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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING FATHER DOMINIC GRASSI ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT
WHEREAS, Father Dominic Grassi, pastor, teacher, counselor, coach, retreat and vocation director, inspirational speaker, editor, and popular writer said his final mass in June at Saint Gertrude Parish of Chicago. For over eleven years he was a treasured priest and leader of the faith community at St. Gerts, a congregation that under Father Dom made certain that all who came felt welcome. On his watch he made certain that their motto “All Are Welcome” truly became a reality, and
WHEREAS, Father Dominic Grassi’s family emigrated from Southern Italy. His father and uncle opened a grocery store, and by the time Dominic was born, they had one of the largest grocery stores in the city. His mother was famous for her extraordinary cooking; and
WHEREAS, as a child, Dominic Grassi’s family modeled strong values of multiculturalism decades before the term became commonly used. He grew up as a member of the only Italian family in a neighborhood that was a great melting pot, along the way learning from each of his neighbors and developing a deep appreciation of people’s differences; he became a compassionate listener and advocate; and
WHEREAS, Dominic Grassi was the third of his three older brothers to attend the seminary before him but he was the only one of the three to finish seminary. He attended the college seminary, which was Niles College. It was originally a junior college and later before he graduated, it had affiliated with Loyola. He received an undergraduate degree in literature. While he was a seminary student, the country was in the midst of deep turmoil. During the 1960’s the country was involved in the Vietnam War and the struggles surrounding the civil rights movement, among others. These events had a formative impact on his world view; he was ordained in 1973; and
WHEREAS, in childhood, Dominic Grassi attended school near a large public library; reading became a very important past-time for him. A great reader grew into a great writer later in life. He became a popular author, his books include: Bumping into God, Bumping into God Again, Bumping into God in the Kitchen, and Still Called by Name, and the coauthor of Living the Mass; and
WHEREAS, Father Dominic Grassi has always had and will always have the backs of those who are marginalized for any reason. As the youngest child in his family and being an Italian-American priest at time when non-Irish priests were marginalized, he had an acute familiarity with how it felt to be forced to the sidelines; and
WHEREAS, Father Dom’s first assignment as a priest was in the African American community. He later went into teaching. He was part of the Industrial Areas Foundation, Saul Alinsky’s group, and he was a major force in the social justice movement. He maintained his advocacy for worker’s rights and a living wage throughout his career as an educator and pastor, most recently with the hospitability employees at Loyola University; and
WHEREAS, Father Dominic Grassi’s abilities singled him out for distinction and he has often been honored for his exceptional contributions. He was awarded the St Pope John XXII award from the Association of Chicago Priests. The award is given to a priest for excellence in priestly ministry and for significant contribution to the life of the Church of Chicago. In 2012, he received the Distinguished Pastor Award from the National Catholic Educational Association, as pastor of Northside Catholic Academy; and
WHEREAS, in retirement, Father Dominic Grassi will likely continue to write, give retreats, advocate for people on the margins of society and provide a sympathetic ear, wise counsel and great Italian cooking for all whom he encounters; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners of Cook County, on behalf of the 5.2 million residents of Cook County takes great pleasure in honoring and celebrating the hard work, accomplishments and exceptional career of Father Dominic Grassi and herewith expresses its sincere gratitude for the invaluable contributions he has made to the citizens of Cook County, Illinois; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and that an official copy of the same be tendered to Father Dominic Grassi.
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