Watch: Sunday Mass with Father Jim (5-31-26)
Listen: Pray As You Go Daily Meditations
Read: Scripture for Life by Carol J. Dempsey (5-31-26)
This Week’s Message
A Letter from Pope Leo
PIETRO’S LETTER TO POPE LEO XIV
By Pietro of Reggio Calabria
This week, we pray and reflect on the recent correspondence between Pietro and Pope Leo XIV. Pietro is eighteen years old and about to graduate from the Italian equivalent of high school. Pietro writes to the pope about his fear and anxiety about the future. He writes about the uncertainty of love and relationships. And he confesses a deep faith and a sincere longing to live a good and holy life. This exchange of letters was published in the latest issue of Piazza San Pietro, the monthly magazine published by Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. In these moving and profoundly spiritual letters, a young adult and a pope reflect on life’s challenges, the Lord’s boundless love for his children, and the discernment of one’s path in life.
In a very real way, these letters are a call to prayer. So, let us pray for all young adults and young graduates. May God bless them with faith, wisdom, and good discernment so that they may realize their true vocations and make the most of this one life that we are all blessed to live.
Dear Holy Father, I live in Reggio Calabria.
I am a student and eighteen years old.
I am in my final year of the classical lyceum.
As I reach the end of this important journey,
the five years of secondary school,
I feel a great deal of anxiety and confusion within me,
which mainly concerns the bonds and relationships
that I have built during this time.
I fear losing all of these friendships during this chapter of life,
not only at school, but also in my parish and daily life.
A phase of profound change lies ahead of me,
beginning with the choice of university,
which in a way marks the transition to the next stage of life.
In my relationship with the Lord, I feel his constant presence,
but this makes me long for new answers about the path I am to take.
Your Holiness, I dream of building and realizing
the vision of a family united in the love of Christ;
and of walking together with someone on the path of his love.
But as I have said, my certainties regarding relationships are wavering.
I fear that I cannot even discern which bonds are genuine
and worth preserving and nurturing,
and which are less sincere and which I can do without.
Holy Father, for this and for my immediate future,
I ask you to pray for me, so that I may understand
how to live with this sense of unease and longing that accompanies me,
and that I may set out on my path with peace of mind,
always doing God’s will.
POPE LEO’S LETTER TO PIETRO
By Pope Leo XIV
Dearest Pietro, I read your letter with great emotion.
In it, I recognize the heart of a young person
who is not content with the status quo and who takes life seriously.
First and foremost, I offer you a word that comes before all others:
You are loved by Jesus.
Not in an abstract way, but personally, just as you are now,
with your questions and your dreams, your fears and your desires.
This love precedes you and will always accompany you.
It does not depend on the choices you make or the paths you take.
Jesus knows well the experience of friendship.
He called his disciples friends. He shared bread and the journey with them.
He was a friend to Lazarus, Martha, and Mary.
He lived true and authentic bonds.
He experienced the pain of separation and betrayal.
Therefore, Jesus understands your fear of losing friendships.
Not everything will remain the same for you, but what has been genuine is not lost.
Indeed, true love does not fade and remains forever, maturing even as it changes form.
The desires of your heart, not the fleeting ones that melt like snow in the sun,
but those that endure over time, give you a sense of deep peace and guide you
toward choices for the good, toward the gift of yourself,
and toward a life shared with others.
Discernment springs from this.
Do not be in a hurry to understand everything at once.
Time is a patient teacher and heals wounds.
Daily prayer, even if simple and few in words, listening to God’s Word,
celebrating the sacraments, and dialogue with wise people
will help you recognize which bonds to cherish and nurture,
and which, without judgement, to prune.
Not everything that comes to an end is a defeat.
At times, it is just a passage necessary for growth.
Your dream of a family based in Christ’s love is a precious gift for the Church.
Cherish it with confidence.
The Lord does not disappoint the desires that he himself has kindled in the heart.
The restlessness that you write about is not a negative sign.
Often it is the place where God works deeply.
It is like the soil that the farmer has plowed; it is ready to receive a new seed.
I invite you to listen with sincerity. And I assure you of my prayers.
I ask for you the grace of inner peace, trust, and a clear vision of your life.
I entrust you to Mary, who as a young woman learned to trust
despite harboring in her heart questions greater than herself.
