Watch: Sunday Mass with Father Jim (10-1-23)
Listen: Pray As You Go Daily Meditations
Read: Scripture for Life by Mary McGlone (10-1-23)
In Case You Missed It…
A Consecrated Life Among Us
By Father Jim
On the subject of vocations, Pope Francis once said: “All of us are called to share in Christ’s mission to reunite fragmented humanity and reconcile it with God. Each man and woman, even before encountering Christ and embracing the Christian faith, receives with the gift of life a fundamental calling.” In this spirit, the Roman Catholic Church embraces a variety of vocations: diaconate, priesthood, single life, married life, religious life, and consecrated life.
Each of these callings is precious in God’s eyes; and each one deserves our prayers, respect, and support. Within the state of consecrated life, there are consecrated virgins (women) and diocesan hermits (men and women). Although hermits, anchorites, and solitaries have existed since the earliest centuries of Church history, the vocation to the eremitic life was not codified in Canon Law until 1983.
In the Code of Canon Law, we read: “The Church recognizes the eremitic or anchoritic life by which the Christian faithful devote their life to the praise of God and the salvation of the world through a stricter withdrawal from the world, the silence of solitude, and assiduous prayer and penance. A hermit is recognized in the law as one dedicated to God in the Consecrated Life if he or she publicly professes the three evangelical counsels, confirmed by vow or other sacred bond, in the hands of the diocesan bishop and observes his or her own plan of life under his direction (Canon 603).”
For the past decade, Cliff Garvey has been discerning a vocation to the eremitic life. And for much of the past year, Cliff has been engaged in a rigorous program of formation under the direction of Bishop Mark O’Connell, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Boston, Sister Germana Santos, Delegate for Religious Life, and Father William Campbell, SJ. Cliff’s formation has included a thorough exploration of the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience; thoughtful consideration of the challenge of pursuing silence and solitude in a busy world; and prayerful creation of a rule of life.
With the personal support and approval of Cardinal Sean O’Malley, I am now delighted to report that Bishop Mark will consecrate Cliff as a Diocesan Hermit on Tuesday, October 3rd at 5:00pm in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. During this Consecration Mass, Cliff will take perpetual vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience; promise to live in a way that prioritizes silence and solitude; and pray each day for the rest of his life for us and for the intentions of the Archdiocese of Boston.
This consecration is no small thing. Cliff will continue with all of his duties as an associate minister in our parishes. At the moment of his consecration, however, Cliff will also become a religious brother and join the men and women around the world who are called to live in prayer, penance, and soli- tude. His vocation will be symbolized by a Tau ring and cross. He will also take on the name and title of Brother Patrick to remind him and us that he is a person whose life is now consecrated by the Church and wholly dedicated to living more simply, more quietly, and more prayerfully.
I hope that you will be able to join us for Brother Patrick’s Consecration Mass on Tuesday, October 3rd. After Mass, all are invited to break bread with us at a free catered supper in Our Lady’s Hall. If you plan to dine with us, please contact me at frjim@ccgronline.com. Please join us! All are invited! All are welcome! If you wish to celebrate this special occasion with a gift, please make any checks payable to the Assisi Project. Finally, if you have any questions about the eremitic life, please do not hesitate to talk with Cliff. Ask him anything! As Cliff’s special day approaches, we pray for him, for each other, and for all who need our prayers. Peace and blessings to all!
Reverend James M. Achadinha, Pastor
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: frjim@ccgronline.com
CCGR Weekly Newsletter (10-1-23)
Bringing Home the Word (10-1-23)
The Kids Bulletin (10-1-23)
Pastor’s Note: Father Jim and Cliff wish to thank our good friend, Ann Tygett Jones for allowing us to use her amazing portrait of Saint Francis of Assisi on online and on the cover of our weekly newsletter. Ann’s painting will be on display in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church all of this week. For more information about Ann Tygett Jones and her work, please visit anntygettjonestudio.com.
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The Call to Prayer
A New Kind of Fool in the World
By Thomas of Celano
One day, Francis marveled at the Lord’s mercy
because of the kindness that was shown to him.
He wished that the Lord would show him
a new course of life,
so he went to a quiet place of prayer.
Francis began to lose himself.
His feelings were pressed together,
and the darkness disappeared,
which the fear of sin had gathered in his heart.
Certainty of God’s forgiveness of his sins poured in,
and the assurance of being revived in grace was given to him.
Then Francis was caught up above himself
and was totally engulfed in light.
