Every time I serve Mass, I go to the altar server’s closet and pull out the same boy’s age 16 cassock and surplus that I finally graduated into as a teen serving in the 90’s.  I stand next to Mr. Conrad who is wearing an imported Italian handmade garment made by the clothier of Popes, Gammarelli’s.  After years of waiting patiently, I used this opportunity to visit Gammarelli’s myself and get my own stylish Altar Server garment. 
After actual years of waiting, this is what happened:

We walked into this closet of a store down a back alley near the Pantheon that looked like Geppetto’s workshop.  Bolts of fabric were waving off of spools and a bright crimson Cardinal’s cassock was waiting to be picked up.  Mr. Conrad was measured first by Ditta Gammarelli himself.  Small talk in broken English was made as he carefully took measurements of every articulating point and described how the fabric will lay based on his selection.  Mr. Conard is done and shoved to the side of the small fitting room.  Next, I am put in front of the mirror to be sized up.   This actually happened, and I am still traumatized.  Ditta, after measuring shoulders, chin to floor, etc. gets to my waist, measures, then walks across to David, and remeasures his waist as if he had to have made some mistake by yards and yards.  Ditta says to me “You Bishop, he Deacon.”  Everyone laughs but me.  He explains how they keep our measurements on file so as we climb up the clergy ladder, they can make new vestments.  (At this point, we had said twice that we were not priests.)  My pride on the floor with the tape measure, I go to pay not having any idea what this is going to cost, except a lot.  I had purchased very little on the pilgrimage up until this point. Everything is hand written in a tablet like the one I used to practice handwriting in first grade.  There is no computer. A boisterous Monsignor walks in at this point and selects a fantastic material for an Easter Alb. Mr. Conrad and I were so curious, we had to touch it.  Behind me I hear “beep, beep, beep” as the sounds of a cash register add up my bill.  And let’s just say that I made no other purchases after this one in Italy.  You will notice a difference when the Gammarelli Twins come walking down the aisle this Triduum.  Please do not ask to touch the garment.

Paul Pyrkosz

The Season of Lent is a gift of our Church—it is our opportunity to deepen our spiritual life and our faith journey. Few would deny that prayer is an essential discipline when it comes to considering our spiritual life. Those who know me, and those who work in my ministry, know that I am all about discipline and practice (in music, anyway…) but I do believe that everything we do is about discipline and practice—so why not prayer, too? 

But what is prayer, and how does one actually practice it? In simple terms, prayer is communication with God that is carried on through words, thoughts, and images (and also in our actions—another topic for another day!). How one prays is another question, and there is a wise saying that “prayer is the school from which no one graduates.” 

While prayer is a profound mystery and may often feel like hard work, I'd like to suggest that our prayer lives can be enriched (and unburdened) by comparing it to breathing. (As a singer, the practice of proper breathing is a regular part of my music practice regimen.)  The analogy of prayer to breathing has been suggested for centuries by our brothers in the Greek and Russian Orthodox churches in a prayer exercise known simply as the “Breath Prayer.” It derives this name because the words for breath and Spirit are very similar in the biblical languages. More importantly, the practice of this kind of prayer enables us in a very real—though perhaps mystical—way to experience what St. Paul had in mind when he says the Spirit prays in us (Romans 8:26-27).

The oldest and most practiced breath prayer combines Jesus’ teaching about prayer in Luke 18 with the earliest confession of the church: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” The thought behind the “Jesus Prayer” is that as one recites this prayer, the very depth of our being is penetrated, and authentic Christ-like transformation takes place. Here are a few practical suggestions that some have found helpful in easing into this type of prayer:

Begin by asking for help from the Holy Spirit, remembering that it is only by the work of the Spirit that we can proclaim, “Jesus is Lord.” Next, become aware of your breathing for several deep breaths in and out. You might want to quietly give thanks to God for the breath of life, even though you are mostly unaware of this life-giving gift. Silently say the first part of the prayer as you breathe in: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God.” Do this several times, imagining that you are breathing in the love, joy, and peace of the Lord Jesus. After this, become aware of your breathing out and as you do so, silently say, “Have mercy on me, a sinner.” Imagine all the impurities, fears, sins that you are putting in the way of God's holy presence—and that breathing them out helps to expunge them from your being. (For those who are visually oriented, some suggest that this type of prayer can be enhanced by gazing at a picture of Christ that ‘speaks’ to you.)

