Love & Respect Every Life

In our times, a special obligation binds us
to make ourselves the neighbor of every person without exception
and of actively helping him when he comes across our path,
whether he be an old person abandoned by all,
a foreign laborer unjustly looked down upon,
a child born of an unlawful union,
and wrongly suffering for a sin he did not commit,
or a hungry person who disturbs our conscience
by recalling the Lord’s voice:
“As long as you did it for one of the least of my brethren,
you did it for me (Matthew 25:40).”

Furthermore, whatever is opposed to life itself,
such as any type of murder, genocide, abortion,
euthanasia, or willful self-destruction,
whatever violates the integrity of the human person,
such as mutilation, torments inflicted on the body or mind,
attempts to coerce the will itself; whatever insults human dignity,
such as subhuman living conditions,
arbitrary imprisonment, deportation,
slavery, prostitution, the selling of women and children;
as well as disgraceful working conditions,
where men are treated as mere tools for profit,
rather than as free and responsible persons;
all of these things and others of their like are infamies indeed.
They poison society, but they do more harm
to those who practice them
than those who suffer from the injury.
Moreover, they supremely dishonor the Creator.

Respect and love ought to be extended also
to those who think or act differently than we do
in social, political, and even religious matters.
In fact, the more deeply we come to understand their ways of thinking
through such courtesy and love,
the more easily we will be able to enter into dialogue with them…

The teaching of Christ even requires that we forgive injuries,
and extends the law of love to include every enemy,
according to the command of the new law:
“You have heard that it is said:
You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.
But I say to you: love your enemies,
do good to those who hate you,
and pray for those who persecute and defame you
(Matthew 5:43-44).”

Source: Gaudium et Spes (28-29)
Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World
Second Vatican Council (1965)

CCGR Weekly Newsletter (10-6-24)
Bringing Home the Word (10-6-24)
The Kids Bulletin (10-6-24)

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Our Lady’s Guild
Baked Bean & Linguica Supper
Saturday, October 19th

All friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join Our Lady’s Guild for a Baked Bean & Linguiça Supper on Saturday, October 19th from 7:00pm until 9:00pm in Our Lady’s Hall. A donation of $20 is requested for each adult and $10 for each child (age 10 and under). Our delicious and delectable menu, provided by Ribs Within of Gloucester, includes:

Pulled Pork
Hot Dogs
Baked Beans
Coleslaw

By popular demand, we will also serve linguiça sandwiches! We will have coffee, soft drinks, desserts, and a cash bar. We will have a 50-50 Raffle! And entertainment will be provided by the Gloucester Student Band! All proceeds will benefit Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish! For tickets or more information about this special event, please contact Beth Fosberry at jcbf33@yahoo.com, Linda Galvin at lindagalvin2010@gmail.com, or leave a message at 978-281-4820. Spread the word! Bring a friend! Bring your family! Please join us! All are welcome!

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Respect Life Month
A Prayer for Life

Most Holy Lord,
Creator of heaven and earth,
from your gentle hand flows
the gift of life.
To your sons and daughters
you have given the role of stewards
to care for all of your creation
from womb to tomb.

Hear us as we pray
for a great respect for all life
throughout the world:

That the unborn may be born.
That the child may be safe.
That the teen may be prepared.
That the young adult may be other-centered.
That the adult may be selfless.

That the aged may be revered.
That the dying may have dignity.
That the deceased may rest in peace.
That the resources of creation may be used well.
That all of your creation may be blessed.

Having served you loyally on earth,
may we obtain the rewards of everlasting life.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Words of Wisdom from Pope Francis

All life has inestimable value,
even the weakest and most vulnerable
the sick, the old, the unborn, and the poor
are masterpieces of God’s creation,
made in God’s own image,
destined to live forever, and deserving
of the utmost reverence and respect.

Pope Francis – July 28, 2013

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Halloween Faith & Family Mass
A Youth Faith Formation Special Event
Sunday, October 27th

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says: “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” In response to the Lord’s call, all parents, grandparents, and children of all ages are invited to join Father Jim for our annual Halloween Faith & Family Mass on Sunday, October 27th at 11:45am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church.

