Detroit Free Press: Assumption Grotto pastor creates music for mass, lifts spirits at vulnerable parish

Fr. Perrone conducts a Mass his wrote, at the dress rehearsal before Christmas
Photo: Jarrad Henderson/Detroit Free Press

Detroit Free Press reporter, Niraj Warikoo, and photographer, Jarrad Henderson, paid a visit to Assumption Grotto on the Wednesday before Christmas as the dress rehearsal was going on for the orchestral Mass, composed and conducted by Fr. Eudard Perrone, the pastor.

I was quoted a few times in the article.  Tomorrow, I will elaborate on what I was  quoted on to give it greater context than could be made in this excellent feature story about Fr. Perrone's Mass.   I've added one note, bracketed in gold (since my link color is red - LOL).

Assumption Grotto: Pastor creates music for mass, lifts spirits at vulnerable parish

The Rev. Eduard Perrone, while on vacation last summer at his mother's home in Warren, awoke from an afternoon nap with a melody in his head. He scribbled it down before he forgot it.


Over the next few days, more musical ideas popped into his mind, often after he woke up.


That was the start of what has turned into a full orchestral piece for Catholic mass, a 30-minute composition being performed for the first time this holiday season. It's rare for a full-time priest to compose his own music for mass, but for Perrone, 63, it fit well with his role as pastor at Assumption Grotto, a historic Detroit church with a rich musical history.


Called "Fountain of Beauty," Perrone's composition is dedicated to the mother of Jesus.


"It's my belief that the Virgin Mary is the most beautiful of all God's creatures," Perrone said.


Divided into six parts, the piece is written for a 65-member choir and 38 musicians, some of whom are professionals with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Michigan Opera Theatre. On Dec. 21, it was performed for the first time with the full orchestra during a rehearsal under the neo-Gothic arches of the majestic church.


"That was stunning, Father," Diane Korzeniewski, a choir member and member of the church, said after the rehearsal.


Unifying the parish


Born to parents who were both musicians, Perrone learned music at Cass Tech High School and at a now-closed school in the Detroit archdiocese that taught church music [Fr. Perrone was referring to the famed Palestrina School]. He learned piano, organ and Gregorian chanting.


But his heart was set on a higher calling.

Read the rest at the Detroit Free Press... 

You can read a letter Fr. Perrone provided to the choir with details about his newly composed Mass. 

The article goes on to quote me a few more times as I spoke with Niraj after the interview with Fr. Perrone.  Tomorrow, I will elaborate. 


MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO HEAR THE MUSIC

If you are wanting to hear this beautiful music in the context of holy Mass, there are two more opportunities:  January 1, 2012 at 9:30 AM and at the noon Mass on January 8th.  Prelude music begins 15 minutes before Mass.  Parking and seating will not be a problem if you get there earlier.
 

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Assumption Grotto's Christmas Season Mass and Confession Schedule

If you click the above, it will take you to the PDF at the Grotto website.  From there you can print it.

Please note also that the orchestral Mass in use this season is one that was just composed by Assumption Grotto's pastor, Fr. Eduard Perrone. 

Fr. Perrone talks about that in this post: http://te-deum.blogspot.com/2011/12/fr-eduard-perrone-composes-his-first.html

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Photos: Solemn High Mass on All Souls Day at Assumption Grotto

The catafalque is seen in the foreground.  It is a structure much like a casket, used on All Souls in the Traditional Latin Mass

The pews at Assumption Grotto parish were about 2/3 full for the 7:00 pm All Souls Day Mass (Solemn High Mass; 1962 Misal), which featured an orchestra Mass, conducted by Fr. Perrone.  It was the Faure Requiem.

Here are a few shots from the evening. 

Sisters in deep prayer at the Mass

The celebrant listens to the Gospel

Elevation of the Body of Christ

Elevation of the Precious Blood

This young man sang a solo for the first time during Communion.  He had good teachers in his family and in Fr. Perrone

The Mass ended, and the prayers at the catafalque began.  The catafalque is basically a structure or empty casket which reminds us of the souls in purgatory.

