This Week’s Message
Truly Risen!
By Brother Patrick
As we read, pray with, and listen to the Gospel of Luke’s (24:1-12) account of the Resurrection of Christ, we might be struck that three young women first discover the Lord’s empty tomb. We might be gripped by the appearance of “two men in dazzling garments.” These mysterious figures are angels who are the first to declare: “He is not here, but he has been raised (Luke 24:6).” We might be puzzled by the doubts of the apostles. Or we might be mystified by what happens with Saint Peter.
Luke tells us that Mary, Joanna, and Mary Magdalene return to the Upper Room and announce the Lord’s resurrection. Among the disciples, only Peter seems to give their story credence. He rushes to the tomb, enters it, and finds it empty. All that remains is the burial shroud that covered the body. Luke then says about Peter: “He went home amazed at what had happened (Luke 24:12).” Given that Jesus had predicted his own death and resurrection, why is Peter so surprised?
Perhaps Peter is confused. In the Gospel of John (20:1-2), Mary Magdalene says that “they” have taken the body and moved it? Who are they? Where and why did they move him? In that gospel, Peter and John run together to the tomb. When they find it empty, we read that John “saw and believed (20:8).” Believed what? That Jesus was risen? Or merely that his body was moved or stolen? Why are the burial cloths still in the tomb? Why was the body unwrapped?
Some scripture scholars contend that this confusion is caused by how the gospels have been translated over the centuries. In some translations, the verse about Peter’s rush to the tomb is left out or appears only in footnotes. Father Gerard Sloyan, says that the verse about Peter can be considered “questionable” and “uncomfortable” because it seems to contradict a later verse in Luke’s gospel (24:34) which indicates that the Risen Lord appeared to Peter at the empty tomb.
Think about what has been reported to the disciples. Then think about how we would respond. How would we react if told that the grave of a friend or loved one was empty? How would we react if told that the coffin was empty, but their clothing was still there? Would we doubt or disbelieve? Or would we be angry or perhaps frightened? Father Sloyan says that whatever the reaction, “Luke has communicated the atmosphere of confusion, disturbance, and doubt (Interpretation, 284).”
We cannot blame the disciples for their doubt. Their friend and teacher was tortured to death. They are heartbroken. They are stricken with grief and guilt. They are shocked, horrified, and traumatized by the crucifixion. The tomb is now empty. They cannot believe it. They forget the prophecies about the Lord’s resurrection. And yet, Peter, who denied knowing Jesus and ran away from the crucifixion, is the first apostle to leave their locked sanctuary and rush to the tomb.
Peter is human. He is a saint. He is a sinner. He is capable of great goodness. He is also fallen and fearful. Whether Peter is amazed, confused, or doubtful is not important. What is important is that he opens his heart to believe in the greatest miracle of all time. Peter will soon preach to the world: “This man God raised on the third day…Everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins through his name (Acts 10)!” Jesus saves! Jesus loves us! Jesus is truly risen! Amen! Alleluia!
Brother Patrick Garvey
Associate Minister & Diocesan Hermit
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: brpatrick@ccgronline.com
CCGR Weekly Newsletter (4-20-25)
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This Ordeal is the Passion
By Bishop Evelio Menjivar
The Catholic Standard
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A Pastor’s Note
Signs of Contradiction
By Father Jim
In 1939, as war raged across Europe, Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross said to her students: “More than ever, the cross is a sign of contradiction…The savior today looks upon us, solemnly probes us, and asks us: Will you remain faithful to the Crucified Christ?…If you decide for Christ, it could cost you your life.”
In 1962, Pope Saint John XXIII referred to the Christ Child as a sign of contradiction during his opening speech to the Second Vatican Council. Good Pope John’s proposition was that whoever lives in communion with God stands in opposition to the ways and whims of the world.
Then in 1976, Pope Saint Paul VI asked Cardinal Karol Wojtyla of Poland, later Pope Saint John Paul II, to offer the annual retreat for the Holy Father and Roman Curia. At the heart of his reflections was this phrase: a sign of contradiction (See Luke 2:34).
We now live during a time of uncertainty, deep division, and dramatic change. As Christian disciples, we are not called to get along by going along. Rather, we are called to stand as signs of love, peace, and unity; as signs of contradiction in a troubled world. But what does this mean?
It means that when voices of darkness speak of hate and bigotry, we preach love. It means that when the agents of apathy ask us to turn our backs on the poor, the sick, the elderly, or the newcomer, we work harder to love our neighbor. It means that when the forces of discord seek to exclude others based on their creed, color, or way of life, we offer a helping hand and a radical welcome.
It means that we renew our mission to do what we have always done. We stand united in prayer, fellowship, and service. We strive to live the Gospel and share God’s love. We seek to build up, not tear down. This is us. This is who we are. This is what it means to be a sign of contradiction. And this is my prayer for all of us — now and always. Peace and blessings to all! Happy Easter!
Reverend James M. Achadinha, Pastor
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: frjim@ccgronline.com
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Our Lady’s Guild
An Evening with the Jantelles
Saturday, April 26th
All friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join us for an Evening of Music with the Jantelles on Saturday, April 26th beginning at 7:00pm in Our Lady’s Hall. The Jantelles are a six piece band from Cape Ann who came together to share their love of songs from the jukebox hits of the 50s and 60s.
Tickets are $30 per person ($15 per child under 12 years of age) and include a delicious pasta dinner, dessert, water, coffee, and soft drinks. A cash bar and raffles will also be available. All proceeds will benefit Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish and its ministries.
