This weekend all around the world, the Catholic Church celebrates the Third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete (GOW-de-tay) is the Latin word that begins the opening antiphon of this Sunday’s Mass and it means “rejoice.” On this day, we are called as disciples to rejoice in the coming of our Lord and Savior who will be born among us on Christmas Day. Here in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, however, our joy is diminished by the sudden death of Deacon Raymond Wellbank, who passed away last weekend. Indeed, our joy is overwhelmed by grief over the loss of a beloved husband, father, and grandfather; sadness over the loss of a faithful deacon; and sorrow over the loss of a faith-filled friend and fellow parishioner.

Deacon Ray was born and raised in and around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He graduated from West Chester University and DeSales University, where he earned degrees in accounting and finance. During his long business career, Deacon Ray worked as an accountant, controller, and property manager. During the final fourteen years of his career, he served as a fiscal analyst for the largest non-profit organization in Philadelphia. Before being assigned by Cardinal Sean to the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, Deacon Ray served for eight years as a Permanent Deacon in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Ray and his wife, Patti, were married for almost thirty-four years and were blessed with four children and six grandchildren. Ray and Patti were a true team and were deeply involved in parish ministries for many decades. They served together as lectors, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, and even the lead couple for marriage preparation classes. They also served in our community as volunteers with the Holy Family Women’s Guild and the Saint Vincent de Paul Society. Their enthusiasm and good humor were infectious; and their dedication and hard work were inspirational.

During Deacon Ray’s all too brief time with us in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, he became a vitally important member of our pastoral team. He visited and prayed with the elderly, the homebound, and the sick. He celebrated countless baptisms, funerals, and weddings. He served as spiritual director for the Saint Vincent de Paul Society. And last year, Deacon Ray was awarded the Bishop Cheverus Medal by Cardinal Sean in recognition of his many years of devoted ministry and service to God’s people and the Catholic Church. On a personal level, Deacon Ray was an indispensable help to me. He was a good man, a dedicated deacon, and a dear friend. Like all those whose hearts were touched by his kindness, love, and good works, I remain heartbroken by his death. I already miss turning to him for advice and assistance. And I wish I had done a better job of thanking him for all that he did for all of us. Along with all of you, I weep with Patti and their family.

And yet, despite our grief, we are called today to rejoice! Despite our sadness, we are called to wait with joyful expectation for the coming of the Lord at Christmas. Through our tears, we are called to join the shepherds in looking for the star that will lead us to a manger. Through our pain, we are called to walk together, hand-in-hand, to the place where a blessed child is born for us. And even though our hearts are broken, we are called to trust in the promise of this Christ-Child, who is all goodness, all love, and all mercy.

As a husband, father, grandfather, brother, deacon, and friend, Deacon Raymond Wellbank trusted in that very promise. Let us honor Deacon Ray by praying for him, by supporting his family, and by continuing his good work. So that when we meet him again, he will join our Risen Lord in saying to us what was undoubtedly just said to him: “Well done, my good and faithful servant…Come, share your master’s joy (Matthew 25:21)!” May God bless Deacon Ray Wellbank! May he rest in peace! May God bless all who mourn his passing! And may God help us to find the joy in our grief!

Peace and blessings to all,
Father Jim

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

CCGR Weekly Newsletter (12-17-17)
Bringing Home the Word (12-17-17)
Our Christmas Mass Schedule 2017

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The Light Is On For You!
Confession & Eucharistic Adoration
Thursday, December 21st