Franz Jägerstätter was born on May 20, 1907,

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1 Church of St. Ignatius Loyola 980 Park Avenue at 84th Street New York, New York (212) B u i l d i n g a C o m m u n i t y o f D i s c i p l e s Living Out Decisions Based on Faith Franz Jägerstätter was born on May 20, 1907, in St. Radegund, Austria. From 1927 to 1930 he worked in the iron industry in Eisenerz, Austria. There he felt spiritually and religiously uprooted and went through a crisis that made him question his faith and the meaning of life. In 1930 he returned to his home village with a deeper belief in God. In 1933 Franz fathered a child out of wedlock, Hildegard. The mother of the child was Theresia Auer, a worker on a farm in the neighborhood. She later said, We parted from one another in peace; he begged my forgiveness. Father and daughter enjoyed a good relationship. In 1935 Franz met Franziska Schwaninger, a farmer s daughter from a neighboring village. They married on Holy Thursday, At his suggestion they traveled to Rome for their honeymoon. Together they ran the Leherbauernhof farm, and the marriage marked a turning point in his life. According to their neighbors they prayed together and the Bible became the book of reference for their everyday life. Franziska says of this time, We helped each other go forward in faith. They had three daughters, Rosalia, Maria and Aloisia. Franz once said, I could never have imagined that being married could be so wonderful. From the very beginning, Franz refused to support or cooperate with the Nazis, who took power in Austria in 1938, because he viewed Christianity and Nazism as completely irreconcilable. March 15, 2009 Third Sunday of Lent Franz once had a dream, which he felt was a warning to him against Nazism; in it he saw a train carrying many people to perdition; and the meaning was unveiled to him as representing the Nazi party with all its attached organizations. In 1940 Franz was conscripted to perform military service, but was twice brought home by the authorities in his village on the grounds of his reserved civilian occupation as a farmer. He did not wish to obey a third conscription order because he regarded killing for the Nazis a sin. His mother, relatives and several priests unsuccessfully tried to change his mind. Even though his wife hoped there would be a way out of the situation, she stood by him in his decision, saying, If I hadn t stood by him, he wouldn t have had anyone at all. In extensive writings Franz explained the reasons for his actions. For him to fight and kill so the godless Nazi regime could conquer even more of the world s people would mean becoming personally guilty. He prayed, fasted and sought advice, finally requesting a meeting with the bishop of Linz. Among other things, the bishop told him that as the father of a family, it was not his task to decide whether the war was righteous or not. Franziska accompanied Franz to Linz, but did not take part in the discussions. But she remembered the moment her husband came out of the bishop s office. He was very sad, and he said to me, They themselves don t dare or it will be their turn next. Franz s main impression was that the bishop did not dare to speak openly because he didn t know Franz. After all, he could have been a spy.

2 After being conscripted once more, Franz reported at Enns on March 1, 1943, but immediately stated that due to his religious views he refused to perform military service with a weapon, but would serve as a military paramedic, which was not accepted. At the beginning of May, he was transferred to the military prison in Berlin and he again asked to serve as a paramedic, but the request was again denied. On July 6, 1943, he was condemned to death for undermining military morale and he was stripped of his worthiness to serve in the army and of his civil rights. In prison he learned of Fr. Franz Reinisch, an Austrian priest, who had refused to serve in the army and had died for his convictions. This news gave Franz support and comfort in his situation. On August 9, 1943 Franz was taken to