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Common Threads
October 2026
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Mass Traditions Explained
Why Does the Priest Drop a Piece of the Host into the Chalice?
Have you ever noticed that during the Fraction Rite of the Mass, the priest breaks the consecrated Host and places a small particle into the Chalice containing the Precious Blood? As he does so, he quietly says:
“May this mingling of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ bring eternal life to us who receive it.”
Though easy to miss, this small gesture has a beautiful and meaningful history. The tradition dates back to the early Church. In the third century, during the time of Pope Innocent I, portions of the consecrated Eucharist were sent by the Pope and bishops to other bishops and priests.
The recipients would place the particle into the Chalice during Mass as a visible sign of their unity with the Pope, the bishops, and the Church. The custom continued in Rome until approximately the ninth century.
While this practice eventually ended, the gesture of placing a small particle of the Host into the Chalice continued. Today, it serves as a beautiful reminder of the unity of the Christian faithful with their visible shepherds, the Pope and the bishops. More importantly, it points to the unity of Christ's Body and Blood. Christ is fully present in both species; the consecrated Host and the Precious Blood.
Whether we receive only the Host or only the Chalice or both, we receive the whole Christ.
This small and often unnoticed gesture during the Mass reminds us that the Eucharist is not simply a ritual or a symbol. It is the living Christ, who unites us with Himself and with one another as members of His Church.
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New Church Entrance Bells
Have you noticed the three small bells mounted near the church entrance? Recently, an additional ringing was introduced just before the opening antiphon; a cue for everyone to stand as the clergy begins the entrance procession into Mass.
Ringing these bells welcomes us to Mass and signals that something sacred is about to take place. Their distinct chime draws attention, inviting us to shift our focus toward the divine and set aside worldly distractions.
For many, the sound evokes a deep sense of reverence and peace. The bells are a gentle reminder that, amidst our busy lives, there is a sacred refuge where we can leave our worries and open our hearts to God's presence.
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Serve The Lord At Mass
Ever wondered what it’s like to serve at Mass as an usher, lector, greeter, or Eucharistic minister? Now is your chance to find out!
Training sessions run every Tuesday in October from 7:00–8:00 PM in the Chapel.
October Training Schedule (7:00 PM in the Chapel):
- Oct 20: Ushers (High need!)
- Oct 27: Eucharistic Ministers (New & refresher)
How to Sign Up: Register online at stbrigidofkildare.org/signups
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Altar Server Training This Sunday
St. Brigid of Kildare invites all children in 5th grade and older to consider becoming an Altar Server for our Weekend and Holy Day Masses. Altar serving is a special way to be part of the Mass, grow in faith, and serve our parish community.
Who: All 5th graders & older
When: Sunday, October 18 | Immediately following the 11:00 AM Mass
Where: St. Brigid Church
Sign Up HERE
Questions? Contact Joe Feehan at joefeehan7@gmail.com
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Parish and Community News
Here is a quick look at upcoming events, opportunities to serve, and news from around our parish community:
World Mission Sunday
- The second collection on Oct. 17/18 helps extend the Church’s missionary work to places where the Church barely exists, where the Gospel has never been heard before, and where the Church is too young, too persecuted, or too poor to sustain herself.
Active Duty Military Prayer List
- To add a family member or loved one currently serving on active duty to the Saint Brigid of Kildare Prayer Chain, please email their names to Karen Cremeans at kcremeans@stbrigidofkildare.org.
| | Upcoming Events - October | | |
Sandwich Saturday
At Sandwich Saturday, 1000 bologna sandwiches are made to support various food pantries in downtown Columbus. Join us this Saturday at 9:00 AM in the school cafeteria to help make sandwiches for our Social Action Committee! All are welcome to come lend a hand and serve those in need in our local community.
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Free Pancake Breakfast
This weekend, after the 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM Masses, everyone is invited to the Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast in the school cafeteria. Enjoy all-you-can-eat fresh, hot pancakes, sausage, and eggs. Come and join us!
