Very Reverend W. Joseph Corbett, V.G. Founding Pastor
In August, Father Corbett began celebrating daily Mass at a small house on the Old Alabama Road property. During the summer of 1998, a meeting was organized to select a name for the new mission. Upon Archbishop Donoghue's approval, the new Alpharetta mission would be named Saint Brigid, in honor of the 5th century Irish saint. The first Sunday Mass of Saint Brigid Mission was held on November 1, 1998 in the auditorium of Centennial High School in Roswell and attracted a congregation of about 500 people.
On September 24, 2000 Archbishop Donoghue elevated the mission to parish status and appointed Father W. Joseph Corbett as the first Pastor. On June 12, 2001 Archbishop Donoghue led the groundbreaking ceremony for the new 51,000 square foot parish building. Almost a year and a half later construction was completed. On November 2, 2002, the dedication of the new church was celebrated by Archbishop Donoghue.
The new $14 million parish facility includes a Gothic Revival style sanctuary designed to accommodate 1,200 people. Also included is an Adoration Chapel that seats 100 people, a parish hall with a full restaurant style kitchen, an administration area for clergy and staff, a classroom area and choir loft. In 2002 the parish included nearly 1,500 registered families.
Saint Brigid continues to be a strong and vibrant parish on Atlanta's north side, with over 70 ministries and organizations including: The Men of St. Brigid, Women's Guild, Mom's Group, Mustard Seed, Perpetual Adoration, Bereavement Ministry, Elijah Cup, Career Transition Network, Knights of Columbus, Respect Life, Wedding Ministry and Life Teen. In recent years the parish established a highly successful Day School for 2-5 year olds.
Today, Saint Brigid is the spiritual home for more than 3,600 families, under the leadership of Monsignor Paul Reynolds.