Gladys Bronwyn Stern (1890-1973) was a British author who wrote biographies, memoirs, novels, plays, and short stories. She was a convert to Catholicism. But she is perhaps best remembered for once writing: “Silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone.” In that spirit, I am writing this weekend to thank every parishioner, friend, and guest of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport who contributed to the Grand Annual Collections at Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish. Because of your generosity and support, it now appears that both of our parish budgets will be balanced for the fiscal year that ended last week. But the success of these collections is not just about making ends meet or balancing budgets, it’s about gratitude, perseverance, and miracles.

At Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish, our goal was to raise $50,000 for the Grand Annual Collection. By June 30th, we raised almost 87% of our goal. But I am not at all disappointed. In fact, I am joyful! Shortly after becoming your pastor just over three years ago, I was informed that an anonymous do- nor, who contributed thousands of dollars each year to the parish, was no longer able or willing to help our parish. That news made our Grand Annual Collection more important than ever. In 2014, we raised $30,271. In 2015, we raised $31,426. In 2016, we raised $31,474. And this year, we raised $43,489! That’s an increase of almost 40% over last year! So, to each and every parishioner who gave and gave again to Our Lady’s Grand Annual Collection, please accept my deep and sincere thanks!

At Holy Family Parish, our goal was to raise $75,000 for the Grand Annual Collection. In all honesty, I did not have any real expectation that we would reach our goal. After all, throughout the last fiscal year, we have been asking again and again for donations to the Saint Ann Church Restoration Fund. And so far, because of your generous support, we have raised $221,272.00 to repair the tower and east wall of our beloved church. Facing this towering challenge, it did not seem possible that we could raise an additional $75,000 for the Grand Annual Collection. In fact, because of the restoration project, we did not even begin this year’s Grand Annual Collection until after Easter!

But then, miraculous things happened! Each week, more and more envelopes arrived in our parish office. Some were placed in the offertory basket during Mass. Some arrived by mail. Some were hand delivered by parishioners of all ages. Still, no one seriously believed that we would reach our goal. In an effort to close the gap before the end of the fiscal year, we made a final push and scheduled a second collection for last weekend. That second collection raised more than $8,000! By Wednesday, June 28th, we had raised approximately $74,115! Absolutely amazing!

Upon learning that we were that close to our goal and with just hours before last week’s bulletin was due at the printer, two members of our pastoral team began working to raise $885 so that we could share the good news with our parishioners. They called, emailed, and texted as many people as they could. At first, there was silence. And then, all of a sudden, a parishioner from Gloucester pledged $200. Then a parishioner from Rockport pledged $100. Then another $100 and another and another! Then someone pledged $50! Then someone pledged and hand-delivered a check for $500! By noon, those two members of our pastoral team and some generous parishioners raised more than $2,000! And when the mail was delivered that day, additional contributions arrived so that when all contributions were counted, our Grand Annual Collection raised $77,373 in just three months!

Later this summer, I will share with you a more complete year-end financial report for both Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish. Until then, as a new fiscal year begins, my deepest and heartfelt thanks go to all who contributed to these Grand Annual Collections, to all who help us help others with their gifts of time, talent, and treasure, and to all who pray for our parishes and our parishioners. May God bless all who live, work, and worship in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Peace and blessings to all,
Father Jim

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

CCGR Weekly Newsletter (7-9-17)
Bringing Home the Word (7-9-17)

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Knights of Columbus
Tuesday, July 11th

Holy Family Parish
Annual Crowning Ceremony
Sunday, July 23rd