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Fall Diaper Drive
The Knights of Columbus, Council 10863, and the Social Action Committee of St. Brigid of Kildare are jointly sponsoring a collection after all Masses on October 24 and 25 to benefit Pregnancy Decision Health Centers, Women’s Care Center, and Mommies Matter of Columbus. Please consider supporting their affirming value of mothers and lifesaving efforts by contributing during this Respect Life Month.
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It's Cookie Time!
Our parish Kairos volunteers will spend four days at the London Correctional Institution on November 5-8 and will give each resident and staff member one dozen cookies as a sign of God’s love. Please help donate to our ministry by baking cookies. Volunteers will pass out Ziploc bags with instructions during all the Masses on the weekend of October 17. Collection
boxes will be available through October 29.
Questions?
waynebooker@aol.com
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Help Feed Families This Thanksgiving
Help us reach our goal of 800 Thanksgiving meals for the Dublin Food Pantry (270 pledged so far!).
- Meal Box Pickup: Gathering area after Mass, Oct. 17–18
- Donation Drop-Off: Hendricks Hall before/after Masses, Oct. 31–Nov. 1
- Needed: Full meal boxes or boxed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy (no glass)
(See full details and online signup later in this newsletter)
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A Night Out to Strengthen Your Marriage
All married and engaged couples are invited to St. Brigid's 36th Make It a Date! Sponsored by Family First and the St. Brigid School of Adult Faith Formation.
Join us: Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 6:15 to 7:30 PM, in Hendricks Hall (St. Brigid of Kildare Parish).
Parishioners Angie and David Jones are hosting, and the format includes a short video, remarks from the host couple, time to chat with other couples, light appetizers, and time to catch up with old and new friends. At the conclusion of the event, couples leave on their own date to talk about the evening and how it relates to their own relationships.
Please RSVP to Jessica Freiburger at 4freixys@gmail.com or 614-282-5095 by Oct. 22.
| | Upcoming Events - November | | |
The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom
According to the Byzantine Rite as celebrated by the Melkite Catholic Church November 13, 2026 – The Feast of St. John Chrysostom
- 5:30 p.m. – An explanation of the Liturgy followed by the service of the gifts.
- 6:15 p.m. – The Divine and Holy Liturgy.
- 7:30 p.m. – Reception in the parish hall.
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Giving Tree 2026
The Giving Tree Project has been a parish tradition and demonstration of generosity for many years. It returns on November 14/15.
How to help (starting Nov. 14):
- Choose an ornament from the Giving Trees in church
- Select a gift online via SignUpGenius (coming soon)
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Make a monetary donation through the parish website.
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Save the Date
Advent by Candlelight. A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices. Mark your calendars for November 19 at Robert D. Walter Gymnasium.
Registration begins 10/28 at www.stbrigidofkildare.org.
| | Knights of Columbus at Ohio Rally & March for Life & St. Francis Animal Blessings. | |
Thank you to all who attended and helped out with our Sunday Social. We look forward to seeing you at the next one on November 1st!
Additional details and parish announcements can be found in the latest parish bulletin.
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OCIA Sessions Begin in October
Have you ever thought about becoming Catholic?
- Are you coming to church with your family and interested in learning more?
- Are you interested in the Catholic Faith and searching for a parish community?
- Do you think you might like to look into the Catholic way of Life?
You are invited to join us this fall!
Becoming Catholic is a journey of faith. It includes prayer, study, reflection and discipleship; and is done in community with others on a similar journey.
OCIA Testimonial
After about six years of being apart from my faith, I made the choice to rejoin the Catholic Church. Coming back, I realized I couldn’t remember any of the prayers, songs, motions, or anything else that I used to know. The Catholic faith has a million things to it and I felt really lost. I joined youth ministry, but even with all the amazing lessons and talks, there were parts of the faith I just didn’t understand. At the time I had been Baptized and received First Communion but hadn’t been Confirmed. After talking with a few people about it, I decided getting Confirmed was the next step I wanted to take on my journey.
