The O'Reilly Minute

Dear Parents,

We have had a great beginning to Catholic Schools Week…Coming Together at the Table: United in Faith and Community! We began the week by gathering together for morning prayer in the gym planned by our 8th grade Faith Committee. It was a wonderful opportunity as a school community to sing and pray and celebrate the gift of Catholic education. Today is our 100th day of school and we celebrated by making 100++ snack bags to donate to “Feed the Kids Columbus.” This was such a great opportunity for our students and families to unite in faith to serve our greater community and to help children who otherwise would not come to the table for a nutritious after school snack. Everyday this week members of our clergy and religious from St. Brigid and across the Diocese have been coming to our lunch tables to enjoy some table talk with our 5th - 8th graders around the topic of vocations and religious life. Tomorrow our celebration will be centered on the Feast of St. Brigid with a beautiful Mass including all of our favorite St. Brigid hymns. Earlier this week our students enjoyed their favorite school lunch of rotini and will have fun on Friday with Spirit Day dress down day and Hounds Hoopla. Our teachers and staff will be treated on Friday to a special lunch from Piada as a gift of appreciation funded through the Annual Fund and organized by our Home and School Association. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for coming together “to the table” last week for our Crucial Conversations with Jesse Weinberger. I am thrilled that so many of you were able to attend. Her message is so important for helping to keep our children physically, spiritually, and emotionally safe. I have heard from so many of you that you are already making changes with your own social media and with the monitoring of your children’s accounts/devices. We are sharing the data today that Jesse collected during her visit with our children. Besides the number of children who have seen or been exposed to threats, talking to strangers and being exposed to violence and pornography, our children mentioned many times that they want to spend more time with parents and friends, they want rules and they want to be heard. The data is a call to action for all of us to reflect and review our roles in helping our children to safely and wisely use technology. I ask you to keep the conversation going among your friends and family members as we work together to figure this out and make a difference in the lives of our children. Please see the story below for more information on this topic.  

In closing, we reflect this week on the life of our Patroness, Saint Brigid, who dedicated her life to education and to the poor. We continue to celebrate the Catholic Schools Week theme of United in Faith and Community. I would personally like to thank you for the opportunity to be able to serve the children and families of Saint Brigid.   

May the blessings of St. Brigid be with you always, 

Kathy O’Reilly

P.S. Last Wednesday you should have received an email with information to access 2nd quarter report cards. The portal to access report cards will be available until February 15th. If you need assistance, please contact Kerinan Jordan at [email protected].  

Catholic Schools Week Activities

On Tuesday, January 30 St. Gabriel Radio hosted St. Brigid of Kildare second grade teacher Ms. Colleen Ray. She discussed her calling to the Catholic faith and why she loves teaching in a Catholic school. Click the link below to listen to her interview (her interview begins around the 25:13 mark).

Wednesday, January 31 - Celebrating Serving in the Community (Vocations and the 100th Day of School Food Drive)

By focusing on the themes of learning, serving and leading our Catholic schools prepare children to succeed by using their God-given talents to the fullest throughout their lives. This week we offer opportunities for students to explore the many paths that enable them to use their talents well.  

Today and for the remainder of the week we celebrate Vocations. Religious from the parish and the Diocesan community will be visiting during lunch periods this week to sit at the table with our students and have conversations about vocations.    

• Students will work together on the 100th day of school to create 100++ snack bags to help Feed The Kids Columbus serve children in need of a healthy snack.
• Families will come together to celebrate student learning at Student Led Conferences Grades K - 1 and 7-8.
• Our book fair will be open this evening during conferences. This is a great way for families to find new books to share with each other
• Clergy and Religious visiting at lunch for vocations table talk.

Thursday, February 1 - Celebrating our Faith

Our patroness, Saint Brigid dedicated her life to education and to serving the poor, sick and elderly. Today we celebrate her feast day by looking to her as a role model of learning, serving and leadership in our faith. 

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• Feast of Saint Brigid Mass at 9:00 am. Parents are welcome to attend as your schedule allows. 
• Read Saint Brigid stories, legends or watch videos of her life/stories
• Green and Yellow Lunch
• Clergy and Religious visiting at lunch for vocations table talk

Friday, February 2 - Celebrating Students, Faculty and Staff

We celebrate students today with fun activities to celebrate their accomplishments of learning, serving and leading!

We also celebrate our teachers and staff who are the backbone of Catholic schools. Today we honor and thank teachers/staff who support our school in its important work,

• Spiritwear dress down day for students and staff
• Appreciation luncheon for teachers and staff organized by Home and School Annual Fund. Students and families are encouraged to write thank you notes to teachers/staff.
• Hoops Game at 1:30 pm - Faculty, Staff, Clergy vs. 8th Grade (Parents are welcome if your schedule allows)
• Hounds Hoopla sponsored by Home and School and the Annual Fund - an evening of family fun! 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Photo Newsletters: 7th Grade

Crucial Conversations Follow Up: Jesse Weinberger Event

Thank you to the hundreds of parents who attended Jesse Weinberger's speaking event last Thursday! We had a great turnout and received such positive feedback about how informative and life-changing the information she shared was.

