Parish Picnic Celebrates Kathy O'Reilly

Parishioners gathered on Brigid's Green following the 11 AM Mass on Sunday, June 14, for a special parish picnic honoring the retirement of Principal Kathy O'Reilly.

The afternoon was filled with gratitude, fellowship, and celebration as parish and school families came together to recognize Kathy's remarkable 25 years of leadership at St. Brigid of Kildare School. The Knights of Columbus served lunch, while families enjoyed a variety of snacks, sweets, and activities on a beautiful summer day.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating Kathy's many contributions to our parish and school community. We are grateful for her years of faithful service and the lasting impact she has made on generations of St. Brigid students and families.

As we continue this special tribute, we invite you to read Kathy's farewell letter to the St. Brigid community.

Dear Parisioners,

It is hard to believe this chapter is coming to a close. After many blessed years in Catholic education, the time has come for me to retire.



When I reflect on this journey, I am filled with deep gratitude for the many students, families, colleagues, and friends who have touched my life along the way. Catholic schools are truly special places — communities built on faith, compassion, service, and love — and I have been honored to be part of that mission.

What I will carry with me most are the relationships and memories we have shared together: the laughter in the hallways, school Masses and celebrations, moments of challenge and growth, and the countless ways God’s presence has been reflected in this community each day.

I am especially grateful for the privilege of helping young people grow not only academically, but also in faith and character. It has been a blessing to witness so many lives unfold with hope, kindness, and purpose.

While retirement brings excitement for new adventures and more time with family and friends, saying goodbye is certainly bittersweet. Please know that this school and parish community will always hold a special place in my heart.

Thank you for your support, prayers, friendship, and partnership throughout the years. I leave with a heart full of gratitude and trust that God will continue to bless and guide this wonderful community.

May God bless each of you and your families abundantly in the years ahead.

With sincere appreciation and prayers,

Kathy O’Reilly

Thank You Mrs. Jill Carfagna, Assistant Principal

St. Brigid of Kildare School Assistant Principal Jill Carfagna will be moving on from her role this summer after 15 years of dedicated service to our students, families, and staff.

Mrs. Carfagna began at St. Brigid as a K-8 Math Intervention Specialist, serving in that role for five years before becoming Assistant Principal, a position she has held for the past decade. Throughout her time at St. Brigid, she has been a steadfast advocate for students and teachers, helping foster an environment where all children can grow and succeed.

Reflecting on her years at St. Brigid, Mrs. Carfagna shared that one of the most rewarding aspects of her role has been supporting teachers and watching them grow in their vocation as educators.

“I enjoyed working with the students, staff, and community,” she said. “Supporting teachers and watching them grow makes me feel so validated in my role.”

Mrs. Carfagna also takes great pride in the growth of the school’s special education program during her tenure and the expanded support available for students with diverse learning needs.

When asked what she will miss most, Mrs. Carfagna was quick to praise the St. Brigid community.

“The teachers are amazing,” she said. “They work tirelessly and go out of their way to do what is best for kids. The community and the kids are very supportive as well.”

As she looks ahead to her next chapter, Mrs. Carfagna expressed gratitude for the support she has received throughout her time at St. Brigid.

“Thank you for the support from the community. It was a true joy to work at St. Brigid.”

We are deeply grateful for Mrs. Carfagna’s years of leadership, dedication, and care for our students and staff. Her impact on St. Brigid of Kildare School will be felt for years to come, and we wish her many blessings in the future.

Welcome Michelle Loudon, Scheduling Coordinator

St. Brigid of Kildare is pleased to welcome Michelle Loudon as our new Scheduling Coordinator, a newly created position that will help support the growing needs of our parish and school community.

In this role, Michelle will oversee campus facility scheduling, coordinate ministry volunteer schedules, and work closely with parish and school staff to ensure events and ministries are well-supported and organized.

