Watch: Sunday Mass with Father Jim (4-12-25)
Listen: Pray As You Go Daily Meditations
Read: Scripture for Life by Mary McGlone (4-12-25)
This Week’s Message
One Thing Each Day
By Kathleen M. Basi
On Easter Sunday, anything seems possible. The triumph of life over death and heaven over hell seems to resound throughout a world poised on the cusp of spring. But it is hard to hold on to the euphoria of the resurrection for fifty days. White lilies fade and are discreetly removed from around the altar. The spring rush of baseball and soccer games begins. As the planet spins from one day to the next, we get caught up in ordinary life until one day that newness of purpose is gone altogether.
Faith is like a muscle. It is healthier when exercised. In the years after the resurrection, the Church flourished because Christianity was not just something you did on Sundays and holidays. It was something radical. It was something so powerful, so threatening to the establishment, that claiming it could get you fed to wild animals. That kind of commitment changes what you do, think, and say each day.
You and I will probably not face execution for our faith, but the reality of the resurrection should still impact the way we live — not just on the holy day itself, but throughout the Easter Season and beyond. It should illuminate what endeavors are worthwhile and which are not. It should challenge us to temper our anger. It should challenge us to expand our willingness to sacrifice for others. In short, it should challenge us to do something.
Nobody needs a longer to-do list. But living our shared faith does not require commitments of epic proportions. Imagine what could happen if every one of us celebrated the fifty days of the Easter Season by doing one thing each day to grow, share, and give witness to our faith. It does not have to be earth shattering in importance. It just needs to be real.
Set aside five minutes for quiet and contemplative prayer. Count to ten before reacting to the inflammatory post on social media. Dig into the mystery of death and resurrection with your children or grandchildren. Read the Acts of the Apostles and figure out one concrete way that you can imitate their fervor in the context of your life. Read a book about the saints. Pick up that fast-food bag blowing around the church parking lot. Send a donation to a crisis pregnancy center. Buy a can of coffee and deliver it to a homeless shelter.
Doing one thing each day may not change the world, but it will change us. Our souls and bodies are made to work in harmony to reflect God’s image. Our actions shape our inner reality. The more we act as Christ would have us act, the more our view of the world reflects his view of the world. In short, by doing as God does, we become more like God. And that can change the world.
About the Author: Kathleen M. Basi is a composer, musician, essayist, and disability rights activist. She is also a wife and mother of four children, one of whom lives with Down Syndrome. Kathleen is also a contributor to Bringing Home the Word, a resource for families that is posted every weekend at the link below.
CCGR Weekly Newsletter (4-12-26)
Bringing Home the Word (4-12-26)
The Kids Bulletin (4-12-26)
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At a Crossroads: Outer Space & Humanity
A Vatican News Documentary
vaticannews.va
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Season of Easter
Becoming Builders of Hope
By Pope Francis
When the thought of death lies heavy on our hearts,
when we see the dark shadows of evil advancing in our world,
when we feel the wounds of selfishness and violence
festering in our flesh and in our society,
let us not lose heart, let us return to the message of Easter.
The promise of new life
and a world finally set free awaits us;
and a new beginning, however impossible it may seem,
can take us by surprise,
for Christ has triumphed over death!
We are to reflect Easter in our lives
and become messengers of hope, builders of hope,
even as so many winds of death still buffet us.
We can do this by our words, by our small daily actions,
by decisions inspired by the Gospel.
Our whole life can be a presence of hope.
We want to be that presence for those who lack faith,
for those who have lost their way,
for those who have given up or are weighed down by life,
for those who are alone,
for those who are overwhelmed by suffering,
for all the poor and oppressed in our world,
for the women who are humiliated and killed,
for the unborn, for the children who are mistreated,
and for the victims of war.
To each and all of them, let us bring the hope of Easter!
Let us make room for the light of the Risen Lord!
And we will become builders of hope for the whole world!
Amen! Alleluia!
