This Sunday marks the end of our Christmas Season as we celebrate the feast of the Baptism of the Lord.  The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that Baptism is “The first of the seven sacraments, and the ‘door’ which gives access to the other sacraments.  Baptism is the first and chief sacrament of forgiveness of sins because it unites us with Christ, who died for our sins and rose for our justification.”

The Catechism further notes that “Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist constitute the ‘sacraments of initiation’ by which a believer receives the remission of original and personal sin, begins a new life in Christ and the Holy Spirit, and is incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ.  The rite of Baptism consists in immersing the candidate in water, or pouring water on the head, while pronouncing the invocation of the Most Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”  Jesus began his public ministry after being baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River.

Baptisms are generally scheduled at least one month in advance at Saint Brigid.  Parents are required to attend a preparation class before the Baptism.  Families are encouraged to attend the Baptism of their loved ones.  Priests or deacons preside at the Sacrament, which is usually administered on the weekends in the Church Chapel.

Then next Sunday, January 18^th, we begin the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.  During that week, our bishops ask us to unite in prayer with our Christian brothers and sisters.  Our Holy Father Pope Leo stated, “…unity has always been a constant concern of mine, as witnessed by the motto I chose for my episcopal ministry: ‘In Illo uno unum’, an expression of Saint Augustine of Hippo that reminds us how we too, although we are many, ‘in the One – that is Christ – we are one’.  What is more, our communion is realized to the extent that we meet in the Lord Jesus.  The more faithful and obedient we are to him, the more united we are among ourselves.  We, Christians, then, are called to pray and work together to reach this goal, step by step, which is and remains the work of the Holy Spirit.”  Pope Leo encouraged the faithful to embrace a bond of unity and prayer that should mark the lives of all Christians as we strive to see the Light of Christ shine through the spiritual darkness of this world.

As we reflect on the profound words of Pope Leo, and as we focus on the Sacrament of Baptism, and as we continue in this New Year, we are invited to pray that a true sense of Christian harmony and unity will be embraced as we continue on 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. Progressing in faith, the Magi faced many risks and obstacles on their journey.  These risks and obstacles included the danger inherent in traveling on a difficult and arduous journey.  The Magi 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.

As we reflect on their journey of faith, 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.  These obstacles come in the form of temptations that can easily lead us away from the Lord.  Such temptations may be very real and very powerful.  For example, we may encounter friends, co-workers, and even loved ones who subject us to ridicule because we dare to search for a place for the Lord in our lives.  In addition, in this increasingly secular society, we may encounter those who do not want us 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 spiritual complacency.  Pope Leo has encouraged the faithful to strive to focus on the ways of the Lord as we begin this New Year.  This desire for a more spiritual focus in our lives is reflected in the following prayer, “Put God First” provided by the media outlet, “The Graceful Chapter”:

Heavenly Father,
I thank you for all that you do for me.
Thank you for the opportunity to see a new year.
Forgive me for all the times that I forgot to seek you first and did things my own way.
This year, help me to put you first in everything I do.
Remind me each and every day that I need you in my life.
Help me to love and desire you above all things.
As I step into the new year, I pray that you will be my guide and my protector.
Give me the strength and courage for the new year.
And direct me in all that I do. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer as we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, and as the New Year progresses, we are encouraged to strive to further encounter the Lord in some profound and personal way.

This Sunday we celebrate the feast of the Holy Family, the family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. As reported in the media publication, “Vatican News”, Pope Leo “acknowledged the real challenges facing families today, including poverty, migration, and violence, and urged both the Church and public institutions to support and protect family life.”  He noted that God gave families the perfect model, the Holy Family.  He stated, “In every child, in every husband or wife, God entrusts us with His Son, with His Mother, just as He did with Saint Joseph, so that together with them, we may be a foundation, leaven, and witness of God’s love among humanity.”

Echoing the sentiments of our late Holy Father Pope Francis, Pope Leo has challenged us to strive for spiritual unity and for the strengthening of families by following the example of the Holy Family, especially in these difficult and uncertain times.

Then, this coming Thursday, we begin the New Year, and we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. Pope Leo has encouraged the faithful to make a conscious effort to have a more spiritual orientation in their lives in the midst of the many temptations of the secular world.

This hope for a more spiritual orientation is reflected in the following prayer provide by the media outlet, “Daily Prayer Circle”:

Father, let our lives be fruitful this year.
May our efforts not be in vain.
Let our relationships bear fruit,
our work produce excellence,
and our ministry reach others.
May our spiritual lives overflow with love,
joy, peace, and self-control.
Let every season bring visible growth and lasting impact. Amen.

As we begin the New Year, and as we reflect on this prayer, many of us make resolutions to renew or revitalize our lives in certain ways. We may resolve to lose weight, or exercise more frequently, or be more punctual. But we can also consider ways that we can renew or revitalize our lives spiritually. One way we can embrace spiritual renewal is by praying each day, especially as a family if circumstances permit. It may be before meals. It may be at a certain time in the day. Most of us are busy people, with different schedules, often going in different directions within our family unit. So, it may require some discipline and structure to make the time to pray together but hopefully it will be spiritually beneficial.

On behalf of Msgr. Marren, Fr. Bill, Fr. Colin, our Deacons, and staff, we wish you and your families many spiritual blessings in the year to come.

As we approach the end of our Advent season, our Gospel today focuses on how the birth of Christ comes about; how Mary “was found with child through the Holy Spirit” and how the child was to be named Jesus.  In few days, we will celebrate the birth of Christ.  At Christmas, Christ comes into the world and into 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.

