Our Pastor’s Message
Summer Bible School: Climbers Wanted!
In last week’s bulletin, I encouraged all adult parishioners to reflect on the need for achieving, maintaining, or restoring some spiritual balance in their busy lives; and I invited them to prayerfully consider joining me for our summer retreat as one way of achieving that balance. This week, I ask for your help in promoting a special program for the children of our parishes.
From Monday, July 27th through Friday, July 31st at Our Lady of Good Voyage Church, the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport is offering “Everest: Conquering Challenges with God’s Mighty Power” (see below). This exciting, innovative, and week-long summer bible school offers children (ages 5 through 11) an opportunity to experience and learn about God’s awesome power and presence in our lives by simulating a climb to the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest.
Each day the kids will encounter God’s “mighty power” through a series of faith-filled and fun-filled activities that will remind them that God cares for them, comforts them, heals them, forgives them, and loves them — always and forever! No matter what! In today’s challenging and confusing world, no message could be more valuable for kids to learn at an early age!
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Saint Mark tells us that Jesus invited his disciples to “rest awhile (Mark 6:31).” But then an interesting thing happened! By word of mouth, people learned where Jesus and his disciples were staying and “they hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them (Mark 6:33).” Mark then explains that Jesus saw the vast crowd; he saw their need for God’s love and mercy; and he began to teach them about the Good News of God’s mighty power to love and care for his people — for each and every one of us!
This week, like the people in this Sunday’s Gospel reading, I encourage all parishioners to spread the word about “Everest” in your family, in your neighborhood, and even in your workplace! Spread the word that climbers are wanted to scale the mountain of God’s mighty power!
For more information about “Everest: Conquering Challenges with God’s Mighty Power”, please feel welcome to contact me or see me before or after Mass; or contact Dawn Alves at 978-281-4820 or dalves@ccgronline.com. Thank you in advance for your help and prayers in promoting this exciting, faith-filled, and innovative summer faith formation program for kids!
Peace and blessings to all,
Father Jim
Reverend James M. Achadinha, Pastor
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: frjim@ccgronline.com
Join us:
CCGR Weekly Bulletin (7-19-15)
Bringing Home the Word (7-19-15)
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Summer Bible School for Kids
“Everest”
Begins Monday, July 27th
The Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport is pleased to announce that all children (ages 5 through 11) are invited to participate in this summer’s Vacation Bible School entitled “Everest: Conquering Challenges with God’s Mighty Power” from Monday, July 27th through Friday, July 31st at Our Lady of Good Voyage Church.
During this exciting week, children will experience God’s Word in surprising and unforgettable ways! Each day, they will learn about one simple but powerful biblical truth — both easy to remember and apply to the challenges of real life!
Day 1 | Monday, July 27th: God has the power to provide!
Day 2 | Tuesday, July 28th: God has the power to comfort!
Day 3 | Wednesday, July 29th: God has the power to heal!
Day 4 | Thursday, July 30th: God has the power to forgive!
Day 5 | Friday, July 31st: God has the power to love us forever!
Each day of “Everest” will begin with Mass at 8:00am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. All parents, grandparents, and guardians are welcome to join us! After Mass, our team of volunteers will lead the children to Our Lady’s Parish Hall for a faith-filled and fun-filled morning of activities, learning, and good times with friends both old and new. “Everest” is a fun, thought-provoking, and Bible-based program that your children and grandchildren will love!
The tuition for this innovative summer faith formation program is just $25 per child for the entire week! Scholarships are available for those who may need assistance. If you are interested in enrolling your child in “Everest”, please complete a registration form (see below) and return it (with tuition payment) as soon as possible. If you have questions, need more information, or would like to volunteer to help with this summer’s vacation bible school, please contact Dawn Alves at dalves@ccgronline.com or Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com. Please join us! All are welcome!
Click: Everest Registration Form
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Holy Family Parish Picnic
Saturday, July 25th | Begins at 4:00pm
All parishioners, friends, and guests of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join Holy Family Parish for its Annual Summer Barbecue and Picnic in celebration of the Feast of Saint Ann and Saint Joachim on Saturday, July 25th beginning with Mass at 4:00pm in Saint Ann Church. After Mass, our barbecue and picnic will be held in the courtyard behind the parish center, in the plaza in front of the parish center, and on the rectory lawn. The Knights of Columbus will provide us with hamburgers, hot dogs, and soft drinks. Parishioners are asked to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and a side dish to share (chips, baked beans, desserts, and salads). We will also have a “bounce house” and other fun activities for kids! For more information, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com. Bring your family! Bring a friend! Please join us! All are welcome!
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Assisi Project
“The Ring of Peter: A Story of Assisi”
Founded in 2007 by Father Jim and Cliff Garvey, the Assisi Project is an international fellowship of “Franciscans in Spirit” that seeks to help adults more faithfully live the Gospel of Christ in the spirit of Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi. All are invited to join us at assisiproject.com for a new reflection by Cliff Garvey about how a chance encounter with Pope Benedict XVI in Assisi changed his life forever. For more information about the Assisi Project, please see Father Jim or contact Cliff at 978-281-4820 or cgarvey@ccgronline.com. Please join us! All are welcome! Saint Francis, pray for us! Saint Clare, pray for us! May the Lord give you peace!
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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. Our worship sites include Saint Ann Church in Gloucester, Saint Anthony 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!
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