This Thursday we celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin 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.”

Our Holy Father Pope Francis has a great devotion to Mary.  Speaking recently about this great feast, as reported in the media outlet, “Vatican News”, he stated that Mary, “small and humble, has been raised up and – we celebrate this today – brought to the glory of Heaven, while the powerful of the world are destined to remain empty-handed.  Our Lady, in other words, announces a radical change, an overturning of values.”  He encouraged the faithful to, like Mary, focus on spiritual and heavenly values, not earthly ones.  Pope Francis has again invited Catholics, in addition to attending Mass, to visit a Marian shrine or pray before a statue of Mary, or acknowledge her in some special way on the feast of the Assumption.

The following “Prayer for the Feast of the Assumption” from the media outlet, “Prayerist” encourages us to truly appreciate the assistance of Mary on our journey of faith:

Almighty and everlasting God,
You have taken up body and soul into heavenly glory the Immaculate Virgin Mary,  Mother of Your Son.
Grant, we beseech You, that, ever intent upon heavenly things, we may be worthy to be partakers of her glory.
Through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.”  Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, we are reminded that the feast of the Assumption is a Holy Day of Obligation, and Catholics are obliged to attend Mass.  We will have a Vigil Mass on Wednesday evening at 7 pm, and Masses at convenient times during the day on Thursday.  Please read below for details.

Encouraged by the Assumption of Mary, we are invited to look to Mary as a model of faith and respond in generous love to the call of her Divine Son.

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

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

The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

“Holy Day Mass Times Are:

Wednesday, August 14 Vigil at 7:00 PM, and Thursday, August 15 at 6:30 AM, 9:00 AM (with Holy Redeemer), 12:00 Noon and 7:00 PM.

Confessions and Evening prayer are NOT scheduled Wednesday evening.

People searching in their faith journey are often attracted to the Catholic faith for various reasons.  Our faith community offers spiritual and educational 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 of Adults (RCIA), and the Rite of Christian Initiation of Children (RCIC).  Those adults and children who are not Catholic are invited to learn about the Catholic faith, and they make the free choice to embrace Catholic teaching and become members of the Church.

Those in the programs participate in a thorough period of inquiry, discernment, and catechesis, led by their coordinators.  They have the opportunity to grow in the knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith.  Participants often also take part in a retreat and various social gatherings and hopefully, over time, will be more fully integrated into the parish community.

Speaking about the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, Catholic author and program director Thomas H. Morris, in his book “The RCIA: Transforming the Church” stated that the program “…is a restoration of the ancient practice of initiation in the Church.  Focused on conversion, candidates entered an extended period of formation and probation.  The community ritually celebrated the conversion at various points on the journey, culminating with the celebration of baptism, confirmation and eucharist at the Easter Vigil.  An extended catechesis followed this to help the newly initiated to live the commitment they made; lives of justice, service and charity as witnesses to the reign of God.”

Many who have participated in the program have truly appreciated its effectiveness.  The steps in the RCIA process, as explained in the media publication, Our Sunday Visitor, 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 RCIC program.

Our parish RCIA and RCIC programs will begin in August.  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 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.

As reported in the media outlet “Deeper Truth”, the word deacon “comes from the Greek word ‘diakonos’ meaning ‘servant’.  Strengthened by sacramental grace, in union with the bishops and his priests, deacons are called to serve the people of God in the three-fold ministry of liturgy, word, and charity.”

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.

The following “A Deacon’s Prayer”, provided by the media outlet “Deeper Truth”, asks the Lord to guide a Deacon in his ministry:

Lord Jesus Christ, Servant of all,
Send your Spirit upon me as I serve your Church.
Give me eyes to see the needs of Your people.
Give me a discerning mind to know Your truth.
Give me a generous spirit when I am tired but needed.
Give me a humble heart when my work goes unnoticed.
Give me peace of mind in obedience and service.
Give me health of body so I may serve with strength.
Make me fertile ground for Your inspiration and love.
Comfort me when I question myself and my ministry.
Grant me grace as I age so I may share Your wisdom.
Make my heart like Yours so I may love Your people.

As we reflect on this prayer, we are reminded that we have many faithful, dedicated, and holy Deacons serving us at Saint Brigid.  They generously share their gifts and talents with us.  Please avail yourself of an opportunity to thank them for their service and continue to wish them well in their ministry.  Please also continue to pray for vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and religious life.

We are in the midst of our Growing in Faith capital campaign for our proposed Pastoral Life Center.  This proposed large free standing two-story Pastoral Life Center would serve as an investment in the spiritual vitality of our Parish and strengthen our efforts to enhance our faith and fellowship.  It would also serve as a legacy to our children and grandchildren.  The new Center would enable us to enhance our ministries and programs, helping to ensure that our Parish will continue to be vibrant and flourish.

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.

Our existing parish facilities have served us well, and now we are a thriving faith community with over 4,000 households, blessed with active lay leaders and dynamic ministries.  As our parish has grown, we have struggled to accommodate the over eighty parish ministries and organizations seeking space for meetings, activities, and fellowship.  Scheduling events and functions can be difficult due to space limitations.  Our limited space hinders our ability to add new ministries and expand existing ones.  Our parish leadership, in coordination with professional advisory firms, has prepared a summary of the proposed project including a brief video.  The video is also accessible on our Parish website.  In addition, we have conducted various information conferences and provided visual aids to assist in explaining the project.

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 any questions or require additional information as to the status of the campaign or the project, 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

Please also be assured that we are challenged to be good stewards of Church funds.  Due to your generosity and the prudent management of our parish leadership, our Church is debt free.   We do not intend to initiate the project unless we can remain debt free after utilizing a small bridge loan from the Archdiocese of Atlanta during the period of construction, which is common operating practice.   I truly appreciate all you do to enhance the spiritual vitality of our faith community.  Thank you all and God bless you.

Saint Brigid Campaign Pledge Form April-24.pdf 

Growing In Faith Capital Campaign | Saint Brigid Catholic Church (myvanco.com)

Or visit www.saintbrigid.org/faith for more information.