More pics can be seen in my smugmug gallery: http://te-deum.smugmug.com/2011Liturgy/Feast-Days/2011-11-02-All-Souls/19881936_V3mnXP#1564262802_CJ6sCnw


Last night I took photos of Fr. Perrone conducting during the dress rehearsal.    Here is one such photo:

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Adorers needed this Friday/Saturday

Monstrance in Assumption Grotto main church;
Adoration for t his event will be on convent chapel.

Many parishes in metro Detroit are in the midst of a capital campaign, including Assumption Grotto. More information will be coming in the mail soon, and in the parish bulletin.

Included in this campaign is prayer - not just for the success of the campaign, but for petitions of contributors and vocations.

This Friday, beginning at 8:00pm, there will be all-night Adoration. Some of the Knights will be watching the lot over night, and there is a limited number of places for women to stay in the convent.

While it is good to sign up if you can commit for an hour or more, you are also free to just walk in.  If you don't know how to get into the chapel, see one of the Knights in the parking lot or the school.  I suggest calling before Friday to find out more info if you are going to be an overnight walk-in for further instructions.

From the Grotto Homepage:

There will be all-night adoration in the chapel, Friday, August 26th from 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Saturday, August 27th. This prayer time will be for the intentions of all our parishioners and vocations. There will be security. Also, limited room is available for women to stay overnight in the convent. Please call Sue Allasio at 313-881-7141 to sign up.

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Photos from this morning's Mass at the outdoor Grotto at.... Assumption Grotto

Each morning, from Spring to Fall, Assumption Grotto's pastor holds his 7:30 a.m. Mass at the outdoor Grotto, weather permitting. 

I was blessed to be there the past two mornings, and got Fr. Perrone's permission to move closer during this morning's Mass so that I could get a better shot.  There is a white cross-bar which partially obstructs the beautiful statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary (seen in the last photo in this set).  But, being at the kneeler which is used for Holy Communion, I was able to get the shots without that bar in the way. 

While in the Ordinary Form we honored St. Clare, the calendar for the 1962 Missal had St. Tiburtius, Martyr, and St. Susanna, Virgin and Martyr.  On August 12th, we honor St. Clare in the 1962 Missal.

Here are a few more pictures...

Not visible in this photo, is a wide kneeler used by the people going up for Holy Communion

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Update on the "monkey-bars" at Grotto

I'll bet there are not a few kids walking into the parish hurch these last few weekends wanting to climb the "monkey-bars". 

Actually, the granite walls are being cleaned for the first time..... ever.  Scaffolding has been shifted to the longer part of the nave.  It is suppose to all be done and cleaned up by August 15th.  I don't know when clean-up is taking place, but I'm  sure the parish could use some help this weekend.  There is dust everywhere. 

Keep in mind, the building has an old coal chute. For those who don't know, it was put to use with the addition of two compressors to help eliminate humidity and cool it down as reasonably as two units can. We were quite comfortable, outside of the dust and smells related to the cleaning. 

Here are a couple more pics from this past Sunday.

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Holy Week Mass, Confession and Orchestra Mass Schedule at Assumption Grotto

NOTE: I'm reposting this from the other day.  With the Triduum upon us starting tomorrow, I will leave this post up and spend my time focused on Holy Week. 

UPDATE: I have photos from Holy Thursday. Grotto was packed.  I also have photos from the Tre Ore service on Good Friday.  I will be editing these and post them sometime soon after Easter, along with what I get in the coming days.

The Lourde's Legacy is out and in it is the schedule for Holy Week.  My understanding is that the Triduum will be in the Extraordinary Form (1962 Missal).  You can see photos from the 2009 Triduum in EF in this post.

You will want to bring a missal, or special booklet that was being sold some years ago for the Triduum, or go to this site and print out what you will need for the respective day (go with post 1955). 

http://mysite.verizon.net/missale/#passiontide

SCHEDULE

April 21 Holy Thursday: 7:00 p.m. Mass (No morning Masses are permitted.)
Confessions: 10:30-11:30 a.m.; 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

April 22 Good Friday: Services from Noon until 3:00 p.m.
Confessions: 10:30-11:30 a.m.; 3:30- 4:30 & 7:30-8:30 p.m.

April 23 Holy Saturday: Blessing of food at 1:00 p.m. (No morning Masses are permitted.)
Confessions: 10:30-11:30 a.m.; 3:30- 4:30 p.m.

