Next Friday we celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day.  Saint Patrick joins Saint Brigid as one of the patron saints of Ireland.  Major parades take place in cities such as New York, Savannah, and Atlanta celebrating the life of Saint Patrick, and his contributions to the Catholic faith and to Irish culture.  It is a special day for many of our priests who were born in Ireland and who faithfully serve the Archdiocese of Atlanta.

Saint Patrick was a priest and later became a bishop in the fifth century.  As a youth, he lived in Britain, was kidnapped and taken to Ireland where he lived as a servant.  After about six years, he escaped and went back to Britain.  He later returned to Ireland as a missionary and taught the people about the Christian God and prepared many of them for baptism and entrance into the Catholic Church.  Saint Patrick often made use of a shamrock, a three-leaf clover, to teach about the Trinity (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).  He worked tirelessly in his ministry and won a very special place in the hearts of the Irish people.

The following “Prayer to Saint Patrick” expresses thanks for his great contributions to our faith.

O The O great Apostle of Ireland,
glorious Saint Patrick,
to whom under God so many are indebted
for the most precious of all treasures, the great gift of Faith,
receive our fervent thanks for the zeal and charity
which have been to thousands the source of blessings so invaluable.
Ask for all who dwell in this land and the land of thy labors,
the precious light of Faith,
and beg for us on whom its glorious rays have long since beamed,
the grace to regulate our lives by its sacred maxims.
Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, we are reminded that the bishops of Ireland stated that Saint Patrick was called to serve and bring God to a people far from his homeland.  They quoted from “The Confession of Saint Patrick” in which Saint Patrick said, “May it never befall me to be separated by my God from his people whom he has won in this remote land.  I pray God that he gives me perseverance, and that he will deign that I should be a faithful witness for his sake right up to the time of my passing.”

As we take these words to heart, we are reminded that Saint Patrick prayed for perseverance to be a faithful witness to the Gospel as he embraced the mission and ministry of Christ.  We, likewise, are challenged to be faithful witnesses as we wait to celebrate the Easter Resurrection of Jesus.

During the season of Lent, Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, invites us to enter more fully into the spirit of sacrifice, renewal, and repentance.  We can engage in prayer, almsgiving, and fasting if we are physically able, and also avail ourselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  In addition, we may embrace this invitation in various other ways such as by praying the “Stations of the Cross”.  As reported in the publication, “The Catholic World Report”, Pope Francis encouraged the faithful to pray the “Stations” and stated, “The Cross of Christ bears the suffering and the sin of mankind, including our own.”

The publication “Catholic Online” noted that “The Stations of the Cross are a 14-step Catholic devotion that commemorates Jesus Christ’s last day on Earth as a man.  The 14 devotions, or stations, focus on specific events of His last day, beginning with His condemnation.  The stations are commonly used as a mini pilgrimage as the individual moves from station to station.  At each station, the individual recalls and meditates on a specific event from Christ’s last day.”  It further states that “The Stations of the Cross are commonly found in churches as a series of 14 small icons or images.”

They are prayed “…, especially on Good Friday, the day of the year upon which the events actually occurred”.   Recently at the end of the Stations of the Cross, Pope Francis said the following prayer emphasizing repentance and reconciliation:

Take us by the hand, like a Father,
that we may not turn away from You.
Turn our rebellious hearts to Your heart, that we may learn to follow plans of peace.
Make enemies shake hands,
that they may taste mutual forgiveness.
Disarm the hand raised by one brother against the other,
that where there is hatred, peace may flourish.
Amen

As we reflect on this prayer, we may note that each Friday during Lent we are invited to come together as a faith community to pray the “Stations of the Cross.”  We begin at 7 pm with a brief reflection by one of our deacons.  The reflection focuses on a theme that addresses our Lenten challenges and concerns.  “Stations” then follow at 7:15 pm.

Praying the “Stations” can provide us with an opportunity to avail ourselves of abundant spiritual graces.  Commemorating the Passion of Jesus through the “Stations” can help us to more clearly witness our faith and assist us on our spiritual journey.

We are strongly encouraged to prayerfully consider making the “Stations” an integral part of our Lenten observance.

This week we will offer a Lenten Parish Mission on Monday, February 27th, and Tuesday, February 28th.  A Parish Mission
can provide an opportunity for spiritual growth as we strive to renew and strengthen our relationship with the Lord.  The
Mission will be presented by Fr. Herald J. Brock of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and will focus on the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, and on the Eucharist as food for our spiritual journey.  It will also focus on the power of the Eucharist to assist in the need for reconciliation and healing at this time of the Church year.

Lent is a good time to seek healing. It is a time to reflect on the wounds and slights that all too often impact our relationships with family members and friends.  Lent is a time to consider which way we are heading, and how we may be able to alter our spiritual course. It is also a good time to confront the temptations that are all around us.  These temptations are very real and very powerful.  The Mission can help us embrace the Eucharist, and assist us in our efforts to resist these temptations, as we strive to make real and substantive progress on our Lenten journey.

As we know, Jesus came to call sinners, not the self-righteous. As previously mentioned, one of our leading Catholic scholars reminds us that sin has both a personal and communal dimension.  Sin clouds the mind in moral confusion, and closes the heart to God’s love and truth.  But in God’s light, we see sin for what it really is.  When we sin, it does not necessarily mean that we are bad people.  It means that we are missing the mark and refusing to listen to God’s word and obey His will.  As a way to get back on the mark and follow the light of Christ, our Church places a special emphasis on the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  We are invited to avail ourselves of this Sacrament during the Lenten season.  Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we can cleanse our souls as we prepare for the commemoration of the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

We are invited to attend our Mission and enhance our appreciation for the Eucharist and gain some practical insights on how we can better live our lives as followers of Christ.  We will offer morning and evening sessions.  Details concerning the Mission can be obtained from the Parish bulletin and website as well as from the Parish office.

I hope that you will prayerfully consider joining us for this Mission and avail yourself of this special time of grace.

This Wednesday, February 22nd, in the Church year is Ash Wednesday.  It is a day of fasting and abstinence.  Guidelines concerning fasting and abstinence are included in our Parish bulletin and on our Parish website.  Ash Wednesday derives its name from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of people as a reminder of human mortality, and as a sign of repentance and contrition.  Many people will attend Church on this day to receive ashes as they strive to enter into the spirit of the season.  Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season.  Lent is the time, approximating forty days of reflection and penance leading up to Easter.

The “Lenten Prayer” on below, provided by Catholic Online reflects the spirit of the Lenten season.

Almighty and Everlasting God, You have given the human race Jesus Christ our Savior as a model of humility. 

He fulfilled Your Will by becoming Man and giving His life on the Cross.

Help us to bear witness to You by following His example of suffering and make us worthy to share in His Resurrection. 

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son.   Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, we are encouraged to strive to unite our hearts with the Lord in a very substantive way.  During this special time in the Church year, we can therefore turn to God and seek spiritual renewal in heart, mind, and body through the disciplines of Lent: prayer, almsgiving, and fasting if we are physically able.

We can respond to the challenge to truly strive to turn away from sin and toward the living God, and we can avail ourselves of the sacrament of Reconciliation.  The sacrament is not here to punish us, but rather to get us closer to the God who loves us.  It is here to heal, not to condemn, and to get us back on track spiritually.  We will provide additional opportunities for the sacrament of Reconciliation during the Lenten season.

