This Week’s Message
Hope – Our Secret Weapon
By Brother Patrick
To hope is to believe in and pray for the future. To hope is to trust, desire, and expect that something good will happen eventually. To hope is to trust and believe in God’s closeness, compassion, and tenderness toward us and the whole world. Come what may, to hope is to dream about a better and brighter tomorrow.
Indeed, to hope is to long for heaven, to reach for heaven, to set our sights on heaven in all that we think, say, and do. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that hope is born in the human heart which is blessed by God with an “aspiration to happiness (CCC 1818)” that culminates in our desire for eternal life and peace (CCC 1817).
Hope, however, is not just about being cheerful and having a positive attitude. It is about facing the future with confidence in God’s mercy, God’s goodness, and God’s plan for our lives and eternal salvation. As Vaclav Havel (1936-2011) writes: “Hope is definitely not the same thing as optimism. It is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out (1986).” In this sense, hope is less about our happiness and more about making the best of our lives as they exist even during the hardest times.
During the coming Jubilee Year of Hope, which begins on Christmas Eve, Pope Francis calls us to become Pilgrims of Hope. He beckons us to be hopeful, to be peacemakers, and to be “weavers of goodness” in a sick, suffering, war-torn world. The Holy Father writes: “We must fan the flame of hope that has been given to us. We must help everyone gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, trusting heart, and prophetic vision. The forthcoming jubilee can contribute abundantly to the restoration of an atmosphere of hope and trust, and to the rebirth and renewal that we all so urgently desire (2-11-22).” Here again, hope is less about our happiness and more about working together for a better world.
In just a few weeks, an era of potentially dramatic political changes will begin in our country. Many people will rejoice at the changes. Many people with resist them. Either way, all of us must realize that no one is saved alone. We are all in the same boat. We are all brothers and sisters. We are all children of the Most High God. We are all obliged to love God and love each other. We are all charged with caring for the poor, the sick, and the left behind. We are all summoned, in the pope’s words, to be anchored in hope; to be signs of hope in our community; and to offer words of hope to those in need. We are all bid to walk with the Church on this pilgrimage of hope.
In April 1945, just three days after the sudden death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the new president spoke to a Joint Session of Congress. Still engaged in a long world war, President Harry S. Truman spoke against darkness, despair, and defeatism. He spoke instead about hope. He called it the “secret weapon” against the forces of aggression and oppression in the world. He said: “As long as hope remains, the spirit of man will never be crushed!” In our time, let us ask God for the grace, courage, and perseverance to kindle the fire of hope and to stoke that fire with our constant prayers and good works.
Brother Patrick Garvey
Associate Minister & Diocesan Hermit
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: brpatrick@ccgronline.com
CCGR Weekly Newsletter (12-15-24)
Bringing Home the Word (12-15-24)
The Kids Bulletin (12-15-24)
New!
Exception to the Rule
Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
An Assisi Project Podcast
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Call to Prayer
The Jubilee Prayer
Pilgrims of Hope
By Pope Francis
Father in heaven,
may the faith you have given us
in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,
and the flame of charity
enkindled in our hearts
by the Holy Spirit,
reawaken in us the blessed hope
for the coming of your kingdom.
May your grace transform us
into tireless cultivators
of the seeds of the gospel.
May those seeds transform from within
both humanity and the whole cosmos
in the sure expectation
of a new heaven and a new earth,
when with the powers of evil vanquished,
your glory will shine eternally.
May the grace of the jubilee
reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,
a yearning for the treasures of heaven.
May that same grace spread
the joy and peace of our Redeemer
throughout the whole earth.
To you our God, eternally blessed,
be glory and praise for ever. Amen.
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A Rosary for Peace
Featuring Prayers by Pope Francis
Saturday, December 14th at 5:00pm
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church
All are invited! All are welcome!
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Our Lady’s Guild
Annual Christmas Party
Monday, December 16th
Begins at 6:00pm in Our Lady’s Hall
Catered by the Causeway Restaurant
Bring a Dessert to Share!
RSVP by Saturday, December 14th at 12:00pm
Contact Celia Doucette at 978-281-2031
All are invited! All are welcome!
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Mass Intentions Book
Opens Thursday, December 19th
The Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport’s Mass Intentions Book will be opened on Thursday, December 19th from 9:00am until 10:30am in our parish office which is located at 74 Pleasant Street in Gloucester. On that day and time, parishioners will be welcome to book one Sunday Mass and one Weekday Mass at Saint Ann Church, Saint Joachim Church, or Our Lady of Good Voyage Church.
Please note that on Thursday, December 19th, all Mass intentions must be booked in person. No fax, mail, text, or telephone requests will be accepted. No exceptions. Any remaining daily and weekend Masses can be booked after January 1, 2025. For more information, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and support! Peace and blessings to all!
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Saints for All Seasons
Mini-Retreat Series
Saturday, December 21st
Now more than ever, we need to step back from the business and busyness of daily life and focus on our relationships with Jesus and those we are called to love. Unfortunately, few among us are able to leave behind home, work, and family for a real retreat from the responsibilities of the world. For this reason and for the fourth consecutive year, the Assisi Project is pleased to announce a special series of seasonal mini-retreats called Saints for All Seasons.
