T

ASSUMPTION GROTTO
NEWS
ASSUMPTION GROTTO CHURCH
NOVEMBER 16, 2014
Assumption Grotto
Parish - 1832 -
Our Lady of Lourdes
Shrine - 1881 -
A Pastor’s Descant
Saints Have Bad Breath
'"Master, you gave me five talents. See, I
have made five more.' His master said to
him, 'Well done, my good and faithful
servant. Since you were faithful in small
matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master's joy.' "- Mt
25:20b-21
T
he impious subtitle of this Descant
may arouse indignity. (‘Has he
nothing better to say about the saints
than that?’) The idea came to me, as you
may well believe, while brushing my
teeth. It is noteworthy that we are much
taken up with being in good health and
with ‘looking good.’ Self-conscious
about our appearance and much worried
over becoming sick, we spend a lot of
time and a significant amount of our
money on our physical well-being. More
than this, we are, willingly or not,
conformists to convention, propriety,
rule and regulation, often in matters of
little moment. Political correctness is a
moral example of this, when we
acquiesce to expectations in our
attitudes, speech and actions. We tend to
want to fit in to the established norms of
acceptability. Who, after all, wants to be
an odd ball, a misfit in the fabric of
society? “Go with the flow” is the motto.
And the flow is to be of good appearance
in fashion, speech and in adopting only
those opinions deemed agreeable. In this
desire to conform, we tend even unto
neurotic perfection. Not only should one
be clean and neat and of an pleasing
disposition
but
also
antiseptic,
detoxified, and in every way au currant,
in touch and up-to-date.
My fancy on the way I think saints lived
led me to believe that they were little or
not at all preoccupied with many things
over which we expend much of our
energies. There is a catechism story told
of some saint whose guardian angel
accompanied him as he walked along the
road, meeting on the way a man shabbily
dressed, grimy and perhaps, to say it
somewhat indelicately, stinky. They
Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass
©2001, 1998, 1970 CCD.
passed him by without any comment by
the angel. Next they passed another man
immaculately attired, well groomed and
clean. At this the angel held his nose in
disgust. When asked for an explanation
the angel explained that the first man
was a holy soul full of grace though
lacking in physical comeliness, while the
second who took much care in his
appearance was in a state of mortal sin.
The lesson is that one can’t judge by
appearances. But, even more, I draw the
further conclusion that meticulousness
about our cleanliness and good looks
may mask or attempt to compensate for
‘looking good’ in the sight of God. Bad
breath? We would say, that’s
unpardonable. Filthy morals? This is OK
so long as one’s “with it.” It was for this
very pretense that our Lord castigated
the Pharisees who insisted on the
cleanliness of their cups and vessels but
who were themselves interiorly filthy.
Modern attitudes and expectations of
correct conduct are producing a
sameness and a uniformity that makes a
virtue
of
appearances
but
an
embarrassment of morality. Bad is OK
but good is bad. This thinking has
entered in the general consciousness,
especially among the many who have
never known, never heard, the liberating
truth of Christ, of the primacy of the
spiritual over the material and of the
motivating goal of life being the salvation
of one’s soul.
We need to become overmuch concerned
of our spiritual condition, of the truths
taught by the Church, and much
determined to be personally holy in
thought, word and deed. Certainly, in our
pursuit of these aims, we don’t need to be
hygienically repulsive or socially abrasive,
but we need to assert the priority of
spiritual goodness over lesser concerns.
I am pleased with the Forty Hours
Devotion of last week. People did come to
pray and attend the closing ceremonies.
Monsignor Robert McClory spoke well
and with heartfelt sincerity about the
Divine Presence in the Holy Sacrament.
He also expressed his appreciation for our
parish and our commitment to the faith.
That was a nice and unexpected plug
especially from a chancery official since
our parish is sometimes regarded as
retrograde
and
out-of-touch.
The
Eucharistic Procession with the Blessed
Sacrament and the prayers concluded the
Forty Hours for a stirring conclusion. I
hope the Lord was pleased with this small
ASSUMPTION GROTTO NEWS
ASSUMPTION GROTTO NEWS
COPY DEADLINE
MONDAY, 5:00 p.m.
Monday, November 17, 2014
7:30 a.m. - Grace Perrone (D)
7:00 p.m. - Jeanette T. Lutfy(D)
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
7:30 a.m. - Arthur Ackerman (D)
7:00 p.m. - Fr. Eduard Perrone (L)
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
7:30 a.m. - Francis J. Boyle, Sr. (D)
7:00 p.m. - Ann Sandberg (L)
Thursday, November 20, 2014
7:30 a.m. - Fr. Boleslaw Lipczewski (D)
7:00 p.m. - Donna Howell (L)
Friday, November 21, 2014
7:30 a.m. - Marguerite E. Boyle (D)
7:00 p.m. - Lawrence Deerfield (D)
Saturday, November 22, 2014
7:30 a.m. - Deceased Members of the
Knights of Columbus
4:00 p.m. - People of the Parish
Sunday, November 23, 2014
6:30, 9:30 a.m. and Noon - People of the
Parish
Graves
For information on graves or our
cremation burial site, call the Rectory,
Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
DETROIT, MI
Saturday, November 22, 2014
4:00 p.m. D. Bastuba, , R & J. Praet, J.