The following “Prayer for Christmas Season” provided by Daniel Ninanjan through the media outlet, “divine disclosures” reflects the essence of the season:

Eternal God, as we enter this sacred Christmas season,
we come before You with hearts full of anticipation and gratitude.
Thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, whose coming we celebrate during this special time.
As the world around us bustles with activity, help us to slow down
and reflect on the true meaning of this season.
May the twinkling lights remind us of the Light of the World,
the festive music echo the angels’ proclamation, and the spirits of giving mirror Your ultimate gifts to us.
During this Christmas season, open our eyes to see opportunities to share Your love with others.
Let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, the joy of His coming fill our spirits,
and the hope He brings renew our strength.
May this season be more than a fleeting celebration,
but a time of deep spiritual renewal and connection with You. Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, may we truly allow the light of Christ 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 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.  May God continue to guide and keep safe all those who may be travelling during the Christmas season.

As we get ready to celebrate the birthday of Christ, I want to thank you for all you do to enhance the spiritual vitality of our parish.  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 Msgr. Marren, Fr. Bill, Fr. Colin, 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.

Fr. Neil Herlihy

This Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent, we celebrate Gaudate (Rejoice) Sunday as we wait in joyful anticipation for the coming of the Christ Child.  In our gospels for Advent, the call to prepare for Christ comes primarily from John the Baptist.  He holds a unique position in salvation history.  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 John as some 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 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.  He says, “I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of His sandals” and acknowledges that he must decrease and Jesus must increase.

As we strive to prepare spiritually for the coming of the Lord, we are reminded that this Thursday, December 18^th at 9:00 am, we will celebrate a memorial Mass for our beloved former pastor, Monsignor Paul Reynolds.  He served as a priest in the Archdiocese of Atlanta for over forty years.  Monsignor Reynolds 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 disciples, the Season of Advent can serve as a good time for us to reflect on our spiritual priorities.  Unfortunately, during Advent many of us can get caught up in the “busyness” and distractions of the Season.  The media does so much to commercialize the Season, and all too often we may do the same.  We may be busy going shopping; we may be busy going to parties; we may be busy making travel plans.  But in the midst of all this “busyness”, are we really preparing spiritually for the coming of the Christ Child?

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

As a faith community, we continue on our Advent journey as we strive to remain watchful and alert as we prepare for the celebration of the birth of the Lord.  This past week we conducted our Advent Mission, and it was well received as Monsignor Marren helped us focus on the example of the Holy Family and to more fully embrace the true spirit of Advent as we await the coming of the Christ Child.

During Advent we continue to honor our Mother Mary in special ways.  This Monday, December 8^th, we honor Mary as we celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Conception.  Our Catechism states, “The dogma proclaimed in Christian Tradition and defined in 1854, that from the first moment of her conception, Mary – by the singular grace of God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ – was preserved immune from original sin.”  It is a Holy Day of Obligation, and our attendance at Mass should be viewed more as a privilege than an obligation.

Next Friday, December 12^th, we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, as we once again honor Mary, our Mother.  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 to 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 is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm throughout the Americas.  Pope Leo has a very special appreciation for this feast day, since he spent many years as a missionary and bishop in the Latin American nation of Peru.

As we focus on these two great feasts of our Church, please be aware that we will have additional opportunities during this season of Advent to avail ourselves of the great Sacrament of Reconciliation.   The Sacrament will be offered at various times in the mornings and the evenings.  It 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 for the Sacrament.

During this great season of Advent, my hope is that through our devotion to Mary, through our prayers and spiritual reflections, through our acts of charity, and through the healing provided by the Sacrament of Reconciliation, our hearts will be made ready to receive Our Lord, Our Savior, Our King of Kings.

This Sunday begins the season of Advent.  At this special time in the Church year, Advent holds out the hope and desire to see the light of Christ shine through the darkness of our world. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops stated, “The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and the anniversary of Our Lord’s birth on Christmas.”  It further noted, that “Our Advent readings call us to be alert and ready, not weighed down and distracted by the cares of this world.”

As we begin our Advent season, we are pleased to sponsor an Advent Parish Mission presented by Monsignor Hugh Marren, Senior pastor and teacher in the Archdiocese of Atlanta.  The theme of the mission is: “The Holy Family: A Model for Our Advent Journey.”

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, Monsignor Marren will speak about joys and sorrows and challenges embraced by Jesus, Mary and Joseph, and the example they set for us as we continue on our journey of faith.  He will also focus on the hope filled meaning of Advent.

There will be time for prayer and reflection.  The message of Monsignor Marren 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 on Monday, December 1st and Tuesday, December 2nd.  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, and 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.   The media outlet, “Young Catholics” stated, “Thanksgiving, then, is a good time for Catholics to practice this attitude of thankfulness.  It reminds us to thank God for the blessings we often take for granted – our food, our family, and our faith.”  The outlet further noted, “The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2638) says that every Christian prayer should include thanksgiving.  This means we should thank God at all times, not just when things are going well. God gives us every good thing.  Even in hard times, we can find reasons to be grateful because God is always with us.”

As we reflect on these words, we pray that Thanksgiving Day will not be commercialized but rather will truly be a time for appreciation and thanksgiving.  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.

The following “A Prayer for Thanksgiving” provided by “S. Sadlier” reflects the significance of the day:

Loving God,
We turn our hearts to you on this day for giving thanks on this day mindful of your many gifts.
For each one, we are grateful.
For each one, we are blessed.
For each one we are opened to the abundance of your love.
May this Thanksgiving Day offer a reminder to be generous with others, as you are with us.
We praise you.
We rejoice in you.
We give you thanks. 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. We 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, approximately 110 of our teens will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.  This sacrament along with Baptism and the Holy Eucharist comprise the sacraments of Christian Initiation.  Our Catechism states, “Confirmation completes the grace of Baptism by a special outpouring of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which seal or ‘confirm’ the baptized in union with Christ and equip them for active participation in the worship and apostolic life of the Church.”

As previously noted, those who will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation spend much time in instruction, reflection, and prayer.  Their preparation also includes time for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and for a spiritual retreat.  Our Catechism reminds the faithful of the need for proper preparation for the sacrament.  It indicates, “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 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.”

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 as they take this important step on their journey of faith.

