This Week’s Message
A Time for the Poor
By Pope Francis
This is the first thing:
to go towards each other
with an open heart and outstretched hand.
We know that everyone of us
needs the other,
and that weakness, if experienced together,
can become a strength
that will make the world better.
It is time that the poor
be given back their voice,
because for too long
their requests have remained unheard.
It is time that eyes be opened
to see the state of inequality
in which too many families must live.
It is time for sleeves to be rolled up
so dignity can be restored by creating jobs.
It is time to be scandalized
by the reality of children who are starving,
reduced to slavery,
tossed about in the water
in the aftermath of a shipwreck,
innocent victims of every sort of violence.
It is time that violence against women cease
and that they be respected
and not treated like bargaining chips.
It is time that the circle of indifference
be broken so as to discover once again
the beauty of encounter and dialogue.
It is time to meet each other.
It is time to meet.
If humanity, if we men and women
do not learn to meet each other,
we are heading for a very sad end.
May we open our hearts
to make our weakness a strength
to help us continue on the journey of life,
to transform our poverty into wealth to be shared,
and to make the world better.
CCGR Weekly Newsletter (11-21-21)
Bringing Home the Word (11-21-21)
The Kids Bulletin (11-21-21)
Learn More: Pope Francis Message in Assisi (11-12-21)
Pastor’s Note: On behalf of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, I wish to thank our dear friend, Jody Cole, who allows us to use her beautiful icons of Christ the Bridegroom both online and on the cover of our weekly newsletter. If you would like to learn more about Jody’s work and ministry, please visit jcoleicons.com.
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Call to Prayer
Thanksgiving Eve Mass
Wednesday, November 24th
All friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to come together as God’s family for the celebration of Mass in commemoration of the Thanksgiving Holiday.
Thanksgiving Eve Mass
Wednesday, November 24th at 5:30pm
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church
Please note that there will be no Confessions or Eucharistic Adoration after Mass; and that there will be no Mass on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 25th. For more information, please see Father Jim or contact him at frjim@ccgronline.com. We pray that you and your family will join us in offering praise and thanks to God’s abundant blessings on our community! Spread the word! All are welcome! Happy Thanksgiving!
Learn More: Prayers for Thanksgiving
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Father Jim’s Advent Scripture Study
Christmas in the Four Gospel Homes
Begins Thursday, December 2nd
During the Season of Advent, all friends and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join Father Jim for a four week scripture study based on Cynthia Campbell’s book: Christmas in the Four Gospel Homes. On four consecutive Thursday mornings immediately after our 8:00am Mass in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church, Father Jim will lead a one hour discussion on how each book of the Holy Gospels offers a unique perspective on the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ at Christmas.
In preparation for each weekly session, participants will be asked to read from Campbell’s short book, which includes beautiful illustrations of how a home might look during the Christmas Season if it were decorated according to one of the Gospels. Copies of the book will be provided. A donation of $20.00 is requested from those who can afford it. All donations will support our adult faith formation ministry. If you would like to join us for this special series, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com. Spread the word! Please join us! Bring a friend! All are invited! All are welcome!
Learn More: Christmas in the Four Gospel Homes (Excerpt)
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The Assisi Project
First Friday with Jesus
Friday, December 3rd
Pope Francis says: “Prayer has no need for profound theological knowledge…Prayer is the encounter of life, first with the Lord Jesus, with the person of Jesus. And from there on, from that encounter of prayer, friendship, fraternity, and the certainty of being children of the same Father are born…Love can change the world!”
In this spirit of love, prayer and fellowship, all are invited to join Father Jim and the Assisi Project for three hours of silent Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on Friday, December 3rd beginning immediately after our 8:00am Mass in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. At 12:00pm, we will pray the Rosary for the sick and suffering in our communities. This morning of prayer will conclude with Benediction at 12:30pm. For more information, please contact Cliff Garvey at cgarvey@ccgronline.com. All are invited! All are welcome! May the Lord give you peace!
The Living Rosary Virtual Retreat
Episode 1: A Journey Begins
Episode 2: A Journey Continues
Episode 3: A Prayer for Hope
Episode 4: A Prayer for Tomorrow
Episode 5: A Prayer for Joy
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The Assisi Project
Advent Morning of Prayer
Mary, Undoer of Knots
Saturday, December 4th
Founded in 2007 by Father Jim and Cliff Garvey after their first pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome, the Assisi Project is a Fellowship of Franciscans in Spirit with friends and followers in North America, Europe, and Africa. Our mission is to help believers of all ages and backgrounds better live the Gospel of Christ through the inspiration and intercession of Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi.
