Dear St. Brigid of Kildare parishioners,

As you know, election day is fast approaching. As a church, we have always strongly encouraged all eligible faithful to register and to vote. We have also encouraged all to inform our consciences regarding candidates and the issues as to how they align with the moral teachings of the Catholic Church. This year, perhaps more than ever, it is important that we do so. We have heard much about Issue One and the church’s stance against it. The wording of this issue as it is presented can be confusing. As your pastor, my desire is to provide the best information (there is a lot of information out there) to you in order to a) understand exactly what the issue is proposing, b) understand the church’s position, and c) prepare your own conscience as you enter the voting booth.

Our Bishop and Diocesan Offices have provided information to parishes that they think are best for our prayerful use. Bishop Fernandes has asked that we limit the resources we provide to those from the Catholic Conference of Ohio. I ask that you go to  www.ohiocathconf.org for a full selection of information that the Bishop has asked us to use. This link and information will also be on our parish website and our bulletin. I will select some of this information to be available in our Narthex two weeks prior to the elections. In order to keep the Narthex area an orderly and pleasant welcoming area, it is the policy of our parish that all information be presented to the parish office in order to be considered for placement in this area. I ask the same policy be respected on this issue. 

Let us pray for the protection of all human life, from the moment of conception to natural death, and for all who lack in any way the basic human needs for life.

Sincerely in Christ,

Father James Black

If you would like a free Vote No on Issue 1 Yard Sign, stop by the parish office and pick one up anytime. They will be outside of the parish office in a box on a first-come first-serve basis. Please take one stake and one sign per family.

Please pray for our Holy Father and all involved in the current Synod on Synodality. For continuing updates on the Synod, go to www.usccb.org.

Lord, help us to enlarge the space of the tent,

so that those who are on the margins of our societies or on the margins of the Church may be listened to and valued.

While we walk together, we want to join in prayer. There is not Synod without a true encounter with You!

You, Lord, invite us to welcome in our hearts those left by the roadside,

to an inner conversion to welcome those whom you have invited.

May we leave no one behind on this synodal journey,

may no one be excluded, but be part, brother, sister, friends. Amen.

St. Brigid of Kildare is pleased to welcome many new employees to the school, parish office, and religious education office. 

St. Brigid of Kildare School

The school is excited to welcome Christy Pollina as the front desk receptionist, beginning full-time in January. Christy and her family have been parishioners at St. Brigid since 2000 and her three children attended St. Brigid of Kildare School.

St. Brigid of Kildare Parish

The parish is pleased to welcome Mary Cay Pelot as the front desk receptionist and administrative assistant, beginning in October. Mary Cay and her husband Tom have been members of our parish since 2002.

The parish is excited to welcome Will Carrel, joining us in the newly created position of groundskeeper. Please welcome him if you see him around the campus.

St. Brigid of Kildare Religious Education

The Religious Education department is excited to welcome Beth Kelty and Lauren Geibel as Administrative Assistants. Both Beth and Lauren are parishioners here at St. Brigid. 

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to our new employees at the school and parish. 

All Fifth graders and older are invited to become Altar Servers for the Weekend and Holy Day Masses. 

Is the Lord calling upon your son or daughter to serve? Have them answer that call by becoming an Altar Server! St. Brigid of Kildare is encouraging all those in fifth grade and above to consider becoming an Altar Server. Attend one short training session, study one short section from the Liturgical training manual and they will be ready to serve the Lord as an Altar Server. What a wonderful, rewarding service! 

Our next training session for Altar Servers is October 22, 2023, Sunday afternoon in the Church from 1:30 pm until 2:30 pm. Please register by October 19th so we can be prepared to welcome you. To register online, please click the link below. For more information please contact Joe Feehan at [email protected]. 

Religious Education is in full swing! In the past month, they held small group lessons, hosted volunteer training, had their first family session, and the first service event, "Sandwich Saturday on a Monday!" It's been a busy month! 

