Deceased: 2019-07-21
Diocese: DETROIT
ICTE Fall: 2001
Msgr. Ricardo E. Bass was born on June 21, 1947 in Detroit to Hatton F. and Dorothea (Lobsinger) Bass. He was the youngest of four children. He is survived by his brother Tom and his wife Angela, his sister-in-law, Olga along with several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Jack, his sister and brother-in-law, Donna and Robert Hammes. Msgr.
Bass grew up on the east side of Detroit and converted to the Catholic faith at a young age. He graduated from Denby High school and went on to Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit and St. Johns Provincial Seminary in Plymouth. He was ordained a priest on June 15, 1974 at Holy Name Parish in Birmingham. He also studied at the Catholic University of America in Washington D.C., where he received his licentiate degree in Canon Law. His assignments as parochial vicar included St Philomena parish in Detroit and St. Francis Cabrini in Allen Park. He served as Pastor at Our Lady of Loretto parish in Redford, St. Joan of Arc parish in St. Clair Shores, Prince of Peace parish in West Bloomfield and St Huberts parish in Harrison Township. In addition to his parish ministry, he served as Judical Vicar of the Metropolitan Tribunal for the Archdiocese, Dean of Students at St. Johns Provincial Seminary, Supreme Chaplain to Alhambra, President of the Canon Law Society of America, as well as a member of many boards and commissions. Msgr. Bass was granted senior priest status in June of 2017, and moved to Waterford to continue his priestly ministry at Lourdes Senior Community.
While his sudden death is a shock to all who admired and loved him, He has left his mark on the hearts of so many, whom he touched in his 45 years of priestly ministry. He brought life, energy and a great spirit into every room he entered. He loved to sing, to serve others in many different ways and to be a Good Shepherd to those who felt lost. He was always willing to walk those in need, especially those were struggling in life. He truly brought the light of Christ to so many who were living in darkness. He had a great way of making people realize they were loved by God.
Well done Good and Faithful Servant Ricardo, now go Home to our loving God who Blessed us with you. Our World, Our Church and Our Lives are better because of YOU. The family will receive friends Thursday 3-8 p.m. with Alhambra Rosary at 6:30 p.m. and Scripture Service at 7 p.m. at A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home, 2600 Crooks Rd. (between Maple and Big Beaver), 248-362-2500. The Funeral Mass will be on Friday 11 a.m. at Holy Name Catholic Church, 630 Harmon at Woodland, Birmingham with the Most Reverend Arturo Cepeda presiding. Visitation at church begins at 10 a.m. Memorial tributes to Alhambra Galicia Caravan or Lourdes Senior Community. ~Lovingly Submitted by the Family~