Tapestry: Many Strands – One Parish

“Each Thread with a Purpose”

In 1999 St. Brigid of Kildare began the Tapestry offertory program to encourage the involvement of all parishioners, in the communal and spiritual life of the parish. By weaving together donations of time, talent, and treasure, the Tapestry Program makes it possible to maintain and develop a St. Brigid parish family that serves all its parishioners.   

This year we will be focusing on the theme of “Each Thread with a Purpose.” In a tapestry, no single thread stands alone. It is only when each thread is woven together that the full design emerges, strong, beautiful, and full of meaning. So it is in our parish. God has given each of us unique gifts of time, talent, and treasure and each thread has a purpose in building up the faith community of our parish.

As we embark on our Tapestry Offertory Program, we ask every parish household to consider how your unique "thread" your time, your talents, and your treasure is part of God's plan for this parish. When we give of ourselves, we say to God, “Yes use my life for your plan.” Our parish is a living tapestry, each of us a thread. Without your part, the parish is incomplete.

Our gifts vary, but all are vital when woven together they create the beautiful fabric that is St. Brigid of Kildare Parish. During Tapestry, please take the time to pray and reflect on your purpose and join us in becoming involved at St. Brigid of Kildare. 

Join us September 13-14 for Ministry Weekend

There are many ways that will be shown to you in the mailing you will be receiving in September. Another opportunity is for you to attend Ministry Weekend on September 13 & 14 after all four Masses. Parish leaders will be available to help you explore how your gifts can best be used in God’s plan. Thank you for your past and continuing support.

Welcome Will Malerich, Field & Landscape Specialist

St. Brigid of Kildare Parish is excited to welcome Will Malerich as our new Field & Landscape Specialist, who began in July 2025.

As a Field & Landscape Specialist, Will will be responsible for maintaining the beauty and functionality of our campus grounds, including preparing and maintaining our athletic fields to ensure they are game-ready during the season, caring for landscaping and equipment,and helping guide landscape improvements and special projects.

Will holds degrees in Environmental Science and Geology from the College of William and Mary, and he and his wife Patti have been dedicated parishioners since 2009. His family has been deeply involved in parish life, with all three of his children graduating from St. Brigid of Kildare School.

In addition to his professional background, Will has been actively engaged in our community as the St. Brigid Baseball Commissioner and a member of the Grounds & Fields Committee for the past two years.

Will shares, “I’m looking forward to helping the parish keep the grounds looking top notch and supporting our athletic program by caring for the fields.”

Please join us in welcoming Will to this role in our parish family!

Welcome Chelsea Melcher, Assistant Director of Sacred Music

St. Brigid of Kildare welcomes Chelsea Melcher as our Assistant

Director of Sacred Music. Chelsea will be directing the Youth Ensemble, assisting with Children's Choir, and assisting with preparation of music. 

Chelsea Hart Melcher is a Navona Records Recording Artist, with one album “So Smooth So Sweet” already released and four more in process. Chelsea has performed nationally and locally with orchestras, symphonies, musical theater companies, and opera companies as a professional artist. She is currently the Director of Musical Theater and Opera at Capital Conservatory of Music and the Co-Founder of RED School of Music, offering lessons to the greater Columbus area. Chelsea and her husband Paul co-founded the school in 2015.

Chelsea, her husband Paul, and their two children Michael and Molly have been members of our parish since 2023. Together they enjoy hiking, reading books and music, music, music.

Chelsea can be reached at chelsea.r.hart@gmail.com.

A Message from Fr. Black

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all who generously supported the 2025 Diocesan Appeal. I am continually humbled by the faith and generosity of our parish community. Thanks to your commitment, St. Brigid of Kildare has once again met our goal of $365,171 (currently at $365,316!).

The needs of our diocese are great, and by doing our part, we are helping to change lives across our community. Thank you again, and may God bless you for your generosity.

As we look to the future, our clergy and ministries have been meeting to discuss much-needed updates to our church. Now that we have met our Diocesan Appeal goal, 100% of any additional donations will stay here at St. Brigid. These funds will support a church renovation project in the near future. We will share more details soon, but your continued support makes these improvements possible.

