Not long after becoming our Holy Father, Pope Francis (who is now masterful at delivering one liners filled with timeless wisdom) tweeted: “Let the Church always be a place of mercy and hope, where everyone is welcomed, loved, and forgiven.”

This week, the Church begins the Holy Season of Advent: our four-week journey of penance, prayer, and preparation for the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ at Christmas. And next week, on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (Tuesday, December 8th), the Church begins the Jubilee Year of Mercy. Let us prayerfully consider what these beginnings mean for us in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport.

First, Advent is a Season of Hope. Despite darker days and the coming of colder weather, Advent is the time of year when we wait expectantly for the bright light that dawns upon the world on Christmas morning. And despite an increasingly uncertain and violent world, Advent is the season of the year when we hope and pray for better days and more peaceful times.

During this Holy Season of Advent, let us pray and work together to live the Gospel, share God’s love, and rebuild our Church — financially, physically, and spiritually. Let each one of us, according to our ability and means, give what we can and do what we can to reveal the beautiful light of Christ to our darkened winter world. If we can give our time, talent, or treasure, then let’s do it! If we can give our humblest prayers, then let’s do  that, too! Also, hope is not about daydreams, pipedreams, or fantasies of what could be or should be. Hope is about having faith in what we can and will accomplish together as a people united in prayer, fellowship, and service.

Second, the Jubilee Year of Mercy is a time for each one of us to open our hearts and minds to God’s boundless capacity for love, friendship, and forgiveness. Above all things, God calls us to grow closer to Him — for his sake and for ours! And we grow closer to God by practicing what we preach: by reaching out to those who hunger for love and friendship; by welcoming new parishioners; and by building bridges over troubled waters in our families, with our friends and neighbors, and among our colleagues and co-workers.

For more information about upcoming programs and events during this holy season, please visit our website’s new Advent page. And during the coming Year of Mercy, the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport will offer a series of programs and events that invite all parishioners, friends, and visitors to learn about, experience & share God’s merciful love. I hope and pray that you will walk with me during this blessed season of hope and this holy year of mercy.

Peace and blessings to all,
Father Jim

Reverend James M. Achadinha, Pastor
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: frjim@ccgronline.com

CCGR Weekly Bulletin (11-29-15)
Bringing Home the Word (11-29-15)
Assisi Project Christmas Raffle

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Congratulations Mary Ann Fittro
Bishop Cheverus Medal Recipient

On behalf of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, Father Jim congratulates Mary Ann Fittro who will receive the Bishop Cheverus Medal during a Solemn Vespers Service at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross on Sunday, November 29th at 3:00pm. All parishioners and friend are invited to attend!

For more than fifty years, Mary Ann has worked in Saint Ann Rectory where she serves as our cook and helps with laundry, maintaining our altar cloths, and other important chores that often go unnoticed by most parishioners. Mary Ann is a person of deep faith and prayer who works hard and gives witness to Christ’s love for his people in all that she does and says.

The Bishop Cheverus Medal was created in 2008 to recognize exemplary service given in the name of the Lord by parish staff or volunteers. This award is often given in grateful appreciation for the unsung heroes of God’s Church. In his letter announcing Mary Ann’s award, Cardinal Sean wrote: “I have learned of your selfless dedication and commitment and your many contributions to advancing Christ’s mission. We are blessed by your service to the Archdiocese and we are privileged to name you for this honor.”

Please join Father Jim, our pastoral team, and all of our fellow parishioners in congratulating Mary Ann Fittro for receiving the Archdiocese of Boston’s Bishop Cheverus Medal! Please thank her for all that she does with love and good cheer for our parish communities! And please pray for Mary Ann and her ministry! Mary Ann, may God bless you always!

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Holy Family Women’s Guild
Azorean Restaurant Fundraiser
Thursday, December 3rd