Catholic sacramentals are sacred signs that resemble the sacraments or are used when indicating a sacrament.
Sacramentals include actions such as the Sign of the Cross, fasting, genuflections and novenas, blessings and even Quinceañeras and objects such as medals, rosaries, statues and holy water.
A novena is a series of prayers that are said for nine straight days, usually as a prayer of petition but sometimes as a prayer of thanksgiving.
In April, usually, there is a novena prayed for the Divine Mercy which falls on the Sunday following Easter. This is directed by the Divine Mercy Ministry.
In December, the Guadalupanos Family Society holds a novena leading up to the Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass & Celebration on December 12 of every year.
This practice has history with the Mexican-American culture and the Jewish custom of presenting the young lady in the Temple.
Quinceañera blessing dates are set in consultation with the pastor. The young lady and her family must meet with the pastor and/or coordinator as specified by the pastor.
Requirements for Quinceañera:
Must have a history of attendance at Religious Education for the past two years. Also, must attend classes given by the coordinator to be properly instructed in the cultural and religious traditions surrounding a Quinceañera celebration.
The liturgical celebration should be planned with the pastor and the coordinator at least 6-8 weeks prior to the Quinceañera. This preparation is important because this celebration is sacred.
St. Brigid offers families the opportunity to obtain special occasions gifts of medals, rosaries, holy water, and more. Visit our gift store in the Narthex after any Mass time.
The word “blessing” refers to our praise of God and to our request for His loving care for us. As we praise God over people and things, they are blessed for His service.
We have inherited the practice of blessings from the Jewish religion. Over the centuries, the Catholic Church has encouraged the use of blessings. Some of these are celebrated within the liturgy and some at other times.
Please contact the office at 210.696.0896 for more information or for an appointment, or email your question to ParishOffice@stbrigidcc.org.
During October, in conjunction with the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi (October 4), St. Brigid holds a Blessing of Animals at the Amphitheatre. It is open to parishioners and friends and is usually held on a Saturday morning.
For details regarding this blessing, look to the Weekly Bulletin during the prior month.
If you are expecting and would like for our Healthy Baby Prayer Ministry to pray for you and your unborn child, please call Debra at the parish office (210.696.0896, ext. 209). Your name will be recorded in the Healthy Baby Book, added to the Weekly Prayer List, and emailed to the members of our Healthy Baby Prayer Ministry.
In February, in conjunction with the Feast Day of St. Blaise (February 3), there is a Blessing of Throats at the 12:00 pm Daily Mass, if the feast day falls within the week.
For details regarding this blessing, look to the Weekly Bulletin during the prior month.
Various other blessings such as travelers, cars, etc., can be given throughout the year.
The Catholic Church speaks of the family as the “domestic Church.” The home is the sacred space where faith and human growth is nourished. Whether it is on the occasion of moving into one’s “new home” or after a period of having lived there, a family may feel the need for prayer and a blessing for its family and house. Spiritual strength, healing and bonding occurs when the family and its home is blessed. As a community of faith, we are called to be present to one another in times of need.
Upon a personal request by the family, the home of a parishioner will be blessed at a convenient time. To be contacted for a home blessing, submit the following form through U.S. Mail or email TaylorBaca@stbrigidcc.org.
