Sacraments of Initiation at St. Brigid Parish
If it seems like I was just writing about this topic not too long ago, that is probably true (We celebrated Confirmation in April.) AND that is how it should be. After all, the Sacraments are at the very center of our Catholic faith, so important that even our St. Brigid logo reminds us of them. So, it’s only natural that we continually see and experience them in our parish life.
+++
During this Easter Season, the parish shares in the joy of close to 140 students from St. Patrick School, St. Brigid Religious Education, and Our Lady of Humility School as they make their First Holy Communions. Receiving the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist is the ultimate step of belonging to the Body of Christ, so it is appropriate for First Holy Communion to take place at a regular weekend Mass when the parish can also celebrate this special occasion, and the child can feel they are becoming one with the community. It also means that we do not have to limit how many guests can attend, which the families greatly appreciate. Thank you to all of you who celebrate with these families, and to Fr. Wojciech and Fr. Andrew who make these Masses very special.
+++
Congratulations once again to the four adults and six school-aged young people who were baptized last month at the Easter Vigil, and one Christian who we welcomed into the Catholic Church. In one sense the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation was a culmination of a long journey of preparation, but at the same time, it is just the beginning of a whole new lifelong journey of growing in faith. The groups continue to meet for “Mystagogy” during the Easter Season. This is a time of reflection and deepening of understanding of the Christian faith, particularly the mysteries of the sacraments, that follow the initiation rites. It's time for new members to explore the significance of the sacraments and their role in the Church, and to integrate their faith into their daily lives. We have had some lively discussions about how they can join our existing ministries and perhaps start up some new ones!
+++
SUMMER FAITH EXPLORATION / OCIA INQUIRY
AND WE BEGIN the next cycle! (No need to wait for fall when RCIA used to begin.) Exploring or Inquiring about the Catholic faith will begin June 11, and run on most Wednesday evenings through mid-August.
For more information and to register, visit www.tinyurl.com/SBscripture or use the QR code.
• If you have never been baptized and want to learn about the process of becoming Catholic, this is for you! You don’t have to make any commitments, just bring your curiosity and questions.
• If you are baptized Catholic but never received any other sacraments, or were baptized in another Christian faith, and want to learn more, this is the place to start.
• If you are Catholic but just “going through the motions” and need a better understanding, or you want to accompany someone who is interested in becoming Catholic, we would love to have you join us this summer.
Valerie Walker, Director of Faith Formation
vwalker@Saint-Brigid.org or 847-244-4161
FAITH FORMATION NEWS
Quick links:
Resources for Lent
The Catholic Mass Explained
Living our Faith
Upcoming Events
Virtual Resource Library
Sacraments Information for School and SRE
SRE Information
For Teens and Young Adults
Resources for Lent:
Parish/Family version of Stations of the Cross - (pdf version)
Practical Ideas for Living Lent: www.catholicmom.com/articles/2017/03/14/mothers-guide-24-easy-practical-ideas-living-lent
Stations of the Cross for younger children – (pdf) These pages can be downloaded for coloring
Recipes for Lent https://catholiccuisine.blogspot.com/2012/02/recipes-for-lent-from-archives.html
Stations of the Cross from USCCB for various topics https://www.usccb.org/search
Making New Disciples - All Are Welcome!!
Jesus Christ calls each of us to invite others to a true encounter and lifelong relationship with Him as His disciples in His Church. This journey of faith and conversion does not necessarily follow a calendar schedule. There are many ways and times to become fully initiated into the Catholic Church. Here at St. Pat’s, it is an ongoing process throughout the year that we work with seekers of all ages from grade school and up to complete their Sacraments of Initiation, which are Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist, and/or to profess their faith in the Catholic Church.
Please pray for all our catechumens and candidates who are preparing to be baptized and/or complete their Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil on April 8. All parishioners are invited to attend this very special evening Mass.
Val Walker, Director of Faith Formation
vwalker@stpatrickwadsworth.org
A Letter from Pope Francis: Laudato Si’ – On the care of our common home
The month of May marks the anniversary of this landmark document addressed to the whole planet. The Pope renewed his urgent call to respond to the ecological crisis: “The cry of the earth and the cry of the poor cannot continue…Let’s take care of creation, a gift of our Good Creator God.” Here are some of the activities at all levels of the Church, in order to open the conversation for potential action here at our own parish.
From Rome
The encyclical only achieves its objectives if it draws us to action. The Vatican has released a multi-year plan aiming for total sustainability in the spirit of the integral ecology of Laudato Si’. This 7-year outline starts with a focus on families, and then dioceses/parishes, before moving onto other major groups.
Around the Chicago Archdiocese
A number of parishes already have or are forming Care for Creation teams. Different groups have focused on topics/activities such as Laudato Si’ Gardens, energy initiatives for parishes and schools, advocacy for state legislation, fostering awareness of Church teachings on the environment, etc.
The Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity has provided resources and learning opportunities online at www.archchicago.org/creation to assist families and community in learning about the opportunities.
Things “Taking Root” at St. Brigid (link)
Care for Creation
When we care for creation, it is a sign of respect for God, our Crea-tor. The earth and its resources be-long to all God’s creatures and to future generations, which requires us as a community to protect and sustain our planet. Watch for a new periodic feature in our bulle-tin’s “Creation Care Corner,” which will offer information and sugges-tions on how we all can participate in caring for this precious gift of our world around us.
