Brigid’s Place is named for St. Brigid, a fifth-century Irish Celtic saint who was a woman pioneer in the Celtic and Christian traditions of Ireland. She founded two monasteries, a monumental task for a woman during her time, and was known for her commitment to the equality of women and men. 

St. Brigid was also a woman of radical hospitality who welcomed each and every person as though  he or she were Christ. She believed that holiness was inherent in all people. 

Central to St. Brigid's life and faith was a commitment to caring for others who had few resources in her community and promoting peace among rival clans and families. She was dedicated to changing the world around her, and she continues to inspire women today to create a more beautiful and just society more than 1,500 years after her death. Read more about St. Brigid here. 

History

Brigid's Place began in 1993 as a new kind of women's ministry at Christ Church Cathedral, a vision of Rev. Canon Betty Adam. Originally, the group was the Women's Assembly and met to encourage women whose spiritual needs were not yet met by the offerings of traditional church. The group met with the support of the cathedral and explored topics central to women's lives such as vocation, motherhood, health, women in crisis, community service, and many others. 

In 1995, the name Brigid's Place was formally adopted and programs became more regular. After significant contributions from members, there was a mutual decision for Brigid's Place to become an independent 501 (c)(3) in 1998. Since receiving its non-profit status, the organization has been run by a board of directors and continues a close relationship with Christ Church Cathedral until today where it is located. 

Founder

The Rev. Canon Betty C. Adam is a scholar, resident Canon Theologian at Christ Church Cathedral, writer, speaker and an ordained Episcopal Priest. She is the author of The Magdalene Mystique: Living the Spirituality of Mary Today, a book that celebrates Mary Magdalene as mystic and visionary, beloved companion of Jesus, and apostle of the resurrection faith. 

Rev. Adam is a graduate of the University of Texas in Austin. She holds an M.A. in English literature from the University of California at Berkeley and an M.A. and PhD in philosophy from Rice University. Formerly assistant professor in the philosophy department at the University of St. Thomas and lay chaplain at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, she was ordained a priest in 1991 after completing her Masters of Divinity at the Houston Graduate School of Theology and receiving a Certificate of Individual Theological Studies from the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest.