Eight years ago, the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport was created as a collaborative between two historic parishes: Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish. Although our parishes share one pastor and one pastoral team, each parish is fully independent; has its own finance council; maintains its own bank accounts; pays its own bills; and maintains it own buildings. In the beginning, the collaboration between communities was not always easy. But thanks to you, parishioners at Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish are praying together, working together, and helping each other fulfill our shared mission to live the Gospel, share God’s love and mercy, and rebuild the Church here at the end of the line.

During the past year, Holy Family Parish has been blessed in many ways. Attendance at our weekend Masses is recovering after the decline caused by COVID-19. Our parishioners continue to offer very positive feedback about our adult and youth faith formation programs and our music ministries. The Holy Family Women’s Guild and the Assisi Project continue their good work — including ongoing brainstorming about new ideas to raise money and bring people together in a spirit of prayer, fellowship, and service. In addition, our weekly offertory was up 15% from the previous fiscal year.

Because of our increased offertory, several generous gifts, and lease income from the City of Gloucester for our school building, we have been able to accomplish some important projects: the installation of new automatic doors at both Saint Ann Church and Saint Joachim Church; a new sign at Saint Joachim Church; a repainting of the sign at Saint Ann Church; and some masonry and roof repairs at Saint Ann Church. Best of all, I am happy to report that for the seventh consecutive year, our annual parish budget is balanced! Thanks be to God! After all of our bills were paid and reconciled, we ran a net surplus of $28,000, all of which has been deposited in our parish savings account.

Needless to say, we still face financial challenges related to the rising costs of utilities, insurance, and ongoing maintenance of our parish buildings. Insurance premiums alone are up by 11% which amounts to more than $10,000 for the year! Despite ongoing concerns about inflation, building maintenance, and the long-term effects of the pandemic, I am optimistic about the long-term financial stability of our parish. By praying together and working together, we can and will face every challenge with confidence, determination, and high spirits. As a family of disciples, we can and will keep the faith alive and pass it along to the next generation of disciples. Of course, your ongoing support makes all the difference! So, please join in me in praying that each of us, according to our means, will continue to give generously to our beloved parish.

Finally, please join me in thanking the members of the Holy Family Parish Finance Council for their dedicated service, expert advice, and wise counsel: Joseph Grella, Robert Krause, and Rosa Ladd. Their commitment and hard work throughout the year ensures that we remain focused on making the best use of our limited financial resources. Finally, my deepest thanks go to our parishioners for their ongoing prayers and support. Your generosity makes possible all that we do together to make Holy Family Parish a vibrant and very special faith community. Your kindness touches my heart and sustains me in my ministry. Please know that you and your family are always in my prayers. Thank you so much! Peace and blessings to all!

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

Holy Family Financial Report FY2022
CCGR Weekly Newsletter (10-9-22)
Bringing Home the Word (10-9-22)
The Kids Bulletin (10-9-22)

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Holy Family Women’s Guild
Fall Bake Sale
Weekend of October 8th & 9th