To make a pledge, please visit columbuscatholicgiving.org.

Thank you for your generosity!

All priests in the Diocese of Columbus will be attending a convocation Monday–Friday, Sept. 22–26.

During this time, prayer services with communion will be offered each day by a deacon in place of daily Mass.

The OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults, formerly known as RCIA) provides an opportunity for adults who are seeking full communion with the Church to learn about the Catholic faith.

If you are thinking about becoming Catholic, or were baptized Catholic but were never Confirmed, please join us.

Classes meet Tuesday evenings 7:00-8:30 pm from October through the Easter Vigil Mass in Hendricks Hall. 

Below is a submission from a parishioner who went through the OCIA process:

"As I sit here on vacation I am spending time reflecting on the last year. Where do I begin…. I can start by saying this was one of the greatest commitments I have done in a very long time. I was raised in a Catholic household but was never Catholic. I followed many rituals but was not baptized or confirmed. This was something I longed to do for very many years. In my heart I knew I always wanted to be a part of such a great and meaningful religion.  

It truly came to light on a trip my son took me on two years ago - we went to Italy and we experienced the beautiful churches and more specifically the Vatican. The feeling I got during this tour sealed my desire to become Catholic. My son asked me one day 6 months later if I would like to go to Mass one Sunday morning. We attended a Mass at St. Brigid and sat in the very back. As we attended more frequently we moved closer to the front. From that point on we were hooked. My son attended some OCIA classes that fall and a year later we started our journey.

Some key takeaways from OCIA:

— This is your journey not anyone else’s.

— If you ever feel any doubt and might feel you are not worthy to be a part of the Catholic religion, pray about it or talk to a deacon or priest. I found many signs I was on the right path! 

— I was one of the older participants and it’s never too late to start!

— St Brigid’s OCIA class is excellent, we had a big class but we were such a close group always supporting each other!

— Open your heart to the possibilities of becoming Catholic, it is such a wonderful experience.

Let me know if I can assist you as you make your decision to start OCIA. Kim will connect us. — Dodi Weirick

Are you looking to connect with other moms, share your journey, and grow in faith together? Mom to Mom is a welcoming, vibrant group for mothers of all ages and stages. Whether you’re a new mom or a seasoned pro, we invite you to join us as we support, uplift, and encourage each other through the shared experience of motherhood.

This Fall, we'll be reading and discussing The Friendship Project: The Catholic Woman's Guide to Making and Keeping Fabulous, Faith-Filled Friends by Michele Faehnle and Emily Jaminet.  

Meetings Resume: September 10th

When: Wednesdays 

Time: 9:45 – 11:00 AM

Childcare will be provided, sign up coming soon! 

All moms are welcome to join this beautiful sisterhood of motherhood. Come when you can, and bring a friend along! We look forward to sharing, praying, and growing in friendship with you this Fall.

For more information or to get involved, please contact the Family First Co Directors, Kerri Wilke, kerriwilke@gmail.com or Beth Biller elizabeth.biller@gmail.com. 

Paid Childcare Opportunity!

 Family First’s Mom to Mom program is looking to hire two responsible individuals to provide childcare on Wednesdays from 9:15 to 11:15 AM  during our morning program.  The rate is $20/hour. Thank you for helping us create a safe and welcoming space for our youngest members!

Requirements:

• Must be 18 years or older
• Must be PGC (Protecting God’s Children) certified

If you’re interested or would like more information, please contact Kerri Wilke,  kerriwilke@gmail.com  or Beth Biller elizabeth.biller@gmail.com.

Hello, St. Brigid Parishioners! We pray that you had an amazing summer filled with rest, peace, and joy from our Lord!

We have been busy here at The Mantle, and are so grateful for all that the Lord had in store for us this past summer. We finished out the summer with some fun events like a field day, Mass and games, and more! We are so beyond excited for the fall schedule to start up, and are so excited to see returning and new faces at our fall kick off on September 21 for all incoming 9th-12th graders!

If you plan on joining us for any Mantle events this upcoming school year, please be sure to fill out our registration (please note: even if your teen has come to an event in the past year, it is a new year and we need it to be updated). You can fill out the form here (giving.parishsoft.com/App/Form/5675bf6c-00a8-4ce2-ab41-4cf2fe50752b).