Michelle brings extensive leadership and organizational experience to St. Brigid. Most recently, she worked as an Account Executive for an association management company, serving as Executive Director for multiple professional associations. Her background includes event planning, strategic leadership, marketing, membership development, and financial management.

A longtime member of the St. Brigid community, Michelle has been involved in numerous parish and school activities over the years, including volunteering for Bereavement Luncheons, participating in First Friday Adoration, Choice Wine, Make It a Date Nights, and Walking With Purpose.

Michelle holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Saint Mary's College and an MBA from Avila University. She and her husband, Kurt, have been married for 25 years and have three children: Lucy, a recent graduate of William & Mary who will begin veterinary school this fall; Noah, a geology student at the University of Iowa; and Justin, who will be a freshman at Bishop Watterson this fall. The Loudon family relocated to Dublin from Kansas City nine years ago and are grateful to call St. Brigid home.

"I am looking forward to this opportunity to contribute to a growing parish and continue meeting and getting to know the wonderful people who not only work here, but worship here," Michelle said. "I love to build connections and am passionate about helping people and organizations succeed."

Please join us in welcoming Michelle to the parish staff. She will begin her role at the end of June.

Thank You Allie Wing, Marketing & Communications Director

St. Brigid of Kildare Parish and School would like to thank Allie Wing, Marketing & Communications Director, for her 13 years of dedicated service to our parish and school community. Allie will be leaving her role this summer to expand her consulting career, continuing her work as a marketing and communications consultant serving marketing clients and nonprofit organizations.

During her time at St. Brigid of Kildare, Allie oversaw parish and school communications, marketing, branding, social media, websites, graphic design, and digital communications. She managed newsletters and major communications, supported parish ministries and school programs, and helped promote many parish events, initiatives, and fundraising efforts.

Allie also played a leadership role in major events and campaigns, including Corks for a Cause, Ministry Weekend, School Open House, and the Emmaus Road Scholarship Fund. Her creativity and organization helped strengthen engagement and support the growth of both the parish and school communities.

Allie says, “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve the St. Brigid community over the past 13 years. It has been a blessing to work alongside such dedicated staff members, volunteers, parishioners, and school families who care so deeply about this parish and school.”

“I am deeply thankful to Father Black, Kathy O’Reilly, Monsignor Hendricks, and our parish and school leadership for their support, encouragement, and trust throughout my time here. St. Brigid will always hold a special place in my heart, and I look forward to continuing to support Catholic organizations and nonprofits through my consulting work.”



St. Brigid of Kildare Parish and School is grateful for Allie’s many years of service, creativity, and leadership, and we wish her continued success in her future.

Welcome Toby Evans, Staff Accountant

Please join us in welcoming Toby Evans to the St. Brigid of Kildare Parish staff as our new Staff Accountant. In this role, Toby will manage the school tuition database (FACTS), process school financial transactions, and assist with budgeting and financial reporting for the parish and school.

Toby recently graduated from Shawnee State University with a bachelor's degree in Accounting. During college, he worked in the university's Student Success Center, serving at the front desk and as a test proctor for several certification and placement exams.

While at Shawnee State, Toby entered the Catholic Church through RCIA and became actively involved in campus ministry. He helped establish the Catholic Bears Club, a student organization that hosted faith-centered events and fellowship opportunities for students. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus and looks forward to becoming involved in parish life at St. Brigid.

Originally from Ohio, Toby comes from a close-knit family that includes his parents, sister, brother-in-law, grandparents, and two nieces, Myla and Emerin.

Toby is excited to make St. Brigid a place where he can grow spiritually, professionally, and socially while serving the parish community. We are happy to welcome him to our staff and look forward to the gifts he will bring to our parish and school.

Formed: A Digital Catholic Content Subscription

We are excited to offer FORMED to our entire parish for free. With award-winning studies and parish programs, inspiring audio content, movies, e-books, and family-friendly kids’ programming, there is something for everyone on FORMED.

