It wasn’t such a long time ago that we were celebrating the joy of the Christmas Season, and now we are beginning the Lenten Season with the arrival of Ash Wednesday.  For some reason I associated this time with sadness and gloom.  Perhaps because as a child my family instilled in me that this was a time of sacrifice, repentance, prayer, penance and fasting, which as a child I found these concepts very hard to understand.  As an adult these concepts are understandable, and still hard to do, sometimes simply because of laziness, and indifference,

As this Lenten Season begins, we should make an effort of making it a time for reflection, repentance, soul searching and  taking stock of where our lives are at this point, and what we are going to do about it.  It so easy to make promises, which are never kept, but on Ash Wednesday, as ashes re placed on our forehead and we hear the word, “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel”, should be signal to begin in good faith and humility to “practice what we preach”, with abundant love and a charitable heart to those who are most in need.

Saludos,
Socorro
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See St Brigid’s Ash Wednesday Schedule Here
NOTE: Children’s Service at 3pm in the Church but you can come to ANY of the services
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Read one mom’s suggestion for Lent Activities with your family on our sister blog,  ”Belonging”.   CLICK HERE. 
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February 14th • Saint Valentine’s Day

Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Sugar is sweet
and so are you…..

I remember how special I felt that Valentine’s Day when i found an annonymous Valentine Card made out of red construction paper cut out in the shape of a heart and placed in my desk.
(back in grammar school).

Valentine expressions of love from those who love us and who we love, what a great way for God to send us a Valentine.   God who is love taught us how to love one another and express that love.  So forget Hallmark and think “God” in that card sent or received.  We know God loved flowers, He made fields full of them, so flowers are good,
and who knows…. God probably loves chocolate….

February 14 is but one day –  we can make any day a day to show our love…. and make someone feel special…..

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Only a few days left to get tickets for the Mardi Gras Party this coming Saturday night, February 18th from 6-10pm in Code Auditorium.  Hope to see you there.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO 

February 7th

Happy February!  It’s hard to believe considering the rather mild January we experienced.

Lent is just around the corner and we are planning our parish’s annual Mardi Gras celebration for February 18 from 6-10pm.  Tickets are on sale now at the parish center, school and Religious Ed office.  Hope you will join us for the festivities!

At last Sunday’s Youth@SaintBrigid (Y@SB), we were discussing a documentary filmed by four U.S. college students called “Beware of Christians”.  While we have not yet watched this as a group, we were talking about the premise of these four college students embarking on a mission of sorts to see if they could “leave religion behind to follow Jesus.”

The foursome toured Europe and took a closer look at their own Christian habits and that of the various societies they visited as related to materialism, sex, alcohol and entertainment in light of the teachings, as they understood, within scripture – especially the New Testament.

One topic that took on a life of it’s own during our Y@SB session was related to how we present ourselves to others in word, deeds, and how we dress.

One of the teens mentioned how they are bothered, even angered, when people wear religious symbols as nothing more than the latest fad or to make a fashion statement.  She mentioned, in particular, a girl who was wearing a string of rosary beads as a necklace.  The teen admired the strand of beads and mentioned to the girl wearing them that she “really liked her rosary beads”.  The girl thanked her noting she thought they looked good with the outfit and that was why she wore them.

Celebrities have been using religious symbols as fashion for generations now.  From Madonna to The Jersey Shore’s “Situation”,  we can see these sacred symbols of our faith bandied about with what MAY APPEAR TO BE no regard to their significance.

I have been challenged by this as well and, while able to empathize with the Y@SB teen, I offered some thoughts to challenge her (and now all of you)…. the next time we notice a celebrity, teen or any person wearing a religious symbol we could:

1)  see it as God’s reminder to us that he is present in our day – in this case, the person is bringing God to our attention…
or
2)   consider it God’s way of reminding us of his living presence within the other person, whether the recognize it or not…
or
3)  give the person the benefit of the doubt and see it as a “seed planted that could someday produce great fruit”…
or
4)  take it as an invitation to say a quick prayer – for the person, for ourselves, and for our world…

Are you up for the challenge?  There will be plenty of opportunities to exercise these suggestions in your day to day activities.