The great thing about the Breath Prayer is that you can do it anywhere, anytime, and in any posture. (BTW, where did we get off thinking that the only posture for prayer was bowed heads and closed eyes ...but that is—again—another topic for another time!) As we practice this important exercise, not only will our hearts be refreshed and our spiritual eyes opened, we may find that St. Paul's admonition to “pray at all times in the Spirit” is not impossible but rather a life-giving joy! What a great start to this year’s Lenten Journey! Keep praying! Keep breathing! Have a happy Lent!

Keep singing!

​JUST a NOTE: By now you may have noticed the changes in our worship space and in the liturgy: no greenery, the liturgical color is the purple of penitence: there are no alleluias, hallelujahs or Gloria. We sing “Praise to you, Lord Jesus, King of endless glory; Savior of the World, Savior of the World for our Gospel Acclamation. Our Eucharistic Acclamations have changed settings; we were singing the Mass of Renewal—now we are singing the Mass of Creation. Our Memorial Acclamation has changed from “When we eat this bread…” to “Save us Savior of the World…” At the Fraction Rite, and for the Lamb of God we will chant the English equivalent to the “Agnus Dei.” 

The purpose of liturgical changes by season is to help us be more committed and engaged in what we are doing/saying/singing during the great prayer of the mass—this is another gift of the Church! These changes are so that we may always be conscious, focused, alert and aware as we pray together—never complacent, bored, day dreaming or inattentive. A good challenge for Lent may be to give yourself over completely to our communal prayer—while at home you practice personal prayer, too. Have a happy Lent! May God grant us the grace of open spirits and minds—and changed hearts!

​Elizabeth Dyc

The First Reading from the Book of Sirach, the Responsorial Psalm (#92) and the Gospel of St. Luke this Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, all use the image of a “good” tree and its fruit—and then likens them to “good” speech and a “good” soul.

​“The fruit of a tree shows the care it has had; so too does one’s speech disclose the bent of one’s mind.” (Sirach). The Psalm tells us that it is good to give thanks to the Lord (good speech!) because then we will flourish like a palm tree, like a cedar of Lebanon shall we grow. “They that are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish…bear fruit even in old age, be vigorous and sturdy…” St. Luke writes what Jesus says in instructing His disciples: “A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit…and from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks.” We are shown to be what we are by what we say (and do)—whether from the “store of goodness in our heart, or a store of evil.”

The Living Liturgy writes that we as people sometimes assume masks with each other. Jesus’ message is to be and act consistently with who we are—that ultimately who we are will eventually be clear to all anyway as we go through life together—but it is a metter of choosing, too. Sirach says “When a sieve is shaken, the husks appear; so do one’s faults when one speaks…so in tribulation is the test of the just.”  Do your moments of tribulation—of sadness, sorrow, anger, disappointment, fear, injustice, envy and temptation—cause you to step away from your Christian discipleship and mission? This is a good question to ponder as we turn toward the Lenten season this week and turn inward for reconciliation and prayer.

All these readings today speak about the fruit of our words: what we say to each other can kill our spirits, injure our hearts, destroy our relationships, and tear down the very temples of our physical beings. Our words may also show us to be doers of God’s Word: saving and salving our spirits, shoring up the edifices of our hearts, spreading God’s grace and mercy to those around us. A tree is known by its fruit—whether for good or evil. Time to choose…

Keep singing!

