Eye Contact with Jesus
By Kathleen M. Basi
One ordinary afternoon, I pulled up to a stoplight — an ordinary mom driving an ordinary minivan with three small children chattering away in the back seat. Beside our minivan stood a man in a camouflage jacket holding a cardboard sign that read: “Homeless. Hungry. Anything helps.”
At moments like these, the wisdom of the world wrestles with the wisdom of Christ. You are not supposed to give beggars money because they might use it to buy drugs. Instead, you are supposed to support the shelters that care for them. Still, I cannot escape the conviction that when Jesus said, “Whatever you did for the least of these (Matthew 25:40),” he did not intend for us to just scatter our largesse from a safe distance. He meant for us to take a risk and look into his face, person to person. But we hardly ever do. We stare straight ahead and pretend that we don’t even see them because eye contact with a beggar is a signal that we are ready to open our wallets.
As I gripped the steering wheel in my agony of indecision, I realized the noise in the back had shifted. My children were waving enthusiastically at the homeless man while they laughed and shouted: “Hi! Hi! Hi!” In that moment, Jesus’ words about becoming like children rang in my mind: “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3).” It was in this moment that those words made sense for the first time. My children are better Christians than I am, I thought.
Obviously, it is easier for kids than for us. We are the ones who have money to give. We know or we think we know the whole story: the mental illnesses, the addictions, and the bad choices that land people in such a place. Kids do not get caught up in that, so they simply acknowledge the face of Christ. Maybe that is why Jesus urged us to be childlike.
All too often, adults see a problem, and without realizing it, throw a roadblock in the way of solutions. Perhaps our mission as a Church is to stop focusing on the obstacles and strip every question down to essentials: How do I acknowledge the face of Christ? After all, the face of poverty is the face of Christ. And regardless of where I give money, I still have a responsibility to acknowledge his presence.
These days, I keep a few singles in my wallet and roll down the window when I see someone begging at a stoplight. Maybe that person will use the money wisely, maybe not. I am certainly not giving enough to help much. But at least it gives me the reason to be a bit more childlike — and make eye contact with Jesus.
About the Author: Kathleen M. Basi is a composer, musician, essayist, and disa- bility rights activist. She is also a wife and mother of four children, one of whom lives with Down Syndrome. Kathleen is a contributor to Bringing Home the Word, a weekly newsletter that features suggestions for prayer and reflection at home. A new edition is posted every weekend at the link below.
CCGR Weekly Newsletter (8-18-24)
Bringing Home the Word (8-18-24)
The Kids Bulletin (8-18-24)
New!
A Video Message to the People of Rhode Island
From Archbishop-Elect Richard Henning
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Our Lady of Good Voyage
Summer Carillon Concerts
Friday, August 23rd
A much-loved summer tradition is returning to Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish and the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport! Our Summer Carillon Concerts begin on Friday, August 23rd at 6:30pm! This year, Luann Pallazola, Cynthia Cafasso, and Thomas Dort have prepared programs that include familiar classical and international music, popular hymns and songs, patriotic melodies, and selections especially for children!
Installed in 1922, the carillon bells at Our Lady of Good Voyage Church are the first tone set ever in the United States. The carillon’s thirty-one bronze bells hang from a steel beam within the bell-shaped west tower. Our bells range in weight from 16 pounds to 3,000 pounds.
The carillon bells at Our Lady of Good Voyage were forged by the Taylor Foundry in Loughboro, England. In order to avoid import taxes upon their arrival in Gloucester, the church was declared a bonded warehouse by the Collector of Customs in Boston, who happened to be a friend of the local congressman. Soon after, a bill declaring them “works of art” was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Warren G. Harding.
Although the bells can be heard from blocks away, the sound is always best near our church. Once again this year, Our Lady’s Guild will be selling cold drinks, snacks, and raffle tickets to support the parish. Our Summer Carillon Concerts are an awesome opportunity for the whole family to gather with friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners to enjoy the gift of music. Concerts are scheduled for Friday, August 23rd at 6:30pm and Friday, August 30th at 6:30pm.
For more information about these special events, please contact Luann Pallazola at lpallazola@gmail.com. Save the dates! Spread the word! Bring your family! Bring a friend! Please join us! All are invited! All are welcome!