With his inmost soul opened wide,
he clearly saw his future.
As that sweetness and light withdrew,
Francis was renewed in spirit
and was now changed into a new man.
Source: Life of Saint Francis by Thomas of Celano
The Lord has called me
into the way of simplicity and humility…
He told me that I am to be
a new kind of fool in the world.
Source: Saint Francis of Assisi – The Mirror of Perfection
Learn More: Saint of the Day – Saint Francis of Assisi
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The Blessing of the Animals
Celebrating Saint Francis of Assisi
Sunday, October 1st at 2:00pm
Saint Francis of Assisi is venerated around the world as the patron of animals and the environment. Throughout his lifetime, Saint Francis is credited with countless miracles — many of them involving animals. Whether Francis was preaching to birds or taming a ferocious wolf, he has been regarded as the friend and protector of animals and pets for more than eight hundred years.
In anticipation of the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, all friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are cordially invited to join Father Jim for the traditional Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, October 1st at 2:00pm in Our Lady’s Rectory Parking Lot. All family-friendly pets are welcome (but must be leashed or secured in carriers). For more information, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com. Please join us! All are invited! All are welcome!
Listen: Saint of the Day – Saint Francis of Assisi
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Our Lady of Good Voyage
Holy Name Society
Sunday, October 1st at 6:30pm
The Holy Name Society at Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish is an organization of men which was founded to support the parish through fundraising and volunteer service. Our next meeting is scheduled for Sunday, October 1st at 6:30pm in Our Lady’s Hall. For more information about the Holy Name Society and its good work in our parish community, please contact Fitz Lufkin at fitzlufkinappraiser@gmail.com; Matt Parisi at mparisi101@gmail.com; or leave a message at 978-281-4820. Please join us! New members are always welcome!
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The Assisi Project
Our Lady of the Rosary
A Morning of Prayer & Reflection
Saturday, October 7th at 8:00am
Counting prayers on a rope or with beads is an ancient tradition that began with offering the Lord’s Prayer 150 times each to correspond with the number of prayers and songs in the Book of Psalms. A later tradition involved praying the same number of Hail Marys for the same reason. In the 13th century, tradition credits Saint Dominic with creating the Rosary in the form that we know it now.
In the early 16th century, Pope Leo X approved the Franciscan Rosary which prays with seven joyful events in the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Later in that same century, Pope Pius V established the fifteen mysteries that highlight moments in the life of Christ. The pope then grouped them into three categories — the joyful, sorrowful, and glorious mysteries. For more than 400 years, the basic structure of the Rosary was not changed. In 2002, however, Pope John Paul II suggested five optional mysteries that he called the luminous mysteries.
On Saturday, October 7th, all are invited to join Father Jim, Cliff Garvey, and the Assisi Project for a Morning of Prayer & Reflection in celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. We will begin by praying the Rosary at 7:30am, followed by Mass at 8:00am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. After Mass, Cliff will offer a reflection on Our Lady of the Rosary, followed by a period of discussion and faith sharing.
Our morning of prayer and reflection will conclude by praying the Franciscan Rosary, with an opportunity to venerate a relic and hand painted icon of the Blessed Mother. We hope and pray that you and your family will be able to join us for all or part of this special celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary! For more information about the Assisi Project and its good work in our parishes, please contact Cliff at cgarvey@ccgronline.com. Please join us! All are invited! All are welcome! May the Lord give you peace!
Learn More: The Assisi Project
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Our Lady of Good Voyage
Our Lady’s Guild
Tuesday, October 10th at 6:30pm
Since 1944, Our Lady’s Guild has worked to build community among women of all ages in Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish through prayer, good works, fundraising, and special events. The Guild’s next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 10th at 6:30pm in Our Lady’s Hall. Dinner is pot luck! Bring a dish to share! 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! Spread the word! New members and volunteers are always most welcome!
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Our Lady’s Guild
BBQ & Bean Supper
Saturday, October 14th at 7:00pm
All friends and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join Our Lady’s Guild for a BBQ & Bean Supper on Saturday, October 14th from 7:00pm until 9:00pm in Our Lady’s Hall. A donation of $20 is requested for each adult and $10 for each child (age 10 and under). Our menu includes pulled pork, barbecue chicken, coleslaw, and baked beans provided by Ribs Within of Gloucester. We will also have coffee, soft drinks, desserts, and a cash bar. In addition, we will have a 50-50 Raffle! Entertainment will be provided by Jack Favazza! All proceeds will benefit Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish. For tickets or more information about this special event, please contact Beth Fosberry at jcbf33@yahoo.com; or Linda Galvin at lindagalvin2010@gmail.com. Spread the word! Bring a friend! Bring your family! Please join us! All are welcome!
