This Week’s Message
Engaging the World
By Kathleen M. Basi
Since the moment Pope Francis first appeared on the balcony at Saint Peter’s Basilica, he has been engaging the world. He energizes us and at the same time, he challenges us to actively participate in our faith. Most of us would rather practice our faith within the safety of a little box, where the Christian call is as clear cut as praying the rosary, lighting a candle, and attending Mass. Pope Francis asks us to move beyond the walls of the Church and be a true witness to Christ in the world. Like many faithful people, I always thought most issues had simple answers. However, after having a child with a disability, I realized that when the Christian call intersects with the real world, things become more complex. Life isn’t so simple.
Consider the pro-life cause, perhaps the most clear cut issue imaginable. It is not enough to believe that children with disabilities have a right to be born. Their needs impose a heavy financial burden on families: therapies, surgeries, orthotics, and so on. We have a moral obligation to support life at all stages, even when it requires a societal intervention that runs counter to ideals about self-sufficiency.
Pope Francis calls us to confront complex questions and seek thorough answers. Using this thorough process, how can we address some of the questions that we face? How am I called to respond to bitter conflicts within my extended family? How am I called to interact with the person who delights in goading me? How am I called to love the family member who is gay or lesbian or transgender? How am I called to help the homeless person at the corner? How am I called to interact with the person in a wheelchair whose speech is hard to understand? How am I called to alleviate the desperation that leads a woman to choose abortion? How am I called to honor human dignity, not only of crime victims, but of those who perpetuate the crime?
As followers of Christ, we will always find ourselves being called upon to respond to situations that may not be as clear cut as they appear on the surface. Although the path may be demanding, we have the support of the Church and Christ as an example of how to do the hard work. Pope Francis has called us to labor together. Faith grows only when it is stretched. A call of faith is not a static request. To follow Christ means to get up, pick up your cross, and act. True discipleship, though difficult, is worthwhile because it draws us closer to the heart of Christ who is the source of our calling.
About the Author: Kathleen M. Basi is a composer, musician, essayist, and disability rights activist. She is also a wife and mother of four children, one of whom lives with Down Syndrome. Kathleen is a regular contributor to Bringing Home the Word, an e-newsletter that features suggestions for prayer and reflection in the Home Church. A new edition is posted below every weekend!
CCGR Weekly Newsletter (5-29-22)
Bringing Home the Word (5-29-22)
The Kids Bulletin (5-29-22)
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Memorial Day
Prayers for Our Fallen Heroes
Monday, May 30th
Celebration of Holy Mass at 8:00am
On Monday, May 30th, we remember the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in service to our country and to the causes of freedom, justice, and peace around the world. As a community united in prayer, fellowship, and service, we raise our hearts and voices in prayer for all who have served our nation, for all who have died, and for peace in our sick and suffering world:
A Prayer for Memorial Day
Good and gracious God,
on Memorial Day,
we pray for those men and women
who courageously laid down their lives
for the cause of freedom.
May the example of their sacrifice
inspire in us the selfless love
of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Bless the families of our fallen troops.
Fill their home and hearts
with your peace and strength.
In union with people of good will
from every nation around the world,
embolden us to answer the call
to work for peace and justice,
and to seek an end to all war,
conflict, and violence. Amen.
All friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join Father Jim for the celebration of a Memorial Day Mass on Monday, May 30th at 8:00am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. Both before and after Mass, we will pray the Holy Rosary for peace in our world and for the souls of our fallen heroes and their families. Spread the word! Bring a friend! Please join us! All are welcome!
Watch: Memorial Day: A Catholic Perspective (3 Minutes)
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Our Lady of Good Voyage
Crowning Feast of the Holy Spirit
Begins Monday, May 30th
All are invited to join Father Jim, Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish, and the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport in celebrating the Crowning Feast of the Holy Spirit from Monday, May 30th through Sunday, June 5th. Due to the ongoing threat posed by the coronavirus, we plan to celebrate this beautiful parish tradition in a new way in order to protect the health and safety of all fellow parishioners and friends!
