Watch: Sunday Mass with Father Jim (3-22-26)
Listen: Pray As You Go Daily Meditations
Read: Scripture for Life by Mary McGlone (3-22-26)

This Week’s Message
The Best Way to Complain

By Brother Patrick

All around us, we see the need for prayer and good works: war, abuse, addiction, corruption, cowardice, injustice, indifference, inequality, environmental degradation, and a rising tide of doubt, distrust, disbelief, and dishonesty. In addition, let’s not forget about what Pope Francis often called an economy of exclusion that makes it harder for most of us to afford housing, health care, and even the basic necessities of life.

In the face of these challenges, we can continue to complain. We can continue to argue with one another. We can continue to post sarcastic messages on social media. We can always add another grain of sand to the ever growing mountain of anger and alienation in our world. Or we can do something productive. An old friend once said: “The best way to complain is to do something.”

This could be the time to offer our loudest, harshest, and most heartfelt complaints by doing something constructive, something that helps others, something that contributes to the common good. But what? What can we do? First, perhaps now more than ever, we can pray together. We can pray for the poor, the persecuted, and the unjustly imprisoned. We can pray for children who are lost, hungry, or afraid of what tomorrow may bring. We can pray for our elders who are cold, sick, or dying alone in nursing homes and memory care centers. And in communion with Pope Leo XIV, we can pray for peace, truth, and justice in our war-torn world.

We can also complain through our good works. We can support our home parish. We can pick up litter on the street. We can volunteer with the Saint Vincent de Paul Society. We can donate to good causes that feed the poor and house the homeless. We can support groups like LUCE that offer guidance, legal advice, and protection to migrants, immigrants, and refugees. And we can look across the bridge and take stock of those in need on the other side of the planet.

Last week, I prayed for the soul of Father Pierre El Rahi, a priest who was killed during the Israeli bombings of Southern Lebanon. When his parishioners could not evacuate their village, Father Pierre stayed with them. He prayed with them, celebrated the sacraments for them, and counseled the sick, the wounded, and the dying. For his people, this courageous and compassionate pastor offered his whole life.

I also learned about the Community of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, a community of religious women near Beirut who provide food, clothing, housing, and basic medical care to families who arrive at their shelters with almost nothing. We can complain about the sacrilege of war by praying for peace and by supporting these holy sisters and their lifesaving ministries. Learn more about them via the link below.

It is sometimes hard to know what to do, pray, or think. It is hard to know how to invest our time, talent, and treasure. It is hard to know whether to complain or actually do something. But in our hearts, we know that Christians are called to act. In this way, we affirm Pope Leo’s advice that our prayer, fellowship, and service are safe in “the most secure and profitable bank” of all — the bank of faith, hope, and love.

Brother Patrick Garvey
Associate Minister & Diocesan Hermit
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: brpatrick@ccgronline.com

CCGR Weekly Newsletter (3-22-16)
Bringing Home the Word (3-22-26)
The Kids Bulletin (3-22-26)
Learn More: Congregation of the Good Shepherd

New!
God Does Not Give Permission to Kill
A Report on the Crisis in Lebanon
Vatican News

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The Crisis in Lebanon
Special Second Collection

By Father Jim

The Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport can be proud of its rich ethnic and cultural heritage. All of our original church buildings were built and sustained by generations of hardworking immigrants and their families. Even today, Gloucester and Rockport are home to thriving communities rooted in the history and traditions of Brazil, Finland, Ireland, Lebanon, Portugal, Italy & Sicily, and countless other countries.

Last August, our parishes raised more than $8,100 during a special second collection for Holy Family Parish in Gaza. In response, I received a personal letter from Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, who wrote: “We ask the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary to guide us in the way of peace.”

In this spirit of peace and prayer, we feel called this weekend to take up a second collection in support of the Convent of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd in Lebanon. For more than a century, these good and holy sisters have been devoted to praying and caring for endangered children and vulnerable women in Lebanon.

As Brother Patrick points out in this week’s message (see next page), the Good Shepherd Community now also provides food, clothing, housing, and basic medical care to families who arrive at their shelters with almost nothing due to the widening and escalating war against Iran. Every penny that we raise this weekend will go directly to the brave sisters who care for God’s children at their two convents in Lebanon.

Lebanon is a blessed, beautiful, and wounded land. It is home to the highest concentration of Christians in the Middle East. It is the only Arab nation in the region that promotes religious freedom. And by some estimates, more than 80% of its people struggle to provide their families with daily necessities. It is my prayer that all each one of us will give what we can to this most worthy cause. Peace, blessings, and thanks to all!

Reverend James M. Achadinha, Pastor
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: frjim@ccgronline.com

Learn More: Pope Leo – Faith Opens Our Eyes to Suffering

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Call to Prayer
A Litany for Peace in the Middle East

For all families who live in fear
and for all who live under the rain of bombs:
may they find safe refuge:
Lord, hear our prayer!

For world leaders: may they stop the bombings
and choose dialog over destruction:
Lord, hear our prayer!

For the poor and vulnerable
who bear the heaviest burdens of war:
may their cries change hearts:
Lord, hear our prayer!

For a new dawn of peace, truth, and justice
founded on love, mercy,
and respect for every human life:
Lord, hear our prayer!

Learn More: Pope Leo Calls for Ceasefire & Dialog

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Words of Wisdom from Pope Leo XIV

Some go so far as to invoke the name of God
to justify the choices of death,
but God cannot be enlisted by the forces of darkness.
God comes instead to bestow
his light, hope, and peace upon all humanity.

Learn More: Vatican News

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Youth Choir & Music Ministry
Wednesday, March 25th

All young disciples, boys and girls, ages 8 through 17, are invited to share their musical talents with our parishes! Rehearsals continue on Wednesday, March 25th 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!

