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Thursday, December 22, 2016

Where you can find me...

Dear Friends - you may have noticed that I haven't posted since May of 2016.  I find myself without the kind of blogging these days that I once had.  And, social media like Facebook and Twitter make it easier for me to use one click sharing and comment only when I want.

One of the reasons I don't have time for blogging is that I've taken on the responsibility of the new AssumptionGrotto.com website.  It is in transition and changes are likely coming.  What you see now is a temporary site.  I strongly recommend adding your email address to the field in the upper right side bar so you will get an email each time there is a new posting.  This includes news about orchestral Masses and other Grotto happenings.  Visit the parish site to also find Assumption Grotto in social media.

I may post here in the future, but there are no immediate plans.  If you want to follow my postings, I recommend you follow me in Facebook.  There is no need to send a friend request since there is an option to simply "Follow".  My postings are public so this should suffice.  I have been getting many friend requests - hundreds that I have not gone through.  I got burned by people with less than friendly intentions soon after accepting friend requests, so I stopped arbitrarily approving.  If you know me in real life, or were someone I corresponded with in email, drop me an IM in Facebook and I'll look for your friend request and approve.  I still periodically try to go through some and approve, but these will be limited.  I'm not interested in having as many friends as possible; I'm interested in friends who share interests and aren't friending me to make a pitch or scam me.

To a much lesser extent I am on Google Plus, but far less gets shared there.  My Twitter account is still active, and that can be found in the upper sidebar here.



Visit AssumptionGrotto.com for audio homilies from Assumption Grotto and more.


For interesting news items I don't have time to blog on, check out my Twitter Feed: @TeDeumBlog

Te Deum Laudamus! Home

The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church;
it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

- Diane M. Korzeniewski

Note: The recommended links below are automatically generated by the tool, so they are not necessarily related content.

Monday, May 9, 2016

Upcoming Orchestral Mass Schedule for Pentecost, Corpus Christi, and Sacred Heart & more

Four Orchestral Masses will be celebrated (all using the 1962 Missal).  See the schedule below.

Please note: There is a change from the past, after Corpus Christi, with the addition of another set of orchestral Masses (Schubert, Mass in G Major).  See the added Masses for June 3 (Friday evening Mass for Sacred Heart) and June 5.

As I mentioned, all Masses will be in EF (1962 Missal). At this time, we know the May 29th Mass at Noon will be a Solemn High Mass in the EF.  If you go to 9:30 that day, it will be the new Mass, most likely in Latin


Here is a trifold for reference.







Visit GrottoCast.com for audio homilies from Assumption Grotto and more.


For interesting news items I don't have time to blog on, check out my Twitter Feed: @TeDeumBlog

Te Deum Laudamus! Home

The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church;
it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

- Diane M. Korzeniewski

Note: The recommended links below are automatically generated by the tool, so they are not necessarily related content.

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Backlog of homilies




We had some technical problems leading into Holy Week, with our audio recordings, which has since been fixed.  Most of the backlog that could be saved, was uploaded to the Assumption Grotto SoundCloud page last week.

Details of those homilies, and a handout provided by Fr. Perrone at all Masses on April 17th, are in links in this GrottoCast post.

There may be a homily for April 24th, but it is a work in progress.

There will be no homily uploaded for May 1st since it was CSA weekend.



Visit GrottoCast.com for audio homilies from Assumption Grotto and more.
Follow Assumption Grotto on SoundCloud for audio homilies; and on Facebook


For interesting news items I don't have time to blog on, check out my Twitter Feed: @TeDeumBlog

Te Deum Laudamus! Home

The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church;
it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

- Diane M. Korzeniewski

Note: The recommended links below are automatically generated by the tool, so they are not necessarily related content.

Sunday, April 3, 2016

Fr. Perrone remembers Mother Angelica in his Sunday Column



Below is full text from the Pastor's Descant in today's Grotto News.  Fr. Perrone reflects on Mother Angelica and remembers some personal encounters.

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A Pastor’s Descant

Mother Angelica R.I.P.


God often accomplishes His finest works with humblest means. This is a theme running throughout Sacred Scripture. The prodigious accomplishments of Mother Angelica in propagating, defending and preserving the Catholic faith have changed the course of the Church in our time, in the USA, and over the whole globe. That’s saying an awful lot, I know, but I can’t refrain from asserting it. One would have had to live through those dark, uncertain, and even frightening days after Vatican Council II to appreciate fully the recovery of theological sanity, doctrinal stability, reverence and piety that began to emerge from the rubble of those distressing times. While Mother Angelica and her works were not the only factors enabling the revival of real Catholicism–a work, we might add, yet in progress–yet she was indeed a mighty force that helped cut through the thick, multi-layered controls which had prohibited the reforms intended by Vatican II.

