U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon School
(2021, 2014, 2008)
WOLFHOUND WEDNESDAY
February 2, 2022
Kindergartners worked on a map unit and drew maps of their rooms and described them to their friends. They did an awesome job adding details to their maps!
The O'Reilly Minute
Dear Parents,

We have had a great beginning to Catholic Schools Week! The Feast of St. Brigid was celebrated yesterday with a beautiful Mass including all of our favorite St. Brigid hymns. The students also enjoyed their favorite school lunch and our teachers and staff were treated to a special lunch from Piada as a gift of appreciation funded through the Annual Fund and organized by our Home and School Association.  

This week, the Diocese of Columbus adopted the latest guidance from the Ohio Department of Health and Franklin County Health Department. This new guidance states that contact tracing is no longer required by K - 12 schools. However we will continue to notify parents via email and the website dashboard when there is a positive COVID case reported.

K-12 schools should continue to follow ODH’s protocol, “Mask to Stay, Test to Play,” and allow asymptomatic students to attend school while wearing a mask if they have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. The best place for kids is in school, in-person, full-time.

The Diocesan School’s COVID Task Force is evaluating the K - 8 mask mandate that is currently in place in all Diocesan Franklin County elementary schools. I will share information from the Diocesan Task Force which will be available to share with parents in the near future.

Last Wednesday you should have received an email with information to access 2nd quarter progress reports. The portal to access report cards will be available until February 14th. If you need assistance please contact Megan Wachalec at mrs.wachalec@stbrigid-school.org.  

As we continue to celebrate Catholic Schools Week, I would personally like to thank you for the opportunity to be able to serve the children and families of Saint Brigid. Msgr. Hendricks, in his homily yesterday, reminded us to count our blessings and our school community is certainly a blessing!

May the blessings of St. Brigid be with you always,
Kathy O’Reilly
Happy Catholic Schools Week!
Below are our remaining events for Catholic Schools Week:

Wednesday, February 2
  • 100th day of School
  • Dress Down Day with numbers on shirt (e.g. athletic jerseys or tshirts, homemade/decorated shirts, any shirt with any number on it!)
  • STEM Style Pencil Challenge
  • 100th day Minute to Win It Challenges
  • Student favorite lunch #2 (home-made pizza)

Thursday, February 3

Friday, February 4
  • Teacher Talent Show
  • Dress Down Day
  • Student favorite lunch #4 (mini corn dogs)

Click the link below to view photos from this week so far!
Photo Newsletters: Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd Grades
Click the images below to view this week's photo newsletters and see what the classes have been up to.
Home & School Meeting Today
The Home & school meeting will be in person this Wednesday (today) at 10 AM. Here is the Zoom link for anyone wishing to join remotely:

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 811 190 1817
Passcode: EzZN3f
School Tuition Assistance Application – Deadline March 15, 2022
Applications for Tuition Assistance for the 2022-23 school year must be submitted through the FACTS Grant and Aid portal by March 15, 2022.

Please note if you applied for and accept the Oak Society grant, you are not eligible for tuition assistance as well.

To be considered for Saint Brigid or the Diocese of Columbus Tuition Assistance Programs:
  • You must be registered for the 2022-23 school year by March 15, 2022.
  • The application, tax return, and W-2 must be submitted by March 15, 2022. (No exceptions will be made for any late applications, so please apply early in case additional documentation is requested by FACTS.)
  • You must pay the online $35 application fee.
  • You need only submit one application per family.
  • Saint Brigid does not offer tuition assistance for non-Catholic families but you may be eligible for Diocesan assistance.
  • There is no tuition assistance available for preschool.
  • If 2021 taxes are not finished for submission by March 15, 2022, the 2020 tax return with 2021 W2 is acceptable.


*Please note: requirements are slightly different than years past, so please be sure to read all instructions carefully before submitting your application
Catholic Foundation Scholarship for Rising 9th Graders
The Catholic Foundation’s applications for Scholarships will open on January 31 and close February 28.

Since 2007, The Catholic Foundation has awarded over $1.3 million in scholarships empowering over 200 young people to continue their academic and vocational studies. For more information and to apply, please visit www.catholic-foundation.org/scholarships. If you have any questions about our scholarship process please feel free to contact Dan Kurth, VP of Grants, at 614-443-8893 or dkurth@catholic-foundation.org.

New Scholarship Opportunity – The Nativity of Mary
The Catholic Foundation is a proud steward of the Nativity of Mary Scholarship. that provides a multi-year $2,000 scholarship to any rising 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade student who will attend at Catholic High School in the 2022-2023 school year. The link to apply for the Nativity of Mary Scholarship can be found at: https://grants.catholic-foundation.org/scholarships/the-nativity-of-mary-scholarship/.