Also, we are excited to announce that we will be having a week reserved for spots at Catholic Youth Summer Camp next summer, 2026 for all current 5th-11th graders! Please see this letter from Fr. Black for more details about why, how, and when we will be doing this next summer! https://conta.cc/4mwTbn5. If you would like more details of how to sign up, click the button below! Registration began today (August 21^st) at 9am.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please reach out to us! 

Know of our prayers for you, and continue to pray for us!

In Mary’s Mantle,

Ellie Dills

edills@stbrigidofkildare.org

Adult Faith Formation is the lifelong process of finding and falling in love with God in the midst of our human lives. Because God made us to be communal people, we do this with others, where we can form friendships and community, centered on our relationship with God. We have several Adult Faith offerings to meet the time and demographic preferences of our parishioners. 

Below are the Adult Faith Formation offerings for the 2025-26 year. For more information, see details below or contact Kim VanHuffel at kvanhuffel@stbrigidofkildare.org.

The Chosen Season Five

This fall, we will begin our study with The Chosen, Season Five. The Chosen is a historical drama based on the life of Jesus and those who knew him. Set against the backdrop of Roman oppression in first-century Palestine, the series shares an authentic look at Jesus’ revolutionary life and teachings, through the eyes of his apostles. 

Season 5 of “The Chosen,” titled “The Chosen: The Last Supper,” focuses on Holy Week and the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion, including the Last Supper, the triumphal entry, Jesus turning the tables in the temple, and the betrayal of Judas. It’s a heavily dramatic season with a lot of build-up and political intrigue, emphasizing Jesus’ teachings and the impact on his disciples. It should lead to great small group discussions!

If you have not yet watched The Chosen and would like to participate in our upcoming study, you will want to catch up by watching seasons 1-4 at home. It is available for free on The Chosen App or online at watch.thechosen.tv (although you will have to set up a free account). You can also watch all four seasons on Prime Video if you have a subscription. 

We will begin the study on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 from 7-8:30 pm, and Thursday, September 4, 2025 from 10:30 am-noon, in the Berry Room of Hendricks Hall. The study will run for 8 weeks.

For more information contact Kim VanHuffel at kvanhuffel@stbrigidofkildare.org.  

To register for Fall 2025, click here.

Walking With Purpose

Walking with Purpose is a Catholic women’s Bible study ministry that meets women where they are, wherever they are on the journey. WWP Bible studies combine personal study with small group discussion, linking everyday challenges to solutions given through Scripture. If you desire to grow in your faith, to encounter God’s Word in a fresh way, in a supportive community of Catholic women….this is the place for you!

Join us on Tuesdays from 7-8:30 PM in Hendricks Hall, beginning September 23.

To see the full schedule, learn more, or register, visit our webpage here: https://stbrigidofkildare.org/walking-with-purpose/

That Man Is You!

THAT MAN IS YOU! is an interactive men’s program combining the best research from science with the teachings of the Catholic faith and the wisdom of the saints to develop the vision of man fully alive. By honestly addressing the pressures and temptations that men face in our modern culture, That Man is You! Seeks to form men who will be capable of transforming homes and society.

At St. Brigid of Kildare, we are currently in year 7 of this program (for the 2025-26 year).

Join us for food, fellowship and faith, starting Saturday, September 6, 2025 in Hendricks Hall. Doors Open at 6:30 AM for light breakfast and fellowship. Program starts promptly at 7:00 AM. All men are welcome.

For more information and to register, visit https://stbrigidofkildare.org/that-man-is-you/.

Sisters in Christ: She Shall Be Called Woman

Sisters in Christ is a ministry that cultivates prayer and community with other women and emphasizes our need for spiritual friendships. This group provides a weekly structure for women to spend time learning about God and the Catholic faith; and journeying with other women. 

Sisters in Christ meets Wednesday afternoons from 1:15 – 2:45 pm, during the school year, beginning in September. Join us each week for a video, fellowship, and faith.

