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> Outreach Ministries > Respect Life Ministries > Support Groups > Special Parish Celebrations Following the Second Vatican Council came a renewal of the Church's mission to preach, teach, and reach. We are all called to remember Christ's example in living our lives - at home, in the workplace, and in recreation. Through the love of Christ, and through the example given to us by Christ, we seek to transform individuals and society so that the God-given gifts of every person are celebrated and utilized for the common good. As Community, we reach within and beyond our boundaries through social affairs, community outreach, recreation and service projects. To minister in any of the following areas, contact Mary Lou Olson @ x1005. Outreach Ministries CATHOLIC YOUTH ORGANIZATION (CYO) A program of youth sports and recreation emphasizing friendly competition through good sportsmanship modeled by adult participants. It uses sports as an attraction to the deeper issues of life. All volunteers serve as youth ministers within an athletic context. The sports programs currently covered by St. Brigid are: baseball, basketball, soccer, softball, t-ball, volleyball, and track. The starting age in the program is age 4. General meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. COFFEE FELLOWSHIP A ministry that promotes parish community, goodwill, and hospitality. It is an expression of our motto - "There are no strangers here, only friends we have not met." This outreach is provided after the 8:00 a.m. and the 10:30 a.m. Sunday Masses in the Narthex of the church. Our ministers prepare the coffee, serve it, and clean up afterwards. FUNERAL LUNCHEON MINISTRY Hospitality is an ancient Christian virtue and one that draws down blessings on the hospitable. This ministry models itself after St. Brigid and St. Martha, who both were examples of brotherly love. Martha's home was a Christian meeting place and she provided hospitality to the Apostles, as well as Jesus. St. Brigid had no limit to her charity and power for doing good. This ministry involves being available on short notice in the mornings and early afternoons when there is a death and funeral in the parish. The menu is put together, shopping, food solicitation, some food preparation, set up, serving, and cleanup are carried out by various members of this team. GUADALUPANOS FAMILY SOCIETY The primary purpose of the Guadalupanos is spreading devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe. This group is very active in the parish through many avenues. They prepare and sell the desserts at the annual Spaghetti Dinner in support of the Youth Mission work. They collectively organize and work at our Homecoming Celebration. They provide scholarships for college. Besides the many service hours given to our parish, time is given to Casa Guadalupe. On December 12, a fiesta is put on free of charge to the parish, following a Mass honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe. HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE Handy work abounds in the parish. Each year in November, the opportunity to show and sell the fruits of your labors is presented in the setting of a Holiday Boutique. It is a two-day event and tables are reserved ahead of time. You won't want to miss this if you are one of those talented people, and you won't want to miss it if you are looking for ideas or items to purchase for special people in your life. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL #11596 While the Knights of Columbus is a National Catholic Fraternal Organization, Council #11596 is dedicated to providing family and service activities that benefit the community of St. Brigid Parish. It holds a monthly taco sale, barbeque dinner sales, etc. to raise funds for college scholarships for the youth of our parish. In addition, the council works jointly with the youth on an annual spaghetti dinner, with the proceeds going to our annual youth mission activities. And, again they use their cooking skills for the closing of our annual picnic. They work on archdiocesan and national activities and charities as well, such as the Tootsie Roll Drive (for the deaf ministry) and the Free Throw Competition for the youth. Socially, they begin and end the year with sponsoring the annual New Year's Eve Party, hold summer family gatherings at the pavilion, celebrate with a Thanksgiving dinner, and, of course, hold a Christmas party that includes a visit from Santa. The Knights of Columbus meet on the second Tuesday of each month. The families gather for Mass in the Day Chapel at 7:00 p.m. and then the general meeting follows for Knights only at 7:45 p.m. in the Kildare Room. LADIES AUXILIARY OF THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL #11596 The Ladies' Auxiliary membership is open to Christian women over the age of 18. Auxiliary 11596 aids the Knights of Columbus Council's spiritual