for hate. Mary comes full circle, pondering this stunning, ultimate moment, as she did when the angel asked her to bear the divine child. She role-models carrying tension with integrity. Though she cannot understand, she abides, persists, living the wisdom that holding uncertainty with trust can lead to unimaginable possibilities. Her silence communicates grief, audacity, contemplation, hope.
The vigil at the tomb bears witness to pregnant silence, to the silence of threshold spaces, moments of liminality when something new is about to be birthed, yet quiet patience is the only option. The silence of Holy Saturday carries a powerful emotional charge because the old certitudes are gone and the small world has collapsed, yet the bigger world cannot quite be grasped. Here we have no choice but to sit in the silence of God’s waiting room. It’s like anticipating the butterfly’s emergence from the cocoon or the flower’s blooming—there is nothing we can do to hasten the moment. In keeping our silence on Holy Saturday, we articulate our trust in the gentle, quiet work of a loving power much greater than anything we can fathom.
As Holy Week unfolds, I invite you to carve out space for these silences. Perhaps fast from news and social media for a few days, practice Centering Prayer, or sit quietly with a verse from scripture and let it gently rest on your heart. God waits for us in these intentionally quiet moments, for as the great mystic Meister Eckhart taught, “Nothing resembles the language of heaven so much as silence.” Sojourning in the silence of Jesus, of Mary, of Saturday’s tomb, we orient ourselves in attentiveness to God’s word, the word that opens the heart to the transformative, empowering graces of Easter.
— Brian Pinter, Pastoral Associate
From the Pastor: March 17, 2026March 2026
Dear Parishioners,
We are blessed to have an ever-increasing number of parishioners and guests attending Mass, especially on the weekends. We enter the church with a sense of reverence for what we will experience through the course of the liturgy. It is a sacred moment that nurtures our souls and strengthens our faith. As you might expect or have yourselves experienced, the quiet of the moment is often punctuated with distractions. I daresay that is to be expected in a parish of our size.
Our parish Mission Statement begins with these words: The love of Christ impels us to welcome all. The scope of that statement is daunting, and with God’s help we embrace that opportunity with kindness and joy. It is heartwarming to see families with young children actively participating in the activities of the parish and attending Mass as a family. These parents have taken seriously the commitment they made at their children’s baptisms to bring them up in the practice of the Faith.
The issue I must unfortunately mention is the behavior of young children who sometimes get out of hand. I want to be categorically clear. Children of all ages are welcome at all the Masses of the parish in pews of their parents’ choice. However, with that comes the responsibility to address the behavior of their children when they create a significant distraction during the liturgy that impacts the solemnity of the moment.
Our Parish Statement also includes these words: to worship joyfully and pray fervently. The young children of the parish bring that sense of joy with them into the parish, but there are times when their exuberance needs to be monitored by their parents so that all of us can pray, both fervently and reverently.
Sincerely in the Lord,
Fr. Yesalonia
March 15, 2026 Essay: The Overflowing CupOne of Saint Ignatius’s spiritual exercises imagines “three kinds of people” who are all burdened with the same problem. Each has a sum of money and wishes to be free “of the burden arising from the attachment to it.” Easy, you might say; give it away! But Ignatius wants us to see that the issue is attachment to money, not the money itself. So before working out what to do with it, which might be—who knows?—to give it away, keep it, or some other decision—they have to be free to do God’s will. And they can’t do that if they have already organized their lives and hearts to hold on to what they have.
This is about our freedom to be a disciple. The problem is not the things we possess, but the way they can possess us, robbing us of our freedom to live full lives of loving service. We want to be open, generous, free—and be ready to serve the Kingdom of God where we can. But in practice, a spirit in us stops us: a fear of losing what we have struggled to possess, a reluctance to admit we don’t have it all sewn up. Pope Francis called it “spirit of sufficiency.” It is the spirit of our age.