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Living the Gospel
Sacrament of Baptism
Baptism is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation in the Roman Catholic Church (followed by Eucharist and Confirmation). According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism, we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church, and made sharers in her mission (CCC 1213).”
In the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, the Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated during any Sunday Mass at 10:00am in Saint Joachim Church; on the Second Saturday of the month at 11:30am in Saint Ann Church; and on the Third Saturday of the month in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. During the past two months, Father Jim has baptized the following young disciples with holy water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit:
Cameron Peter Couture
Andrew Thomas Curran
Nicholas James Dean DeCoste
Matthew Paul Dundin, Jr.
Willow Rose Ernest
John Joseph Giacalone, Jr.
Marc Thomas Giacolone
Noah Silvio Giacolone
Wren Lane Kowalski
Michele Antonio LaBruzzo
Melania Jeanne McNutt
Ava Brielle Sanborn
Luna Amorim de Souza
Kurtis Martin Willingham, Jr.
Kairo Ali Yagcioglu
If you would like to schedule your child’s baptism in either Holy Family Parish or Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish, please contact Sheila McCarthy-Durkin at smccarthy@ccgronline.com. Peace and blessings upon all of our young disciples and their families!
Learn More: Sacrament of Baptism
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Living the Gospel
My God & My All!
Four Night Fall Retreat
October 22nd through October 25th
Bernard of Quintavalle was a friend of Francesco Bernadone, the saint we now know as Francis of Assisi. Bernard was also a rich and influential lawyer. Prompted by the Holy Spirit to better understand Francis and his gospel-centered life, Bernard invited his old friend to his home for a good meal and an overnight stay. During the night, Bernard awoke and found Francis awake and praying. He was on his knees; his hands were stretched toward heaven; and he was repeating over and over one simple prayer: My God and my all! Bernard was so deeply moved that he asked Francis to help him discern how to live as a true friend and disciple of Jesus Christ.
More than eight centuries later, Saint Francis teaches us that discipleship is not just about having faith. It is not just about coming to Mass and learning about the teachings of the Church. It is really all about loving God and loving neighbor. It is about meeting Christ in prayer and in the people we meet on life’s journey. It is about joy and suffering, prayer and action, communion and fraternity. Discipleship is ultimately about living the Gospel, sharing God’s love, and rebuilding the Church — brick by brick and soul by soul.
Pope Francis says: Discipleship is about living close to Jesus…It is about embodying the Gospel in everyday life. It is a fire that starts another fire.” It is no accident that the Holy Spirit gave us a Holy Father who chose the name Francis, a pope who calls us back to the basics of prayer, fraternity, and good works in an increasingly troubled world. In this spirit, all are invited to join Father Jim and Cliff Garvey for a four-night, in-person fall retreat called My God & My All – A Course on Discipleship from Sunday, October 22nd through Wednesday, October 25th in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church:
Night 1 – My God & My All – An Introduction
Night 2 – Crucified & Joyful
Night 3 – Communion & Fraternity
Night 4 – Prayer & Action
Each evening of our fall retreat will begin with Evening Prayer at 6:00pm, followed by a reflection and a period of discussion and faith sharing. Each session will conclude by 7:30pm with Night Prayer. A donation of $20 per person is requested and each retreatant will receive a copy of The Simple Way: Meditations on the Words of Saint Francis by Father Murray Bodo, OFM. All friends and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join us for all or even just part our fall retreat! If you plan to join us, please contact Cliff at cgarvey@ccgronline.com. Save the dates! Bring a friend! All are invited! All are welcome! Always!
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WeShare
Safe & Easy Electronic Giving
It is in giving that we receive. — Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi
Electronic giving has become an essential component 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 additional to the weekly offering, you can also give electronically to our church restoration funds which helps us plan for the repair and maintenance of our beloved and historic churches.
During these challenging times, Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish need your support more than ever before! Please prayerfully consider enrolling in our ‘We Share!’ electronic giving program! For more information about setting up a new account or for assistance with your existing account, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com. Thank you for your generous support for our parishes! May God bless you and your family, now and always!
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 Roman Catholic community 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!
This Week’s Homepage
In Memory of Patrick R. Garvey