This year (Fall 2025 – Spring 2026), Sisters in Christ will continue studies by Paradisus Dei called, She Shall Be Called Woman. These studies are a transformative journey designed to meet the deepest longings of the feminine heart and to be a sanctuary for women seeking to be truly seen, known, and loved as they grow in their relationships with the Lord. Through vibrant conversations, authentic speakers, and enriching prayer experiences, these programs will equip our group with the tools needed to embark on a profound spiritual journey.

For more information contact Cheryl Hohlefelder at hohleinone@gmail.com, or to register visit https://programs.paradisusdei.org/join/82BFF5

Roma Annual Golf Outing/Scramble – The Ridge

Each year, the Knights of Columbus presents a college scholarship to a high school senior who is a registered parishioner of St. Brigid of Kildare. Additionally, in 2025, the Knights of Columbus presented a scholarship to an 8^th grade student at St. Brigid of Kildare Parish School, who will be attending a Catholic High School.

When: Sunday, Sep 7 at 8am – shotgun start

Where: The Ridge Golf Course, Marysville

Cost: $100 per player       Format: 4-person scramble

All proceeds go exclusively to the Knights of Columbus scholarship fund

Golf Signup Info Flyer > Golf Signup Info

Mail or e-mail entry forms to Terry Miller (5072 Galway Dr., Dublin, OH 43017 or terry@milcohealth.com)…call Terry with questions…614-327-1381 

Music is an integral part of every weekend Mass celebrated at St. Brigid. A variety of musical styles, from traditional to contemporary is incorporated in the celebration of Mass. Music Director Paul Melcher coordinates the music program. To get involved in any of the music ministries, contact Paul Melcher at 761-3734 or pmelcher@stbrigidofkildare.org.

Registration links for the 2025-26 Children’s Choir and Youth Ensemble are now available on our website, along with 25-26 schedules for Adult Choir, Children's Choir, and Youth Ensemble.

Learn more and register at the link below. Fall rehearsals begin in September for Adult Choir and Children's Choir.

Register by August 31 for our K-8 Family of Faith Religious Education program!



Family of Faith is a model of catechesis that equips and empowers families to learn about and practice the Catholic faith together, ultimately serving as a family formation model. Family of Faith is for all St. Brigid families with children in grade K-8 who are not attending Catholic school.

We are also in need of volunteers for our program. Please share your time and talent by signing up to give your time as a small group leader, office aide, hall monitor, or childcare (for volunteers).

Religious Education Open House

Monday, September 8 | 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Hendricks Hall

Join us to meet and greet with staff, and enjoy classroom tours, ice cream and popsicles!

To learn more about our program or to register, visit the link below.

This fall, we are excited to introduce a new tradition at Saint Brigid of Kildare — the Blessing of Animals in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment.

Join us Saturday, October 4 at 10:00 a.m. at Brigid’s Green as one of our parish priests offers a simple blessing for pets and their owners. All beloved animal companions are welcome to attend. For everyone's safety (including the pets), please have all pets on a leash.

The Blessing of Animals is a long-standing Catholic tradition that takes place near the feast day of St. Francis (October 4). St. Francis was known for his love of all God’s creatures and his deep appreciation for the beauty of creation. By bringing our pets for a blessing, we recognize them as gifts from God and ask for His care and protection over them.

We look forward to gathering together in celebration of God’s creation and the joy our pets bring to our lives.

You are invited to understand the love Jesus has for you during First Friday Eucharistic Adoration following the 9:00 AM Mass and concluding at 4:00 PM with Benediction, as well as each Wednesday from 5-7 PM in the chapel.

“When you look at the Crucifix, you understand how much Jesus loved you then. When you look at the Sacred Host you understand how much Jesus loves you now,”- Saint Teresa of Calcutta (Feast Day: September 5th)

Jesus loves you and wants you to spend time with him in Eucharistic Adoration. He is waiting for you! All are welcome, including families with children. If you wish to sign up for an hour, please email Shelly Cocumelli at rocks1dad@aol.com.

The current sign up page can be found at https://stbrigidofkildare.org/eucharistic-adoration/.

We will be taking Mass intention requests electronically through forms on the website for Masses in January—June 2026. The Mass Intentions form will go live on Monday, September 15 at 10 a.m. on our website at www.stbrigidofkildare.org. We will only be taking requests for January—June 2026 at this time. 