Dissidents were in charge of nearly everything–seminaries and religious education, liturgical movements and publications, chancery bureaucracies and priests’ councils, social media, Catholic schools and universities, local parish staffs. The clergy had made a general turn towards a destructive modernism which manifested itself in every aspect of Catholic life. The sufferers of all this, constrained to keep a respectful silence, were Catholic laity who struggled to keep faith, confidently trusting–in a laudable, if misplaced, loyalty–that they were being led aright. They had been told that this strange, new kind of Catholicism had been officially mandated by Christ’s Church. Thus the tension arose: fidelity and obedience to a Church which was manifestly odd and erroneous. Strong voices were raised in protest. I remember Catholics United for the Faith which valiantly tried to hold back dissent and teach truth. Father John Hardon’s great Catholic Catechism cleared much of the theological air that had infected doctrinal studies. It was, however, the emergence of the great pontificate of (Saint) John Paul II over the whole Church along with the apostolate of Mother Angelica in the communications media that turned things around towards a recovery of authentic Catholic faith and practice.

My association with Mother came about this way. As the newly installed pastor of Assumption Grotto Church, I had been invited to appear on Mother Angelica Live because our outdoors Lourdes Grotto somehow came to her attention. This was back in 1994. Although I had heard much about this bold and influential nun, I had never seen her TV program. After a brief introduction and prayer in the studio, we were to go onto the set and speak about heaven-knows-what. Mother and I got along fabulously, as they say. Immediately I felt comfortable in her presence because of the one thing we held most dear: love for the Catholic faith. An unexpected upshot of this TV appearance was a big boost in the prominence of our parish nationally and locally. 

Our next great meeting was in regard to the formation of the first Call To Holiness Conference in 1996. For those who do not know, the story runs that the major dissident national ‘Catholic’ organization at the time was Call To Action, a wealthy, pestiferous monster born in our own Archdiocese in the later 1960s. It had graciously moved out of Detroit and into Chicago but had now planned to make a comeback to its native Detroit for a homecoming. Wondering over what to do about this troubling prospect, and rather confident that nothing would be done to stop it from our diocesan bureaucrats, I decided to hold a day of reparation in our church before the exposed Blessed Sacrament. I mentioned my idea to Fr. Hardon who was delighted with the proposal. Contact was then made with Fr. Joseph Fessio of Ignatius Press who said that this local countermove was far too little but that I should “go big” with the whole thing. I asked Fr. Hardon if he would invite Mother Angelica to come to the event and speak (Father had been her  spiritual  advisor).  After prayer, Mother agreed to come.  She made  the day.  Our Conference was a major anti-dote to the  toxic offerings  of  Call  To Action. It was, I would say, a great hit. Mother  was  to  return  to  Detroit  twice more  for  CTH  Conferences,  making  a great impact on the people of the Archdiocese  and  of  the  whole  country  as well. 


Fr. Perrone conducting on Easter Sunday 2016
My last involvement with Mother came upon the dedication of her ‘temple,’ the new monastery church she had built for her Order in Alabama. When the dedication date for opening the new chapel had to be  delayed  due  to  construction  set-backs, Mother  found  that  the  musical program  she  wanted  for  the  dedication  Mass couldn’t go ahead. Alabama’s local choirs and orchestral musicians had made  other commitments  for  the  new opening  date.  Mother appealed to  her TV audience for help. Was there a choir out there that could sing Mozart’s Coronation Mass for the dedication? Briefly put, we were able to fill the bill. Mother flew our parish choir down to Alabama, put us up in a motel, fed us and carted us about on a chartered bus. Our part was to have a single rehearsal with local orchestral musicians and to sing the opening Mass. It was a memorable event, of course,  and  Mother,  with  all  that must have been on her mind those days, gave us a generous amount of personal attention. My favorite moment  was  during the singing of the Agnus Dei when I saw Mother’s head peeking out behind us to see what she was hearing. Evidently she was pleased. After Mass she met with us to thank us personally. Needless to say, we were overcome with gratitude  ourselves.