- Monday, May 30th
The Holy Rosary in English
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church at 6:30pm - Tuesday, May 31st
The Holy Rosary in English
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church at 6:30pm - Wednesday, June 1st
Celebration of Mass
Followed by the Holy Rosary in English
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church at 5:30pm - Thursday, June 2nd
The Holy Rosary in English
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church at 6:30pm - Friday, June 3rd
Sung Holy Spirit Rosary in Portuguese
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church at 6:30pm - Saturday, June 4th
Outdoor Sweet Bread Sale
Our Lady’s Rectory Parking Lot at 10:00am - Pentecost Sunday, June 5th
Mass & Crowning Ceremony
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church at 11:45am
Followed by Outdoor BBQ Lunch
Our Lady’s Rectory Parking Lot
All friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners of Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish and the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join us for the Outdoor BBQ Lunch on Sunday, June 5th. Donations for Sunday’s Auction & Grand Raffle will be much appreciated. If you would like to offer a donation or volunteer, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com. All are invited! All are welcome!
Learn More: The First Pentecost
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The Assisi Project
Saint Elizabeth of Portugal
Saturday, June 4th
A Morning of Prayer & Reflection
Crowning Feast of the Holy Spirit
Elizabeth of Portugal was born in 1271 into the Royal House of Aragon (Spain). After a lengthy engagement, she was married to King Denis of Portugal, who was eventually converted by her prayers, quiet devotion, and humble care of the poor and the sick. As a sign of her love for the poor, Queen Elizabeth would remove her crown and place it upon the heads of the poorest people. By this gesture, she reminded the world that we are all God’s children; and that we have all been blessed by the Holy Spirit at Baptism.
After the death of her husband, Queen Elizabeth took vows as a Secular Franciscan and lived her remaining years in seclusion and in service to those in need. She died in 1336 and is buried at the Monastery of Saint Clare in Coimbra, Portugal. She was canonized in 1625 and is still venerated as a patron of the poor and peace in families.
Centuries later, the Crowning Feast of the Holy Spirit at Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish in Gloucester, Massachusetts is a living tribute to the good works of Saint Elizabeth of Portugal and all who seek to serve the People of God with dedication and humility. Indeed, the Crown is still placed upon the head of anyone who prays for healing and guidance from the Holy Spirit.
On Saturday, June 4th, all are invited to join the Assisi Project for a Morning of Prayer and Reflection on the life of Saint Elizabeth of Portugal and her enduring influence on the spiritual life of the Church. We will begin with the celebration of Holy Mass at 8:00am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. After Mass, Father Jim will speak about Saint Elizabeth, the Crowning Feast, and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
For more information about the Assisi Project and its good work in our parishes, please contact Cliff Garvey at cgarvey@ccgronline.com. Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us! Saint Clare of Assisi, pray for us! Saint Elizabeth of Portugal, pray for us! Our Lady of the Angels, pray for us! Spread the word! Bring a friend! All are welcome! May the Risen Lord give you peace!
Learn More: Saint Elizabeth of Portugal
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Saint Vincent de Paul Society
Help Us Help Others!
New Volunteers 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 the 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. If you or someone you know needs our help, please contact us at 978-281-8672. Thank you for your generous support for the Saint Vincent de Paul Society. May God bless you and your family!
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The Holy Rosary
Let’s Pray Together!
All are friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners are invited to join the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport as we gather to pray the Holy Rosary on Thursday and Friday Mornings at 7:30am before the 8:00am Mass and on Wednesday Evenings at 5:00pm before the 5:30pm Mass in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. By praying the Rosary, we grow closer to the Risen Lord by meditating on the mysteries of his life, death, and res- urrection. And we grow closer to our Blessed Mother by asking for her powerful intercession for ourselves, our parishes, and for in our world. For more information, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com. Please join us! All are welcome!
Watch & Pray: Holy Rosary with Father Jim
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WeShare
Safe & Easy Electronic Giving
Store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20).
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 the Victims in Uvalde, Texas