In order to fairly accommodate all Mass Intentions requested, we ask that you request no more than two (2) Mass intentions per family per six-month period.

What is the Sunshine Committee? They are a group of St. Brigid of Kildare volunteers who offer support to parish families who are experiencing illness or injuries. In addition, they also help those who are celebrating the arrival of a new baby. They provide home cooked dinners and can be available for other services as needed. They don’t have group meetings, they just spread sunshine!

If you or someone you know would benefit from this service, or would like to volunteer to help, please contact Alli Close Myers at (614) 264-9999 or aclose@thecloseco.com,

Our Church mourns the terrible suffering of Christians and other innocent victims of violence in Gaza and surrounding areas who are struggling to survive, protect their children, and live with dignity in dire conditions. The Holy Father continues to call for a cease fire and for aid to enter the territory, noting with great sorrow that “Gaza is starving.”

Given the extraordinary nature of this crisis, the USCCB has requested a special second collection next weekend (August 30-31) to provide humanitarian relief and pastoral support for our affected brothers and sisters in Gaza and surrounding areas in the Middle East. 

The situation in Gaza and across the Middle East cries out for the assistance of the Catholic community of the United States. Please be generous.

Bishop Earl K. Fernandes has a desire to hear from as many of the Christian faithful in the Diocese of Columbus about their perspective on his four priorities of pastoral concern: Vocations, Evangelization, Catholic Education and Formation, and Social Outreach.

You can take the survey at this link: https://forms.office.com/r/DXkJrndQ9Z?origin=lprLink

The survey closes October 17, 2025.

The Diocese of Columbus has a mission to work toward a fuller realization of God’s reign on earth by celebrating Christ’s presence in worship and sacraments. Bishop Fernandes and the Diocese of

Columbus are excited to host SEEK26, allowing attendees to experience the truth, beauty, goodness, and vitality of our Church, the parishes in our diocese, and the relationships we form together.

The annual Catholic conference organized by FOCUS will be held in Columbus on January 1-5, 2026. The conference invites attendees from all over the country, showcases SEEK’s structure of prayer,

fellowship, and inspiration, and aligns with our shared goals of strengthening our faith community and living out the mission of Jesus.

It is Bishop Fernandes' desire to have a robust presence at SEEK26, saying, “It will be a tremendous oppportunity for our young people to encounter Christ and other young people from around the country. It is another sign of the commitment of the Diocese of Columbus to college students, young adults, and their families. Together we will proclaim the joy of the Gospel.”

We invite you to learn more about SEEK by visiting the link seek.focus.org

For those in our parish family who are unable to join us for Mass on Sunday due to an illness or an accident, we have a committed group of volunteers who bring the Eucharist to them. Volunteer ministers take Holy Communion to Catholics at the Convalarium, Brookdale, Dublin Glenn, and Dublin Retirement Village and Assisted Living each Sunday.

Those who minister in this area are commissioned Eucharistic Ministers and make their first visits with an experienced mentor.

Our parish is currently in great need of additional Eucharistic Ministers who can bring Communion to these communities.

If you are interested in participating in this ministry, please contact Deacon Paul Zemanek at pzemanek@stbrigidofkildare.org.

Are you looking for a way to help those in need, but struggle with a busy schedule? Sandwich Saturday at Home (SSAH) may be your answer! 

Sandwich Saturday at Home (SSAH) is an AT HOME supplemental ministry to the monthly Sandwich Saturday held in the School Cafeteria. With SSAH any parishioner, or group can sign up to make sandwiches at home and bring them for delivery.   

Click the link below for more information or to sign up. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409094EA8A82BA7FF2-57431430-sandwich#/

If you have questions or concerns or you aren't sure how to use this signup genius, you can email Sara Norton at nortonsarae@yahoo.com, Kathy Windau at Kwindau@columbus.rr.com, or Kathi Fuerst at kathifuerst@yahoo.com.

The St. Brigid Sandwich Saturday Ministry is committed to making 10,000 bologna sandwiches a year to serve the homeless in Downtown Columbus. Sandwiches are distributed to Holy Family, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, and St. Lawrence Haven. Thank you for your support! 