This “Prayer for Confirmation Candidates” provided by the media outlet “Catholic Online” asks the Lord to guide those who will be receiving this timely sacrament:

Almighty God,
as these individuals prepare for their confirmation,
we ask that You fill their hearts with wisdom and courage.
May they feel Your presence guiding them
through this significant milestone in their spiritual journey.
Grant them the strength to stand firm in their faith
and the grace to embrace the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Holy Spirit, You are the giver of many gifts.
Open the hearts and minds of those being confirmed,
helping them to recognize and accept the goodness within themselves
and the potential they have to follow Christ.
May they be filled with joy and the fruit of Your Spirit,
enabling them to share Your love with the world.  Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, we are encouraged as a community of faith to continue to pray for our Confirmation candidates, their coordinators, and their sponsors.

This Tuesday, November 11^th, as a nation we celebrate Veterans Day.  In a special way on this day, we are encouraged to honor our men and women who have served in the armed forces and sacrificed so much on behalf of our country.  Many of us have loved ones who now have Veteran status.  Through their unselfishness and dedication, they made it possible for us to enjoy the freedoms provided in our nation.  We should appreciate their sacrifice and service and never take them for granted.  In addition, we should also remember the great sacrifices made by military chaplains who are Veterans and who have faithfully served the spiritual needs of our men and women in the armed forces and their families.

A we know, many of the Veterans in our nation continue to strive to adapt to civilian life.  Catholic Charities in Atlanta has made a concerted effort to assist Veterans to obtain adequate housing and has also provided needed spiritual, emotional, and financial support.  In addition, our Veterans Administration hospitals and treatment centers continue to strive to make necessary improvements in order to provide appropriate ongoing care for Veterans in need.

Archbishop Timothy Broglio, Archbishop for the Military Services, USA, in a recent Veterans Day address, stated, “Please stop today, remember, and say a prayer for our Veterans.  Especially, we cannot forget those who continue to suffer the effects of their wounds either in mind or in body.  They carry the reminders of their commitment and their past with them always.  We ask the Lord to give them consolation and healing.”  He further noted, “The occasion is also propitious to remember the families who mourn the loss of a loved one or who support a disabled veteran.  We pray and offer them our support.”

The following “A Prayer for Gratitude to Veterans”, from the media outlet, “Prayerlit”, reflects the essence of our appreciation for the sacrifice of our Veterans:

Dear God,
today we pause to reflect on the brave men and women
who have served our country with unwavering courage.
We thank You for their sacrifices, their strength, and their dedication.
Lord, bless each veteran with peace, healing, and comfort,
knowing their efforts have been deeply appreciated.
May they feel Your love surrounding them today and always.
Thank You, Lord, for the freedom we enjoy through their service.
Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, we are encouraged to continue to honor our Veterans through our prayers and expressions of gratitude, always appreciating their commitment and sacrifice.

This Sunday, November 2nd, 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.

The media outlet, Catholic News Agency, stated, “The theological basis for the feast is the doctrine that the souls which, on departing from the body are not perfectly cleansed from venial sins, or have not fully atoned for past transgressions, are debarred from the Beatific Vision and that the faithful on Earth can help them by prayers, almsgiving and especially the sacrifice of the Mass.”

The Catechism of the Catholic Church also notes that, “Through indulgences the faithful can obtain the remission of temporal punishment resulting from sin for themselves and also for the souls in Purgatory.”

Commenting on this day, shortly before his passing, our Holy Father Pope Francis stated, “Sadness mixes with hope and this is what we feel today in this celebration: the memory of our loved ones, … and hope.  But we also feel that this hope helps, because we, too, have to make a journey.  All of us will make this journey – sooner or later, but everyone, with pain – some more, some less – but all.  But with the flower of hope, with that strong thread of hope that is anchored in the hereafter.”

In addition, on Tuesday, November 4th, 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 of 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 for 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.

As we reflect on the profound words of Pope Francis, we are invited to honor our deceased loved ones by participating in our Church liturgies on these very special days.  Details concerning these liturgies can be found in the Parish bulletin and on the Parish website.

Next Saturday, November 1st, we celebrate All Saints Day.  It is not a Holy Day of Obligation this year, but it is still a day in which we remember in a very special way 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.

The saints were not perfect, but they made great spiritual progress.  Many of them taught the faith, such as the great Doctors of the Church, men such as Thomas Aquinas, and women such as Teresa of Avila.  Many were martyred for the faith such as Perpetua and Felicity and Maximilian Kolbe.  Other saints such as Vincent de Paul and Francis of Assisi and Teresa of Calcutta lived is solidarity with poor, the sick, and the outcast.  Mother Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first American born saint, lived out the joys and challenges of motherhood as she struggled to raise five children in difficult and uncertain times.  And Carlo Acutis, our most recent canonized saint, made great spiritual use of information technology.

As we reflect on the example of these saints, it is fair to say that many Americans, including Catholics, spend much time reading about celebrities.  Our culture seems to be enamored with singers and actors and ballplayers and other celebrities.  We read about them, and follow their careers, and we talk about their activities.  However, most of us would have to admit that we do not spend much time reading or talking about our saints who came before us.

We are challenged to learn from our saints, 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 their intercession as we pray for wisdom and guidance, and as we continue on our journey of faith.

And so, as we celebrate All Saints Day, we strive to continue to answer our call to discipleship and follow the way of the Lord.  We hope to one day join with the saints in the Kingdom of God, where we will see Our Lord face to face, and share in His eternal peace.  Therefore, we are privileged to proclaim –

Saints in heaven, intercede for us. Saints in heaven, pray for us.

This Sunday is World Mission Sunday. The theme for this Sunday, as provided by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, is “Missionaries of Hope Among All Peoples.” The bishops stated, “This theme emphasizes the Church’s mission to be a messenger of hope, calling all baptized individuals to be builders of hope in a world filled with uncertainty and despair.”

