From the Pastor's Desk | October 5, 2025

Grand Blanc

It’s both heart-wrenching and exhausting to continue hearing news of hate and violence in our communities.

I spent three years at St. John the Evangelist in Fenton, MI, just 18 minutes south of Grand Blanc, and would occasionally help out at the Church of the Holy Family in Grand Blanc. That’s why the recent tragedy at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints struck me so deeply. It wasn’t just shocking - it felt personal, given my ties to Genesee County.

This past Monday, we celebrated the Feast of the Archangels Gabriel, Michael, and Raphael. I want to echo the words of Fr. Joe Krupp, pastor of Holy Family in Grand Blanc. In Scripture, what are the first words the angels speak? “Do not be afraid.”

The angels speak these words into the heart of our fear, uncertainty, and sorrow. They remind us that even in times like these, those of us who place our faith in Christ have nothing to fear because love for life does not deter us from death (Revelation 12:11).  

I encourage you to listen to Fr. Joe Krupp’s homily for the Feast of the Archangels. His words offer comfort, courage, and perspective in the face of tragedy, especially one so close to home. You can find his homily HERE.

Blue Mass

On September 29, 1934, Father Thomas Dade organized the very first Blue Mass at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Washington, D.C. More than 1,000 police officers and firefighters attended, dressed in their blue uniforms thus giving the Mass its name. From the beginning, the purpose has remained the same: to pray for the safety, courage, wisdom, and strength of those who serve and protect our communities - our police officers, firefighters, and first responders.

The Blue Mass is traditionally celebrated on or around September 29, the Feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. St. Michael, in particular, is honored as the patron saint of police officers, firefighters, and military personnel. As the leader of heaven’s armies against Satan and the forces of evil, he stands as a symbol of courage, protection, and unwavering commitment.

Today, we pause to honor the men and women who dedicate their lives to public safety. These individuals answer the call often without hesitation and at great personal risk to ensure our well-being. Their work is not easy, and it is never done. For their service, they deserve our deepest gratitude, respect, and unwavering support.

We pray for their safety and for the well-being of their families. May they be courageous when courage is needed, decisive in times of crisis, and wise in every action they take.

When we call, they answer. Let us answer in return with our prayers, our thanks, and our ongoing support. Please join me in praying for them not just today, but every day.

Last week, I had the privilege of celebrating Mass at the Michigan Catholic Conference prior to one of our board meetings for the Michigan Association of Nonpublic Schools. It was Monday, the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. The timing felt especially poignant - just days after the assassination of Charlie Kirk and yet another tragic school shooting, this time at Evergreen High School in Colorado.

In my short homily that morning, I shared something that often strikes me: how the readings at Mass always seem providentially timed, speaking directly into the heart of our lived experience.

The Gospel of the day on Thursday, September 11 (the day after that violent Wednesday) came from Luke 6, where Jesus says:

“To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:27–28)

In the face of violence and hatred, this message is radically difficult and radically necessary.

On the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, I was reminded of Mary standing at the foot of the Cross, suffering alongside her Son. It struck me deeply that whether we are victims of evil or, tragically, its perpetrators, there is perhaps no greater comfort than the presence of a mother who suffers with her child. Mary does not turn away. She stands with us, weeps with us, and carries our pain to her Son.

This theme - the Word of God meeting us in our daily lives - continues in this weekend’s readings. If I had to sum them up in one line, it would be this: Like the prophet Habakkuk, we are crying out, “Why?” Why the violence? Why the division? Why won’t God act?

In our first reading, the context is grim. The people of Judah, God’s chosen people, have become corrupt. Violence and injustice run rampant. Habakkuk lifts his voice in a lament that feels as timely today as it was then:

“How long, O LORD? I cry for help, but you do not listen!
 I cry out to you, ‘Violence!’ but you do not intervene.
 Why do you let me see ruin? Why must I look at misery?
 Destruction and violence are before me;
 there is strife, and clamorous discord.” (Habakkuk 1:2–3)

Haven’t we echoed these words ourselves in our conversations with friends, in our private prayers, in our tears these past weeks?

But then, God responds. His answer? A vision of justice - not immediate, but certain:

“For the vision still has its time,
 presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint;
 if it delays, wait for it,
 it will surely come, it will not be late.
 The rash one has no integrity;
 but the just one, because of his faith, shall live.” (Habakkuk 2:3–4)

This is not an answer of immediate relief, but it is a promise. A promise of justice. A promise that evil will not have the last word. And the key to living in this in-between time is faith.

Which brings us to our Gospel. The Apostles ask Jesus, “Increase our faith.” And while it may sound like Jesus is rebuking them, he’s not. Their very request shows humility and a recognition that faith is not something we manufacture, but a gift we receive.

Jesus replies:

“If you have faith the size of a mustard seed,
 you would say to this mulberry tree,
 ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.” (Luke 17:6)

Jesus is affirming both the Apostles and us. Even a small, authentic faith rooted not in our own strength, but in God’s power is capable of transforming the world. That small amount of faith is powerful.

So what are we left with, in the face of such suffering?

God doesn’t promise us an easy answer. But He does promise us this:

1. He is allowing this for a reason, though we may not understand it now.
   
   

2. He is acting, even when His work is hidden. In time, He will reveal what He has done.
   
   

3. He has already conquered sin and death through the Cross and He will return again to destroy evil forever.
   
   

Like the Apostles, let us ask the Lord to increase our faith - not necessarily to understand, but to trust. To trust that He is here. That He is working. That He has won. And that one day, He will wipe every tear from our eyes.

Know of my prayers for you all! 

Fr. Ryan