A Message from Our Pastor

As a church named after Our Blessed Mother’s Assumption into Heaven, we hold Mary in a special place of honor. Assumption Parish has numerous statues of Mary including a travelling Fatima statue. This statue has been in the parish since the 1950s and in honor of the 100^th anniversary of the apparitions at Fatima, Portugal in April 2017, the statue at Assumption once again was made available to families to bring into your homes for 9 days to pray the novena. Often times we don’t have enough families signed up for this perpetual novena and are happy to see new families sign up.

One such family who signed up recently is the McNamara Family. Jennifer was so moved by her family’s experience that she shared her story, and with her permission, I’m pleased to share it with our Assumption Family:

When I think of praying the rosary,  thoughts take me back to my grandmother’s kitchen table. Every morning she would begin her day in prayer, rosary in hand. With each bead she would hand over her worry and problems to the Blessed Virgin, and in return, she grew stronger in her faith gaining clarity and peace.

I have seen the request for volunteers to pray the Fatima Novena, but in the past I quickly dismissed the idea thinking our life was ‘too busy’ and I wouldn’t want to be ‘that family’ who somehow did it wrong!

In January, however, I made a pact with myself that 2021 would be a year of growth – personally, professionally and spiritually, so I set aside my reservations, signed up and then something beautiful happened.

We recently received the travelling Fatima statue and I invited my husband and three girls (ages 16, 13, 10) to pray the novena with me. Many days we all prayed together (which was triumph in itself!), other days just a couple of us participated.

Midway through the week, after a somewhat frustrating and defeating day, I was determined to find a rosary that had been given to one of my girls as a gift. In my search, I did not find the one I was looking for, but did come across a lovely, brand-new marble rosary made in Ireland. Considering my in-laws are Irish, I assumed it was from them.

As we were about to start the novena, I pulled the new rosary out of its box and found a folded note in the bottom. It read:

“Jen: I hope these beads will give you the hope and courage you need. The Blessed Virgin has helped me in many of my helpless moments, and I’m sure she’ll hear you too. Just don’t give up, keep praying to her and she’ll hear you. I love you, Grandma B.”

Tears and disbelief quickly overcame me. My Grandma passed over 20 years ago, but in that moment it was as if she (and the Blessed Virgin) were right there by my side giving me much-needed words of encouragement…and validating I’m on the right path. What a gift!

Beautiful blessings are all around us if we are open to them. I’m certain that the Blessed Virgin will also bestow on you and yours grace and peace if you’re willing to accept her invitation of prayer.  ~ Jennifer McNamara

Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing your powerful, moving Fatima story with all of us.

If you would like to sign up to host the Fatima statue and pray the Fatima Novena, please go to: http://bit.ly/FatimaNovena to see the dates available May—September. If you don’t have computer access or need assistance, please call 616-361-5126 x204 and Jackie will be happy to assist you in signing up for the novena.

~ Fr. Tony

ABVM Class of 2021 Mother’s Day/

Spring Hanging Basket Sale

Click HERE for an order form!

Pray With Us

Eucharistic Adoration: Thursday, 10:30 AM – Friday, 8:00 AM in the Church

Unable to attend Eucharistic Adoration? Click HERE for a LIVE, perpetual Adoration!

Chaplet of Divine Mercy: 3:00 PM every Friday in the Chapel

Unable to pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy at Assumption? Click HERE to pray the Chaplet!

Rosary: 8:30 AM Sunday (recited before Mass)

Unable to pray a Group Rosary at Assumption? Click HERE to pray the Rosary!

Stations of The Cross: Click HERE to pray The Stations at Assumption Parish!