For small group lessons, students are dropped off for class time to learn age-appropriate learning about our faith, while spending time in fellowship with their peers. The family session on October 9^th brought children and parents together for a night of prayer, learning, and discussion about God's revelation of Himself and His divine plan. Families talked through reflections about their relationship with God and how that relationship can grow personally, as a family, and as members of St. Brigid of Kildare. "Sandwich Saturday on a Monday!" followed the next week with students and their families making 2,000 bologna sandwiches to benefit the patrons of Holy Family Kitchen in Columbus. Looking ahead to the upcoming month of November, they are excited to begin holding First Reconciliation classes, meeting with Confirmation parents to begin the journey of Confirmation for their 8th-grade children, and more learning about and serving our Lord Jesus Christ!

Dress up for an afternoon of memorable fun! This Mommy & Me Winter 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 at Mommies Matter. Join us for: 

• tea service + a hot chocolate bar 
• snacks + treats 
• hair styling + nail art 
• jewelry making + activity stations 
• a gift from Lily & Lamb for every girl 

This “Mommy + Me” tea invitation is extended to moms, grandmas, aunts, and godmothers to bring the special little girl(s) in your life! 

You don’t want to miss it! This event will be held on January 20, 2024 from 3-5 PM in Hendricks Hall. Accompanied by an adult female, all girls ages 4-10 are invited to participate! Tickets are $25 for your first daughter and $20 for each additional daughter. Adult admission is $25. Registration opens November 1. 

Event Volunteer Information 

It takes many hands and hearts to make this event possible! If you are able to help sort supplies, set up, prep food, serve food, take photos, or clean up, please fill out the volunteer form (https://forms.office.com/r/1S0FBtpMxw) to express your willingness and join our volunteer list. 

We are excited to hold our 17th annual Corks for a Cause Silent Auction and Wine Tasting for SPiCE on Saturday, March 2, 2024.

We are going to kick-off the planning with meetings on:

•  Thursday, November 9th 10:00 am in Hendricks Hall Carr Room
• Wednesday, December 13 at 12 noon in Hendricks Hall Immke Room (lunch will be served at this meeting)

Children are welcome if babysitting is a challenge. If you'd like to learn more about the event, how you can help, or share your ideas please join us for one or both of these meetings!

RSVP to Sarah Moore at [email protected].

Featuring Lindsay Fullerman, founder of FitfromFaith.com 

Thursday, November 30, 2023, 6:30 p.m.

Monsignor Hendricks Parish Hall

Registration begins November 1. Watch the bulletin for more details.

At Sandwich Saturday 1000 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 9:00am 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.

The Social Action Committee will be collecting leftover Halloween Candy to be delivered to J.O.I.N. (Joint Organization for Inner-City Needs). 

Volunteers will be outside Hendricks Hall to receive your items 30 minutes before and after all Masses on Saturday, November 4 and Sunday, November 5. For more information, contact Jim Whitmer at [email protected]. Thank you.

The Dublin Food Pantry is now preparing for its annual Thanksgiving Food Collection Drive. This month the pantry will move into its own home at 6608 Dublin Center Drive. The service days will eventually expand to 5 days per week. The need is great in Dublin, serving 80-100 families each open day. This Thanksgiving, the pantry hopes to provide Thanksgiving meals for at least 450-500 families during the month of November. Many churches throughout Dublin will be providing food items. Once again, the Social Action Committee is spearheading this project with the support of the parishioners of St. Brigid. This year we offer two options for giving.

Option One: Provide an entire Thanksgiving dinner

Parishioners can donate the ingredients for an entire Thanksgiving meal (no cooking is necessary) for a family in need. Parishioners would provide everything from the list below in boxes or bags to be dropped off at the Dublin Food Pantry at 6608 Dublin Center Drive on Saturday October 28 10-12 or Monday October 30 5-7.

The following items are to be included in this option - $25 gift card from a local grocery store, 2 cans of fruit, 2 cans of corn, 2 cans of green beans, 2 boxes of macaroni and cheese, 2 regular boxes (or one large box) potatoes, 2 boxes of stuffing, 2 cans or packets of gravy (no glass jars please) and 2 boxes of Jiffy cornbread.

Click the link below to sign up to provide a full meal.