​Elizabeth Dyc

Why baptize children? Why not wait until they are older and can decide freely for themselves? It is a serious question, but it can conceal a deceit. In procreating a child and giving him life, do parents first ask for his permission? Convinced that life is an immense gift, they rightly assume that one day the child will be grateful for it. A person is not asked for permission to be given a gift, and baptism is essentially this: the gift of life given to us by the merits of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. Of course, all this assumes that the parents themselves are believers and have the intention to help the child develop the gift of faith. The Church acknowledges their decisive competency in this area and does not want a child to be baptized against their will.
​
There are increasingly more people in our society who for different reasons have not been baptized as children. There is the risk that they will grow up and make no decision, one way or another. Parents are no longer concerned about it because they now think that it is not their duty; the children because they have other things to think about.  I think these reasons (and you can no doubt add to this list) are only symptomatic of the core cause: lack of trust in the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit enters the child that we baptize, making Christian virtues grow in that child, so that as he or she develops, they will blossom.  We should always give children the opportunity to have the Holy Spirit dwell inside them so that He will guide them during life.

In order to address this situation, committed members of the Church should share with those who need to hear it, the effect the Holy Spirit has had in their lives.  To have been baptized in the Holy Spirit is to have been immersed in the ocean of divine love.  Witness to that love in your interactions with the parents in your life who, for whatever reason, have deferred the baptism of their child.  It could very well be the case that they have not experienced the love of God in their own life, and thus do not know what they are missing out on, and preventing their child from experiencing for themselves.

Trusting the Holy Spirit and stepping up to give witness with you,

David J. Conrad

P.S. I offer formation for parents in their preparation for the baptism of their child.  Our next formation session is Thursday, April 11 at 6:30 P.M.

This Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time we hear explicit instructions from Jesus about how to behave with one another: “Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; pray for those who mistreat you…” The whole list of instructions boils down to what is called ‘The Golden Rule.’  “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Simple and thought-provoking—this should stop us in our tracks as we open our mouths or act in ways that are selfish, angry, vengeful, mean-spirited and intolerant. Jesus goes on to remind us to stop judging and condemning one another—that all we do will come back to us—one way or another.

​As we near the introspective season of Lent, we might decide that for Lent (and forever) we will all try to live by the golden rule—that would be challenging—but worth real consideration. We are reminded by St. Paul today that though we are like Adam—earthly—we also bear the image of the heavenly one—Jesus. I guess the question that we need ask is one we have all heard before: “What would Jesus Do?” Just some thoughts pre-Lent. Keep singing!                                                                                                                                 

Music Notes and News
At times some of you may have noticed me scrambling around in the music area before mass begins trying to get sound set and working. St. Aidan’s has been “nursing” this aged sound system for quite a while. We have certainly gotten our money and use out of it—it is as old as the church building (31 years old—1988—same age as my son), and some components came over from the “pre” St. Aidan church! Fr. Kevin and the Stewardship Commission have decided now is the time to replace this system and update with a digital and integrated new sound system—for there is nothing worse than not being able to hear the Word (proclaimed or sung). Installation starts the week of February 25th, and we ask for patience as we adjust and learn how to serve our liturgy in sound. Congratulations! This is a blessing for all of us!

You may have noticed a few new faces among our music ensembles—we are always hoping that those with vocal or instrumental talent may hear the call to service in the Music Ministry, and step forward. I know some of you out there may have considered joining us—please come and speak with me. I am always looking for choir members—most especially basses, altos, and children for the Youth Choir. If you feel called, come and see me.

​We ask that you keep us in prayer as we head toward Lent/Holy Week/Easter—please pray for our health and spirits as we work hard to serve you with the sung Word of God. Thanks!

Elizabeth Dyc

Today is the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The refrain from this week end’s Responsorial Psalm says it all in terms of (all) the readings for this Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time: “Blessed are they who hope in God.” This is a phrase, a reminder—sung or spoken—that may help in any of our desperate, unkind, sorry or sad moments in our lives.

​The Old Testament reading from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah is utterly descriptive about people who trust in human beings, rather than the Lord. He describes the former people as “a barren bush, enjoying no change of season, standing in lava waste, a salt and empty earth.” Compare that to the latter—people who put their trust in God—“Blessed are you…like a tree planted beside the waters, not fearing the heat, its leaves stay green, in draught it shows no distress, but still bears fruit.” This is a very clear depiction from a desert people who liken God to life-giving water!