This led me to join OCIA. At first, I didn’t think much more of it than just a class I needed to get Confirmed. However, after the first class, I realized it was so much more than that. I began to re-learn all of the basics of my faith. I learned why we believe what we believe, why we say certain things, and do certain things. OCIA took all the complicated ideas of Catholicism and made it make sense. Not only that, but I gained a community of people who were in the same place that I was. I’m so thankful for everything I have gained from OCIA because it gave me the things I needed to strengthen my faith and also help others on their journey. — Kiera
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Help Provide a Thanksgiving Family Dinner
The Dublin Food Pantry is preparing for its annual Thanksgiving food collection drive and needs our help to provide about 800 meals for families in need this year. Right now, only 270 meals have been pledged, and our goal is 800.
Many of you have contributed full meals since we began 13 years ago. We hope you will continue to participate, and we hope more parishioners will join in the effort this year.
Please be generous. The need is great! Thank you! Here are the full details.
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FYI - Boxes for Thanksgiving meals will be available in the gathering area after all Masses on Oct. 17–18. Prefer to donate smaller items? We’re also collecting boxed mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy (no glass, please).
Donations Drop-Off
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When: Before & after all Masses, Oct. 31–Nov. 1
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Where: Hendricks Hall
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Family of Faith Updates
We are excited to offer an opportunity for families whose children are preparing for the sacraments of First Communion or Confirmation to participate as offertory gift bearers at Mass. Offertory gift bearers have the special honor of presenting the bread and wine during the Presentation of the Gifts. It is a beautiful way for families to participate more fully in the celebration of Mass during this important time in their child’s faith journey.
| | | We had our first service event of the year on Monday, October 12. The children spent the evening making cards for local veterans. We pray that this simple act of service will be a meaningful way for our youth to share gratitude and kindness with those who have served our country. | | |
New Volunteer Guidelines Coming Soon
The Diocese of Columbus has recently updated its safe environment and volunteer compliance requirements. Please stay tuned for detailed information in the coming weeks outlining what these changes mean for our parish and how to ensure you remain fully compliant.
Below are some upcoming sessions and fingerprinting opportunities hosted at St. Brigid.
Protecting God's Children sessions offered at St. Brigid:
- November 14, 9am-12pm: Fingerprints offered from 8am-9am before session
- December 12, 8am-11am: Fingerprints offered from 7am-8am before session
Weekly Fingerprinting at St. Brigid:
- Fingerprinting sessions at St. Brigid will begin on Sunday, September 20. They will be held weekly in the Parish Office from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, except for December 13 and March 21 (due to Advent and Lenten Vespers & Penance Services).
To register for an upcoming fingerprinting session, visit the St. Brigid Safe Environment page HERE
All registrants must have a valid driver's license at the fingerprint session. The cost is $30 for BCI, $35 for FBI, and $65 for both.
Full details and forms can be found at https://stbrigidofkildare.org/safe-environment/
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Mass Intentions January-June 2027 Dates Still Available
We are now accepting Mass intention requests for the first half of 2027 (January through June). All requests must be submitted electronically through our website HERE
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October is Learning Disabilities Month
Learning differences can affect reading, writing, math, attention, organization, processing, and more. A child who struggles in one area may have incredible strengths in another. Sometimes what looks like "not trying," "not listening," or "not understanding" may simply mean a child needs information presented in a different way, additional time, or the right support.
Stay Connected with SPiCE
Join our SPiCE contact list to receive updates about upcoming meetings, meeting notes, opportunities to share ideas, and other ways to stay connected with our community.
Note: Joining the email list keeps you informed and part of the conversation, it does not sign you up for the SPiCE community or require any volunteer commitment.
Laura Cook - SBK SPiCE Executive Committee Chair mrs.cook@stbrigid-school.org
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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
More details coming soon!
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Men's Cornerstone Retreat - Save the Date
Date: January 29 – 31, 2027
Location: Bergamo Retreat Center – Dayton Area
Get away to a Winter Retreat filled with Faith, Fellowship, and Fun! All are welcome, no matter where you are in your faith journey.
