Our Pastor’s Message
On Retreat with the Jesus Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner!
For five consecutive nights last week, sixty-five parishioners and friends of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport participated in all (or part) of our Third Annual Summer Retreat at Saint Anthony Chapel. Each night of the retreat began and ended with Evening Prayer and Night Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours. In between, Cliff Garvey led us on a truly amazing journey into history, practice, theology, and spirituality of the Jesus Prayer, one of the oldest and most powerful prayers of the Christian tradition (see above). As a community of believers and friends, we also prayed the Jesus Prayer Rosary, asked good questions, and shared our faith experiences.
Over the years, I have seen Cliff lead eight pilgrimages to Assisi, seven RCIA programs, four weekend retreats, and countless days of prayer and reflection for adults of all ages. But I have never seen him put so much preparation and so much of himself into leading and preaching a retreat. His passion for prayer and spirituality shined brightly, almost luminously, through every single evening of this retreat. And based on feedback received from participants, this opinion was shared by everyone. This year, our retreatants ranged in age from 14 to 84. Despite the heat and humidity, turnout was incredibly good. It was great to see some new faces; some married couples; and even some visitors from other parishes who joined us for what has become an annual tradition in our community. The summer retreat was so successful that I have asked Cliff to prepare a one or two night reprise for the fall season that will include some new material about the Jesus Prayer and those who practice it around the world. So, please keep your eyes, hearts, and minds open for more information coming soon!
As a busy pastor who sometimes finds it difficult to take time out for long periods of prayer, I was especially grateful for our summer retreat because it taught me how to “pray without ceasing” by incorporating the Jesus Prayer into my daily ministry and work. Whether while driving in the car, working at the computer, or pausing to breathe between confessions, funerals, meetings, pastoral visits, or weekend liturgies, the powerful simplicity of the Jesus Prayer can fill our hearts and bring us closer to our Risen Lord: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” If I can do it, you can, too! On behalf of everyone who participated in our Third Annual Summer Retreat, I wish to sincerely thank Cliff Garvey for a job well done and to ask all parishioners to pray for Cliff and for his ongoing good work in our parishes.
Peace and blessings to all,
Father Jim
Reverend James M. Achadinha, Pastor
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: frjim@ccgronline.com
CCGR Weekly Newsletter (8-21-16)
Bringing Home the Word (8-21-16)
Pastor’s Note: On behalf of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, Father Jim wishes to thank our dear friend, Jody Cole of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, for graciously allowing us to use her beautiful icon of the “Face of Jesus” on our website and on the cover of our weekly newsletter. Jody is a very talented iconographer and her work can be seen on her website (see link below). Thanks, Jody!
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Summer Carillon Recitals
An Our Lady of Good Voyage Tradition
Saturdays at 5:00pm
An annual tradition continues this summer at Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish! Our Summer Carillon Recitals are scheduled for this Saturday, August 20th at 5:00pm and next Saturday, August 27 at 5:00pm (rain or shine). Once again, LuAnn Pallazola, our own very talented organist-keyboardist has prepared programs that include familiar classical and international pieces, popular hymns, patriotic melodies, and even children’s tunes! Installed in 1922, the carillon bells in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church were the first toned set of carillon bells in the United States. Although our bells can be heard from several blocks away, the sound is best near the church. The final carillon recitals of the summer season are scheduled for the following dates: Saturday, August 27th at 5:00pm and Saturday, September 3rd at 5:00pm. These recitals are free and open to the public! So, bring a cold drink or coffee! Bring a friend! Enjoy this wonderful summer tradition! And don’t forget that Mass begins at 6:00pm! All are invited! All are welcome! For more infor- mation, please contact LuAnn Pallazola at lpallazola@gmail.com.
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Summer Catholic Kids Camp
The Vatican Express, Part 3
Begins Tuesday, August 23rd
The Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport is pleased to announce that all children (ages 5 through 11) are invited to participate in our next Summer Catholic Kids Camp: The Vatican Express, Part 3 from Tuesday, August 23rd through Friday, August 26th from 8:00am until 12:00pm at Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. During this exciting week of prayer and fellowship, children will learn about the traditions and treasures of the Catholic Church through active and engaged participation in games, music, skits, and easy-to-make crafts. Each day, we will explore a different theme: Day I, Tuesday, August 23rd: The Miracles of the Holy Eucharist and the Saints; Day II, Wednesday, August 24th: The Eucharist Miracle and Saint Clare of Assisi; Day III, Thursday, August 25th: The Eucharist Miracle and Saint Francis of Assisi; and Day IV, Friday, August 26th: The Eucharist Miracle and Blessed Imelda Lambertini.
Each day of the Vatican Express, Part 3 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, Betsy Works and a team of volunteers will lead the children to Our Lady’s School for a faith-filled and fun-filled morning of activities, learning, and good times with friends both new and old. The Vatican Express, Part 3 is our latest fun, exciting, and educational program that your children and grandchildren will love! The tuition for this innovative summer vacation youth faith formation program is just $25 per child for the entire week! Scholarships are available to those who cannot afford tuition. Also, adults and older children (ages 12 and up) are welcome to join us as volunteers and will be much appreciated! For more information about our Summer Vacation Catholic Kids Camp: The Vatican Express Part II, please contact Betsy Works at bworks@ccgronline. Please join us! All are invited! All are welcome!
Registration Form: The Vatican Express, Part 3
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Youth Faith Formation
Father Jim’s Summer Art Contest
Calling Young Disciples!
All young disciples (ages 5 through 11) are invited to participate in Father Jim’s Summer Art Contest by creating an original work of art based on the theme that “Jesus Is Our Teacher!” Submissions should be no smaller than 8 by 11 inches and no larger than 18 by 24 inches; created, colored, drawn, or painted by hand; and depicting one of the following images of Jesus: Christ the Teacher, Christ the Good Shepherd, the Divine Mercy, and the Face of Christ. All original art projects are due by Friday, September 2nd and will be judged by Father Jim and a committee of judges! The winning submission will be professionally framed and displayed prominently in our pastoral office! Coloring sheets (for younger children) and suggested icon images (for older children) can be found on our website at ccgronline.com/formation. If you have questions or need more information, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com. Please join us! All are welcome!
Learn More: Father Jim’s Summer Art Contest
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Adult Faith Formation
RCIA & Adult Confirmation
Registration Underway!
If you are an adult (age 18 and over) and have not received the Sacraments of Baptism, Penance & Reconciliation (Confession), Holy Eucharist, or Confirmation in the Roman Catholic Church, then please consider joining our adult faith formation program which will meet on Sunday mornings after our 8:15am Mass beginning on Sunday, October 2nd in Saint Ann Parish House. The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is a seven month program that prepares adults to be received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. Our group will meet approximately twice each month to learn about the basic beliefs, teachings, and traditions of the Catholic Church. As part of this same process, our Adult Confirmation Program prepares adults for the Sacrament of Confirmation and focuses on the challenges of living a life of faith in the modern world. If you would like to join us for this journey of faith and become part of a unique fellowship in preparation for the Sacraments of God’s Holy Church, please contact Cliff Garvey at cgarvey@ccgronline.com. Please join us! All are invited! All are welcome!
Adult Faith Formation Registration 2016-2017
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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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