To register for your free account and claim our gift to you:

1. Visit signup.formed.org

2 Click “Formed for Individuals”

3 Enter your email

4 Click “Submit”

4 Enter St Brigid of Kildare Dublin OH

5 Select St Brigid of Kildare

6 Click “Next”

7 Enter Your name and email address

8 Click “Sign Up”

We pray that this gift will bless you!

Women's Retreat Save the Date

Save the date for our annual St. Brigid of Kildare Women's Retreat!

Surrender Your Heart

April 16-18, 2027

St. Brigid Athletics: Fall Registration Open

Registration through CYO for all fall sports is now available!


Click here to begin registration.

Coaches & Volunteers Needed

Our athletics programs depend on dedicated volunteers. Coaches play an important role in developing skills, promoting sportsmanship, and creating a positive team experience for our student-athletes.

Coaches must be at least 21 years old and complete all required safe environment and coaching certifications. They are also expected to attend preseason meetings and follow age-appropriate instruction guidelines. Ongoing support and training are provided by sport commissioners.

If you are interested in coaching please send your name, email, and phone number to Athletic Director Aaron Quinn at aquinn@stbrigidofkildare.org.



Thank you for helping us continue to provide meaningful athletic opportunities for our students!

Job Openings at St. Brigid of Kildare School

Classroom Teacher's Aides

We are hiring classroom teacher's aides for the 2026-27 academic school year. The ideal candidate has enthusiasm for working with students to support learning, is flexible, and has collaborative skills in working with the classroom teacher. Hours are Monday-Friday, 8 AM-3PM during the school year, is eligible for benefits, and receives free lunch.  

To view the full job description and application instructions, click here.

Thank You Catholic Foundation

Thank you to The Catholic Foundation for awarding St. Brigid of Kildare Parish a $10,000 grant for the purchase of a new tabernacle for the Sanctuary.

We are grateful for this donation to this project!

Marriage Formation Weekend

Last weekend, engaged couples gathered at St. Brigid of Kildare for our Marriage Formation Weekend as they prepare for the Sacrament of Marriage.

Throughout the two-day program, couples reflected on the joys and challenges of married life, explored important topics for building a strong Catholic marriage, and engaged in meaningful conversations about their future together.

A special thank you to the married couples from our parish who generously volunteered their time to share their experiences, wisdom, and faith with those preparing for this important vocation. We are grateful for their witness and for all who helped make the weekend a success.

Please keep these engaged couples in your prayers as they continue their journey toward marriage.

Family of Faith Registration Opened May 1

Registration for the Religious Education Family of Faith program opened on May 1.

What is Family of Faith? Family of Faith is a model of catechesis that places the joy of sharing the Catholic faith with family and the community in the parish, and the core of learning the Catholic faith with supported resources in the home. It equips and empowers families to learn about and practice the Catholic faith together, ultimately serving as a family formation model. Family of Faith will focus on each family’s relationships with the Lord and with one another, the life of prayer and ritual in the home, and the call to reach out and serve others as part of our baptismal mission. It will provide experiences of prayer, learning (catechesis), and service for families to participate in together.

Learn more and find the registration link on their webpage here.

Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (Becoming Catholic)

Below is a testimonial from one of our recent OCIA members:

"I entered OCIA at age 62 after thinking about becoming Catholic for a number of years. In a world that often feels chaotic, I wanted to deepen my faith and learn more about the Church. At first, all the information seemed a little overwhelming, but I quickly realized I was surrounded by people just like me who were asking questions and learning together. I really enjoyed the variety of presenters and learning not just what happens at Mass, but why. The Stations of the Cross and my Confirmation were especially meaningful experiences. OCIA showed me that you don’t have to be perfect or have all the answers and that faith is a lifelong journey. I’m glad I finally took that first step, and I would encourage anyone who is considering OCIA to do the same." — Matt 

To learn more about the OCIA process or to fill out an inquiry form, visit our webpage below.

