The September Pope
By Brother Patrick
In middle school, I delivered a local newspaper on my bicycle to approximately twenty-five families in a neighborhood that was carved out of the forest in a small town in Maine. Each day after school, I picked up the newspapers at the same time and at the same corner where the school bus stopped every morning and afternoon. One late September day, I unwrapped the papers and saw the headline: “The Pope Is Dead!”
Because Pope Paul VI had died in early August, my first thoughts were: “What now? Why did they leave old newspapers?” But then I noticed the photograph. The Holy Father was smiling. That’s when I realized that the dead pope was the new pope. I raced around the neighborhood, delivered the newspapers, and hurried home to show the headline to my parents.
At this time, there was no cable news, so we had to wait for Walter Cronkite to tell us that Pope John Paul I had died of a heart attack overnight. We were reminded that he had chosen the name to honor his immediate predecessors; and that he had pledged to continue their work by fully implementing the reforms of the Second Vatican Council. We were told that the Holy Father had served for just thirty-three days, the shortest reign in nearly four centuries.
Just one day before his passing, Pope John Paul I welcomed a large gathering of pilgrims to Saint Peter’s Square for his weekly general audience. The Holy Father reflected on a prayer that he learned from his mother and prayed everyday: “My God, with all my heart and above all things, I love you, our infinite good and eternal happiness; and for your sake, I love my neighbor as myself and forgive offenses received. O Lord, may I love you more and more. Amen.”
The pope told the crowd that the prayer’s final plea was key to living the Christian life. He said that whether we live in huts, houses, apartments, or skyscrapers, we are all called to love God with every fiber of our being; that our love for God must be a lifelong journey; and that this lifelong journey must lead to an ever deepening love for God and for our neighbor. The Holy Father said that we must “love God not a little, but so much; not to stop at the point at which we have now arrived, but with his help, to make progress in love.” These beautiful and challenging remarks were the smiling pope’s last words to the world.
Over the years, much has been written about Pope John Paul I’s sudden death. It is sad that conspiracy theorists have hijacked his life and legacy. His pontificate may have been brief, but his joyful service to the Church merits more attention. Although John Paul I never served as pastor of a parish, he undertook his assignments as a bishop, administrator, and seminary professor with the heart of a true shepherd. He dedicated himself to teaching the truths of the faith with love, good cheer, and in simple terms that could be understood by all people everywhere.
At his Beatification Mass, two years ago this week, Pope Francis said: “With a smile, Pope John Paul I managed to communicate the goodness of the Lord. How beautiful is a Church with a happy, serene, and smiling face, a Church that never closes doors or harbors resentments, does not grow angry or impatient, does not look dour or suffer nostalgia for the past, falling into an attitude of going backwards.” Pope Francis then asked his blessed predecessor to pray for all of us, that we might be offered the grace and courage to become who and what God calls us to be. Amen to that! Blessed Pope John Paul I, pray for us and for our suffering world!
Brother Patrick Garvey
Associate Minister & Diocesan Hermit
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: brpatrick@ccgronline.com
The Pope Video – September 2024
CCGR Weekly Newsletter (9-1-24)
Bringing Home the Word (9-1-24)
The Kids Bulletin (9-1-24)
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Call to Prayer
A Prayer for the Canonization
& Intercession of Blessed John Paul I
Let’s Pray Together!
Blessed Pope John Paul I,
you who with your word and example
taught us to live the grace of Baptism
and the gifts of faith, hope, and charity;
you who were a model of evangelical simplicity
and showed us the wisdom of humility;
you who as pope became close to all people,
and as a messenger of the Good News,
manifested your love for the poor
and witnessed the unfailing mercy of God,
who is father, even more, is mother;
you who pursued unity, dialogue, and peace
by following Christ, the Prince of Peace:
pray for the Church you so loved and served,
pray for us, your children,
and obtain for us from the Lord
the grace to follow you
on the path of virtues and beatitudes.
Grant now, O God,
through the intercession of Blessed Pope John Paul I,
the grace that we beg from you in faith,
and if it is your will,
allow him to be canonized
for the glory of your name
and the good of your Church.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever. Amen.
Learn More: Blessed Pope John Paul I
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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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Our Lady’s Guild
Celebrating 80 Years
Serving Since 1944
For eight decades, Our Lady’s Guild has worked to build community among women of all ages in Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish through prayer, good works, social activities, and fundraising events. The Guild begins its 80th Anniversary Year by inviting all members, friends, and fellow parishioners to join us for Mass on Saturday, September 7th at 6:00pm in Our Lady’s Church. During Mass, board members will be recognized and all members will receive a blessing from our pastor. Our opening free dinner is scheduled for Monday, September 9th at 6:30pm in Our Lady’s Hall. Please RSVP by contacting Cecelia Doucette at 978-281-2031. For more information about Our Lady’s Guild and its good work in our beloved parish, please contact Beth Fosberry at jcbf33@yahoo.com. New members are always 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 Blessed John Paul I
There are still so many good people,
so many honest people.
But what can be done to improve society?
Let each of us try to be good
and to infect others with a goodness
instilled with the meekness and love
taught by Christ.
Blessed Pope John Paul I, pray for us!
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WeShare
Safe & Easy Electronic Giving
Charity wins souls and draws them to virtue. — Saint Angela Merici
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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