St John tells of a man blind from birth whose cure by Jesus destabilizes the community. There are three kinds of responses. The first is that of the doctors of the law, who try desperately to shut it down. They are threatened by the miracle—it is fruitful to ponder why—so try and force a different narrative. The second response, that of the man’s family and neighbors, is the saddest. They can see what has happened but can’t share in the joy of it. For fear of the Pharisees and the crowd, they won’t admit it publicly, so they deflect, keeping their heads down. The third response is the greatest, yet the loneliest: that of the now-seeing man himself, who knows something truly marvelous has happened to him, and struggles to understand it. He stands up to the jeering and bullying and boldly embraces the truth he comes to see: that God’s action has given him new life. For this he is cast out. But Jesus meets him there and makes him a disciple of the Kingdom.
In St Ignatius’s exercise the first and second persons want to follow God’s will, but they do nothing about it, and in practice bend God’s will to their own desire. This is the way of the world, the way of sufficiency. But in the third case, the person takes the key step: he makes himself insufficient. To be open to God’s will he gives up his attachment in his heart and so frees himself to follow Christ. Just as, in John’s Gospel, we learn no more about the next chapter in the seeing man’s life, so St Ignatius leaves it to us to take the story on from there—and make it our own story.
Here’s the spoiler. In both cases what lies ahead is openness to God’s action in our lives. And the sign of that action is what the psalmist calls the “overflowing cup.” Jesus’s presence is full of such signs: nets full of fish, multiplying loaves, dirty water becoming vintage wine. Why an overflow? Because it is the very life of God being poured out into us at such moments, as it will be, most fully and dramatically, in the Resurrection of Jesus.
“Such overflows of love happen, above all, at the crossroads of life, at moments of openness, fragility and humility,” Francis wrote in our book Let Us Dream, “when the ocean of His love bursts the dams of our self-sufficiency, and so allows for a new imagination of the possible.” Happy Laetare Sunday.
— Austen Ivereigh
Vision Statement Implementation Project: 3rd UpdateFebruary 4, 2026
Dear Fellow Parishioners,
This letter marks the Parish Council’s third update to you regarding the Church of Saint Ignatius Loyola’s Vision Statement Implementation Project. As you recall, the Vision Statement and its initiatives are rooted in the Parish’s Mission Statement, whose inspiring words are the very foundation upon which our Parish’s future is being built.
The initiatives are structured across four pillars, namely: (1) We Welcome All; (2) We Worship with Joy; (3) We Walk Together with Those in Need; and (4) We Reverence God in the Wonder of Creation.
The Parish Council can happily report that substantial activity has occurred across the initiatives since my last correspondence in June 2025. As a direct result of parishioners’ time and talents, much has been accomplished over the past six months. The dedication to the Implementation Project’s initiatives has been inspiring. The Council extends our deepest gratitude to the individuals who advanced these important programs by virtue of their time, generosity, and skilled efforts. Unquestionably, they have shone a great light.
I wish to highlight that the Implementation Project is, by design, a work-in-progress. At its heart, the Project is an open invitation to you and for you to co-build your Parish and to live out our Mission Statement. I strongly encourage you to learn more about and, to participate in, these varied opportunities to serve others, to expand our community, and to enrich the vibrancy of our Catholic faith and Jesuit heritage.
To learn more about how you can participate, please send an email to [email protected]
We Welcome All:
- Community-Themed Holiday Gatherings:
- Numerous successful events were held in Fall 2025, including the annual Snowball Dance.
- Coordination has started for several exciting Winter and Spring 2026 programs.
- Scheduled events include a Celtic Night Party and an Easter Egg Coloring Social for Adults.
- FaithQuest: Journeying into Catholic Identity
- Tours of Parish
- Over two hundred individuals enjoyed the Parish tours in the Fall 2025.
- There are currently six volunteer tour guides conducting the monthly tours.
- Tours of Parish
- Video Testimonials: “What inspires you to worship at our Saint Ignatius Loyola Church?”
- Nine video testimonials have been recorded.
- These beautiful video testimonials are available for viewing on the Parish website.
- Buddy System for our Senior Community:
- The Council continues to seek one or more volunteers to advance this important program designed to assist seniors in need of companionship and assistance.