As an aid to our Lenten journey, a schedule of important dates, events, and liturgies during Lent and Holy Week can be found on the Parish website.  During this journey, we are challenged to go beyond our comfort zones and experience the love and mercy of the Lord in a very profound way.  Please take every opportunity to avail yourself of this special time of grace as we prepare to celebrate the Easter Resurrection of Our Lord.

As a parish community, we are blessed to be a part of the vibrant Archdiocese of Atlanta.  The Archdiocese shares in the mission of the universal Church . One way it does this is through the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal.

Next weekend we initiate discussion of the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal for 2023 at our Masses.  The theme of the Appeal is “Do this in Memory of Me.”  At this time, Catholics are invited to make a significant pledge so that we can meet the spiritual, educational, and temporal needs of our parishes and its people.

Archbishop Hartmayer stated, “The Annual Appeal provides an opportunity for us to put our faith into action by putting the gifts with which the Lord has blessed us in the service of others.  As the main source of funding for all the ministerial, outreach, education, formation and discipleship work of the Archdiocese of Atlanta, your sacrificial gift giving allows us to continue the work of Christ throughout our Archdiocese.”

Specifically, a substantial portion of our contributions to the Appeal provide funds that go directly to the training and support of future happy, holy, and healthy priests needed to serve the Church of tomorrow.  Our contributions are also used for the training and formation of permanent deacons and others in religious life.  Through your generosity and your prayers, vocations are being embraced as we go forth in service of the one, holy, Catholic and apostolic Church.

In addition, the Appeal supports Catholic Charities which continues to make a focused effort to assist homeless military veterans in the Atlanta area and in other local areas, and to help to stabilize their lives with housing and employment assistance.  The Appeal also supports priest retirement programs as well as other Archdiocesan pastoral outreach, education, and formation programs that serve our Parish as well as our larger Church community.

We invite you to prayerfully consider making a pledge to the 2023 Appeal and ask you to give generously and sacrificially.  We thank all who have already given via the mail or online.  For those who have not yet contributed, we ask you to make a commitment using a pledge envelope that will be provided during Mass next weekend.  Information about the Appeal has been provided in the Church Bulletin and on the Parish website.

My brothers and sisters in Christ, we are challenged to respond in faith to this invitation and request.
Thank you for all you do to support our Church community.

Many of us know someone in our community who is grieving at this time over the loss of a spouse.  We may know parishioners, friends, neighbors, relatives and others who are in mourning.  As reported by Vatican News, Pope Francis stated that “widowhood is a particularly difficult experience.”  Widows, as well as widowers, may feel lonely and isolated.  They may have trouble coping after many years of being at the side of a loving spouse, and sharing a life together.

In the spirit of Pope Francis, we can especially reach out to widows and widowers.  As Catholics, and as a faith community, most of us are usually attentive to those who have recently lost a spouse.  But as time passes, our attentiveness may wane.  We are encouraged to be more aware that people grieve in different ways, and they grieve for different lengths of time.  At Saint Brigid, we have a Grief Care Ministry in which widows and widowers meet periodically during the year to discuss how they are coping with life without their spouses.

At Saint Brigid, our widows and widowers are also encouraged to come together as members of our New Beginnings Ministry.  The group meets for dinner and fellowship on the first Thursday of each month.  They share experiences and memories.  In addition, at appropriate times of the year, they attend Mass for their deceased spouses prior to their monthly dinner.

The following “Prayer of Widows and Widowers” may reflect the feelings of many who have lost a spouse:

“Lord Jesus Christ, during Your earthly life You showed compassion to those who had lost a loved one.
Turn your compassionate eyes on me in my sorrow over the loss of my life’s partner.
Fill this emptiness until we are together again in Your heavenly kingdom as a reward for our earthly service.
Help me to cope with my loss by relying on You even more than before.
teach me to adapt to the new conditions of my life and to continue doing Your will.
Enable me to avoid withdrawing from life and make me give myself to others more readily,
so that I may continue to live in Your grace and to do the task that You have laid out for me.

As we reflect on this prayer, we are encouraged to strive to become more sensitive to those widows and widowers who are truly grieving and assist them in their time of healing.  Maybe we visit them on a periodic basis, or call them occasionally, or invite them to a Church or community function.  What may seem as small gestures by us may be viewed as thoughtful acts of kindness by them.  In these and many other ways, as a faith community, we can continue to answer our call to discipleship.

This week we celebrate “Catholic Schools Week,” with the theme of “Catholic Schools: Faith, Excellence, Service.”    Catholic education has always been a priority for the Catholic bishops of our nation.  For many years, Catholic schools had been staffed primarily by dedicated nuns, religious brothers, and priests.  They are now staffed primarily by dedicated lay teachers who truly view teaching as their vocation.  These teachers strive to educate and form students who will embrace and spread the faith.

The National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), stated, “Catholic schools have a specific purpose to form students to be good citizens of the world, love God and neighbor and enrich society with the leaven of the gospel and by the example of faith.  As communities of faith, Catholic schools instill in students their destiny to become saints.  Academic excellence is the hallmark of Catholic education intentionally directed to the growth of the whole person – mind, body, and spirit.  Finally, service is fundamental to Catholic education and the core of Catholic discipleship.  Service is intended to help form people who are not only witnesses to Catholic social teaching but also active participants through social learning.”

As we reflect on these comments, and as we celebrate Catholic Schools Week, it is appropriate to note that this coming Wednesday, we will also celebrate the feast day of Saint Brigid of Kildare, the patron saint of our Parish.  She is also the patron saint of students.  Catholic education was very important to her.  Saint Brigid worked to see that the Catholic faith was taught clearly and thoroughly, and she founded several schools.

Saint Brigid was an Irish Christian nun who was known for her extraordinary spirituality.  Along with Saint Patrick and others, she played a major role in making Ireland a Christian nation.  Many would travel long distances to seek her spiritual advice and counsel.  Many were led to the faith through her words and actions.

She is traditionally associated with the Cross of Saint Brigid, which is made from reeds or straw and is often placed in homes for blessing and protection.  Saint Brigid is also associated with Christian charity and is celebrated for her generosity to those in need.   It was said that she could not bear to see anyone cold or hungry since she truly believed that Christ dwelt in every person.  She labored among the less fortunate with love and compassion.  Her love of God and love of neighbor were obvious to all who knew her.

As we celebrate the life of our patron saint, may we also look to her for guidance and strive to follow her example.

Saint Brigid, intercede for us.  Saint Brigid, pray for us.

This week we celebrate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.  With the world in great turmoil, the concern for Christian unity is something that is very important to Pope Francis.  As reported in the media outlet “Vatican News”, he said, “…the path to unity is important”, and he further noted, “It is also good that we, God’s faithful people, go on the journey together.”  He invited Christians to journey together “in seeking God boldly and in concrete ways” and to “keep our gaze ever fixed on Christ” while remaining “close to one another in prayer.”

The following Prayer for Christian Unity was provided by “Catholic Online”:

Eternal Father, we praise You for sending Your Son to be one of us and to save us. 

Look upon Your people with mercy, for we are divided in so many ways,

  and give us the Spirit of Jesus to make us one in love. 

We ask this gift, loving Father, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

In our desire for unity, as Catholics, we are called to respect the fundamental dignity of the human person and hope to see that dignity reflected in all of God’s children.  This respect for God’s children is reflected in the work of the Mustard Seed Communities (MSC).

