Common Threads
MARCH 2023
Corks for a Cause - Thank You!
Thank you to our many donors, bidders, attendees and sponsors of our SPiCE Corks for a Cause Wine Tasting and Silent Auction on Saturday! We had an amazing time raising funds for our SPiCE (Special People in Catholic Education) program at our parish and school.

A special thank you to our speaker Amy Braun, who shared how much the program has meant to her and her family.

We are grateful for the generosity of our parish and school families who come together to support this crucial program.
Thank You Sponsors
Thank you to our many gracious sponsors for this event:
Dispensation for St. Patrick's Day
The obligation to abstain from meat on the Fridays of Lent is an important element of the Church's observance of the penitential nature of this holy season.

This year, March 17, the Friday of the Third Week of Lent, corresponds with Saint Patrick's Day, traditionally an occasion for joy-filled celebrations in this diocese, especially among those of Irish heritage. Bishop Fernandes, taking into consideration both past practice and present circumstances, has granted to the faithful of the Diocese of Columbus, as well as to any visitors or travelers who may be physically present within the territory of this diocese, a dispensation from the obligation of abstinence from meat on March 17, 2023, provided that the member of the faithful taking advantage of this dispensation, undertakes one of the following works: 1) makes a pilgrimage or visit to any church in the Diocese of Columbus named in honor of St. Patrick (Columbus, London, Junction City); 2) assists at Mass at any church, chapel, or oratory on March 17; 3) prays the “Breastplate of St. Patrick,” attributed to St. Patrick; 4) engages in some pious devotion such as the Rosary, the Stations of the Cross, or Eucharistic Adoration; or 5) performs an act of comparable penance (such as abstinence from meat) on some other occasion during the Third Week of Lent.
Church Sound Project Update: New Organ Ordered
We have been working to improve our church sound over the last several years by replacing and updating dated equipment and adding additional features. In 2018, we replaced the speakers and the sound system and added a hearing-assist system. We now are excited to announce we will be replacing our existing organ with a new one with higher-quality sound and capabilities. We also will be renovating our choir loft space to better accommodate the new organ and allow flexibility for our many choirs and musicians who serve so beautifully. We expect the new organ to be installed and functioning by this summer. We are grateful to be able to implement these improvements through the generosity of our parishioners, especially to the Bishop's Annual Appeal. 
Lent 2023 at St. Brigid of Kildare Parish
For the full list and details of our Lenten activities and upcoming Easter Triduum Mass times, visit the link below.
Vespers & Penance Service
Vespers and Parish Penance Service will be held Sunday, April 2 at 5:00 pm in the Church. Visiting diocesan priests will serve as confessors. 
Individual confessions will be heard Monday, April 3, from 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm in the Church.

The remaining Vespers will be held on Sundays, March 19 and 26 at 5 PM in the Church.
Lenten Family Rosary - Mar 19
Family First and the Knights of Columbus are sponsoring a family rosary on Sunday, March 19th at 7 PM. Please join using the following link:

Meeting ID: 813 3939 8625
Passcode: pray
Sandwich Saturday - Mar 18
Saturday, March 18 at 9 AM
At Sandwich Saturday, 1,000 bologna sandwiches are made to support various food pantries in downtown Columbus. This is a great way to start off your weekend with an act of service and it only takes 30 minutes! It is perfect for all ages (including those in need of service hours) and no registration is needed. The sandwich making starts promptly at 9:00 AM in the school cafeteria so come a little early to get settled. We also accept donations of individually packaged snacks. Sandwich Saturday is a project of the Social Action Committee.
Women's Retreat
“Every flower has its own created beauty, splendor of the rose, the lily's whiteness does not deprive the violet of its scent nor lessen the daisy's charm." - St. Therese of Lisieux

We were blessed to have 57 women attend the 2023 St. Brigid of Kildare Women's Retreat at Maria Stein, growing and blooming in God's grace.
Make It A Date - Apr 22
A Night Out to Focus on Your Marriage

Saturday, April 22, 2023
6:15 to 7:30 p.m.

Hendrick’s Hall – St. Brigid of Kildare Parish
All married and engaged couples are invited to St. Brigid’s 27th Make It a Date!

We’ll reminisce about our favorite anniversary memories and what qualities we like best about our spouse.

Parishioners Craig and Gracie Dziewiatkowski will share their memories and serve as our guides for the evening. Craig and Gracie have been married for 17 years and have 4 children. Like always, we’ll have light appetizers and there will be a chance to catch up with old and new friends. At the conclusion of the event, couples leave on their own date at a venue of their choice to talk about the evening and how it relates to their own relationships.

Please RSVP to Christine Drab at cadrab@gmail.com or 614-256-9065 by April 20.

