Our Pastor’s Message
A Seamless Garment of Life
By Father Jim
The Roman Catholic Church professes a consistent ethic of life as we believe that every human person is created in the image and likeness of God; and that Christ lived, died, and rose for each and every one of us. In this way, every person, without exception, is sacred and loved unconditionally by God who is Creator of heaven and earth and Master of the universe.
In 1971, Eileen Egan (1912-2000), the founder of an organization that would become known as Pax Christi USA, first likened this consistent ethic of life to the seamless garment that Jesus wore but was not torn by his tormenters (See John 19:23). And in 1984, Cardinal Joseph Bernardin (1928-1996), Archbishop of Chicago, delivered a series of lectures that gave full voice to the Church’s belief in the sanctity of every human life from conception until natural death.
Cardinal Bernardin, a soft-spoken and deeply prayerful priest, spoke initially against abortion and nuclear weapons. But he soon expanded the scope of the seamless garment to include assisted suicide, capital punishment, education, euthanasia, health care, poverty, torture, and war. Cardinal Bernardin argued that each of these issues is complex and different, but they are all linked because the intrinsic value of human life is at the center of each one. He said: “When human life is considered ‘cheap’ or easily expendable in one area, eventually nothing is held as sacred and all lives are in jeopardy.” As a Catholic and as a citizen, I could not agree more.
In a few weeks, we will be faced with the challenge of voting for a new president. Although I have been asked many times about which candidate Catholics should support, I agree with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) that it is not the place of a priest or bishop to endorse a candidate or political party. At the same time, it is part of my charism and obligation as a pastor to share the teachings of the Church with all fellow parishioners.
Overall, it seems clear that neither candidate for president professes a consistent ethic of life that reflects the fullness of Catholic teaching. Likewise, neither candidate represents the principles of the seamless garment as proposed by theologians like Egan and Bernardin. This is understandable because politics is a human endeavor and human beings are imperfect. At the same time, Catholics are called to be moved by mercy, accept differences, love each other, and give witness to the gospel.
Before voting, we should perhaps pray with these questions: Do we believe in the sanctity of human life? Do we believe in defending our most vulnerable brothers and sisters: the aged, the unborn, the condemned, the disabled, the poor and the sick, the migrant and the refugee? Do we believe that taking a human life through cruelty, neglect, indifference, or punishment is unjust? Do we believe that a respect for life involves sharing God’s love with all people, no matter who they are, what they are, or where they are from? If we answer ‘yes’ to these questions, then we take a step closer toward protecting the seamless garment of life. As the election draws near, let us pray for our country, for our leaders, and for each other.
Reverend James M. Achadinha, Pastor
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: frjim@ccgronline.com
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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. 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
Our defense of the innocent unborn
needs to be clear, firm, and passionate,
for at stake is the dignity of a human life,
which is always sacred…
Equally sacred, however, are the lives of the poor,
those already born, the destitute,
the abandoned, underprivileged, vulnerable infirm,
and elderly exposed to covert euthanasia,
the victims of human trafficking,
new forms of slavery, and every form of rejection.
Pope Francis – Rejoice & Be Glad (101)
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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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Our Lady of Good Voyage
Our Lady’s Guild
Monday, November 4th
Our Lady’s Guild will gather on Monday, November 4th at 6:30pm in Our Lady’s Hall. After a business meeting, we’ll share a fun game of Left-Right-Center, so remember to bring your one dollar bills! For more information about Our Lady’s Guild and its good work in our parish, please contact Beth Fosberry at jcbf33@yahoo.com. Join us! New members are always welcome!
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Our Lady of Good Voyage
Fried Dough Breakfast & Yard Sale
Saturday, November 9th
All friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish for a Fried Dough Breakfast & Fall Yard Sale on Saturday, November 11th from 9:00am until 12:00pm in Our Lady’s Hall. Coffee, tea, and our famous fried dough will be served. Loaves of sweetbread will also be available for sale. After filling up on a delicious breakfast, all are welcome to browse our yard sale table and take a chance on various raffles. For more information, please contact Beth Fosberry at jcbf33@yahoo.com. Please join us! All are welcome!
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Holy Family Parish
Annual Christmas Fair
Saturday, November 23rd
All are invited to join Holy Family Parish for our Annual Christmas Fair on Saturday, November 23rd from 9:00am until 2:00pm in Saint Ann Church Hall. This year’s fair will feature various sale tables including homemade holiday baked goods, Bea’s Raffle, Christmas decorations, and our world famous basket wheel. In addition, raffle tickets are now available for cash prizes, a homemade quilt, Lenox China and an Apple iPad. Please join us in helping to make this year’s fair our most successful ever! For more information please contact Lydia Bertolino at bertolino4@msn.com. Save the date! All are invited! All are welcome!
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Holy Family Parish
Christmas Fair Basket Wheel
Now Accepting Donations
Our world famous basket wheel is the biggest fundraiser at our biggest fundraising event of the year! But our success depends on donations from friends and fellow parishioners! So, all are invited to create and donate a $25 theme basket for crafts, movie nights, school snow days, holiday gift wrap, or summer barbecues. For more information, please contact Stephanie Tashj at 978-857-7994. Help us keep the basket wheel spinning! Thanks in advance for your generous support!
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Holy Family Parish
Cemetery Baskets & Kissing Balls
Now Accepting Orders
As part of the Christmas Fair, the Holy Family Women’s Guild is working again with Cressey & Sons in Rowley to offer for sale both Christmas Cemetery Baskets and Christmas Kissing Balls! Each log-shaped basket is $30 and each decorated kissing ball is $35. Orders are now being accepted until November 17th. For more information or purchases, please contact Cecelia Gray at 978-281-2072 or Jane Marshall at 978-283-5111. Thanks in advance for your generous support!
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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 Reverend John L. Sullivan