At this time, we are in the midst of the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal for 2024.  The theme of the Appeal is “In His Presence”.  The Archdiocese has recently sent reminder notices urging parishioners to support the Appeal.  Catholics are invited to make a significant pledge so we can meet the spiritual, educational, and temporal needs of our parishes and our people.
Our contributions to the Appeal provide funds that are applied to the training and support of future happy, holy, and healthy priests needed to serve the Church of tomorrow.  The Appeal also supports our diaconate program, and many other Archdiocesan pastoral outreach, education, and formation programs that serve our parish as well as our larger Church family.  The Appeal also provides contributions to Catholic Charities which is making a concerted effort to help homeless veterans in the Atlanta area and other local communities to stabilize their lives through housing and employment assistance in these difficult and uncertain times.  In addition, the Appeal provides needed financial support for our priests in retirement who have served the people of this Archdiocese so faithfully over the years.

Through your generosity, our Saint Brigid faith community has benefited directly from the Appeal. A substantial portion of the Appeal provides for funding for our Archdiocese Vocation program.  At Saint Brigid we strive as a community to assist seminarians as they discern a vocation to the priesthood and as they continue their training and formation.

Seminarian Juno Lee was assigned to parish ministry at Saint Brigid for a designated “Pastoral Year” which began last September and ended this July.  He assisted primarily at our liturgies and with our Adult Education, Youth, and Confirmation programs.  Juno gained valuable experience in parish ministry, and he truly enjoyed this opportunity to interact with the faith community of Saint Brigid.

As we can see, our prayers and financial support of the Annual Appeal are clearly bearing fruit.  We ask for your continued support. If you have already given via the mail or online, we thank you. If you have not yet given to the Annual Appeal, 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.

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

As Catholics, we are blessed to have a high regard for the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith.  As encouraged by Our Holy Father Pope Francis, 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.

One way we demonstrate our high regard for the Eucharist is through our support of, or active participation in, the National Eucharistic Congress which will take place in Indianapolis, from July 17th to July 21st.  The Congress will focus on the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.  Congress organizers noted, “This once-in-a lifetime gathering will bring together the most trusted voices in the Church and thousands of on-fire Catholics for five powerful days of worship, encounter, and formation.”

The Congress will feature such dynamic Catholic speakers as Bishop Robert Barron and Fr. Mike Schmitz.  Bishop Barron founded “Word on Fire Ministries” a non-profit organization, which spreads the Gospel message.  He is a highly respected commentator, lecturer, and author on various aspects of Catholic life, including the Holy Eucharist.  Fr. Schmitz is well known for his insightful podcasts, “The Bible in a Year” and “The Catechism in a Year”.  Each podcast consists of 365 daily episodes of informative commentary and prayer.  In addition, other nationally prominent clergy and lay speakers will also be present.

The following “Eucharistic Revival Prayer” by Most Reverend Jose Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles, asks God to strengthen and enhance our appreciation for the Eucharist.

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 vibrant faith community of Saint Brigid.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who promised to stay with us always, until the end of the age.
Reawaken our wonder at His presence in the Most Holy Eucharist.  May our hearts burn with us as He opens the Scriptures and breaks the bread.
Give us the eyes of faith to recognize His presence in our brothers and sisters, especially in the face of the poor and suffering.
Nourished by the Eucharist, send us forth to walk faithfully as missionary disciples, proclaiming the Gospel to every heart and extending Your kingdom to every land.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

This coming Thursday we celebrate the Fourth of July, Independence Day.  On this day, we celebrate the birth of our nation, and we are encouraged to cherish in a very special way the many freedoms we enjoy in this country.  We are blessed to enjoy these freedoms, and they should never be taken for granted.

As we know, we live in difficult and uncertain times.  There is uncertainty in our world due primarily to wars in Ukraine and Israel.  There is also much division and conflict in our nation due primarily to a rise in crime and illegal drugs, and concerns over our immigration policies.  Much of this division and conflict is reported in our various media outlets on a daily basis.  We also live in a society which over the years has become more secular in its orientation, placing some of our religious freedoms at risk.

Unfortunately, there are those in our society who are attempting to undermine our trust and belief in God, and in the process are distorting our precious freedoms.  As previously noted, on our money bills we proclaim, “In God We Trust.”   As disciples, and as citizens, we are invited to pray that this trust in God may be restored in our nation by our leaders.  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 prayer for Independence Day, titled “A Prayer for Gratitude and Remembrance” provided by the media outlet, “PRAYERSAVES” reminds us to be grateful to God for the freedoms we enjoy:

Gracious God, on this Independence Day, we come before you with hearts full of gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy, and the sacrifices made by those who fought for our independence.
We remember with reverence those who laid down their lives for the cause of liberty.
Their sacrifices inspire us to cherish and protect the freedoms we hold dear.
Help us to be mindful of the responsibilities that come with freedom – to love our neighbors, seek justice, and work for the common good.
May this day be a time of remembrance, thanksgiving, and commitment to the values that our nation was founded upon.
In your name, we pray.  Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, and as we celebrate Independence Day, we are encouraged to take time 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.

During the first week in July, we will welcome Fr. Colin Patrick to our Saint Brigid parish family as our new parochial vicar.  Fr. Colin was recently ordained to the priesthood of the Archdiocese of Atlanta.  He attended the U.S. Military Academy and completed his principal theological studies at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake Mundelein Seminary (Mundelein), in Illinois.

Fr. Colin is thankful for the gift of his vocation.  He is also thankful for the spiritual vitality that is evident in the Saint Brigid faith community and is anxious to assist our parishioners through his priestly service.  Fr. Colin will strive to focus on the essentials of his priesthood, including celebrating Mass, hearing confessions, and visiting the sick, in addition to other assigned duties.  He will also work closely with our adult and youth faith formation ministries.

Fr. Colin was born and raised in Norcross.  He enjoys watching college football, and also enjoys outdoor activities, especially camping, backpacking, and hunting.  Please pray for Fr. Colin and welcome him to our faith community.

All are welcome to attend Fr. Colin Patricks’ Welcome Reception on Sunday, July 7th, 2024, at 12 Noon in Corbett Hall.