Sponsored by Family First and the St. Brigid School of Adult Faith Formation
Newman Connection Ministry
The Newman Connection Ministry connects graduating high school seniors to Catholic Campus Ministry on their college campus.

For more information on this ministry, visit their website at https://www.newmanministry.com/
Lenten Soup Suppers Continue
Please join us for Soup Suppers during Lent on Tuesday evenings at 6:00 PM in Hendricks Hall
Remaining Dates: Tuesdays, March 21, March 28
 
Lent – that ancient season of reflection and preparation for Easter begins February 22, 2023. Many things have been planned to invite you to go deeper into the spiritual riches that come to us during this holy season, and we invite you to participate in them. During COVID we were not able to have our Soup Suppers but this year we will start them once again.  Lenten Soup Suppers are on Tuesdays during Lent at 6:00 PM in Hendricks Hall. We gather for a simple supper of soup and bread. This simple meal combined with a short video about people in other parts of our world will help remind us of the simplicity of life. This year we will visit three countries: Honduras, Philippines and Kenya. Because this is a parish-wide event we ask various ministries to be the hosts but everyone is encouraged to come together to share a simple meal. This is a wonderful thing for families to do together (from grandparents to the youngest grandchild) as a family Lenten practice. We begin at 6:00 and finish in time for those who wish to attend Stations of the Cross at 7:00 PM will be able to do so.  
Easter Egg Hunt
The 23rd Annual St. Brigid’s Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Saturday, April 8th at 1:00 pm on Brigid’s Green (located at 7210 Avery Road, directly across the street from the church on Avery Road). The hunt will begin following the Blessing of Easter Food, which is scheduled at 12 pm in the church. 
Please note: the event will start promptly at 1:00 pm, plan to arrive a little early to park and make your way to the field.

All children ages 8 years and younger are invited. The children will be grouped in 3 age groups; ages 3 & under, ages 4-6, and ages 7-8. Each age group will have its own egg hunt area, and one grand prize will be provided for each age group.

Advanced registration or signup is not required. In the event of inclement weather, please check our website www.stbrigidkofc.org for a message as to whether or not the event will be held. If you have questions, or would like additional information, please contact Matt Blouir at Mattblouir@gmail.com.
RCIA Explained
Last weekend at the 9 a.m. Mass, the Elect (unbaptized) and Candidates (baptized in another Christian tradition) of the RCIA participate in the first of three scrutinies. The scrutinies are rites for self searching and repentance and have above all a spiritual purpose. The Scrutinies are meant to uncover, then heal all that is weak or sinful in the hearts of the elect and candidates; and to bring out, then strengthen all that is upright and good. The scrutinies are celebrated in order to deliver the elect and candidates from the power of sin and Satan, to protect them against temptation, and to give them strength in Christ, who is the way, the truth and the life. These rites, therefore, should complete the conversion of the elect and candidates, and deepen their resolve to hold fast to Christ and to carry out their decision to love God above all. The 2nd and 3rd Scrutinies will be held March 19 and 26 at the 11 a.m. and 9 a.m. Masses respectively. Please pray for our Elect and Candidates.  
The Chosen Lenten Series
Join us on the Wednesdays of Lent to watch and discuss the acclaimed series: The Chosen. It is a series that invites us to see Jesus through the eyes of those who knew him. It is scripturally based with added backstories. We will view each episode of Season 1 and have sharing afterward. In order to finish before Holy Week there will be two evenings when we will watch two episodes but will still finish no later than 9:00.

It would be helpful to buy the guide What Does It Mean to Be Chosen?: An Interactive Bible Study (Volume 1) (The Chosen Bible Study Series) Paperback – January 21, 2021  by Amanda Jenkins , Dallas Jenkins and Dr. Douglas S. Huffman . Available on Amazon (paperback and Kindle).

Wednesdays: Berry Room from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
March 22: Episode 7
March 29: Episode 8
Family First Lenten Activities
This Lent, Mom to Mom will be listening to the Abiding Together Podcast/book study of The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis.  

Journey with us into this wonderful story, which will help us reflect more deeply on our relationship with Christ, our own story of faith and redemption, and the invitation to adventure with God. This study will include discussion topics such as, the battle of light and darkness, what it means to be restored and reconciled and making space for childlike wonder. 
Schedule: Feb 28 - April 4 (full schedule and details at link below)

This Lent, Sisters in Christ will be watching and discussing a Bible Study on the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary with Dr. Ben Akers and other professors from the Augustine Institute. 
Have you ever wanted to grow in your understanding and devotion to the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary? Join Dr. Ben Akers and professors from the Augustine Institute Graduate School as they walk through these Biblical mysteries and seek to grow in understanding and love for Christ through them. We will also pray the corresponding decade at each meeting. We hope to see you there. 
Schedule: Feb 22 - April 5 (full schedule and details at link below)
Father/Daughter Dance - April 1
We are excited to be hosting the dance in the school gym this year and allow more people to attend, however, with the larger space we are in need of more volunteers to make this event a success. We are especially in need of volunteers during the dance. This is a great opportunity for moms to participate.  Volunteers during the dance must be PGC compliant. Older children (7th-12th grade) are welcome to volunteer with a parent as well but must sign a junior volunteer code of conduct. 
 