We Worship with Joy:
- Festival Masses: two Festival Masses were held in 2025.
- A joint 11:00 am Mass was held which brought together the congregations of the Solemn and Wallace Hall Family Masses
- Monthly Jazz Mass – last Sunday of every month at 7:30 pm.
- The attending parishioners have shared positive feedback.
We Walk Together with Those in Need:
- Outreach to the Homeless:
- Monthly outreach to the unhoused continues, in partnership with City Relief.
- Lenten Service:
- Building off last year’s tremendous success, this year, from February 18 through March 1, the Parish is offering numerous opportunities for parishioners to engage in services that show the love that God has for all of us.
- The services will provide much needed relief to the vulnerable, hungry, and unhoused., as well as providing opportunities to learn about social justice issues.
- Programs include Lenten food drive, homeless awareness for kids, meal packing, and court accompaniment training.
- Family Accompaniment Program:
- Four families have joined the Family Accompaniment group.
- The Program hosted a Fall 2025 clothing drive and a 2025 Christmas Party.
We Reverence God in the Wonder of Creation:
- Partnership with Organizations
- The Laudato Si’ Care of Creation Ministry continued active environmental service through partnerships with the Environmental Justice Alliance (EJA), New York Restoration Project (NYRP), Central Park Conservancy, and Scouting America.
- East Harlem Park and Carl Schurz Park Service Days
- Parishioners, youth participants, and Fr. Mark Hallinan took part in conservation efforts focused on removing invasive plant species and planting native species.
- These projects support biodiversity, improve local ecosystems, and advance environmental justice in underserved communities.
- Central Park Educational Walk and Talk
- George Rudenauer of the Central Park Conservancy led parishioners on a guided ecological and historical walk through Central Park. Highlights included The Dairy (near the 65th Street underpass), The Mall, Bethesda Fountain, The Lake, Bow Bridge, Cherry Hill, Mineral Springs, Sheep Meadow, the Carousel, Kinderberg, and the Dairy.
- This program deepened participants’ understanding of land restoration, urban ecology, and the spiritual connection between faith and care for creation.
- Awareness Campaign – Adopt a Simpler, More Sustainable Lifestyle
- The Ministry has invited Parishioners to eat at least one vegan meal a day, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions, conserves water, and decreases deforestation associated with animal agriculture.
- Jean Santopatre invited parishioners to participate in environmental learning opportunities, including an event through The Environmental Forum and a Beyond Plastics training in Fall 2025.
- Additional educational events are in the works for Spring 2026.
- Upcoming Faith and Ecology Formation – March 26, 2026
- Field Trip: Sisters of St. Joseph, Brentwood
- Participants will learn from the Sisters’ long-standing commitment to sustainability and land stewardship.
- Meetings of the Laudato Si’ Care of Creation Ministry
- Meetings have been held to expand awareness and increase participation in the ministry’s mission.
- The ministry continues to welcome new members from across the parish community.
- To receive meeting links and join the ministry, please contact Jean Santopatre at [email protected]
- Field Trip: Sisters of St. Joseph, Brentwood
We hope that you will join with your fellow parishioners and participate in upcoming initiatives!
Sincerely,
Kenn Kern, on behalf of the Parish Council
Week of Service: Organization DetailsThe gift of your time is precious, and St. Ignatius parishioners have always answered the call. We encourage you to consider giving your time to one or more of the following activities and make a difference!
Start the week at the LENTEN CROSS (located in the Narthex) – Affix a ribbon to the cross symbolizing your commitment to perform a service during Lent.
