Saint Aidan Catholic Church - Livonia, MI
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  • Discover
    • Schedule
    • Livestream Masses
    • Contact
    • Register
    • About >
      • Our Patron Saint
      • Church Tour
      • PRES Plan
    • Groups >
      • Women of St. Aidan
      • Men's Club
      • Men's Prayer Group
      • Young(ish) Adults
    • Links
  • Grow
    • January Enrichment
    • Screwtape Letters
    • Lent '23
    • Families
    • Blog
    • Bible Studies >
      • Exodus
    • Sacrament Prep >
      • Reconciliation & Holy Communion
      • Confirmation
    • Young(ish) Adults
    • Youth Ministry
    • Ongoing Enrichment >
      • Online Studies
      • Sacraments
      • Faith Basics
      • Library Database
    • Children's Liturgy of the Word
    • Become Catholic
    • VBS
  • Service
    • Assistance
    • Pray
    • Vocations
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    • Electronic Donations
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Not By Bread Alone

2/29/2020

 
What sustains you? I was speaking with my husband, James, a few days ago—talking about all the Scripture readings for this First Sunday of the Lenten Season—particularly—the Gospel of St. Matthew for the First Sunday of Lent. It is always about Jesus’ temptation in the desert; and we hear the many various ways our Lord was tempted by the Devil. He is tempted in His body (hunger); He is tempted for His safety and for testing God; He is tempted with worldly power.

I have been thinking a lot about temptation (and habits) as I enter my second year of working toward a healthier existence—wanting to better respect this temple of the Holy Spirit… So, all these questions about temptation and habits naturally come to the forefront as we consider the Lenten Season and its spiritual demands.

Last weekend I wrote about the idea of being holy; being perfect—a challenge to our Discipleship beyond fasting, almsgiving and prayer. One of the main ideas regarding the Lenten practice of fasting was to emulate what Jesus did in the desert. We fast and abstain in order to bring God to the forefront of our consciousness; to make God present in our everyday decisions—even about how much and what we eat. This practice is practice for learning to be sustained daily by God. The verse of our Gospel Acclamation this weekend is: “We do not live by bread alone, but we live by the words of our God.” Great statement…great ambition for growing in faith.

​
The questions in conversation between my husband and me were about what gets us through it all, every day? How do we turn from temptation? His answer to me was that first one needs to have a very simple habit: just get out of bed in the morning. Make a list and check stuff off order to start a productive day. So, ok, what sustains us when tempted by a soft pillow and a warm comforter? Or a bag of potato chips and television instead of working out? As we drilled down this subject together his answer to me was simple: faith. Faith that God will give him the grace to turn away from sin and temptation (because we do ask for it) and the grace to become new creations—the best version of ourselves that God intends us to be.

Today Jesus puts the Tempter in his place as he responds with the Word of God as his strength. He is the model to consider as we go forward in this season of conversion and transformation. Like Adam and Eve in the Genesis reading, we may fall, but St. Paul reminds us today that we will be made righteous—something to hang on to in our (many) dark and fallen (fattening and lazy) moments. Faith as a simple habit to stave off any and many temptations…

I know the beginning of this season is not actually the new year—although it is for me, personally. I understand that every day we have an opportunity to seek grace that will sustain us in those many tempting, difficult, sorrowful, thoughtless moments we encounter in our lives, families, work places and communities. So, I ask you: What sustains you? Is it your faith, your habits? Maybe now is the time to figure that out… May God grant us all the grace to be sustained in His Word!

Keep singing!

Elizabeth Dyc


Just a note: We fast from Alleluias and the Gloria during the season of Lent—and as we continue the tradition of Lent, we are reminded of other ancient ritual traditions, too: we will sing the Lord Have Mercy (Kyrie in Greek), and the Lamb of God in unaccompanied chant. For Forty Days and Fort Nights, we are Led By the Spirit to pray for the grace to Change Our Hearts and Return to God as Again We Keep This Solemn Fast!