& J. Williams, R. Grado
Sunday, November 23, 2014
6:30 a.m. R. Jacek, C. Kolomjec, M
Pomeroy
9:30 a.m. K. Garavaglia, D. Schuster,
K., D. Dux, J. & E. Lang, J. Prevo, G.
Heffernan, R.& A. Santine, A., J. & S
Coates, J. & J Simpson, H. Wisniewski,
B. & J. Newby,
12:00 p.m. B. & S. Sharp, J., P. I. & M.
Doyle, C. & M. Chambers, G & J.
Venditti, A. & M. Arrigoni, A. & J.
Kopke, F. & W. Remske, J. Gallagher, P.
Cooper, C. G. & J. Rochon, D & L
Steinhaus
Gethsemane Eucharistic
Adoration Chapel
The Chapel, located in the Convent, is
open 9 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. Monday-Friday,
and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
We need more people to be adorers. If
you can commit to one hour, or be a sub
when someone is absent, please call the
Convent at 313-527-4416.
Open Hours: Open Hours: Monday,
1:00 p.m., Wednesday, 1:00 p.m.,
Thursday, 11:00 a.m.
Wedding Banns
II
Graves
Register you loved ones to be remembered
at Mass throughout the month of
November
Assumption Grotto Gift Shop
313-332-4432
Email:assumptiongrottogiftshop@hotmail.com
Parish Council President
Anna Graziosi ..................................586-775-3228
Organist, Ray Long ........................313-372-0762
Email: grottomusic@ameritech.net
SUNDAY MASSES: Saturdays at 4:00; Sundays
at 6:30, 9:30 (Tridentine), & Noon
HOLY DAY MASSES: 6:30, 9:30 (Tridentine),
Noon & evening at 7:00 p.m.
WEEKDAY MASSES: Monday-Friday 7:30
a.m. (Tridentine), . & 7:00 p.m. , Saturday. 7:30
a.m (Tridentine)
CONFESSIONS: Saturday 2:30-3:30 ., Sunday
9:00 & 11:30 a.m.
BAPTISMS: Every Saturday after the 4:00 p.m.
Mass or Sunday after the Noon Mass. Arrange at
the Rectory Office.
BLESSING FOR EXPECTANT MOTHERS:
After the Noon Mass on the first Sunday of the
month.
REGISTRATION: Come to Rectory 9-5 p.m.,
Mon-Fri. If not possible, call for a registration
form to be sent out to you.
ORDER OF CANONS REGULAR OF THE
HOLY CROSS - 313-884-1121
Join us for refreshments in the vestibule
of the gym after Mass.
Sun Cha Kim………..November 15, 2014
For information on graves or our
cremation burial site, call the Rectory,
Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
RECTORY BUSINESS HOURS
Monday-Friday ............................. 9:00am-5:00pm
Saturday-Sunday........................... 9:00am-2:00pm
Evening hours ............................... by appointment
Rectory
313-372-0762, FAX 372-2064
Website: www.assumptiongrotto.com
e-mail: grottorectory@ameritech.net
SISTERS OF THE HOLY CROSS CONVENT
313– 527-1739 Office
313-527-4416 Sisters
Philip Haapala & Jennifer Brown,
Grotto
Funerals
ASSUMPTION (GROTTO) PARISH
DIRECTORY
13770 Gratiot Avenue
Detroit, MI 48205
Pastor, Rev. Eduard Perrone
Associate Pastor, Rev. John Bustamante
Deacon James Wilder
Weekly Holy Hours
Wednesday: after the 7:00 p.m. Mass,
“for all our Priests
Thursday: after the 7:00 p.m. Mass, in
commemoration of the Passio Domini
Friday: after 7:00 p.m. Mass - for the
souls in Purgatory
Saturday: after the 4:00 p.m. Mass - for
all our Military
First Sunday of the Month: K of C
Holy Hour after the Noon Mass, Benediction, prayers, Holy Rosary for vocations
Readings for the Week of
November 16, 2014
Sunday: Prv 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31/1
Thes 5:1-6/Mt 25:14-30 or 25:14-15,
19-21
Monday: Rv 1:1-4; 2:1-5/Lk 18:35-43
Tuesday: Rv 3:1-6, 14-22/Lk 19:1-10
Wednesday: Rv 4:1-11/Lk 19:11-28
Thursday: Rv 5:1-10/Lk 19:41-44
Friday: Rv 10:8-11/Lk 19:45-48
Saturday: Rv 11:4-12/Lk 20:27-40
Next Sunday: Ez 34:11-12, 15-17/1 Cor
15:20-26, 28/Mt 25:31-46
©Liturgical Publications Inc
THIRTY THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Pastor’s Descant (Continued)
display of affection and thanksgiving for
all His largess.
