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SAINTS PETER & PAUL

This Week’s Message
Our Founding Saints

By Paige Byrne Shortal

This weekend, we celebrate the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, two of the greatest saints of our Church. They could not be more different in how they came to believe in Jesus. Peter walked with Jesus, ate with him, talked with him, and camped out with him. But Peter was, well, slow to believe. He kept backsliding. Even after the mountain experience of the transfiguration when Jesus appears to him “dazzlingly white” and accompanied by Moses and Elijah. Even after the calming of the storm, walking on the water, and the miraculous catch of fish. Even after all of the healings witnessed and hearing Jesus speak as no one had spoken before. Even after all of that, Peter denied him and ran away. But it is clear that Jesus chose him, calling him the Rock on which he would build the Church.

Paul was a very different personality. Before he came to gospel faith, he was a zealot, dedicated to persecuting the disciples of Jesus, a group he considered to be a heretical and dangerous sect within the Jewish community. And after his conversion on the road to Damascus, Paul, who was once called Saul, was just as zealous a disciple of Jesus, seldom with any doubts, never wavering, and never looking back.

The first great council of the Church was called because Peter and Paul disagreed. We are here today in churches throughout the world in part because of the outcome of that council. The disagreement between Peter and Paul had to do with Peter’s treatment of the non-Jewish converts to the message of Jesus. No one yet called themselves “Christian.” Followers of Jesus were Jews who came to believe that Jesus was the fulfillment of God’s promise. Peter held the non-Jewish believers in lesser regard. He thought they should first submit to the law of Moses and that male believers should be circumcised before being considered disciples of Jesus. Until they were, Peter considered them “unclean” and refused to eat with them. And eating with them was the foundation of the new faith — what we know as the Eucharist. Peter was held in high regard and the disciples followed his course.

Paul disagreed. He said that the Jewish people held the honorable position of being the first to know Christ. But Jesus was sent as the Savior of all people, both Jews and non-Jews. The Council of Jerusalem was called and after vigorous debate, Peter and the other Jewish disciples came to see that Paul was right. What would have happened if Paul had not challenged Peter? What would have happened if the decision had gone the other way? Two thousand years later, this story should give us great hope. These two great saints, one might even call them the founding saints of our Church, disagreed over a matter of supreme importance. But when there is conflict within the Church, the Holy Spirit is surely present –hovering, guiding, and helping the truth to emerge. Saint Peter and Saint Paul, pray for us!

About the Author: Paige Byrne Shortal is a contributor to Bringing Home the Word. A new edition is posted every weekend at the link below.

CCGR Weekly Newsletter (6-29-25)
Bringing Home the Word (6-29-25)
The Kids Bulletin (6-29-25)

New!
Watch: Leo of Peru
The Story of Pope Leo XIV
Spanish (with English Subtitles)

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Saint Peter’s Fiesta
Outdoor Mass & Procession
Sunday, June 29th

Saint Peter’s Fiesta concludes on Sunday, June 29th as all friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join Father Jim for the annual outdoor celebration of Holy Mass at 10:00am at Saint Peter’s Square in Gloucester. After Mass, all are welcome to join us for the traditional procession through the streets of our beloved city with Saint Peter! For more information, please contact Rose Aiello at 978-283-1664 or visit stpetersfiesta.org. Spread the word!
All are invited! All are welcome!

A Sonnet for Saint Peter
By Malcom Guite

Impulsive master of misunderstanding,
you comfort me with all your big mistakes;
jumping ship before you make the landing,
placing the bet before you know the stakes.

I love the way you step out without knowing,
the way you sometimes speak before you think,
the way your broke faith is always growing,
the way he holds you even when you sink.

Born to a world that always tried to shame you,
your shaky ego vulnerable to shame,
I love the way that Jesus chose to name you,
before you knew how to deserve the name.
And in the end your Savior let you prove
that each denial is undone by love.

Although we primarily think of Saint Peter as the patron of fishermen, he is also the patron of bakers, butchers, farmers, cobblers, and construction workers. And he is called upon to intercede for those suffering from fever, foot problems, and anxiety disorders. Now more than ever, raise our hearts and voices in supplication: Saint Peter the Apostle, pray for us!

Read: Lord’s Day Reflection – Saints Peter & Paul

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The Assisi Project
A Morning of Prayer for Peace
Saturday, July 5th

All friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join Father Jim, Brother Patrick, and the Assisi Project for a Morning of Prayer for Peace on Saturday, July 5th beginning with the celebration of Holy Mass at 8:00am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church.