Learn more about the organizations involved in our Lenten Week of Service:
- NSC JERICHO WALK – New Sanctuary Coalition (“NSC”) (https://www.newsanctuarynsc.org/) hosts “Jericho Walks” where participants walk in silence and pray outside 26 Federal Plaza in solidarity with individuals and families who are affected by our immigration system. Meet at 26 Federal Plaza. Thursday, Feb 19 and Thursday, Feb 26, 11:00-12:15 pm.*
- LAUDATO SI’ CALENDAR OF ACTIONS – Laudato Si/Care of Creation Ministry created a weekly Lenten calendar for you to show your reverence for creation. (https://ignatius.nyc/lent-2026-weekly-laudato-si-actions-for-lent/)
- SAGE ADVOCACY –advocates and provides services for LGBTQ elders. Help provide meals on Friday 2/20, 4-6pm.*
- TEMPLE EMANU-EL’S TIKKUN OLAM –Prepare food packages for seniors for Purim on Friday 2/20, 4-5:30pm.*
- GRASSROOTS GROCERY PRODUCE PARTY – A family-friendly morning of sorting vegetables and giving back in the Bronx. Saturday 2/21, 9-11am. Sign up here: https://grassrootsgrocery.org/ignatius*
- NSC COURT ACCOMPANIMENT TRAINING – Learn how to accompany someone to immigration court through NSC and see events inside the courthouse. The training is required for people who want to go to court with NSC or just generally want to stay more informed. Sat 2/21, 10-11:30am in the Parish Lounge or Mon 2/23, 7-8:30pm on Zoom*
- TEMPLE EMANU-EL: SANDWICH PREP – Join our neighbors from Temple Emanu-el at 1 East 65th Street to prepare sandwiches for those in need. Sunday 2/22, 10-12pm and Sunday 3/1, 10-12pm.*
- DOROTHY DAY PILGRIMAGE – Walk in the steps of Dorothy Day. The tour begins at Union Square, the birthplace of the Catholic Worker movement. Learn about Dorothy Day’s radical devotion to Christ’s teaching. A Dorothy Day Guild member leads the tour. An ISJ member will host the team. Sunday 2/22 2-3:30pm.*
- GOD’S LOVE WE DELIVER – join a group of parish volunteers to cook and package medically tailored meals (17,000 meals are delivered each day!). 166 Ave of Americas, Monday 2/23 4-7pm*
- XAVIER MISSION – St. Ignatius parishioners will sort gently used clothes with other volunteers at 55 West 16th Street, Tuesday 2/24, 4-6PM*
- NEW YORK COMMON PANTRY (NYCP) – NYCP works to reduce hunger and food insecurity by distributing fresh food pantry packages. ISJ reserved spaces for you to pack groceries in East Harlem. Shifts are 9-1 and 12-4 on Wednesday 2/25.*
- SVdP LENTEN FOOD DRIVE – SVdP collects non -perishable food for the Church of the Ascension. Parish House.
- ENCORE COMMUNITY SERVICES MEAL PACKING. Volunteers package meals for homebound seniors at: (I) Encore Aging Through The Arts Center (Fri 2/27 11-1:00 pm) or (II) Encore West Lifelong Learning Center (Fri 2/27 10-12pm) https://www.catholiccharitiesnyvolunteer.org/opportunity/a0CPe00008JmlPnMAJ/2026-encore-community-services-meal-packing
- DON’T WALK BY/SALVATION ARMY – Don’t Walk By outreach is a meaningful way for you to become aware of the needs of our city and to share God’s love with the most unseen New Yorkers. 120 West 14th St, All day, Saturday 2/28. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dont-walk-by-2026-tickets-1820310771519*
- HOMELESSNESS AWARENESS FOR CHILDREN – City Relief will give a short presentation on what it means to be homeless, then the children will pack hygiene bags and include a short handwritten note. The event is organized by ISJ, Girl Scouts and Family Ministry. Sunday 3/1 12-1pm Wallace Hall Stage. Please consider donating toiletries for this event (even if you can’t come!) – Lenten Week of Service: Toiletries List – Church of St. Ignatius Loyola, NYC
- SVdP BLOOD DRIVE – Last year the St. Ignatius Loyola community donated 130 pints of blood and saved 390 lives! Please join us and continue to save lives on Sunday 3/1, 9-3pm in McKinnon Hall. https://donate.nybc.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/330659
* = Registration required via email at [email protected]. Unless otherwise noted – no registration required, just walk in!
Laudato Si’/Care of Creation Ministry invites all parishioners to be good stewards of God’s Creation. During the six weeks of Lent, let us be intentional together to care for Creation, God’s gift to us.
Weekly Laudato Si’ Actions for Lent
Week One
- Reduce Water Consumption while brushing teeth and washing dishes
- Meatless Monday
- Reduce electricity-turn off lights when not in a room
Week Two
- Make a random act of kindness to a neighbor you know and a neighbor in need
- Meatless Monday
- Support NGO’s that assist the vulnerable and the poor: Bread for the World, Jesuit Refugee Services, Catholic Charities-NYC, New York Common Pantry, City Relief
Week Three
- Buy local, fair trade and sustainably produced food
- Meatless Monday
- Patronize small, local businesses instead of ordering products online
Week Four
- Fast from single-use plastics such as water bottles and buying food in plastic containers
- Meatless Monday
- Drive Less, Walk more, use public transportation-less taxi
Week Five
- Visit a Botanical Garden
- Take a Walk in Central Park and take time to see the local trees, shrubs and flowers
- Visit a Zoo
Week Six
- Read Laudato Si’ concepts
- Pray with these two prayers:
A Prayer for the Earth by Pope Francis
All powerful God,
you are present in the universe
and in the smallest of your creatures.
You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us the power of your love,
that we may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with your peace, that we may live
as brothers and sisters, harming no one.
O God of the poor,
help us to rescue the abandoned
and forgotten of this earth,
so precious in your eyes.
Bring healing to our lives,
that we may protect the world and not prey on it,
that we may sow beauty,
not pollution and destruction.
Touch the hearts
of those who look only for gain
at the expense of the poor and the earth.
Teach us to discover the worth of each thing,
to be filled with awe and contemplation,
to recognize that we are profoundly united
with every creature
as we journey towards your infinite light.
We thank you for being with us each day.
Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle,
for justice, love and peace.
Canticle of the Sun by St. Francis
Most High, all-powerful, good Lord,
Yours are the praises, the glory, the honor, and all blessings.
To You alone, Most High, do they belong,
and no man is worthy to mention Your name.
Praised be You, my Lord, with all your creatures;
especially Brother Sun, who is the day, and through whom You give us light. And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendor,
and bears a likeness to You, Most High One.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars;
in heaven You formed them clear and precious and beautiful.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Wind,
and through the air, cloudy and serene,
and every kind of weather through which You give sustenance to Your creatures.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Water,
which is very useful and humble and precious and chaste.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Fire,
through whom You light the night;
and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Mother Earth,
who sustains us and governs us and who produces
varied fruits with colored flowers and herbs.
Praised be You, my Lord,
through those who give pardon for Your love,
and bear infirmity and tribulation.
Blessed are those who endure in peace
for by You, Most High, they shall be crowned.
Praised be You, my Lord,
through our Sister Bodily Death,
from whom no living man can escape.
Woe to those who die in mortal sin.
Blessed are those whom death will find in Your most holy will,
for the second death shall do them no harm.
Praise and bless my Lord,
and give Him thanks,
and serve Him with great humility.
Amen.
| Travel Size Toiletries |
| travel-size toothpaste |
| toothbrush |
| dental floss |
| travel-size shampoo |
| travel-size conditioner |
| travel-size body wash |
| deodorant |
| travel-size hand sanitizer |
“To Walk Together With Those In Need” is a pillar of the St Ignatius Loyola Parish Mission Statement. The Lenten Week of Service gives us a way to live out this mission and honor St. Ignatius’ belief that love is shown more in deeds than in words. We kicked off our first annual Lenten Week of Service last year and look forward to once again bringing the parish together to participate in many services that show the love that God has for us and for all our brothers and sisters. This year, the Lenten Week of Service begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18th, and ends on Sunday, March 1st.
Do you wonder how we chose activities for the Week of Service? We were inspired by The Judgement of Nations in Matthew 25 – we have self-contained activities that feed the hungry, shelter the unhoused, and welcome the stranger. We even have a way to care for the sick.
FEED THE HUNGRY
You could pack food at the New York Common Pantry or prepare boxes of fresh vegetables at the Grassroot Grocery’s “Pantry Party”, contribute to the SVdP Lenten food drive, prepare a meal with SAGE for LGBT elders, or prepare a meal with other parishioners at God’s Love We Deliver, which caters to people with life altering illnesses.
SHELTER THE UNHOUSED
You could join NYC’s beloved Don’t Walk By outreach. It has spots for 400 volunteers! Here you would have an opportunity to canvass the neighborhood, recruiting unhoused people to join others at the Salvation Army where they can get a meal and access to services. Or you could be an onsite volunteer for the meal and services. Don’t Walk By is a meaningful way for you to become aware of the needs of our city and to share God’s love with the most unseen New Yorkers.
Our Homelessness Awareness for Children event is for elementary school age children to learn about unhoused people, pack toiletries for them, and write them a short handwritten card. If you are unable to attend (or even if you can attend), you can donate toiletries for this event.
You could wear comfortable shoes to walk the Dorothy Day Pilgrimage. During the Depression, Dorothy Day co-founded the Catholic Worker Movement. It still offers direct aid to the poor, feeds the hungry, shelters the homeless, and advocates for peace and non-violence. The current issue of the newspaper has the full statement of the USCCB Special Message on Immigration.
CARE FOR THE SICK
You could donate blood during the SVdP Blood Drive and save a life or pray the rosary for our vulnerable neighbors or follow the Laudato Si’ Weekly Lenten Action Calendar.
WELCOME THE STRANGER
Pope Leo XIV urged Catholic to heed the call of the USCCB Special Statement on Immigration and oppose the indiscriminate mass deportation of people.
You could join a Jericho Walk around Immigration Court at 26 Federal Plaza. The Hebrew Bible recounts when the Jews surrounded the walls of Jericho, marched around it seven times and shouted until the walls came down. We want the walls of injustice and hatred to immigrants to collapse and be replaced with fair and humane immigration laws. Bring your rosary beads to help you pray while being a public witness of your faith.
You could become trained to accompany someone to immigration court and witness events in courtrooms, waiting rooms, and hallways. The training is required for people who want to go to court with New Sanctuary Coalition. It is also recommended for people who want to know what is really happening in immigration court in NYC.
LOGISTICS
Each activity has a leader who will accompany the group to the event. Last year, we learned that group activities were impactful because they allowed us to appreciate each other and the vulnerable, the hungry, the unhoused, those lacking clothes; and to ache for justice and mercy.
Click here to see the list of services with dates and times.
If you would like to volunteer or have a question about any of the following activities, please email [email protected].
— Laura de Boisblanc, Christine Kearney O’Connell, and Marguerite Lucarelli
Lenten Week of ServiceThe gift of your time is precious, and St. Ignatius parishioners have always answered the call. We encourage you to consider giving your time to one or more of the following activities and make a difference!
Start the week at the LENTEN CROSS (located in the Narthex). Affix a ribbon to the cross symbolizing your commitment to perform an act of service during Lent.
