28TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

This Week’s Message
Holy Family Parish
Annual Financial Report

By Father Jim

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

All friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join the Holy Family Women’s Guild for a Fall Bake Sale after all Weekend Masses in Saint Ann Church and Saint Joachim Church on both Saturday, October 8th and Sunday, October 9th. In preparation for the Fall Bake Sale, we need your help! Donations of your favorite breads, cakes, cookies, and other baked goods are most welcome! All proceeds go directly to Holy Family Parish. If you are able to make a donation, please contact Jane Marshall at 978-283-3511 or Cecilia Gray at 978-281-2072. Thank you in advance for your generous support! Please join us! All are welcome!

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Calling Adult Disciples!
The Way
Begins Saturday, October 15th

I am the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).

The Way was the among the earliest names for followers of the Risen Christ. The Way also appears as a biblical reference for the earliest Christian communities in the Acts of the Apostles. In addition, tradition teaches that both before and after his conversion, Saint Paul referred to the disciples of Christ as part of the Way. More than two thousand years later, Catholic Christians are still part of the Way of Jesus Christ. But as we all know, a life of discipleship is not a hobby or pastime. It is a vocation, a way of life that lays claim to our whole heart, mind, and strength. As disciples, our lives should be focused on and inspired by our faith in Christ, who is our merciful redeemer, friend, and brother. And as his disciples, we are called to reach out to those who need our help in growing closer to Christ and the Church.

If you are an adult (age 18 and over) and have not received all of the Sacraments of Initiation in the Roman Catholic Church (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation), then please consider joining The Way, a new adult faith formation program that will begin this fall. The Way (typically called the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) is a seven month program that prepares adults to be received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. As part of this same program, we will prepare adults for the Sacrament of Confirmation (to be received at either the Easter Vigil or at a regional archdiocesan celebration). Other parishioners who have received the Sacraments and are interested in renewing their spiritual lives are also very welcome to join us!

Our group will gather for fellowship, formation, and faith sharing. As a community of disciples, we will learn together about the basic beliefs, teachings, and traditions of the Church; and we will explore the methods of prayer and spirituality that have brought centuries of believers closer to Christ Jesus and to the Church. In addition, we will talk openly and honestly about the challenges of living an authentic life of faith, hope, and love in the modern world. Our first gathering will be Saturday, October 15th at 8:00am. If you would like to learn more about this journey of faith and become part of a unique fellowship in preparation for the sacraments of God’s Church, then please contact Cliff Garvey at cgarvey@ccgronline.com. Please join us! Spread the word! All are invited! All are welcome!

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The Assisi Project
Rebuild My Church Campaign
Goal: $15,000 – So Far: $5,790

Founded in 2007, the Assisi Project is a Fellowship of Franciscans in Spirit with members, friends, and followers throughout the world. Our mission is to help believers of all ages more faithfully live the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the spirit of Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi.

In celebration of our 15th anniversary, we are seeking to raise $15,000 for our Rebuild My Church Campaign. Your generous gift will enable us to create a guest speakers program, offer scholarships for pilgrims and students, assist local parishes with special projects, and support our podcasts and faith formation programs.

The Assisi Project is a non-profit, tax-exempt charitable organization. You can support our ministries and programs via GoFundMe or by sending a donation to the Assisi Project, Post Office Box 3158, Gloucester, Massachusetts 01931-3158. All donations are tax-deductible. For more information, please contact Cliff Garvey at cgarvey@assisiproject.com. Thank you! May the Lord give you peace!

GoFundMe: The Assisi Project

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The Assisi Project
Intercessory Prayer Ministry
We Pray for You!

Members of the Assisi Project range in age from 14 to 97. We live in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, in parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Boston, across the country, and around the world in places like Angola, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom. We pray every day for those who ask for our prayers. All are invited to pray with us at assisiproject.com/prayer. If you would like our fellowship to pray for you, your family, or your special intention, please contact Cliff Garvey at cgarvey@assisiproject.com. Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us! Saint Clare of Assisi, pray for us! May the Lord give you peace!

Learn More: The Assisi Project

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Saint Vincent de Paul Society
All New Clothes Closet
Second & Fourth Saturdays

After many months of hard work and renovations, the new Saint Vincent de Paul Clothes Closet is now open for business in Saint Ann Church Hall on the Second and Fourth Saturdays of every month from 9:00am until 12:00pm. All are welcome to drop by and check out the All New Clothes Closet by entering through the Pleasant Street doors of Saint Ann Church Hall.

Donations of gently worn clothing and shoes are now gratefully accepted during our regular hours and in the bin located in the Saint Ann School parking lot. Please note that we cannot accept donations of books, toys, or household items. For more information about the Saint Vincent de Paul Clothes Closet, please contact Bridget Nelligan at 781-572-4752 or Cathy Kyrouz at 978-290-1756. Thank you for your generous support!

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Saint Vincent de Paul Society
New Volunteers Always Welcome!
Help Us Help Others!

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 in 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 call 978-281-8672. Thank you for your generous support for the Saint Vincent de Paul Society! May God bless you!

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WeShare
Safe & Easy Electronic Giving

The righteous give generously (Psalm 37:21).

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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