Common Threads
JANUARY 2021
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“This year, while we hope for new beginnings and new cures, let us not neglect care,” the Pope wrote. “Together with a vaccine for our bodies, we need a vaccine for our hearts. That vaccine is care. This will be a good year if we take care of others, as Our Lady does with us.”
-Pope Francis
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I want to express my hope that all of you have a blessed and healthy new year. The Christmas season was very different this year, but I was heartened by the outpouring of gratitude that we received from parishioners about our commitment to celebrate together even if it was not in a conventional way. Many of you spoke of the ways you as a family chose to celebrate the Christmas miracle. Hundreds of you joined us for the Octave of Christmas Masses creating new family traditions.
I want to personally thank the thousands of parishioners that continued to show your support by donating to our giving trees and the Christmas collection that funds outreach in our community. You have answered Pope Francis’ message with the care you have shown each other and our parish. We need to be strong and stay the course of prayer and looking out for each other. I am looking forward to the day we can come together as a parish family and celebrate our return to full worship. Continue to pray for St. Brigid of Kildare and know that I am praying for you.
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Msgr. Joseph M. Hendricks
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Ash Wednesday Schedule - Reservations Required |
St. Brigid of Kildare will be celebrating Ash Wednesday (February 17) with the following schedule.
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED:
Reservations will be required for all in-person services on Ash Wednesday. Reservations open at www.stbrigidofkildare.org/Lent on Monday, February 8 at 9 AM and close on February 15.
In-Person Offerings:
- 6:30 AM - Prayer service in the church with distribution of ashes
- 9:00 AM - Mass in the church with distribution of ashes
- 7:00 PM - Prayer service in the church with distribution of ashes
At Home Offerings:
- Blessing of ashes by Monsignor Hendricks and virtual prayer service -- available on YouTube page beginning Feb 17
- 9 AM - Livestream of Ash Wednesday Mass
Please remember Ash Wednesday is not a Holy Day of Obligation.
Note on Distribution of Ashes:
By Vatican News
The health situation caused by Covid-19 continues to force changes on daily life, which are also reflected in the Church’s sphere. Ahead of the beginning of Lent, on Wednesday, 17 February, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments has published a note laying out the procedures Catholic priests around the world are to follow for the distribution of ashes at the start of Lent. The priest will bless the ashes, sprinkle them with holy water and distribute by sprinkling the ashes on each person’s head in silence.
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Congrats on Retirement to Mary Longo |
Mary Longo, Parish Receptionist, retired from St. Brigid of Kildare in December. During her twenty-two years here, Mary served as secretary of the Religious Education Department under Mary Fran Cassidy and has been the parish secretary since 2007.
Mary enjoyed her role in the St. Brigid office. Through it, she had the opportunity to meet and interact with many parishioners and share in their stories and experiences. "Through these interactions, I have come to know that life can be hard at times as well as exciting," reflects Mary. "No matter where life takes you, my hope is that you will connect with people that will support you, laugh with you, cry with you and pray for and with you on your journey, as I have encountered here at St. Brigid."
In her retirement, Mary is looking forward to spending more time with her family.
Thank you to Mary for her many years of service to our parish.
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Lent at St. Brigid of Kildare |
St. Brigid of Kildare Parish will be celebrating Lent many ways (many of them virtual) for 2021. Click below to visit the parish website and see a list of Lent activities and prayer services.
This webpage will be continually updated as more prayer services, activities and Mass schedules are finalized. Please note any Masses requiring reservations will be listed with the reservation link, once available, on this webpage.
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Lenten Soup Suppers (via Zoom) |
Join us for Zoom Lenten Soup Suppers at your place!
Tuesday Nights at 6:00 PM
February 23 – March 23, 2021
Olivia the Owl will take us to three different countries: Madagascar, El Salvador and Timor-Leste.
We will learn how to make a soup offered by one of our guest chefs. We will pray together and make a holy connection with each other. Then you will eat at home with your family.
Join Zoom Meeting each week by clicking below or using the codes.
Meeting ID: 875 6723 4152
Passcode: SOUPSUPPER
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Silver Beaver Award Given to Jeff Leach & Kurt Hebner; Pack Receives Bishop's Award |
Congratulations to St. Brigid of Kildare parishioner and Cub Scout Pack 117 adult leader Jeff Leach who has been awarded the Silver Beaver Award! Scout Troop 117 leader Kurt Hebner was also awarded this award. This is the highest award given by a local council.
The Silver Beaver Award is the council-level distinguished service award of the Boy Scouts of America. Upon nomination by their local Scout council and with the approval of the National Court of Honor, recipients of this award are registered adult leaders who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given to the council. The Silver Beaver is an award given to those who implement the Scouting program and perform community service through hard work, self-sacrifice, dedication, and many years of service. It is given to those who do not seek it.