The Nativity of Mary Scholarship was established in memory of Mark Vonder Embse, and Marcus & Eleanor McEllistrem for the propagation of the Catholic faith and devotion to Our Blessed Mother. A letter of recommendation, short essay on the applicant’s devotion to our Blessed Mother, and financial need will be used to evaluate the potential applicants. One scholarship will be awarded to a student in each of the four high school grade levels. Provided that these students remain in good standing and continue to attend a Catholic high school in the Diocese of Columbus, the scholarship will be renewed each year until that student graduates.
News from Our Parish Community
Spring Sports (Baseball, Softball, Track & Field) Registration Open
SBAA is happy to open up the Spring Sport Registration for 2022.  Offerings for the spring are Baseball, Softball, and Track & Field.  All three are available to boys and girls in the 4th - 8th grades that are students of St. Brigid or parishioners of St. Brigid.

Registration will be open until Friday, Feb 25th, with the first practices to start shortly thereafter.  Please register soon to not miss out on any communication around practices and forming of teams. You can Register at the link below.

Baseball & Softball:
Season will be made up of 8-10 games with a season ending tournament planned for grade 5-8. Registration fees are $160 and include your jersey & St. Brigid hat. Practices will be at Brigid's Green along with about 1/2 of the games at St. Brigid and the rest at other Diocese schools.

Track & Field:
Season will consist of 4 meets + the Diocese championship starting with April 2 until May 14.  Practices will be held at Karrer Middle School or at St. Brigid/Avery Park as needed. Registration fees for track & field are $85.
First Friday Eucharistic Adoration
You are invited to spend time and be comforted by Jesus in the Eucharist on Friday, February 4th for First Friday Eucharistic Adoration following the 9:00am Mass and concluding at 4:00pm with Benediction.

"In a world where there is so much noise, so much bewilderment, there is a need for silent adoration of Jesus concealed in the Host. Be assiduous in the prayer of adoration and teach it to the faithful. It is a source of comfort and light, particularly to those who are suffering." Pope Benedict XVI

View more information or sign up on our website below.
Family First Winter Programs
Mom to Mom
Mom to Mom meets on Tuesdays 9:45-11 am in the Church basement. Facilitator Kim VanHuffel will be leading discussions based on Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love), Pope Francis’ apostolic reflection on love in the family. Together, we will read and reflect on each chapter. Moms, you do not need to commit to coming weekly or to pre-reading to join us for great conversation! For questions contact Erin Heise erinjolene@hotmail.com or Anne Davis at davis.anne81@gmail.com.

Sisters in Christ
Sisters in Christ will view and discuss, Ascension Presents- Father Mike Schmitz.” Open to all St. Brigid women, Sisters in Christ is a new faith sharing group focused on women’s spirituality. Please join us to share and gain wisdom from other women like you. No commitment necessary, drop in when you can join! 
When: Wednesday January 12th - February 9th 
Time: 1:15 to 2:30 pm
Location: Deacon’s Room in St. Brigid of Kildare Church
Any questions contact Cheryl Hohlefelder at hohleinone@gmail.com or Mandy Skinner at amandaskinner2@gmail.com

Play Group
St. Brigid’s Play Group is a community of parents and children (of varying ages) eager to make friends and build community. Playgroup meets on Wednesdays 9:30 or 10 am at various indoor/outdoor locations around town. For Play Group meet up locations see the bulletin or check out the Family First webpage. For any questions email nortonsarae@gmail.com.
  
*For more information about Family First see our website
Youth Free Throw Competion, Knights of Columbus
All girls and boys ages 9 to 14 (as of 1/1/2022) are invited to participate in the 2022 Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship on Sunday, February 6th, at the St. Brigid grade school gymnasium.

Registration begins at 3:00 p.m. All participants must be registered and checked in by 3:15 to participate in the contest, unless prior arrangements are made.

All contestants will be recognized for their participation in the event. The prize this year for each of the 12 group champions will be a regulation Knights of Columbus basketball, a winner's certificate and the right to move on to the district and potentially state competition.

Please note participants are required to furnish proof of age and written parental consent. The entry form includes the parental consent sign off. The proof of age may be presented on the night of the competition. Parents are required to stay for the duration of the event, which should be completed by about 4:30.