Peace… Vince

February 6th
All parents of children in our Religious Education Program are invited to….

Tuesday, January 31st
January seems to have come and gone rather quietly, at least weather wise. January 25 was the Feast of St. Paul. You can find the story of his faith experiences beginning in Chapter 9 of the Acts of the Apostles in the Bible.

A special feast day on Wed. February 1 is the Feast of the Patroness of our parish, St. Brigid.  St. Brigid lived in Ireland. When her dad was very sick, she wove a cross for him out of straw. When you come to our church on Post Ave , you may see a replica of it on various occasions over the presider’s chair behind the altar. The cross has come to be known as St. Brigid’s Cross.  It is also the parish logo, seen on the Bulletin and the parish website.

St. Brigid is known to have helped others find hope in their life and offering shelter to travelers. She is one of Ireland’s favorite saints.  We love you too!  Pray to St. Brigid for hope in the midst of difficult times for many families and our country.

We are celebrating the Feast of St. Brigid at the 9am Mass on Wed. Feb. 1 at our church on Post Ave. Hospitality will follow at St. Anthony’s Hall across the street.
See photos from last’s years mass.

February 2 has been declared by the Holy Father as World Day for Religious and
Consecrated Life. Who are Religious Sisters and Brothers and Religious Priests?  Well, we still have a few Sisters ministering in our Parish. Sister Marie Patrick SSND (School Sister of Notre Dame) , Sister Bruno FDM, Sister Cecilia FDM, (Daughters of Mary). Sister Ann Horn OP, Sister Liz Gill OP and Sister Julie Thompson OP. (Dominican Sisters).  We also have some Sisters who live in the parish and minister elsewhere or are retired. We have two Priests who are part of a Religious Congregation of the Montfort Fathers: Father Ronel Charelus (“Father Chacha”) and Father Wismick Jean-Charles.

Sisters, Brothers and Priests from Religious Congregations dedicate their life in a special way to God. They live in their respective congregations to bring about the Kingdom of God. They take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience to show their love for God . If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask any of them. Maybe you might consider becoming a Sister, Brother or Priest from a religious congregation, someday.
Check out this entry on the family blog about someone interested in being a religious sister.

Upcoming Events:  
Feb. 18, 2012  Mardi Gras at St. Brigid in St. Brigid/Our Lady of Hope School
Code Auditorium..6-10 PM. Fun, Games, Raffles, Prizes and Music…Costume Parade, Dinner
Tickets available in Parish Center and Religious Education Office
Prior to Event: Adult $10 Child age 6-12 $5. age 5 and under Free
Tickets at Door: Adult $15  Child age 6-12 $7  age 5 and under Free
See the YouTube video here:

General Note: If Religious Education classes are cancelled due to inclement weather (Snow– of course we’ve been VERY blessed without snow for most of the winter) please check Channel 12 News or call our office phone.
Thank you. Sister Ann

 Fifty years ago hundreds of Americans boarded buses in the south in an attempt to integrate a segregated part of our country.  Some were beaten,  many arrested and jailed.  And today this generation of civil rights protestors is beginning to pass away.  While we still have ‘living history’ among us,  we’re happy to welcome four of the freedom riders to Saint Brigid’s this coming Sunday night along with several gospel choirs as we celebrate Martin Luther King Weekend.

We encourage you to bring children (middle school age and up) to be part of this historic night.  It runs from 7pm to 9:00pm in the church.  Refreshments afterwards at St. Anthony’s Hall.

See more information here: http://www.saintbrigid.net/winterindex12/mlk.html

Where can you bring your family for very little money and have a really fun time with the community?   It’s the annual Saint Brigid’s Mardi Gras, to be held on the evening of  Saturday, February 18th.  Save the date and plan on bringing the whole family.