MSC was organized by Catholic priests and reaches out to children in various parts of the world, especially those who are poor, ill, and marginalized.  It focuses primarily on caring for abandoned children with special needs.  MSC also provides a home for teenage mothers and their babies.  Many of these mothers have been disenfranchised from their families, and they need emotional, spiritual, and financial support.  MSC strives to find the face of Christ in those most in need.

Saint Brigid Parish supports MSC primarily through its spiritual and financial assistance.  Our parishioners also participate in the construction of appropriate housing for children in need.  In addition, parishioners have adopted children from the various communities of MSC.

Representatives of MSC will be available after the Masses next weekend to answer questions about MSC and the work it does.  Our Holy Father reminds us that we can foster Christian unity through the help we give to the poor, the sick, and the marginalized.  He said that we need to see each child as a gift to be welcomed, cherished, and protected.  MSC strives to love and protect the most vulnerable of our children.  Our assistance to MSC can help it in its important mission as we stand united in our support of the least of our brothers and sisters.

This Monday as a nation we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  In honoring his legacy, we recognize his great efforts in shedding light on the need to respect the fundamental dignity of the human person.  We honor his important work in addressing and in overcoming many of the racial injustices of the past in our country.  In one of his powerful messages, he voiced hope that “…the dark clouds of racial prejudice will soon pass away, and that in some not-too-distant tomorrow, the radiant stars of love and brotherhood will shine over our great nation with all their scintillating beauty.”   As we reflect on these words, and on his efforts, we also acknowledge that much still needs to be done to heal wounds and divisions that continue to exist in our nation.

As Catholics, we are called to respect the fundamental dignity of the human person and hope to see that dignity be granted to all of God’s children, including our preborn brothers and sisters.  This support for the fundamental dignity of the human person and the sanctity of life will be emphasized on this coming Friday, as Archbishop Hartmayer celebrates a special Mass for the Preborn at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Atlanta.  All are invited to attend.

“A Short Prayer for the Unborn” provided by “Human Life International” reflects our concern for unborn human life. :

Dear Heavenly Father,
You have placed a love for preborn babies in the hearts of so many of us.
Help us spread this love throughout our country.
Help us teach the sanctity of human life to those who neither see nor understand it.
Guide us as we work to protect all babies from abortion.
Teach us to show Your compassion to both moms and their babies so that they come to understand the meaning of selfless love.
And please hold all Your children safe in Your arms.
In Your holy name, we pray.   Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, Our Holy Father Pope Francis has challenged us to bear witness not only to the value and sacredness of the preborn, but also to the elderly, and the physically and mentally ill.  He also asked us to be compassionate toward those suffering from the painful trauma of abortion and to pray for their healing.

Our Church teaches that all life is precious and worthy of protection.  Therefore, we are invited to take to heart the examples of Dr. King and Pope Francis and do our part in promoting the dignity of the human person as we continue our journey of faith.           

  This Sunday we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord.  On this day, we focus on the wise men, the Magi who were on a difficult journey of faith to encounter the Lord.  They faced many risks and obstacles on their journey.  These risks and obstacles included the danger inherent in traveling on a difficult and arduous journey.  They probably battled the hot blazing sun by day and the freezing cold at night.  They were probably, at times, hungry, frustrated, and tempted to turn back.  Yet, they persevered on their journey to encounter Christ.

Commenting on this journey, Our Holy Father Pope Francis stated, “The Magi teach us that we need to set out anew each day, in life as in faith, for faith is not a suit of armor that encases us; instead, it is a fascinating journey, a constant and restless movement, ever in search of God, always discerning our way forward.”

As we reflect on these words, we realize that like the wise men we also are on a difficult journey of faith to encounter the Lord, and we also face many obstacles.  We may encounter obstacles in the form of friends, co-workers and even loved ones who subject us to ridicule because we dare to search for the Lord in our lives.

In addition, we may encounter those in our society who do not want to include a place for the Lord in our marriages, in our homes, or in our schools.  We may also have to deal with our own pride, stubbornness, and selfishness which may be serious obstacles for us.

Fortunately, like the wise men, we do not undertake our spiritual journey alone.  Like these wise men, we are part of a community, a family of faith.  We journey and persevere as a community of faith, despite the risks and obstacles which we may encounter on a daily basis.  As a community of faith, we can assist each other in overcoming the many obstacles we face.  We need each other’s guidance; we need each other’s support; we need each other’s encouragement; we need each other’s prayers.

Pope Francis, in the past, has challenged us, as Catholics, to be a more integral part of the Church.  He spoke of the need for community and the bond of unity and sharing that should mark the lives of all Christians on their spiritual journey.

As we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, as disciples, we can lift each other up spiritually as we reaffirm our commitment to strive to give honor and glory to the Lord who loves us.

This Sunday we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, as we start a New Year.  As reported in the media outlet, “Catholic News Agency”, our Holy Father Pope Francis encouraged the faithful to begin the New Year by placing their lives under the protection of Mary, the Mother of God.  He stated, “At the beginning of the New Year, then, let us place ourselves under the protection of this woman, the Mother of God, who is also our mother.  May she help us to keep and ponder all things, unafraid of trials and with the joyful certainty that the Lord is faithful and can transform every cross into a resurrection.”

Pope Francis also encouraged the faithful to look to Mary as a model and to follow her example of holiness.  He also challenged the faithful, as disciples, to take a more spiritual focus to the New Year, in the midst of the many temptations of the secular world.

This hope for a more spiritual focus is reflected in the following “A New Year Prayer”.

Lord, You make things new,
You bring hope alive in our hearts and cause our Spirits to be born again.
Thank You for this New Year for all the potential it holds.
Come and kindle in us a mighty flame so that in our time, 
many will see the wonders of God and live forever to praise Your glorious name.  Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, as we begin the New Year, and as we celebrate today the Solemnity of Mary, we are invited to take to heart the words of Our Holy Father.  At this time of the year, many of us make resolutions to renew or revitalize our lives in certain ways.  We may resolve to lose weight, exercise more frequently, or be more punctual.  But many of us may fail to reflect on ways that we can renew or revitalize our lives spiritually.

Maybe we can embrace a more spiritual focus by making more time for scripture reading and reflection.  We can also possibly make a more concerted effort to pray each day, preferably as a family.  It may be before meals or at a certain time of the day.  Maybe we can attend daily Mass or embrace some activity that will be spiritually beneficial.  Whatever we do, hopefully, it will bring us closer to the Lord who loves us.

On behalf of Fr. Darragh, Fr. Bill, our Deacons, and the staff at Saint Brigid, we wish you many spiritual blessings as our New Year commences.

My brothers and sisters in Christ:  At Christmas, Christ comes into the world and our lives as a sign of the love God has for us.  The Christmas Season should be a time of prayer and reflection, wonder, and silence as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Light of the world.

In a Christmas message as reported by “Vatican News”, Pope Francis spoke about this need to focus on silence.  He stated, “Christmas is preferring the silent voice of God to the noisiness of consumerism.  If we can be silent in front of the crib, Christmas will be a surprise even for us, not something seen before.”  He reminded the faithful that we will celebrate Christmas well, “if, like Joseph, we will give space to silence, if, like Mary, we say ‘here I am’ to God, if, like Jesus, we will be close to those who are alone, if, like the shepherds, we will leave our enclosures to be with Jesus.”

