Watch: Sunday Mass with Father Jim (4-19-26)
Listen: Pray As You Go Daily Meditations
Read: Scripture for Life by Mary McGlone (4-19-26)
This Week’s Message
Forever the Pastor
By Brother Patrick
On April 21, 2025, Pope Francis (1936-2025) wakes at 6:00am. Given his ongoing struggle with serious respiratory illness, he feels reasonably well. But at 6:30am, the pope suffers a stroke and falls into a coma. He dies one hour later. Pope Francis passes after eighty-eight years of life; after twelve years, one month, and eight days as Bishop of Rome and Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.
The Holy Father’s final days are a microcosm of his papacy. All of the major themes of his ministry are present: Care for our common home. Care for the aged, the poor, the sick, the migrant, and the left behind. God’s style of closeness, compassion, and tenderness. A Church where all are loved. A Church where all are welcome. A Church where everyone walks together as brothers and sisters.
On Holy Thursday, Pope Francis insists on visiting the Regina Coeli Prison in Rome. In previous years, the pope washes the feet of prisoners in spiritual communion with the Poor Christ who washed the feet of the disciples on the night before his passion. Although too weak to leave his wheelchair, the pope meets with seventy prisoners and presents them with rosaries and pocket copies of the gospels.
On Good Friday, Pope Francis follows the Way of the Cross on television. And yet he is truly present through the deeply moving meditations that he personally writes for the service. These reflections call us to be faithful stewards of the earth; to live the Gospel by practicing the Beatitudes; and to carry the Cross of Christ that “tears down walls, cancels debts, quashes judgment, and establishes reconciliation” among all peoples, from all places, from all walks of life.
On Easter Sunday, Pope Francis offers the traditional invocation from the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica. With great courage and resolve, the Holy Father then enters the square in the popemobile and greets thousands of joyful pilgrims. Several children are raised up for his blessing. Among these is a young girl with cancer. The pope reaches out and gently touches her forehead. Their photo together is the last one taken of him in this world. Pope Francis ends his life with God’s people. He is forever the pastor who lives and dies with the smell of his sheep.
In his last testament, Pope Francis writes: “May the Lord give the deserved reward to those who have loved me and will continue to pray for me. I offer the suffering that has been present in the last part of my life to the Lord for peace in our world and fraternity among peoples.” To have loved him is a blessing. To pray for him and with him will bring many more blessings.
One year later, not a day goes by that I don’t pray for Pope Francis. Not a day goes by that I don’t beg him to pray for me and for all of us. The pope “from the end of the world” is my friend, my hero, my model of discipleship. Not all popes are canonized. Not all sainted popes are canonized quickly. So I may not see that day. But in my heart and in my prayers, Pope Francis is already a saint. He is a patron of hope, peace, mercy, and fraternity in a fractured world. Pope Francis, pray for us!
Brother Patrick Garvey
Associate Minister & Diocesan Hermit
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: brpatrick@ccgronline.com
CCGR Weekly Newsletter (4-19-26)
Bringing Home the Word (4-19-26)
The Kids Bulletin (4-19-26)
New!
Leo From Chicago
A Vatican News Documentary
Watch Free Via YouTube
__________
Call to Service
Be Crafters of God’s Mercy
By Pope Francis
Brothers and sisters,
you represent the large and varied world of volunteers.
You are among the Church’s most precious assets,
you who each day, often silently and unassumingly,
give shape and visibility to God’s mercy.
You are crafters of mercy:
with your hands, with your eyes,
with your hearing, with your closeness.
In different contexts of need among God’s people,
your presence is the hand of Christ
held out to all, reaching all.
The credibility of the Church is communicated clearly
through your service to abandoned children,
to the sick, to the poor who lack food or work,
to the elderly, the homeless,
to prisoners, refugees, and immigrants,
to those struck by natural disaster.
Indeed, wherever there is a cry for help,
there your active and selfless witness is found.
In bearing each other’s burdens,
you make Christ’s law visible in the world.
Be always ready to offer solidarity,
to be steadfast in your closeness to others,
determined in awakening joy,
and genuine in giving comfort to others.
The world needs concrete signs of solidarity,
especially as it faces the temptation to indifference.
It requires men and women,
who by their lives, defy individualism,
which is the tendency to think only of oneself
and to ignore our brothers and sisters in need.
Be happy and joyful in your service to others,
but do not think that you are better than anyone.
Instead, let your works of mercy
be a humble and eloquent manifestation of Christ Jesus,
who continues to bend down to our level
and care for those who suffer.
Note: This reflection by Pope Francis is adapted from a Catechesis for Volunteer Workers in Saint Peter’s Square on September 3, 2016. You can read the full text via the link below.
Read: Catechesis for Volunteer Workers
__________
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!
__________
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
__________
Youth Choir & Music Ministry
Wednesday, April 22nd
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 22nd 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!
__________
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!
__________
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)
__________
Words of Wisdom from Saint Gianna
The stillness of prayer
is the essential condition for fruitful action.
Before all else, the disciple kneels down.
Listen: Saint of the Day – Saint Molla Gianna (1.5 Minutes)
__________
We Share
Safe & Easy Electronic Giving
Let us insist on raising funds of love, kindness, understanding, and peace.
Saint Teresa of Calcutta
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
__________
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!
Follow us on Instagram!
This Week’s Homepage
In Memory of Pope Francis