From the Pastor: December 12, 2023

Dear Parishioners,

In the parish’s recently published Vision Statement Implementation Plan we acknowledged our commitment to “reverence God in the wonder of creation” as a fundamental cornerstone to our mission. In his encyclical, Laudato Si’, Pope Francis called upon the world to care for our common home, the planet that we share with all God’s children. It is both an individual and communal responsibility.

As the first formal action to be taken since publishing the parish’s implementation plan, I am delighted to announce that the parish has adopted the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, a program of initiatives developed by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. Modelled after the Vatican’s program, the parish’s Ignatian Social Justice Ministry drafted our action platform. It is posted on the parish’s website at ignatius.nyc/laudatosiplatform. Committed to the reduction of our use of significant quantities of paper, a limited number of copies have been printed. These copies will enable those who do not have access to electronic devices, such as a computer or mobile phones, to read the action platform.

I encourage you to read the parish’s Laudato Si’ Action Platform, reflect on how your choices affect those whose resources are unjustly limited, and adopt ways in which you can answer the call of Pope Francis that we act now to care for our common home. As Pope Francis wrote in his subsequent apostolic exhortation, Laudate Deum, the clock is ticking. If we do not act now, it may be too late to reverse the destructive path we are on.

Finally, I invite you to participate as a member of a new parish ministry, now being formed, that will develop programs and activities focusing on the care of our common home. Please write or e-mail Jean Santopatre, Pastoral Associate, and let her know of your interest.

Consistent with our mission and committed to the tenets of our Vision Statement Implementation Plan, may we reverence God in the wonder of creation by the manner in which we live our daily lives, and in that way bring greater glory to God.

God bless you!

Sincerely in the Lord,
Fr. Yesalonia