In his First Letter to the Corinthians St. Paul tells us how our faith is not in vain. Since Christ was raised from the dead, so shall we be too—blessed are we who hope in the Lord! According to St. Luke’s Gospel, our reward will be great in heaven, so rejoice and be glad! Do so because blessed are you poor, you hungry, you marginalized, and you who weep—that would be all of us…

When we put our trust and hope in the Lord, in God, we will not be spiritually thirsty and emotionally barren; instead we will be replete in the Lord’s abiding and abundant mercy, contented and gratified in his love, no matter what happens in our lives. The psalm response reflects the basic criterion for all three readings—it is the image, the paradigm and the example for the message we are meant to understand: “Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.” May we believe what we sing, and sing what we believe!

In a few short weeks, the season of Lent will be upon us (before we know it. Changes in our Liturgy and in our worship environment will take place that will reflect this new penitential season. Our sung acclamations change, and we will fast from the Gloria and all alleluias; we sing the Penitential rite (Lord have mercy). We will strive for the desert experience of Lent—no green plants, serious and sparse (yet rich) symbolism, all the vestments change to Lenten purple—Lent should make us “thirsty” for God.

Today, though, we sing: “Rejoice and be glad.” We hear the “Blesseds” of the Beatitudes—but today in the Gospel of Luke we also hear the “Woes.” As we head toward Lent, here is an idea: rather than give up something, maybe the challenge should be to do something positive for others. We, ourselves, need to be a blessing, rather than woe, for those around us.  This is living the attitude of the Beatitudes we hear today; and living in the hope of growing closer to God. “Blessed are they who hope in God.” Food for thought…

Keep singing!

​Elizabeth Dyc

Today, this Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, we hear in both the First Reading from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah and the Gospel of Luke, about how difficult it is to be a prophet. Both Jeremiah and Jesus suffer at the hands of the people closest to them—the Communities in which they live and preach and teach.

​The Gospel of Luke today begins with the same words of Jesus that ended last week’s Gospel reading: “Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” The story picks up with their amazement at His Words, and yet as we know, “familiarity breeds contempt” for Jesus’ neighbors: “Isn’t this the son of Joseph?” No one likes to hear the truth if it doesn’t match with their own vision of how things are. No matter how inspired His words and actions are, they don’t want to change; people don’t want to change and admit that change is needed and necessary. They look for reasons and justifications not to change and not to listen: Jesus is just the son of the local carpenter.

The Second Reading from the First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians is about the way to live that Christ brings to us all. It is a plan, a diagram—a recipe--for living a life in Christ. Every action and all our speech must be expressed as love, since “love never fails.” This familiar reading (often read at weddings), is a blue print for how to be like Jesus. “Love is patient, love is kind…” If we were all to follow these directions of St. Paul, what a different world it would be: no polarization, no division, no greed and selfishness, no marginalization and tribalism and racism—a life lived in which you would treat others as you would expect to be treated—a life of love in action. Hard to envision, but one can hope (and pray).

The people of the synagogue chose to rise up in rage at Jesus, and they drive Him from the town and lead Him to the brow of the hill in order to kill Him. Before long, we know that the Sanhedrin will also rise up and lead Jesus to Pilate, and then to the top of the hill named Calvary. We see deadly choices both times—people who do not choose for love—but who choose for evil, for their personal glory, for their own selfish perspective.

Jesus Himself ultimately makes a choice, too: He chooses death, He accepts His fate and the path for our salvation on a cross in order to save us from ourselves! By His sacrifice He chooses love to drive away hatred and evil, selfishness and sin. He chooses to be raised up so that we will also be raised on the last day—and in love asks the Father to forgive us.

In our lives we also have a choice. (Actually, we are our choices.) Do we choose to live the “recipe” of love? Or do we take Jesus to the brow of the hill yet again? My advice would be the same as St. Paul’s: Set Your Heart on the Higher Gifts! Remember We Have Been Told that by our Baptism it is In Love We Choose to Live! So Be Not Afraid to Stand Up for Jesus!

Keep singing!

Elizabeth Dyc