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Saints for All Seasons
Bernard of Quintavalle
Wednesday, March 25th

Jubilee of Saint Francis of Assisi (1226-2026)

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, March 25th 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 Bernard of Quintavalle (1180-1241), an acclaimed lawyer who surrendered all of his riches to become the first follower of Saint Francis.

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 Bernard of Quintavalle, pray for us! Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Listen: Saints for All Seasons Podcasts

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Lent – The Way of the Cross
The Traditional Devotion
Friday, March 27th

For more than five hundred years, the Way of the Cross has been among the most moving devotions in the Catholic Church. By uniting our humble prayers with the Poor Christ in both words and images, we make a spiritual pilgrimage with the Lord as he experiences the Passion of the Holy Cross. During Lent, all friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join us in praying the Way of the Cross on Friday afternoon through March 20th at 12:00pm in Saint Ann Church. For more information, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com. Please join us! All are welcome!

Watch: Way of the Cross with Pope Francis (English; 1.5 Hours)

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Lent – Litany of the Sacred Wounds
Friday, March 27th

Pope Francis (1936-2025) spoke often about his devotion to the Five Wounds of the Poor Christ. The Holy Father once shared the advice of a spiritual director who said: “Look at the wounds. Enter into the wounds. By these wounds, we are healed. Do you feel bitter? Do you feel sad? Do you feel that life is not going the right way? Look there, into the wounds, in silence.” In this spirit, all are invited to join us on March 27th at 3:00pm in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church for a Holy Hour that includes Eucharistic Adoration, Saint Clare of Assisi’s Litany of the Sacred Wounds, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation (for those who feel called to confession) For more information, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com. All are welcome!

Pray: Saint Clare’s Litany of the Sacred Wounds

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Our Lady’s Guild
Spring Yard Sale
Saturday, March 28th

Featuring Fried Dough & Sweet Bread!

All are invited to join Our Lady’s Guild for a Spring Yard Sale on Saturday, March 28th from 9:00am until 12:00pm in Our Lady’s Hall. Take a chance on a raffle! Browse our sale tables for unique treasures! Buy our famous fried dough and sweet bread! All proceeds will support Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish! Since 1944, Our Lady’s Guild has worked to build community among women of all ages and backgrounds in Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish through prayer, good works, fundraising, and social events. For more information about Our Lady’s Guild and its good work in our parish, please contact Beth Fosberry at jcbf33@yahoo.com. Please join us! Bring a friend! Bring your family! All are welcome!

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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 Brother Patrick in offering A Rosary for Peace Featuring Prayers by Pope Francis at the following days and times:

• A Rosary for Peace
  Saturday, March 28th at 2:30pm
  With Eucharistic Adoration
  Saint Ann Church

For more information, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com or Brother Patrick at brpatrick@ccgronline.com. If you are unable to join us, please feel encouraged to offer A Rosary For Peace by clicking on the link below. Spread the word! Bring a friend! All are invited! All are welcome!

Pray: A Rosary For Peace

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Holy Family Women’s Guild
Palm Sunday Bake Sale
Weekend of March 28th & 29th

All friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join the Holy Family Women’s Guild for a Palm Sunday Bake Sale before and after all Masses in Saint Ann Church and Saint Joachim Church on Saturday, March 28th and Sunday, March 29th. Our bake sale will feature delicious home-baked brownies, cupcakes, Italian cookies, and much more! All proceeds will support Holy Family Parish. If you can volunteer to bake or help sell our baked goods, please contact Lydia Bertolino at llbglosta1929@outlook.com. Thank you in advance for your generous support! Please join us! All are welcome!

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Call to Worship
Palm Sunday Faith & Family Mass
Palm Sunday, March 29th

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says: “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs (9:14).” In response to the Lord’s call, all young disciples and their families are invited join Father Jim for our Holy Week Faith & Family Mass on Sunday, March 29th at 11:45am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church.

During Mass, Father Jim will offer a special homily about Holy Week and how we can grow closer to Jesus through prayer, sacrifice, and good works. Every child who joins us will also receive a Palm Cross! In addition, please save these dates for our upcoming Faith & Family Masses:

• Easter Season Faith & Family Mass
  Sunday, April 12th at 11:45am
  Our Lady of Good Voyage Church
• Mother’s Day Faith & Family Mass
  Saturday, May 9th at 4:00pm
  Sain Ann Church

For more information about our youth faith formation programs in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, please contact Betsy Works at bworks@ccgronline.com. Mass is our class! Jesus is our teacher! Every family who joins us is a special blessing from God! All are invited! All are welcome! Always!

Listen: Sunday Soundbite for Palm Sunday (2 Minutes)

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Call to Prayer
The Way of the Cross
Palm Sunday, March 29th

A Contemporary Interpretation with Music

During an Apostolic Journey to Poland in 2016, Pope Francis (1936-2025) said: “The Way of the Cross alone defeats sin, evil, and death, because it leads us to the radiant light of Christ’s resurrection and opens the horizons of a new and fuller life. It is the way of hope, the way of the future. Those who take up the Way of the Cross with faith and generosity offer us hope and a bright future to all humanity.”

In this spirit, all friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join Father Jim for a Contemporary Way of the Cross on Sunday, March 29th at 5:30pm in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. During this special event, we will combine traditional prayers and scriptures with music from various genres in order to grower closer to our Crucified Lord and Savior.

For more information, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com. In the words of Saint Francis of Assisi: “We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you! By your Holy Cross, you have redeemed the world!” Please join us! Bring a friend! Bring your family! Spread the word! All are invited! All are welcome!

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