As a child, I grew up in a household infused with religious beliefs and practices. As a family, we attended Mass on a weekly basis. We said grace before meals. We even prayed the Rosary together. And as a young adult, I volunteered with our parish’s youth ministry programs. For me, the Catholic Church has always been a place of peace, a consolation during times of trial, and a second home. Sadly, many people of faith and goodwill do not feel this way anymore. All too many good people have left the Church behind. Some are justifiably angry or hurt by the actions of bishops and priests. Others simply feel unwelcome because of their marital status, sexual orientation, or lack of knowledge about the teachings and traditions of our faith.

At Christmas, however, many of our brothers and sisters come home to the Church to experience again the miraculous joy of that holy night when God humbled himself and was born among us as a poor child. Even if for just one Christmas Mass, they come in search of peace, hope, and meaning in their lives. They come in search of something that the world cannot offer: God’s endless love, intimate friendship, and boundless mercy. Whether they realize itor not, they are called by the Lord to join us and to hopefully find a place in our spiritual home. The Celebration of Holy Mass at Christmas (and every day during the year) is the source and summit of our community’s life of prayer, fellowship, and service. All are welcome to join us for Mass and to participate in Holy Communion in accordance with a personal examination of conscience and the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church.

Like Pope Francis, Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) was blessed with the heart of a true shepherd of souls. During the 1930s and 1940s, Pastor Bonhoeffer spoke out against bigotry, fascism, and hatred in Nazi Germany. His brave witness to the Gospel of Christ cost him his life. In a meditation written from prison before his death, Bonhoeffer challenges us to engage in aradical welcome to all who seek comfort and consolation during dark times. He writes: “Jesus stands at the door knocking (cf. Revelation 3:20). In a very real way, Jesus comes to us asking for help in the form of a beggar or a poor child in ragged clothes. He confronts us in every person we meet. As long as there are people, Christ will walk the earth as our neighbor, as the one through whom God calls us, speaks to us, and asks something of us…Christ is standing atthe door. He lives among us. Will we close the door or open it?”

In this spirit, our doors are always open to every saint and every sinner. Our doors are open to the rich and the poor, to the young and the old, and to everyone in between. Our doors are open to married couples and single people, to straight people and gay people, and to all who are discerning their way in the world. Our doors are open to every citizen and every non-citizen, and to all who seek a community of prayer. Our doors are open to healthy people and sick people and to all who long for the Lord’s healing presence in their lives. Again and again and again, you and your family are welcome here! So, this Christmas and beyond, let us learn from Dietrich Bonhoeffer, from Pope Francis, and from all who courageously give witness to the Good News of Christ. Let us live the Gospel, share God’s love with compassion and mercy, and rebuild our wounded Church from the bottom to the top. Let us open wide the doors! Let us open our arms! Let us open our hearts! Let us open our minds! And let us cry out joyfully for the glory of God, forever and always: “Welcome Home for Christmas!”

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

CCGR Weekly Newsletter (12-25-18) 
Bringing Home the Word (12-23-18)

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Our Christmas Mass Schedule
December 24th & December 25th

The Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport joyfully invites your family to join our parish families for Holy Mass in celebration of Our Lord Jesus Christ at Christmas. On Monday, December 24th and Tuesday, December 25th, Mass will be celebrated according to the following schedule:

Christmas Eve – December 24th
Saint Ann Church at 4:00pm
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church at 6:00pm
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church at Midnight

Christmas Day – December 25th
Saint Ann Church at 8:15am
Saint Joachim Church at 10:00am
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church at 11:45am

On behalf of Father Jim, our senior priests, and our pastoral team, we hope and pray that you will join us in prayer on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day! All are invited! All are welcome! Always! Peace and blessings to all for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! God bless us, everyone!

Learn More: The True Spirit of Christmas

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Annual Christmas Pageant
A Special Event for Families
Saturday, January 5th