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Pastor’s Note
A Word of Apology
Pope Francis once said: “Accusing oneself is the first step toward forgiveness.” In this spirit, I owe you all an apology. On Sunday, May 17th, I became frustrated during our 11:45am Mass and spoke harshly to you, my parish family. For my sharp words and for so many other mistakes during the past twelve years, I am deeply sorry. Please pray for me, for those who were hurt by my fit of pique, and for all of our friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners. Peace, blessings, and thanks to all! — Father Jim
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Pastor’s Note
Our Grand Annual Collections
Calling Cheerful Givers!
Along with our weekly offerings, the Grand Annual Collections are a crucial component of our efforts to balance our budgets and ensure the financial stability of our beloved and historic home parishes. As the end of the fiscal year approaches, all friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are encouraged to prayerfully consider making a generous gift to the Grand Annual Collection at either Holy Family Parish or Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish.
By June 30th, Holy Family Parish must raise $50,000; and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish must raise $20,000. So far, Holy Family Parish has raised $11,030 or 22% of our goal. Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish has raised $11,595 or 58% of our goal. Please join me in praying that each one of us will give what we can to these vitally important fundraising campaigns. For more information, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com. Peace, blessings, and sincere thanks to all!
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A Rosary for Peace
Let’s Pray Together!
In Communion with Pope Leo XIV
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, May 30th at 2:30pm
With Eucharistic Adoration
Saint Ann Church - A Rosary for Peace
Sunday, June 7th at 8:45am
With Eucharistic Adoration
Saint Joachim Church - A Rosary for Peace
An Assisi Project Podcast Series
assisiproject.com/resources
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. Please join us! Spread the word! All are welcome! May the Risen Lord give you peace!
Learn More: Pope Leo XIV’s Prayer for Peace
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The Assisi Project
Franciscan Virtues – Humility
Saturday, June 6th
This year marks the 800th Anniversary of the Life and Death of Saint Francis of Assisi. In commemoration of this sacred milestone, Pope Leo XIV has declared a Special Jubilee Year which has inspired us to focus our adult faith formation programs on the Poor Man of Assisi.
In this spirit, the Assisi Project is going back to basics, back to the life and good example of our patron and his first followers to learn more about the virtues that can help us follow Saint Francis and live the Gospel of Christ with every thought, word, and deed.
All friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join us on Saturday, June 6th at 8:00am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church for a two hour mini-retreat that includes Holy Mass, a reflection by Father Jim and Brother Patrick, and a period of prayer and faith sharing. At this gathering, we will focus primarily on the Franciscan virtue of humility.
Founded in 2007 by Father Jim and Brother Patrick, the Assisi Project is a Fellowship of Franciscans in Spirit with friends and neighbors around the world. We are dedicated to helping believers of all ages and backgrounds more faithfully live the Good News in the spirit of Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi. We are also dedicated to promoting a devotion to Pope Francis (1936-2025) as a patron of peace, mercy, and fraternity in our world.
If you would like us to pray for you, your family, or your special intention; or if you want to learn more about the Assisi Project and its good work in our parishes, please contact Brother Patrick at brpatrick@assisiproject.com. Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us! Saint Clare of Assisi, pray for us! Our Lady of the Angels, pray for us! Pope Francis, pray for us! Please join us! All are welcome! Always! May the Risen Lord give you peace!
Learn More: The Assisi Project
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Saint Vincent de Paul Society
Call for Volunteers
Help Us Help Others!
The Saint Vincent de Paul Society is an international organization that is dedicated to responding to any request from any person or family in need. Here on Cape Ann, we work through the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport to serve the poor in our midst.
We are seeking new members to help us serve our brothers and sisters in need with dignity and compassion. Members of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society are honest, humble, and selfless workers in the vineyard of the Lord. We call those who can help us help others! We call those who will listen to our brothers and sisters and respond to their needs. We call those who desire to grow in faith, hope, and love by seeing the Lord in the least among us.
We offer our services by responding to the needs of every person and every family that asks for our help. We also meet with both individuals and families in order to respond to their needs in God’s style of closeness, compassion, and tenderness. If you seek to live the Gospel, share God’s love, and rebuild the Church, then please prayerfully consider becoming a member of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society.
We meet once every month to reflect on our experiences and to be good stewards of your generous gifts. Our next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17th at 4:00pm in Our Lady’s Hall. For more information about how you can share your gifts and talents with the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, please contact Marty Bolcome at 978-821-3499; Cindy Cafasso at 978-473-2312; or Robert Weeks at svdpmember1@gmail.com. Thank you for your generous support! May God bless you!
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Words of Wisdom from Saint Vincent de Paul
To serve the poor is to go to God.
You must see God in the faces of the poor.
Learn More: Saint Vincent de Paul
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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 George Medeiros