About St. Brigid School

Opened as the consolidated school of Our Lady of Hope Parish in September of 2007 with grades Pre-k through 8.

The name celebrates the historical legacies of both St. Patrick's and St. Joseph’s Schools originally established during the early nineteenth century. Both schools were founded by the Irish order, Sisters of Mercy. It is said that Sr. Patrick blessed and converted St. Brigid. The Sisters of Mercy, just like Brigid of Kildare, aided in comforting those who came to them in Ireland and Portland with a spot 0' tea and a cookie or a warm meal. They were a driving force in the conversion of souls in the early nineteenth century here and abroad and remain a powerful force in the work of today’s church in Maine.

The St. Brigid's cross, a legend told about a conversion she made while wrapping the reeds of the field into a cross during the teaching and blessing of a dying man, seems to be the most profound symbol for our school. St. Brigid was resourceful, while she taught and prayed over this dying soul receiving the blessings of a conversion and inception into the loving arms of Christ. The legend says she wove a symbol of reeds, into the symbol of the cross. This will surely give us direction while we, ourselves, find conversion through prayer and action throughout this great change as well as a great opportunity in the life of our parish cluster community. They say the center of the St. Brigid Cross depicts the eye of God.

It is fitting and beautiful that we have a name which matches our schools primary heritage. It is through our work together that we create a lasting future for all generations of children to come in the same spirit of the Sisters and loving, faithful parishioners, who established our schools at the turn of the century.