It is hard to believe that it has been more than three years since Cardinal Sean asked me to serve as pastor of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, a collaborative of two historic parishes: Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish. As you know, this model of parish life is the product of an archdiocesan pastoral plan called “Disciples in Mission.” This innovative plan called for multiple parishes to remain canonically and financially independent, but served by one pastor, one pastoral team, and one pastoral council.

When I became your pastor in June 2014, the success of our collaboration was uncertain. Almost immediately, it became clear that because of the shortage of priests, only one priest would be assigned to our parishes on a full-time basis for the foreseeable future. Soon after, it became necessary to evaluate our buildings, finances, programs, worship schedules, and the ministries of our pastoral team members. Some changes went unnoticed. Other changes were more difficult to accept or understand. And although our first months together were sometimes challenging, we have made steady progress toward truly becoming a faith community united in prayer, fellowship, and service.

The measure of our progress is a tribute to the deep faith, dedication, and resilience of all our fellow parishioners. Your ongoing kindness, prayers, and generosity of spirit mean the world to me. In addition, we must thank our pastoral team, which has weathered some difficult storms with grace and resolve. We must thank our parish finance councils for their good advice and ongoing commitment to the long-term financial stability of our parishes. And now, we must congratulate and thank (in advance) the members of our newly-created collaborative pastoral council, which has been cho- sen based on your input, guidance, and good counsel.

Unlike a traditional parish council, whose members focus on the needs of one particular parish, our collaborative pastoral council will be called to think beyond the boundaries and interests of “my parish” toward a broad appreciation for the common good of “our parishes.” After our spring nomination process and a period of consultation with members of our pastoral team and other parishioners, I am happy to announce that the following parishioners have agreed to serve on our council: Maureen Cusumano (OLGV), Jennifer Dort (OLGV), Mary Duran (HFP), and Margaret Wieberg (HFP).

All of our new council members are registered parishioners, active participants in the life of our parishes, and committed to the success of our collaborative and its pastoral plan. Please note that in accordance with archdiocesan guidelines, each parish is equally represented by two parishioners and will meet approximately five times each year. Also in accordance with archdiocesan guidelines, three members of our pastoral team will serve as voting members of the council: Cliff Garvey, Deacon Raymond Wellbank, and myself. Our first public meeting is scheduled for Saturday, December 16th beginning with Mass at 8:00am in Saint Ann Church. After Mass, we will gather in Saint Ann Church Hall. All parishioners are invited to attend. If you would like to share your views with our pastoral council, please feel welcome to contact us at cpc@ccgronline.com.

As our collaborative pastoral council begins its new ministry, please pray its members, for me and our senior priests, for our pastoral team, and for all who live, work, and worship in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport. May the Holy Spirit continue to unite us as a community of prayer, fellowship, and service. And may our Risen Lord bless us with the courage and grace to live the Gospel, share God’s love, and rebuild the Church.

Peace and blessings to all,
Father Jim

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

CCGR Weekly Newsletter (11-12-17) 
Bringing Home the Word (11-12-17)

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Holy Family Parish
Annual Christmas Fair
Saturday, November 18th