and charitable growth. In addition, the Auxiliary enhances the social life of the entire family, promotes good fellowship and love, and performs selected works of charity. Membership contact is Mary Schneider at 684-7200. Gathering time is every second Tuesday of the month with Mass at 7:00 p.m. in the Day Chapel and the meeting at 7:45 p.m. in the Parish Center library. NEWCOMERS ORIENTATION These compassionate people know what it is like to be new and full of questions. Each month on the first Sunday, at 9:15 a.m. a team conducts an orientation program that lasts about 45 minutes. Newcomers can register in the parish at that time and meet our pastor, deacons, and team members. You will learn how our parish functions, its mission and philosophy. It also gives us a chance to meet and welcome you. It is a very efficient way to learn about the new parish you are joining. You can find out all you need in just minutes, versus many phone calls or just being in the dark. NURSERY CARE On Sundays at the 10:30 a.m. and the 12:30 p.m. Masses, care for children birth through age 4 is provided in the nursery adjoining the worship area. There are two adults and several youth who lovingly watch over and interact with your little ones in a safe environment. This gives parents the opportunity to spend quality time with God and community free of distraction. PARISH RETREAT/RECREATION WEEKEND "The Big Family Vacation." A great weekend getaway for your family to relax and vacation with fellow parishioners. Most activities are outdoors and there is time for group activities, as well as the opportunity to relate to God through nature. The location is HEB Camp and sleeping is in cabins. It doesn't matter if you know anyone when you arrive. When you leave, you will have gained many new friends. SCOUTING Boy Scout Troop 17 is for boys between the ages of 11 and 18 who are interested in total development from boyhood to manhood - physical, mental and moral. It does this through camping, outdoor adventures, exploring hobbies and occupations, learning, developing and using leadership skills, stressing honor, responsibility and obligation to God, Country and other people. They meet each Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. The boys and leaders are a great source of ministry to our parish through their help with the Homecoming Celebration and their many Eagle Scout Projects. Cub Scout Pack 25 is for boys between the ages of 6 and 11 who are interested in having fun in the company of their friends and under the leadership of adults. The boys learn the discipline necessary to progress through the ranks of scouting. The boys become familiar with doing service projects, what it means to be a good citizen, the feeling of accomplishment, and following their leaders. Each den has a meeting with their leader once a week and then there is a Pack meeting (when all dens gather) once a month on the fourth Thursday at 7:00 p.m. Venture Crew 17 is a program of the Boy Scouts of America and is for youth (boys and girls) between the ages of 14 and 21 who are interested in high adventure camping. They are also committed to service projects and helping with the Boy Scout Troop. Venture meets each Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. Girl Scout Troop 675 is comprised of girls in the 5th grade. They meet every other Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Meetings are scheduled from the end of August through May. This group works on crafts, badge requirements, community service projects, camping and goes on field trips. Girl Scout Troop 252 is at the Junior Girl Scout Level and is comprised of 7th grade girls. This group works on crafts, continues their badge requirements, does community service projects, camping and participates in field trips. They meet each Monday from the end of August through May at 5:00 p.m. Girl Scout Troop 215 is at the Junior Girl Scout Level and is comprised of 7th grade girls. This group works on crafts, continues the badge requirements, does community service projects, camping and participates in field trips. They are working on their Bronze Award, which involves a project of 16 hours of community service hours. They meet on Thursdays from the end of August through May from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. SQUARE DANCING This group is known as the "Stars-N-Spurs" and they meet in the Family Center at St. Brigid first and third Monday of the month, at 7:00 p.m. If you like to square dance or would like to learn to square dance come join us. All ages welcome. YOUNG AT HEART On the first Thursday of each month at 10:00 a.m., a strictly social group of parishioners over the age of 50 gather for a morning of games and fellowship. At noon, a potluck lunch is shared. Sometimes field trips are planned. Respect Life Ministries BLOOD DRIVE Four times a year - January, April, August, and November - those parishioners who are able are asked to give a