Food Collection

The Social Action Committee will be collecting needed items to benefit the food pantry at the Bishop Griffin Resource Center. Volunteers will be outside Hendricks Hall around all Masses on July 25-26, 2026 collecting your donations. 

Any donation is greatly appreciated, but there is a greater need for:

* laundry detergent and/or pods

* baby wipes

* cereal

* oatmeal

For any questions or to help with the collection that weekend, please contact Joane at jeless@sbcglobal.net.

Knights of Columbus Silver Rose Prayer Service

Tuesday, July 7

A Silver Rose Prayer Service will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7, in the Church. The Silver Rose Prayer Service is an opportunity for all of us to pray for respect for life, for the spiritual renewal of our nation, and for the advancement of the message of Our Lady of Guadalupe. All are invited to participate in this approximately 30-minute prayer service following Mass.

The Silver Rose is a devotional symbol that has traveled throughout North America for more than 60 years. Each year, eight Silver Roses journey thousands of miles through Canada, the United States, and Mexico as part of a pilgrimage sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. The program honors Our Lady of Guadalupe and promotes prayer for life and the dignity of every human person. As the Silver Rose travels from parish to parish, it unites Catholics across the continent in prayer and devotion.

We invite all parishioners to take part in this special opportunity to pray before the Silver Rose and join in this international pilgrimage of faith.

Celebrating 50 Years of Marriage

Congratulations to Dr. Thomas and Marie Maley on the celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary!

Following the Saturday evening Mass, Deacon Paul Zemanek offered a special anniversary blessing for the couple in the chapel, giving thanks for five decades of faithful marriage and the many blessings they have shared together.

Please join us in congratulating the Maleys and praying for God's continued blessings upon them and their family.

Walking With Purpose

Fall 2026 Registration is Opening Soon! 

Walking with Purpose is a Bible study community that meets women right where they are, hands them a cup of coffee, and transforms their hearts. If you desire to grow in your faith, to encounter God’s Word in a fresh way,  in a supportive community of Catholic Women….join us! 

Beginning September 22, 2026 on Tuesdays at 7pm.

Check out more here, including the 2026-2027 calendar:

https://stbrigidofkildare.org/walking-with-purpose/

Eucharistic Minister Training

We are grateful for the many parishioners who have answered the call to serve as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.

This ministry is an important part of the celebration of the Mass at St. Brigid of Kildare. Those who serve complete theological and practical training and are submitted to the Diocese for approval before beginning their ministry.

Please join us in welcoming our newest Extraordinary Ministers. You’ll see them serving our parish community at Mass in the coming weeks.

Interested in learning more? The next training session will be held this October. Watch the bulletin and our social media channels for details.

All volunteers must complete Protecting God’s Children course, Background check via fingerprinting, and Raptor volunteer application prior to volunteering.

If you are 18 years or older and interested in volunteering with youth activities at SBK, 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 with fingerprinting one hour prior to session start time:

• June 27, 2026 @ 9am - 12pm
• July 18, 2026 @ 9:30am – 12:30pm
• August 8, 2026 @ 9:30am - 12:30pm

St. Brigid of Kildare On-Site Fingerprinting Sessions (must bring Driver’s License and Registration Form)

• June 29, 2026 @ 6pm – 7:30pm
• July 27, 2026 @ 6pm -7:30pm
• August 3, 2026 @ 6pm – 7:30pm
• August 17, 2026 @ 6pm – 7:30pm

Full details and forms can be found at

https://stbrigidofkildare.org/safe-environment/

Click here to access the background check information form.

Hello there, St. Brigid Parish!

We pray that you all are doing well!

We have had a great time diving into the new and fun schedule of the summer here at The Mantle!

We had our first young adult event with 25 young adults (open to those who just graduated high school to 28 years old), enjoying a night of fun and community at Nocterra Brewing Co. Please see the poster for young adults below for our next event and how to RSVP. Our next event is this Thursday at Avery Park, including patio games and a Rosary walk!

Thus far, we have attended 9 graduation parties for our amazing seniors that graduated!