As we reflect on these profound insights of Our Holy Father, we are invited to take to heart these words taken from Psalm 46: “…Be still and know that I am God, exalted among all nations, exalted in the earth.”  At this special time of the year, may we truly be still and hear His voice in the silence of our hearts, and allow the light of His Son to shine through the darkness of our world and the darkness of our lives.  My prayer for all of us is that in the midst of the darkness of this increasingly secular world, we will have the wisdom to embrace the spiritual peace that Jesus offers us.  As a community of faith, may we truly experience the joy and love of the Lord this Christmas as we continue to strive for peace in our world, peace in our homes, and peace in our hearts.

As disciples, we have much for which to be thankful.  As a parish community, we join in thanking God for the many blessings He has bestowed upon us, our families, and our nation.  We especially thank Him for the gift of His Son.

As we celebrate the birthday of Christ, I want to thank you for all you do to enhance the spiritual vitality of our parish, especially in these difficult and uncertain times.  I am deeply grateful for your willingness to embrace a spirit of generosity which, in so many ways, has enriched and strengthened our many programs, ministries, and activities, and has greatly fostered vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and religious life.

On behalf of Fr. Darragh, Fr. Bill, our Deacons, and staff, I wish you and your loved ones a blessed Christmas and a happy, healthy, and holy New Year.  May you experience the wonder of the Lord’s peace and joy in many profound and mysterious ways.

It is a privilege to serve you and our faith community.

During this great Season of Advent, many of us may get caught up in the “busyness” of the season.  With all the temptations and distractions of the season, it is very easy to lose our spiritual focus.  The media does so much to commercialize the season, and all too often they influence our actions.  Many of us are busy going shopping; we are busy going to parties; we are busy making travel plans.  But in the midst of all this “busyness”, are we really preparing spiritually for the coming of the Christ Child?

In our Sunday gospels during Advent, the call to prepare for Christ comes primarily from John the Baptist.  He truly wants us to place our focus on the coming of Christ.  John serves as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments.  He is the last of the Old Testament prophets who point the way to the Messiah.  He is the first of the New Testament witnesses and martyrs.  Some regard him as a crazy person who lived in the desert, wore strange clothes, and eat exotic foods.  Yet there is nothing strange or crazy or exotic about his message.   It is very clear; very practical; very prudent; and very challenging.   He, in essence, tells us to prepare for the coming of the Lord, acknowledge our shortcomings and failures, repent of our sins, and change our hearts.

With great humility, he acknowledges that his role is subordinate to that of Jesus.  John says, “I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of His sandals” and acknowledges that he must decrease, and Jesus must increase.  He is the voice urging us to make way for the Lord and prepare for His coming.

As we strive to prepare spiritually for the coming of the Lord, we are reminded that this Sunday, we will celebrate a Mass for the repose of the soul of our beloved former pastor, Monsignor Paul Reynolds at 11:00 am.  He shepherded his congregation here at Saint Brigid from 2006 until his death in 2010.  He was a priest of great wisdom and insight and truly appreciated the opportunity to serve the people entrusted to his care.

As we reflect on the memory of Monsignor Reynolds and the example of John the Baptist, we know the Lord is ready to come to us.  Are we able to avoid distractions and step back from our “busyness” and truly focus on His coming?  Are we ready to open our hearts to receive Him?  Hopefully, through prayer and discernment, we will truly get our spiritual priorities in order as we get ready to receive Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

This Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent, we celebrate Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday.  Our Holy Father Pope Francis has referred to it as “The Sunday of Joy”.  He continues to call upon the faithful to strive to avoid the commercialism of the Advent Season as we wait in joyful anticipation of the coming of the Christ Child.  He challenges us to heed the call of John the Baptist, acknowledge our shortcomings and failures, repent of our sins, and change our hearts.

We also celebrate on Monday the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  She is the patroness of the United States, Mexico, and all of the Americas, as well as the protector of the unborn.  She is a religious as well as a cultural figure to the people of Mexico.  In 1531, she appeared in a vision of a humble peasant farmer named Juan Diego near Mexico City.  The appearance of Our Lady of Guadalupe helped generate the conversion of Mexico and Latin America to Catholicism.  Her feast day is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm throughout the Americas and helps the faithful embrace the joy of the gospel message.

As reported by the media publication “National Catholic Register”, Pope Francis called upon the people of the Americas to embrace the spirit of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  He stated, “…like Juan Diego, we know that here is our Mother.  We know that we are under her shadow and her protection, which is the source of our joy, and that we are in the cross of her arms.”

The following “A Prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe”, provided by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, asks for the intercession and guidance of Our Lady of Guadalupe:

Remember, O most gracious Virgin of Guadalupe, that in your apparitions on Mount Tepeyac you promised to show pity and compassion to all who, loving and trusting you, seek your help and protection.
Accordingly, listen now to our supplications and grant us consolation and relief.  We are full of hope that by relying on your help, nothing can trouble or affect us.
As you have remained with us through your admirable image, so now obtain for us the graces we need.  Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, as we consider the profound words of Our Holy Father, and as we remember the example of Our Lady of Guadalupe, may we truly embrace the joys and blessings of this season as we continue and persevere on our Advent journey of faith.

Our Advent Season continues as we strive to remain watchful and alert as we prepare for the coming of the Lord.   This past week we sponsored our Advent Parish Mission and it was pleasing to see so many of our parishioners and friends in attendance.   The focus on our understanding of the Mass, and on the hope we experience as we await the coming of the Christ Child, helped many to more fully embrace the true spirit of Advent.

This spirit continues as we celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mother this coming Thursday and affirm our belief that our Mother Mary was blessed among women and was preserved from original sin from the moment of her conception.  As reported in the media outlet “Catholic News Agency”, Pope Francis, reflecting on the feast of the Immaculate Conception, stated that this feast is “one of the wonders of the story of salvation.”  He further noted, “The uncontaminated beauty of our Mother is incomparable, but at the same time it attracts us.  Let us entrust ourselves to her and say ‘no’ to sin and ‘yes’ to Grace once and for all.”

The following “Prayer to the Immaculate Conception” encourages us to seek the intercession of Mary as we continue on our journey of faith during this special Season.

O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
did prepare a worthy dwelling place for Your Son,
we beseech You that, as by the foreseen death of this,
Your Son, You did preserve Her from all stain,
so too You would permit us, purified through her intercession,
to come to You.
Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, world without end.  Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, on the profound words of Our Holy Father, and as we focus on this great feast of Mary, we are encouraged to avail ourselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the Season of Advent.  Please be aware that we will have additional priests available at appropriate times to assist us during the Season.  The Sacrament is here to heal us spiritually and get us closer to the Lord who loves us.  Please check the parish bulletin or the parish website for additional times and dates for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Our Church leaders challenge us to maintain a strong spiritual focus during our Advent journey and strive to avoid the commercialism of the Season.  We are invited through prayer, works of charity, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation to truly prepare ourselves for the coming of Our Lord, Our Savior, Our King of Kings.

This Sunday begins the Season of Advent.  It is a special time in the Church year as we prepare for the coming of the Lord.  Advent holds out the hope and desires to see the light of Christ shine through the darkness of our world.   As reported in a major Catholic publication, Our Holy Father Pope Francis focused on the importance of hope during Advent.   He stated, “I invite everyone to renewed Hope, for hope speaks to us of something deeply rooted in every human heart, independently of our circumstances and historical conditioning.   Hope speaks to us as a thirst, an aspiration, a longing for a life of fulfillment.”   He called on us to “live in hope” during Advent.