unit of blood. These drives help individuals in our parish, as well as the greater community. Giving is made convenient by The South Texas Blood Center, who sends their staff of technicians to St. Brigid Parish so that parishioners may give after any of the weekend Masses on the designated weekend. Our Knights of Columbus organize and assist with this outreach project. HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Eliminating substandard housing one family at a time and replacing it with a modest, decent, affordable dwelling in partnership with Habitat for Humanity is the mission reflected in this ministry. We have been participating in one build a year for the past seven years. Many dedicated hands are required over a relatively short period of time to achieve the vision. People are needed to organize, prepare and serve the lunches, work on the house in the construction crew, schedule the volunteers, pray for the safety of the workers and the new homeowner, etc. The annual build usually begins in September. MEALS ON WHEELS The mission of this ministry is to enable the aging population to remain independent in their homes for as long as possible. To achieve this, our ministry from St. Brigid Parish works together with Christian Senior Services to provide a hot meal once a day for those who need this assistance in our area. Christian Senior Services prepares the meals and delivers them to our St. Brigid site at around 10:00 a.m. Monday through Friday. We then have two teams who deliver these meals to the homes of the clients whose names are provided by Christian Senior Services. The time involved to perform this ministry is about two hours and scheduling is done on a monthly basis based on the minister's availability. PRO-LIFE The primary focus of this group is to protect the right to life of every human being, with particular focus on the plight of the unborn. Also of concern are the death penalty, euthanasia, research, etc. This is done through prayer, education, and promoting awareness in others. Each year on Mothers' Day Weekend, a baby shower is held. Parishioners are encouraged to bring a new item for a new baby and these items are donated to Seton Home and Allied Women's Center. This group meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY This is an international Catholic Organization of lay persons founded by Frederic Ozanam and placed under the patronage of St. Vincent de Paul. It seeks, in a spirit of justice and charity and by person-to-person involvement of its members, to help those who are suffering. Our ministers are here at various hours during the week to assist with food, clothing, and, sometimes, financial assistance in emergency situations. Please call for their office hours. There is a monthly food drive on the first full weekend of the month to supply our pantry shelves. Special activities include the Thanksgiving food drive, which supplies Thanksgiving dinner to approximately 80 needy families. At Christmas, the children of our clients are remembered with a Christmas gift that comes from the parish Advent Sharing Tree. Our needy children are also remembered before the start of school with new school supplies to encourage enthusiasm for the new school year, and their success and interest in learning. There is a monthly meeting of the membership on the first Monday of each month from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. ST. VINCENT DE PAUL DINING ROOM Approximately every six to eight weeks, a group goes down to the location of the Dining Room located in the SAMM Shelter. The evening meal is served to the homeless and most needy of San Antonio. Our day is always on Friday and we leave the St. Brigid parking lot promptly at 4:00 p.m., returning around 6:30 p.m. SOCIAL CONCERNS Education, advocacy, and social action concerning issues of injustices in the home, workplace, school, church, neighborhood, city, state, country, and world are of consideration. Political candidate forums, environmental issues, health issues, aging information, etc. are just a few of the items explored as the opportunity arises. School supplies and Christmas gifts are collected for the needy in our parish and larger community. Support Groups AA There are two groups of Alcoholics Anonymous that meet here on a regular basis. There is a Monday night group of men and women. Meeting time is 8:00 p.m. And, there is a Friday evening group that meets at 8:15 p.m. BEREAVEMENT As the need and opportunity presents themselves, a 5-6 week bereavement education and support program is set up and held at St. Brigid. Both daytime and evening meetings have been held. DISABILITY ADVOCACY MINISTRY Presently, our core group is not meeting on a regular basis. Their purpose is to be of support to one another and to be vigilant of the needs of the physically challenged, and to keep the community aware of obstacles. HELPING HANDS The Parish is divided into neighborhoods. When there is a