As we begin our annual celebrations of the Sacrament of Confirmation, we also mark the 61st anniversary of Father Ronald Gariboldi’s ordination to the priesthood. Throughout his long life, Father Ron has maintained a deep devotion to Saint Therese of Lisieux (1873-1897) who is known throughout the world as the Little Flower.

Saint Therese believed that life is all about expressing our love for God through our actions, but she did not believe that greatness, celebrity, or heroism was necessarily the only way. Instead, she wrote: “Love is proven by deeds…The only way that I can prove my love is by scattering flowers and these flowers are every little sacrifice, every glance and word, and the doing of the least actions for love.”

The Little Way of Saint Therese is not an abstract philosophy of life. It is a practical plan for doing good in a world that desperately needs a dose of truth, beauty, and goodness. It is a way of living rooted in love and self-giving, not in arrogance and self-interest. It is a little way that leads to big results. In this spirit, we pray in the words of Saint Therese:

Dear Lord,
your heart is full of wisdom, truth, and love.
You lead us to enjoy creation,
to engage each day with love in our hearts.
You teach us to live lives
brimming with your love and goodness.
We are so blessed to live in your care.
Thank you for guiding us
into true love and happiness by your gentle hand.
We choose to give our lives to you each day.
Amen.

As our young fellow parishioners are confirmed and sealed with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, we pray that they will find their own little way that best serves their gifts and talents; and that they will be inspired to scatter little flowers of love in their lives with every thought, word, and deed. Through our humble prayers, may they grow closer to Christ, closer to the Church, and closer to each other. Through our good example, may these young men and women learn to live the Gospel, share God’s love, and rebuild the Church. Peace, blessings, and congratulations to all!

CCGR Weekly Newsletter (2-6-22)
Bringing Home the Word (2-6-22)
The Kids Bulletin (2-6-22)

Art Credit: Saint Therese of Lisieux by Ingrid Blixt

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Celebrating Confirmation
Welcome, Bishop Mark!

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

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Pastor’s Note
Call to Eucharistic Ministers