As we reflect on these words of Our Holy Father, and as we begin our Advent Season, we are pleased to sponsor an Advent Parish Mission presented by Fr. Martin Connor, an experienced mission leader and spiritual director with the Legionairies of Christ.   A Parish Mission can be viewed as an opportunity for spiritual reflection and conversion.   It also can provide an opportunity to change hearts and transform lives as we renew and strengthen our relationship with Our Lord.

At this special time, we are urged to remain watchful and vigilant as we wait in joyful anticipation for the coming of the Lord.   This Christmas we are invited to give the Lord the gift of a pure heart by being spiritually prepared for His coming.   During the Mission, Fr. Martin will speak about more fully understanding and appreciating the Mass, and the joy we experience as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child.   He will also focus on the hope-filled meaning of Advent.

There will be time for prayer and reflection.  The message of Father Martin should resonate with all people of goodwill including families, young adults, and teens.

We invite you to come to this Mission.   Please invite your friends, especially those Catholics who may have been away from the Church for some time and for some reason.   Through God’s grace, you may be instrumental in getting your friends to return to the precious faith we love and cherish.

The Advent Mission will take place this Tuesday, November 29^th, and Wednesday, November 30^th.   There will be both morning and evening sessions for your convenience.   Details concerning the Mission can be obtained from the Parish bulletin and website as well as from the Parish office.

We invite you to participate in the Parish Mission and avail yourself of this special time of grace

This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe as we approach the end of the liturgical year of our Church.  We remember in a special way what Christ means to us, what Christ did for us, and that we are called to serve the King of Kings.

This coming Thursday, we also celebrate Thanksgiving Day, and we are encouraged to give thanks for the many blessings that the Lord has bestowed on us.  As in the past, we pray that Thanksgiving Day will not be commercialized, but rather will truly be a time for reflection and thanksgiving.  It is so easy to get caught up in shopping frenzies, travel plans, and other situations that can distract us from the truly important significance of this day.

The word “Eucharist” means “giving thanks” and we are invited to attend Mass on Thanksgiving Day. If possible, we are also encouraged to share a meal with loved ones.  As we attend Mass and as we enjoy a meal together, we can reflect on our blessings and thank God for the gifts of our life, our health, our family, our friends, and our vocations. We can also give thanks for the gift of our precious faith, and for the opportunity to serve our brothers and sisters, especially our brothers and sisters in need at this time of the year.

The following “Thanksgiving Day Prayer” provided by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops reflects the significance of the day:

Lord, we thank You for the goodness of our people and for the spirit of justice that fills our nation.

We thank You for the beauty and fullness of the land and the challenge of the cities.

We thank You for our work and our rest, for one another, and for our homes.

We thank You, Lord: accept our thanksgiving on this day.

We pray and give thanks through Jesus Christ, our Lord.   Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, our bishops suggest that beginning Monday, the days before Thanksgiving be set aside for deeds of charity, for penance, and for prayers for economic justice. Our bishops are painfully aware that many people are marginalized in some way and continue to suffer in these difficult and uncertain times.  e can also pray that Thanksgiving Day will truly be a time to thank God for prayers answered and blessings received.

On behalf of the priests, deacons, and staff at Saint Brigid, I give thanks for our Saint Brigid faith community and I pray that your Thanksgiving Day will be a blessed one.

Next Saturday Bishop Shlesinger will administer the Sacrament of Confirmation at Saint Brigid to approximately 150 of our teens.  Confirmation along with Baptism and the Holy Eucharist comprise the Sacraments of Christian Initiation.

Our Catechism reminds the faithful of the need for proper preparation for the Sacrament.  It states, “Preparation for Confirmation should aim at leading the Christian toward a more intimate union with Christ and a livelier familiarity with the Holy Spirit – His actions, His gifts, and responsibilities of the Christian life.  To this end, catechesis for Confirmation should strive to awaken a sense of belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ, the universal Church as well as the parish community.”

Those who will receive this Sacrament have spent much time in instruction, reflection, and prayer.  Their preparation also included time for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and for a spiritual retreat.  As part of their preparation, candidates for Confirmation are asked to select the name of a saint as their Confirmation name.  The saint can serve as an example of Christian living.  Candidates also receive the spiritual guidance and dedicated support of a sponsor who walks with them on their Christian journey.

Pope Francis has noted the importance of the Sacrament of Confirmation in the spiritual growth in the life of a Christian.  He reflected on Confirmation at one of his General Audiences and stated: “The rite of Confirmation recalls and renews the promises made at Baptism and invokes a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit.  Just as Jesus received the outpouring of the Spirit at His baptism in order to carry out His messianic mission, the Church prays that we too may receive the gifts and fruits of the Spirit that enable us to help the Body of Christ grow in unity and missionary zeal.”  He also noted that, “

The following “Confirmation Prayer” from the media outlet, “Prayerist” asks the Lord to open the hearts of candidates for Confirmation to the Holy Spirit:

Lord, You send out Your Spirit to touch the hearts of all people, so they may believe in You and in Jesus whom You sent.  Look kindly on all candidates for Confirmation as they listen to Your voice.  Open their hearts to Your Spirit and bring to fulfillment the good work that You have begun in them.
As we prepare these children for Confirmation, make us an instrument of Your love.  Teach us to appreciate what is holy in others, and to be patient with what we do not understand.  Deepen our faith in the Gospel and help us to pass it on by our example.  We pray that You will continue to guide us and sustain us.  Through Christ, our Lord.  Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, and on the words of Pope Francis, and as we get ready to celebrate this great Sacrament, we are encouraged, as a community of faith, to continue to pray for our Confirmation candidates, their coordinators, and sponsors.                                                                                             

This Sunday is World Mission Sunday.  Pope Francis, in his message for this day, stated, “Christ was the first to be sent, as a ‘missionary’ of the Father, and as such, He is the Father’s ‘faithful witness.  In a similar way, every Christian is called to be a missionary and witness to Christ.  And the Church, the community of Christ’s disciples, has no other mission than that of bringing the Gospel to the entire world by bearing witness to Christ.  To evangelize is the very identity of the Church.”

Our Holy Father, embracing the words of Jesus, focused on what he called the three foundations of the life and mission of every disciple: “You shall be my witnesses”, “to the ends of the earth”, and “you shall receive the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Pope Francis reminded us that, “The celebration of World Mission Day is also an occasion for reaffirming how prayer, reflection, and the material help of your offerings are so many opportunities to participate actively in the mission of Jesus in His Church.”

As Catholics, we are to personally identify ourselves as disciples of Christ.  We are challenged to see the face of Christ in others and to reach out to those in need.  As previously noted, we can spread Christian awareness through our involvement with the Saint Vincent DePaul Society, Catholic Charities, and other organizations which encourage Christian outreach.  In addition, we can spread the Gospel message by encouraging our civil leaders to enact laws that promote Catholic social teaching, especially in areas concerning the unborn, marriage, and the family.