Halloween is often described as a pagan holiday, but this is contrary to its true meaning and authentic origins. The word ‘hallow’ actually means holy. All Hallows Eve is really a Catholic holiday with roots in both celebrating the lives of the saints and praying for the souls of our departed brothers and sisters.

At sunset on October 31st, the Catholic Church begins its celebration of the Solemnity of All Saints. So from the Vigil of All Saints on October 31st, through the Solemnity of All Saints on November 1st and the Commemoration of All Souls on November 2nd, God’s family prays with the saints and we pray for the souls of our loved ones.

Over the years, French, Irish, and English immigrants brought a variety of local Catholic customs to the United States. Dressing up in costumes for Halloween comes from France. Jack-O-Lanterns are from Ireland, where the faithful originally carved turnips, not pumpkins. And the tradition of going from door to door begging for sweets and treats was born in England, where children were given “soul cakes” in exchange for the promise to pray for the souls of departed loved ones. Eventually, these traditions came together in the American Melting Pot and became part of almost every family’s Halloween tradition.

Now it’s our turn to continue this annual tradition! On Sunday, October 27th at 11:45am, we will celebrate Holy Mass in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. After Mass, all are welcome to join us outside on the church lawn where our pastoral team, parish groups, and parish service organizations will offer treats to the kids! Parents and children are invited to wear costumes!

If celebrated with hearts filled with faith, Halloween can be a enjoyable and wholesome experience for your family and our entire community! It offers us an amazing opportunity to teach our children about the realities of good and evil, light and darkness, and the ultimate triumph of God’s love and mercy in our world! For more information, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com. Mark your calendar! Spread the word! Please join us! All are invited! All are welcome!

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Living the Gospel
Sacrament of Baptism
Gateway to Life in the Spirit

The Sacrament of Baptism is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation in the Roman Catholic Church. The two others are Holy Eucharist and Confirmation. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism, we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission (CCC 1213).” In September, Father Jim baptized the following young disciples:

Ronnie Lee Carpenter
Halina Anna Lesch
Rosalie Mae Molly
Ellisa Page Napolitano
Milo Jules Tuden

The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated during any Sunday Mass at 10:00am in Saint Joachim Church; on the second Saturday of the month at 11:30am in Saint Ann Church; and on the third Saturday of the month at 11:30am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church.

For more information about having your child or grandchild baptized in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, please contact Sheila McCarthy-Durkin at smccarthy@ccgronline.com. If you are an adult (age 18 and over) and have not received the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, First Eucharist, and-or Confirmation), please contact Brother Patrick at brpatrick@ccgronline.com. Our sacramental preparation program for adults, called The Way, begins this weekend after the 8:15am Mass!

As a community united in prayer, fellowship, and service, we pray for all of our newly baptized young disciples; and for all of their parents, godparents, and grandparents! Peace, blessings, and congratulations to all!

Learn More: Sacrament of Baptism (1 Minute)

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The Assisi Project
Intercessory Prayer Ministry

Founded in 2007 by Father Jim and Brother Patrick, the Assisi Project is a Fellowship of Franciscans in Spirit with members, friends, and followers around the world. We are dedicated to helping believers of all ages and backgrounds more faithfully live the Good News of Christ in the spirit of Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi.

Members of the Assisi Project, who range in age from 16 to 100, pray each day for all who ask us to pray for them. During this Year of Prayer, we also pray with Pope Francis for peace in our world and for unity in our church. Please join us! New members are always welcome!

If you would like us to pray for you or your special intention, please contact Brother Patrick at brpatrick@assisiproject.com. Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us! Saint Clare of Assisi, pray for us! Our Lady of the Angels, pray for us! May the Lord give you peace!

Learn More: The Assisi Project

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We Share
Safe & Easy Electronic Giving

The only safe rule is to give more than we can spare. — C.S. Lewis

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 Shirley Edmonds