Saint Aidan Catholic Church - Livonia, MI
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  • Discover
    • Schedule >
      • Holy Week
    • Livestream Masses
    • Lent Fish Dinners
    • 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
    • March Enrichment
    • 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
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    • VBS
  • Service
    • Assistance
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    • Electronic Donations
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When We Are Made Humble

10/29/2019

 
Ours is a culture that loves and promotes the powerful. Politicians spend fortunes to be elected to an office that will give them significant power that will enable them to influence change (or not). Some athletes work every angle and stretch every rule to increase their strength and stamina so that through their superior power they will be able to defeat their opponent. The business world is built upon the premise that more power (money) is better and that the one with the most power ($) wins. While the world caters to the powerful, for many of us much of life involves trying to cope with the times when we are powerless—and are humbled by circumstance.

​The search for power and control is the way of this world. This is life on earth—though I pray it were not so. We can only work hard and we do what we can. We can only try hard to make our own way and prove we can handle anything that comes our way. But then, suddenly, we find ourselves flat on our back wondering what happened. We have “fallen and cannot get up.” We are powerless.

Though the world looks at these times of being powerless as the ultimate failure, Scripture sees it as an opportunity to receive a blessing from God. This is the experience of the incredible paradox of the “opposites” of our belief: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Many of the Beatitudes qualify as opposites!) Or St. Paul: “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” It doesn’t seem like what is said makes any sense…but it does—when you consider that through hardship grace may appear.

In moments of hardship, you may feel humiliated, humbled by your powerlessness in a given situation: a debilitating illness for you or a loved one; a failed marriage; a rage that separates a relationship; a job loss—the list is long, and can feel endless. As wrong and unfair as it may appear, you may actually be in the best situation of your life to experience the grace of God. Though it seems hopeless and it is hard to believe, you can recover if you will allow God to come to you in your powerless state and do what only He can do. Because God the Father promises us that His gracious favor is all we need—His power works best in our weakness.

Tomorrow is Monday. (If you are reading this on Sunday….) Chances are good that today or tomorrow or the next day or next week you will find yourself faced with a situation that you cannot control. It may be a business deal, it may be a relationship, it may be a family crisis or a health crisis. You may be totally and absolutely powerless to fix it, change it, undo it, or improve it. It may be the result of your own actions—or it may simply be the way of the world. Nevertheless, you may find yourself to be powerless and humbled by your trouble. This is when grace may enter in, this is when we receive what we need—although maybe not what we want. The Book of Sirach today reminds us that God hears our prayers. St. Paul tells us that we are rescued by God and saved for heaven. As we are all subject to those moments that will bring us down—Jesus reminds us today to be humble—because that way, you have less distance to fall. Food for thought, prayer and action!

Keep singing!

Elizabeth Dyc

Confirmation with Bishop Reiss

10/22/2019

 
It never gets old. Everybody who attended our Confirmation last Saturday got an extra dose of Holy Spirit. It was almost strange to see so many smiles at the Liturgy.

​
Bishop Reiss, delivered a phenomenal set of images for the teens to take away. He explained how a simple act, something the Confirmandi could do, could have an impact generations later. He used the examples of the Children of Fatima and Blessed Solanus Casey to share how even today, people are moved to visit Fatima and Fr. Solanus, who had thousands attend his funeral, had tens of thousands show up when he was elevated to Blessed. He also reminded us how St. John Paul II could be found after a long day of touring and meeting not relaxing, or eating, or reading, but stretched out in front of the Blessed Sacrament. His strength to get through those arduous days came from the source and summit of our faith, the Eucharist. Bishop Reiss, himself an example, celebrated the extraordinary liturgy, recovering from an illness, dealing with macular degeneration, and approaching 80 years old.

One of our 2008 Sydney Pilgrims was there to see his youngest brother confirmed. It reminded me of the Bible theme for that life changing event : “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8) Not only did we confirm 20 more teens into the faith, but the hundreds who witnessed the liturgy were reminded that they, too, should feel the power of the Holy Spirit working in their lives AND be a witness of that power, especially to those who do not know it exists.

Thank you to all who made the not just the liturgy and reception special, but the decade of formation that was invested into these teens.

​
Paul Pyrkosz
Coordinator of Youth Ministry

Persistence in Prayer

10/21/2019

 
Last week’s Sing Praise article was about giving thanks in all moments—even in those of suffering or sorrow. As Disciples we are called to live with an attitude of gratitude—understanding and trusting that our trials may actually be blessings in disguise. (God works through all things for good.)

​Our readings this week are again about prayer—about the persistence of prayer. What are we supported by in those times when things are difficult? Today, the Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, we hear the story from Exodus about the Israelites and the threat of Amalek. Aaron and Hur support Moses’ arms, keeping them up and raised in order to win the battle. As long as his hands were raised, they would win. The image that comes to mind is that as long as we have our hands raised together to God, we “win” too—in all the ways that are most important—in our spirits, in faith and in our hearts in order to sustain us when tested.

