At St. Brigid Parish, we come together as a community to celebrate a number of special days and events in unique ways.
In addition to the following celebrations, there are other events which occur from time to time such as food, blood, and school supply drives, ministry recruitments or sign-ups, and liturgical celebrations, as well as retreat receptions. All these help to create and inspire community involvement and make St. Brigid live up to its motto: ‘There are no strangers here, only friends we have not met’.
Feast of St. Brigid Celebration (January-February)
We celebrate the patroness of our parish on the Saturday nearest her feast day (February 1). Our program begins with the 5:00 pm Saturday Mass where we recall her life and legends. Following the Mass, we gather in the parish hall for a dinner, fellowship and “Irish-themed” entertainment.
Valentine’s Dance (February)
This annual dance event is sponsored by the St. Brigid Catholic Ladies Society. It is usually held on the Saturday closest to the actual holiday, but not during the season of Lent. Music, dancing, food and fellowship are the venue. Funds received from the event go to the youth scholarship program.
Easter Musical or Play (March-April)
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 the weekend prior to Palm Sunday, with preparations and rehearsals beginning in January. Anyone who is interested in becoming involved in this musical should check the bulletin or website for announcements concerning sign-ups and auditions.
Family Festival (May)
Our Family Festival is a community-wide event. This event was combined with Homecoming in October, but we recently moved it to its own event in the Spring (March, April or May). Outside, on the grounds of our parish, we have food, rides, games, vendors and lots of music. We also added Bingo in Vance Hall for enjoyment with a concession stand available inside. All parishioners and ministries are encouraged to give of their time and talent to ensure the success of our parish and community event. Proceeds from this event go to support the St. Brigid parish.
Trash-to-Treasure Sale (May)
Annually, this event occurs over Memorial Day weekend in Vance Hall. During the week before, parishioners can bring their donations of household, clothing, jewelry, outdoor items, furniture, etc. All proceeds go to support the Youth Summer Mission Project.
Vacation Bible School (June)
In June of each year, St. Brigid parishioners come together to provide a VBS Program for the children in our community. This week-long event is open to all parish families and guests. Registration starts at the end of the regular Faith Formation year, in late April or early May.
Pancake Breakfast (July)
This annual breakfast event, sponsored by the St. Brigid Catholic Ladies Society is held in July of each year. It is a morning event of food and fellowship and is open to all parishioners and their guests. Funds go to support the youth scholarship program.
Parish/Family Retreat & Recreation Weekend (July-August-September)
This is a great opportunity for your family to relax and vacation with fellow parishioners and group activities, as well as the opportunity to relate to God through nature. The location is HEB Camp near Leakey, Texas. This three-day, fun-filled weekend is normally scheduled sometime between late July and early September.
Habitat for Humanity (August-September)
St. Brigid sponsors one Habitat for Humanity Build each year. 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. Many dedicated “hands”, from food prep and serving to construction crews, are needed during this relatively short period of time to achieve this vision. Volunteer sign-ups for the Build take place after all Masses on the weekends in late summer with the home build usually beginning in early September.
Diez Y Seis Dance (September)
The St. Brigid Guadalupano Family Society sponsors the Diez Y Seis dance. This new event will be held on the Friday or Saturday closest to the 16th of September. Music, dancing and fellowship are the venue. Funds received from the event are for Church/Community outreach and for the Celebration honoring the Virgin de Guadalupe in December.
Homecoming (October)
‘Homecoming’ is the anniversary of our first Mass as a parish celebrated in 1972. 2019 will be 47 years. It is observed on the first Sunday of October. With this annual event, we remember and give thanks for our past and present, as we also ask God’s blessings on our future. We do this together through celebration at our liturgies. In the past, we have celebrated with a community-wide picnic, a sit-down dinner and more recently an all-day festival. As we draw closer to our Golden anniversary, we are open to other ideas for our community to celebrate our founding. All parishioners and ministries are encouraged to give their time and talent in participation to ensure the success of our parish family and wider-community event.
Parish Gala (October-November)
One of our newest events, our parish gala is a way for parishioners to come together for an evening of elegance. It is generally held in late October or early November. A meal and dance are part of this evening, as well as live and silent auctions. Proceeds from tickets go to St. Brigid.
Holiday Boutique (November)
Each year in November, the opportunity to show and sell your arts and crafts or handiworks is held in the setting of a Holiday Boutique. It is a two-day event. You won’t want to miss this, if you are one of those talented people; or, if you are looking for gift ideas or items to purchase for those special people in your life.
Parish Christmas Musical (December)
Members of the St. Brigid Community team up to produce musicals based upon the Christmas story, utilizing talents in acting, music, dance, and all the needed behind-the-scenes work. 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. The Christmas Musical 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 or website for announcements concerning sign-ups and auditions for roles.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Patroness of the Americas Feast & Celebration (December 12)
On December 12, a Mass is offered commemorating Our Lady of Guadalupe’s miraculous apparitions. This Mass is rich in indigenous traditions that intermingle with the present rituals of the church. We are reminded that she appeared to one of the inhabitants of the Americas (Mexico) in 1531 and that she left her image miraculously imprinted on Juan Diego’s tilma – a cloth made of cactus fibers. After the liturgical celebration, a Mexican Dinner or Fiesta follows with music and entertainment.