We will continue to keep the conversation going by sharing pieces of information and data from Jesse over the coming weeks. Below are links to some of the most requested information.

• Podcast - Big Mama's House Podcast - Digital parenting & internet safety
• Fan Club - Join the fan club for members-only content
• TED Talk: The Dangers of Digital Instant Gratification
• "How safe is TikTok for Children?"
• “When Is My Child Ready for a Smartphone?” 

At the link below you can access all student survey data that was anonymously collected from our 4th-8th grade students. Note on the last few pages are comments from students directed toward parents.

Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest - This Weekend!

Do you have a child aged 9-14?

The Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship event will be held on Sunday, February 4th, in the St. Brigid School Gymnasium from 2:30-4:30pm. Check-in for registered participants begins at 2:00pm.

Complete the online registration at the link below.

This event is for girls and boys in each age group. Register and invite your friends to this fun event!

Support the Annual Fund

We hope you are enjoying the many fun events during Catholic Schools Week! We are all so proud of the education our children are receiving at Saint Brigid of Kildare. During this busy time, we wanted to remind parents to please not forget about this year’s St. Brigid of Kildare Annual Fund. The Annual Fund supports many valuable school programs that enhance your children’s Catholic education but are not paid for by tuition dollars.

Although we suggest a $125 donation per child at Saint Brigid, we would like to stress that no gift is too small; our goal is 100% participation. Please consider a gift to the Annual Fund.

Thank you.

Hounds Hoopla is Feb 2 - This Friday!

Hounds Hoopla is coming this Friday, February 2nd from 6-8PM at our school! Register now at the link below!

Join us for Bingo, a DJ dance party, magician, crafts, face painting and fun! Pizza, snacks and drinks included. Entry is $28 per family. The registration link and volunteer sign up are below.

Just a few event reminders: 

1. Final day to register online for Hounds Hoopla is today! (Wed Jan 31). Walk ins are welcome but it will be cash only at the door. 

2. We currently only have about 40 bingo prizes donated. We are in need of more bingo Prizes please. (Prizes can be dropped off at the office or even brought in upon event arrival).

3. We are also in need of more event volunteers (specifically Bingo callers). 

4. Please NOTE: CHANGE OF ENTRANCE

**In order for us to maximize use of the facilities and manage traffic flow, we are requesting all who enter to enter THROUGH THE ENTRANCE BY THE GYM (as opposed to front door as in years past). 

Counselor Newsletter - February

Click the link below to read the February newsletter from our Spirit of Peace Clinical Counselor, Maegan Flannery.

Semi-Annual Uniform and Spiritwear Exchange - Feb 25 10 AM - 1 PM

Shoppers, sign up here: Winter 2024 Uniform and Spirit Wear Exchange. This sign up contains more information about the exchange and signing up ensures you’ll receive a reminder to attend. Everything is FREE and you don’t need to donate to attend. Prospective families are also welcome to come to start their wardrobes and seek answers to uniform questions. If you need items, but can’t attend, let a friend shop for you!

Have items to donate? If you have gently used items for the uniform and spirit wear exchange you have a few options for drop-off:

1.       At the school office beginning Feb 1 during school hours

2.      At a bin outside Erin Heise’s home at 6588 Wynwright Dr Dublin OH Feb 17-23

3.       Bring them with you to the exchange if the other options don't work for you.

4.       If you have a ripped up jumper or logoed item, please still donate it as we can use it for spare parts (buttons, crest, etc.)!

5.       Leftovers will be given to the Bishop Griffin Center.

Volunteer. Volunteers are needed to organize the exchange, help others find items, and to clean up and pack items for donation at the end of the exchange. If you are free, please sign up here:  Winter 2024 Uniform and Spirit Wear Exchange Volunteer Sign Up

Questions? Email Erin Heise at [email protected] or Gracie Dziewiatkowski at [email protected].

World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life

February 2, 2024

Join the Celebration of the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord and World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life at St. Joseph Cathedral.

4 PM - Holy Hour with the recitation of the Rosary and evening prayer

5:30 PM - Mass for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord and World Day of Prayer for Sonsecrated Life with Bishop Fernandes

Columbus Saints Boys Lacrosse

*It's never too late to start. All skill levels are welcome and accepted.

The Columbus Saints Boys Lacrosse Club was established in 2003 for 7th & 8th grade boys who are currently enrolled in a Columbus Catholic grade school, or for Catholic boys whose public/private school does not offer a lacrosse program. This team competes against other public middle schools around central Ohio. The team also competes in the middle school state championship tournament (of which they are a past champion and runner up).