Option Two: Provide boxed potatoes and gravy

Parishioners who prefer to donate on a smaller scale can provide boxed potatoes and boxed/canned gravy for inclusion in the remainder of the Thanksgiving meals provided to client families of the Food Pantry. Collection of the donations will be before and after Masses on October 28-29 in Hendricks Hall in the designated boxes. 

For questions or to set up an alternate pick up date, please contact Karen at [email protected] or text/call at 614-271-4086. This has truly been a challenging year and now more than ever, our neighbors in Dublin need help. Thank you for always meeting their needs. God bless you and keep you safe.

8th-12^th Grade Advent Half-Night Lock-In 

Saturday, December 9 from 5-10 PM 

St. Brigid will welcome the Jesuit Spiritual Center on Saturday, December 9 to lead us in games, messaging, and live musical worship this Advent. Our parish priests will be present for Eucharistic Exposition and Reconciliation at the end of the evening. This event is open to all current 8th-12th grade students! 

We will begin with 5 PM mass at St. Brigid, move to Hendricks Hall for dinner, games, and messaging, then conclude with Adoration and Advent worship in the chapel. 

Registration is $30/ person. Pick up is at 10 PM from the chapel. Registration opens November 1. 

This fall Mom to Mom will watch and discuss videos from the Formed “Catholic Moms Summit.” The Catholic Mom’s Summit is a collection of talks in which women encourage and support one another in the vocation of Catholic Motherhood. 

Meetings: Wednesdays Oct 18 - Nov 15th

Time: 9:45-11am

Location: Church Basement

Childcare provided in Carr Nursery

Mom to Mom is a vibrant, faith sharing group focused on motherhood, spirituality, and Catholic parenting. Whether you’re a rookie or veteran, join us to support, share and gain wisdom from each other. Drop in when your schedule permits! We’d love to have you join us!

10/18/23      Get to Know Father Lynch

10/25/23       Build the Kind of Marriage your kids will want to have with Linda Padgett

11/1/23        No Meeting- All Saints Day Mass

You can find information about Family First here.

Family First Fall Service- Stems for Seniors

Stems for Seniors repurposes wedding flowers that are donated, and then redistributes them to seniors in our community through organizations like Meals on Wheels, Kobacher, and other senior living centers. They use up-cycled cans and jars as “vases” for a good portion of our deliveries. 

We are asking for your help in helping us collect empty 15 oz cans from vegetables, soup, etc. We ask that you clean the cans and remove the labels. If by chance, you have a smooth edge can opener to use when you initially open the cans, that would be great, otherwise, they will smooth out the rough edges to prevent injury to our recipients. We have also found “mason” type, pint size jars from pickles, jellies, etc. work quite well, too.

Family First will be collecting cans and jars at our Mom to Mom meetings through November 15th. For more information visit Stemsforseniors.org or contact our Family First Service Chair Susan Adorno at [email protected].

Questions, please reach out to Gracie Dziewiatkowski at [email protected] or Sara Norton at [email protected]

This year, the All Souls Day Mass to remember the dead, especially those whom we sent forth from St. Brigid of Kildare, will be held on Thursday, November 2 at 9:00 a.m. in the church. Everyone is welcome. Those who have lost a loved one, even if the funeral Mass was not at St. Brigid, will have the opportunity to inscribe the name of their loved ones in our parish Book of the Dead. Once again this year, light refreshments will be served in Hendricks Hall following Mass, so parishioners can visit and remember their loved ones in community. 

Church Tour Opportunity 

Have you ever wondered about the significance of the art, artifacts, and sacramentals in our gathering area, sanctuary and chapel at St. Brigid of Kildare? Deacon Frank will give a tour of the church on Tuesday, October 24 at 7:15 p.m. If you are interested in joining the tour, please meet us in the gathering area at that time.

Explanation of the Mass

Have you ever wondered why we say what we say and do what we do during Mass? Every gesture we make and every word we speak has a meaning and a reason. Fr. Black will give an overview of the Mass on Tuesday, November 7 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Berry room of Hendricks Hall. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to Kim VanHuffel at [email protected].  

