Twenty years ago, I processed to the altar at Saint Anthony Church in Cambridge in order to celebrate my First Mass as a priest. I reverenced the altar, stepped up to the presider’s chair, and waited for the conclusion of the opening hymn. I greeted everyone with a thunderous “Good morning!” And then it happened. The people responded with an equally thunderous “Good morning, Father Jim!” They nearly knocked me over with their enthusiasm! I literally took a step a back and took a deep breath as the reality hit me: “Father Jim!” Oh! My! God!

One day earlier, Bishop Richard Lennon (1947-2019) ordained me to the diocesan priesthood. I knew well that the Sacrament of Holy Orders bestowed upon me the grace of priesthood. However, it was at this First Mass in my beloved home parish that the reality of my vocation became truly real for me. And everyday since then, the beauty and responsibility of God’s calling has been continually renewed and strengthened by God’s love and by the love and support of my friends, my family, and my fellow parishioners.

Looking back over these past twenty years, I can safely say that I have celebrated more than 15,000 Masses; more than 6,000 baptisms, more than 1,000 funerals, and more than 400 weddings. I have heard countless confessions, offered countless Our Fathers and Hail Marys, given and received an untold numbers of hugs, smiles, and words of comfort and encouragement. I have prayed the covers off of the breviary that my parents gave to me shortly before my ordination. And I have wiped away more tears than there are stars in the sky.

My class of seminarians was ordained during a dark moment in the Catholic Church’s long and storied history. The clergy abuse crisis destroyed so many lives and drove an untold num- ber of our brothers and sisters from our faith communities. We may never see them again, but we must always pray for them and we must be ever-ready to care for them.

On the day of my ordination, I was interviewed by Eric Convey of the Boston Herald. So many years later, I am surprised that my answers to his questions would be the same now as they were back then. To one question, I responded: “I love the idea of faith and how people respond to God in different ways.” In answer to another question, I said: “I am going to go out there to meet people at whatever parish I am assigned and show them who I am as a person and that I am striving to be holy just as they are striving to be holy.” My job is not to preach at you. My job is to share God’s boundless love and mercy with you and with anyone and everyone who enters our churches. My job is to welcome them home.

It is difficult to know whether or not this priest in middle age measures up to the young priest with the full head of hair. It hard to know whether or not I have failed or succeeded in living up to God’s plan for my life. Sometimes I move too fast. Sometimes I work too hard. Sometimes I think you deserve better. More often, I feel so blessed that we found each other on life’s long journey home to heaven. In the end, I hope that I have helped every person, every family, and every parish reach out to grasp the hand of God, who loves us all so very much. As our journey together continues, I pray that we will continue to help each other as we strive to live the Gospel, share God’s love, and rebuild the Church. From my heart, thank you for helping me to be a better man and a better priest. Peace, blessings, and much love to all!

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

With hearts full of love and gratitude, our pastoral team, in communion with our friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners, wishes to thank Father Jim for his selfless, tireless, and energetic service to the People of God in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport. If you would like to congratulate our pastor with a card or gift, please mail it to the following address: Father Jim Achadinha, 74 Pleasant Street, Gloucester, MA 01930. May God bless you, Father Jim! Thank you for all you do for all of us!

CCGR Weekly Newsletter (5-21-23)
Bringing Home the Word (5-21-23)
The Kids Bulletin (5-21-23)

Art Credit: Bernardo Ramonfour – Dreamstime – Image 61827121

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Call to Prayer
A Prayer by Saint Anthony

From Father Jim’s Ordination Prayer Card