the military prison at Brandenburg and beheaded. Two chaplains Scripture Readings for the Week Monday, March 16th (Monday, Third Week of Lent) II Kings 5:1-15ab; Psalm 42; Luke 4:24-30 Tuesday, March 17th (Feast of St. Patrick) Daniel 3:25, 34-43; Psalm 25; Matthew 18:21-35 Wednesday, March 18th (Wednesday, Third Week of Lent) Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9; Psalm 147; Matthew 5:17-19 Thursday, March 19th (Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary) II Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16; Psalm 89; Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22; Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a Friday, March 20th (Friday, Third Week of Lent) Hosea 14:2-10; Psalm 81; Mark 12:28-34 Saturday, March 21st (Saturday, Third Week of Lent) Hosea 6:1-6; Psalm 51; Luke 18:9-14 Sunday, March 22nd (Fourth Sunday of Lent) II Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23; Psalm 137; Ephesians 2:4-10; John 3:14-21 Dear Parishioners, The Cardinal s Appeal is critical to the work and life of the Archdiocese of New York and each of its 402 parishes. Through the administrative support of the Archdiocese, the Appeal supports all of our parishes and schools and is especially vital to those parishes and schools who need extra support to sustain their day-to-day operations, especially in these difficult times. To date our Parish has received 64 pledges, totaling $ 32,090. This is 12.9% of our goal of $247,500. I am grateful to those who have made their contribution and ask those who have not yet contributed to prayerfully consider a gift as your means allow. Fr. George M. Witt, S.J. Parish Administrator and some nuns who worked there regarded him as a saint and a martyr and marked the spot where his ashes were buried. On May 7, 1997, 54 years after his execution, the death verdict for Franz Jägerstätter was annulled by the district court of Berlin. On June 1, 2007 the Vatican officially confirmed the martyrdom of the Austrian conscientious objector, Franz Jägerstätter. His beatification took place in St. Mary s Cathedral in Linz on October 26, At the offertory Franz s 94 year old wife, Franziska, accompanied by his four daughters, carried his ashes to the altar amid thunderous applause. Blessed Franz Jägerstätter, pray for us; help us to know and to do what is right. Announced Masses for the Week Monday, March 16th 8:30 MEM David Oing 12:10 MEM Andrew Margonis 5:30 MEM Bill Hassett Tuesday, March 17th 8:30 MEM John & Nora Reilly 12:10 MEM Margaret Regan 5:30 MEM Betty Marino Wednesday, March 18th 8:30 MEM William & Ann Reilly 12:10 MEM Angelo Montemarano 5:30 MEM Janet H. Sughrue Thursday, March 19th 8:30 MEM Margaret Casey Reilly 12:10 MEM Clement Alexander & Grace Marjorie Hazell 5:30 MEM Alberta Kerr Friday, March 20th 8:30 MEM Kelly Gillebaard 12:10 MEM Mary Ann Derosa 5:30 MEM Nathan Davidson Saturday, March 21st 8:30 MEM Charlotte Canale - Rev. Jack Replogle, S.J. Easter Memorial Liturgy Wednesday, April 29 th at 7:00 PM Our annual liturgy to remember parishioners and family members who died in You are invited to submit the names of deceased loved ones to Sr. Kathryn King no later than Friday, March 27 th : or kingk@stignatiusloyola.org PLEASE OPEN FOR PAGES 3 AND 4

3 THIS WEEK Sunday, March 15 Girl Scout cookie sale in Wallace Hall following the 9:30 and 11:00 AM Masses. Please support our Grammar School Troop! Sunday, March 15, 9:00 AM-2:30 PM, McKinnon Hall - SVdP Blood Drive. Walk-ins welcome. Please bring ID. Sunday, March 15, 6:00-7:15 PM - At Jesus Side: A Lenten Series for Ignatian Young Adults. Using the Scripture readings from the week, we will explore the Lenten themes they raise and how they relate to our own lives. This week s topic: Covenant Tuesday, March 17, 7:00 PM, Lady Chapel - IYA Prayer Group. An ongoing Community Prayer experience to deepen our relationship with God. This Tuesday, Joan Kirby, RSCJ, will lead us into Prayer for Reconciliation. For more information, contact Sr. Carmen Diaz-Ruiz, RSCJ (carmendiazruiz@hotmail.com) or Alex Beech (mabeech@gmail.com). Tuesday, March 