Our Pastor’s Message
Gift & Responsibility
By Father Jim
Perhaps the most challenging aspect of managing the collaborative of two historic parishes is the ongoing maintenance of our ten buildings — all of which are more than one hundred years old. In one way or another, all of the parish buildings in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are in constant need of attention.
At Saint Ann Church in Holy Family Parish, we have completed the primary installation of new doors on the north and south sides of the church. A new emergency exit door was installed beside the altar of Saint Joseph; and another new door was installed beside the tabernacle. This second door will make our church more accessible to parishioners with disabilities because it is designed to open automatically. Unfortunately, the mechanism for the automatic door has been delayed due to supply chain issues, but it should be installed sometime soon. Everyone at Holy Family Parish is very grateful to Sal, JoAnn, and Liliana Testaverde, who donated these doors in loving memory of Captain Peter and Anna Scola. Thank you!
At Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish, several emergencies arose in recent months that forced us (with approval from our finance council) to spend down our parish savings account. First, repairs to the ovens that bake our famous sweet bread required an expenditure of approximately $3,500. Second, the kitchen needed a new commercial refrigerator that cost $4,500. And third, the kitchen also needs a new commercial dishwasher that will force us to spend approximately $5,000.
In addition, the boiler that heats Our Lady’s Hall could no longer be maintained or repaired because of its advanced age. After a new boiler was installed, it was determined that the heat return pipes (buried under the hall’s hardwood floors) were leaking and needed replacement. The installation of the new boiler and new plumbing (that did not damage the floor) required an expenditure of approximately $28,000. As you can imagine, our parish savings account is now all but depleted!
Finally, everyone remembers that the West Bell Tower of Our Lady of Good Voyage Church was severely damaged by a wind storm last year. This tower contains our historic carillon bells. With approval from our finance council and advice from archdiocesan engineers, we have contracted with American Steeple of Salem to repair the tower and replace the roof. It is our hope that this project will begin sometime this year. Although insurance will cover some of the costs, it is estimated that repairs to just one of our two towers will require our parish to raise approximately $150,000.
It is vitally important to remember that we are solely responsible for our beloved and historic parish buildings and the financial stability of our parishes. It falls to us — you and me — to repair, restore, and maintain our buildings so that future generations can make their spiritual home here. Now more than ever, Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish need your support! If you would like to learn more about how you and your family can help, please contact me as soon as possible. Peace, blessings, and sincere thanks to all for your ongoing generosity!
Reverend James M. Achadinha, Pastor
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: frjim@ccgronline.com
CCGR Weekly Newsletter (1-30-22)
Bringing Home the Word (1-30-22)
The Kids Bulletin (1-30-22)
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Sharing God’s Love
First Friday with Jesus
Friday, February 4th
In his message for the Thirtieth World Day of the Sick, Pope Francis says: “Brothers and sisters! To the intercession of Mary, Health of the Sick, I entrust all of the infirm and their families. United with Christ, who bears the pain of the world, may they find meaning, consolation, and trust. And I pray for healthcare workers everywhere.”
In this spirit and united with the Holy Father, all friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join us for First Friday with Jesus — five hours of silent Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on Friday, February 4th in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church.
At 12:00pm, we will begin with Daytime Prayer and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. At 3:00pm, we will join together in praying the Holy Rosary for the sick and suffering in our communities; and for all doctors, nurses, first responders, and essential workers. Our afternoon of prayer and devotion will conclude at 5:00pm with Evening Prayer and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
This special afternoon of prayer is being organized by member of the Assisi Project as a gift to our parishes. For more information, please contact Cliff Garvey at cgarvey@ccgronline.com. Spread the word! Please join us! All are invited! All are welcome!
Read: Pope’s World Day of the Sick Message 2022
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The Assisi Project
Saturday Morning with Saint Francis
Saturday, February 5th
Eight centuries ago, Saint Francis of Assisi taught his first followers that “no good can be accomplished in the service of God without prayer.” In this sense, prayer must come first. It brings us closer to Christ so that we can grow closer to each other. It is the fuel, foundation, and inspiration for our love of God and our love of neighbor.
It has been nearly fifteen years since Father Jim and Cliff founded the Assisi Project during their first pilgrimage to Assisi and Rome. Their hope, then and now, has been to bring the light and spirit of Saints Francis and Clare into the lives of our fellow parishioners through prayer, simple acts of fraternal kindness, and building up the Church.
On Saturday, February 5th, beginning with Mass at 8:00am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church, the Assisi Project will gather to profess its creed, renew its mission, and reflect on the pattern of life that was lived and preached by the Poor Man of Assisi. It is a fourfold pattern of life rooted in prayer, work, healing, and teaching that reflects the life and ministry of Christ.
After Mass, Father Jim and Cliff will lead a reflection and discussion on the life and example of Saint Francis with time set aside for questions and faith sharing. If you haven’t joined us before, please join us now! All friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners are welcome!
Members of the Assisi Project range in age from 13 to 97 and live in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, in the Archdiocese of Boston, and in eight countries around the world. Each day, we pray for those who ask us for prayers. If you would like the Assisi Project to pray for you or your special intention, please contact Cliff Garvey at cgarvey@ccgronline.com. All are invited! All are welcome! May the Lord give you peace!
Learn More: The Assisi Project
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Sharing God’s Love
Saint Vincent de Paul Society
New Members Always Welcome!
The Saint Vincent de Paul Society is an international organization that is dedicated to responding to any request from any person or family in need. Here on Cape Ann, we work through Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish to serve the poor and the needy. Help us help others! Donations can be pushed through the mail slot at our parish office, dropped in the collection basket at any Weekend Mass, or mailed to:
Saint Vincent de Paul Society
74 Pleasant Street
Gloucester, Massachusetts 01930
New members and volunteers are always welcome! For more information about the Saint Vincent de Paul Society and its good work in our parishes and hometowns, please contact Harry Miller at 978-281-8672 or Robert Weeks at svdpmember1@gmail.com. Thank you for your generous support for the Saint Vincent de Paul Society! May God bless you and your family!
Learn More: Saint Vincent de Paul
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Pastor’s Note
Call to Eucharistic Ministers
Because of the recent surge related to the omicron variant, our pastoral team has decided to postpone our scheduled day of prayer for Eucharistic ministers and caregivers until spring or early summer. Until then, we are compiling a contact list of all parishioners who serve as extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. If you are currently serving at Mass or bringing the Eucharist to the sick, please contact us as soon as possible at office@ccgronline.com with your name, address, e-mail address, and telephone number. Thank you in advance for your time and cooperation! — Father Jim
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WeShare
Safe & Easy Electronic Giving
Winter Giving Is Vitally Important
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!
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