Watch: Luann Plays the Carillon
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Youth Faith Formation
First Holy Communion Preparation
Begins Sunday, September 22nd
The Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport offers a creative and innovative way for children to prepare for the Sacraments of Reconciliation (Confession) and First Holy Communion (Eucharist). Our program is designed to prepare both children and their parents for the sacraments, encourage lifelong relationships with Jesus and the Catholic Church, and help each and every family grow together in prayer, fellowship, and service.
First, we focus on inviting families to attend one of our six weekend Masses. Second, all second grade students and their parents or guardians are asked to attend seven Young Disciples Workshops in Our Lady’s School and seven Faith Family Workshops in Our Lady’s Church.
During our Young Disciples Workshops, the children will gather with Betsy Works and a team of dedicated catechists and volunteers. At our Faith & Family Workshops, Father Jim leads the whole family in sessions that focus on some important aspect of the sacraments and their relationship with the sacred scriptures.
At both workshops, the children and their parents will learn about the Bible, the Mass, the Eucharist, and the meaning of penance and reconciliation by reading children’s literature and engaging in hands-on activities like arts and crafts, food and music, and prayer.
All students, beginning in the second grade, are invited to participate in our program. And all families with children eligible for our program are encouraged to attend a Family Mass & Meeting on Sunday, September 22nd beginning at 11:00am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. At this meeting, parents can complete a registration form and receive our complete schedule for the year.
If you have questions or need more information about youth faith formation in Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish, please contact Betsy Works at bworks@ccgronline.com. Please pray for our young disciples and their families! Peace and blessings to all! All are invited! All are welcome!
Learn More: Eucharist (Short Video)
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Adult Faith Formation
The Way
Begins Sunday, October 6th
I am the way, the truth, and the life. — John 14:6
The Way was the among the earliest names for the 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 Sacra- ment 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!
Beginning on October 6th, our group will gather on the first and second Sunday mornings of each month for Mass at 8:15am in Saint Ann Church, followed by 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. 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 Brother Patrick at brpatrick@ccgronline.com. Please join us! Spread the word! All are invited! All are welcome!
Learn More: Confirmation (Short Video)
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Sharing God’s Love
Weekday Worship
Let’s Pray Together!
In the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, the celebration of Holy Mass is the wellspring of our community’s joy and the guiding light of our shared life of prayer, fellowship, and service. All are welcome to join us for Mass and to receive Holy Communion in accordance with a personal examination of conscience and the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. In addition to our weekend schedule, we also pray together throughout the week.
Wednesday Evenings
Rosary at 5:00pm
Mass at 5:30pm
Followed by Confessions & Eucharistic Adoration
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church
Thursday & Friday Mornings
Rosary at 7:30am
Mass at 8:00am
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church
First Saturday of the Month
Rosary at 7:30am
Mass at 8:00am
Followed by the Assisi Project
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church
Always Available
Watch: Sunday Mass with Father Jim
Watch: Rosary with Father Jim
In addition, all friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners are invited to join us for a few moments of prayer and reflection each day at ccgronline.com/resources. Our website feature free and high quality resources for children and families, daily prayer resources for adults, news about Pope Francis and the Church around the world, and many other resources to help us grow closer to Christ and closer to each other. There’s something new every single week! For more information, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com. Please join us! All are invited! All are welcome!
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Words of Wisdom
From Pope Francis
Brothers and sisters,
faith and prayer, when they are true,
open the mind and the heart; they do not close them.
When you find a person who is closed in their mind, in prayer,
that faith and that prayer are not true (8-11-24).
Learn More: Vatican News Service
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WeShare
Safe & Easy Electronic Giving
Wealth comes from helping others. — Cesar Chavez
Electronic giving has become an essential part 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 addition to the weekly offering, you can also give electronically to our church restoration funds which help us plan for the repair and maintenance of our four beloved and historic churches.
Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish always need your generous support! Please prayerfully considering enrolling in our electronic giving program! For more information about creating a new account or assistance with an existing account, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com. Peace, blessings, and sincere thanks to all!
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 family 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!
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In Memory of Deborah Requejo