Throughout his long priestly ministry, Pope Francis has called people of all ages and backgrounds to learn about and pray with the saints. The Holy Father believes in his heart that the saints bring us closer to Christ, closer to the Church, and closer to each other. He says: “The saints are still here, not far from us; and their images [and relics] in our churches evoke the ‘cloud of witnesses’ that always surrounds us (cf. Hebrews 12:1)…The saints remind us that even in our lives, however weak and marked by sin, holiness can unfold (4-7-21).”
In this spirit of unfolding holiness, all are invited to join us in the next few months for a series of two hour mini-retreats. These times of prayer, reflection, and adoration will focus on the lives of amazing holy men and women: Jacopane of Todi, Saint Margaret of Cortona, Blessed Giles of Assisi, Blessed John of LaVerna, and Our Lady of the Angels. Each mini-retreat will begin with the celebration of Holy Mass. After Mass, Father Jim and Brother Patrick will offer a reflection on the life and veneration of a saint whose life of holiness and love of neighbor has inspired men and women all around the world.
After each reflection, we will pray in silent adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and in veneration of the holy images of each saint of the day. We will conclude by praying the Holy Rosary and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Here’s our schedule for the winter season:
- Jacopane of Todi
Saturday, December 21st
Begins with Mass at 8:00am
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church - Margaret of Cortona
Friday, February 21st
Begins with Mass at 5:30pm
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church - Our Lady of the Angels
Saturday, March 22nd
Begins with Mass at 8:00am
Saint Anthony Chapel
We hope and pray that you and your family will be able to join us for all or even just part of this special series in celebration of the saints which was so popular last year! For more information, please contact Brother Patrick at brpatrick@ccgronline.com. Save the dates! Spread the word! Bring a friend! All are invited! All are welcome!
Listen: Saint of the Day Podcast
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The Christmas Season
Our Worship Schedule
The Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport joyfully invites you and your family to join us for Holy Mass in celebration of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ at Christmas. Here’s our schedule:
- Christmas Eve
Tuesday, December 24th
Saint Ann Church at 4:00pm
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church at 6:00pm
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church at Midnight - Christmas Day
Wednesday, December 25th
Saint Ann Church at 8:15am
Saint Joachim Church at 10:00am
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church at 11:45am
Note: No Mass at 5:30pm - Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
Wednesday, January 1st
Saint Ann Church at 8:15am
Saint Joachim Church at 10:00am
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church at 11:45am
Note: No Mass at 5:30pm
All friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners are advised that we are no longer welcome to park in the Shaw’s Supermarket parking lot near Saint Ann Church. Violators are being towed. Please plan accordingly. On behalf of our pastor, senior priests, and pastoral team, we wish you peace, good health, and every happiness at Christmas and throughout the coming new year! Now more than ever, let’s pray together! All are welcome!
Watch: Christmas Mass – December 24th at 4:00pm
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Special Message of Thanks
to Some Very Musical People
By Father Jim
Our parishes are blessed with the gift of beautiful music! Whether praying with us during Mass, celebrating with us at weddings, grieving with us at funerals, or performing at special events throughout the year, our music ministers bless us by their talent, hard work, and dedication.
Two weekends ago, friends and fellow parishioners gathered in Saint Ann Church for the Annual Advent & Christmas Concert which is among our most cherished holiday traditions. It was a wonderful afternoon of choral and instrumental music that prepared our hearts to welcome the Christ Child at Christmas.
Our deepest thanks go to Tom Misuraca and LuAnn Pallazola for directing our adult music ministry. We thank each and every member of the choir for their ongoing gifts of time and talent. And we thank all of our fellow parishioners who joined us for this year’s concert!
All are reminded that ministries and programs like our adult choir are made possible by your generous support. Your weekly gifts are fuel that fires up the spirit in our parishes! If you missed the concert, you can watch it by clicking the link below. Thank you! Peace and blessings to all for a Merry Christmas! God bless us, everyone!
Watch: Advent & Christmas Concert 2024
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The Assisi Project
We Pray for You!
Founded in 2007, the Assisi Project is a Fellowship of Franciscans in Spirit that is dedicated to helping believers of all ages more faithfully live the Gospel of Christ in the spirit of Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi. Our members range in age from 16 to 100. We pray every day for all who have asked us for prayers. If you would like us to pray for you or your special intention, please contact Brother Patrick at brpatrick@assisiprojet.com or 978-281. May God bless you! May the Lord give you peace!
Learn More: The Assisi Project
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Winter Weather Advisory
The Season of Winter begins on Saturday, December 21st. For the latest information about weather related cancelations during the coming months, please visit this website. All are reminded that if public schools are closed due to inclement weather, all parish programs (including Weekday Masses) are canceled, too. Stay safe! Stay warm! Peace and blessings to all for a Merry Christmas! God bless us, everyone!
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Words of Wisdom for Advent
From Pope Francis
A good program for Advent
is to encounter Jesus coming
in every brother and sister who needs us
and to share with them what we can:
time, listening, concrete assistance.
Learn More: Vatican News Service
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We Share
Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give (Matthew 10:8)
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 Peter Russo