Following the days of her increasing debilitation I had often thought of inviting her back to Detroit, if only to be seen once again (she could no longer speak) and receive a warm and generous public thanks for all she had done for the Church in her ever-so fruitful religious life. I realized that this would not have been possible. She was perhaps doing more than ever by her silent prayer and personal suffering than she had done in active apostolate. News of her death brought me the happiness of thinking that she had finally finished the work God had asked of her and was moving towards reaping the harvest of her tireless labors. You must pardon me for mentioning only these select things about this remarkable woman of faith. I’m aware that she did a great deal more in her writings (her inspiring pamphlets were loaded with sound doctrine), in her radio and TV network (which today, as EWTN, did so much to brighten the face of a depressed Catholicism worldwide), and in the founding of her religious communities which continue to steady, purify and strengthen the Church through the sacrificial lives of her many spiritual children.

Mother Angelica, may your warm and lovely smile glow with the heavenly radiance of the One you served so well on earth. We thank Him for your inspiring and inspired religious life. Rest, Mother, but do not neglect to pray for us.

Fr. Perrone







Visit GrottoCast.com for audio homilies from Assumption Grotto and more.


For interesting news items I don't have time to blog on, check out my Twitter Feed: @TeDeumBlog

Te Deum Laudamus! Home

The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church;
it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

- Diane M. Korzeniewski

Note: The recommended links below are automatically generated by the tool, so they are not necessarily related content.

Friday, April 1, 2016

Priceless liturgical moments in Mother Angelica's Mass for Christian Burial

Priceless!

Many knew that Mother Angelica and her network had this thing going on with wanting to televise ad orientem celebrated Masses, but it ran into the then, local bishop (here is an old 1999 article discussing a conroversial decree at it's height, but since reduced to a norm in the Diocese of Birmingham on televised Masses to only face the people).

My mouth dropped when I realized the bishops, led by Archbishop Chaput, were celebrating the new Mass, but ad orientem, in partial Latin.  My thought: Priceless and fitting.  Seeking the face of God together in the Mass is a most beautiful thing for those who understand, or are taught. Mother long got what she wanted, in this regard, even if it was too late for her to see it through on earth.

We know a similar thing was going on over the use of Communion rail in the televised Masses there.  Once again, my jaw dropped as I watched the bishops distribute Communion to those assisting at the Mass at the rail.  Below are some images.  Again, thanks be to God because it underscored Mother's love for the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ, which she profoundly reverenced.

Now, as was pointed out to me, this was, in fact, the Shrine, where Masses are regularly celebrated ad orientem, but not on TV due to the norm in Birmingham.  I recall wondering if Bishop Baker would lift that when he took over. One thing is for certain: He lifted it for this Mass. I'm sure it scandalized no one.

The choir hit more grand slams in that Mass with their beautiful choral pieces. I thought they were from SJC, but got a note saying the singers were made up locals in Alabama, not all necessarily Catholic, but offering their voices for Mother.  The music choices couldn't have been better.  Mother must beaming.  Not long ago we saw a beautiful Mass at the funeral of Justice Scalia that everyone talked about.  This one will also be much discussed for it's beauty and eloquence.

Later, I'll post what Fr. Perrone had to say about Mother Angelica in his column for this Sunday.  [Update: Here is Fr. Perrone's column, embedded in one of my later posts]

Snapshots from the live feed in EWTN's iPhone app.  I'll come back and add a video link once it is available. EDIT: Watch full Mass here.









Visit GrottoCast.com for audio homilies from Assumption Grotto and more.


For interesting news items I don't have time to blog on, check out my Twitter Feed: @TeDeumBlog

Te Deum Laudamus! Home

The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church;
it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

- Diane M. Korzeniewski

Note: The recommended links below are automatically generated by the tool, so they are not necessarily related content.

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

For Men: Holy League at Assumption Grotto


Assumption Grotto is initiating the Holy League for men on the second Saturday of each month. Beginning March 12, 2016, Fr. Perrone will lead a Holy Hour with Exposition for Holy League at 6:30 A.M. It will include a 15 minute reflection, Sacramental Confession, a little time for Adoration, and Benediction just before the 7:30 A.M. Mass begins. After the Mass there will be an opportunity for fellowship in the Grotto Giftshop Cafe. Click on the images below to enlarge, for more info.

Please spread the word.  

It is for men of the parish, but visitors are welcome. Please call the number on the flyer with any inquiries.








Visit GrottoCast.com for audio homilies from Assumption Grotto and more.


For interesting news items I don't have time to blog on, check out my Twitter Feed: @TeDeumBlog

Te Deum Laudamus! Home

The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church;
it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

- Diane M. Korzeniewski

Note: The recommended links below are automatically generated by the tool, so they are not necessarily related content.