• Have you ever thought about becoming Catholic?
• Do you think you might like to look into the Catholic way of Life?
• Do you know someone interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith?

 You are invited to join us!

Our first meeting was an orientation on October 17. All classes will be held on Tuesday evenings, from 7:00-8:30 pm in the Berry Room. The calendar for this coming year is on our website at www.stbrigidofkildare.org/rcia. For more information contact Kim VanHuffel at [email protected] or complete the form on the website above.

The Giving Tree Project has been a parish tradition and demonstration of generosity for many years. Last year, over 600 gifts and >$10,000 in donations were provided by your generosity, making a significant difference in the lives of others. 

This year, our parish will be collecting for the following organizations:

• Bishop Griffin Resource Center: Food, clothing, household goods, along with emotional support and hope are provided at Bishop Griffin Center, located in east Columbus. Gifts to this organization include items for the community store.
• Gladden Community House: Located in Franklinton, Gladden Community House serves the low-income residents by providing educational and recreational programs, meals, emergency assistance as well as advocacy and support for families and individuals. Gifts for this organization include toys for the youth served by Gladden Community House.
• Heinzerling Community: Located in southwest Columbus, Heinzerling serves a community of non-ambulatory residents, both children and adults, with severe developmental disabilities. Its mission is to provide a loving and nurturing environment that enriches the quality of life of each resident. Gifts for this organization include toys, clothes, games, and personal care items.
• Kentucky Mission: The Sisters of St. Francis minister to residents of Booneville, Kentucky, a rural area of high unemployment and low incomes. Monetary donations are collected to help with emergency needs.
• St. Lawrence Haven/St. Vincent de Paul: Located in downtown Columbus, St. Lawrence Haven provides and serves meals for 150+ people daily. During the Christmas season, toy donations are requested for the children supported by this organization.
• St. Stephen’s Community House: Serving residents in the Linden community in Columbus, St. Stephen’s services include elderly and youth programs, childcare, and a food pantry. We are collecting food items for the pantry and gift cards from Kroger and Giant Eagle.
• St. Brigid Emergency Fund: Our parish often receives requests to help families with financial needs, such as rent assistance, medical care, car repairs, transportation, etc. This fund helps those who are facing financial difficulties.

How you can participate:

1. Select an ornament from the trees set up in the church on Saturday, Nov 11 and Sunday, Nov 12.
2. Beginning Saturday, Nov 11, choose from a list of gifts on the Giving Tree SignUpGenius.
3. Make a monetary donation online through the St. Brigid website or by check to the Parish Office.

Please contact Susan Corcoran at [email protected] or 614-832-2762; or Kathy Windau at [email protected] or 614-499-1877 if you have any questions.

Men’s Cornerstone Retreat!

January 26th – 28 th, 2024

WHO: All men of the parish are invited to attend the annual Men’s weekend Retreat.

WHERE: The Spiritual Center of Maria Stein. Meals will be provided, and all men will have private rooms with bath.

WHY: to renew your spirituality, build fellowship with other men of the parish, enjoy excellent speakers, group discussions, social gathering, music, Mass and more!

DETAILS: More info and registration can be found on parish website here.

CONTACT: Matt Niemec at [email protected] or 614-352-1131 with any questions!

Crucial Conversations, a parenting speaker series for St. Brigid of Kildare Parish and School parents of school-aged children, is back with a series of events for the 2023-24 school year. These parenting workshops will focus on student wellness and safety—physically, emotionally, and online.

Emotional Safety—November 7, 6:30 PM, School Gymnasium

Professional Clinical Counselor Laura Lewis will share ideas and strategies about emotional

wellness, touching on anxiety, depression and the role of mental health. She brings practical ideas and strategies to integrate mental and emotional wellness into your family.

Social Media Safety—January (TBD), School Gymnasium

Nationally recognized internet safety speaker Jesse Weinberger will share guidance, data, and

resources for keeping children and families safer online. She will share life changing information on the connection between social media and mental health. Learn more about Jesse at her website www.overnightgeekuniversity.com.