In addition to the Silver Beaver award, Jeff Leach will also be receiving the Bronze Pelican Award in recognition for his many years of dedicated service to Catholic Scouting.
In addition, Pack 117 will be awarded the Bishop's Pack Award. The Bishop's Pack Award is given annually to only one Pack in the entire Columbus Diocese in recognition of the Pack's accomplishments in promoting and demonstrating Catholic Scouting.
All awards will be received at the Scouting Day on Sunday, January 31st at 3 PM at the Church of the Resurrection. This event will be live-streamed (check the church's website for the link).
We are extremely grateful and proud of our Scout leadership at St. Brigid of Kildare Parish, as well as the time and effort of all of the Den Leaders. Congratulations to Jeff Leach, Kurt Hebner, and all those involved in our Scouting program over the years!
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Moral Considerations Regarding the New COVID-19 Vaccines |
The Vatican, USCCB, Ohio Catholic Conference of Bishops, and National Catholic Bioethics Center have created informational statements regarding the morality of using some COVID-19 vaccines, namely those approved for emergency usage in the United States. Below is also an infographic summarizing the church's stance on the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines currently approved in the U.S.
In summary, the vaccines are acceptable for the faithful to take. Future vaccines (AstraZeneca, not approved yet in US but approved in UK, for example) will need to be evaluated separately.
Click below to read more about the rationale for these vaccines.
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Adult Faith Formation Offerings During Lent |
Like so many things since March 2020, we have had to find other ways of connecting with each other. Lent 2021 will also be different this year. There will be many things offered to help us bring to life the three traditional practices of Lent: Pray, Fast, Give Alms. Everyone has been working to keep us connected to each other. Adult Faith Formation is offering the following choices.
Pray:
- A variety of weekly virtual prayer services and Zoom sessions will be offered.
Fast:
- LENTEN SOUP SUPPERS via Zoom Tuesday Evenings at 6:00 PM
Give Alms:
- Operation Rice Bowl Collection
- Food Collection
Study & Share:
- Book Discussion combining See No Stranger, A memoir and Manifesto of evolutionary Love by Valerie Kaur (available on Amazon or through other booksellers) and Pope Francis’ encyclical: Fratelli Tutti (this can be download through the internet.)
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Pause for Prayer Continues |
Join us in taking a pause for prayer on Monday nights. This series is a visual and audio presentation of “Be still and know that I am God” Ps 46:10. We begin at 7:00 PM and close by 7:20. This Pause for Prayer invites you into a short period of quiet mindfulness using inspiration text, which is broken open with imagery and music and a blessing. Each is independent of the other so join in as your schedule allows. Monday evenings at 7:00 PM through March 29, 2021. – Sister Teresa
Join Zoom Meeting (no need to register in advance):
Meeting ID: 825 3385 6351
Passcode: PAUSE
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Please join the St. Brigid of Kildare Parish and our Knights of Columbus council in praying a novena this Jan 21-29 with pro-life intentions (from conception to natural death). There are many forms of charitable works our parish, church, and community have taken to aid in the safety of the vulnerable neighbor. Let us pray for these efforts and the continuing struggle for the unheard voice of the unborn.
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Protecting God's Children (PGC) Zoom Session |
The Diocese of Columbus will be offering a Protecting God's Children (PGC) training session via ZOOM on Wednesday, January 27th at 6:00 pm.
Please visit www.virtus.org for registration and meeting instructions. Click on First-Time Registrant, View a list of sessions, chose Columbus, OH (Diocese) and create a Virtus account. This Zoom PGC session is listed under Holy Spirit.
Potential volunteers with children and youth must also complete a St. Brigid volunteer application, signed code of conduct, copy of photo ID, and submit to a criminal background check. Full details and forms can be found at https://stbrigidofkildare.org/safe-environment/ or contact Stacey Nerone, Safe Environment Manager at [email protected].
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Foster Care - Info Sessions via St. Vincent Family Center |
St. Vincent Family Center has a growing Foster Care Program. Given the greater need for foster care for children in Central Ohio, they are increasing our efforts in this area. Thousands of children across Ohio are in need of stable, consistent and loving homes. SVFC matches children in Ohio who need a place of respite and stability with foster parents who provide loving, nurturing temporary homes. SVFC offers an intimate, family-oriented approach to supporting foster parents. As a small agency, SVFC provides expert training, 24/7 support, one-on-one-coaching, and access to our social-emotional health services and our behavioral health experts to offer the support needed to foster a child.
As Christians, we are encouraged to open our lives to the most vulnerable, and there is no better way to embody the Lord’s love and grace than caring for those who have no one else to care for them. God is called a father to the fatherless and a defender of the weak, and those who have been adopted into his family are called to walk in his ways. Those who are called to do so can lean on their faith, commitment and generosity to aid a child in need by becoming a foster parent and offering them a bright light of hope.