We Are Back “Strong in Our Faith and Trusting the 10”

2/23/2020

 
Mr. Conrad and I had the absolute pleasure of spending a weekend with a dozen of St. Aidan’s finest teens at the Rainbow Youth Conference last weekend. The teens, showed up with Teddy Bears, were eager to listen to the keynotes, attend their modules, participate in Adoration and Reconciliation, attend Mass with the Archbishop, eat, quietly stay in their hotel rooms until lights out where they ate more. The keynotes shared how the Ten Commandments guide us in our life to choose Christ. And all of our teens were treated to my module on how to be strong in their faith despite their age, and I can report, the trial run the week prior with the junior high, paid off. Prayers were answered, it was a hit. Their parents and the community should be proud of our teens representing St. Aidan. There were only 40 parishes in attendance and by my estimation, St. Aidan brought nearly 50% of the bears for the service project.

​This was my 20th 
time at Rainbow, and I can tell you I have so much hope for our teens. They were filled with compassion and took care of one another. I cannot recall a single complaint. They were equipped to handle everything. They even solved their own problems. Hotel furniture was moved from the girl’s room to the boy’s room so there was a bed for eve- ryone. And when I asked if they put it back? -of course they did. Without prompting, they were gracious to the hotel staff and servers.

If your teen did not go, they missed out on one of the greatest experiences of the year for teens in Detroit. There is a RISE Conference at Mercy High School coming in April 25th
. It is new, but check it out. Also, for our Junior High, CYO WIND Conference is scheduled for 4/4. Let me know if you are interested.

Please check out all of our photos on Facebook and share them with your friends with teens.

Paul Pyrkosz
Coordinator of Youth Ministry

"Be Holy..." "Be Perfect..."

2/23/2020

 
Today, the Seventh and final Sunday of Ordinary Time before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the Lenten Season, all three Scriptural readings remind us to “Be holy…” in varied ways. The Old Testament Reading from Leviticus tells us stop hating our brothers and sisters in our hearts; and although you may have to reprove fellow citizens, don’t incur sin because of it—so: no grudges or revenge against anyone; love your neighbor as yourself. Be holy!

St. Paul reminds us that we are temples of God—actual living tabernacles of the Holy Spirit. He reminds us to be that holy combo of head and heart in all our dealings with our fellow humans. Jesus today gives us the hardest command to follow about turning the other cheek, no resistance to evil persons, loving enemies and praying for those who persecute you—asking us to be perfect. Be holy, be perfect! Geez. None of this is easy, especially in this political climate with social media giving hidden platforms to the worst temptations of mean-spirits, criticism, greed and schaudenfruede. (Pleasure derived by someone from another person’s misfortune.)

I am reminded about a story of Nelson Mandela who took a bit of proverbial wisdom and made it his: “Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.” Others have said it before him, but Mandela lived it out in a public way, and showed forgiveness toward those who kept him in prison, even inviting one of his prison guards to his inauguration.

Studies have shown that resentment (and other sinful, hurtful feelings) are actually harmful to our health, while forgiveness (and loving thoughts) have the opposite effect. A 2004 Harvard study found five principal benefits to forgiveness: Reduced stress, better heart health, stronger relationships, reduced pain, and greater happiness. Jesus offered us a more powerful reason: we forgive others because God forgives us. The Psalm response today is: “The Lord is kind and merciful.” God  forgives us our sins; how can we then turn around and be unforgiving toward others? Forgiveness is good for you and resentment is harmful. The choice should be easy, yet we often find ourselves keeping a record of the wrongs done against us—and then posting it on social media…

As we turn toward the Lenten Season of reconciliation, I know that many of you will be giving up stuff (chocolate, etc.), and giving alms and praying more—wonderful! But let me encourage you to strive to be holy and be perfect in maybe some un-thought-of ways as Disciples. What does that mean? Maybe less axes to grind; and less posting about it. Letting our better angels guide us to forgiveness, tolerance, gentleness and compassion—especially when you feel called to “reprove your fellow citizen…” If we live “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” we’ll all be blind and toothless. Better to follow the Scriptural advice in both the Old and New Testaments today to ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” Consider living this Lent to strive to ‘Be holy and perfect.’

Keep singing!

Elizabeth Dyc


Beyond the Law

2/17/2020

 
Today, this Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time, we hear in the Gospel that the Mosaic laws (The Commandments) are fulfilled in the person and the teachings of Jesus. Jesus takes us beyond the actual letter of the law to the spirit of the law. We hear Him say to his disciples: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.” He explains to them a very “revolutionary” concept: He goes past the obvious intent of the law and into the actual heart of any matter that He brings up.

