June 1, 2003
Beyond First Communion
Celebrating
Father Jim
Father
Jim is still awaiting word on where his new assignment will be. In the
meantime, we want to celebrate his life and ministry among us.
This past Saturday, we celebrated our parish volunteers and honored
Father Jim.
We will also celebrate a Mass on Friday, June 13th at 7:30pm in the
church, followed by a reception on St. Brigid’s Green. All are
invited.
Away
at College?
We'd
love to stay in touch.
To receive the “letter from home”, take this bulletin with
you to college as a reminder to send in your e-mail address. Just Click
Here!
Technology Ministry
If you’d like to give your time and expertise at helping our parish
connect its telephone systems or work on its website, you can let us
know by filling in our
online form
Want
to e-mail Father Ralph?
Past Columns:
May 24: Felicidades Manuel
May 18: Twenty Years Later
May 11: Bows for Peace
May 4: Upcoming Ordinations
April 27: One Heart One
Mind
April 20: Amazingly Graced
Days
April 13: Ashes to Palms
April 6:
God Embedded
March 30:
Pastoral Visits
March 23:
Turning Tables
March
16: Transfiguring Imagination
March
9: Beasts and Angels
March 2:
Lent and Imagination
Feb 23: Sorrow
Far and Wide
Feb 16: Saints
Feb 9: Columbia Lessons
Feb2: Giving At A Difficult
Time
Jan 26: Penny Power
& Catholic Schools
Jan19: Yet Another
Year
Jan 12: Stealing Jesus
Jan5: The Wise Still Come
From Afar
Columns from 2002
Over 300 children received the Eucharist
for the first time in May at St. Brigid’s. It has been wonderful
to see the joy and faith of these young people and their families. What’s
more, a lot of families have used this milestone to return to regular,
active participation in the church. I’ve seen so many children for
“second communion”, then “third communion”, and so
on.
Yet there are many whose intention has been
good, but who haven’t come back to church since that grace-filled
first communion day. I believe they need you at this time. You see, our
neighborhoods were filled with balloons and banners announcing the first
communion celebration and perhaps you (as a beloved neighbor) were invited
to stop over at the house to join in the party. Or at least you noticed
that the celebration was happening down the block. So now is the time
to reach out and be of spiritual encouragement. You can show interest
in such things as....How was first communion? What was the best part of
the day for you? And then you can witness about what coming to St. Brigid’s
means to you -- what you get out of being part of this parish family,
how going to church has helped your family.
A simple conversation like this can lead
to the encouragement that a family needs to come back to church in a strong
and regular way. We have a great chance to help people get closer to God
at this special time in their family’s life. Let’s love each
other enough to take that chance.
You are Person