17, 7:30 PM - St. Ignatius Spiritual Community Reading Group. The book to be discussed is Faith: Trusting Your Own Deepest Experience, by Sharon Salzberg. New members are welcome! For further information please contact Jane Campbell at or jctjane@aol.com Wednesday, March 18, 7:00 PM, Conference Room - SVdP Meeting. All are welcome! Thursday, March 19, 1:00 PM, Parish House Lounge - IVC Information Session. Please see information at right. Thursday, March 19, 7:00 PM, Parish House Lounge - Lenten Reflection by Fr. Robert O Brien, S.J. Topic: In the Still of the Night: Jesus with Nicodemus. Saturday, March 21, 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM - Ministry Formation: Liturgy and the Eucharist. Please see information at right. Saturday, March 21, 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM - Boomers & Beyond: A Day of Wellness. Please see information at right. Saturday, March 21, 5:30 PM - Fairfield University Mass, Rev. Jeffrey von Arx, Presider. Please see information at right. OF INTEREST TO PARISHIONERS Pastoral Visiting Available for Homebound and Ill Parishioners Parishioners have been trained for the ministry of pastoral visiting to the homebound and chronically ill in our Parish. If you are interested in having a visit arranged for yourself or another person, please contact Sr. Kathryn King. She can be reached at or kingk@stignatiusloyola.org. Begun by Terence Cardinal Cooke in 1981, Catholic New York is the official newspaper of the Archdiocese of New York. If you would like to receive a free subscription to this publication, which is published twice a month, please contact Diane Boyle at the Parish House: or boyled@stignatiusloyola.org Ignatian Volunteer Corps Information Session Thursday, March 19th at 1:00 PM in the Parish House Lounge IVC provides men and women, age 50 and over, the opportunity to serve the needs of people who are economically poor, to work for a more just society and to grow spiritually by reflecting and praying in the Ignatian tradition. For more information, or to confirm your attendance, please contact IVC Regional Director Liz McMahon at or emcmahon@ivcusa.org MINISTRY FORMATION: Liturgy and the Eucharist Saturday, March 21st 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM A morning of prayer and meditation on the Eucharist will be led by Rev. Francis Gargani, CSSR. After lunch, Rev. Peter Fink, S.J., will speak on liturgy. This session may be attended by anyone involved in ministry here at St. Ignatius Loyola. Please contact Fr. Ugo at the Parish House to register: or nacciaroneu@stignatiusloyola.org Boomers & Beyond: A Day of Wellness Saturday, March 21st 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM Come join Boomers & Beyond (50+ Catholics who are single, divorced or widowed) for a day of health & wellness on Saturday, March 21st, 9:30AM-3:30 PM, at St. Stephen of Hungary, 414 East 82 Street (between 1st and York Ave). $25 fee includes coffee/tea, a healthful lunch, and beverages. Casual attire. Take time for your mind, body and spirit. Learn from four experts from the following fields: nutrition, spiritual healing, holistic wellness, and mindful healing yoga. Complimentary publications from Johns Hopkins University covering common and serious medical conditions will be available. Required reservation and payment due by Wednesday, March 18th. Make checks payable to Church of St. Ignatius Loyola (write Boomers & Beyond in the memo section). Mail or hand deliver to: Boomers & Beyond, Church of St. Ignatius Loyola, 980 Park Ave. NY, NY For additional information, BoomersandBeyond.eastside@gmail.com (preferred) or call Welcome, Fairfield University! On Saturday, March 21st, Rev. Jeffrey von Arx, S.J., President of Fairfield University, will be the presider at the 5:30 PM Mass. We welcome Father von Arx and all of the members of the Fairfield University Community (Board Members, Faculty, Students and Alums) who will be joining us that day. The University Glee Club will be participating in the celebration of the Mass and will perform a short concert at its conclusion.