In 1986, Father Jorge Bergoglio (now Pope Francis) began a period of doctoral studies in Germany. While there, he made a pilgrimage to Augsburg and the Jesuit Church of Saint Peter. In that church, he discovered a painting of the Blessed Mother who unties the knots of sin, despair, and disagreement that trouble our lives. For Father Bergoglio, it was a conversion moment that helped him better appreciate his ministry as a priest, his vows as a member of the Society of Jesus, and the importance of keeping our hearts and minds open to the will of God in all of our lives. By the time he was consecrated as Archbishop of Buenos Aries in 1992, the future pope was giving prayer cards of the famous image to anyone who came to him with a difficult personal problem!
In this spirit, all are invited to join the Assisi Project for an Advent Day of Prayer on Saturday, December 4th beginning with Mass at 8:00am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. After Mass, Father Jim and Cliff will lead a reflection and discussion on Our Lady of Undoer of Knots and the Holy Father’s enduring devotion to her. After a short break at 9:30am, we will then offer the Franciscan Rosary for the intentions of Pope Francis and for the Church around the world.
If you haven’t joined us before, please prayerfully consider joining us now! All parishioners and friends are invited to join us for the Assisi Project’s Advent Day of Prayer & Reflection! If you plan to join us or want more information about the Assisi Project and its good work in our parishes, please contact Cliff at cgarvey@ccgronline.com; or visit our website (see link below). Please join us! All are welcome! Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us! Saint Clare of Assisi, pray for us! Our Lady of the Angels, pray for us! May the Lord give you peace!
Pray More: Our Lady, Undoer of Knots Novena
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Advent Special Event
A Festival of Lessons & Carols
Sunday, December 5th
All friends and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join Tom Misuraca and LuAnn Pallazola for a Festival of Lessons & Carols on Sunday, December 5th at 2:00pm in Saint Ann Church. All of this year’s music and scripture selections have been chosen to prepare our hearts to truly celebrate the Holy Season of Advent and the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ at Christmas. This special afternoon of music, prayer, and fellowship is free, but donations will be gratefully accepted to support our parish music ministries! For more information, please contact Tom at tmisuraca@ccgronline.com. Please join us! All are invited! All are welcome!
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Living the Gospel
Sacrament of Baptism
Welcome Young Disciples!
The Sacrament of Baptism is the first of three Sacraments of Initiation in the Roman Catholic Church. The two other Sacraments of Initiation are Eucharist and Confirmation. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism, we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church, and made sharers in her mission (CCC 1213).” During the month of October, Father Jim baptized and blessed the following children with holy water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit:
Belinha Grace Bolcome
Melody Moon Jackson
Bryan William Joseph
Tyler Kasper
Margaret Birdie Kecyk
Taj Russell Kecyk
Emmett Cole Kowalski
Thomas Michael Leahy
Corbin Bryce Blook
Ayden Battista O’Brien
In the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, the Sacrament of Baptism is currently celebrated during Sunday Mass at 10:00am in Saint Joachim Church; on the second Saturday of the month at 11:30am in Saint Ann Church; and on the third Saturday of the month at 11:30am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church.
If you would like to schedule your child’s baptism in either Holy Family Parish or Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish, please contact Sheila McCarthy-Durkin at smccarthy@ccgronline.com. May God bless our newly baptized young disciples, along with their parents, godparents, & family members! Congratulations to all!
Learn More: Sacrament of Baptism
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WeShare
Safe & Easy Electronic Giving
Electronic giving has become an essential component of parish support in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport; and it is available in both Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish. It is safe and easy to make online donations to your home parish using a credit card, debit card, or electronic check.
Donations can be made on a weekly, monthly, or one-time-only basis; and it takes just a few minutes to set up a secure personal account. In additional to the weekly offering, you can also give electronically to our church restoration funds which helps us plan for the repair and maintenance of our beloved and historic churches.
During these challenging times, Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish need your support more than ever before! Please prayerfully consider enrolling in our ‘We Share!’ electronic giving program! For more information about setting up a new account or for assistance with your existing account, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com. Thank you for your generous support for our parishes! May God bless you and your family, now and always!
Support Holy Family Parish
Support Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish
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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
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In Memory of All Victims of Gun Violence