Bishop James Checchio of New Jersey reflected on the significance of this day, and on the missionary focus of Our Holy Father Pope Leo. He stated, “With the election of Pope Leo XIV as our Pope this past Spring, a priest who served as a missionary has become our chief shepherd! Pope Leo served in the missions both as a priest and bishop. I am not sure we have ever had a missionary elected pope in the history of the Church. That makes this October 19, 2025, a very special day as we celebrate World Mission Sunday.”

Bishop Checchio further noted, “We are called and instructed by Jesus to proclaim the Gospel to all nations. This day becomes our opportunity, united with Catholics around the world, to unite in prayer and solidarity to support the missionary work of the Church, ultimately overseen by our missionary Pope.”

As Catholics, 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:

Almighty God, you sent your Son Jesus Christ to
reconcile the world to yourself.
We praise and bless you for those whom you have sent
in the power of the spirit to preach the Gospel to all nations.
We thank you that in all parts of the earth
a community of love has been gathered together by their prayers and labors,
and that in every place your servants call upon your Name;
for the kingdom and the power and the glory are yours forever.
Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, 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.

On Sunday, Oct 19th, after our 11:  am Mass, we will host a “Deacon Appreciation” reception in Corbett Hall, honoring our Deacons in a special way.  The Catholic Church is blessed to have men serve as Permanent Deacons.  Those men who are called to the Permanent Deaconate can be married, and they are ordained usually after a rigorous period of five years of training and formation.

Many Permanent Deacons have secular jobs to support their families, and strive to balance family, Church, work and other responsibilities.  Permanent Deacons serve the Church in many ways.  They assist the priest at Mass, preach at Mass when appropriate, preside at baptisms, teach in our faith formation programs, visit the sick and the homebound, prepare couples for marriage, counsel couples who may be struggling in their marriages, preside at Benediction and Holy Hours, and participate in many of our Church ministries and activities.  They also strive to help those who are struggling or marginalized in some way find the spiritual, emotional, and material assistance they need.

We are blessed have many faithful, dedicated, and holy Deacons serving us at Saint Brigid.

This Sunday we celebrate Respect Life Sunday.  Our Holy Father, Pope Leo, has called for us to promote the Gospel of Life, and protect and cherish life from conception to natural death.  In the first week of his papacy, he affirmed the teaching of the Church about the sanctity of human life.  As reported in the media outlet “The Christian Post”, he stated, “no one is exempted from striving to ensure respect for the dignity of every person, especially the most frail and vulnerable, from the unborn to the elderly, from the sick to the unemployed, citizens and immigrants alike.”

As we reflect on the profound words of Pope Leo, 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, our people and our political leaders, and we will be exercising our responsibility to speak out on behalf of the sanctity of life.

The following “Prayer for Life” provided by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg asks God to renew a sense of appreciation for life in the hearts of the faithful:

Father and Maker of all, you adorn all creation with splendor and beauty, and fashion human lives in your image and likeness.

Awaken in every heart reverence for the work of your hands, and renew among your people a readiness to nurture and sustain your precious gift of life.

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

As we reflect on this prayer, 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 a culture of life.

This Sunday we celebrate Priesthood Sunday, a special day set aside to reflect upon and affirm the role of the priesthood in the life of the Church.  It is traditionally celebrated in September or October.  On this day we are reminded in a special way that the priest in the instrument of Christ’s ministry on earth.  It has been often said that without the priest there is no Eucharist.  Without the Eucharist, there is no Church.

In a recent address, as reported by the media outlet “Vatican News”, Pope Leo noted, “that a priest’s identity is rooted in union with Christ, the eternal high priest.”  He encouraged all priests to model their lives after Jesus and bind themselves to the people entrusted to their care.  He stated, “Consecrate yourselves to them – without separating, isolating, or turning the gift you’ve received into a privilege.”

The faithful are invited by our bishops, and by Serra International, the Knights of Columbus, and other Catholic organizations to foster a greater awareness of vocations.  We are encouraged to pray for future holy, happy, and healthy priests needed to serve the Church of tomorrow.  Our bishops also encourage the faithful to pray for vocations to the diaconate, religious life, the married state, and single life, since we are all called to a life of holiness.

Jesus has challenged His priests to be His servants, and to serve the least of His people.  Priests are encouraged to go forth with a true appreciation for Jesus and His ministry.  They are challenged to shepherd the people entrusted to their care, and to be humble disciples truly willing to serve the Church and its mission.

The following prayer called “A Prayer for Daily Strength” from the media outlet “Prayerlit” asks God to guide and support our priests:

Dear God,
please grant our priests the strength they need to carry out their daily duties with dedication and love.
Empower them with Your wisdom and fortitude to face the challenges of their ministry.
May they remain steadfast in their faith and resilient in their service, drawing strength from Your presence.
Help them to lead with courage and compassion, inspiring others through their commitment and example.  Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, and as we celebrate Priesthood Sunday, Monsignor Marren, Fr. Bill, Fr. Colin, and I appreciate the privilege and opportunity to celebrate Mass and to minister the sacraments to the people of Saint Brigid.  We thank you for your continued support and prayers.

This Sunday, the Catholic Church celebrates Catechetical Sunday.  The theme this year is: “Always be ready to give an explanation…for a reason for your hope.” (1 Pet: 3:15)  The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops stated, “The 2025 theme encourages us to be prepared to share the basis of our faith, the Lord, and the hope He provides.  In the same manner Saint Peter encouraged the believers of his time, the scripture reminds us that sharing should be done with gentleness and respect.”

We have been blessed at Saint Brigid with many dedicated catechists who teach our faith to children and adults.  They generously give of 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.

