Our Pastor’s Message: Thank You, Father Al!
As many parishioners already know, Father Al Puccinelli has been asked by his superior in the Society of Mary to accept an assignment back in Brazil where he served for nearly two decades before coming to the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport. Father Al (or “Pooch” as he is affectionately called in the parish center and rectory) came here originally to celebrate our Brazilian Community Mass on Sunday evenings. Since last fall, however, he has been celebrating weekend Masses at both Saint Ann Church and Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. And he has endeared himself to countless parishioners because of his straight talk, contagious sense of humor, and seemingly boundless kindness.
For me personally, Father Al has become a trusted source for advice, encouragement, and support. In less than a year’s time, I am honored and humbled to count him among my dearest friends. Although I understand his desire to return to Brazil and to resume his ministry among that nation’s poor, I still grieve over the departure of this good and faithful friend and brother priest.
Last December, Father Al delivered a memorable homily at Our Lady of Good Voyage Church and was generous enough to share his handwritten notes with a member of our pastoral team. The homily was typical of Father Al and his preaching style: short, straightforward, and infused with deep faith and purpose. In a passage that spoke volumes about the ongoing work of building collaboration between our two historic parishes, Father Al urged all people of goodwill to work tirelessly toward breaking down the barriers that divide God’s family; and to share the Good News of the Risen Lord with everyone.
At the conclusion of that memorable homily, Father Al said: “I hope that we will commit ourselves to the work of really spreading the Good News of Jesus and what God’s love really means; and that we will work to transform our world into the reign of God where peace, justice, love, and goodness will prevail until we all enter into the fullness of God’s light forever.” Amen, Father Al! May God bless you always! Thank you!
Father Al will leave us after Masses on Sunday, April 26th. His departure forces us to revise our weekend worship schedule in light of the increasingly clear reality that only one priest will be assigned to the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport. Last week, I met with our pastoral team and parish councils to discuss a new Mass schedule that reflects both the pastoral needs of our parishes and the clergy available to us at this time. After taking some time for prayer and additional consultations, I plan to announced these changes very soon. Please continue to pray for me and for all who live, work, and worship in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport!
Peace and blessings to all,
Father Jim
Reverend James M. Achadinha, Pastor
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: frjim@ccgronline.com
__________
Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish
Our Lady’s Guild | Spring Fair
Saturday, April 25th
All are welcome to join Our Lady’s Guild for its Spring Fair on Saturday, April 25th from 9:00am until 1:00pm in the Parish Hall. Highlights will include a fried dough breakfast, a linguica & hot dog lunch, and fun activities for children. Sale tables include baked goods, fudge, jewelry, religious items, and the “general store.” We will also have raffles, including a bountiful basket of wine, cheese, and crackers! Volunteers are needed! Donations are welcome! For more information, please contact Linda Galvin at lingalv2010@gmail.com. Please join us! All are welcome!
__________
Sacrament of Marriage
Reminder to Parishioners, Friends & Guests
As the summer wedding season approaches, it is a good time to remind ourselves of our parish guidelines for the celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport. Weddings are celebrated at Saint Joachim Church in Rockport, Saint Ann Church in Gloucester, Saint Anthony Chapel in Gloucester, and Our Lady of Good Voyage Church in Gloucester. Arrangements must be made at least six months in advance of a planned wedding. Please note that if you are not a registered parishioner in one of our parishes, you must arrange for your own clergy (priest or deacon). If you would like to schedule a wedding in one of our beautiful churches, please contact Deacon Daniel Dunn at dandunn6@msn.com. Thank you!
______
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. Our collaborative is comprised of Saint Ann Church in Gloucester, Saint Anthony’s Chapel in Gloucester, Saint Joachim Church in Rockport, and Our Lady of Good Voyage Church in Gloucester. We are a Roman Catholic faith community united in prayer, fellowship, and service. For more information about becoming a member of one of our parishes, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com. Please join us! All are welcome!
Follow us on Twitter: @CCGRonline