But wait! Are you the kind of person who not only likes to party but likes to plan parties?   Right now the Mardi Gras Committee is looking for some enthusiastic adults to be part of the preparation for this amazing night. Sometimes people know they’d like to get more involved in the church community,  but with all the busy things that go on,  they know they can’t make a long term commitment. But the Mardi Gras Committee is that perfect way to give a little time (only a few meetings before February 18th) and you can make a big difference in making this a successful night.
To let us know you’re interested contact Vince at youth@saintbrigid.net or call him at 334-0021 ext 142.

Want to see pictures from a past Mardi Gras?  Check out:
http://www.saintbrigid.net/pow/album08/mardigras/celebrationedit/celpage.htm

One more idea — Mardi Gras is multi-generational.  If a member of the older generation is living with you (or nearby)  why not invite him/her to come to the planning meeting with you. They’ll get out of the house,  have some fun,   and make a contribution to our wonderful event.  (Of course if you need them to babysit while you’re at the meeting, they could contribute to the cause that way too.)    Looking forward to seeing YOU!

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Later this year over 700 families will get their free copy of the Parish Photo Album.  Will your family be included?   Once the photographers go back home  (they’re from out of state) the photo sessions will be over.  We’ve added some new February photo dates so be sure to call
(877) 764-4535 to book your 15 minutes.  Every family gets a free album and a free 8×10 portrait.  Additional photos are available for purchase but NO purchase is required.  So… how about it?  When the book comes out will you and your children be included?  For information on the available dates go to:  http://www.saintbrigid.net/y_upcoming/photoalbum.html

We’ll be doing our next album in ten years,  so don’t miss out on this opportunity.

First we want to wish all of you a Happy New Year and pray that God’s blessings will be upon you and your family throughout the year ahead.

Classes are back in session starting today and we look forward to seeing everyone again after a wonderful Christmas.  (Note:  Teen Classes start again NEXT week and the Level II Confirmation classes start again the week of January 23rd.)

Here are some things of interest we want to call to your attention…

PARISH PHOTO ALBUM
Over 600 families have signed up and many have already had their photos taken for this parish ‘yearbook’ — although we won’t do another one for ten years.  So be sure you’re signed up.  You get a free album and a free 8×10 portrait just for participating. (You can buy other photos if you’d like but there’s no requirement to do so.)
Check out these people who had their photos taken over the past couple of weeks…

For info on how YOU can sign up (and hurry…dates are closing out fast)
go to http://www.saintbrigid.net/y_upcoming/photoalbum.html 

FIRST RECONCILIATION
The group photos of the children who celebrated their first reconciliation are online.
http://www.saintbrigid.net/communion/communion12/reconciliation11/rec11.html
Click on the photo of the session your family attended and you can print out a large photo of the children.  And parents,  if you haven’t already done so,  please fill in our survey here:
http://www.saintbrigid.net/communion/communion12/reconciliation11/recfeed.html
Thank you!

CONFIRMATION • LEVEL ONE
For those who did not yet become candidates for Confirmation,  Father Ralph says he’s been enjoying meeting individually with those who still wish to do so.  E-mail him at
shepherd@saintbrigid.net to set up a meeting.
Here’s a couple of photos from the Rite of Acceptance…

 And we’re still waiting to hear feedback from the candidate and their parents.  You can take of that right here:
http://www.saintbrigid.net/confweb/12conf/accept/feedback.html

ARE YOU SUBSCRIBED?
If you haven’t subscribed to this blog,  you might miss out on some important info in the days ahead.  Be the first to know about the date of Confirmation and other updates.
Simply go to: http://www.saintbrigid.net/blog/reled/subscribe-for-free and enter your e-mail address.

