Our Story

Assumption Grotto is a faith-filled community rooted in Catholic tradition, serving Detroit since the 1830s. Whether you’re a lifelong parishioner or just visiting, we’re happy to welcome you into our parish family.

We began with German and French Catholic settlers looking for a peaceful place to worship outside the city. What started as a simple log chapel, lovingly called “St. Mary’s in the Woods,” has grown into a thriving parish. Today, our beautiful Neo-Gothic church, completed in 1929, stands as a place of prayer, devotion, and tradition.

One of the most treasured parts of our parish is the Assumption Grotto—a replica of the famous Lourdes shrine in France, built in 1881. Father Amandus Vandendriessche, pastor of Assumption Church since 1852, traveled to France in 1876. Moved by the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, he resolved to build a similar grotto at his parish.

​At Assumption Grotto, we cherish our Catholic heritage, celebrate the sacraments with reverence, and strive to grow in faith together. Whether you’re here for Mass, to pray at the grotto, or to take part in one of our ministries, we hope you feel at home.​