This Week’s Message
Life Is Good. Life Is Gift
By Paige Byrne Shortal
October is Respect Life Month. Respecting life begins with the understanding that life is good and that it is a gift directly from God — not from our parents or the government that should help protect and nurture it — but from God.
Life is good when it feels good and when it does not. Life is good when we are young and feel great and when we are old and sick. Life is good because it is God’s gift. All life: the child in the womb, the criminal waiting for execution, the terminally ill hoping for heaven, the soldier on the battlefield, the person you see in the mirror when you are grieving or depressed or just plain tired. All life is gift. All life is good.
Catholic leaders have said this clearly many times. In an address to the participants at the Twelfth General Assembly of the Pontifical Academy for Life in 2006, Pope Benedict XVI said: “God’s love does not differentiate between the newly conceived infant still in his or her mother’s womb and the child or young person, or the adult and the elderly person. God does not distinguish between them because he sees an impression of his own image and likeness in each one (See Genesis 1:26).”
This is part of the secret of respecting all life. To see every human being as precious because they are an impression of God, a facet of God’s image that no one else has ever or will ever reflect. As I love my grandchildren and see in them my sons when they were little, so does God see in each one of us his Son, Jesus. And we are all called to see as God sees.
Politics seems to force a demonic choice about whose life we protect and whose we take with legal sanction. Do you side with those who would protect the unborn and the terminally ill? Or do you side with those who would seek alternatives to war and the death penalty? Is this not a peculiar choice fashioned by the evil one? Our Church leaders have been consistent in speaking out for all life, but sadly, we Catholics have too often presented an inconsistent and divided rhetoric. We thus lose our credibility and our power to influence.
What does the Catholic Church teach about abortion, euthanasia, war, and the death penalty? Read the Catechism of the Catholic Church (2258-2330) and many statements from our bishops (such as the one below).
Living the Gospel of Life
Adopting a consistent ethic of life, the Catholic Church promotes a broad spectrum of issues seeking to protect human life and promote human dignity from the inception of life to its final moment. Opposition to abortion and euthanasia does not excuse indifference to those who suffer from poverty, violence, and injustice. Any politics of human dignity must seriously address issues of racism, poverty, hunger, employment, education, housing, and health care. Therefore, Catholics should eagerly involve themselves as advocates for the weak and marginalized in all these areas (Source: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops).
CCGR Weekly Newsletter (10-13-24)
Bringing Home the Word (10-13-24)
The Kids Bulletin (10-13-24)
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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 lingalv2010@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
We are called to reach out
to those who find themselves
in the existential peripheries of our societies
and to show particular solidarity
with the most vulnerable of our brothers and sisters:
the poor, the disabled, the unborn, the sick,
migrants and refugees, the elderly, and the young.
Pope Francis – October 4, 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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Solemnity of All Saints
Friday, November 1st
A Holy Day of Obligation
Since late antiquity, the People of God have honored the holy men and women who have been canonized as saints in the Roman Catholic Church. The Solemnity of All Saints honors all saints, known and unknown, who have lived before us in faith, hope, and love; and who now pray for us and for the salvation of souls. In commemoration of this Holy Day of Obligation on Friday, November 1st, the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport will celebrate Mass according to the following schedule:
- Saint Joachim Church at 8:00am
- Saint Ann Church at 12:00pm
- Our Lady of Good Voyage Church at 5:30pm
For more information about the Solemnity of All Saints, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com. Please join us! All are invited! All are welcome!
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Month of All Souls
Masses of Remembrance
During November, the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport will celebrate Masses of Remembrance for family, friends, and parishioners whose funerals were celebrated in our parishes this year. Here’s our schedule:
- Mass of Remembrance I
Saturday, November 2nd at 4:00pm
Saint Ann Church - Mass of Remembrance II
Sunday, November 3rd at 11:45am
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church - Mass of Remembrance III
Sunday, November 10th at 10:00am
Saint Joachim Church
For more information about the Month of All Souls, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com. Please join us! All are invited! All are welcome!
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Saint Vincent de Paul Society
Help Us Help Others
The Saint Vincent de Paul Society is an international organization that is dedicated to responding to any request from any person or family in need. Here on Cape Ann, we work through Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish to serve the poor and the needy. Help us help others! Donations can be pushed through the mail slot in the parish office, dropped in the collection basket at any Weekend Mass, or mailed to:
Saint Vincent de Paul Society
74 Pleasant Street
Gloucester, Massachusetts 01930
New members and volunteers are always welcome! For more information about the Saint Vincent de Paul Society and its good work in our parishes and hometowns, please contact Harry Miller at 978-281-8672 or Robert Weeks at svdpmember1@gmail.com. If you or someone you know needs our help, please call 978-281-8672. Thank you for your generous support for the Saint Vincent de Paul Society! May God bless you!
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We Share
Safe & Easy Electronic Giving
It is in giving that we receive. — Prayer of Saint Francis
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 Frank Ragusa