The following “Prayer for World Mission Sunday” from the media outlet, “Prayerist” reflects the spirit of this day:

Heavenly Father, when Your only begotten Son Jesus Christ rose from the dead, He commissioned His followers to go and make disciples of all nations, and You remind us that through Baptism we are made sharers in the mission of the Church.
Empower us by the gifts of the Holy Spirit to be courageous and zealous in bearing witness to the Gospel, so that the mission entrusted to the Church, which is still very far from completion, may find new and efficacious expressions that bring life and light to the world.
Help us make it possible for all peoples to experience the saving love and mercy of Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit.   One God, forever and ever.  Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, on the profound words of Pope Francis, and as we celebrate World Mission Sunday, we are challenged to be witnesses to Christ as we strive to truly embrace the missionary spirit of our precious faith.

This coming Tuesday,  November 1^st,  we celebrate All Saints Day.  The Catholic Church recognizes this day as a Holy Day of Obligation.  Speaking on the significance of this day, as reported by the media outlet, “Catholic News Service”, Our Holy Father, Pope Francis reminded the faithful that Christian joy is a sign of holiness that bears witness to God’s love.  He stated, “The saints, even amid tribulations, have experienced this joy and have borne witness to it.”

As we reflect on these words of Pope Francis, we remember in a very special way on this day the many saints who came before us, holy men and women marked with the sign of faith.  They set such good examples for us. and we can strive to model our behavior after them and follow their holy way of life.  We are challenged to learn from them and to learn more about them.  Many of them were ordinary people who were guided by the Lord to do extraordinary things.  We are encouraged to seek the intercession of our saints as we pray for wisdom and guidance and continue on our journey of faith.

Then on Wednesday, November 2^nd, we commemorate All Souls Day.  It is a day to honor and pray for all souls.  We especially pray for our deceased relatives, friends, neighbors, parishioners, co-workers, and all who shared their lives with us.  Our Holy Father encouraged us to attend Mass and receive the Eucharist on this day, noting that it is the best spiritual help that we can give to the souls who have gone before us.

In addition, on Wednesday, November 2^nd, at 7 p.m., we will celebrate a Mass of Remembrance.  As in the past, we will honor the memory of those loved ones who have died, including those who have died recently.  A litany of names and an offering of roses with appropriate lighting candles will mark this special occasion.

As Catholics, we are encouraged, especially during this first week of November, to visit grave sites as we strive to honor our dead and to bring spiritual peace and consolation to families who mourn for their loved ones.

We can also give thanks to all those who give of their time to participate in our bereavement and grief-sharing ministries, and who do so much to assist families in their time of mourning and grief.  They provide these families with much comfort and guidance.

We are invited to honor our deceased loved ones and our great saints by participating in our Church liturgies on these very special days.

All Saints and All Souls Day – Saint Brigid Catholic Church

As we know, various surveys have shown that many Catholics, unfortunately, do not practice their faith on a regular basis.  They appear to take their faith for granted.  However, the Catholic Church is blessed to have many converts who have embraced the faith and truly appreciate it.  They go through a process of inquiry, understanding, and catechesis prior to conversion.

Our faith community has vibrant programs for those adults and children interested in becoming Catholic, and for those baptized Catholics who have not yet received the sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation.  The programs are the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), and the Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC).  Adults and children are invited to learn about the Catholic Church, and they make the free choice to embrace Catholic teaching and become members of the Church.

Many who have participated in past programs have commented on how enriching the programs were as they grew in their knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith.  They appreciated the great support provided by program coordinators, instructors, and sponsors.  Many have become active members of our faith community.

As explained in the publication, Our Sunday Visitor (OSV), as previously noted, “Catholic parishes offer inquiry sessions that allow seekers to examine the Catholic faith more closely.  During these sessions, participants ask questions, explore Catholic teachings, and discover what it means to be a Catholic Christian.  These sessions are designed to offer accurate information about the Catholic Church – with no strings attached.  If participants feel the desire to become Catholic, they may move into a deeper level of faith formation that focuses on prayer, sharing, community, and reflection, called the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults.”

The steps in the RCIA process, as explained in OSV are as follows:

* The Precatechumenate, or period of inquiry, welcomes newcomers to ask questions as they begin to learn more about the Church.

* The Catechumenate is a time of serious formation, often with others who are inquiring about the faith.

* The Period of Purification and Enlightenment, “which coincides with Lent, is a period of continued instruction coupled with more intensive preparation and prayer.  This period culminates with the Sacraments of Initiation (baptism, confirmation, holy Eucharist), bringing the candidates and catechumens into the full communion of the Catholic Church, usually at the Easter Vigil.  (A candidate is a baptized Christian; a catechumen is an unbaptized candidate.)”
* The Mystagogy is the time “after the newly initiated has been fully received into the Church; it lasts from Easter to Pentecost.

All of these stages are marked by distinct liturgical rites.  The process is similar, but more simplified, for children participating in the RCIC program.

Our parish RCIA and RCIC programs for the year have begun, but it is not too late to participate.  We expect that many in the programs will receive the appropriate sacraments at the Easter Vigil next year.   If you know of someone who may be interested in the programs, please contact our parish office or any of our clergy.

The month of October, in our faith tradition, is dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary.  During this month, on October 7^th,  we celebrated the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary and we honored our Mother Mary who has encouraged the faithful to pray the Rosary.

Pope Benedict XVI has a great appreciation for Mary and the Rosary.  During his papacy, as reported in the media outlet, “Catholic Culture”, in an address at the Basilica of St. Mary Major where he prayed the Rosary with the faithful, he stated that the Rosary “helps to put Christ at the center, as the Virgin did, who meditated within all that was said about her Son, and also what he did and said.  When reciting the Rosary, the important and meaningful moments of salvation history are relived.  The various steps of Christ’s mission are traced.  With Mary, the heart is oriented toward the mystery of Jesus.  Christ is put at the center of our life, of our time, of our city, through the contemplation and mediation of his holy mysteries of joy, light, sorrow, and glory.”

St. Therese of Lisieux, a great mystic, also urged the faithful to pray the Rosary.  She stated, “The Rosary is a long chain that links heaven and earth.  One end of it is in our hands and the other end is in the hands of the Holy Virgin. The Rosary prayer rises like incense to the feet of the Almighty.”

The following prayer to Mary reflects one’s desire to truly appreciate the importance of the Rosary:

Queen of the Holy Rosary, you have deigned to come to Fatima and Medjugorje to reveal to the three shepherd children and six visionaries, the treasures of grace hidden in the Rosary.
Inspire my heart with a sincere love of this devotion, in order that by meditating on the mysteries of our Redemption which are recalled in it, I may obtain peace for the world, the conversion of sinners, and the favors which I ask of you in this Rosary.
I ask it for the greater glory of God, for Your own honor, and for the good of souls, especially my own.  Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, and the words of Pope Benedict and St. Therese, we are reminded that at Saint Brigid, we have various Rosary ministries and Marian devotions in which our parishioners actively participate.  For example, many parishioners pray the Rosary before the 9 am daily Mass.  Others pray the Rosary online on Tuesday evenings.  Still, others participate in a Living Rosary on various Marian feast days, where the Rosary is brought to life with individuals representing each bead of the Rosary.

As Catholics, we are encouraged to pray the Rosary, especially, if possible, as a family, as we continue on our journey of faith in these difficult and uncertain times.

This Sunday we celebrate Respect Life Sunday.  As Catholics, we are encouraged to promote the dignity of all human life from conception until natural death.  Archbishop Hartmayer has encouraged us to promote the Gospel of Life, and protect and cherish the lives of the elderly, the physically and mentally challenged, and the unborn.  He recently stated, “Laws alone cannot establish a culture of life in our nation.  Catholics and people of goodwill must dedicate themselves to this work.  All human life is sacred.  No civil law can counter this truth.”  He also noted, “…we will never stop working to protect women and their babies.”

