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Dear Friends in Christ,
As we continue to enjoy summer, many families are also preparing to go “Back to School!” Students, teachers, and staff are scheduling dates and events that will begin a new academic year. The “Back to School” mode applies not only to students in formal education settings, but to all of us as disciples or students of the Lord Jesus Christ, and members of his body the church. Here are some reminders of important dates coming up here at St. Bridget’s.
September 9th and 10th we will celebrate the feast of St. Phoebe. As you may recall, St. Phoebe was a Christian woman and collaborator with St. Paul who mentions her in Romans 16:1-2. She was a deaconess in the Christian Community near Corinth, and clearly a leader in the early church. The celebration of Phoebe’s legacy is an opportunity for us to laud the ministry and leadership gifts of women in our community, and to discern how the church might best call them forth in the future, perhaps even as ordained deacons. Women will be the primary ministers at our Masses on September 9-10. One of our pastoral council members, Manon Cypher, will offer the homily/reflection on that weekend.
September 10th is also our kick-off event for the fall programs of parish life, including our beloved “Children’s Church.” We will have a special celebration in the parish hall following our 9:30 am Mass. Times for fellowship and reconnecting with each other after the summer recess are important parts of parish life, so please plan to join us on September 10th.
Looking a little further down the calendar, we will have two more synod listening sessions to discuss the Partners in the Gospel Strategic plan for reorganizing parish life. Our staff and pastoral council will have met by then to discuss the latest draft of the family group of parishes that will include St. Bridget’s. The listening sessions will be everyone’s opportunity to offer their input about the family that we will be joining on July 1, 2024. The first listening session will be after Mass on Sunday, October 1. The second will be on Tuesday, October 3 at 7:00 pm. Please plan on attending one or both sessions. Childcare will be provided.
Friends, enjoy the rest of your summer! Blessings to all students young and old as we prepare for the coming school year!
St. Phoebe…pray for us! Live Jesus in our hearts…forever!
Fr. William Heric, Pastor