We also kicked off the summer with ice cream at Dell’s and a Bible study on the Marriage at Cana.

On Mondays in June, we began a Modern Day Saint Study, starting with Mass at 9am, followed by a study about a modern day saint (we are studying St. Carlo Acutis, Blessed Chiara Badano, and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati), entering into a time of discussion and prayer about the life, virtue, and call to be a saint from these saints, followed by a time of fun with games. It has been such a beautiful time talking about these young saints with our teens, and they all have shared how they want to grow in being a saint after being inspired by the lives of these modern saints! One of my favorite moments from this study so far is that we had the chance to go for a Rosary walk with the teens, praying for Blessed Chiara Badano to receive another miracle to officially become a canonized saint of the Catholic Church.

We also had a great time enjoying some time at Brigid’s Green playing kickball, football, Spikeball, and more!

We will be joining Run the Race, an amazing Catholic organization in downtown Columbus that supports inner city children, for a day of service on June 24. Any middle schooler, high schooler, and their family are welcome to join us. Deadline to RSVP with us is June 20. We would love for you to spend the day with us!

We are excited to share that the week of June 29, St. Brigid of Kildare will have 100 middle and high schoolers attending Damascus Summer Camp, for a week of fun, community, and encounters with Jesus! I am excited to be going out and visit our young people, and we would love your prayers for them.

Please know of our prayers for you and thank you for your prayers for us!

In Mary’s Mantle,

Ellie Dills

St. Brigid of Kildare High School Youth Minister

edills@stbrigidofkildare.org

Our Summer Calendars & Events:

Have you experienced the death of a loved one? You don't have to navigate grief alone.

St. Brigid of Kildare will offer a GriefShare Support Group beginning September 10. GriefShare provides a welcoming and supportive environment where participants can find understanding, guidance, encouragement, and hope as they journey through the challenges of grief.

The group will meet twice monthly on Thursdays from 5:30–7:00 PM in the Berry Room of Hendricks Hall. Whether your loss is recent or occurred years ago, GriefShare offers practical tools and compassionate support to help you move forward.

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

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

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/.

Parish Lost & Found

We recently found a Golf GPS in one of the parking spots in the parking lot of Brigid's Green. If you are missing this item, please contact the parish office at 614-761-3734 to describe the item.

The parish keeps items in the office that are found; please always reach out to the parish office if you have found an item or are looking for an item.

Together in Holiness Marriage Conference

Married and engaged couples are invited to the second annual Together in Holiness marriage conference on September 19, 2026 from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm at St. Catharine Catholic Church in Columbus, OH. This one-day conference will help you strengthen your relationship with your spouse and discover God’s plan for your family.

Registration: $64/couple and $5/child for on-site

childcare. An Early Bird discount is available through August 3 as well as scholarships upon request. This conference is presented by the St. John Paul II Foundation and the Diocese of Columbus. For more info, visit togetherinholiness.org/columbus or email nancy@forlifeandfamily.org.

All-Catholic High School Reunion July 17th

Attention former students of the Central Ohio Catholic High Schools (pre-1977): here is a chance to renew friendships forged in high school and enjoy the music and memories of your youth once again at one of the city’s most iconic and historic social destinations!

This gathering is a special “Reunion Luncheon” being held on Friday, July 17, from 11a.m. - 3 p.m. in the legendary Valley Dale Ball Room. Spouses/family members are also invited.

We are bringing together graduates from schools that may have closed in the 50s, 60s and 70s, as well as those still open today: St. Mary of the Springs, St. Joseph Academy, Aquinas College, St. Mary South, Our Lady of Victory, Sacred Heart, Rosary, Holy Family, and Father Wehrle high school, as well as those from St. Charles, Bishop Watterson, Bishop Hartley, Bishop Ready, and St. Francis DeSales high schools.