The following “Respect for Life Prayer” provided by “Catholics Online” asks St. Francis to help us truly embrace a reverence for life:

Gentle St. Francis, you were devoted to the humanity of Christ. 

Your heart burst with appreciation toward God for taking on human life.  You saw beauty and goodness in all living things – in birds that sing, the fish that fill our waters, and all that lives in nature.

 Help us to imitate your reverence for life wherever it may be.   Especially, humble Francis of Assisi, help us to help others to see the worth of every living, unborn baby sheltered in its mother’s womb.  

May all mankind have the grace to understand that these tiny, budding lives have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer and on the profound words of Archbishop Hartmayer, this Sunday we are invited to reaffirm our appreciation for the precious gift of life.  There will be a series of “Life Chains” which will be conducted throughout the Archdiocese of Atlanta.  We are invited to participate in the “Life Chain” that will be held between 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Old Alabama Road in an area which will include the space in front of our Church.  The “Life Chain” will be a peaceful, public, and prayerful witness concerning the dignity of all life, especially the lives of the unborn.  We will pray for our nation and its people and we will be exercising our responsibility to speak out on behalf of the value of life.

Our bishops have encouraged us to be voices for the voiceless, to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.  We are challenged to commit ourselves publicly to the protection of all human life as we strive to enhance the moral integrity of our great nation.   If we cannot be at the “Life Chain” in Johns Creek this Sunday, we are invited to speak for the most vulnerable through prayer in the silence of our hearts.

May God continue to bless you and your families for all you do to embrace and promote a culture of life.

This Sunday in the United States we celebrate Priesthood Sunday.  It is a special day set aside to honor the priesthood and is traditionally celebrated on the last Sunday in September.  The day is coordinated by the USA Council of Serra International.  It is a day to reflect upon and affirm the role of the priesthood in the life of the Church as we strive to raise vocation awareness in a special way.

In a recent address, as reported by the media outlet, Catholic News Service, Pope Francis stated the priest should embrace a “style of closeness, a style of compassion, a style of tenderness.”  Our Holy Father noted that priests must be close to God in prayer, close to their bishop, close to one another, and close to their people.
The following “Prayer for Priests” from St. Therese of the Child Jesus, asks Our Lord to continue to guide and protect all priests in the midst of the trials and temptations of this world.

O Jesus, Eternal Priest, keep Your priests within the shelter of Your Most Sacred Heart, where none can touch them.
Keep unstained their anointed hands, which daily touch Your Sacred Body.
Keep unsullied their lips daily tinged with Your Precious blood.
Keep pure and unworldly their hearts, sealed with the sublime mark of the priesthood.
Let Your Holy Love surround and protect them from the world’s contagion.
Bless their labors with abundant fruit, and may the souls to whom they minister be their joy and consolation here, and their everlasting crown in the hereafter. Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, as previously noted, we are reminded that Jesus has called His priests to serve not to be served.  He said in John 12:26, “Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be.  The Father will honor whoever serves me.”  As priests, we are challenged to go forth with a renewed appreciation for Jesus and His ministry. We are called to be truly willing to serve Our Lord, the Church, and its people.  As we celebrate this day, I am reminded that it is a great privilege and responsibility to be a priest, and I thank God each day for the gift of my vocation.
As a faith community, we are encouraged to pray for holy, happy, and healthy priests to serve the Church of tomorrow.  On behalf of Fr. Darragh and Fr. Bill, and all the priests who assist us in some way at Saint Brigid, I thank you for your continued prayers and support.

This Sunday, the Catholic Church celebrates Catechetical Sunday.  The theme this year is: “This is My Body Given for You.”  The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops stated, “Catechetical Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the role that each person plays, by virtue of Baptism, in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel.”

We have been blessed at Saint Brigid with many dedicated catechists who teach our faith to children and adults.  They generously give their time and talent to serve the needs of our people.  Their enthusiasm and passion are greatly appreciated.  They truly help others grow in their knowledge and understanding of the faith.  Some catechists teach at various times of the week and to a variety of groups of the faithful.  Many of our catechists face unique challenges in teaching, due primarily to the sustained impact of the COVID-19 virus.

Our Holy Father, Pope Francis has a great appreciation for catechists.  As reported by the media outlet, “Catholic News Agency”, reporter Courtney Mares noted that Pope Francis stated:

“Catechists have the vital responsibility of leading others to a personal encounter with Jesus through prayer, the Sacraments, and Scripture…. and a catechist is a Christian who remembers that the important thing is to talk about God, about His love and fidelity.”

Pope Francis has also recently instituted a formal ministry for catechists which enhances the importance and credibility of their role in teaching the faith.

The following prayer called “A PRAYER FOR CATECHISTS”, from Loyola Press expresses thanksgiving for the privilege to serve as a catechist:

Loving God, Creator of all things, You call us to be in relationship with You and others.
Thank You for calling me to be a catechist, for the opportunity to share with others what You have given to me.
May all those with whom I share the gift of faith discover how You are present in all things.
May they come to know You, the one true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.  May the grace of the Holy Spirit guide my heart and lips so that I may remain constant in loving and praising You.
May I be a witness to the Gospel and a minister of Your truth.  May all my words and actions reflect Your love.  Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, we are encouraged to thank those catechists, with whom we interact, for all they do to build up the Kingdom of God.

This Sunday marks the twenty-first anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.  Many paused recently to focus on the events of that day.  We as a nation recall the tragic deaths and injuries that occurred at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and on the fields of Shanksville, Pennsylvania.  We also acknowledge the dangers and violence in our unstable world that continue to confront us.  Evidence of the dangers and violence can be seen in our news media on a regular basis.

Commenting on the tragedy commonly referred to as “9/11”, as previously noted, the United States Catholic Bishops stated, “After September 11, we are a wounded people.  We share loss and pain, anger and fear, shock and determination in the face of these attacks on our nation and our humanity.  We also honor the selflessness of firefighters, police, chaplains, and other brave individuals who gave their lives in the service of others.  They are true heroes and heroines.”

As Catholics, we are challenged to respond in faith to the pressing concerns of our brothers and sisters in need and to remember in a special way all those who suffered in some way on that fateful day of September 11, 2001, and in its aftermath.  We are also provided with the opportunity to explain to some of our young people, who were not with us at that time, about the dedication and sacrifices of so many.

The following “9/11 PRAYER” asks Our Heavenly Father to guide and bless us as we continue to cope with the impact of that horrific day:

Father of mercy and compassion,

On this 21^st anniversary of 9/11, we ask You to bless all who still grieve the losses of that horrific day and all who continue to struggle with issues of health and wellness in the aftermath.  While we can rebuild buildings that are damaged, only You, dear Lord, can restore hearts that are broken.

Strengthen our faith, dear Lord, so that we may continue to believe that death is not the last word.  Strengthen our hope, dear Father, that we shall all someday stand together in the glory of Your Kingdom. 

Deepen our love, dear Lord, that we may never allow evil or terrorism to bring darkness to our hearts; sustain us in our efforts to conquer all evil with acts of loving goodness.

We ask all of this in the name of Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.   Amen.  

As we reflect on this prayer, we are encouraged to continue to ask for the special intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Queen of Peace, as we pray for peace in our world, peace in our homes, and peace in our hearts.