Join other St. Brigid men to awaken, renew, and grow your faith. Many men of the parish call this one of the most powerful and positive experiences of their spiritual lives. Carpooling is available.
At Bergamo Center’s quiet 150-acre grounds, you will have a private room and bathroom, good meals, time for prayer and reflection. Experience the sacred sacraments and listen to both a world-class speaker and men of the parish!
Contact: Keith Broadman at kbrodman@gmail.com or 567-283-0013 with any questions!
| | The Mantle - High School Youth Ministry | |
Hi there, everyone! I pray that you all are doing well!
Things are back in full swing at The Mantle, and we are so grateful to the Lord for the 50+ teens that we have already had the opportunity to serve this year! We kicked off our year with our Survivor Kickoff, where we had Cane’s, an ice cream bar, and a time to see which team could outwit, outmatch, and outsmart each other. We then had a talk from myself on our theme for the year – Man’s Relationship With Self. Three of our teens shared what God has worked in and through them at The Mantle, and invited our teens to be open to what God has in store for them.
Since our kickoff event, we have had talks on “Hearing God in Prayer”, “Fullness of Life”, and a men’s and women’s night on “Who Am I?”. We have had lots of fun games, amazing food donated by our amazing parishioners, and lots of time for our teens to meet friends and grow in faith.
We also have weekly Wednesday night discipleship events, where our teens come to play games and dive in deeper. We have had studies on the weekly Gospel from a few weeks ago, “Different Ways to Pray”, “The Rosary – Miracles and Saints”, and “Our Lady of Fatima”. We also are beginning weekly Tuesday open hours, where teens can stop by anytime on Tuesdays to my office from 12-7 and hang out and/or do homework.
It is such a gift to walk with the teens of our parish, and to see them claim the faith in a new and deeper way. We are so excited to see what God has in store!
Thank you for your prayers for us, and know of ours for you!
In Mary’s Mantle,
Ellie
P.S. Are you looking for a way to support The Mantle? A way that we are always seeking help is through meals! Teens LOVE food (if you can believe it!). If you are interested, please email Ellie at edills@stbrigidofkildare.org
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Middle School Youth Events with The Mantle!
All 7th and 8th graders are invited to join St. Brigid’s high school youth ministry program, The Mantle, for select events throughout the 2026–2027 school year (some events are family-friendly, too!).
First Upcoming Event: Run the Race & All Hallow's Day Party on November 1 (RSVP required by October 20).
Action Required: Parents, please complete the attached Mantle Liability Form and RSVP for specific dates.
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2 Weeks Left to Register for Damascus 2027!
Registration for Damascus Summer Camp 2027 is now open! Because of our parish pre-order, your camper gets early access, but spots are filling fast (High School is 21/60 full, Middle School is 49/70 full).
Use code BRIGIDARE27 to register via the High School Link or Middle School Link before October 31st at 5 PM, when remaining spots are released to the public. For questions or financial aid, email registration@damascus.net or call (740) 480-1288 ext. 1.
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Update from Fr. Godfrey in Uganda
In case you missed it in the October 4 bulletin, click below to read the letter from Fr. Godfrey Ssebikyu about The Mantle in Uganda:
| | Celebrating the Sacraments | | |
Baptisms
Congratulations to the following parishioners who celebrated a Baptism at St. Brigid of Kildare Parish since our last issue:
- Franklin Scott Andrews
- Stella Faye Meadow Andrews
- Summer Kay Melody Andrews
- Cooper James Beals
- Rory Dawson Cahill
- Falon Bensman Clarkson
- Penn Michael Harrison
- Ethan Mark Hunkins
- Caleb Joseph Kieffer
- Emma Michelle Lewnes
- Landon David Liszeski
- Judah Peter Livecchi
- Leo David Melcher
- Carter Thomas Sullivan
- Francesca Blair Sullivan
- Bailey Jo Tomusko
- Quinn Campbell Wagner
- Frederick Thomas Willis
Weddings
Congratulations to the following couples who were married at St. Brigid of Kildare Parish since our last issue:
- Robert Voegeli and Kathleen Maloney
- Christian Jirathearanet and Jona Cela
- Andrew Ebeling and Samantha Hackett
- Jonathan Ellis and Kellen Shields
- Anthony Rogner and Laura Schmeling
| | Share your photo of your Baptism or Wedding celebrated at St. Brigid of Kildare - email mrs.schneider@stbrigid-school.org. | | |
The following parishioner’s funeral was celebrated at St. Brigid of Kildare since the last issue. Please remember him and his family in prayer.