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

As noted in the media outlet, “Catholic News Agency”, he stated that, “Our experience of faith…arises from somebody’s witness.”  He then pointed to St. Joseph as a witness and model for fatherhood, as he noted that Joseph had a remarkable “ability to know how to listen to God speaking to his heart.”  Pope Francis further stated, “I am convinced that the fatherly relationship that Joseph had with Jesus influenced His life so much that Jesus’ future preaching is filled with images and references taken precisely from paternal imagery.”  In that special relationship, Jesus honored His foster father St. Joseph throughout His life.

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.

The following prayer “Happy Father’s Day” provided by the media outlet “Catholics Striving for Holiness” thanks God for the gift of our fathers:

God our Father, through the intercession of St. Joseph, the foster father of Your Son,
our Lord Jesus Christ, we give You thanks and praise for all fathers in the world.
We pray for them so that they may find courage and perseverance to balance work, family and faith.
We remember fathers, grandfathers, and great grandfathers who are no longer with us but who live forever in our memory and with You and nourish us with their love.  Amen.

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

Our Holy Father Pope Francis has called on the Church community to foster and nurture vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and religious life.   As reported in the media outlet, “Catholic News Agency”, in his message for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, Pope Francis stated, “amid the variety of our charisms, we are called to listen to one another and to journey together in order to acknowledge them and to discern where the Spirit is leading us for the benefit of all.   We can become for our world messengers and witnesses of Jesus’ dream of a single human family, united in God’s love and in the bond of charity, cooperation, and fraternity.”

As we reflect on these words of Pope Francis, in addition to praying for vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and religious life, at Saint Brigid, we also strive as a faith community to assist seminarians as they continue their training and formation.

This past year, we welcomed seminarian Juno Lee who joined us for a Pastoral Year of formation.  Juno is currently studying for the Archdiocese of Atlanta at Saint Vincent de Paul Seminary in Florida.  In addition to assisting at our liturgies including our Holy Week services, Juno has assisted in our Vacation Bible School, Confirmation conferences, and many of our Special Needs, and Youth activities.  He also participated in various aspects of our adult faith formation programs.

Instead of being assigned a “summer seminarian” as in past years, we have been informed that Juno will remain with us throughout most of the summer, and then return to his seminary studies soon thereafter.  Juno looks forward to continuing to interact with our Saint Brigid faith community, as he gains valuable pastoral experience.

As a faith community, we are encouraged to reflect on the following “Prayer for Vocations” provided by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops:

Father, hear the prayers of your people,
and bring to maturity the seeds you have sown in the field of your Church.
May many of your people choose to serve you
by devoting themselves to the service
of their brothers and sisters.
Raise up worthy ministers for your altars
and ardent but gentle servants of the Gospel.
May those who follow in the footsteps of Christ your Son grow, and provide by their way of life
a convincing sign of your kingdom for the Church and the whole world.
May all the ministers of your Church increase in numbers, and persevering in their prayer,
perform their ministry with gentleness and concern for others.
Father, keep them all faithful to the call of the Gospel that the world may see in them
the living image of your Son, Jesus Christ,
who is Lord for ever and ever.    Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, we are invited to pray for Juno and all those discerning vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, or religious life as they continue on their journey of faith.

 This Sunday we celebrate the solemnity of Corpus Christi, the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, and Our Holy Father Pope Francis has called on us to focus on the Eucharist.   As reported in the media outlet, “Catholic News Service”, he stated, “the Eucharist is God’s response to the deepest hunger of the human heart, the hunger for authentic life because in the Eucharist Christ himself is truly in our midst to nourish, console and sustain us.”  Pope Francis also noted, “We become credible witnesses to the joy and transforming beauty of the Gospel only when we recognize that the love we celebrate in this sacrament cannot be kept to ourselves but demands to be shared with all.”   He emphasized, “The Eucharist impels us to a strong and committed love of neighbor, for we cannot truly understand or live the meaning of the Eucharist if our hearts are closed to our brothers and sisters, especially those who are poor, suffering, weary or may have gone astray in life.”

As we reflect on these words, we are reminded that, as Catholics, we are blessed to have a high regard for the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith.  As encouraged by Our Holy Father, 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.

One way we demonstrate our high regard for the Eucharist is through our participation in the Eucharistic Congress.  There will be a National Eucharistic Congress in July in Indianapolis, with a focus on the Real Presence on Jesus in the Eucharist. As previously noted, Archbishop Hartmeyer expressed his hope that the Congress will inspire, “…a renewed encounter with the Lord Jesus in the Eucharist and an experience of the Gospel (kerygma), renewed eucharistic devotion and adoration throughout the archdiocese, and a revival of faithful celebration (the ars celebrandi) and participation in the liturgy.”

The following “Corpus Christi Novena” prayer encourages us to truly appreciate the gift of the Eucharist:

O God, who in this wonderful Sacrament have left us a memorial of your Passion,
grant us, we pray,
so, to revere the sacred mysteries of Your Body and Blood,
that we may always experience in ourselves the fruits of Your redemption,
who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
Jesus, Lord of Creation, grant us the grace to offer ourselves,
our works, and all creation in union with you to the Father.
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.

We celebrate Memorial Day as a nation this Monday.  On this day, we remember in a special way those men and women in the armed forces who have made the supreme sacrifice in defense of our nation.  We pray for the repose of their souls, and for all those who mourn their passing from this world.  Many of them died in wars and terrorist attacks.  Some were military chaplains who faithfully served the spiritual needs of our men and women in the armed forces and also served the spiritual needs of their families.  They all sacrificed their lives and their freedom and helped make it possible for us to enjoy our lives and our freedom.  They were prematurely separated from family members and friends, and a grateful nation pays them homage and respect.

The following prayer of remembrance by Micah Klug, was provided by the media outlet “Home Faith Family” for this special day.

As we reflect on this prayer, we are reminded to truly appreciate our precious faith and freedom which we should never take for granted.  This is especially important in these difficult and uncertain times when we have witnessed dramatic changes in the fabric of our society and our world over the last few years.  These changes were due primarily to the wars in Ukraine and Israel, tensions with Russia and China and other nations, concerns over immigration policies and a rapid increase in crime and illegal drugs in many of our large cities and even in many of our small rural areas.  Such changes have caused us to view our faith and our freedom in a different light and made us more acutely aware of the reality that there are events and circumstances that are beyond our control.