After Mass, we will offer a Rosary for Peace featuring prayers by Pope Francis (1936-2025) during which we will invoke the late Holy Father’s powerful intercession for peace in places known and unknown, for peace in this nation and between all nations, and for peace in our hearts, homes, and hometowns.

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 welcome! Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us! Saint Clare of Assisi, pray for us! Our Lady of the Angels, pray for us! May the Lord give you peace!

Learn More: The Assisi Project

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Call to Prayer
A Message from Pope Leo XIV
Humanity Cries Out for Peace!

Alarming news continues to emerge
from the Middle East, especially from Iran.
Against this tragic backdrop, which includes Israel and Palestine,
people’s daily suffering, especially in Gaza and the other territories,
where the need for adequate humanitarian aid
is becoming increasingly urgent, risks being forgotten.
Today more than ever,
humanity cries out and calls for peace.
This is a cry that requires responsibility and reason,
and it must not be drowned out by the din of weapons
or the rhetoric that incites conflict.
Every member of the international community
has a moral responsibility to stop the tragedy of war
before it becomes an irreparable chasm.
There are not distant conflicts when human dignity is at stake.
War does not solve problems.
On the contrary, it amplifies them
and inflicts deep wounds on the history of peoples,
which take generations to heal.
No armed victory can compensate for the pain of mothers,
the fear of children, or stolen futures.
May diplomacy silence the weapons!
May nations chart their futures with works of peace,
not with violence and bloodstained conflicts!

Pray: A Rosary for Peace with Brother Patrick

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A Pastor’s Note
Our Online Community
Celebrating One Million Visitors

Eleven years ago, I asked Brother Patrick to create new websites for the Assisi Project and the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport. Our websites initially attracted a few hundred visitors each week. During the pandemic, traffic more than doubled to approximately one thousand visitors each week. Five years later, visits to our online community have doubled again to more than two thousand visitors every single week.

Needless to say, one small fellowship and one large collaborative cannot compare with CNN, Google, or the New York Times. But recently, we reached a combined milestone of one million visitors to our online community! The success of our websites is a testament to your ongoing interest, the rich content offered, and the user-friendly and welcoming atmosphere of both websites. No ads. No pop-ups. No sign-ins. All of our online resources are free. And there is something new and interesting every single week! Here is a small sampling of some of the resources recently linked or added to our websites:

Thank you, Brother Patrick, for your ongoing stewardship of our online community. Thank you, one and all, for your ongoing support! Peace and blessings! — Father Jim

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Holy Family Women’s Guild
Summer Sundae Social
Tuesday, July 8th

All friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join the Holy Family Women’s Guild for a Summer Ice Cream Sundae Social on Tuesday, July 8th at 6:00pm in Our Lady’s Hall. After a brief business meeting, we will make our own ice cream sundaes and enjoy a wonderful opportunity to catch up, deepen friendships, and exchange fundraising ideas.

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 wider community. If you plan to join us for the ice cream social, please contact Lydia Bertolino at lbbglosta1929@outlook.com. New friends, members, and volunteers are always welcome!

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The Assisi Project
We Never Stop Praying For You!

Founded in 2007 by Father Jim and Brother Patrick, the Assisi Project is a Fellowship of Franciscans in Spirit with friends and followers from around the world. We are dedicated to helping believers of all ages more faithfully live the Gospel of the Poor Christ in the spirit of Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi. We are now also dedicated to promoting Pope Francis as a patron of peace, mercy, and fraternity in our suffering world.

Members of the Assisi Project range in age from 17 to 100. We pray every day for peace, for an increase in faith, hope, and love; and for all who ask for our prayers. If you would like our fellowship to pray for you, your family, or your special intention, please contact Brother Patrick at brpatrick@assisiproject.com. May God bless you! May the Lord give you peace!

Listen: Pray for Me – An Intercessory Prayer Workshop

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Words of Wisdom from Pope Francis

Blessed Mother,
make us realize once again
the importance of the role we play;
strengthen our sense of responsibility for the cause of peace
as men and women called to pray,
worship, intercede, and make reparation
for the whole human race (10-27-23).

Learn More: Vatican News

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Words of Wisdom from Mother Teresa

The most beautiful day? Today.
The biggest hurdle? Fear
The easiest thing? Being wrong.
The biggest mistake? Giving up.

Learn More: Life Lessons from Mother Teresa

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We Share

Do not forget to do good and share with others. — Hebrews 13:16

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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