Parish Dispatch: Father Tom Lucas S.J., St. Ignatius Loyola Parish, Sacramento, CA
We are honored to work with vibrant parishes across the United States, each one working to bring the Kingdom of God to their neighborhoods. Father Tom Lucas serves at St. Ignatius Loyola Parish in Sacramento. Here he answers some questions about his special parish.
Distracted Visits with Jesus
Do we, like Martha of Bethany, approach Jesus frenzied, anxious, and worried about many things — work, home, or family? Do we miss out on the one thing needed and forfeit the better part? Especially during Mass, when we encounter the Real Presence of Christ?
When God Speaks Like a Polish Grandmother
A friend of mine had a Polish grandmother who was famous for giving her children some blunt advice every time they left the house: “Eyes straight ahead. Mind your own business.” In this way, a woman who rarely said “I love you” expressed her devotion. Jesus does much the same for us, in many portions of the Gospels.
Tips for Printing in Color: CMYK vs. RGB
When printing CMYK, each ink color is assigned a percentage on a 100-point scale. So, for a pure red, the printer selects: 0% Cyan, 99% Magenta, 100% Yellow, and 0% Black. Not sure of your percentages? Here are some tips to achieve success in coloration!
Guided by the spirit
There will always be something behind us and before us. Time moves on and the world continues to rotate. Will we miss that which exists right before our eyes because they are shut while we are consumed by the past or worried about the future?
Who Is My Neighbor?
This weekend’s Gospel once again details Jesus’ commandment on love. This is not a new teaching by any stretch. However, it is given a new twist when love of neighbor is elevated to the same status as love of God.
Does Anyone Read Printed Materials Anymore?
When it comes to ministry, the question of print vs. digital isn’t an either/or dilemma — it’s a both/and solution. Here are four reasons that print remains an integral component of your parish communication plan, even while you prioritize digital outreach.
Sacred Vessels
Have you ever paid attention to the purification of the sacred vessels after Holy Communion? If you haven’t, I highly recommend doing so this Sunday. See the care with which the priest handles the chalice and the paten, pouring water into them to cleanse any loose particles of the Body and Blood of Christ.
Called to Make the Kingdom a Reality
The disciples’ journey and their announcement of the coming of the Kingdom — and of the King himself — was the action. But beneath the surface, within the hearts and souls of those early evangelizers was their faith in and relationship with Jesus and with one another.
Hiring a Photographer for Church Events
You’re planning a large event at your parish — sacraments, festivals, VBS, etc. — does photography enter your plan? Photographs can capture the energy and excitement of an event in both print and digital communications. Here are some tips to get you started!
Living the Gospel in a Secular World
Jesus calls us to love him no matter what the circumstances of our life may be. This Sunday’s readings give us some important clues on how to balance the practice of our faith with the demands of life in the 21st century.
Up to the Job
Have you ever had a job for which you didn’t feel qualified? I think we all have, whether it was a paying gig or not. A lot of us parents often feel in awe of the magnitude of that role and lose sleep worrying that we made the wrong decision in one situation or a bad call in another. Some of us feel intimidated by what our communities need from us, on the parish level or in our personal relationships.