Monday, February 15, 2016

Fr. Perrone's homily for Sunday, February 14, 2016 - On the Devil

Visit GrottoCast to hear Fr. Perrone's homily from this past Sunday.  It was the first Sunday in Lent. The Gospel was about the temptations of Christ. Fr. Perrone spoke about that and how the devil runs interference in our spiritual lives.





Visit GrottoCast.com for audio homilies from Assumption Grotto and more.


For interesting news items I don't have time to blog on, check out my Twitter Feed: @TeDeumBlog

Te Deum Laudamus! Home

The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church;
it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

- Diane M. Korzeniewski

Note: The recommended links below are automatically generated by the tool, so they are not necessarily related content.

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Audio of Fr. Perrone's homily for Quinquagesima now available

This past Sunday it was Quinquagesima in the 1962 Missal.  Here is a link to the GrottoCast post to hear that homily online.  If you have the free SoundCloud app and follow GrottoCast, look for this homily there.

Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday.  Assumption Grotto distributes ashes according to the 1962 Missal, where it happens before the liturgy begins.  In the past, Fr. Perrone has done the Blessing of Ashes before beginning the 7:30 a.m. Mass and those ashes were distributed before the start of the 7:00 p.m. Mass.  In addition, there will be distribution of ashes at Noon for those who cannot make either Mass.  Noteworthy is that the choir and schola sing at the 7:00 p.m. Mass. It is choir night and they have an abbreviated rehearsal following the Liturgy.

On Thursday, following the 7:00 p.m. Mass, there will be a Rosary procession to the outdoor grotto for the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes (weather permitting).

On Friday, Fr. Perrone will begin his Lenten reflections on the psalms.  As posted earlier, the parish Fish Fry run by the Grotto K of C, runs from 4-7 pm.  From 6:45 - 7:30 p.m., Fr. Perrone will have his talk.  That is followed by Stations of the Cross in the Church, then Mass in the extraordinary form.  The talks continue every Friday, except Good Friday (but there will be a fish fry).  Please support this parish fund raiser.  A flyer is embedded here for details. 



Thanks to parishioner Beth Y. for providing this snapshot from the 9:30 a.m. Mass




Visit GrottoCast.com for audio homilies from Assumption Grotto and more.


For interesting news items I don't have time to blog on, check out my Twitter Feed: @TeDeumBlog

Te Deum Laudamus! Home

The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church;
it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

- Diane M. Korzeniewski

Note: The recommended links below are automatically generated by the tool, so they are not necessarily related content.

Sunday, February 7, 2016

Lenten Talks on the Psalms on Friday evenings by Fr. Perrone


FISH FRY FRIDAYS AND LENTEN TALKS

As can be seen in the attached flyer, Fr. Perrone will be doing a series of talks on the Psalms on Fridays during Lent.

Please note, for Lent only, the Friday evening Mass is later. The talks will begin at 6:45 and go to 7:30 PM.  At 7:30, Stations of the Cross will be prayed in the church, followed by an EF low Mass.  This allows people to eat and observe the pre-Mass fast.

FEBRUARY 11: FEAST OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES

In the evening, following the 7:00 PM Mass, there will be a Rosary procession out to the grotto in honor of Our lady of Lourdes (weather permitting).  The grotto, after which the parish gets it's name, was built in the 1800's after the pastor visited Lourdes, France.





Visit GrottoCast.com for audio homilies from Assumption Grotto and more.


For interesting news items I don't have time to blog on, check out my Twitter Feed: @TeDeumBlog

Te Deum Laudamus! Home

The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church;
it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

- Diane M. Korzeniewski

Note: The recommended links below are automatically generated by the tool, so they are not necessarily related content.

Saturday, January 9, 2016

Christmas Season Homilies - a GrottoCast Playlist




In addition to the two Christmas homilies that were already uploaded, five additional homilies by Fr. Perrone and Fr. Aidan Logan, spanning from December 27 – January 3, have now been uploaded. These should be available in your free SoundCloud app on your smart device if you follow GrottoCast. Below is a playlist at the SoundCloud site for GrottoCast. These should play in the window online (the photo embedded in the player may not be Christmas). 






Visit GrottoCast.com for audio homilies from Assumption Grotto and more.


For interesting news items I don't have time to blog on, check out my Twitter Feed: @TeDeumBlog

Te Deum Laudamus! Home

The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church;
it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!

- Diane M. Korzeniewski

Note: The recommended links below are automatically generated by the tool, so they are not necessarily related content.