Fr. Perrone
The Assumption Grotto St. Vincent de
Paul Helpers will be hosting their first
Cookie Sale & Christmas Bazaar next
Sunday, November 23rd. We need
volunteers to bake cookies. Anyone
wanting to bake, please call Nancy Mc
Auley at 586-792-9022 for information. See the enclosed flyer.
-----------------*************-----------The Book of Life is set up on the podium in the middle of the church starting this weekend for the month of November. Register your deceased loved
ones in the book to be remembered at all
Masses during the month of November.
-----------------*************-----------Assumption Grotto St. Vincent de
Paul Helpers thank you for your generous donations. If you wish to earmark a
donation for a particular individual or
family, you may do so. St. Vincent de
Paul Helpers will get your donation to
that individual or family. Your donations are tax deductible. St. Vincent de
Paul, pray for us. Thank You.
-----------------*************------------.
We are in need of Lectors for the 4:00
p.m. Mass and the Noon Mass. We
would like to see some of the younger
men of the parish volunteer. Normally we would have 4 men for these
masses so that it would only be a once
a month commitment. Call the rectory to volunteer.
--------------------********----------------Parish Council Updates At the September Parish Council Meeting it was
decided that the council will only meet 5
times a year.
The months Father Perrone chose were
February, April, June September and
November. Our next meeting will be
November 17th.
--------------------********----------------Parishioners are invited to have your
home consecrated to Jesus and the
Immaculate Heart of Mary and receive his special graces for this devotion and the twelve promises. Call
Tom Ulrich at 586-775-8138 or Deacon
Jim Wilder at 586-776-7774. Men of
NOVEMBER 16, 2014
the Sacred Heart:
--------------------********------------------“So you could not keep watch with me
for one hour?” Matt. 26:40: Here is another request that asks for an hour of prayer. Could you please come to a neighborhood abortion clinic and spend one hour
with us? As we pray for pregnant mothers
and their babies, we ask that Jesus will
protect them. For more information, call
Dan Goodnow, Helpers of God’s Precious Infants, 313-530-4539.
--------------------********------------------Solemn Novena of Masses for Christmas - A Solemn Novena of Masses will
be offered from December 26th to January
3rd, nine consecutive days of Masses for
your loved ones. Each keepsake card is a
full color photograph of the church with
matching lined envelope.
Donation
$10.00 per card. Come in or call the rectory to pick them up.
--------------------********------------------Grotto Altar Care is in need of more
members to help clean the church on
Wednesdays from 8:30-11:30 a.m. in order to maintain and keep our standards of
excellence in maintaining and preserving
our Holy Historic church. Jobs are as
follows: Change Holy Water after cleaning Holy Water Fonts; Clean Priests Sacristy (instructions will be given); put up
all kneelers and tidy up books and pews;
change candle foil, sift through extinguishing sand; Vacuum all church rugs,
front, back, altar, sacristy; Dust all wooden surfaces around altar; clean confessionals; Sweep choir loft and down the stairs,
Clean side altars. Please call the Rectory
Office and leave your name and phone
number to volunteer.
Assumption Grotto
Gift Shop
313-332-4432
Assumptiongrottogiftshop@hotmail.com
Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 8:30-10:30am
Sunday: after the 9:30 & Noon Mass
The Gift Shop has many fine items to
choose from if you are in need of a gift or
are looking for something special for
yourself.
A good selection of books is also available . Come in and browse. Hours: MonFri. 8:30-10:30 a.m., Sunday: 9:30 a.m. to
2:30 p.m. Call 313-332-4432
Stop in after Mass and do your Christmas
shopping. They have a fine selection of
books, religious articles, tee shirts sweat
shirts, coffee mugs, etc., something for
everyone.
33rd Sunday in
Ordinary Time
"A man going on a journey called in his
servants and entrusted his possessions to
them." In today's Gospel parable, this man
represents God, and the servants represent
us. The story makes a clear point about
the importance of putting the gifts God
has given us to good use. Unlike the first
two servants, the third servant chose not
to make a return on his "talent." Thus we
can understand the frustration of the master. He trusted this servant, and the fellow
let him down. Remember, this all began
with an act of trust when the master handed over care of his things. The fact is that
the third servant did not take good care of
what he was given.
What have we been given? Some gifts
from God we all share in common: life
and salvation. But others differ from person to person. We each have our own set
of "talents": our personal skills, our material blessings, our education, family background, and so on. Some have more, and
some have fewer. But the point is that we
are called to make the most of what we
have, whatever that may be.
Perhaps the starting point for making a
return on God's investment in us is to recognize that what we have is really his! In
a sense, our gifts and skills, even our
lives, are all "on loan" from God. He is
generous in sharing his life and his blessings with us. And, like the parable's master, he is quick to praise and reward our
efforts. But when we choose to be
"wicked, lazy" servants, taking everything
for granted and not using our gifts for
God's glory, then "even what [we have]
will be taken away." What we bury underground is as good as gone. So let's bring
our gifts into the light of day by sharing
them with others and making the best
possible use of all we've received.