We Invite You to Honor Our Saints and Deceased Loved Ones

Written by: Father Neil Herlihy

October 28, 2018

From our pastor, Father Neil Herlihy

This Thursday we celebrate All Saints Day. It is a Holy Day of Obligation. On this day, we remember those men and women who came before us marked with the sign of faith. As previously mentioned, Pope Francis stated, “To be a saint is not a privilege of a few… all of us in baptism have the inheritance of being able to become saints. Sanctity is a vocation for everyone.” As Catholics, we are invited to follow the example of our great saints. 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.

For example, we can remember in a special way Archbishop Oscar Romero who was elevated to sainthood earlier this year. He was martyred as he fought against social injustice in El Salvador. We also recall Sir Thomas More and Bishop John Fisher who were martyred in England for defending the teachings of the Catholic faith. Other saints such as Vincent DePaul and Francis of Assisi witnessed to the faith in solidarity with the poor, the sick, and the outcast. In many respects, all of these saints were ordinary people guided by the Lord to do extraordinary things. They can teach us so much about living, loving, and serving.

After celebrating All Saints Day, we commemorate All Souls Day this Friday. It is a day to honor and pray for our deceased relatives, friends, neighbors, parishioners, co-workers, and all who shared their lives with us. On that same evening at 7:00 p.m., we will celebrate a Mass of Remembrance as we honor the memory of those loved ones who have died, including those who have died recently. We can especially remember those loved ones whose time on earth was brief.

We can remember, for example, those who died in war to protect our freedoms, those who died in auto accidents, those who died in fires, and all those who died prematurely for some reason. A litany of names and an offering of roses with appropriate lighting of candles will mark this special occasion.

As Catholics, we strive to honor our dead and to bring spiritual peace and consolation to families who grieve for their loved ones. Grieving is part of our human condition and can help us on the path to healing. I want to thank all those who give of their time to participate in our bereavement and grief caring ministries, and who do so much to assist families in their time of mourning and sorrow. They truly are a blessing to our faith community.

As we reflect on our saints and deceased loved ones, we invite you to join us for our liturgies on All Saints Day and on All Souls Day as we honor them in a special way.

Celebrate Couples Sacramental Commitment to the Lord

Written by: Father Neil Herlihy

October 14, 2018

From our pastor, Father Neil Herlihy

Last weekend, we celebrated a special Mass at Saint Brigid honoring those couples in the Archdiocese of Atlanta celebrating the 50th or 60th anniversary of their marriage. Eleven of these couples are parishioners of Saint Brigid. Archbishop Gregory began a tradition of bringing couples together for an annual celebration. He stated, “Remarkable moments deserve a special pause to praise God for His goodness and to celebrate the accomplishments of people’s fidelity to the promise made in their youth and then lived faithfully over a lifetime.”

These couples have committed themselves in a sacramental way to the Lord, and to one another. In our Church tradition, a man and woman are not only joined to each other in marriage, they are also joined to Christ. As the sign of God’s presence in the world, Christ is the foundation of their union. The couple then joins Christ as an outward sign of God’s love. They are able to open themselves to each other in love because God has first loved them.

In reflecting on a couple’s love for one another, Catholic author and educator, Matthew Kelly stated that the greatest gift we can give to another person is to allow him or her to simply see us for who we are, with our weaknesses and strengths, with our faults, failings, flaws, and defects, with our talents, abilities, achievements, and potential. We strive to allow ourselves to share fully with each other, within our human limitations, emotionally, intellectually, physically, and spiritually.

Marriage also requires real openness to give and to receive. This openness requires trust in each other and trust in the Lord. In marriage, couples strive to reflect the total giving of self by Christ on the cross.

Reflecting on the vocation of marriage, Archbishop Gregory also stated that, “It is increasingly important to hold up those folks who have lived their vocational commitments – certainly not without mistakes, challenges, and failures – but with fidelity and steadfastness. We all know many wonderful people whose marriages or religious promises have not endured. And we love them nonetheless. However, in our society we also must hold up examples of people who have succeeded in fulfilling their commitments.” He also reminded us that, “Marriage and religious vows are relationships that are intended to mirror and witness to God’s perfect fidelity and enduring love. May all who live their vocational promises find the grace to be faithful and courageous as they provide a splendid counter-statement to the values that our society promotes and offers to the world.”