To register please complete both of the following:
  1.  Pre-register online here
  2. In addition, download and complete the official registration form, and bring it with you to the competition

For additional information contact Michael Flock at 614-757-6764 or michael.flock@gmail.com.
Make It A Date! February 12
A Night Out to Strengthen Your Marriage

Saturday, February 12, 2022
6:15 to 7:30 p.m.
St. Brigid of Kildare Parish, Hendrick’s Hall

All married and engaged couples are invited 
to St. Brigid’s 22nd Make It a Date! event.

Your evening begins with light appetizers and a chance to socialize with other St. Brigid couples.

Then Fr. Tim Lynch, St. Brigid’s parochial vicar, will share a reflection on marriage.

At the conclusion of the event, spouses leave on their own date at a venue of their choice to talk about the evening and how it relates to their own relationships.

Registration is necessary

Please RSVP to Christine Drab at cadrab@gmail.com or 614-256-9065 by Feb. 9

Sponsored by Family First and the St. Brigid School of Adult Faith Formation
Protecting God's Children Sessions
The Diocesan Safe Environment Department will be offering Virtus Protecting God's Children sessions via Zoom 2/10, 3/17, 4/21, 5/19, 6/16 at 6:00 pm via Holy Spirit Church. Registration is at www.virtus.org. All potential parent and athletic volunteers are encouranged to register before these sessions fill up. Limit is 50 participants per session. 

Potential volunteers with children and youth must also complete a St. Brigid volunteer application, and submit a signed code of conduct, copy of photo ID, and submit to a criminal background check.

Full details and forms can be found at https://stbrigidofkildare.org/safe-environment/ or contact Stacey Nerone, Safe Environment Manager at snerone@stbrigidofkildare.org
Unveiled: Discovering the Great Mystery in Your Marriage
Now offered in-person AND virtually via livestream! Discover how the great mystery of Christ’s love can restore passion, purpose and intimacy in your marriage. In Unveiled, a retreat led by the John Paul II Healing Center, you’ll engage topics grounded in Church teaching such as:

  • Discovering True Love
  • A Whole New Look at Your Wedding Day
  • Cultivating Intimacy and Unity in Your Marriage
  • Understanding Your Marital Conflict
  • Healing and Reconciliation in Your Marriage
  • Restoring Sexual Passion and Intimacy in Your Marriage

This retreat is open to singles discerning marriage, dating and engaged couples, and couples who have been married for many years! St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church is hosting this Unveiled retreat February 3-5, 2022. Learn more and register for this amazing experience at: www.jpiihealingcenter.org  Scholarships available. Email UnveiledNewarkOH@gmail.com for more information. This event is sponsored by the Diocese of Columbus Marriage & Family Life Office and St. Gabriel Radio.
News from Our Catholic High Schools
BWHS Alumni in the News
Three of our Saint Brigid of Kildare School class of 2019 alumni served last week at the Respect Life Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral. Thank you to Kate Drab, John Agan, and Brian Zetzer for your service!

Congratulations to Mari Hegenberger, Saint Brigid of Kildare School class of 2019 who recently set the weigh lifting record at Watterson!

Congratulations to our alumni!
St. Charles Upcoming Events
St. Charles Charism Award Essay Scholarship Program (New)
Students will have an opportunity to write essays related to their leadership experiences and service to their community. They will also be asked to describe how they've exemplified the values of the school and our patron saint, St. Charles Borromeo. Essay writing sessions will be held on the evenings of February 15, 16, and 17 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. in the school’s Walter Student Commons. At least one student from each parish community will earn an award for participating in the essay writing competition.
 
To register and learn more about these scholarship opportunities, we invite you to visit the St. Charles website at stcharlesprep.org  and clicking on the Homepage’s "Admissions" menu tab.


St. Charles Hosting Annual Spaghetti Dinner February 6th
2022 St. Charles will host its annual Spaghetti Dinner on Sunday, February 6th, in the school’s Walter Student Commons. Dinner, being prepared by the Susi Family and their Berwick Manor staff, will be served from 1:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. In addition, the SC Concert & Jazz Band will perform from 2:15-3:15 p.m. and 4:00-5:00 p.m. Guests will enjoy a bountiful meal of spaghetti with meatball, salad, rolls, ice cream, and a beverage. $12.00 for Adults; $9.00 for Senior Citizens; $6.00 for Children 4-12; and a $45 Family rate (dine-in, up to 6 immediate family members). Carry out orders will be available. We look forward to seeing you there!
Submit Materials for Wolfhound Wednesday
If you have information you'd like included in the next Wolfhound Wednesday, email it to Allie Wing at mrs.wing@stbrigid-school.org.

To view past issues of the Wolfhound Wednesday, find them archived on our website here.