As a nation, we celebrate Labor Day. On this day we honor all those who labor for a living. We are encouraged to thank them for their service to their families, and for their service to all those who benefit from their efforts. In addition, we can remember and pray for all those who are now retired after many years of labor, and for the unemployed and underemployed. We can also pray for those laborers impacted by the COVID-19 Virus in these difficult and uncertain times.

The Catholic Church focuses on the dignity of the human person, and the dignity of labor since labor is clearly important to the human experience. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (2427, 2428) states:

“Human work proceeds directly from persons created in the image of God and called to prolong the work of creation.”

“Work honors the Creator’s gifts and the talents received from him.”

“In work, the person exercises and fulfills in part the potential inscribed in his nature. The primordial value of labor stems from man himself, its author, and its beneficiary.”

“Everyone should draw from work the means of providing for his life and that of his family, and of serving the human community.”

The following excerpt from the “PRAYER FOR LABOR DAY” provided by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops reflects the spirit of this day.

God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the worker.  Make a place in our hearts for compassion for the men and women who labor tirelessly for basic necessities.  Ensure a place for the men and women who are struggling to find work.

Grant us your wisdom to greet and care for those who are unable to work due to illness or circumstances that prevent their participation.  Be with the children who are not able to run and play, but instead must put in a hard day’s work to help their family afford to eat, to live.  Be with us all, Christ Jesus, as we go about the busyness of our work.

Hold us accountable not only for our actions but most importantly to each of our neighbors.  May we continue to work together to bring about your reign!  We ask this in your holy name, through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

One of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church is the Anointing of the Sick.  As reported by the media outlet, The National Catholic Register, Pope Francis indicated that the purpose of the sacrament is to bring Christ close to the recipient.  He stated, “Every time we celebrate this sacrament, the Lord Jesus, in the person of the priest, comes close to those who suffer and are gravely ill or elderly.”

Many of us know family members or other loved ones who have been ill, and who have availed themselves of this great sacrament.  It has been a source of comfort for many people.  As described in “Pastoral Care of the Sick”, as previously noted, our Church teaches that the Sacrament of Anointing is the proper sacrament for those Christians whose health is seriously impaired by sickness or old age.  It may be celebrated in the home, in a medical facility, or in Church.  The priest ministers the sacrament on behalf of the whole community.  The sacrament should be celebrated with members of the family and other representatives of the Christian community whenever this is possible.  The person to be anointed should also join in prayer if physically able.  The sick person is strengthened to fight against the physically and spiritually debilitating effects of illness.

The following “Prayer for the Sick”, from Catholic Online, encourages us to pray for those in our faith community who may be struggling with illness:

Father of goodness and love, hear our prayers for the sick members of our community and for all those who are in need.
Amid mental and physical suffering may they find consolation in Your healing presence.
Show Your mercy as You close wounds, cure illness, make broken bodies whole, and free downcast spirits.
May these special people find lasting health and deliverance, and so join us in thanking You for all Your gifts.
We ask this through the Lord Jesus who healed those who believed.   Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, we are reminded that the Church also allows for the Communal Anointing of the Sick.  This communal anointing should take place in a Church, chapel, or another appropriate place where the elderly and others can easily gather with proper distance and health precautions.  After a temporary pause due to the impact of the COVID-19 Virus, we once again offer the “Communal Anointing of the Sick” at Saint Brigid on the third Sunday of the month at 2:00 PM. 

We also offer individual anointing as needed primarily at the Church or in a medical facility.  We advise our parishioners and their loved ones to participate in this wonderful sacrament of healing when appropriate and avail themselves of the power of Our Lord’s saving grace.

Many families in our Saint Brigid faith community, in recent weeks, have returned from summer vacations.  Many of their children have enjoyed summer camps and other leisure activities, and have started another school year.  As families settle into a routine, this may be a good time to remind families of the need for daily prayer in the midst of their busy lives.   They can pray in many ways, such as praying before meals, praying the rosary, or praying to ask God to bless their daily activities.

Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has challenged families to pray together as a true sign of Christian witness.  He has often repeated the refrain: “The family that prays together, stays together.”  Pope Francis spoke of the Christian family as an institution that prays, keeps the faith, and experiences joy.  He reflected on the joy of living in a Christian family.  At the recent World Meeting of Families, as reported in the media outlet, “Catholic News Agency”, he stated, “Announce with joy the beauty of being a family!  Announce to children and young people the grace of Christian marriage.  Give hope to those who have none.”  He also stated, “Be the seed of a more fraternal world!  Be families with big hearts!  Be the welcoming face of the Church!  And please pray, always pray!”

The following prayer, composed by Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore, called “A Family Prayer”, reflects the desire of Our Holy Father for family unity and fidelity.  (www.kofc.org)

As we reflect on this prayer, and the profound words of Our Holy Father, and as our children adapt to the rigors and discipline of school, we are invited to make time to pray daily as a family as we seek to get closer to the Lord who loves us.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of our family.

Enlighten our hearts and minds that we may live more fully in this vocation to love.

In our daily life and work, may we reflect the self-giving love which you, O Father,                                     eternally show with your Son and the Holy Spirit.

Let your love be evident in the peace that reigns in our home and in the faith we profess and live.

  May our family always be a place of generosity, understanding, forgiveness, and joy.

Kindly give us the wisdom and courage to be witnesses to your eternal design for the family,

and grant that the Holy Family of Nazareth may always guide our path to holiness as a family.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ,
your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God forever and ever.  Amen.

This Monday, August 15th, we celebrate the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Mary.  It is not a holy day of obligation this year in the United States, but it still provides us with an opportunity to honor the Virgin Mary.   Mary is the mother of Jesus, the mother of our Church, and our mother.  She is a model of faithful discipleship.

Our Catechism states that “…the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain of original sin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things, so that she might be the more fully conformed to her Son, the Lord of lords and conqueror of sin and death.  The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is a singular participation in her Son’s Resurrection and an anticipation of the resurrection of other Christians.”

Our Holy Father, Pope Francis has encouraged Catholics to attend Mass, visit a Marian shrine or pray before a statue of Mary, or acknowledge her in some special way on the feast of the Assumption.  Commenting on this feast, as reported by the media outlet, “Catholic News Agency”, Pope Francis focused on the humility of Mary.  He stated, “Mary’s secret is humility.  It is beautiful to think that the humblest and loftiest creature in history, the first to win heaven with her entire being, in soul and body, lived out her life for the most part within the domestic walls, she lived out her life in the ordinary, in humility.”

The following “Prayer for the Assumption of Mary” from “Catholic Online” encourages us to follow the example of Mary:

Father in Heaven, all creation rightly gives You praise,

for all life and all holiness come from you.  In the plan of Your wisdom,

she who bore the Christ in her womb was raised body and soul in glory to be with Him in heaven. 

May we follow her example in reflecting Your holiness

and join in her hymn of endless love and praise.

  We ask this through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, we are reminded that we will have Masses at convenient times on Monday.  Please check the Church bulletin or website for details.

Encouraged by the Assumption of Mary, we are challenged by Our Holy Father to keep our focus on humbly loving and serving Jesus as we continue on our journey of faith.

Mary, Our Lady of the Rosary, intercede for us.

Mary, Our Lady of the Assumption, pray for us.

These special Mass celebrations are at 6:30 AM, 9:00 AM, and 12:00 Noon in the Sanctuary.