In the Second Letter of St. Paul to Timothy, we hear the advice and encouragement by St. Paul to support Timothy in the difficulties of his ministry. In the Gospel Jesus reminds His Disciples to pray always; and He tells them the parable of the persistent widow—the pestering widow—persistent as a child wanting something from a parent. Do you remember the pleas, please, pleeeese from your children? Unlike the judge who gives in because he doesn’t want to be bothered anymore by the widow, God loves the persistence of His children. We are to pray always!

The point of the First Reading and in the Gospel is that we may become weary in prayer—and that persistence in prayer is needed. So, what is it that keeps us raised up, encourages us, supports and helps us to be persistent in our pursuits? Like Moses, we have the support of Community in “raising our hands” to God. Our prayers are not just isolated, single person prayers. We join our voices to each other and heaven in our communal prayer.

Today in the Psalm (#121) we sing: “Our help is from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.” This is a psalm to keep (persistently) in your heart, in your mind and on your tongue! At the end of the Gospel story Jesus asks that when He returns, “will He find faith on earth?” I believe He will find it—in the faithful at prayer. We all know the old saying “God helps those who help themselves” but Scripture tells us that God loves those who help others who need help and service. So how are we lifted up and supported when life is tough? We pray persistently for others and for ourselves; we commit to and persist and persevere in serving the Body of Christ—knowing we have the support of Scripture, Community and the Eucharist to accomplish this task.

Keep Praying! Keep singing!

Elizabeth Dyc

Gratitude

10/14/2019

 
Today’s readings challenge us to be Disciples with grateful hearts for God’s healing presence, and for the gift of faith and love. How do we respond to God’s generosity? How to make a return to the Lord for all God’s good gifts? With our lives we can witness a deep sense of gratitude by sharing what we have been given, by good stewardship, and by living life with a consciously grateful heart.

​
As a musician, I am grateful for the generous people of this Parish who had decided to grace their worship, and worship space, with fine instruments to support their singing in worship. Every time I hear the incredible sound of the lovely organ and the wonderful piano that I am privileged to play in the course of my work, I have the sense that a little piece of heaven has come to earth. That is what liturgy is about though, isn’t it? We experience a sense of the eternal banquet in heaven in the form of the Eucharist, and in worship and praise in the Body of Christ. In our Church’s worship tradition it is no wonder, not surprising, that the organ is the king of instruments and the piano is queen!

The Church, however, as a universal Church, feeds all people who come to the table. Not every person is touched or inspired by the same things. Even in our differences we are all made in the image and likeness of God. There are many mansions, and I like to think that each room for worship in God’s mansion has a different instrument in it! The Scriptures talk of cymbals, drums, lyres (harps), strings, flutes and trumpets. The modern Church includes these and all other keyboards, guitars, wind instruments, etc. in praise of God. (Watch for the Bulletin article of Pope Francis’ comments on the Music Ministry of the Church!)

In gratitude for all the gifts our God has lavished upon us we are called to gift back—to make use of our time, talent and treasure for the building of the Kingdom here, on earth. Today’s Psalm (#98) celebrates God’s love for us: His wondrous deeds, victory, kindness and faithfulness toward us. The Psalm calls us to “Sing joyfully to the Lord—break into song; sing praise!”  Show your gratitude today like the Samaritan in the Gospel story by lifting up your voice to God in song, and by witnessing an every-day attitude of gratitude!

Keep singing!

Elizabeth Dyc


Increase Our Faith

10/7/2019

 
Today all the readings talk about faith. The First Reading from the Book of the Prophet (and poet) Habakkuk talks about enduring faith, a faith in the face of the little and large tragedies of our lives. Saint Paul reminds Timothy (and us) to have a bold faith, a faith that is revealed and nourished by strength (power), love and self-control.

As a person who practices a daily discipline (music), I tend to think of all activities and pursuits in the light of accomplishing a specific goal. In the case of my profession (and vocation) as Director of Music Ministry, I know the practice and energy it takes in order to play and sing in support of prayer and praise. The discipline needed for music is an everyday part of my life: the love, the purpose, the self-control, the blood, sweat and tears to accomplish what needs to be accomplished.

The word discipline comes from the same root for the word Disciple, and as Disciples of Christ our faith is also a daily discipline to be practiced in the world. All our choices and responses, decisions and priorities are an opportunity to develop and exercise our “faith” muscles. The seed of faith planted in us at our Baptism (and Confirmation) must be grown and nurtured; our faith must be practiced and lived in discipline. In those moments of catastrophe and heartbreak, sorrow and sadness, our faith will be a strong and enduring faith that will sustain us.

​How to employ and exercise our faith muscles? Get involved! Do not be complacent in the use of your time, talent and treasure! Last week we were reminded in the story of the rich man and Lazarus that it is not enough to just “do no bad.” We must be pro-active in work and service for the Kingdom. There are many ministries in our Sacred and secular Community. Here at St. Aidan there are always projects of some kind that needs your support. The work for the Kingdom is never finished. Even a tiny faith the size of a mustard seed can work miracles to those around you

Keep singing!

​Elizabeth Dyc

Just a Note: Do you love music? There is still room for more adult and children choir members and instrumentalists for our St. Aidan Music Ministry. Come and see me—or email at: ejdyc@att.net

    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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