SVFC would like to help interested families at St. Brigid learn more. SVFC is hosting two Virtual Info Sessions to share more about what it means to foster a child and address questions and curiosities of those who may be considering:
Individuals and families who wish to move forward in the process after attending the Virtual Info Session will be invited to attend SVFC’s Foster Parent Training beginning February 2. If you are interested in learning more about SVFC’s Foster Parent Training or have any questions for the team at St. Vincent Family Center, please reach out to [email protected].
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Do you still not understand?
Are your hearts hardened?
Do you have eyes yet still do not see?
Do you have ears yet still do not hear?
Do you still not understand?
These questions are woven in and out through the Gospel of Mark and as we walk around inside the heart of this Gospel, we might ask ourselves the same questions. As we invite this gospel to hold up a mirror to our lives, Jesus might ask the same question of us
Over the next few months, I hope that you will spend time with the Gospel of Mark, not just in the few hours that we gather via ZOOM but in your own study time, your own prayer time and in the common prayer of the Church’s liturgy. Mark is the primary Gospel for the liturgy this year. Mark is a fast-paced gospel. Jesus is on a mission and is driven to see it to completion. Let the Gospel find the opening in you so that it can enter into you and move around in you. Look for the opening in the Gospel so that you can enter into it and walk around in it.
The study will be done in three parts. Part 1. January 18, 25 and February 1, 8, 15, 2021. 10:30- approximately noon. You need to register for this class -- click the button below to register.
Once you register you will receive a confirmation letter directing you to register on ZOOM for the necessary codes.
Two suggested books: Mark’s Gospel: The Whole Story by Joan Mitchell, CSJ (recommended) Parables for Preachers Year B: The Gospel of Mark Barbara Reid, OP (optional) – Sister Teresa
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Catholic Men's Conference |
Men of St Brigid: The 24th Annual Catholic Men’s Conference for the Diocese of Columbus will be held virtually on Feb 27th, 2021. The theme is “Called to Be Saints” and has a powerhouse of speakers lined up that includes Fr. Don Calloway, Chris Stefanick, Bishop Brennan, and Devin Shadt, Author of the book – The Path. Registration is open and the cost is only $10. If you register before Feb 8th you will receive a free copy of the Book – The Path. We are blessed to be hosting (barring any Covid restrictions) the Saturday event at the Parish from 12-3pm with the opportunity afterwards for Adoration, Confession and Mass at the normal 5pm time. What a great opportunity for fellowship at St Brigid.
Do not delay, go to www.catholicmensministry.com to register. Once registered you will receive more information. Please call or text Gary Wallberg at 614-203-5450 with any questions.
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Knights of Columbus Scholarship Opportunity |
The St. Brigid of Kildare Knights of Columbus is pleased to announce the St. Brigid of Kildare Knights of Columbus Scholarship. The Scholarship is to honor our deceased Brother Knights of Columbus.
This scholarship is for post-secondary education. The Scholarship is for a maximum of $2,000 to be paid out in yearly increments of $500 as requirements are maintained.
Applicant must meet the following guidelines:
1) Applicant must be a high school senior whom is Catholic and is a registered parishioner of St. Brigid of Kildare.
2) Current GPA must be a minimum of a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent). A current high school transcript must be submitted.
3) Applications must be prepared and submitted by the applying student.
4) Applications must be received by the Scholarship Committee prior to the official deadline of April 15, 2021.
Interested applicants can contact Matthew Freiburger at 614-282-5000 or [email protected] to request an application and receive the scholarship guidelines.
Applications are available now and are due by the April 15, 2021 filing deadline. Applications will be reviewed and the recipient will be notified during the month of May 2021.
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Celebrating the Sacraments |
Baptisms
Congratulations to the following parishioners who celebrated a Baptism at Saint Brigid of Kildare Parish since our last issue:
- Kathryn Mallory Herbert Watts
- Grahm Albert Parker
- Juliana Rose Sizemore
- Victoria Helena Velasquez
- Julia Marin Berasi
- Kolton James Klingensmith
- Lauren Marie Piantedosi
- Amelie Ruoyu Bousquet
- Leonardo Lawson Rillo
- Francesca Kathleen Rillo
Weddings
Congratulations to the following parishioners who celebrated a Wedding at Saint Brigid of Kildare Parish since our last issue:
- None since our last issue
Share your photo of your Baptism or Wedding celebrated at St. Brigid of Kildare -- email to [email protected].
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The following parishioners' funerals were celebrated at St. Brigid of Kildare since the last issue. Please remember them and their families in prayer.
- Mark W. Leslie
- Phyllis Antoinette Sindoni
- Patricia Ann Wngzler
- Letha E. Stark
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7179 Avery Road,
Dublin, OH 43017
614-761-3734
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