Dear God,
on this day we offer this special prayer of remembrance
for all those who have given their lives in service to our nation.
We thank You for the courage and strength they showed in defending our freedoms,
and we remember them with admiration and gratitude.
Please bless their families with comfort and peace
as they think about the ones they love on this day.
In Your name.  Amen.

As we consider these changes, and as we celebrate this day and take time for picnics and various forms of recreation, we are encouraged to also make time for prayer.  We can join our brothers and sisters who pray for the repose of the souls of these men and women who have gone before us.  In addition, we can pray for stability in our nation, and we can continue to pray for peace in our world, peace in our homes, and peace in our hearts.

This Sunday we celebrate the great feast of Pentecost.  We witness on this day the fulfillment of the promise of Jesus to send the Holy Spirit upon His Apostles.  The Holy Spirit will transform the lives of these Apostles.  These frightened men who abandoned Jesus at His Passion will be transformed into bold witnesses who will endure persecution, suffering, ridicule and others forms of trial as they preach His Good News.  As we celebrate this feast, we are encouraged to allow the Holy Spirit to come into our minds, and into our lives, and into our hearts.

In addition, during the month of May, we honor Mary in a special way.  Mary is not only the Mother of Jesus, but also the Mother of our Church.  The Church presents Mary as a model of love in its fullness.  The love she had for Jesus and Joseph was lived out through the joys and sorrows of everyday life.  It is the same precious love that she has for us, the same precious love she shares with us.  If we remain close to Mary, hopefully we will remain close to her Son.

Our Holy Father, Pope Francis has a special appreciation for Mary as a model and mother.  He stated, “Mary is a mother, and a mother is concerned above all about the health of her children.  Our Lady watches over our health.  What does this mean?  I am thinking above all of the three aspects: she helps us to grow, to face life, to be free.”  He also noted that Mary “…educates her children to realism and strength in the face of the obstacles that are inherent in life itself and which she herself suffered by sharing in the sufferings of her Son.”

The following “Prayer to Mary, Mother of the Church and Mother of our Faith”, provided by Pope Francis, asks for Mary’s special intercession.

Open our ears to hear God’s word and recognize His voice and call.
Awaken in us a desire to follow in His footsteps, to go from our own land and to receive His promise.
Help us to be touched by His love, that we may touch Him in faith.
Help us to entrust ourselves fully to Him and to believe in His love, especially at times of trial, beneath the shadow of the cross, when our faith is called to mature.
Sow in our faith the joy of the Risen One.
Remind us that those who believe are never alone.
Teach us to see all things with the eyes of Jesus, that He may be light for our path.  And may this light of faith always increase in us, until the dawn of that undying day which is Christ Himself, your Son, our Lord!

As we reflect on this prayer, this month we are encouraged to make a special effort to honor Mary through our prayers, reflections, appropriate liturgies and spiritual encounters, and by striving to embrace her example of compassion, generosity, and gentleness.

Mary, Mother of the Church, intercede for us. 

Mary, our mother, pray for us.

Mother, help our faith!

This Sunday is Mother’s Day, and families traditionally gather together on this day to remember and honor their mothers in a special way.  Many people take time to reflect on how much mothers do for their families and the many sacrifices they make on behalf of their spouse, children, and other loved ones.  Primarily through their teaching and their example, they also play an essential role in passing down their faith to their children.  They also often guide their children through their formative years with great love, patience, and kindness.

Pope Francis has a great respect for the vocation of motherhood.  The media outlet, “Vatican News”, reported that Pope Francis “expressed his appreciation for women who have given birth to children, and entrusted them to the protection of Our Lady” as he stated, “Let us recall with gratitude and affection all mothers, those who are still with us and those who have gone to Heaven.  Let us entrust them to Mary, the mother of Jesus.”

The following prayer called “A Prayer for All Mothers” asks God to bless all mothers for all that they do.

As we reflect on this prayer, we are encouraged to give thanks to our mothers.  It is fitting to thank them for all that they do, and for the example they set for us.  We may continue to honor them primarily by obeying them in our younger years, and by graciously taking care of them in their advancing years.  It is also appropriate to thank them for all the spiritual guidance they have provided to us.  In addition, we can also remember those mothers who have died, but still have a special place in our hearts.

Dear God, we come to You in prayer,
for all mothers, everywhere, the love for their child so pure, a bond that nothing can obscure.
In countries near and far, mothers are our guiding star.
In languages and cultures distant, their love for children is consistent.
Mothers who guide and shape, the future of each landscape,
they weave together tomorrow’s song and raise their children to be strong.
To be kind and compassionate, to build a world that’s just and great,
their love is a beacon of light, guiding us through each dark night.
May God bless all mothers, far and wide, with strength, grace,
and peace inside, may their love shine brighter than the sun,
the ones who make life, one by one.  Amen.

On behalf of the clergy, staff, and parishioners of Saint Brigid, we wish all mothers a happy, healthy, and holy Mother’s Day.   We hope they enjoy their special day.

Next Saturday, many of the children in our faith community will make their First Holy Communion at Saint Brigid.   They will share with us in the fullness of the Lord’s Supper for the first time, and they are excited.  Many of their parents and other loved ones will watch proudly as these children, with great devotion, take this important step on their journey of faith.  According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church “…reserves admission to Holy Communion to those who have attained the age of reason”, which is traditionally considered to be the age of seven.

Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, in a homily, addressed a group of children receiving their First Holy Communion.  He stated, “Making your first Holy Communion shows that you want to be closer to Jesus every day, to grow in friendship with him and to lead other people to share in the joy he wants us to feel.  The Lord needs you because he wants to work the miracle of bringing his joy to many of your friends and family members.”  Pope Francis further stated, “I am happy to share this great moment with you and to help you meet Jesus.”

As we reflect on these words of Pope Francis, and as we celebrate the First Holy Communion of our children at Saint Brigid, we are reminded that the Eucharist is 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.

This following prayer expresses our thanks for the great gift of Holy Communion from the perspective of a child.