Our late Holy Father, Pope Francis, had a great appreciation for catechists.  As previously reported by the media outlet, “Catholic News Agency”, reporter Courtney Mares noted that “Pope Francis stated that catechists have the vital responsibility of leading others to a personal encounter with Jesus through prayer, the sacraments, and Scripture.”  She further noted that Pope Francis “told catechetical leaders that a catechist is a Christian who remembers that the important thing is …to talk about God, about His love and fidelity.”  Shortly before his death, Pope Francis had 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 to Seek Divine Guidance as a Catechist”, from the media outlet “Just One More Prayer”, expresses thanksgiving for the privilege to serve as a catechist:

Dear God,
As I embark on this journey as a catechist,
I humbly come before You seeking Your divine guidance and wisdom.
Help me to lead others closer to You with grace and humility.
May Your light shine brightly through me as I teach and inspire those in my care.
I ask for your strength and presence to be with me every step of the way.
Thank you, Lord, for entrusting me with this important role in Your kingdom.
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. They are truly a blessing to our faith community.

Next Sunday afternoon, we will have our Parish Family Picnic.  It will take place from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm on the Holy Redeemer School soccer field, weather permitting.  We invite you to join us as we come together as a family of faith. There will be plenty of free food and drinks and great entertainment for our children.  Many of our parishioners and guests have enjoyed the Picnic in past years.

Our late Holy Father, Pope Francis, often spoke about the need for strong families as essential components of strong communities.  In an address to families, as previously mentioned, he stated, “The family is alive if it is united in prayer. The family is strong if it rediscovers the Word of God and the providential value of all it promises.  The family is generous and builds history if it remains open to life, if it does not discriminate and serves the most fragile and needy, if it does not stop offering the world the bread of charity and the wine of fraternity.”  He pointed to the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph as a model for us to follow.

Pope Francis also spoke about the need for strong parish communities where the gift of the sacraments could be found.  He further noted that parishes should be community oriented, serving as centers of welcoming and listening. Our new Holy Father, Pope Leo, has also echoed the sentiments of Pope Francis.  In one of his early public addresses, he called for missionary evangelization focused on unity and strong faith communities, consistent with his Augustinian tradition.

The following prayer called “A Prayer for Community” provided by the “Alliance for Catholic Education” focuses on the importance of community:

God our Maker, we thank you for the gift of community.
Thank you for the communities in which we work and live.
Thank you for the community that is your Body, the Church.
Fill us with Your Spirit today, so that, as one,
we reflect your light and love to each other and to the world.
In Christ we pray. Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, and on the sentiments of Pope Francis and Pope Leo, we are reminded that hospitality and welcoming are important ways to accompany our parishioners and guests on their journey of faith.  Please avail yourselves of this welcoming opportunity to embrace our parish family and join with your fellow parishioners and their guests next Sunday for food, fun, and fellowship.

This Thursday marks the 24th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. 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 remember those men and women who gave their lives or who were injured that day in the line of duty.

As reported in the publication, the National Catholic Register, as previously noted, recalling the events of that day, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, stated, “We reverently recall all those who were most directly affected by this tragedy – those who died, were injured, or lost loved ones.  We recall the selfless first responders – firefighters, police, chaplains, emergency workers, and other brave persons – who risked, and many times lost, their lives in their courageous efforts to save others.”

As we reflect on the words of Cardinal Dolan, this day helps us remember not only the events of this tragedy but also reminds us of the dangers that continue to confront us in an unstable world.  As Catholics, we are challenged to respond in faith to the pressing concerns of our brothers and sisters in need, and to remember especially all those who suffered in some way on that fateful day of September 11, 2001.  We continue to offer special prayers for our men and women in uniform who defend our freedoms, and we also pray for their families and the military chaplains who assist them.

The following prayer, called “A Prayer for Healing from 9/11 Trauma,” provided by the media outlet, “Prayerlit”, asks for the Lord’s mercy and healing:

Dear Lord, we come before You with heavy hearts,
remembering the tragedies of 9/11.
We pray for the healing of all those who suffered physical,
emotional, and mental wounds.
May Your comforting presence bring peace
to those still in pain and grant them the strength to overcome their struggles.
We trust that You are the great Healer,
and we ask for Your mercy on the souls of the departed.
Help us to find solace in Your love.

As we reflect on this prayer, we are also invited to pray for peace among nations. We 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, this Monday we celebrate Labor Day.  It is traditionally celebrated on the first Monday in September.  On this day, we honor all those who labor for a living.  We thank these workers for their service to their families and for their service to all those who benefit from their efforts.  We are also called to remember and pray for all those who are now retired after many years of labor, and for the unemployed and underemployed.

Our Holy Father, Pope Leo, has a special concern for laborers.  He worked among laborers for many years during his missionary work in Peru, understanding their concerns, understanding their challenges.  He and his fellow Augustinian priests labored for the Lord as shepherds to the many people entrusted to their care, always encouraging them to focus on Christ.

Our late Holy Father, Pope Francis, also had a deep appreciation for the dignity of labor and for all those who work.  He reminded the faithful that labor is clearly important to the human experience and that work is fundamental to the dignity of the human person.  As reported in the Catholic publication “CRUX”, he indicated that work is not just an occupation, but a mission.  He stated, “We collaborate with the creative work of God when, through our work, we cultivate and preserve creation; we participate, in the spirit of Jesus, in his redemptive mission, when by our activity we give sustenance to our families and respond to the needs of our neighbor.”  He noted that Jesus and Saint Joseph worked as carpenters and that they understood the importance and value of work.

The following “A Prayer for Gratitude for the Fruits of Labor” provided by the media outlet “Prayerlit” expresses an appreciation for the dignity of labor:

Heavenly Father,
I thank you for the ability to work and the blessings that come from my labor.
On this Labor Day,
I reflect on the fruits of my efforts and express my gratitude for the provision and success You’ve granted.
Help me to use the results of my work wisely and to honor You in all I do.  Amen

As we reflect on this prayer and celebrate Labor Day, we are encouraged to make it more than a day of rest and recreation.  Hopefully, we will also treat it as a day of prayer as we honor all those who truly labor in the spirit of Jesus and St. Joseph.