4 UPCOMING EVENTS Sacred Music in a Sacred Space Sunday, March 22nd at 4:00 PM Organist Renée Anne Louprette performs Couperin s Messe pour les Couvents with tenor soloist Steven Fox and women s choir. Tickets: $20 or $15 for students/seniors. Tickets are available in the Parish House, by calling or online at Word on Fire cordially invites you to enjoy an evening of CATHOLICISM: A Landmark Documentary Series Explaining and Promoting the Catholic Faith to the World Thursday, March 26, :00 PM Church of St. Ignatius Loyola LENTEN ACTIVITIES Lenten Cross Service Project Update As you can tell from the ribbons on the stole draping our Lenten Cross in the narthex, there has been a wonderful response to the Lenten Cross Project! As of last weekend, we had received 633 commitments from 256 parishioners. We are grateful that so many have chosen to honor the Lenten Season by taking something on and making a commitment to engage in a positive act of service, advocacy or prayer. It s not too late to register! Additional information, list of activities and registration sheets are available in the narthex, in the Parish House, or on our website: Lenten Cross Project: 633 commitments from 256 people Presented by theologian and author Fr. Robert Barron and NBC Today Show correspondent, filmmaker and author Mike Leonard Further information: Nancy Ross at nross@wordonfire.org Adult Confirmation Class Adult parishioners of St. Ignatius who have received First Eucharist but who have not yet received the sacrament of Confirmation may register for a course in preparation for the sacrament to be conferred here on Thursday evening, May 14th, at 5:00 PM. The course will begin on Tuesday evening, March 31st, at 7:15 PM and will continue for seven consecutive Tuesday evenings, concluding on Tuesday, May 12th. Attendance at all the sessions is required. Enrollment is limited. There may be room for a few already confirmed parishioners who seek some updating in Catholicism. Interested adults should contact Fr. Bergen at the rectory ( ). SAVE THE DATE! 2009 Annual Spring Benefit St. Ignatius Loyola Day Nursery The Central Park Boathouse Friday, May 15th, 7:00 PM to Midnight The Celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation Wednesday Evening, March 25 th at 7:00 PM Church of St. Ignatius Loyola Pax Christi s 27th Annual Good Friday Way of the Cross April 10th, 8:30 AM - Noon Join with nearly 500 people in the largest public Christian peace witness in New York City. The Way of the Cross is a modern-day enactment of the Stations of the Cross, witnessing for peace and justice in the streets of our city. At each station we reflect on our participation in a world still characterized by crucifixion. The walk begins at 47th Street between First and Second Avenues (across from Holy Family Church), proceeds along 42nd Street and ends near Holy Cross Church on 42nd Street, between Eighth and Ninth Avenues. For more information, please call Pax Christi Metro NY at or visit

5 I believe that our lives are interconnected, that we re meant to learn from one another s experiences. I wrote this book hoping that others may benefit from my story. Immaculée Ilibagiza. The 1994 Rwandan uprising that resulted in the slaughter of nearly one million Tutsis is made intensely personal through Ms. Ilibagiza s powerful account of her physical and spiritual journey to survival and forgiveness. New York Times syndicated writer Cindy Pearlman calls Left to Tell An inspirational, life-altering book. The same has been said of hearing her tell her story firsthand. We are honored and blessed to have Ms. Ilibagiza join us during the Lenten Season. Please plan to join us on Monday, March 23 rd. Later that same week, on Wednesday, March 25 th at 7:00 PM, our Parish will celebrate its annual Lenten Reconciliation Service. An Evening with Immaculée Ilibagiza author of Left to Tell, Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust Monday, March 23rd at 7:00 PM Church of St. Ignatius Loyola From the country she loved, to the horrors of genocide, hers is a remarkable and touching journey of understanding and forgiveness. A book signing and reception in Wallace Hall will follow Immaculée s talk TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE: $20 advance sale $25 at the door Tickets can be purchased at either the Parish House or the Grammar School Proceeds to benefit Immaculée s Left to Tell Charitable Fund This evening is hosted jointly by Saint Ignatius Loyola Grammar School and Church of St. Ignatius Loyola Tickets will be on sale in the Narthex after all Masses this weekend!

