"A Simple Contemplation" on the Nativity

This is a nice reflection in America Magazine about the experience of Mary and Joseph bringing Christ into the world and relating to our lives, faith, and preparation for Christmas. It's a nice thing to check out and reflect on during the Advent journey.

-Mary Ellen

Remembering the Jesuit Martyrs & their Companions

Yesterday marked the 20th anniversary of the assassination of 6 Jesuits, their cook, and her daughter at the University of Central America in San Salvador. They were targeted because of the Jesuits work to liberate the oppressed and impoverished in the country. Click the link above for a great reflection by John Dear, SJ, who worked with the Jesuits in El Salvador during the time of the civil war.

-Mary Ellen

The Nexxt Generation of Catholic Leaders

John Allen, from the National Catholic Reporter, writes about his thoughts on the "classifications" placed on young adult Catholics today. In a nutshell, he says that many young adults today shun the traditional "liberal" or "conservative" labels created and perpetuated by an older generation of Catholics. He says that we, as the next generation, seem "well-equipped to steer a middle course, embracing a robust sense of Catholic identity without carrying a chip on their shoulder." Check out the article and let us know what you think.

Jesuit that Served in Slums of Nairobi - Next Living Ignatian Speaker

Click the link above to find out more about Fr. Jim Collins' service as chaplain for St. Aloysius Gonzaga High School in Nairobi, Kenya. St. Aloysius is the world's first high school for AIDS orphans. Fr. Jim will will reflect on his experiences and offer his thoughts on how young adults can take steps toward transforming our world. Wednesday, November 4, 7:30pm, Holy Name Cathedral. Hope to see you there!

-Mary Ellen M.

St. Ignatius and Relationships--now on YouTube

Charis' Living Ignatian speaker series kicked off on Wednesday night. Terry Nelson-Johnson gave a wonderful reflection entitled "St. Ignatius and Relationships--A Nice, or Perhaps Holy, Combination." He is a gifted story-teller who captured our attention for the evening. If you missed his talk, it's posted in its entirity on the Charis Ministries podcast on iTunes or in pieces on YouTube.

















Next speaker: Wednesday, November 4 at Holy Name Cathedral.

-Lauren G

Discovering Spiritual Gifts

For those interested in their own vocational discernment, it might be worthwhile to check out this website looking into your spiritual gifts. We found it during some of our early preparation for our Spirit @ Work Retreat Day Retreat Day, coming up on November 14 this year. It helps to take an inventory of our spiritual gifts for ministries and other work. It might be something to check out and check out our website to learn more about our upcoming retreat!

-Jesse K.

A new take on an old Gospel

Last night at the Living Ignatian Evening Mass, Fr. Ken Simpson (pastor of St. Clement Church) gave a wonderful homily focusing on Luke's Gospel. In this Gospel, Jesus sends the Twelve out to proclaim the good news. He tells them to take nothing for the journey and to stay with those who welcome them and shake the dust off their feet as they leave the towns that reject them.

For many of us, this is a familiar story, one in which we take comfort in knowing that God will provide for whatever we need. But Fr. Ken gave us a different message to think about. When Jesus sent the Apostles out, he told them to "take nothing" with them. He then elaborates: "neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic." He is sending them out with absolutely nothing so that they must become beggars. These men who care for the needy must first become needy themselves and allow others to take care of them.

Most of us are willing to care for those in need, but how often are we willing to humble ourselves and let others take care of us?

-Lauren G