Please see the below links to sign up.
 
If you have any questions, please email family@stbrigidkofc.org.
"HeBrews a Better Blend"
Join with others on Tuesday mornings (after the 9 AM Mass) to explore the Letter to the Hebrews. We will be using the book HeBrews – a better blend by Leah Adams. Hebrews was written (63-64 AD) at a time when everything in society seemed to be shaking and people of faith were wondering, “what are we to do?” That sounds very much like our own time of 2023 AD. The writer of the Letter to the Hebrews speaks to those whose faith was faltering. We will see the faith journeys of regular people that we now consider to be heroes of the faith. As we move through Leah Adams’ book and the Letter to the Hebrews, we find encouragement in our own faith journey to help us through those times when our faith falters. This is an eight-week study that includes five days of lessons that you can do on your own at home. This is a good Letter to study as part of your Lenten journey. 

Hendricks Hall: Berry Room. 9:30 – 11:00 AM. Tuesdays from February 28- March 28 then finishing on April 18 and 25.

The books can be purchased from Amazon (Kindle version available) or Christianbook.com. No registration necessary and everyone is welcome! —Sister Teresa
Mass Intentions July-Dec 2023
We are now taking Mass intention requests electronically through forms on the website for Masses in July—December 2023. We will only be taking requests for July—December, 2023 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 quarter and only one Mass intention per month.
*As mass attendance increases in the wake of the pandemic, mass times may change. You are only requesting a date for Mass intentions. There is no option to select a time for a Mass. If the date you request is not available, the Mass will be assigned on the closest available date. If you enter a day of the week, we will do our best to accommodate your request.
Deacons on St. Gabriel Radio - Spring Spirit Drive
St. Gabriel Catholic Radio's Spring Spirit Drive is coming up on Wednesday, March 15 - Friday, March 17 and they will be featuring our deacons!

Each deacon will be divided into teams for an arcade basketball competition. Each team will earn points for the number of baskets made. YOU can help your deacon's team score more points by giving them more shots.

Donate today to increase the chance of winning, and tune in the following times to hear our deacons:

  • Wednesday, March 15, 3:00 PM - Deacon Frank Iannarino
  • Thursday, March 16, 7:45 AM - Deacon Paul Zemanek
  • Friday, March 17, 10:00 AM - Deacon Stephen Petrill

St. Gabriel also invites parishioners to tune into AM820 for the remainder of Lent. AM820/St Gabriel Radio has a variety of authentic Catholic programming available 24 hrs a day. Listeners can tune in via the radio (AM 820), live on an app or streaming from their computer.
Knights of Columbus Scholarship
The St. Brigid of Kildare Knights of Columbus Post-Secondary School Scholarship was established to provide tuition assistance to high school seniors preparing to enter post-secondary school who are Catholic, are a St. Brigid of Kildare registered parishioner, who are in need of financial assistance and who have a good academic record.

Scholarship Award
  • $3,000 (This amount is split over four years and given directly to the family.)

Rules and Regulations
  • Applicant must be a high school senior whom is Catholic and is a registered parishioner of St. Brigid of Kildare.
  • Current GPA must be a minimum of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent). A current high school transcript must be submitted.
  • Applications must be prepared and submitted by the applying student.
  • Applications must be received by the Scholarship Committee* prior to the official deadline, which is April 15th.
Requirements to Volunteer with Our Children
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 Diocese of Columbus at www.virtus.org
 
The Diocesan Safe Environment Department will be offering Virtus Protecting God's Children (PGC) sessions:
 
3/23/2023 St Brendan (Hilliard) 6:00pm
 4/15/2023 St Brendan (Hilliard) 9:00am
 
All volunteers with our children and youth must complete PGC, a St. Brigid volunteer application, submit the signed code of conduct, copy of photo ID, and complete a criminal background check prior to volunteering.
Full details and forms can be found at https://stbrigidofkildare.org/safe-environment/ 
Rice Bowls Change Lives
Despite our promises to slow down after COVID, slowly we have gone back to what is often a frenetic pace of living. When our lives seem to be just going from one activity to the next with such speed, we may forget about our relationship with God, others and the world around us and the people with whom we share this planet—our common home.

Lent invites us to slow life down and pay attention. Through the three ancient pillars of the spiritual life: prayerfasting and almsgiving, we give ourselves time to grow closer to God and gain a better understanding of how our actions are impacting the lives of our sisters and brothers near and far. We also give God some time to spend with us. One thing that is offered at St. Brigid of Kildare, that takes in prayer, fasting and almsgiving is the Rice Bowl.