6 Church of St. Ignatius Loyola 980 Park Avenue at 84th Street New York, New York (212) Fax: (212) BULLETIN BOARD PARISH STAFF Couples celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary anytime during 2009 are invited to attend the Annual Golden Wedding Jubilee Mass at the Cathedral of St. Patrick on Sunday, May 3, 2009 at 2:00 PM. Pre-registration is required. The closing date to register for the Mass is Friday, April 17. Contact Diane Boyle at the Parish House or Mount St. Alphonsus Redemptorist Pastoral Center invites you to two upcoming events: A Day of Prayer: Wednesday, March 18, 2009, 9:30 AM 3:00 PM. This day features presentations and discussions on St. Paul s letters. Reconciliation and Eucharist concludes the day. The cost to attend is $20, which includes lunch. Tuesday night accommodations are available for an additional fee. Reservations required. Spirituality for Stressful Times: Saturday, March 21, 2009, 9:30 AM 3:30 PM. This workshop will help attendees understand the role that stress plays in their lives, and ways to deal with particular stresses. Cost: $35, includes lunch. Reservations required. For more information about either program, please call or visit The Year of St. Paul is the theme of Lenten Sunday Vespers at Corpus Christi Church, 529 West 121st Street, Manhattan. Sunday, March 22 at 4:00 PM: Re- Imagining the Mission of Paul. Speaker: Rev. Gilbert Martinez, CSP, Church of St. Paul the Apostle. For further information, call or visit St. Paul through the Ages: Tuesday, March 24, 6:30 PM, The Kathryn Martin Theater of the St. Jean Baptiste Community Center, East 76th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue. Art historian and author Jeanne Chenault Porter will give an in-depth presentation on the way artists have depicted the apostle Paul through the ages. The program is in observance the Jubilee Year of St. Paul. A reception will follow. Tickets are $25; proceeds benefit the New Restoration Fund of the church. For reservations, call Music in Desperate Times: Remembering the Women s Orchestra of Birkenau. March 28 at 8:00 PM at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Ars Choralis, from Woodstock, NY, has created a concert that combines the music of the Birkenau Women s Orchestra, readings from the women s diaries, and choral works of peace and resistance. For tickets and additional information, please visit Parish Administrator Rev. George M. Witt, S.J. Pastoral Associates Joanne Cunneen Rev. Peter W. Gyves, S.J. Kathryn King, F.S.P. Senior Priest Associates Rev. William Bergen, S.J. Rev. John F. Replogle, S.J. Rev. Ugo R. Nacciarone, S.J. Assisting Priests (Sunday) Rev. Philip G. Judge, S.J. Rev. Stephen Katsouros, S.J. Rev. James Martin, S.J. Music Ministries Kent Tritle, Director Nancianne Parrella Renée Anne Louprette Robert Reuter Mary Huff Philip Anderson Erin Acheson, Administrator Staff information: on the website at music/music staff Assistant to the Parish Administrator Diane M. Boyle Administrative Assistant Patricia Schneider Director of Facilities Sona M. Olson Events Coordinator Emily Holtz Treasurer Fernando Castro Weekday Masses Monday-Friday 8:30AM, 12:10PM and 5:30PM Saturday: 88:30AM Masses for Next Weekend: Saturday Vigil: Sunday: Wallace Hall Solemn 5:30PM Fr. von Arx 8:00AM Fr. Gyves 9:30AM Fr. Ugo 11:00AM Fr. Witt 11:00AM Fr. Bergen 7:30PM Fr. Bergen Music Information: (212) music@stignatiusloyola.org Religious Education for Children Joanne Cunneen, M.A., M.S. Director (212) St. Ignatius Loyola Grammar School Ms. Mary Larkin, M.S. Ed. Principal 48 East 84 Street New York, NY (212) Fax: (212) St. Ignatius Loyola Day Nursery Ms. Theodora Crist, M.S. Executive Director 240 East 84 Street New York, NY (212) Fax: (212) Children s Liturgy of the Word: Sundays at the 9:30AM Mass and the 11AM Mass in Wallace Hall. Eucharistic Adoration: Fridays and First Saturdays at 9AM (Lady Chapel) Centering Prayer: Mondays and Thursdays at 6:30PM. Confessions: 5PM Saturday or by appointment. Communal Penance Services are celebrated during Advent and Lent. Baptisms: Please call Joanne Cunneen at the Parish House to arrange for a Baptism and the preparation given prior to Baptism. Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults: Contact Maureen Fullam, M.A., Director, at the Parish House. Marriages: The Bride or Groom should call Joanne Cunneen at the Parish House to begin preparation for Marriage, normally one year in advance. Visits to the Sick: Please contact the Parish House between 9AM-9PM.