This Week’s Message
Little Sister of the Poor
By Brother Patrick
In 1796, Joseph Jugan, a fisherman, was lost at sea. In the aftermath of the French Revolution, which was vehemently anti-Catholic, Marie Jugan somehow managed to provide food, shelter, and religious instruction for her eight children. Among the children, Jeanne (born in 1792) worked as a shepherd and taught herself to knit and spin wool for extra money. She also served as a maid for a Catholic noblewoman who brought her along on visits to the poor and the sick.
As a young adult, Jeanne declined at least two serious proposals of marriage. She said that she was called to do God’s work, even though she admitted that her calling was to “a work that is not yet founded.” For six years, Jeanne worked as a nurse. She then worked for twelve years as a household servant during which she began to care for the poor and to instruct local children in the catechism.
In 1837, Jeanne and two other women rented a small house and dedicated their lives to prayer, religious instruction, and assisting the poor. Two years later, they offered housing and nursing care to first one, then two, and ultimately forty elderly women in an abandoned convent. In 1839, Jeanne Jugan became the founder of the Little Sisters of the Poor who formally dedicated themselves to caring for women in need. When Jeanne Jugan died in 1879, after eighty-six years of life, her order already had spread all around the world.
Believe it or not, Jeanne Jugan did not write anything that has survived. But many of her sayings have been handed down through the years by those who knew her and by those who were inspired to continue her good work:
Be very little before God.
My Good Jesus, I have only you.
Refuse God nothing…We must do everything with love.
If God is with us, then it will be accomplished.
My little ones, never forget that the poor are our Lord.
In caring for the poor, say to yourself:
This is for my Jesus — what a great grace!
Love God very much,
so that you may take good care of the elderly,
for it is Jesus whom you care for in them.
The Hail Mary will take us to heaven.
Saint Jeanne Jugan was beatified in 1982 by Pope John Paul II; and canonized in 2009 by Pope Benedict XVI. She is venerated as patron of her order and as a patron of women, fraternal love, and service to the poor. Her feast is celebrated on August 30th. Saint Jeanne Jugan, pray for us and for our suffering world!
Brother Patrick Garvey
Associate Minister & Diocesan Hermit
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: brpatrick@ccgronline.com
Listen: Saint of the Day – Saint Jeanne Jugan
CCGR Weekly Newsletter (8-25-24)
Bringing Home the Word (8-25-24)
The Kids Bulletin (8-25-24)
New!
The Legend of Saint Clare
Episode 11 – Signs
An Assisi Project Podcast
assisiproject.com
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Our Lady of Good Voyage
Summer Carillon Concerts
Friday, August 30th
A much-loved summer tradition concludes for this season at Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish and the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport! Our Summer Carillon Concerts begin on Friday, August 30th at 6:30pm! 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. Our final concert of the summer seasons is scheduled for Friday, August 30th at 6:30pm. Rain or shine!
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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The Assisi Project
Our Lady, Queen of Martyrs
Saturday, September 7th
Welcome, Father Brian McHugh!
For more than one hundred years, the stained glass windows in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church have inspired men and women of faith to reflect on the Blessed Virgin Mary under her various titles and patronages. Under her mantle, generations of good and hardworking people have found comfort, consolation, and the strength to carry on during challenging times.
Throughout this year, Father Jim, Brother Patrick, and the Assisi Project are focusing our prayers and reflections on the Blessed Mother as she is depicted in the windows of our beloved church. We will not focus so much on the art and architecture of the windows, but on the deep devotion and spirituality inspired by each image of Mary.
In this spirit, all are invited to join us for the Mother’s Heart: A Morning of Prayer with Our Lady, Queen of Martyrs on Saturday, September 7th beginning with Mass at 8:00am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. After Mass, Father Brian McHugh, Episcopal Vicar for the North Region of the Archdiocese of Boston will offer a brief reflection on Our Lady, Queen of Martyrs.
The Virgin Mary has been long associated with martyrdom because of her suffering as an eyewitness to the pas- sion and death of our Lord Jesus Christ. Although not mentioned in the Gospels, the image of the Blessed Mother holding the tortured body of the Poor Christ emphasizes her strength in supporting her Son’s redemptive mission. In 1587, Pope Sixtus V included the title of Queen of Martyrs in the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
For more information about the Assisi Project and its good work in our parishes, please contact Brother Patrick at brpatrick@assisiproject.com. Save the date! Spread the word! Bring a friend! Please join us! All are invited! All are welcome! Our Lady, Queen of Martyrs, pray for us! May the Lord give you peace!
Learn More: The Assisi Project
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Mother of Grace Club
Annual Mass & Benediction
Sunday, September 8th
The Mother of Grace Club invites all members, friends, and fellow parishioners within and beyond the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport to join us for our Annual Mass in Commemoration of the Nativity of the Blessed Mother on Sunday, September 8th at 8:15am in Saint Ann Church. After Mass, we will pray the Holy Rosary during a period of Eucharistic Adoration and conclude with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
In preparation for this Mass, we will pray a nightly novena beginning on Friday, August 30th at 7:00pm at the Mother of Grace Club on Washington Street in Gloucester. For more information about these special events and the good work of the Mother of Grace Club in our community, please contact Margherita at 978-281-0012. Please join us! Bring a friend! All are invited! All are welcome!
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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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Words of Wisdom
From Saint Jeanne Jugan
Jesus is waiting for you in church.
Go, find him when your strength and patience give out,
when you feel lonely and helpless.
Say to him: ‘My Jesus, you know well what is happening.
I have only you. Come to my assistance.’
Then go on your way.
Do not worry about how you will manage.
It is enough to have told our Good Lord Jesus.
He has an excellent memory.
Saint Jeanne Jugan, pray for us!
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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 Reverend Thomas P. Donohoe