According to the Code of Canon Law, a parish is a definite community of the Christian faithful established on a stable basis within a particular church (515). In other words, a parish is a geographic community centered around a place of worship. The ancient etymology of the word parish prompts us to reflect on ideas such as neighbor, nearness, pilgrimage, and house — both God’s house and our house as an extended family of disciples.

Here in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, we are blessed with two parishes, four churches, a small but talented pastoral team, and a dedicated corps of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds who give their time, talent, and treasure to help us fulfill our mission to live the Gospel, share God’s love, and rebuild the Church in our small corner of the world.

In recent months, Pope Francis has reflected on the importance of parishes in the life of the Catholic Church. He fondly remembers his six years as a young parish priest. He especially enjoyed celebrating Masses for children and their families; and sharing with them the joy of the Gospel of Christ. The pope also knows that parish life depends on strong relationships within families between adults who are able and willing to share our faith and young people who are open and curious about learning and believing in something beyond themselves.

At the same time, the Holy Father appreciates more than many church leaders the challenges facing parishes in the modern world. He points to gossip, indifference, closed minds, hard hearts, and locked doors as the great enemies of parish life. He says: “People never tire of asking and calling, so we must never tire of opening the doors and windows (3-25-23).” So on Easter Sunday, now more than ever, we reaffirm the longstanding rallying cry of both Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish: All are welcome!

Our doors are open to every saint and every sinner. Our doors are open to the rich and the poor, the young and the old, and everyone in between. Our doors are open to married couples, and single people, straight people and gay people, and anyone who is discerning their way in the world. Our doors are open to every citizen and non-citizen, and any person who seeks a community of prayer. Our doors are open to healthy people and to sick people, and to all people who long for the Lord’s healing presence in their lives.

In the end, Pope Francis writes: “The parish is a blessed place, where one goes in order to feel loved. Those who knock at the door of our churches are often looking for a welcoming smile; they look for open arms and hands, eyes eager to meet, and a fullness of affection (3-25-23).” As disciples, humble laborers in the vineyard of the Lord, our job is to unlock the doors, share that smile, offer that welcome, and reach out to any brother or sister who seeks the Risen Lord.

Earlier this year, Pope Francis prayed for parishes. He says: “Sometimes I think we should put a sign on the door of parishes that reads Free Admission! Parishes should be close-knit communities without bureaucracy, people-centered, and a place where the gift of the sacraments is found. Parishes must be schools of service and generosity, with doors always open to those who feel excluded.” This Easter, we joyfully renew our shared mission, proclaim our shared values of prayer, fellowship, and service; and cry out with one joyful voice: Free admission! All are welcome! Always! Happy Easter! Alleluia! Alleluia!

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

CCGR Weekly Newsletter (4-9-23)
Bringing Home the Word (4-9-23)
The Kids Bulletin (4-9-23)

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Call to Prayer
One Solitary Life

By James Allan Francis