March 2008 Newsletter

Lent is a special time of reconciliation in the Church. This year, because of the “single priest model” we are experiencing here at St. Brigid,  students in grades 5, 6, and 7 in both St. Brigid School and St. Brigid Religious Ed will not have the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation during their class times. 

Our second graders celebrated First Reconciliation on December 4, and our fourth graders and their entire families will be participating in the Family Reconciliation Workshop on March 1, 2008.  (If you have not yet returned your registration form for this workshop, please do so at once!)  Eighth graders will have the opportunity for Reconciliation during their Retreat on April 5, 2008.

So, what about “the rest of us”?  On Palm Sunday, our parish traditionally invites additional priests to celebrate Reconciliation following 5 p.m Vespers.  This year is no exception.  However, from 3:45-4:45, we will be offering a Family Gathering focusing on Reconciliation.  It will be similar to the Family Reconciliation Workshop in that each family will do the activities and discussion together as a family.  It will be different in the materials and activities used.  Both workshops’ goal is to better prepare the participants to celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation in a meaningful way!   

Be sure to register so that we have adequate materials prepared!  (See the registration form included with this Family Packet!)

Thank you for your cooperation with the new traffic pattern at the beginning and end of class.  Just to reiterate:  you may now drop off your child/ren directly in front of the Educational Center.  You may not, however, park at any time in the lane right in front of the Educational Center, even if you are “just running in for a minute!”

Please check the Parish Lenten Booklet and bulletin for a complete list of times for the Holy Week Masses/Services.  Families with second and eighth graders are especially encouraged to attend the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper. 

On Good Friday, the service is at 3 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m. the Seventh Graders will be presenting the “Shadow Stations of the Cross.”  In case you were unable to attend with your child during religious ed. classes, you may want to make this a part of your Good Friday experience. 

On Holy Saturday, at 2 p.m. is a blessing of the Easter Food.  Pack your basket with the food you will be serving on Easter and bring it to the chapel for a special blessing!  (It lasts less than half an hour.)  The Easter Vigil Service, of course, lasts a long time, but brings the mystery of the resurrection to life, from darkness to light, with the Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation of our RCIA participants.

Easter Sunday Masses follow the regular Mass Schedule.  Easter also begins our Spring Break!  Have a glorious day and season!  May the Risen Lord bring joy and peace to your hearts!

1) Being a part of the  2008 Main Event committee as a member of the committee,  a volunteer for a specific part of the event, or by donating an item for the Silent Auction, or helping to generate ideas.  Check out their website: www.stbmainevent.com or Call Jennifer at 336-3294 or Christi at 761-9849.

2) Being a Parish Nursery Volunteer!  We have been unable to open the Nursery at the 9 a.m. Mass due to lack of volunteers.  If you can help, please call Kelly at 873-0125.

May God continue to bless us, one and all!