Easter Vigil Mass: 8:00 p.m. (Note: There is no Mass at 4:00 p.m.)
April 24 Easter Sunday Masses: 6:30, 9:30 a.m. 12:00 Noon Mass (No confessions)


UPCOMING ORCHESTRA MASSES
Note: These will be in the Extraordinary Form (1962 Missal). More than likely they will be Solemn High Masses, but it is always subject to availability of clerics.

Here is the schedule found on Assumption Grotto's homepage for Orchestra Masses. 

EASTER SUNDAY
April 24, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. Mass

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY
May 1, 2011 at 12:00 Noon Mass

MUSIC
Paul Creston - Missa Solemnis
Paul Creston - Symphony No. 6
Flor Peeters - Jubilate Deo
Dvorak - Te Deum

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Photopost: Family of Terry Schiavo leads reflection at Assumption Grotto



Click pic to visit terrisfight.org


This past Sunday, the family of Terri Schiavo - her brother, Bobby Schindler; mother, Mary; and her sister Suzanne Schindler Vitadamo - offered reflections using the Stations of the Cross on "Overcoming Suffering". 

This is something that they offer during Lent and there is no doubt that those in attendance were moved deeply by their humble reflections.   Devotions weaved into it were among the most timeless, referencing the Blessed Virgin Mary throughout. You can request them to speak at your parish or event (see details here), but these specific meditations are only scheduled during Lent.

I myself was moved by their humility and their application of the most basic Christian principles to the fight for Terri's life, and her following her death, from abandoning themselves to the will of God to forgiveness. Now they work to teach and enlighten others.

Here are some photos taken during the event which followed the Noon Mass on April 10, 2011.

In the first pic, Fr. Perrone, Grotto's pastor, welcomes the Schindler family.

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Fridays in Lent at Grotto: Monastic Supper with Reflections by Fr. Perrone



A photo of a 2008 Cotillion at Assumption Grotto - a popular event at the parish on Tuesday before Ash Wednesday


I will get to the Monastic Meals which will take place on Fridays in Lent in a moment.  First, I'll tell you about "Fat Tuesday" and Ash Wednesday at Grotto.


FAT TUESDAY COTILLION

Each year, Grotto-goers look forward to the "Fat Tuesday Cotillion".  Even if you don't dance, it's fun just to watch.  Many dress up in costumes of a by-gone era.  Those attending are asked to come dressed in a little more formal attire.  There is no need to don costumes, just don't come in blue jeans.  From the Grotto News:

Fat Tuesday, March 8th, in the gym. Music , traditional reels, old dance tunes of the Colonies and line dances from the late 1700’s to mid 1800’s. Refreshments 6:30 p.m., dancing commences at 7:00 p.m. with the Grand March. Tickets $7.00 available in advance or at the door. Bring your favorite Hors D’Oeuvre or finger food and Pazki to pass. Beverages will be provided.

I can't make it again this year.  I've gone once to watch and photograph and it was quite fun.  The band provides instructions on what to do in each number, so you do not need to even know how to dance to participate.


ASH WEDNESDAY

Also in the Grotto News:

Mass schedule for this coming Ash Wednesday: Masses will be at 7:30 a.m.; Noon and 7:00 p.m. (Ashes are imposed before Mass; so, do get here early.) 

Now I will answer about those things you might be pondering.  The Wednesday evening Mass is in the Extraordinary Form.  Wednesdays are choir rehearsal nights and we always start Ash Wednesday in the loft for Mass.  So, there will be some music fitting for the occasion. If you do not have a Missal - you may want to print this out:  http://mysite.verizon.net/missale/ashwed.html


MONASTIC MEALS; LENTEN REFLECTION BY FR. PERRONE

Fr. Perrone explains a change for Fridays during Lent at Grotto:

This year our parish is doing something new to replace the nearly ubiquitous practice of the Friday Fish Fry. The Knights of Columbus, ever valorous, have proposed that we offer a monastic meal (menu: soup [several choices - dk], cheese, fruit and beverage) on the Fridays of Lent–on all Fridays except one, you will note, while your pastor delivers talks to the diners at 6:00 This is truly something that one may yet find in monasteries where, during the meals, monks eat in silence while a lector reads from some religious book. In our case, I will be giving talks, in a manner somewhat freer than the decorum for Mass sermons would allow, to stir a greater piety and to cause–it be hoped– the movement of the mind to ascend to considerations worthy of this season of self reform. Now here is something for everybody who comes here on the Fridays of Lent. To accommodate those participating in the monastic meals and to allow for the Eucharistic fast, I am transposing the usual order of the services in church (Fridays of Lent only): at 7:00 p.m. there will first be the Stations of the Cross followed by Mass. In this way, the requirements both of digestion and fasting will be satisfied.