As we consider these words, and as we honor these couples, we can thank them for the example of endearing and steadfast love which they have provided for us.

2018 10-21 Celebrating Parish Families – Parish Picnic 2018

Written by: Father Neil Herlihy

October 18, 2018

From our pastor, Father Neil Herlihy

As a parish family, we continue to be blessed with a firm spiritual foundation and a strong community spirit. This community spirit was clearly evident at our annual Saint Brigid Parish Picnic. We are blessed to have wonderful parishioners who truly enjoy being together.

At Saint Brigid, we also strongly encourage our ministries to work collaboratively. Our Picnic clearly was a prime example of our ministries working together. This event could not have happened if it were not for the tireless efforts of the Men of Saint Brigid who prepared and cooked the food and the Knights of Columbus who set up and took down all the tables and provided the cold drinks. We are grateful to the Mom’s Group and Circle of Sisters for serving the food to hungry parishioners and friends throughout the day. We are also grateful to our Confirmation students who helped us with our games and activities.

Thanks to all who came down and helped make the Parish Picnic a great success. May God continue to bless you and your loved ones.

2025 08-10 Mary, Our Lady of the Assumption, Pray for Us.

Written by: Father Neil Herlihy

August 8, 2025

From our pastor Father Neil Herlihy

This Tuesday we celebrate the feast of the Assumption of Mary. 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.

The Catholic publication, Catholic Herald; reported that Pope Francis stated, “Mary’s Assumption into heaven and, in fact, her entire life show believers the great things God has in store for them. The great things the Almighty has done for her touch us deeply, speak of our journey through life and remind us of the destination that awaits us.” He also stated that the “Assumption of Mary is a sign to all believers that life is not a senseless wandering, but a pilgrimage that, although there are uncertainties and suffering, has a sure goal: the house of the Father, who awaits us with love.”

The following “PRAYER FOR THE ASSUMPTION OF MARY”, from Catholic Online; reflects the sentiments of Our Holy Father:

Father in heaven, all creation rightly gives you praise,
For all life and 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

The feast of the Assumption is a Holy Day of Obligation, and Catholics are obliged to attend Mass. Here, at our Parish, we will have a Vigil Mass on Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. and Masses at convenient times during the day on Tuesday. Please check the Church bulletin or website for details.

As mentioned in the past, as a way to honor Mary, we are invited to participate in the Cenacle Rosary, which is prayed every Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. in the Bride’s Room. We may also choose to participate in the daily rosary, which is prayed in our Adoration Chapel, Monday through Friday at 8:30 a.m.

Encouraged by the Assumption of Mary, we are challenged by Our Holy Father to keep our focus on loving and serving Jesus as we await His glorious return.

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

2019 02-03 The Feast Day of Saint Brigid

Written by: Father Neil Herlihy

February 3, 2019

This past Friday, February 1st, marked the Feast day of Saint Brigid of Kildare, the patron saint of our Parish. Saint Brigid is especially known for her Christian charity, for feeding the poor, 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 strived to work with the less fortunate with love and compassion. Her love of God and love of neighbor were obvious to all who knew her.

Saint Brigid is also known for her great work in evangelization, working tirelessly to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. She was an Irish Christian nun and abbess and founded many convents. The publication, “Catholic News Agency” (CNA) stated, “St. Brigid directly influenced several other future saints of Ireland, and her many religious communities helped to secure the country’s conversion from paganism to the Catholic faith.” Under her leadership, “Kildare played a major role in the successful Christianization of Ireland. The abbess’ influence was felt in the subsequent era of the Irish Church, a time when the country became known for its many monasteries and their intellectual achievements.” CNA also indicated that St. Brigid “…with an initial group of seven companions, is credited with organizing communal consecrated religious life for women in Ireland.” She joins Saint Patrick as one of the patron saints of Ireland. Saint Brigid lived in the fifth century and was a contemporary of Saint Patrick but there is no real evidence they ever met.

