Extraordinary Community News

Tridentine Community News (May 6, 2012):

Chant Workshop Held in New York

Our music director and Gregorian Chant expert Wassim Sarweh [St. Josaphat-Detroit and Assumption-Windsor] was invited to lead a Gregorian Chant Workshop this weekend at St. Patrick’s Church in Glen Cove, New York, on Long Island. Compline was offered on Friday, and Masses in the Ordinary and Extraordinary Forms employing material covered in the workshop were scheduled on Saturday. Further information about the topics addressed may be found at www.chantworkshop.com

As an increasing number of music directors and choir members become more comfortable with the basics of chant, there is a need to take chant skills to the next level. Mechanics having been mastered, singers must then develop an understanding of the innate flow, progression, and emotion embedded in chant. Congratulations to our ambassador of sacred music, who after 22 years of practicing the art has a mission for passing those skills on to others.

Reclassification of One Historic Church

Our March 18 column suggested that Dearborn’s St. Barbara Church be classified as one of Detroit’s “Class A”, untouched historic churches. Reader and church photographer Andrew Fanco brought to our attention that the side altars of that church have been redecorated to the point where St. Barbara’s cannot be included in that classification. As a result, despite its attractive sanctuary, St. Barbara must be considered a Class B church, one which retains significant historic elements but cannot be considered entirely intact.

One More Collection of Photographs of Detroit Churches

The April 18 edition of the Michigan Catholic newspaper contained a feature story about Patricia Drury, a photographer who has posted photos on www.flickr.com of all 291 churches in the Archdiocese of Detroit. Although most of the photos are of the exterior of the churches, Mr. Fanco considers her work noteworthy because it includes the insides of some rarely-seen churches, such as a wide-angle view of St. Cunegunda’s sanctuary and side altars. These photos suggest the following additions to our Class C list: St. Charles Borromeo, Newport and St. Patrick, Wyandotte, bringing our total to 46 architecturally significant churches in the Archdiocese.

First Juventútem Mass & Dinner a Success


Over 125 people from Metro Detroit, Windsor, Ann Arbor, and Lansing attended the first Mass for the local chapter of Juventútem last Friday, April 27 at St. Josaphat Church. Approximately 70 young adults stayed for the dinner afterwards, at which a letter from His Excellency, Archbishop Allen Vigneron was read, commending the foundation of the Juventútem chapter and appointing Fr. Lee Acervo, who celebrated the Mass, as Clerical Guide. Also in attendance was Wayne State University Newman Center Chaplain Fr. Simon Lobo, who had just attended his first training session for the Extraordinary Form a few days prior and was eager to see a Mass from a close vantage point.

Numerous photos of the Mass and dinner were taken by photographer Annalisa Tombelli, including the above, and are posted on her Facebook page and on the Juventutem-Michigan Facebook page. A particularly moving reflection on the Mass by a young lady who attended was posted on April 28 on the blog http://sisterallie35.wordpress.com/. Many thanks and God’s blessings to organizer Paul Schultz for bringing this international initiative to our region.

Choral Tridentine Mass at Ss. Peter & Paul on May 19

On Saturday, May 19 at 4:30 PM, Ss. Peter & Paul Church (west side) will host its next Holy Mass in the Extraordinary Form. Schubert’s Mass in G will be sung by the visiting Teutonia Chorus of Windsor. The Teutonia Chorus is under the direction of David Carle, organist for the weekday Masses in the St. Josaphat cluster. Chant and organ accompaniment will be provided by Joe Balistreri.

First Holy Communions

First Communions will be held at St. Josaphat next Sunday, May 13, and at Assumption-Windsor on Sunday, May 20. A reminder that a Plenary Indulgence may be gained by attending a First Communion ceremony, under the usual conditions of Confession within 20 days, reception of Holy Communion, prayer for the Holy Father’s intentions, and freedom from attachment to sin.

Tridentine Masses This Coming Week

Mon. 05/07 7:00 PM: Low Mass at St. Josaphat (St. Stanislaus, Bishop & Martyr)

Tue. 05/08 7:00 PM: Low Mass at Assumption-Windsor in the Rosary Chapel (Apparition of St. Michael the Archangel)

Fri. 05/11 7:00 PM: High Mass at St. Josaphat (Ss. Philip & James, Apostles)

Sun. 05/13 2:00 PM: High Mass at Assumption-Windsor (Fifth Sunday After Easter) – Special guest celebrant: Fr. James Roche, Episcopal Vicar of Windsor. Reception follows Mass.

[Comments? Please e-mail tridnews@stjosaphatchurch.org. Previous columns are available at www.stjosaphatchurch.org. This edition of Tridentine Community News, with minor editions, is from the St. Josaphat bulletin insert for May 6, 2012. Hat tip to A.B.]