Pastor’s Note: Just two days before passing from this life, Pope Francis shared a reflection from his hospital bed for the Easter Vigil Mass at Saint Peter’s Basilica. This excerpt from one the Holy Father’s final homilies speaks poignantly about our shared mission to live the Gospel, share God’s love, and rebuild the Church. Peace and blessings to all! — Father Jim
Read: Easter Vigil Homily 2025 by Pope Francis
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Words of Wisdom from Saint Faustina
Let no one doubt the goodness of God.
Even if a person’s sins are as dark as night,
God’s mercy is stronger than our misery.
One thing alone is necessary:
set ajar the door of your heart,
be it ever so little, to let in a ray of God’s mercy.
God will do the rest.
Watch: Divine Mercy Chaplet with Bishop Reed
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Youth Choir & Music Ministry
Wednesday, April 15th
All young disciples, boys and girls, ages 8 through 17, are invited to share their musical talents with our parishes! Rehearsals continue on Wednesday, April 15th at 5:30pm in Saint Ann Church! Being a part of our youth music ministry is a great way to make new friends and learn about the Lord! For more information, please contact Patty Natti at pnatti@comcast.net. Save the date! Spread the word! Please join us! All are welcome! Happy Easter!
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Call to Prayer
A Rosary for Peace
In January 2003, just a few weeks before the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom, an ailing Pope John Paul II (1920-2005) met with international diplomats in Rome. The Holy Father did not mince words about the looming prospect of hostilities between nations. In a frail voice, he cried out: “No to war! War is not always inevitable, but it is always a defeat for humanity!”
At the same time, the pope and saint reminded his audience that peace is always within reach. He said: “It is possible to change the course of events, once goodwill, trust in others, fidelity to commitments, and cooperation between responsible partners are allowed to prevail.”
In this spirit and in spiritual communion with those who long for peace around the world, all friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join Father Jim and Brother Patrick in offering A Rosary for Peace Featuring Prayers by Pope Francis at the following days and times:
- A Rosary for Peace
Saturday, April 18th at 2:30pm
With Eucharistic Adoration
Saint Ann Church - A Rosary for Peace
Friday, April 24th at 3:00pm
With Eucharistic Adoration - A Rosary for Peace
Sunday, May 3rd at 8:45am
With Eucharistic Adoration
Saint Joachim Church
For more information about A Rosary for Peace and these special moments of prayer for our suffering world, please contact Brother Patrick at brpatrick@ccgronline.com. If you are unable to attend in person, please join with us in spiritual communion by praying online with A Rosary for Peace at the link below. Please join us! Bring a friend! All are welcome! May the Risen Lord give you peace!
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Saints for All Seasons
Blessed Leopold of Gaiche
Wednesday, April 22nd
Jubilee of Saint Francis of Assisi (1226-2026)
Saints for All Seasons Mini-Retreat
All Christians are called to holiness. All Christians are called to be saints. A saint is a person who has lived a courageous and virtuous life: a life lived for God, a life lived for others, a life worthy of imitation. Pope Leo XIV recently proclaimed: “The lives of the saints teach us that it is possible to live passionately amidst the complexities of the present time without neglecting [Saint Paul’s] mandate to ‘shine like stars in the world (Philippians 2:15).’”
This year, the Catholic Church marks the 800th anniversary of the life and legacy of Saint Francis of Assisi (1226-2026). As part of our commemoration of this Special Jubilee Year, we look not just to Saint Francis, but also to the friends who knew him best, the holy men and women who followed in his footsteps, the shining stars who sought to live the Gospel in thought, word, and deed.
In this spirit, all are invited to join Father Jim and Brother Patrick for our next Saints for All Seasons Mini Retreat beginning with Holy Mass on Wednesday, April 22nd at 5:30pm in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. After Mass and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Brother Patrick will offer a reflection on Blessed Leopold of Gaiche (1732-1815), a Franciscan friar who is remembered for his preaching and for restoring the Church’s devotion to the Stations of the Cross.