​Jesus states the law: “You shall not kill; whoever kills will be liable to judgment.” He then asks them to go beyond the obvious: not just you shall not kill—but you shall not be (act) angry, you shall not name call, you shall forgive, you shall not hold grudges―and you must settle with others. “Kill” in this case may not be just about killing the body; but about killing someone’s spirit, someone’s hopes, someone’s dreams, someone’s ability to move on. Jesus’ description of “kill” encompasses more than the strict and usual definition. He gives a broad meaning that encompasses more; He challenges us as Disciples to live beyond the obvious.

Jesus states the law: “You shall not commit adultery.” Then he tells them you shall not lust even in your heart. He goes on, you get the picture! He states the Jewish laws in the Gospel and then he takes us past those obvious and particular parameters and into God-like sacredness and holiness. The thoroughness and dimension of His teaching is revolutionary and very demanding.

Our hymn at Communion today is “Eye Has Not Seen,” It directly quotes the Second Reading from St. Paul to the Corinthians: “What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard…(we cannot imagine) what God has (ready) prepared for those who love Him.” In other words (Scriptural words): we do not think as God does about the law or punishment or most anything. As His Disciples we should try though, to ask for the grace to look beyond any laws intent, and like Jesus act in mercy and grace for those around us. This is what we are called to do!

At the end of the long Gospel reading Jesus says: “Do not take a false oath, but make good to the Lord all that you vow…Let your “Yes” mean “Yes” and your “No” mean “No.” If you think about it, sticking to your word, your vows, your personal integrity in all you say and do—is sticking to your Baptismal promises as a Christian in all its challenging (and very difficult) implications. Remember He says: “Anything more is from the evil one.” Hmmm. No wiggle room there…

Keep singing!

Elizabeth Dyc

Salt, Leaven & Light

2/9/2020

 
Today, this Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jesus reminds us that the people who live in the light of Christ and doing the work of good deeds will be “the salt of the earth” and will “glorify our heavenly Father” by being a light and salt for all. Salt, for ancient people, was an important preservative, a seasoning, and a symbol of healing. Leaven is what causes bread to rise—the impetus for deliciousness and joy, satisfying all hunger. Light was difficult to attain and maintain in those time—and so it was valuable for all its goodness in uncovering any truth.

We often think of Jesus’ teaching as prescriptions for getting to heaven (even though we don’t always followe them). He’s not saying that those who live this way are going to heaven—He is saying that they will be gift for the Kingdom here on earth. What He speaks of are descriptions of a free life; a life free from secular stresses and choices. Jesus’ teaching is very often a description of the final product rather than a detailed process for getting there. When you are able to do and live those descriptions, this is what holiness looks like. When you act in Gospel ways, “The Kingdom of God is among you.” Jesus doesn’t seem to be concerned about control, enforcement, or uniformity. His priority is proclamation, naming, and revealing. Then He trusts that good-willed people and a reliable, trustworthy God will take it from there. (Let go and let God!)
​

“If salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned?” asks Jesus today. In other words, how can we be salt for those around us if we lose sight of Gospel living? We’re supposed to be the salt for the world, but if we do not live the Gospel, what hope do we have of offering anything new to anyone? We are supposed to be the leaven, raising up those around us. Jesus says, “You are light for the world; a city built on a mountain cannot be hidden.” Our job as Disciples is to be a shining truth; to live the truth as best we can, and let it fall where it may. Words to live by. 
Keep singing!

​Elizabeth Dyc

Just a Note: This past week we buried an emeritus choir member and soprano: Mrs. Yvonne Grudzien. She was a long-time St. Aidan Adult Choir member, even traveling all the way from South Lyon for many years for rehearsals and masses to sing God’s praises in this field of souls. She is now singing in the heavenly choir. Yvonne was an example of salt, leaven and light for us all—nothing ever got her down. Her positivity in the face of life’s many trials was an amazing example of deep faith for those around her. She will be sorely missed. God speed, Yvonne! Sing your high notes for all!  “My song will be for you forever, you the music in my heart.”

    Authors

    David J. Conrad, M.A. Theology. Our Director of Faith Formation.

    Paul Pyrkosz. Our Youth Minister & Bookkeeper.

    ​Elizabeth Dyc. Our Director of Music Ministry.

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St. Aidan Catholic Church
17500 Farmington Rd. 
Livonia, MI 48152
Phone: 734-425-5950
office@saintaidanlivonia.org

Weekend Mass Schedule
Saturday Vigil: 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 7:30, 9:30, 11:30 a.m.

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