Watch: Sunday Mass with Father Jim (8-9-26)
Listen: Pray As You Go Daily Meditations
Read: Scripture for Life by Mary McGlone (8-9-26)
Our Pastor’s Message
Saint Michael’s Lent 2026
Prayer and fasting are weapons of love that can change history. — Pope Francis
By Father Jim
In August 1224, Saint Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) climbed to the rugged summit of Mount La Verna in Tuscany for an extended period of prayer, fasting, and solitude that began on the Feast of the Assumption of Mary and concluded on the Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel. According to Saint Bonaventure, Francis was “filled unto overflowing, as never before, with the sweetness of heavenly contemplation.” And it was during this new “lent” that Francis was brought closer to the Lord by receiving the stigmata, the five wounds of the Poor Christ, on his feet, hands, and side.
Like Lent and Advent, an observance of Saint Michael’s Lent can be an intense and spiritually rewarding time. In Memory of Father Ben, Brother Patrick and I have decided to enter into this ancient practice by beginning a fast for the intention of all friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners who suffer from anxiety, depression, and loneliness. From August 15th through September 29th, we will fast from eating and speaking from sunset until sunrise. We will not eat meat or sugar. We will not drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages.
Along with this six week fast, we will renew our longstanding commitment to the Liturgy of the Hours. In addition, we will pray Psalm 142 each morning; the Angelus each day at lunchtime; and a prayer for the intercession of Saint Michael at suppertime. Finally, after morning and evening prayer, whether we pray alone or together, we will beg the Blessed Mother to pray for us by offering three Hail Marys for our intentions and for all who live, work, and worship in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport. These prayer resources are posted below and on our formation page.
Beginning next weekend and extending throughout this sacred lent, we will also devote a portion of our weekly newsletter to the life and teachings of Saint Francis of Assisi, which include the timeless disciplines of prayer and fasting. It is our sincere hope that this second annual observance of Saint Michael’s Lent will bring us closer to Christ, closer to the Church, closer to each other, and closer to those who suffer in mind, body, and spirit.
Our observance of Saint Michael’s Lent will conclude on Tuesday, September 29th, the Feast of the Archangels in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. Our devotions will begin with Morning Prayer at 8:00am, followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. The church will remain open for silent prayer throughout the day. At 12:00pm, we will gather for Daytime Prayer and the Holy Rosary. We will conclude with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Mass at 5:30pm. All are welcome!
Brother Patrick and I invite you to join us in observing Saint Michael’s Lent and remembering Father Ben in any way that you feel called and inspired. If you are able and willing to join us in our fast or our discipline of daily prayer, please see me or contact Brother Patrick at brpatrick@cccgronline.com. We hope that at least ten other parishioners will join us in prayer and fasting in memory of Father Ben and for the sake of those who live with anxiety, depression, or loneliness. Now more than ever, let’s pray and fast — together.
Reverend James M. Achadinha, Pastor
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
frjim@ccgronline.com
Saint Michael’s Lent Prayers
CCGR Weekly Newsletter (8-9-26)
Bringing Home the Word (8-9-26)
The Kids Bulletin (8-9-26)
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Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller
A Prophetic Voice on Immigration
Religion News Service
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Call to Prayer
A Prayer of the Suffering
Psalm 142
I cry out to the Lord with my plea;
I beg the Lord to grant me mercy.
Before him, I pour out all my distress
and tell my troubles in his presence.
No matter how faint my spirit is within me,
you are there to guide my steps.
Along the path on which I travel,
they have hidden a trap for me.
I look to my right,
but there is no friend who knows me.
There is no refuge open to me;
no one cares whether I live or perish.
I cry out to you, O Lord,
I say: ‘You are my refuge,
you are my portion in the land of the living.’
Listen to my cry for help,
for I am in desperate straits.
Rescue me from those who seek to persecute me,
for they are too strong for me.
Set me free from my prison,
so that I may praise your name.
Then the righteous will assemble around me
because of your great generosity to me.
Glory to the Father,
to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen.
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Words of Wisdom from Pope Leo XIV
In times of pain, as much as possible,
we must open ourselves
to someone who can help us utter a simple prayer,
who can accompany us with discretion,
without rushing to explain our pain,
but who can take us by the hand and lead us out of this cry…
God does not want suffering.
He carries it with us and invites us to trust in him with perseverance.
With God, life is always reborn (6-9-26)
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Call to Worship
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Friday, August 14th
Since the fifth century, God’s faithful people have believed in their hearts that upon her passing from this life, the Blessed Virgin Mary was raised body and soul into heaven. This ancient faith tradition, however, was not defined as a magisterial teaching of the Roman Catholic Church until the twentieth century (1950).
This year, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is not a Holy Day of Obligation. Nevertheless, the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport will commemorate this special day on Friday, August 14th by offering the Rosary at 5:00pm and Mass at 5:30pm in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. For more information, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com. Please join us! All are invited! All are welcome!
A Franciscan Prayer for the Intercession of Our Lady of the Angels
Our Lady of the Angels,
bless our homes, bless our work, bless our rest.
Give us the serene peace that comes with love;
where hate, blame, and tears
are turned into a song of joy
with the choir of your holy angels
and the powerful prayers of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Help those who lack support and sustenance.
Help those who find themselves
in danger or temptation, despair or sadness,
in sickness or close to death. Amen.
Our Lady of the Angels, pray for us!
Our Lady of the Assumption, pray for us!
Learn More: The Assumption of Mary
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Our Lady of Good Voyage
Summer Carillon Concerts
Begins Friday, August 14th
A popular summer tradition is returning to Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish and the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport! Our Summer Carillon Concerts begin on Friday, August 14th at 6:30pm! This year, Luann Pallazola, Cynthia Cafasso, and Thomas Dort have prepared programs that include faith-filled hymns, patriotic melodies, and classical and international music, along with selections especially for children!
Installed in 1922, the carillon at Our Lady of Good Voyage Church is the first toned bell set ever in the United States. The carillon’s thirty-one bronze bells hang from a steel beam within the west tower. And our bells range in weight from 16 pounds to 3,000 pounds. The carillon bells at Our Lady of Good Voyage Church were forged by the Taylor Foundry in Loughboro, England.
In order to avoid the payment of a tariff upon their arrival in Gloucester, the church was declared a warehouse by the Collector of Customs in Boston, who happened to be a friend of the local congressman. Soon after, a bill declaring them a “work of art” was passed by the United States Congress and signed into law by President Warren G. Harding.
Although our bells can be heard from blocks away, the sound is always best near the church. Once again this year, Our Lady’s Guild will be selling snacks, cold drinks, and raffle tickets to support the parish. Our Summer Carillon Concerts are an awesome opportunity for the whole family to enjoy the gift of music with friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners!
Additional concerts are scheduled for Friday, August 21st at 6:30pm; Friday, August 28th at 6:30pm; and Friday, September 4th at 6:30pm. For more information, please contact Luann Pallazola at lpallazola@gmail.com. Save the dates! Bring a friend! Bring your family! All are invited! All are welcome!
Watch: Our Lady of Good Voyage Carillon
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The Way
Adult Faith Formation
Begins This Fall
The Way was among the earlies names for the followers of the Risen Christ. The Way also appears as a biblical reference for the earliest Christian communities in the Acts of the Apostles. In addition, tradition teaches that both before and after his conversion, Saint Paul referred to the disciples of Christ as part of The Way.
More than 2,000 years later, Catholic Christians are still part of The Way. As we all know, however, a life of discipleship is not a hobby or pastime. It is a vocation, a way of life, that lays claim to our whole heart, mind, and strength. As disciples, our thoughts, words, and actions should be inspired by our shared faith in Jesus.
If you are an adult (age 18 and over) and have not received all of the Sacraments of Initiation in the Roman Catholic Church (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation), then please consider joining our adult faith formation program called simply The Way.
This six month program prepares adults to be received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. As part of this program, we also prepare adults for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Other parishioners who have received the sacraments and are interested in renewing their spiritual lives are also welcome to join us.
Beginning on October 3rd, our group will gather on the first Saturday and Sunday of each month. We will begin with Mass, followed by fellowship, formation, and faith sharing. We will learn together about prayer and spirituality; discuss the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church; and talk honestly about the challenges of living with faith, hope, and love in the modern world.
For more information about becoming part of The Way as a journey of faith and preparation for the sacraments, please contact Brother Patrick at brpatrick@ccgronline.com. Spread the word! Please join us! Bring a friend! All are welcome!
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Words of Wisdom from Saint Teresa Benedicta
This heart, it beats for us
in a small tabernacle where it remains
mysteriously hidden in that still, white host.
Learn More: Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (1891-1942)
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We Share
Safe & Easy Electronic Giving
Give and it will be given to you. — Luke 6:38
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 Donald Riley