For more information about the Jantelles, please visit their website at the link below. For more information about this special evening of food, fellowship, and great music, please contact Beth Fosberry at jcbf33@yahoo.com or Linda Galvin at lingalv2010@gmail.com. Spread the word! All are welcome!
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Call to Worship
Divine Mercy Sunday
Sunday, April 27th
In 2000, Pope John Paul II canonized Sister Faustina Kowalska and designated the Second Sunday of Easter as the Feast of Divine Mercy. This devotion reflects a message from Jesus that Saint Faustina shared with the world: “Humanity will never find peace until it turns with trust to Divine Mercy. This is the Easter gift that the Church receives from the Risen Christ and offers to all people.”
In this spirit, all are invited to join the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport for Divine Mercy Sunday on April 27th from 2:00pm until 4:00pm in Saint Ann Church. Here’s our schedule: Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at 2:00pm; Holy Rosary at 2:15pm; Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3:00pm; and Daytime Prayer & Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at 3:30pm.
A Prayer for Divine Mercy
Eternal Father,
I offer you the Body and Blood,
Soul and Divinity
of your dearly Beloved Son.
our Lord Jesus Christ,
in atonement for our sins
and those of the whole world.
For the sake of his sorrowful Passion,
have mercy on us
and on the whole world.
Holy God, Holy Mighty One,
Holy Immortal One,
have mercy on us
and on the whole world. Amen.
We hope and pray that you and your family will be able to join us for all or at least part of this special afternoon of prayer, devotion, and adoration. For more information, please contact Jane Russo at jlrusso333@hotmail.com. Now more than ever, let’s pray together! Spread the word! All are invited! All are welcome!
Watch: Divine Mercy Chaplet with Bishop Reed
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Holy Family Women’s Guild
Spring Into Spring
Tuesday, April 29th
All friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join the Holy Family Women’s Guild on Tuesday, April 29th at 6:00pm in Our Lady’s Hall for a celebration of the Kentucky Derby! Wear your fanciest hat! Bring some cash to bet on the races! A donation of $2.00 per person is requested. Refreshments will be served.
Established in 2005, the Holy Family Women’s Guild brings together women of all ages and backgrounds in prayer, fellowship, and service to our parish and the community. For more information, please contact Lydia Bertolino at lbbglosta1929@outlook.com. New friends, members, and volunteers are always welcome! Save the date! Spread the word! Please join us!
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The Assisi Project
Praying with Saint Peregrine
Saturday, May 3rd
A Jubilee of Hope Mini-Retreat
During the Jubilee Year of Hope, Pope Francis calls us to become “pilgrims of hope.” He beckons us to be hopeful, to be peacemakers, and to be what he calls “weavers of communion” in our harsh, divided, and 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 jubilee can contribute abundantly to the restoration of an atmosphere of hope and trust, and to the rebirth and renewal of all that we so urgently desire.”
One such pilgrim of hope was Saint Peregrine Laziosi (1265-1345). For nearly seven centuries, Saint Peregrine has been a source of hope and healing for the sick and suffering among us. He is venerated as patron of people living with cancer, HIV, and other chronic or life-threatening conditions. We are blessed to welcome both a first class relic and hand painted icon of this much beloved saint into our parishes.
Throughout this year, the Assisi Project is focusing all of its prayers and reflections on men and women from across the ages, like Saint Peregrine, who have fulfilled the pope’s call to be pilgrims of hope. Our celebration of the jubilee continues on Saturday, May 3rd beginning with Mass at 8:00am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. After Mass, Father Jim and Brother Patrick will lead us in a reflection and conversation about the life and legacy of Saint Peregrine. We will conclude by offering a Rosary for Healing. Coffee and refreshments will be served after our time of prayer and reflection.
During the coming months, we will reflect on the lives and legacies of many more pilgrims of hope: Margaret Chase Smith, Anne Frank, John Leary, Dag Hammarskjold, Saint Jude, Dorothy Day, and Saint Charles de Foucauld. For more information about the Assisi Project and its good work in our parishes, please contact Brother Patrick at brpatrick@assisiproject.com. Please join us! All are invited! All are welcome! Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us! Saint Clare of Assisi, pray for us! Saint Peregrine Laziosi, pray for us! Our Lady of the Angels, pray for us! May the Risen Lord give you peace!
Learn More: The Assisi Project
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A Pastor’s Note
Paschal Candle Memorials
Message of Gratitude
In the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, the Paschal Candles are lit at the Easter Vigil or on Easter Sunday. They offer light and witness to the Resurrection of Our Lord at funerals, baptisms, during the Month of All Souls in November, and the Season of Easter. This year, our candles were donated for the following intentions:
- Saint Ann Church
In Memory of Maria Millefoglie - Saint Joachim Church
For the Intentions of the Assisi Project - Our Lady of Good Voyage Church
In Memory of Anthony & Maria Millefoglie
On behalf of our parishes, thank you for your generous gifts! May the Light of the Risen Christ shine brightly upon the souls of the faithful departed and also guide our steps on this earthly pilgrimage. Peace and blessings to all for a Happy Easter! — Father Jim
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Words of Wisdom
From Pope Francis
Death and darkness do not have the last word!
Be strong, because with God nothing is lost!
Learn More: Vatican News Service
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We Share
Safe & Easy Electronic Giving
Whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully (2 Corinthians 9:6).
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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