As we take this prayer to heart, we are reminded that the word “Eucharist” means “giving thanks.”  And on the very special day of First Holy Communion, we can once again thank the Lord for the great gift of the Eucharist.  We can also thank the Lord for our wonderful children, and for our vibrant faith community of Saint Brigid.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for my Holy Communion.
Through the Mass You come to us as You came on the first Christmas.
In the Mass You repeat the wonderful Sacrifice of Calvary.
During the Mass You give Yourself to me in Holy Communion.
Dear Jesus, help me love Holy Communion.
Make me thoughtful and prayerful at Mass.
Come to me and remain with me all the days of my life. Amen 

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “Adoration is the first attitude of man acknowledging that he is a creature before his Creator.  It exalts the greatness of the Lord who made us and the almighty power of the Savior who sets us free from evil.   Adoration is homage of the spirit to the ‘King of Glory’, respectful silence in the presence of the ‘ever greater’ God.  Adoration of the thrice-holy and sovereign God of love blends with humility and give assurance to our supplications.” (CCC 2628)

According to the media outlet, “Catholic-Link”, “when Catholics say they are ‘going to adoration’, they are typically referring to Eucharistic Adoration.  Which, in the most basic terms, is the worship of the Eucharist outside of the Mass.  The Eucharistic Host is displayed in a monstrance on the altar so that all can see and pray in the presence of Christ.”

Eucharistic Adoration at Saint Brigid, which takes place primarily in our Day Chapel, drives the spiritual vitality of our parish.  An invitation to be a “Eucharistic Guardian” is presented in our parish bulletin on a regular basis.  It states, “Please prayerfully consider saying YES to spending just one hour of your week with Jesus, truly present in the Blessed Sacrament.”    One parishioner described his hour spent each week in Eucharistic Adoration as “the best hour of my week.”

Author and psychologist, Fr. Benedict Groeschel, as reported in the publication, “Our Sunday Visitor,” stated that there are “four kinds of prayer most appropriate in the presence of the Eucharist, namely adoration and praise, Thanksgiving, >repentance, and trusting intercession.” 

He offered the following eight options of activities during Eucharistic Adoration:

“Pray the psalms or the Liturgy of the Hours.”  
They contain pearls of wisdom for us to consider.

“Recite the ‘Jesus Prayer”.
Lord Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner.”  It reminds us that the Lord came to call sinners, not the self-righteous.

“Meditate using Scripture.” The gospels especially provide us with great insight into Our Lord’s ministry, message, and mission.

“Read the life of a saint and pray with him or her.” 
We can learn about our great saints who set such a good example for us to follow.

“Pour out your heart to Christ and adore Him.” 
Let Him hear about your struggles and crosses at this time in your life.

“Ask for forgiveness and intercede for others.” 
We all need the pardon, mercy, and forgiveness that the Lord so generously offers to us.

“Pray the rosary.” 
Mother Teresa urged us to pray to Jesus “with Mary.”

“Sit quietly and ‘be’ in the presence of God.”
We can permit the Lord to speak to us in the silence of our hearts.

As we reflect on these recommendations of Fr. Groeschel, we are strongly encouraged to spend one hour each week as a Eucharistic Guardian, adoring the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist. This time can enhance our spiritual well-being in many special ways.

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.

Our existing parish facilities have served us well, and now we are a thriving faith community with over 4,000 households, blessed with active lay leaders and dynamic ministries.  As our parish has grown, we have struggled to accommodate the over eighty parish ministries and organizations seeking space for meetings, activities, and fellowship.  Scheduling events and functions can be difficult due to space limitations.   Our limited space hinders our ability to add new ministries and expand existing ones.

Our parish leadership, including our expansion committee, has reminded us that we have not entered into a major expansion project in close to twenty years.  After careful study and discussion over the last few years, our leadership has asked us as a faith community to consider and evaluate the feasibility of the construction of a Pastoral Life Center.  This proposed large free standing two-story Pastoral Life Center would serve as an investment in the spiritual vitality of our Parish and strengthen our efforts to enhance our faith and fellowship.  It would also serve as a legacy to our children and grandchildren.  The new Center would enable us to enhance our ministries and programs, helping to ensure that our Parish will continue to be vibrant and flourish.

Our parish leadership, in coordination with professional advisory firms, has prepared a summary of the proposed project including a brief video.  The video is also accessible on our Parish website.  We are poised to go forward with the project.  Since the project will require a capital campaign, we will need your cooperation and support, spiritually and financially.  We invite you to attend one of our information sessions scheduled for –

Thursday, April 25th, or Monday, April 29th at 7:00pm in Corbett Hall, or you may contact one of our Parish representatives:

– John Revell: jrevell@saintbrigid.org, Chief Operating Officer

– Brian Dooling: brian.t.dooling@gmail.com, Campaign Chairperson

– Jim Shields:  jrsx5@bellsouth.net, Expansion Chairperson

– Nancy Ketchum:  nancy.ketchum@att.net, Expansion Committee

Please also be assured that we are challenged to be good stewards of Church funds.  Due to your generosity and the prudent management of our parish leadership, our Church is debt free.  We do not intend to initiate the project unless we can remain debt free after utilizing a small bridge loan from the Archdiocese of Atlanta during the period of construction, which is standard operating practice.

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

Thank you all and God bless you.

As we know, cancer can be a debilitating disease and can impact people of all ages.  There are many different types of cancer. Among the more common types are breast cancer, colon cancer, skin cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, and stomach cancer.  Many of us know someone who is struggling with some form of cancer.  It has affected many of our adult parishioners and some of their children and their other loved ones.

As reported in the media publication, “Vatican News”, Pope Francis expressed his closeness with children suffering from cancer. He stated, “May the Lord inspire everyone to draw near to those who suffer, especially children, and to put the weakest in first place.  I entrust the doctors and all sick children to the Virgin Mary so that with her motherly affection she might look after them.”  As we reflect on these words of Our Holy Father, it is interesting to note that our nation has made great strides in addressing the disease of cancer.  As
reported in the media publication, “Verywell Health”, considerable progress has been made in reducing cancer rates and improving cancer survival in the United States since the 1990’s.  A greater understanding of the immune system, genetics, and cancer pathology has opened the doors to an ever-increasing range of new cancer treatments and diagnostic tools.  Advances in cancer care have been
highly specific in terms of the diagnostic and treatment modalities that are recommended for each type of cancer.”

