This Week’s Message
A Prayer for Our Country
By Cardinal Blaise Cupich
We praise you, God of all creation.
Quicken in us a resolve to protect your handiwork.
You are the source of every blessing
that graces our lives and our nation.
We pray that you help us to truly understand
and answer the sacred call of citizenship.
We are a nation composed of every people and culture,
united not by ties of blood,
but by the profound aspirations
of life, freedom, justice, and unbound hope.
These aspirations are why our forebears
saw America as a beacon of hope.
And with your steady guidance, Lord,
may we remain so today.
In every generation, we are called
to renew these aspirations,
to re-weave the fabric of America.
We do so when we live out the virtues
that dwell in our hearts,
but also when we confront our failures
to root out ongoing injustices in our national life,
especially those created by moral blindness
and fear of the other.
We pray for peace,
especially for people suffering the senselessness of war.
But as we pray, we must also act,
for building up the common good takes work.
It takes love.
And so we pray:
May our nation become more fully
a builder of peace in our wounded world
with the courage to imagine
and pursue a loving future together.
May we as individual Americans become more fully
the instruments of God’s peace.
Guide us, Lord, in taking up responsibility
to forge this new chapter of our nation’s history.
Let it be rooted in the recognition that for us,
as for every generation,
unity triumphing over division
is what advances human dignity and liberty.
Let it be propelled by the women and men
elected to serve in public life,
who know that service is the mark of true leadership.
Let this new chapter of our nation’s history
be filled with overwhelming hope,
a hope that refuses to narrow our national vision,
but rather, as Pope Francis, has said,
‘to dream dreams and see visions’
of what by your grace our world can become.
We ask all of this, trusting in your ever provident care for us.
Amen.
About the Author: Cardinal Blaise Cupich serves as Archbishop of Chicago
CCGR Weekly Newsletter (10-27-24)
Bringing Home the Word (10-27-24)
The Kids Bulletin (10-27-24)
New!
Take a Stand!
Letters to My Country IV
By Brother Patrick
assisiproject.com
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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
Begins Saturday, November 2nd
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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The Assisi Project
Our Lady of Good Voyage
Saturday, November 2nd
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 have been focusing our prayers and reflections on the Blessed Mother as she is depicted in the windows of our beloved church. We do not focus so much on the art and architecture of the windows, but on the deep devotion and spirituality of each image of Mary.
Last spring, we prayed with Our Lady of Good Voyage as patroness of fishermen, mariners, and travelers. But in November, the Month of All Saints and All Souls, we will pray with the Blessed Mother as one who accompanies us on the journey from this life to eternal life. In this spirit, all friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join us for the Mother’s Heart: A Morning of Prayer with Our Lady of Good Voyage on Saturday, November 2nd beginning with Mass at 8:00am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church.
After Mass, Brother Patrick will offer a brief reflection on perhaps a new way of venerating Our Lady of Good Voyage. We will then offer a Rosary for Peace featuring prayers by Pope Francis. We will also have time for comments, questions, and faith sharing. Coffee and refreshments in the hall will follow our program. We hope and pray that you will be able to join us for this special morning of prayer and devotion!
For more information about the Assisi Project and its good work in our parishes; or if you would like us to pray for you, your family, or your special intention, please contact Brother Patrick at brpatrick@ccgronline.com. Spread the word! Bring a friend! All are invited! All are welcome! May the Lord give you peace!
Learn More: The Assisi Project
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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 9th 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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A Prayer for Life
Respect Life Month
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 greater 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.
Words of Wisdom from Cardinal Sean
The Catholic Church’s consistent life ethic
is a great service to society.
It is our task to witness to the truth
that love, compassion, and solidarity
can build a just society that will be safer
for the unborn and for those on the periphery (2014).
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We Share
Safe & Easy Electronic Giving
Good will come to those who are generous (Psalm 112:5).
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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