need; e.g., food for a funeral, etc. people from that neighborhood are contacted for assistance. All are encouraged to know their neighbors. If you are aware of a parishioner's need from your neighborhood, you are encouraged to let the office know (e.g., someone in need of pastoral care, in the hospital, etc.) JOB LOSS TRAINING AND SUPPORT GROUP There is a group which meets every other Wednesday eat 7:00 p.m. Anyone out of a job, and needing one, is encouraged to attend. There is help with the do's and don'ts for landing the job you want. TRANSPORTATION At times a ride to church or elsewhere is needed. If you are available and would like to provide this assistance at any time, please consider this ministry. Special Parish Celebrations At St. Brigid Parish, we celebrate a number of special days in special ways. In addition to the following celebrations, there are others which occur from time to time such as our Ministry Appreciation which can and often falls in late August as well as receptions given upon the return of our retreatants. FEAST OF ST. BRIGID CELEBRATION We celebrate, as community, the patroness of our parish on the Saturday nearest her feast day (February 1). Our traditional mode of commemorating her life and example to us begins with the 5:00 p.m. Saturday Mass where we recall her life and legends and praise God. Following the Mass, we gather in the Family Center for a potluck dinner and fellowship. What happens next is open to the creativity of the committee. HOMECOMING It is the anniversary of our establishment as a parish in 1972. On the first Sunday of October, we take time to remember and give thanks for our past and our present and to ask God's blessings on our future. We do this together through liturgy. Then in the St. Brigid tradition, we celebrate. Our Knights of Columbus Council #11596 and the Ladies Auxiliary of this Council prepare and serve a barbeque dinner. There is a nominal charge for this dinner that covers expenses. The rest of the day is all without charge. There are kiddie games, bingo for all ages, a cakewalk, attendance prizes, etc. This is a total parish function and all are encouraged to give a little of their time and talent for its success. COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS EVENING This annual tradition began in 1984 with an evening dedicated to "Lessons and Carols," a time of scripture and song. Participation by parishioners of all ages increased over the years to include simple drama and liturgical dance. In recent years, members of the St. Brigid Community have teamed up to produce musicals based upon the Christmas story, utilizing talents in acting, music, dance, and all the work needed behind the scenes. This special presentation helps the community to focus on "the reason for the season" and to work together in a very unique and enjoyable way. St. Brigid Community Christmas Evening is held on the first weekend in December, with preparations beginning in late summer. Those who are interested in participating in this event should watch the parish bulletin and newsletter for announcements concerning sign-ups and auditions for roles. ST. BRIGID EASTER MUSICAL The profound message of our salvation is celebrated by our community in several ways. A recent addition is our annual Easter Musical, presented by members of St. Brigid Community. Through music and drama, the story of Jesus, His adult life, His passion and death, and His glorious resurrection are brought to life. Parishioners of all ages are able to participate in this presentation, utilizing talents on stage or behind the scenes. This event is usually held on a weekend prior to Easter, with preparations and rehearsals beginning in January. Anyone who is interested in becoming involved in the musical should check the bulletin and parish newsletter for announcements concerning sign-ups and auditions. FEAST OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE - December 12th We celebrate with great love this day in honor of Our Lady, under the title of "MARIA DE GUADALUPE." A special Mass is offered commemorating her miraculous apparitions. This Mass is rich in indigenous traditions that intermingle with the present rituals of the church. We are reminded that we are her privileged children in that she appeared to one of the inhabitants of these lands in 1531 (only a few years after Columbus discovered America) and that she left her image miraculously imprinted on Juan Diego's tilma - a cloth made of cactus fibers. This she has never done with any other nation. After the liturgical celebration, a Mexican Dinner follows with Mariachis for entertainment and candies for the children. Preparations begin three to four months in advance. Volunteers are needed for the many details necessary to make this celebration a success. If you are interested in helping with this special celebration, call Lupe Ruiz at 696-8923. |
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