Our Pastor’s Message
A Prayer for Faithful Citizenship
By Father Jim
On Tuesday, November 6th, the American people will be faced with the challenge of entering the voting booth to choose who will represent them in countless offices at the local, state, and national levels. Although I am frequently asked which candidates we, as Catholics, should support, I agree with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) that it is not the place of pastors or bishops to endorse one candidate or one party over another.
It is clear that neither political party advocates for policies that are fully consistent with the Catholic Church’s teachings on immigration, gun safety, health care, the sanctity of human life, and generous care for the poor, the sick, and the elderly. On some level, this is understandable because politics is a human endeavor and human beings are imperfect. And the same time, Pope Francis has begged us to remember “human dignity and the common good” when we vote. In this spirit, our best course of action may be to practice good discernment, faithfully consult our consciences, and pray for our country, our leaders, and our fellow citizens:
Almighty God and Father,
as Election Day approaches,
we seek to better understand
the issues that confront our country,
and how the Gospel compels us to respond
as faithful citizens in our community.
We ask for eyes that are free from blindness,
so that we might see each other as brothers and sisters,
one and equal in dignity,
especially those who are victims
of violence and abuse, deceit and poverty.
We ask for ears that will hear
the cries of children unborn or abandoned,
and of men and women who are oppressed
because of race, creed, religion, or gender.
We ask for minds and hearts that are open
to the voices of leaders
who will bring us closer to you and to each other.
We pray for discernment
so that we may choose leaders
who hear your Word,
live in your love,
and keep the ways of your truth
as they strive to follow in the footsteps
of Jesus and his Apostles,
and guide us to your Kingdom of justice and peace.
We ask this in the name of Christ Jesus,
our Risen Lord and Savior. Amen.
During these troubled times, let us remember that we are a community of disciples united in prayer, fellowship, and service to God and to each other. We are called to be people of peace and goodwill. We are called to civility, humility, and kindness. We are called to generosity, mercy, and mutual respect. We are called to love and forgive without counting the cost. And we are called to live the Gospel and give witness to it with our whole lives. Peace and blessings to all!
Reverend James M. Achadinha, Pastor
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: frjim@ccgronline.com
CCGR Weekly Newsletter (11-4-18)
Bringing Home the Word (11-4-18)
Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship
__________
Pittsburgh Strong!
A Message from Cardinal Cupich
STATEMENT ON THE TRAGEDY AT TREE OF LIFE SYNAGOGUE
We reach through our grief and shock to our Jewish brothers and sisters and with them offer our prayers to the Almighty, the God of Abraham. We pray for the healing of those caught in this madness as they gathered in their sanctuary to honor the Sabbath and to rejoice at the naming of an infant. Let us also condemn in the strongest possible terms this anti-Semitic act of depravity and the rhetoric, heartlessness, and apathy that have allowed hatred to flourish in our society. Make no mistake. Words incubate evil and allow it space to be accepted. Words can give voice to fearmongering that causes people to arm themselves against anyone who is“other.” And it will take more than words to stop this predictable maelstrom of hostilityand violence that threatens to change our nation.
Faced with the horror at the Tree of Life Synagogue, our resolve should be to take action. Let us come together in prayer and remembrance, but also in common cause to find ways to stand against anti-Semitism and all similar hatreds. This is a war waged against decency and only by working together, recognizing each other’s God-given rights, will society grow in peace and in justice. As Abraham Lincoln said in speaking of the need for national healing: “With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right.” We also affirm the hope found in the words of the mourner’s Kaddish: “He who creates peace in His celestial heights, may He create peace for us and for all Israel; and say, Amen.”
Note: His Eminence Blase J. Cupich serves as Cardinal Archbishop of Chicago. Born in 1949 and ordained to the priesthood in 1975, Cardinal Cupich is a graduate of the University of Saint Thomas, the Pontifical North American College, and the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He has served as a pastor, college instructor, and seminary rector. He also served as Bishop of Rapid City in South Dakota (1998-2010) and Bishop of Spokane in Washington (2010-2014). In 2014, he was named Archbishop of Chicago by Pope Francis. His episcopal motto is “Peace be with you (John 20:21).”
__________
Month of All Souls
Masses of Remembrance
During November, the Month of All Souls, the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport will celebrate three Masses of Remembrance for those whose funerals were celebrated in our churches and have thus journeyed home to the Lord during the past year. These Masses will be celebrated according to the following schedule:
Mass of Remembrance I
Saturday, November 3rd at 4:00pm
Saint Ann Church
Mass of Remembrance II
Sunday, November 4th at 11:45am
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church
Mass of Remembrance III
Sunday, November 18th at 10:00am
Saint Joachim Church
At each Mass of Remembrance, the names of our dearly departed loved ones, friends, and fellow parishioners will be read aloud. During the month of all souls, let us unite our hearts and voices in prayer for those we have lost. For more information about the Month of All Souls, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com. Please join us! All are invited! All are welcome!
Learn More: Commemoration of All Souls
__________
Pastor’s Note
Assisi Project Fall Pilgrimage
November 8th-November 16th
On Thursday, November 8th, Cliff Garvey and I, along with 15 pilgrims from the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport and other parishes in the Archdiocese of Boston will journey to Assisi, Italy and literally walk in the footsteps of Saint Francis and Saint Clare. During our eleventh annual small-group pilgrimage, we will celebrate Mass at the tombs of Saint Francis and Saint Clare, venerate their relics, pray in the cathedral where they were both baptized, and travel to Mount La Verna (where Francis received the gift of the stigmata).
At each and every holy site along the way, our fellowship of pilgrims will offer prayers and petitions for all who live, work, and worship in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport — that through the intercession of Saint Francis, Saint Clare, and Our Lady of Angels, the Lord will continue to unite us as a community in prayer, fellowship, and service; and to give us the courage and strength to live the Gospel, share God’s love, and rebuild our wounded Church.
If you would like us to pray for your special intention during our pilgrimage, please see me before or after Mass or contact Cliff at cgarvey@ccgronline.com. For more information about the Assisi Project and its good work in our parishes, please click on the link below. Saint Francis, pray for us! Saint Clare, pray for us! Our Lady of Angels, pray for us! Please pray for our safe travels! Peace and blessings to all! —Father Jim
Learn More: The Assisi Project
__________
Holy Family Parish
Annual Christmas Fair
Saturday, November 17th
All parishioners, friends, and guests of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join Holy Family Parish for our Annual Christmas Fair on Saturday, November 17th from 9:00am until 2:00pm in Saint Ann Church Hall. This year’s fair will feature various tables, including homemade baked goods and cookies, Christmas decorations, Santa’s Corner, Chinese Raffle, White Elephant, and our famous Basket Wheel! In addition, raffles tickets are now available for cash prizes, an Apple iPad, and a Red Sox Game Package.
We gratefully are accepting donations! We are especially thankful to Greely Funeral Home and Pike-Newhall Funeral Home for their donations of the raffle prizes. The Christmas Fair Committee and Holy Family Women’s Guild are working overtime to make this year’s fair another great success! So, please support this all-important fundraising event by joining us on Saturday, November 17th! For more information, please contact Lydia Bertolino at bertolino4@msn.com. Please join us! All are invited! All are welcome!
__________
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. Working together as a Roman Catholic community united in prayer, fellowship, and service, we are committed to living the Gospel of Christ, sharing God’s love and mercy with all people, and rebuilding the Church in Gloucester & Rockport. All are invited! All are welcome! Always!
Follow us on Twitter: @CCGRonline