The following “St. Jude Prayer for the Healing of Cancer” from the National Shrine of St. Jude, asks the Lord to guide and support those afflicted with some type of cancer:

God of healing mercy, in Jesus Your Son, you stretch out Your hand in compassion,
restoring the sinner, healing the sick, and lifting up those bowed down.
Embrace us now in Your loving care,
particularly those afflicted with cancer,
for whom this intention is offered.
May the Spirit of Jesus bring us all health in soul and body,
that with joy and thanksgiving we may praise You for Your goodness,
through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, we are reminded that those suffering can seek the intercession of St. Peregrine.  He is the Patron Saint of Cancer.  Among the many statues of saints in our Church is a statue of Saint Peregrine.  We are invited to learn more about Saint Peregrine and ask for his special intercession, especially in these difficult and uncertain times when cancer, in many different forms, is so prevalent in our society.  As a faith community, 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.

Today we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday, and our Church has stated the following about this great feast: “During the Church’s millennium celebration in 2000, Pope John Paul II declared that the Second Sunday of Easter be known as ‘Divine Mercy Sunday’.  Prior to this celebration, the Pope also wrote a profound encyclical called ‘Rich in Mercy’.  This encyclical explained the doctrinal and scriptural foundations for our understanding of mercy.  Our Holy Father looked to a holy woman of Poland, Sr. Faustina, for inspiration. He canonized Sr. Faustina at that same Mass in 2000 at which he instituted the observance of Divine Mercy Sunday.  He also clearly articulated the essential message that Jesus gave to Sr. Faustina and the message is that the graces of His mercy are greater than the stains of our sins.”

Pope Francis expressed his devotion to the spirituality of mercy promoted by Pope John Paul II. In a recent address for Divine Mercy Sunday, as reported in the media publication, “Aleteia”, Pope Francis stated, “Today, when the world is being afflicted more and more by wars and is moving away from God, we need the Mercy of the Father above all.”  He also noted, “The Lord never ceases to be merciful.  Let us think of the mercy of God who always welcomes us, always accompanies us, never leaves us alone.”

In these difficult and uncertain times, we are challenged to truly appreciate this day and reflect a spirit of mercy, repentance and reconciliation in our lives.  Jesus’ message to Faustina reminds us that there is no limit to the Lord’s mercy for those who truly believe, for those who humbly ask for forgiveness.

The following “Prayer for Divine Mercy” provided by the media outlet, “Heart of the Nation”, reflects the desire for the mercy that God extends to us:

Lord Jesus,
Risen Savior, born to redeem Your sheep gone astray, as a shepherd desiring that none be lost,
You gave Your love and earthly life, forgiving even as You died on the Cross.
In faith, I ask for Your Divine Mercy.
In humble prayer, I come before You, undeserving of the compassion desired.
For sin, although forgiven, leaves a mark upon perfect Creation defiled.
In hope, I ask for Your Divine Mercy.
With Easter joy that You have risen and belief that You will not abandon me,
may Your words echo in my heart, overcoming my fears and bringing peace.
In love, I ask for Your Divine Mercy. Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, and on the profound words of Our Holy Father, we invite our parishioners and friends to join us to embrace the generous gift of God’s mercy in a humble spirit of thanksgiving.

Today we celebrate Easter Sunday and the Resurrection of Jesus.  In an Easter message, as reported by the media outlet “Vatican News”, Our Holy Father, Pope Francis stated, “Brothers, sisters, may we rediscover the enjoyment of the journey, quicken the heartbeat of hope and experience a foretaste of the beauty of heaven!  Today, let us summon the energy to advance in goodness towards Goodness itself, which never disappoints…May you, the Lord of life, encourage us on our journey and repeat to us, as you did to the disciples on the evening of Easter: ‘Peace be with you!’”

Today, our Holy Father invites us to embrace this message.  In a world growing more and more secular, we are challenged to strive to focus on the heavenly kingdom that awaits those who are faithful.  Pope Francis calls on us to live for Christ, to love for Christ, to take risks for Christ, and to witness for Christ.  When we embrace this call, we can show by our witness and by our actions that we are truly the body of Christ, the community of hope, and the Easter people of faith.

At Easter we proclaim the glory of the Resurrection.  The suffering of the cross gives way to the glory of the Resurrection.  Just as we share in the suffering of Christ in this life, we hope to one day share in His glory.  Through his Resurrection, Jesus has conquered sin.  He has conquered death.  This is the message of his Good News.

On this Easter Sunday, we welcome all to our vibrant Parish community.  We especially welcome all those who have completed a thorough period of inquiry, education and catechesis, and will be receiving the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, or the Eucharist for the first time.  During their period of study, they have grown closer together, and they will be invited to go forth and preach the Good News of Jesus by word and example.

We also welcome all those who are attending our Church for the first time, and those who do not attend our Church on a regular basis.  We invite you to become part of our community of faith.

I want to express my heartfelt thanks to all who participated in our Holy Week liturgies and other services.  As we celebrate this day, I also want to thank you for all that you do to enhance the spiritual vitality of our wonderful Parish, and on behalf of our priests, deacons and staff, I wish you and your families a holy, happy and healthy Easter season.

This Sunday we celebrate Palm Sunday and focus on the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.  Palms are blessed and distributed to the faithful on this day to be used for personal devotion throughout the year.  Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week during which we commemorate the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus.

Commenting on Palm Sunday in a recent message, as reported by the media outlet “Catholic News Agency”, Pope Francis invited Catholics to live Holy Week “as the tradition of God’s holy faithful people teaches us, that is, accompanying the Lord Jesus with faith and love.”  He pointed to Mary as a model as he stated, “Let us learn from our Mother, the Virgin Mary.  She followed her Son with the closeness of her heart; she was one soul with him and, although she did not understand everything, together with him she surrendered herself fully to the will of God the Father.”  Pope Francis then wished all “a happy journey toward Easter.”