He was buried in the hope of the Resurrection:
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White Mass
All are invited to join us on Saturday October 17, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the St. Thomas More Newman Center at 64W Lane Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43201 for the Annual White Mass. Celebrant and Homilist Bishop Earl Fernandes. Talk given by Sister Mary Diana Dreger, OP MD, an amazing physician and Dominican sister speaking on end-of-life issues in the Catholic tradition. Reception to follow.
The Melchizedek Project
The Melchizedek Project invites young men (in 8th–12th grade) to encounter Jesus Christ, listen for His call, and discover the vocation God has prepared for them, especially as they prayerfully discern a possible call to priesthood. The first meeting at St. Brendan the Navigator Parish (4475 Dublin Road, Hilliard) is Monday, October 19 at 6-7:30 PM in the School Library. Dinner will be provided. Please email Fr. Sam Severance to let him know if you plan to attend. Future meeting dates scheduled are Nov. 30, 2026, Jan. 25, Feb. 22, March 15 & April 26, 2027
Special Mass for Breast Cancer
St. Agatha is the Patron Saint of Breast Cancer, and October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Please join St. Agatha Parish on Tuesday, October 20, at 7 p.m. for a Special Mass to honor those who have been affected in any way by Breast Cancer. View flyer.
October ESS- YCP On Artificial Intelligence
Join YCP Columbus on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at St. Joseph Cathedral at 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. as we welcome The Most Reverend Earl K. Fernandes, Bishop of Columbus, for a conversation on Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical on artificial intelligence and what it means for Catholics navigating a rapidly changing world. With a doctorate in moral theology and extensive experience in Catholic education, doctrine, bioethics, and Church leadership, Bishop Fernandes will help us explore AI through the lens of faith, human dignity, and Catholic moral teaching. Food and drinks on us. Register for the event. View flyer.
Marian Gathering
What: Join us for an evening hearing from religious orders of sisters from around the diocese. The evening will include daily Mass, dinner, and a time of fellowship and sharing.
Who: Single Catholic women ages 18-35
Where: Buckeye Catholic, 64 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH
When: October 26th, 2026 from 5:30pm – 8:30pm
If you have any questions about this event, email Sr. Antoinette at srantoinette@columbuscatholic.org.
Red Mass
Everyone is invited to attend the annual Red Mass on October 29, 2026, at 5:15 p.m., at St. Joseph Cathedral. This Mass invokes the wisdom of the Holy Spirit for all justice professionals in the Diocese. Even if you don’t practice Law, you are encouraged to come to Mass and pray alongside those who do.
Fifteenth Annual Sacred Heart Congress
This year's event will be held Saturday, November 7, 2026, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Westerville. Hosted by the Sacred Heart Enthronement Network, this year’s Congress follows the historic Consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and invites Catholics to respond personally to Christ’s invitation: “Come to Me.” The theme, “One Nation for His Heart — ‘Come to Me,’” calls the faithful to bring the love of Christ into their homes, parishes, schools, and communities. The Congress will feature Bishop Donald Hying of the Diocese of Madison and Annie Mitchell of the Son Rise Morning Show. Bishop Earl K. Fernandes of the Diocese of Columbus will celebrate Holy Mass. A children’s program will be offered following the morning Mass, providing an opportunity for young members of the family to participate in the day as well. Additional information can be found HERE.
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7179 Avery Road,
Dublin, OH 43017
614-761-3734
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