God has blessed many of the faithful at Saint Brigid with the gift of children as our parish continues to flourish spiritually.  Our Catechism teaches us that parents are the primary educators of their children in the ways of the faith. Our Holy Father, Pope Leo has continued in the spirit of our recently deceased Pope Francis and has called upon the Church and all Christian communities to accompany and support parents in their educative role.

One way the Church can assist parents is through our “Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW)” ministry.  As previously explained in our Parish School of Religion guidelines, the “CLOW ministry enables children to participate in the formal worship experience, to nourish and guide their spiritual growth and to immerse them in the Word of God in ways that are understandable to them.”

Children are encouraged to attend Mass with their parents, and then, “The children are dismissed from Mass during the Liturgy of the Word.  They are escorted to the chapel, and assisted by volunteer shepherds.  They will hear the Word from the Children’s Lectionary.  The leader guides the children to an understanding of the Gospel that they can embrace.  The children will return to their parents at the offertory.”

The guidelines also state that, “All the elements that help to explain the readings are given great consideration so that the children may make the bible readings their own and may come more and more to appreciate the value of God’s word.”

CLOW is offered at the 9 am Sunday Mass during our Parish School of Religion (PSR) season, extending from September to May.  All children, ages 4 years old through First Grade, are welcome to participate.  There is no registration necessary.

The following “Prayer for Children”, asks God to protect and guide our precious children:
Lord, watch over our children as they sleep,
surround them with your angels, and fill their dreams with your love.
to make choices that align with your will and bring glory to your name.
Lord, bless our children with good health,
both in body and spirit.
May they grow strong and resilient under your loving care.
Amen.

Our ministry coordinators stated that they “are looking for Leaders who enjoy children and engaging them in learning about the Gospel stories.”  The Leaders would rotate and assist about one Sunday per month.  Please contact our CLOW coordinators Barbara Kratz or Jennifer Taylor if you would like to participate.  We thank our coordinators and their staff for all they do to assist our children as they grow in their knowledge and understanding of the faith.

Next weekend we will have a Ministry Fair in Corbett Hall. Representatives of many of our parish ministries will be present after each of our Masses to explain the purpose of their respective ministries and to answer questions.

At Saint Brigid, we believe in collaborative ministry: our priests, deacons and lay faithful working together to build the Kingdom of God. Our Lord has blessed each of us with a unique set of gifts, skills, talents and resources so we can play a special role in building up that Kingdom here on earth.

Many of us are busy people who want to assist in some way at our parish, while balancing family, work, and other responsibilities. As we strive to balance our responsibilities, we may quickly realize that it is often difficult to discern what God wants from us unless we spend some time communicating with Him. We are encouraged to spend time in prayer, and to listen to hear if God is calling us to a more active, conscious participation in our parish.

In addition to prayer, to help us discern how we may place our talents at the service of God and His Church, we invite you to attend the Ministry Fair. Details concerning the Fair can be found in the parish bulletin and on the parish website. We encourage you to prayerfully consider how you may more actively participate in a ministry that interests you. We invite those who may not have participated in any ministries in the past, to consider participating in just one ministry for one year. Your involvement, even on a limited basis, can enhance the spiritual vitality of our Saint Brigid faith community, and also your own spiritual life.

The following prayer provided by the media outlet, “Prayerist” asks God to guide our volunteers as they respond to the call to serve our parish community:

Heavenly Father,
we know that You have called us to pray
to the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into the harvest field,
for people to go and proclaim the gospel of grace
to those who have not heard of Your great salvation,
to go and make disciples and teach the truth of the gospel of grace,
to go and demonstrate the love of God,
Who sent His only begotten Son into the world,
so that whosoever believes in Him would not perish,
but have everlasting life.
Father, we pray that You would put into the hearts
of many of Your children to answer this call
to “Go” to volunteer to be Your hand and Your feet
and to tell of Your great sacrifice of love.
We pray that You would call many to volunteer to work,
knowing that the night is fast approaching when no one can work.
May their lives produce a great harvest, to Your praise and glory.
In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, we are invited to ask God what He may be calling us to do to enrich and strengthen our parish community as we continue on our journey of faith.

We are in the midst of our Growing in Faith capital campaign as we continue construction of our Parish Life Center, and make necessary renovations to our existing Parish facilities. The large free-standing two-story Parish Life Center will serve as an investment in the spiritual vitality of our Parish and strengthen our efforts to enhance our faith and fellowship. It will also serve as a legacy to our children and grandchildren.

For more than two decades, Saint Brigid Catholic Church has served the spiritual needs of Catholics in the North Atlanta area. We have provided a spiritual home where our people could find fellowship in Christ, raise their children in a spiritual environment, expand their knowledge and understanding of their faith, and work to fulfill their God-given purpose. The new Center and renovations to our existing infrastructure will enable us to enhance our ministries and programs, helping to ensure that our Parish will continue to be vibrant and flourish.

We sincerely thank all those who have supported our Growing in Faith capital campaign spiritually and financially and ask that you follow through on your pledges as soon as possible. For those who have not yet pledged, we ask you to prayerfully consider making a pledge, payable over three years, that is generous and sacrificial based on your present needs and circumstances.

If you have and questions or require additional information as to the status of the campaign or the projects, you may contact one of our Parish representatives:

• John Revell: jrevell@saintbrigid.org, Chief Operating Officer
• Brian Dooling: Brian.t.dooling@gmail.com, Campaign Chairman
• Jim Shields: jrsx5@bellsouth.net, Project Chairman
• Nancy Ketchum: Nancy.ketchum@att.net, Project Committee

I truly appreciate all you do to enhance the spiritual vitality of our faith community.

Thank you all and God bless you.

At this time, we are in the midst of the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal for 2025.  The theme of the Appeal is “We Are One Body in Christ.”  Archbishop Hartmayer noted that “we, as members of the Church, are called to work together for the common good, each of us playing a vital role in the mission of Christ.”

The Archdiocese has recently sent reminder notices urging parishioners to support the Appeal.  Catholics are invited to make a significant pledge so that we can meet the spiritual, educational, and temporal needs of our parishes and our people.