The following prayer from the media outlet “Prayerist” invites us to truly embrace a spiritual focus as we begin this journey during Holy Week:

Lord God,
I give you thanks, for You are good, and Your mercy is endless.
Here I stand, at the start of this holy week, this week in which your church remembers Jesus’ passion and death, and I am distracted by many things.
Turn my eyes now to the One who comes in Your name, the One who opens the gates of righteousness, the One who answers when we call.
I bless you, Lord, for shining Your light upon me, and for sending Your son to us, in human frailty, to open the road we walk.
Open my eyes that I may see Him coming, and may praise Him with a pure heart, and may walk in the way of His suffering, and share in His resurrection.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever.
Amen.

As we reflect on this prayer, and on the words of Pope Francis, Our Holy Father has asked us to focus on the sacredness of Holy Week, and take time to pray, reflect, and discern. He wants us to more fully understand what Jesus did for us, what Jesus means to us. Pursuant to this request, we are strongly encouraged to participate in our upcoming liturgical services during Holy Week if we are physically able. We are also strongly encouraged to invite family members and friends to join us. Please carefully review the schedule of our Masses and our other liturgical services for the week and plan to participate to the extent possible. Details can be found in the Parish bulletin and on the Parish website.
Today, as we celebrate and experience the joy of Palm Sunday, as we shout “Hosanna”, we are challenged to truly appreciate this special time of grace.

Archbishop Hartmayer will celebrate Mass at 10:30 am at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church on Saturday, April 6^th honoring the Woman and Teen of the Year for each of those parishes which are members of the Atlanta Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women.  Tricia Borah has been chosen as Woman of the Year, and Ben Whitehead has been chosen as Teen of the Year for Saint Brigid Parish.   We truly appreciate their many important contributions to our parish as we strive to sustain and enhance the spiritual vitality of our faith community.  They inspire us with their example of generous and unselfish service.  Tricia and Ben have certainly exhibited love of God and love of neighbor as they continue their journey of faith.

Tricia serves our faith community in many different ways.  She supervises our Special Needs Ministry and serves as a faithful volunteer in our Youth Ministry program.  Tricia is also active in our Mustard Seed and Women of Saint Brigid Ministries.  She has served as a guardian for Eucharistic Adoration and has actively participated in Christ Renews His Parish, now known as our “Welcome” program.  In all that she does, Tricia finds great joy in serving the Lord and serving the faith community of Saint Brigid.

Ben serves as a teen leader for our Youth Ministry and Confirmation programs.  He also ushers and lectors at Mass.  Ben has a great appreciation for the Eucharist and constantly seeks ways to grow in holiness and invites others to grow with him.  He shares the gospel message in word and deed through bible studies and summer mission trips.  In his words and in his actions, he gives witness as a true disciple of Christ.  Ben interacts well with his peers and sets a great example for them.  He is held in high esteem by his Youth Ministry coordinators and core group.

On behalf of the priests, deacons, staff and parishioners of Saint Brigid, I congratulate Tricia and Ben for the honors they will soon receive.

Next Sunday we celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day.  Major parades take place in New York, Savannah, Atlanta and many other cities celebrating the life and contributions of Saint Patrick to the Catholic faith and to Irish culture. It is a special day for Msgr. Marren and many other 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.  He 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.

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 St. 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 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.”

St. Patrick prepared the following prayer asking for the Lord’s protection and guidance:

Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me, Christ within me,
Christ below me, Christ above me,
Christ at my right hand, Christ at my left hand,
Christ in the hearts of all who think of me,
Christ in the mouths of all who speak of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

As we celebrate this day, we are reminded to focus on Christ and our faith as we continue on our Lenten journey and reflect on the glory of the Resurrection that awaits us. The season of Lent is a good time to enhance our spiritual life in the spirit of St. Patrick and bear good fruit in our lives. We are invited and challenged to follow the example of St. Patrick and truly be faithful witnesses to the Gospel as we continue to answer our call to discipleship.

We have many widows and widowers as part of our Saint Brigid faith community.  As reported in the publication, “U.S. Catholic”, the Catholic Church “has a long history of ministry to and by widows.”  The publication further notes that the Church’s “own long tradition of giving care to widows and receiving it from them suggests that we need to remember and celebrate the widows and widowers in our midst with more attention.”  The Church is aware of the need to truly appreciate widows and widowers, many of whom have lost their spouses after many years of faithful service to the Church.

At Saint Brigid, our widows and widowers are encouraged to be vibrant members of our faith community.  They are invited to come together to participate in our New Beginnings Ministry, a ministry formed for widows and widowers.  The group meets for dinner and fellowship, usually on the first Thursday of each month.  Members share experiences and memories.  In addition, at appropriate times of the year, they attend Mass for their deceased spouses prior to their monthly dinner.  Widows and widowers from other faith communities are also welcomed.

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 attention 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, in addition to our New Beginnings Ministry, we have a Grief Care support ministry in which widows and widowers, as well as others who have lost loved ones, meet periodically during the year to discuss how they are coping with life after their loss.

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 can 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.

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 may embrace this invitation in various 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.”  The publication further states, “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.”

In August 2023, in his address on World Youth Day, Pope Francis, commenting on the Stations of the Cross, stated, “Today we are going to journey with Jesus along the path of His suffering, along the path of our worries, the path of our loneliness.  Now, in a further moment of silence, let each of us think about our own sufferings, our own worries, our own weaknesses.  Do not be afraid, just think about them. And think of the desire our souls have to shine once more…And Jesus journeys to the Cross, dies on the cross, to enable our souls to shine.”

As we reflect on these profound words, 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 7:00 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 19th and Tuesday, February 20th. 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 Monsignor Hugh Marren. He will focus on “The Mass and Our Lenten Renewal” as he explains various elements of the Mass, and how the Mass can help us renew or revive our faith, and lead to spiritual healing as we strive to return to the Lord’s loving embrace at this special time of the Church Year.

Lent is a good time to consider which way we are heading, and how we may be able to alter our spiritual course. Lent is also a good time to seek healing and reconciliation. It is a time to reflect on the wounds and slights that all too often impact our relationships with family members and friends. It is also an appropriate 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.

At this time of the year, our Church places a special emphasis on the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We are invited to avail ourselves of this sacrament during the Lenten season. The sacrament is here to heal, not to condemn. Our Holy Father Pope Francis has called Confession, “the sacrament of tenderness” and has urged those who have been away from the sacrament to be not afraid to reach out to the Lord who will receive you with open arms. 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 offer the sacrament on Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings, and by appointment.