“I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40)

If you are 18 years or older and interested in volunteering with youth activities at St. Brigid, attending PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN is required before you can volunteer. Register under the Columbus Diocese at www.virtus.org

Upcoming Virtus Protecting God's Children (PGC) session: 

• 8/21/2025 Zoom PGC Session, Columbus (Virtual), 6pm
• 8/25/2025 Our Lady of Victory, Columbus, 6pm
• 9/03/2025 Our Lady of Lourdes, Marysville, 6pm
• 9/09/2025 Zoom PGC Session, Columbus (Virtual), 4pm
• 9/13/2025 St. Brendan, Hilliard, 9am

All volunteers with our children and youth must complete PGC, a St. Brigid Raptor volunteer application, registration with Selection.com/Fastrax and complete a criminal background check prior to volunteering.

Full details and forms can be found at https://stbrigidofkildare.org/safe-environment/ 

St. John Paul II Foundation, in partnership with the Diocese of Columbus, is excited to host the first annual Together in Holiness marriage enrichment conference on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic Church in Gahanna, OH. 

Together in Holiness is a marriage enrichment initiative that inspires couples to grow together in holiness and empowers and equips parents to form their children in the Catholic faith. 

Registration is now open, and interested couples can sign up and learn more at togetherinholiness.org/columbus.

The third Annual Bounty at Bridge Park will be held on Sunday, September 14, 2025 at The Exchange. 

Sponsorships are now available for this event and individual tickets went on sale on June 1.

For more information, visit www.dublinfoodpantry.org/bridgepark.

On Sunday, July 13^th St. Brigid of Kildare celebrated our 6000^th baptism!

Congratulations to the following parishioners who celebrated a Baptism at Saint Brigid of Kildare Parish since our last issue:

• Brielle Madison Boren
• Theo Gregory Buehler
• Elliott Anthony Daria
• Madelyn Rose Daria
• Elior Nolawi Dixon
• Declan James Freidenberg
• Emerson Rose Guider
• Kennedy Elizabeth Guider
• Nora Grace Halloran
• Olivia Shea Halloran
• Camille Loren Hausfeld
• Sylvia Margaret Hohman
• Azekial Charles Hoying-Welch
• Clara Marguerite Isfort
• Penelope Betty Isfort

• Audrey Elise Knochel
• Ellie Layne Knochel
• Sydney Claire Lisko
• Isabella Magaña Lopez
• Ethan Daniel Mahler
• Carson Elise Marzullo
• Hudson Riley McCarthy
• Juno Babette Meyer
• Liam Geoffrey Miller
• Sophie Marie Niemeyer
• Chloe Gianna Piantedosi
• Emerson Marie Powers
• Ava Shannon Raphael
• Turner Kenneth Raphael

• Grayson James Riley
• Peregrine Lenore Ringel
• Cru Donald Sanchez
• Lucia Grace Sanchez
• Wynn Marie Scarborough
• Harris Keith Schoener
• Luke Howard Schweitzer
• Frances Ray Stilphen
• Liliana Roy Van Winkle
• Elliot James Wangler
• Hank Gin Woodson
• Jarvis Brandon Woodson V
• Robin Ann Woodson
• Andrew Tozo Yamamoto

Friends of Josephinum 4-Miler Run/Walk

Register now at https://m3ssports.com/events/josephinum-4-miler-run-walk/ for the Seventh annual Friends of the Josephinum 4-Miler Run/Walk, to be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at the Pontifical College Josephinum! The family event raises funds to directly assist the seminarians with their financial needs as well as providing a fun community social opportunity. In addition to the official shirt, participants earn a medal, a loaf of bread, a bottle of wine or jar of Trappist jam, and a complimentary breakfast, which includes a White Castle breakfast slider, and a freshly grilled breakfast burrito prepared by Wilderness Outreach volunteers. Gold and Diamond level sponsorships are still available. To become a sponsor, call Dan 614-402-4274 or Don 614-395-6743.

Ohio Mass/March for Life – Friday, October 3^rd 

The Ohio Mass for Life will take place at 9am on Friday, October 3rd at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Columbus, followed by the Ohio March for Life at the Ohio Statehouse.