Archbishop Hartmayer also 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 to the training and support of future happy, holy, and healthy priests needed to serve the Church of tomorrow.  We are blessed to have a recently ordained priest who benefited directly from the Appeal, Fr. Colin Patrick, serving in our parish.  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 make a pledge to the 2025 Appeal, and we thank all who have already given via the mail or online.  For those who have not yet contributed, we ask you to prayerfully consider doing so.  Additional information about the Appeal can be obtained from the parish office or from the parish website at https://lifeofthechurch.com/appeal/.

Archbishop Hartmayer has asked us to generously and sacrificially support the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal.  We ask you to assist to the extent possible.  Thank you for all you do to enhance the spiritual vitality of our faith community.

Many of us know someone who is struggling with some form of cancer.  It is a pervasive and frightful disease that has affected many of our parishioners and their loved ones.  Shortly before his passing, our late Holy Father, Pope Francis, addressed the importance of God’s presence as one deals with cancer.  The publication, “Catholic News Service”, reported that Pope Francis reminded the faithful that “it is not easy living with cancer.”  Speaking specifically about children stricken with cancer, he stated that with the support of family, friends and others, we should not get discouraged, and indicated, “…there is no difficulty that cannot be overcome.”

As we reflect on these words of Pope Francis, we are invited to pray to St. Peregrine, asking for his intercession in our time of need.  There is a statue of St. Peregrine in our Church.  Many do not know that he is the patron of all those afflicted by cancer and other illnesses.  As previously noted, the publication, “Franciscan Mission Associates”, provided a brief glimpse into his background.  It stated that he “… led a life of quiet prayer, solitude and repentance for many years.  His life took an unexpected turn when a painful cancerous tumor developed on his foot, requiring amputation.  The night before surgery, St. Peregrine spent hours in prayer, then fell asleep and dreamt of Jesus touching and healing his foot.  Upon waking, he was cured!  During the rest of his lifetime and beyond, many miracles of healing have been attributed to St. Peregrine’s prayers.”

The publication also provided a Novena of prayer to St. Peregrine asking for spiritual healing, with emphasis over nine days on: “faith, love, humility, perseverance, gratitude, honor thy elders, peace, joy, and the glory of heaven.”  Many Catholics and non-Catholics throughout our nation have participated in this Novena.

The following prayer to St. Peregrine, “For Those with Cancer”, asks for his intercession and assistance:

St. Peregrine,
when stricken with cancer, you wisely sought and received Jesus’ assistance.
Today you continue to seek His healing for others afflicted with this devastating disease.
Please intercede for our loved ones with cancer.
Help them live life to the fullest, free as possible from pain and worry.
May they be granted strength to endure and God willing, a miraculous healing.  Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, we are encouraged to be more sensitive to those struggling with some form of cancer,  and reach out to them in their time of need.

  The election of Pope Leo has generated great interest in the Catholic faith from Catholics and non -Catholics alike.  Recent reports from secular media outlets have been generally favorable to the Catholic Church.  There is a renewed sense of appreciation for the faith.

Our faith community at Saint Brigid offers vibrant programs for adults and children interested in becoming Catholic, as well as for baptized Catholics who have not yet received the sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation.   The programs are the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA), and the Order of Christian Initiation for Children (OCIC).  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.

As explained in the publication, Our Sunday Visitor (OSV), “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 Order of Christian Initiation for Adults.”

The publication also states that OCIA is “a series of steps (formal rites) conducted in the context of learning about the faith and spiritual formation, through which a person is fully incorporated in the body of Christ, the Church.”  People are invited to learn about the Catholic Church, and they make the free choice to embrace Catholic teaching and become members of the Church.

The steps in the OCIA 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.)”

Mystagogy is the time “after the newly initiated have 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 OCIC program.

Our parish OCIA and OCIC programs will soon be beginning for the year, and enrollment is currently in progress.   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.

Our late Holy Father, Pope Francis, often spoke about the importance of Sunday Mass.  He emphasized the need for our active participation in the Mass, including, when appropriate, the reception of the Eucharist.  He reminded us that we are not called to observe; we are called to participate in the mystery of the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ.

As reported in the publication, “The Catholic Herald”, Pope Francis reminded the faithful that taking part in the Eucharist “…conforms us in a unique way to Christ.”  It gives us a foretaste of full communion with God in heaven, “…where with all the saints we will have unimaginable joy for the gift he gave us with the Eucharist.”

As we reflect on these words of Pope Francis, as Catholics we should have a great appreciation for the Mass and the Eucharist. The Church teaches that the Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith. A brief period of time should be set aside for reflection after receiving the Eucharist. We are then urged to remain for the entire Mass and truly spend quality time with Our Lord. The final blessing sends us forth to truly live our faith and set a good example for others.

The Catholic publication, “Our Sunday Visitor”, as previously noted, also addressed the importance of the need to actively participate in the Mass. It stated,

“The Mass also gives you the opportunity to:

• • Seek forgiveness for your sins.
  • Learn how God’s word impacts your life in the homily.
  • Offer yourself to the Lord.
  • Experience the miracle of bread and wine changing into the Body and Blood of Christ.
  • Reach out to others with the Peace of Christ.
  • Admit that you are not worthy, and then come forward to receive the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ.
  • Receive a special blessing.
  • Be commissioned to go out and make the world a better place.”

  The publication also reminds us that, “When we come together at Mass to pray and worship God, we fulfill a deep need inside of us to be in communion with other people. … They help us to see that we are not alone. They remind us that we are all part of the Body of Christ.”

  As we reflect on the words of Pope Francis, and the sentiments expressed in “Our Sunday Visitor”, we are encouraged to participate in the Mass in a spirit of reverence, respect and thanksgiving. We are invited to recommit ourselves to making the Mass the heart of our day, not a small part of our day, each Sunday, as we truly and publicly proclaim and live our Catholic faith.