Saint Brigid was also a firm supporter of Catholic education, believing that the more we understood our faith, the more likely we would strive to truly live our faith. She founded many schools and taught the faith by word and example. She is recognized as the patron saint of students.

Saint Brigid truly embraced a life of prayer and service. The following prayer asks for her intercession:

ASK FOR US ALL TODAY THE COURAGE TO DO GOD’S BIDDING

WHATEVER THE WORLD MAY SAY,

THE GRACE TO BE STRONG AND VALIENT

THE GRACE TO BE FIRM AND TRUE

THE GRACE TO BE FAITHFUL ALWAYS

TO GOD, GOD’S MOTHER AND YOU.

AMEN.

We are encouraged to learn more about Saint Brigid. She can serve as a great role model for us.

Saint Brigid, intercede for us.

Saint Brigid, pray for us.

2013 12-08 Our Parish Advent Mission and Penance Service

Written by: Father Neil Herlihy

December 7, 2018

From our pastor, Father Neil Herlihy:

A Parish Mission can be viewed as an opportunity for spiritual healing, renewal, and reconciliation. With an emphasis on love and mercy, it also can provide an opportunity to change hearts and transform lives as we renew and strengthen our relationship with Our Lord. With this in mind, we are privileged to sponsor an Advent Parish Mission presented by the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist. The Sisters clearly embrace the mission and spirit of Catholic teaching in word and example.

As we know, Advent is a special time in the Church year as we prepare for the coming of the Lord. Advent holds out the hope and desire to see the light of Christ shine thorough the darkness of our world. At this special time, we are urged to remain watchful and vigilant as we wait in joyful anticipation for the coming of the Lord. He is ready to come more fully into our homes. He is ready to come more fully into our lives. He is ready to come more fully into our hearts. This Christmas we are invited to give the Lord the gift of a pure heart. During our Mission, the Sisters will focus on the Eucharist as the source and summit of our faith. They will also focus on the spiritual integrity of mind and body reminding us that we are born to eternal life. They will speak of the gift of the Christ Child that awaits us. They will help us to spiritually prepare for the coming of the Lord.

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 Parish Mission will take place this Monday to Wednesday, December 9th to 11th. There will be both morning and evening sessions for your convenience. Then on Thursday, December 12th, we will have a Penance Service for all those in need of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. There will be priests from various parts of the Archdiocese who will hear confessions and extend the Lord’s pardon, mercy, and forgiveness. Details concerning the Mission and Penance Service can be obtained from the Parish bulletin and website as well as from the Parish office.

I pray that you will participate in the Parish Mission and in the Penance Service and avail yourself of these special times of grace.

2025 08-10 We Celebrate the Solemnity of The Assumption of the Virgin Mary

Written by: Father Neil Herlihy

August 9, 2025

This Friday we celebrate the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is a holy day of obligation this year in the United States, and provides us with another 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 late Holy Father, Pope Francis, had a strong devotion to Mary. Shortly before his death he encouraged Catholics to attend Mass, or 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, the media outlet, “Catholic News Agency”, reported that Pope Francis “reminded us that we are not alone on our journey, and are accompanied by Mary who ended her earthly pilgrimage with her Assumption into heaven.” Pope Francis stated, “The Blessed Virgin is she who goes before us on the journey, reminding us all that our life is also a continuous journey toward the horizon of the final encounter with the Lord.”

The following “Our Lady of the Assumption” prayer encourages us to ask for Mary’s intercession as we continue on our journey:

O Mary, God’s Son became your Son
and you became both our Mother and our Queen.
From your heavenly throne,
intercede for your subjects
who are daily confronted with life’s trials.
Help us to find comfort in our recourse to you
and bring us closer to your Divine Son
whose glory and honor we proclaim forever
Amen

As we reflect on this prayer, we are reminded that we will have Masses at convenient time to celebrate this feast day. Please check the Church bulletin or website for details.
Encouraged by the Assumption of Mary, we are challenged to keep our focus on the example of Mary 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.

Pastor's Corner

Writer: Father Neil Herlihy