| Activity/Organization | Time | |||
| 18-Feb | Wed | Affix ribbons to cross in the Narthex | All day | |
| 19-Feb | Thurs | NSC Jericho Walk for just immigration laws. Bring rosary beads | 11 AM-12:15 PM | |
| 19-Feb | Thurs | Laudato Si Calendar of Weekly Actions for Lent, Kick Off | ||
| 20-Feb | Fri | SAGE Advocacy and Services for LGBT elders (meal service) | 4 PM-6 PM | |
| 20-Feb | Fri | Congregation Emanu-El sandwich prep for those in need | 4 PM-5:30PM | |
| 21-Feb | Sat | Grassroots Grocery | 9 AM-11 AM | |
| All ages pack/deliver groceries to organizations serving those in need. | ||||
| 22-Feb | Sun | Congregation Emanu-El sandwiches prep for those in need | 10 PM-12 PM | |
| 22-Feb | Sun | Dorothy Day Pilgrimage, walk in her footsteps | 2 PM-3:30 PM | |
| 23-Feb | Mon | NSC Court Accompaniment Training – Zoom | 7 PM-8:30 PM | |
| Learn how to accompany immigrants in court/witness their treatment. | ||||
| 23-Feb | Mon | God’s Love We Deliver | 4 PM-7 PM | |
| 24-Feb | Tues | Xavier Mission – Sort clothes | 4 PM-6 PM | |
| 24-Feb | Tues | Say the rosary for our vulnerable neighbors | All day | |
| 25-Feb | Wed | NY Common Pantry, 109th St | 9 AM-1 PM & 12 PM-4 PM shifts | |
| 26-Feb | Thurs | NSC Jericho Walk for just immigration laws. Bring rosary beads | 11 AM-12:15 PM | |
| 27-Feb | Fri | SVdP Lenten/Easter Food Drive Kick Off | ||
| Don’t Walk By – Salvation Army (400 volunteer spaces available) Signup link | ||||
| 27-Feb | Fri | Prepare for the walk; invite guests/pack backpacks. | Morning shifts | |
| 28-Feb | Sat | Walk an area to invite people to host site or | All day | |
| Be an onsite volunteer for meals and services. | 11:00 AM-7:00 PM | |||
| 1-Mar | Sun | Homelessness Awareness for Children | 12:00 PM-1:15 PM | |
| Children to pack toiletry kits for the unhoused.
[Link] to donate toiletries |
||||
| 1-Mar | Sun | Congregation Emanu-El sandwiches prep for those in need | 10-12 PM | |
| 1-Mar | Sun | SVdP Blood Drive. Save a life. Donate blood. Signup link | 9 AM-3 PM/ McKinnon Hall | |
Letter From the Pastor: September 21st
September 2025
Dear Parishioners,
Many of you have inquired about Father Bill Bergen since his move to the Jesuit health care facility adjacent to the campus of Fordham University. I am happy to report that Father Bergen is both in good spirits and good health. There is no doubt that we miss him terribly and have very fond memories of his homilies and his caring presence among us. Now is the time for us to honor him in a fitting and enduring way.
In April of this year, I announced the creation of the Father William F. Bergen, SJ Office of Ignatian Spirituality and Faith Formation. I simultaneously announced the appointment of Ms. Roxanne De La Torre to the position of Pastoral Associate, whose primary responsibility is to coordinate the programming of the Office and identify the resources required for this new undertaking of the parish. Roxanne joined the parish staff in mid-June and has already presented me with her plans for the Office. She will collaborate with all the ministries of the parish as an animator of Ignatian Spirituality, will offer spiritual direction as well as assist individuals who are searching for a spiritual director at the parish or beyond, and will curate a library of books that pertain to Ignatian Spirituality and faith formation. The resource room of materials and Roxanne’s office are located on the first floor of the Parish House. Finally, what I have long regarded as a need of the parish is a regular schedule of retreats for the different sectors of the parish: youth, families, seniors, those discerning a vocation, and by profession (i.e., medical, legal, finance, etc.). Roxanne will take on this responsibility as well.
To accomplish what is envisioned by the Father William F. Bergen, SJ Office of Ignatian Spirituality and Faith Formation will require funding. Please join us in our effort to raise $100,000 to support the programming of the Office and to acquire the resources that will allow the Office to flourish.
Your financial support at this time will put the Office on a solid foundation. Hopefully, its foundation will be as solid and vigorous as the Jesuit priest whom we honor. While Father Bergen was on the parish staff, we were nourished and strengthened in our faith, buoyed by his comforting words when we looked to him for advice and felt the warmth of his love by his gentle demeanor and compassion. I can think of no better way to honor Father Bergen than creating an office bearing his name that will nurture the faith life of parishioners for generations to come.
Thank you for considering and contributing to the Father William F. Bergen, SJ Office of Ignatian Spirituality and Faith Formation. Gifts may be made by check or using the parish website’s “DONATE TODAY” button (link). Checks should be made payable to the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola and designated for Fr. Bergen Office.
Sincerely in the Lord,
Fr. Yesalonia