This Friday, we celebrate the Fourth of July, Independence Day.  On this day, we remember and appreciate in a special way the birth of our nation.   As citizens, we continue to live in challenging and uncertain times, marked by significant division and conflict within our nation.  Much of this division and conflict is reported on our nightly news programs.  We also live in a society that, over the years, has become more secular in its orientation.  There are those in our society who want to take God out of schools, out of our homes, and out of our lives, and in the process, they are distorting our precious freedoms.

As Catholics, we are called to truly cherish in a very special way the many freedoms we enjoy in this country.  Our bishops remind us that there is a need to strengthen the moral foundation of our country, a moral foundation based on faith and trust in the Lord.  There is also a need to reaffirm our commitment to truly make our country “one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

The following “Morning Prayer for Independence Day” from the media outlet, “Prayersaves”, asks God for guidance and support of our nation and our people:

Heavenly Father,
As the dawn breaks on this Independence Day,
we rise with hearts brimming with gratitude for the precious gift of freedom.
We thank you for the countless sacrifices that have secured our liberties and shaped our nation’s history.
On this day, we ask for your guidance and protection over our beloved land.
May your wisdom be our compass, your love our foundation, and your grace our strength.
Help us, O Lord, to be responsible stewards of the freedoms we hold dear.
Grant us the courage to uphold justice, equality, and the pursuit of happiness for all.
As we embark on this day, fill our hearts with a deep sense of gratitude, remembrance,
and commitment to the ideals that define our nation.
Bless our leaders, our communities, and every citizen with the wisdom to make choices that honor the legacy of liberty.
In your name, we pray.  Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, and as we celebrate Independence Day, and as we take time for relaxation and recreation., we are encouraged to truly appreciate our faith and freedoms, and to be thankful for the many blessings that the Lord has bestowed on us and on our nation.

This Sunday we celebrate the solemnity of Corpus Christi, the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, and we focus on our devotion to the Eucharist.  This devotion was certainly shared by Saint Pope John Paul II.  Shortly before his death, as he celebrated the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Pope John Paul stated that a love for the Eucharist helps to create saints and an awareness of vocations.

Our late Holy Father, Pope Francis has also called on us to focus on the Eucharist.  Shortly before his death, as reported in the media publication, “Vatican News”, he stated, “Celebrating the Eucharist and feeding on this Bread, as we do especially on Sundays, is not an act of worship detached from life or a simple moment of personal consolation.”  The publication reported that the Pope rather said that “Communion makes each of us capable of offering our own lives for others, since it teaches us to share what we are and what we have.”

As we reflect on these thoughts of Pope Francis, we are reminded that, as Catholics, we are blessed to have a high regard for the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith.  We are invited to bond with each other by nourishing together on the Bread of Life in the Eucharist, and then by going forth in loving service of our brothers and sisters, especially our brothers and sisters in need.

Archbishop Hartmayer has encouraged the faithful to participate in various Eucharistic devotions.  He expressed his hope that Eucharistic devotions at the parish and national levels will inspire, “…a renewed encounter with the Lord Jesus in the Eucharist and an experience of the Gospel (kerygma), …and a revival of faithful celebration (the ars celebrandi) and participation in the liturgy.”

The following “Prayer for Deeping Our Faith in the Eucharist”, from media contributor Benjamin Reike, encourages us to truly appreciate the gift of the Eucharist:

Dear Lord Jesus,
On this sacred Corpus Christi day,
we gather in Your presence with hearts open wide.
In the humble bread and wine, You offer us Yourself –
body, blood, soul, and divinity.
Grant us the grace to deepen our faith
in this profound mystery of the Eucharist.
Strengthen our belief in Your real presence,
that we may receive You with unwavering trust and boundless love.
We thank You, dear Jesus, for the immeasurable gift of Yourself.
Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, we are reminded that the word “Eucharist” means “giving thanks.”  And today we can once again thank the Lord for the great gift of the Eucharist and for our faith community of Saint Brigid.

This Sunday we celebrate Father’s Day and we remember in a special way all that fathers do for their children.  Being a father is a great privilege and also a great responsibility.  Fathers are challenged to set a good example for their children and to help prepare them for their lives as adults.  This is especially important for fathers in these difficult and uncertain times when their children, especially teens, may face many temptations and trials which may influence their behavior.

Our late Holy Father, Pope Francis placed great emphasis and focus on fatherhood.

As noted in the media publication, “National Catholic Register”, shortly before his death, he stated, “Every family needs a father – a father who shares in his family’s joy and pain, hands down wisdom to his children, and offers them firm guidance.”  He also expressed his hope that all fathers would be like Saint Joseph and that they would strive “to protect their children and teach them wisdom, faith and integrity.”  Pope Francis also prayed that fathers would “always experience our gratitude, appreciation and support.”

As we reflect on these words of Pope Francis, we are reminded that we are called to honor our fathers.  There should be a desire to maintain a strong bond of communication with them and assist in their care in their later years, after the many years that they have cared for us in so many different ways.  It is also suggested that we pray for them after their death.  Our love for our fathers should reflect the love that God has for us.  Many fathers have their share of trials and struggles but they do their best within their human limitations to serve as mentors and guides for their children.

We are also encouraged to pray for our spiritual fathers, our priests.  In addition, we should also remember those fathers who are separated from their children due to military service obligations, work requirements, or for other reasons.  Although separated physically, we pray that they will always keep their love of their children in their hearts.

The following “A Prayer for Christian Fathers” from an unknown author asks our Heavenly Father to bless, guide, and support all fathers:

Heavenly Father,
you entrusted your Son Jesus, the child of Mary,                               to the care of Joseph, an earthly father.
Bless all fathers as they care for their families.
Give them strength and wisdom, tenderness and patience.
Support them in the work they have to do, protecting those who look to them,
as we look to you for love and salvation,
through Jesus Christ our rock and defender.  Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, and as we celebrate this day, we are invited to thank Our Heavenly Father for the gift of our fathers and for the many blessings He has bestowed on us.