New year’s interfaith service at St. Ignatius marks 30th anniversary December 20, 2022By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Christmas, Ecumenism and Interfaith Relations, Feature, Local News, News There’s no place Donna Price would rather be on New Year’s Eve than the interfaith prayer service at St. Ignatius in Mount Vernon. More than 600 people from Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist faith traditions annually pack the city’s Jesuit church to offer prayers for the city and civic leaders. The gathering is also an opportunity to give thanks for the blessings of the previous year. A painting that hangs in the narthex of St. Ignatius in Baltimore depicts the relationship between the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and life in Baltimore City. (Kevin J. Parks/CR Staff) “It’s really a very special event,” said Price, a longtime parishioner. “The congregation is truly diverse, and the music is just beautiful. Everyone sings at the top of their lungs.” The interfaith prayer service was started by Jesuit Father William Watters in 1993 after the former St. Ignatius pastor read about a similar service the pope led for the Holy See’s diplomatic corps, Price said. Father Watters asked Price to be one of the service’s organizers after she attended the inaugural event. She’s been involved on the service’s planning committee ever since. Price noted that many civic leaders, including Baltimore mayors, have attended the celebration. She recalled that former Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke, in his last year in office, told the congregation that participating in the prayer service was the most inspiring and important activity of his years in office. Current Mayor Brandon Scott is expected to participate this year, Price said, along with Baltimore City Police Commissioner Michael Harrison, Judge Lewyn Scott Garrett and other invited dignitaries. Representatives of the faith community will include Archbishop William E. Lori, Daiko Matt Fetting, Rabbi Naomi Zaslow, the Rev. Christian Iosso, the Rev. Lauretta Halstead, Imam Ismet Akcin, Pastor Mark Parker, Dr. Alisha Tatem, Mercy Sister Helen Amos, Ukrainian Catholic Father Vasyl Sivinskyi and Jesuit Father Brian Frain. The hourlong service begins Dec. 31 at 8:30 p.m. and is preceded by a musical prelude at 8 p.m. Prayers and readings will be offered during the service, along with a brief reflection. The service will end with the singing of “Nella Fantasia” and the blowing of the shofar, a ram’s horn used in Jewish ritual. A reception will follow in the hall. Price noted that the event is free and open to all. Free parking is available on the street and behind the state building across the street from St. Ignatius. The 30th interfaith prayer service will also be livestreamed on the parish’s webpage at st-ignatius.net. “It’s really a lovely gathering – and it’s gotten more beautiful every year,” Price said. Prayer Intentions Pope Francis asks for prayers for the following in 2023 January: Educators February: Parishes March: Victims of abuse April: Peace and nonviolence May: Church groups/movements June: Abolition of torture July: Eucharistic life August: World Youth Day September: People on the margins October: Synod on Synodality November: For the Holy Father December: Persons with disabilities For written prayers on the above intentions, visit popesprayerusa.net Email George P. Matysek Jr. at gmatysek@CatholicReview.org Read More Christmas Saved by an angel? Baltimore Catholics recall life‑changing moments No, Grandma is not an angel Bethlehem celebrates first Christmas tree lighting since war as pilgrims slowly return Finding peace amid Christmas season in ‘big city’ Movies to watch during Advent The boozy brew Charles Dickens popularized, and its connection to St. Nicholas Copyright © 2022 Catholic Review Media Print