Sometimes we may wonder does the Rice Bowl make any difference. Put that thought to rest because it makes a significant difference to people in other parts of the world and people within our own Diocese of Columbus. 100 % of the monies is used to alleviate the suffering caused by homelessness, hunger and poverty and 5% is used for people around the world and 25% will remain in our home Diocese. We unite with families across the country unite to put our faith into action through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Catholic Relief Services is one of the most respected charitable organizations in the whole world. It is something we all can be proud of and we can all participate in the work they do to give not only direct aid but also teach people to help themselves, their families and communities. Through CRS Rice Bowl, families learn about how our sisters and brothers across the globe overcome hardships like hunger and malnutrition, and how through Lenten alms, we have the power to make the world a better place for all. This year we will visit Honduras, Philippines and Kenya. View Stories of Hope to further understand the effect CRS has on people’s lives https://www.crsricebowl.org/stories-of-hope/intro . Don’t forget to pick up your Rice Bowl and make it a shared family Lenten practice.

–Sister Teresa
High School Youth Ministry
High School Youth Ministry has been talking about Catholic Social Teaching all year, and has hosted guest speakers to share about our faith in action. We've hosted Shepherd's Corner, Mommies Matter, Kindway, Catholic Social Services, and Habitat for Humanity. All of this has been purposefully building towards the invitation for our parish teens to take action this Spring!

Action can look a lot of ways, including service, community connection, and further learning.

Teens and adults, alike, are invited to consider the following opportunities to serve, connect, and learn:
  • Habitat for Humanity Playhouse Project Team (April 22)
  • Mommies Matter Princess Tea Party Leader/ Volunteer (June)
Habitat for Humanity: Playhouse Project Faith Blitz
Saturday, April 22, 2023 (all day)
at One Church (817 N Hamilton Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230)

The Playhouse Project is a unique opportunity that allows Habitat for Humanity MidOhio to partner with sponsors (like us!) to build a playhouse for a local family, providing children with a safe place to play and imagine what home means to them! 

We design the playhouse (paint colors, accessories, etc.) based on the interests of the child/ family assigned to us. We build the playhouse from a kit provided by Habitat for Humanity. There is no building experience necessary to participate. 

This year, we will be participating in the Habitat for Humanity Faith Blitz, where Christians from all over Columbus will gather in one location on one day to build and design up to 10 playhouses!

To participate in this event, you MUST: 
  • Be 14 years of age or older 
  • Have transportation to and from One Church (817 N Hamilton Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230)
  • Attend a team planning and design meeting from 7:15-8:30 PM on Wednesday, April 12 
  • Attend the entire build day on April 22 (timing is TBA, but approximately 9 AM-4 PM)
Mommies Matter Princess Tea Party
St. Brigid will be hosting a "Princess Tea Party" early this summer to raise money for Mommies Matter. This Mother & Daughter Princess Tea is an opportunity to affirm little girls (ages 4-10) in their truest identities as daughters of the King while teaching them what it means to be a true sister in Christ by fundraising for His daughters most in need through Mommies Matter.

This special event will offer an afternoon of mother-daughter fun with the possibility of including:
  • Tea Service
  • Treats
  • Story time
  • Princess tiaras
  • Kid manicures
  • Hair styling station
  • Crafts, and your ideas!

This is where you come in:
We will need many volunteers (and skill sets!) to put this event together for moms and their little girls.

If you are a high school student or PGC compliant adult volunteer who is interested in getting on the leadership email list for this event, please complete the form below and plan to attend our planning meeting on Wednesday, April 26 from 7:15-8:30 PM in the Massey Teen Room of Hendricks Hall.
Men's Retreat 2023
These men of our parish recently had a great Men’s Cornerstone Retreat where together they awakened, renewed, and grew their spirituality through engaging speakers, group discussions, music, Mass and more.
Celebrating the Sacraments
 
Baptisms
Congratulations to the following parishioners who celebrated a Baptism at Saint Brigid of Kildare Parish since our last issue:

  • Caroline Elizabeth Gaver
  • Fallon Jacqueline Gaver
  • Brynne Elliott Matheny
  • Ryanne Marie Matheny
Share your photo of your Baptism or Wedding celebrated at St. Brigid of Kildare -- email to mrs.wing@stbrigid-school.org.
Deaths of Parishioners
The following parishioners' funerals were celebrated at St. Brigid of Kildare since the last issue. Please remember them and their families in prayer.

  • Jane Claire Buell
  • Edwin (Ted) Sweeney
  • Anna Valvano
  • Anna Marie Oman
7179 Avery Road,
Dublin, OH 43017
614-761-3734