Saint Brigid’s Oceanside

The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego is excited to announce plans for a new Episcopal community have taken root in the city of Oceanside, California. Under the leadership of the Rev. Brian Petersen, St. Brigid’s Episcopal Church will be a beacon of hope and transformation for the community of Oceanside.

One of the core principles at St. Brigid’s is the idea of shared common life. The founding members envision a community where faith is not a Sunday obligation but a daily rhythm that permeates every aspect of life. Through shared meals, fellowship, and engaging activities, St. Brigid’s encourages members to live life together, supporting and uplifting one another through thick and thin.

Just like your favorite food truck that moves around town, you’ll need to be following St. Brigid’s to know when and where worship happens. “At first, we’ll hold services in parks, in living rooms, and maybe in small chapels around town–maybe even a while walking down the beach,” said the Rev. Brian Petersen, “But our ministries will be born out of our common life together. We want to create a community that embraces the paradigm shift in the church. We want to be an example and serve the people around us.” 

Understanding that actions often communicate more than words, St. Brigid’s wants to make a tangible difference in the lives of Oceanside residents by focusing on service. The goal is for St. Brigid’s to be known as a church that truly embodies its values by making positive impacts in the community.

Oceanside’s 172,000+ residents are a melting pot of Southern California, with a range of cultural, military, economic, and spiritual demographics all mixing together. St. Brigid’s will be a haven of love and acceptance for all people–a place where families find solace in its nurturing environment, a place where children can laugh and play while learning about Jesus, and where individuals from different backgrounds find a place where their unique heritage is affirmed and celebrated.

“Our ambition is to become a sanctuary of shared experiences, where joy and sorrow are celebrated and mourned collectively,” said Rev. Petersen, “St. Brigid’s is a place where we live into the rhythm of life together. A rhythm of prayer, work, ministry, and worship fueling our daily lives and igniting our spirits.”

With each phase of its development, St. Brigid’s Episcopal Church is designed to leave an indelible mark on the community; envision Oceanside transformed from a city of strangers to a community thriving on love, compassion, and unity!

The story of St. Brigid’s Episcopal Church in Oceanside is just beginning, but even now, it stands as a testament to the power of faith, community, and service. Last month, in recognition of St. Brigid’s potential, the congregation was awarded a New Episcopal Community grant from the church-wide office of The Episcopal Church.

We invite all members of our diocese to pray for this emerging congregation. To learn more about St. Brigid’s Oceanside, their worship times, and locations, contact the Rev. Brian Petersen at stbrigidsoside@gmail.com and visit their website at osidechurch.org. Follow St. Brigid’s socials on Facebook and Instagram. You join their newsletter here.