The Valley Dale Ballroom on Sunbury Rd. was for generations the unofficial party location where everyone convened. It was the place to be for the school prom, dances, the annual senior all-night party, and numerous class reunions. Those times at Valley Dale still evoke strong memories and brings smiles to the faces of so many as they reflect on the evenings spent there. There was dancing…. lots of dancing.

Today, the Valley Dale Ballroom still features the original crystal ball, 19 chandeliers, two staircases, a circular art deco bar, a 2,600-square-foot wood dance floor, plus the historic stage. And it holds lots and lots of memories!

•      The place: Valley Dale Ballroom

•      The date: Friday, July 17

•      The time: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

•      Tickets are $40 per person and include lunch, DJ “Music of the Times” to listen and dance to, a souvenir program, and memorabilia tables. There will be a 50-50 raffle drawing, and a cash bar will be available. 

RSVP/Payment Details

•      To pay with a CREDIT CARD using Pay Pal, click HERE (Valley Dale’s July 17th “Calendar of Events” reunion post).   

•      If you wish to pay by check, print and fill out the attached PDF informational sheet/ RSVP / Questionnaire forms and mail back to the address provided.

Questions? Contact: Lou Nobile (AQ ‘57) at lngolf57@att.net or 614-313-5889; Katy Ryan (SMA ‘61) at 614-595-2326 or katysma61@outlook.com; or Louis J. Fabro (St. Charles ‘83) at lfabro@scprep.org or 380-209-2233.

Quo Vadis Retreat

Monday, July 27 - Thursday, July 30, 2026

Quo Vadis is a vocations discernment camp for high school boys that includes talks by priests and seminarians on the priesthood, fatherhood, and virtue. It strikes an effective balance between the activity of a summer camp and the quiet of a retreat. Maybe fun and quiet time with the Lord is what you are looking for.

· When: Monday, July 27 - Thursday, July 30, 2026

· Who: Young men entering grades 9-12

· Where: The Pontifical College Josephinum, 7625 N. High St., Columbus

· Cost: $50 (Scholarships available)

Apply at vocationscolumbus.org/quovadis

For more information contact: The Quo Vadis Team at columbusquovadis@gmail.com

Come and see! – John 1:39

Women’s Respite Retreat 

Rebecca Gjostein is hosting the Women’s Respite Retreat - Praying and Resting with the Holy Family from June 25th through 28th with lodging at Ohio Dominican University. The days will consist of morning sacraments, silent prayers, and social dining. It would be ideal if 10 parishes would reserve a 4-person suit in advance for their own parishioners, which is the minimum reservation requirement. Individuals can still book rooms beyond that. Please see the attached bulletin info for further details. Registration will need to be sent to RebeccaAnnGjostein@gmail.com. 

Sacred Art and Music Camp

Dr. Richard Fitzgerald, Director of Music for the Diocese of Columbus, is happy to announce the upcoming Sacred Art and Music Camp hosted by Dawn Shininger and St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic Parish this summer from August 3-7, 2026. Children entering third grade and higher will have the opportunity to make music and art together during this fun and educational week.

For more details, visit: https://www.stmatthew.net/artmusiccamp

Questions? Please contact Dawn Shininger, Director of Music at St. Matthew. https://stmatthew.net/people/dawn-shininger

Mental Health Ministry

Calling all mental health professionals! The Vicariate of Catholic Social Doctrine is working to animate Mental Health Ministry throughout our 23-county footprint. One of our first priorities is to build a directory of local, trusted, Catholic Mental Health professionals and resources that our clergy and pastoral staff can use to make referrals to parishioners who ask for help. The directory will also be available on the Diocesan website for all those looking for help. We are inviting local Catholic Mental Health professionals to consider being listed in our directory so that those seeking Catholic-based help can be directed to qualified and faithful practitioners who align with the Church’s teachings on anthropology and morality, ensuring a holistic approach that respects the dignity of the person and the role of faith. There will be no charge for the listing. A online application for listing is available. Please contact Deacon Dave Bezusko for more information.