Give your family the best treat of all on October 31st. Receive God's peace by spending time in prayer during Adoration. Come and stay for as little or as long as you can! All are welcome.

Join youth in Eucharistic Adoration hosted by St Andrew's First Called Youth Ministry, with Praise Music provided by Station 14.

There are several families in our diocese, including Bishop Watterson and Immaculate Conception families, that are in need of a matched donor due to recent health diagnoses. Immaculate Conception Parish is hosting a "Be the Match" swabbing event to see if you could help be the cure for someone's life-threatening disease. Anyone 18-40 years old can participate and learn about how if matched, donations could be given via a stem cell donation (similar to blood donation), and expenses are free. 

The swabbing event is taking place on Sunday, November 5 from 9:30 AM - 1 PM at Immaculate Conception Parish. View the flyer at the link below to learn more.

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: 

• 10/26/2023 Our Lady of Lourdes (Marysville) 6:00pm
• 11/4/2023 St Brigid of Kildare (Dublin) 9:00am
• 11/18/2023 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/ 

The Saint Teresa Recognition Award

Do you know of a faithful, thoughtful woman who freely serves others? The St. Teresa Recognition of Charity, Compassion, and Service is returning! This program will recognize and honor those lay women within the Diocese of Columbus who have, in their everyday lives, striven to exemplify the work of Christ.

You can nominate her for the Saint Tereasa Recognition Award (formerly the Catholic Woman of the Year). Nominations may be done online or by mail; all nominations are due by September 30th. She would be honored at the Recognition Ceremony Luncheon with Bishop Fernandes on Sunday, November 5th 1-3:30pm at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish Life Center, 3730 Broadway; Grove City, OH. Registration for family and friends is due by October 20th. Ladies who are nominated receive complimentary registration. Registration is $28 and includes a catered lunch. The space is limited, and registration will be done on a first come first served basis.

Individuals can nominate a lay woman who they feel exemplifies the spirit of St. Teresa by visiting https://columbuscatholic.org/teresanom

The Award Recognition event will take place at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Grove City on November 5 from 1pm to 3:30pm. Tickets and table reservations can be made by visiting https://dioceseofcolumbus.org/teresaaward If you have questions, contact Annette Roth at [email protected] or call (740)701-0610.

Women's Care Center Mass 

Do YOU want to do something locally to make an impact for the moms and babies of our community?

Come pray the Mass with His Excellency, Earl K. Fernandes, Bishop of Columbus and the Women’s Care Center!

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19TH, 5:30 PM

Please join us after Mass for Exposition, a Rosary, and Benediction followed by pizza-to-go!

ST. CATHARINE PARISH

500 S. Gould Rd | Columbus OH, 43209

Sacred Heart Congress

Do you yearn for the peace, protection, and joy of a Christ-centered home? The Sacred Heart of Jesus is the answer. The Congress is for those searching and wanting to go deeper with the Heart of Christ and His 12 promises. Come whether you have enthroned the Sacred Heart in your home or want to discover what Jesus promises for those who expose and honor His Sacred Heart. This 12th Annual gathering has become the largest Sacred Heart event in the nation. This half-day event provides a wealth of spiritual renewal deeply rooted in the Catholic tradition. The purpose of the Congress is to gather in unity and prayer to grow closer to the loving and perfect Heart of Jesus. After Holy Mass, coffee and donuts will be provided.

What: 12th Annual Sacred Heart Congress

Where: St Paul, the Apostle Catholic Church

When: November 4, 2023, from 8:30 am to Noon

Details: Doors open at 7:45 am, and the Rosary starts at 8:00 am.

Theme:“Reviving the Family through the Sacred Heart and the Holy Eucharist.” 

URL: https://welcomehisheart.com/sacred-heart-congress

54-Day Rosary Novena

Beginning Friday, September 15th, Catholics across the state of Ohio will be joining in prayer for the protection of human life and dignity and the defeat of the dangerous constitutional amendment on the Ohio ballot this November. A 54-Day Rosary Novena will be prayed from September 15th through Election Day, November 7th. Visit www.pray54ohio.org for more information.