We will also have what is traditionally called a Penance Service on Tuesday, March 12th with additional priests available to serve as instruments of the Lord’s pardon, mercy, and forgiveness.

We are invited to attend the Mission 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 and Confession times can be obtained from the Parish bulletin and website as well as from the Parish office.

I hope that you will prayerfully consider participating in the Parish Mission, and avail yourself of great opportunities to enhance your spiritual life during this special season of Lent.

This week we will offer a Lenten Parish Mission on Monday, February 19th and Tuesday, February 20th. 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 Monsignor Hugh Marren. He will focus on “The Mass and Our Lenten Renewal” as he explains various elements of the Mass, and how the Mass can help us renew or revive our faith, and lead to spiritual healing as we strive to return to the Lord’s loving embrace at this special time of the Church Year.
Lent is a good time to consider which way we are heading, and how we may be able to alter our spiritual course. Lent is also a good time to seek healing and reconciliation. It is a time to reflect on the wounds and slights that all too often impact our relationships with family members and friends. It is also an appropriate 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.

At this time of the year, our Church places a special emphasis on the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We are invited to avail ourselves of this sacrament during the Lenten season. The sacrament is here to heal, not to condemn.  Our Holy Father Pope Francis has called Confession, “the sacrament of tenderness” and has urged those who have been away from the sacrament to be not afraid to reach out to the Lord who will receive you with open arms.  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 offer the sacrament on Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings, and by appointment.

We will also have what is traditionally called a Penance Service on Tuesday, March 12th with additional priests available to serve as instruments of the Lord’s pardon, mercy, and forgiveness.  We are invited to attend the Mission 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 and Confession times can be obtained from the Parish bulletin and website as well as from the Parish office.

I hope that you will prayerfully consider participating in the Parish Mission, and avail yourself of great opportunities to enhance your spiritual life during this special season of Lent.

Next Wednesday 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.  It marks the beginning of the Lenten season.  Lent is the time, approximating forty days of reflection and penance leading up to Easter.  Many people will attend Church on this day to receive ashes as they strive to enter into the spirit of the season.

In a recent address as reported by the media outlet, “Catholic News Agency”, Pope Francis reminded the faithful that we need to listen to Jesus.

As we reflect on these insightful words of Our Holy Father, 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 during 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.

This weekend we initiate discussion of the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal for 2024 at our Masses.   The theme of the Appeal is “In His Presence – All Things Are Possible.”  Archbishop Hartmayer stated, “In His Presence is where we all find joy and peace, as well as comfort and consolation.  Just as Christ gives Himself to us in the Eucharist, by your sacrificial giving to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal to serve our brothers and sisters, you become Eucharist to others, making His love present throughout north and central Georgia.”

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.  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 2024 Appeal and ask you to give generously and sacrificially.  We thank all who have already given.  Administrative procedures for the collection and processing of pledges this year have been streamlined.  Information about the Appeal has been provided in the Church Bulletin and on the Parish website.  Any questions concerning the Appeal can be directed to John Revell in the Parish office.

My brothers and sisters in Christ, we are challenged to respond in faith to this invitation and request.  Your continued generosity is truly appreciated.

Thank you for all you do to support our Church community.

https://archatl.com/appeal/

This Thursday, February 1st, we celebrate the Feast Day of Saint Brigid, the patron saint of our Parish.  She joins Saint Patrick as one of the patron saints of Ireland.    Saint Brigid is known for her extraordinary spirituality and prayer life.  She is also known for her Christian charity.  Her ministry involved healing and feeding the poor and she 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.  Saint Brigid 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. Through her words and example, she serves as a wonderful model for us.

This week we also celebrate National Catholic Schools Week, with the theme of “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community”.  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.  Catholic education was also very important to Saint Brigid.  She is the patron saint of students and worked to see that the Catholic faith was taught clearly and thoroughly, and she founded several Catholic schools.

This Sunday we also focus on the work of Mustard Seed Communities (MSC).  Mustard Seed was founded by Msgr. Gregory Ramkissoon, a Catholic priest in Jamaica.  MSC started in Jamaica and expanded to Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and Africa.  It cares for several hundred children with special physical and mental health needs, many of whom have been abandoned.

Pope Francis stated, “We need to see each child as a gift to be welcomed, cherished, and protected.”  Mustard Seed strives to love and protect the most vulnerable of our children.  It strives to focus on these children as gifts from God.

MSC also manages a number of community outreach programs to combat poverty and provide educational opportunities to local populations.

Saint Brigid Parish supports MSC primarily through its spiritual and financial assistance.  Our parishioners also participate in mission trips to assist in the construction of appropriate housing for the children in need.  Some of our parishioners have also adopted children from various communities of Mustard Seed.  Representatives of MSC will be available after the Masses this weekend to answer questions about the Community and the work it does.

Our Holy Father Pope Francis has spoken often and eloquently about the value of human life and the dignity of the human person.  As reported in the media outlet, “The Catholic World Report”, he recently criticized the “throw away” culture that is often found in more affluent societies.  He stated, “Every person is a sacred and unique gift, no matter what their age and condition.  Let us always respect and promote life! Let us not throw life away.”

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 was emphasized on Saturday, January 20th as Bishop Tran celebrated a special Mass for the Preborn at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Atlanta. Many of our parishioners were in attendance.  The bishop spoke about how all of God’s children deserve our love and support, and that we should pray that God will change the hearts and minds of those who fail to value the gift of life.

The following “A Pro-Life Prayer” provided by ‘Creative Communications” reflects our concern for all human life:

God of all goodness, You have entrusted us with the gift of life.
Help us to appreciate that gift from the first moments of conception to the last breaths of old age.
Send Your strength to all those who defend the unborn, the weak, and the dying against attempts to cut short their lives.
May Your Holy Spirit touch the hearts of those who are tempted to choose the way of death rather than life.
Grant that Your people may always be a sign of your love in the world.
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 profound words of Pope Francis and Bishop Tran and do our part in promoting the value of all human life and the dignity of the human person as we continue on our journey of faith.