Celebrating Saint Brigid of Kildare Parish’s 30 year …

1 This Common Threads newsletter looks Celebrating back on our last 30 years as a parish. So Saint Brigid of Kildare many of you are new to St. Brigid of Kildare and don't know the journey we traveled to Parish's become the parish we are today. Our first 30-year History parish Mass back in 1987 was celebrated in a barn, but we now worship in a spectacular church that has become a landmark in our Dublin Community the pride of its members and a highlight of the Columbus Diocese. Our Parish Education Center began as the dream of Bishop Griffin, Msgr. Enke and a handful of parishioners, and is now home to what is arguably the best preschool-eighth grade school and the leading diocesan religious education program.

2 Our growth in membership (from 600 to 3,400 families) and in facilities has been impressive, but even more important is the ever-growing involvement, commit- ment and most recently hospitality shown by our parishioners. Our parishion- ers have never been content to rest on their laurels we have continued to grow and excel. It is exciting to think about what our parish will look like over the next 30 years. We thank our dedicated parishioners who have worked so diligently in countless capacities and contributed their time, talent and treasure to build our St. Brigid of Kildare Parish into the strong Catholic community is has become.

3 Please help us continue our 30-year legacy by bringing your talents to St. Brigid of Kildare . How will you use your time and talents to glorify God? In Ephesians 4:11-12, it tells us to reflect and give our talents, And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.. This newsletter shares information about the ways our ministries and commit- tees impact our parish on a daily basis. Read this newsletter and find a way to become involved. Please join us in Celebrating our 30th anniversary and find out more about our active parish family during Ministry Weekend after all five Masses on September 23 and 24, 2017 .

4 Our Parish, 1987 Our Parish, 2017 . The Diocese of Columbus acquired 15 acres of land at 7179. Avery Road that was being used by the Dublin Stables as a horse boarding and riding facility. On the property was a farm house, large barn and stable. About 675 founding families, led by Msgr. Enke, began worshiping and meeting at nearby churches and schools. Our parish celebrated its first Mass on the new land in the stable. Surrounded by animals, parishioners sat on bales of hay for the service. The newly renovated stable was dedicated by Bishop Griffin as Our Lady of the Gael Chapel (currently Enke Hall).

5 Saint Brigid of Kildare Church was dedicated on the Feast of the Assumption by Bishop Griffin. The church was a 20,000 square-foot facility with a seating capacity of 1,000. Saint Brigid of Kildare school , in the new Parish Education Center, opened its doors, welcoming 328 students in grades preschool through sixth. The former Lady of the Gael Chapel was renamed and blessed as Msgr. Paul Enke Hall in June 1998. Property across the street from the Church acres donated in 1999 by Bishop Griffin was transformed into Brigid 's Green and dedicated on October 24, 2004. After 17 months of construction, the 15,000 square-foot Pastoral Center was dedicated.

6 The building was designed for meeting, nursery, and support spaces (11,000 sq. feet) and administrative offices (4,000 sq. feet). The Robert D. Walter Family Gymnasium was dedicated after an addition was completed that added a state of the art gymnasium, bleacher seating for 600, and performance stage. The church expansion was blessed after a renovation that added 500 additional seats, expanded the cry room, updated the restroom facilities, and expanded the gathering area. Saint Brigid of Kildare school celebrated its 20th anniversary with an outdoor concert and picnic with all 560+ students.

7 In the last 20 years, the school has more than doubled in growth and received two National Blue Ribbon school awards. EPIC Middle school Youth Group is forming now for 2017 - 2018 ! Be a part of St. Brigid of Kildare 's growing Middle school Youth Group. With over 200 members from St. Brigid school , Grizzell, Karrer, Sells and other local schools, EPIC is a great place to earn Confirmation service hours with your friends, be part of the St. Brigid community and grow actively in your faith. We meet once per month from September through April. Students attend 12:15 pm Mass together, come to Hendricks Hall for pizza, games and discussion and complete two hours of meaningful service with their friends.

8 There is no cost to participate. To Sign Up: go to the Middle school Youth Group page on the parish website and fill out the electronic registration, or contact Kim VanHuffel at Once you sign up, you will receive all communications about the program. Incoming eighth graders must re-register if they were part of the group last year. 2017 - 2018 Schedule: September 17 EPIC Kick-Off, On-Site Service October 15 TAASC Outdoor Work & Winterizing November 19 Thanksgiving Meals Deliveries December 10 TBD. January 21 On-Site Blanket Making for Foster Children February 25 Dublin Food Pantry Warehouse March 18 Visit Retirement Homes April 8 Columbus Zoo & Other Service Identity Revealed: High school Youth Ministry 2017 - 2018 .

9 It is easy to compartmentalize who you are. At school , you are this person. At home, you are that person. On your team, you are another person. At church, you are someone else. In prayer, you are this way. In friendships, you are that way. But God calls us to wholeness. We are called to be entirely His, always. Imagine what life could be if we always remembered that we are loved and known by God and allowed that to guide us. This coming year, our ministry focus will be Identity Revealed. We will explore our identity in Christ, what it means to be known and loved by God, and how that can transform our lives if we allow it.

10 Join us this coming school year as we learn and grow through discussion, scripture, theology of the body, guest speakers, sports, service, prayer, and music in an effort to follow Christ, whole- heartedly. Parent Information Gathering: Sunday, August 27, 7-8 PM. HS Youth Ministry Kick-Off: Thursday, September 7, 2017 , 7:30-9 PM. Winter Retreat: February 10-11, 2018 . Components of this year's High school Youth Ministry will include the following (see our webpage for full details): God Revealed Series (September 7, 14, 21, & 28). YOU: Life, Love, & Theology of the Body Series, part 1 (October 5, 12, 19, 26, November 2, & 9).