Lacrosse is a SPRING sport and runs from late February through the end of May. We will be announcing registration and relevant season dates VERY SHORTLY.

If your son has ever expressed any interest, or even if you’ve never heard of lacrosse until now and are curious, please reach out ASAP. There’s a reason lacrosse is the fastest growing sport in North America! We want to get you on our mailing list as soon as possible.

Returning players - please reach out to your school’s Saints liaison, the Athletic Director, or to the contact information below.

Reach out to [email protected] with questions or to Nick Melaragno at (614) 725-9453.

Please visit our website: https://www.columbussaintslacrosse.com

Pastries for Parents Social Feb 8

Join other parents after the 9 AM school Mass on Thursday, February 8 for coffee, pastries and conversation in Hendricks Hall. Parents and young children are welcome.

Hosted by Home & School

First Grade Girls - Interested in Girl Scouts?

Join our Girl Scout Troop for first grade girls!

Please register at the Girl Scout website and enter our troop number 7203

The group meets once or twice per month on Tuesday after school until 4:15

Any questions please feel free to email Stephanie Franklin 

[email protected].

Bake Sale: Eighth Grade Social Committee

The Eighth Grade Social Committee is having a Bake Sale fundraiser for their trip to Washington DC. It will be open the nights of Student Led Conferences on Tuesday, January 30th and Wednesday, January 31st. A portion of the profits will go to charity. The bake sale will be in between the Think Tank and the Sun Room next to the library, and near the Book Sale. We can only accept cash payments. Thank you for your support!

Thanks,

The Eighth Grade Social Committee

First BIG Book Fair Since 2019!

• Books for preschool through middle school.
• K-4 must shop with an adult (times below)
• Grades 5-8 may bring money to shop during the school day.

Remaining Book Fair Shopping Hours:

• Wed Jan 31 during Student Led Conferences 4:00-6:45pm
• Thurs Feb 1 after school 3:00-3:30pm
• Fri Feb 2 after school 3:00-3:30pm

Questions?

[email protected]

The Emmaus Road SGO and Diocesan Tuition Assistance Application is Now Open: Deadline March 15, 2024

Applications for The Emmaus Road SGO Scholarship, Diocesan Tuition Assistance, St. Brigid Parish Tuition Assistance, and TACT Teacher Assistance for the 2024-25 school year must be submitted through the FACTS Grant and Aid portal by March 15, 2024.

In order to receive funds through any of these tuition assistance programs, you must apply for tuition assistance through FACTS.

To be considered for 2024-25 Tuition Assistance Programs:

• You must be registered for the 2024-25 school year by March 15, 2024.
• The application, tax return, and W-2 must be submitted by March 15, 2024. (No exceptions will be made for any late applications, so please apply early in case additional documentation is requested by FACTS.)
• If 2023 taxes are not finished for submission by March 15, 2024, the 2022 tax return with 2022 W2 is acceptable.
• You need only submit one application per family.
• There is no tuition assistance available for preschool.
• All K-8 families, Catholic and non-Catholic are eligible to apply.
• Assistance amounts given vary by family and will be based on family income and number of children in a household.
• All applications and materials submitted are confidential.
• Applicants are expected to be notified of award status in May.

For full instructions on applying for tuition assistance, click here.

Spring Sports Registration is Open

Registration for Spring Baseball, Softball, and Track & Field - for grades 4th - 8th - has been opened and available at https://www.gowolhounds.com/register (note updated site address)

Baseball

Registration Fee: $160 - includes game jersey and hat.

Practices will begin around March 1, and games will go from April 1 until May 12 (exact schedule released end of March)

Softball

Registration Fee: $160 - includes game jersey and hat/visor.

Practices will begin around March 1, and games will go from April 1 until May 12 (exact schedule released end of March)

Track & Field

Registration Fee: $85 

Practices will begin around March 1, and meets will go from April 1 until May 12 (exact meet schedule released in March)

Want to help out with the teams this spring?  All 3 sports are in need of coaches (head coaches and assistant coaches) - please consider volunteering.  When you sign up your child you can provide details if you are interested in helping out. Our programs are driven by parents volunteering - so please consider giving some of your time to help out.

Have any questions about the spring season?

Baseball/Softball Commissioner - Will Maelrich ([email protected])

Track & Field Commissioner - Dan Workman ([email protected])

Registration Questions - Shawn Steinbrunner ([email protected])

Registration will run until Feb 23rd - but we are offering an Early Bird Discount of 10% off if you register before January 31st - so sign up today.

A Lent to Remember

Join us for this four-week Lenten study!