Unfortunately, I don't have my bulletin at the moment and cannot print out the dates.  I will get them.  If someone reading has the flyer that was stuffed in the bulletin last week, please drop those dates into my combox (including the one Friday that there will not be a meal).  You may email me, as well.

I'll see if we can get the PDF of the flyer sent to Grotto webmaster.

You have to admit, this "Monastic Meal" with a reflection by the pastor is a pretty cool idea.  I'm also glad that the Stations of the Cross will precede Mass.  It was always a problem with people inhaling their fish so they could go to evening Mass.  Most stayed for the Stations which take about 15 minutes, give or take a few. 

MORE ON LENT FROM FR. PERRONE

Read Fr. Perrone's column in preparation for Lent where he addresses fasting, abstinence, and more (the column continues on the 3rd page of the PDF)


FATHER Z OFFERS DAILY "LENTCAzT'S"

Father has his first audio clip up (about 5 minutes).  He is posting daily during Lent and began with a pre-lent meditation for Shrove Tuesday.  Visit his homepage daily where you can listen online to his daily podcasts.  You can also subscribe, as I do, to listen on your iPod or other device.

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Parish Mission at Assumption Grotto - Jan 13-16

There will be a parish mission at Assumption Grotto (flyer and schedule above).  It begins this Thursday January 13 and ends Sunday.  These talks are always well attended.  Usually, the conferences on the first two nights are held in the parish Church (but I don't know if it will work that way this time).  On the weekends, unless there is a conflict with the school lounge, the talks will be held there.

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"Tigger" - the Convent Cat



"Tigger", the convent cat relaxes in the sun on a crisp morning in Detroit

 The Sisters of the Holy Cross found a kitten just over a year ago which wandered into the convent yard on the grounds of Assumption Grotto.  He soon won the affection of everyone heading to the Adoration chapel.  It didn't take long before Tigger was taken in.  Actually, he refused to leave. 

I happened to have my camera at Grotto for a photoshoot when, after getting done, I decided to head to the Adoration chapel.  There was Tigger, sunning himself as if he were on Malibu beach.  He spotted something on the tree and decided to go investigate, then used the thing for a scratching post.

Perhaps more another time on the adventures of Tigger.

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Assumption Grotto Christmas Season Orchestra Masses - Extraordinary Form (1962 Misal)

I'm bringing forward and earlier post and editing some relevant items.

NOTE ABOUT CONFESSION

Tonight is the last opportunity for confession at Assumption Grotto before Christmas.  It will be from 7:30pm to 8:00pm.  This is likely going to be taking place during the Passio Domini which features Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.  This takes place each Thursday night following the 7:00pm Mass.

ORCHESTRAL MASS

Conducted by Rev. Eduard Perrone - Pastor of Assumption Grotto

I know people will ask if the Masses posted in the flyer will be Solemn High EF Masses.  I believe this is the plan, but it all depends on whether there will be enough clerics to have a celebrant, deacon, and subdeacon.  Let's just say that it is subject to change, depending on availability. Stuff happens.

As an aside, with Christmas falling on Saturday, there will NOT be a 4:00pm Mass on Christmas Day or New Year's Day.  This means you will be going to Mass again on Sunday morning, January 2nd and the Mass schedule there is the same:  6:30am (English - Ordinary Form), 9:30am (Extraordinary Form), and Noon (Ordinary Form).  With regards to English and Latin at the Noon Mass, it is usually blended.  Some priests will do the canon of the Mass in Latin, while others do it in English. 

See the complete Christmas Season Schedule for Mass and Confession, and other info here:

http://assumptiongrotto.com/2010-christmas_season_mass.htm

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