St. Brigid

St. Brigid was born in a quiet village named “Faughart” set upon a hill over looking Dundalk Bay.  She was born about the year 454 and spent most of her childhood tending a Dairy farm. 

Within a few years of her death she was venerated as patron of Faughart and it’s surrounding area. 

Her father was an Irish chieftain and commanded the fort on the top of the hill which controlled the gap of the North.  Her mother was a slave named Brocca. 

As a child Brigid demonstrated a strong will and a charitable nature.  Although her calling to help the poor often got her into trouble.  Irish lore has many stories of Brigid’s outreach to the poor at any expense, even giving away a jeweled sword given to her father by the King, who was livid.

Many healings were attributed to her throughout her lifetime. 

She came to be known as Mary of the Gael, mother of the Irish Race. 

 

St. Brigid’s Fire

Service & Justice Club

Of

St. Vincent – St. Mary

High School

 

Prayer to St. Brigid

Brigid, you were a woman of peace

You brought harmony where there was conflict.

You brought light to the darkness.

You brought hope to the downcast.

May the mantle of your peace

Cover those who are troubled and anxious,

And

May it be rooted in our hearts and in our world..

Inspire us to act justly and to reverence all God has made.

Brigid, you were a voice for the wounded and the weary.

Strengthen what is weak in us.

Calm us into a quietness that heals and listens.

May we grow each day into greater wholeness,

In body, mind, and spirit, Amen.

  

The Irish roots of St. Vincent – St. Mary High School can be traced to Irish immigrants who first populated both St. Mary and St. Vincent parishes.  This legacy continues today in the hearts and minds of the “Fighting Irish” of St. Vincent – St. Mary High School. 

Known throughout Ireland for her dedication to, her love for and, her tireless efforts on behalf of the poor and oppressed, St. Brigid stands today, as she did in the 5th century, as a beacon of hope for those whose lives are consumed by hopelessness.  As long as her fire burned on the hillside of Kildare, people knew that Brigid would do whatever was possible for them.  Hope spread among a people when they saw the light of St. Brigid’s Fire.

Inspired by the fire of St. Brigid’s love and empowered by the Light of Christ, we, the members of St. Brigid’s Fire Service and Justice Service Club, strive to be a beacon of hope to the hopeless, reaching out with love to embrace the vulnerable among us today.  We seek opportunities to make a difference through direct service and indirect action on behalf of the poor, the marginalized, the lonely, the ill, the aged, and the oppressed members of God’s family.  We know we cannot do everything, but we can do something.  We strive to reflect the light and power of Christ to change lives and build the Kingdom of God on earth.

 

Leadership for 2007-2008

Service Co-Chairs:  Rita Rochford, Shannon Phillips, & Michelle Smith

Right to Life Chair:  Sarah Piatt

Justice Chair: Joe Gresock  & Donald Ricks, Jr.

 

Fall 2007 Calendar of Events:

September 26- Nov. 4- 40 days of Prayer for Life

October 7- Pro-Life Chain

October 21- Homecoming for the Senior Citizens of Hickory Ridge Nursing Home

October 23- Day of Silent Solidarit for the Unborn

November 1- Film Festival and Discussion: Invisibel Children of Northern Uganda (3:10 in the Social Justice Center)

Thanksgiving-Dates TBA- Volunteer at the Haven of Rest

December 2- ATC Christmas Party (2:00pm-3:00pm)