BELOIT — Though Randy Gracyalny is retiring after 33 years serving as Director of Music and Liturgy at Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA) Parish, he has one last special concert planned for everyone to enjoy.
“A Time for Every Season,” celebrating music from the different seasons of the Church year, will take place Sunday, May 21, at 3 p.m. at OLA church, 2222 Shopiere Rd., Beloit.
“The public is invited to hear choral music from past and present choir members, instruments, and some of ‘Gracyalny Family’ songs,” said Gracyalny.
A free will offering will be taken at the concert for the “Instrumental Memorial” which is used to supplement the stipends for instrumentalists who play at major celebrations at OLA, he said.
Gracyalny’s wife, Linda, is also retiring after serving as piano accompanist at OLA, St. Stephen Parish in Clinton, and other events.
“Linda and I invite everyone to join us for a wonderful afternoon of songs in praise of God,” said Gracyalny.
His work
Gracyalny began his work at OLA in 1990. Before then, he had served as cantor for the parish for seven years. He also had sold appliances for six years.
Gracyalny has six brothers and two sisters. With his brothers Aaron, Clark and Dru, Gracyalny has performed at family concerts and musical events. His sister, Elise Bergman, plays flute at OLA Masses and musical events.
Linda and Randy Gracyalny are the parents of six children — four boys and two girls — and enjoy nine grandchildren. Theresa, Sara, and Adam Gracyalny are OLA members and sing in the choir. All three cantor at Masses. Adam has been instrumental in filming the OLA online Masses.
Reflecting on the past
Thinking about the past years, Gracyalny said, as a first time music and liturgy director, “I felt a little insecure. I feared not knowing answers to questions about liturgy and music. It was important to me that people would believe me”.
As Director of Liturgy, Gracyalny admitted he’s grown in understanding of the Church year and has been helped by workshops and other liturgical materials.
With years of directing the OLA Choir, Gracyalny has helped scores of vocalists and musicians achieve their best possible performance abilities.
He pointed out that he’s tried to make a special effort to encourage parishioners to participate in choir. He explained that OLA is made up from a large geographic area and is included in six different school districts as well as OLA School. Coordinating practices was sometimes difficult.
Pastor Fr. Mike Resop said, “Randy has been the staff person who has given endless hours of energy and coordination to OLA fish fries and parish festivals.”
Included among Gracyalny’s activities: organizes monthly parish fellowship weekends, participated in the OLA slow pitch softball team, and participated in music at several diocesan celebrations.
He shared his desire. “I’ve strived to continue what others have done before me at OLA, and I’ve encouraged people to sing as a parish. So I’ve always tried to have music and liturgy be the best that we can do. We aren’t perfect but I feel people do want to participate in the Mass. We offer good will and we welcome people.”
“OLA Parish celebrates well!” he said. “We have an expectation of excellence.”
As he retires, Gracyalny stated, “It is my hope people will be tolerant and follow Christ’s call to love each other as the Diocese begins a new era. We need to pay more attention to each other.”
He’s planned his retirement for several months. “It was time for me to be able to spend time with my family.”
With his characteristic good-humor, he said, “Now I can arrive on time for family parties, and not have to leave early. And I can help my kids with their houses.”
He and Linda plan to travel to see family members, also.
Gracyalny said he’ll be an active OLA Parish member. “I’ll continue to help coordinate parish fish fries and help with the fall festival as a Parish volunteer,” he said. “I really enjoy getting people together to work on projects,” he added. “I consider myself extremely blessed for the wonderful support I’ve had from my family, my mom and dad, and from my siblings. OLA Parish has always been very supportive, also.”
Father Resop added his wish for Gracyalny. “May God bless him with a healthy retirement.”
“And, I’ll continue to sing!” said the longtime music director.