After our reflection, Father Jim will celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation (for those who feel called to confession) during a period of silent Eucharistic Adoration. This special evening of prayer and devotion will conclude with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
For more information about our Saints for All Seasons Mini-Retreats, please contact Brother Patrick at brpatrick@ccgronline.com. Please join us! Bring a friend! All are invited! All are welcome! Blessed Leopold of Gaiche, pray for us! Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us!
Listen: Saints for All Seasons Podcasts
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Our Lady’s Lounge Presents
A Musical Showcase
Saturday, April 25th
All friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join us for Our Lady’s Lounge on Saturday, April 25th at 7:00pm in the parish hall. Our musical showcase will feature Captain Jack Favazza, along with Mark Davis, Alessandro Schoc, and Luann Palazzola.
Tickets are $20 per person. They are available at the door, the parish office, or by contacting Beth Fosberry or Linda Galvin. All are welcome to bring food and snacks. Coffee, tea, soft drinks, and bottled water will be offered for sale, along with a cash bar. In addition, we will have several raffles with great prizes!
All proceeds from this special musical showcase will support the good works at Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish. For more information, please contact Beth Fosberry at jcbf33@yahoo.com or Linda Galvin at lingalv2020@gmail.com. Spread the word! Bring a friend! All are welcome!
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Youth Faith Formation
First Holy Communion
Begins Saturday, May 2nd
As Catholics, we believe that the Eucharist is the “source and summit” of our shared life of prayer, fellowship, and service. We believe that the Eucharist is the Body and Blood of Christ. And like Pope Francis, we believe in our hearts: “The Eucharist is essential for us. It is Christ who wishes to enter into our lives and fill us with his grace. The Eucharist, although it is the fullness of the sacramental life, is not a prize for the perfect, but a powerful medicine and nourishment for the weak (EG 47).”
In this spirit, fifty-nine of our young disciples have completed their preparations and are ready to receive the Eucharist for the first time. As our annual celebrations of First Holy Communion approach, all are encouraged to be mindful of our upcoming schedule:
- First Holy Communion Mass
Saturday, May 2nd at 4:00pm
Saint Ann Church - First Holy Communion Mass
Saturday, May 3rd at 11:45am
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church - First Holy Communion Mass
Sunday, May 9th at 4:00pm
Saint Ann Church - First Holy Communion Mass
Sunday, May 10th at 10:00am
Saint Joachim Church - First Holy Communion Mass
Sunday, May 17th at 11:45am
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church
If your child has completed the second grade and has not received the Sacraments of Baptism or Eucharist, we have a special program for them called The Way for Kids! which begins on Saturday, April 25th from 4:30pm until 5:45pm. For more information, please contact Betsy Works at bworks@ccgronline.com. Please pray for all of our young disciples and their families! Peace, blessings, and congratulations to all!
Watch: The Eucharist (1 Minute Video)
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We Share
Safe & Easy Electronic Giving
It is in giving that we receive. — Prayer of Saint Francis
Electronic giving has become an essential part of parish support in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport; and it is available in both Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish. It is safe and easy to make online donations to your home parish using a credit card, debit card, or electronic check.
Donations can be made on a weekly, monthly, or one-time only basis; and it takes just a few minutes to set up a secure personal account. In addition to the weekly offering, you can also give electronically to our church restoration funds which help us plan for the repair and maintenance of our four beloved and historic churches.
Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish always need your generous support! Please prayerfully considering enrolling in our electronic giving program! For more information about creating a new account or assistance with an existing account, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com. Peace, blessings, and sincere thanks to all!
Support Holy Family Parish
Support Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish
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About Us
Established in 2014, the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport is a collaborative of two historic parishes: Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish. Working together as a family united in prayer, fellowship, and service, we are committed to living the Gospel of Christ, sharing God’s love and mercy with all people, and rebuilding the Church in Gloucester & Rockport. All are invited! All are welcome! Always!
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In Memory of Paul Russo