A Lent to Remember explores the ways God reaches out to each of us with his mercy. This four-week series makes a step-by-step examination of the Rite of Confession and communicates God's invitation to each one of us to come experience his indescribable love this Lent. Through Christ's suffering on the cross in the Paschal Mystery and his perpetual reception of his people in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, God makes his love, his very self, present to us in the world.

Feb 14/Feb 15 Augustine Institute Forgiven — Where Are You?

Feb 21/Feb 22 Augustine Institute Forgiven — An Encounter with Mercy

Feb 28/Feb 29 Augustine Institute Forgiven — Embraced in Mercy: The Rite Explained

Mar 6/Mar 7    Augustine Institute Symbolon — The Paschal Mystery: Jesus’ Death and Resurrection

There are three ways to participate:

1. Wednesday Evening Group: Join other parishioners in this study/small groups on Wednesdays, 7-8:30 PM in the Berry Room.
2.  Thursday Morning Group: Join other parishioners in this study/small groups on Thursdays, 10—11:30 AM in the Berry Room.
3. Individual Small Groups: Create your own small group in your home and receive study materials free of charge from the parish!

Use the link below to sign up. For more information, contact Kim VanHuffel at [email protected].

Save the Date: Father/Daughter Dance

Save the date for the parish's annual Father/Daughter Dance, coming up on Saturday, April 6 from 6:30 - 9:30 PM.

Tickets will go on sale February 12 at 10 AM at www.stbrigidofkildare.org.

Corks for a Cause 2024 - Ticket Sales Now Open!

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 can't wait to celebrate Music City with our Nashville Nights theme!

There are several ways to help support this event, through volunteering, becoming an event sponsor, donating auction items, or donating wine or bourbon bottles.

If you are able to help in any of these ways, please reach out to Sarah Moore at [email protected].

Wine, Bourbon & Champagne Bottles Needed

We are looking for donations of bottles of wine or champagne valued at $20 or higher and bottle of bourbon valued at $30 or higher for our Wine Grab! If you can donate, please fill out the Sign Up below.

Youth Sunday for 6th, 7th, 8th Grade

The next Youth Sunday is February 11! 

This gathering is for all current 6th-8th grade students.

Lunch will be provided followed by group games, Seminarian guest speakers, and live worship music by Mar Frommeyer/ Station 14

Friends are welcome and RSVP is required to ensure we order enough food! 

Pick up will be from Enke Hall at 1:30 PM. 

Make It a Date! Valentine's Day Edition

A Night Out to Focus on Your Marriage

Saturday, February 10, 2024, 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 28th Make It a Date!

Deacon Steve Petrill and his wife Dawn will share their memories and serve as our guides for the evening. Deacon Steve and Dawn have been married for 28 years and have 3 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 Jessica Freiburger at [email protected] or 614-282-5095 by February 8.

Sponsored by Family First and the St. Brigid School of Adult Faith Formation

A Good & Growing Need: Support Our Seminarian

The Diocese of Columbus has a GOOD AND 

GROWING NEED by virtue of 16 ADDITIONAL young men interested in the priesthood. A contribution from you will support this immediate need to fund future priests throughout our Diocese!

There will be a second collection throughout the Diocese at the end of February dedicated to supporting these seminarians in their discernment process. 

You can give then or donate now to the Seminary Support Fund by visiting

 https://www.columbuscatholicgiving.org/seminarian-support-fund!

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: 



 3/21/2024 Zoom PGC (Columbus) 6pm

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/ 

BWHS Pickleball Social

Compete or learn to play at our first ever Pickleball Social!  There is a pickleball category for everyone age 21 & over.

When & Where:  Saturday, February 3, 6:00 PM-10:00 PM at the Pickle Shack in Delaware (US Rt 42).

Play already? Get a partner and register your team for beginner, intermediate, or advanced competitions.

Want to learn? Individuals can register for our 1-hour Learn-to-Play clinic.



Meet some Watterson families - event is open to all but looking to connect Watterson families - past, present, and future.

Registration is limited to 100 people, so get registered soon at https://bwhs.ejoinme.org/pickleball-social

Interested in being a sponsor or have questions - contact Tyler Johnston ([email protected])

St. Charles Spaghetti Dinner

St. Charles will host its annual Spaghetti Dinner on Sunday, February 4, from 1:00- 6:30 p.m., in the school’s Walter Student Commons. Dinner will be prepared by the Susi Family and its staff from Berwick Manor. Entertainment will be provided by the SC Concert & Jazz Band, which will perform at 2:15 and 4:00 p.m. Guests will enjoy a bountiful meal of spaghetti with meatball, salad, rolls, ice cream, and a beverage. $14.00 for Adults; $10.00 for Senior Citizens; $7.00 for Children 4-12 (3 and under are free). There is also a $55 Family rate (dine-in, up to six immediate family members). Carry out orders will be available.