It is always the “right time” to grow in Faith!
Our faith journeys are not limited to a pre-determined school year schedule. Whether it is completing your Sacraments, or going through the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) process, or even just want learn more about our Catholic beliefs, we are happy to talk with you and help guide you through the best steps for your situation. Please contact the parish office if you are interested in learning more.
SOS Intercessory Prayer Group – Follow this link https://www.stpatrickwadsworth.org/sword-of-the-spirit to submit a prayer request or learn more about being a “prayer warrior.” The group is now meeting bi-weekly on Thursday evenings via Zoom for ongoing spiritual development.
VIRTUAL RESOURCE LIBRARY
Formed.Org Anyone can register “as a parishioner” for full access to a wide variety of video/audio clips, movies, e-books; To register, all that is needed is your email address, and our parish zip code of 60083 to find “Saint Brigid Parish.” Content can be accessed through your web browser, iOS, Android and TVOS, as well as Roku and AndroidTV. Offline playback is available through the Formed app at your local App store.
Traditional Stations of the Cross from Formed.org: www.watch.formed.org/stations-of-the-cross-by-saint-alphonsus-liguori
St. Brigid collection: https://watch.formed.org/search?q=st+brigid
St. Joseph collection: https://watch.formed.org/search?q=st+joseph
Perpetual Adoration Sites Around the World https://virtualadoration.home.blog/ Choose your favorite environment.
The Catholic Mass Explained
Here are a few sites which offer an explanation of the Catholic Mass, and how to make it more meaningful for you and/or your family.
Parts of the Catholic Mass for Kids, and printable activities: https://cultivatingcatholics.com/parts-of-the-catholic-mass-for-kids-and-printable-activities/
When Mass feels like “going through the motions” (10 minutes) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvMIiVdNrBw
A brief overview of the Mass https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/scripture-and-tradition/mass-and-liturgy/an-overview-of-the-mass/
Why do all the parts of the Mass mean? https://www.usccb.org/offices/public-affairs/structure-and-meaning-massA 20 minute explanation of the main parts and actions of the Mass, “family friendly”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wm7SguxPsN4
A 23 minute more detailed explanation of the Mass: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co0qalRkEJs
Fr. Mike Schmitz provides a very dynamic and enlightening view of the Mass, as he actually offers a full Mass. Well worth the two hours to get a much deeper understanding of our role in celebrating Eucharist. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co0qalRkEJs
Catholic Mom: www.catholicmom.com. A variety of articles and resources for everyone
Catholic Cuisine: www.catholiccuisine.blogspot.com. Try out some of these recipes to make at home.
Additional Resources for Lent:
Stations of the Cross for Families - St. Patrick Parish (video 2022)
Parish/Family version of Stations of the Cross - (pdf version 2021)
Practical Ideas for Living Lent: www.catholicmom.com/articles/2017/03/14/mothers-guide-24-easy-practical-ideas-living-lent
Stations of the Cross for younger children – (pdf) These pages can be downloaded for coloring
Recipes for Lent https://catholiccuisine.blogspot.com/2012/02/recipes-for-lent-from-archives.html
Stations of the Cross from USCCB for various topics https://www.usccb.org/search
SACRAMENTS INFORMATION FOR SCHOOL AND SRE
Our school (SPS) and religious education (SRE) programs are both important ministries of our parish, and we strive to foster a sense of unity in our Sacramental celebrations by bringing these communities together for these important milestones. Your specific teachers may also have additional information and dates that are not listed here.
First Reconciliation - Important Dates HERE
First Holy Communion FOR SPRING 2025 - Important Dates HERE
Scroll up to the previous section “The Catholic Mass Explained” to learn more about our Catholic Mass.
SRE Information
Families may make individual arrangements with E.D. Clark Photography to capture this very special First Holy Communion memory. There will not be any “photo day” at the parish. Please contact E.D. Clark to schedule an appointment at 847-231-4444 or https://edclarkschoolphoto.com
Optional: If you desire, create a 1st Communion Banner to hang at the end of the pew. Kits can also be ordered at https://www.autom.com/product/first-communion-banner-kit-VS256
Confirmation - Important Dates HERE
Here is a reflection on Pentecost and the Holy Spirit (video)
SRE INFORMATION
Click here for the latest news: www.stpatrickwadsworth.org/sre-latest-news
FOR TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS
Our St. Pat’s Youth Group is excited to have such a large group of young people to accompany as they continue their faith journey throughout high school. But to be successful, we need young adults who value and practice their faith to help plan and lead activities (both virtual and in-person) for our teens. Right now, all we are asking is for a couple of short evenings a month. If you love to be around teens, and would like to help grow our Youth Ministry, please visit https://www.stpatrickwadsworth.org/pageym to learn more, or call me at the Parish Office to talk about the possibilities.
St. Pat’s Youth Ministry page https://www.stpatrickwadsworth.org/pageym
Register for Parish Youth activities https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0444a5a72aaafc1-youth
Local Young Adult Ministry https://vic1chicago.org/young-adult
NEWSLETTER
If you are not receiving the monthly Parish Newsletter, please submit your email to us at
https://www.stpatrickwadsworth.org/newsletter-signup
Val Walker, Dir. Faith Formation