If the Friday after Thanksgiving was called “Black Friday,”  the weeks before Christmas (the four weeks of Advent) might be called “Purple Weeks.”  When the priest wears purple vestments,  you can tell your children that it is a “getting ready” season.  (Advent is the “getting ready” season for Christmas.  Lent is the “getting ready season” for Easter.)

This time of year we are getting ready for Jesus to come — not just at Christmas,  but did you know he’s coming into your life now?  In fact on the first Sunday of Advent in our new missal we ask God to help us to “run” to Jesus.  Question: How can we lead our children to Jesus?

Here are a few things you can do with your children for Advent.

MAKE AN ADVENT WREATH…
There are many ways to do this.  CLICK HERE for an article on how to make a basic advent wreath.   Start this week by lighting the first candle.  Then each week,  light another candle so that by the fourth week all four candles are burning.

JOIN IN THE ADVENT PAGEANT ON DECEMBER 17th at 3pm…

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Two rehearsals will be held in St. Brigid Church

Rehearsal Dates
Thursday, December 8th from 4:30 – 5:30 pm Dress Rehearsal – Wednesday, December 14th from 4:30 – 5:30 pm

We’re looking for angels and shepherds of all ages. Simply come to rehearsal. If you are in 2nd, 3rd or 4th grade and are interested in one of our lead parts (Mary, Joseph, Innkeepers, Wise Ones, Angel Gabriel, or Shepherd Angel), submit your name by November 28th.

Of course, we will need a baby Jesus. So if you know of a baby who is six months or younger, please submit his or her name as well.

Submit names to: Liz Hegarty at 997-5089 or ehegarty@optonline.net
or Karen Simons at 876-2163 or karenmsimons@hotmail.com

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Hey Mom and Dad!  NEED SOME BABYSITTING SO YOU CAN DO SOME SHOPPING?  

Our teen group at St. Brigid’s, Youth@SaintBrigid once again offers
parents the chance to do some holiday shopping and leave the kids with us.

On Saturday, December 10 from 1pm-5pm and again on Sunday, December 11
from 2pm-5:45pm babysitting services are available for children ages 4-12.

One child $20, 2 children $25, 3 children $30 for the session.

Please bring a bagged lunch for your child.  Snacks and juices will be
available.
Advanced registration is required as there is limited space.
Please e-mail the names, ages and date you are interested along with your
phone number to youth@saintbrigid.net by Thursday, December 8.

Bring your kids to BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AND SAINT NICHOLAS

On Sunday, December 4th, St. Brigid/Our Lady of Hope School will again be hosting a breakfast for ALL parish families.  We start by attending the 9:15 Mass in the school chapel with the children and their parents.  Breakfast then is served in Code Auditorium.
Advance tickets are DEFINITELY needed for the Breakfast (of course no tickets are needed for the mass.)  Tickets are only $5 per person and are available at the Parish Center and at the school office.

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We Begin “Roman Missal 3.0″ this Sunday!

For the past month Father Greg and Father Ralph have been teaching the children in our program about the new missal.  On this,  the first Sunday of Advent,  we start with the new prayer.  Please be sure to bring your family as we start this new way of praying.
And remind your children, when the priest says “The Lord be with you.”  all should respond: “And with your spirit.”

ONE LAST THING>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Check out our FAMILY BLOG for daily help to raising your children (and yourself) in the faith.

We just want to wish you a safe and Happy Halloween!
And to remind you that there are no regular religion classes this week.

TOMORROW (Tuesday) is All Saints Day — one of the Holy Days in the church.
Come see our “saints” on the lawn:

 
And come to Mass with your family.  Haloween at 5pm or Tuesday,
ALL SAINTS DAY at 7am,  9am, 12:10pm or 7:30pm
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Wednesday is All Soul’s Day when we pray for all our loved ones who died.
In addition to the morning masses (7am, 9am 12:10pm)  we have a special 8pm Candleight Mass for those who died and were buried from St. Brigid’ds during the past year.
All are invited.