No one needs to remind you about inflation because you already know all about it. Anyone who has stepped into a grocery store knows that these are challenging times. So far this year, property insurance premiums are up 11%. Electric bills are up 26%. Heating costs are up an almost unbelievable 48%. Meanwhile, gifts and donations to Holy Family Parish are down 17% from last year. All across the country and around the world, faith communities like ours are struggling to survive. Some are making ends meet; and some are not. Almost every parish is struggling to cover costs and balance budgets.

On the bright side, our churches are fully open. Babies are being baptized. Confessions are being heard. Funerals and weddings are being celebrated. Our sick and suffering brothers and sisters are being anointed. Our young disciples are receiving Confirmation and First Holy Communion. Our service organizations are raising funds and performing good works in our community. Our online ministries attract more than 2,000 visitors every week. And thanks to your generous support, our bills are being paid as we enter the final weeks of the fiscal year.

For the past two years, we have been blessed by rental payments from the City of Gloucester for Saint Ann School. This income will soon end and has been set aside for any necessary repairs that may be needed at our historic churches and parish buildings. In addition, we should remember that our weekly offerings simply do not cover the costs of basic expenses and essential parish ministries. So far this year, our Grand Annual Collection has raised $64,000! Thank you! But I still need your help in raising $11,000 by the end of the fiscal year on June 30th! If every parish family gives another $20 between now and then, we will reach our goal, balance our budget, and ensure the financial security of our parish for another year!

Anyone who knows me knows that economy and thrift were taught to me at an early age. My parents worked day and night to provide for our family and make ends meet. Believe me, we are doing all we can to control expenses. In the end, however, the long-term financial stability and pastoral viability of Holy Family Parish is in our hands. We are solely responsible for our own fundraising and for paying all of our own bills. The future of our beloved home parish depends entirely on parishioners like you and me! Your support matters more than ever!

During the next seven weeks, please pray that each one of us, according to our means, will give generously to this all-important fundraising effort. Every small donation makes a big difference! You can place your donation in an envelope marked Holy Family Grand Annual Collection and drop it in the basket at any weekend Mass; or mail it to the following address: Holy Family Parish, 74 Pleasant Street, Gloucester, Massachusetts 01930. As always, if you have questions or need more information, please remember that you are always welcome to contact me at frjim@ccgronline.com. Finally, please pray for me and for our pastoral team. Be assured of our daily prayers for you and your family. May God and all who live, work, and worship in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport! Happy Mother’s Day! Peace, blessings, and heartfelt thanks to all! — Father Jim

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

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Call to Worship
Ascension of the Lord
Thursday, May 18th

A Holy Day of Obligation