Our Pastor’s Message
God So Loved the World
By Father Jim
In the Gospel of John (3:16-17), we read: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world might be saved through him.” This powerful proclamation of God’s love and mercy appears on countless t-shirts, billboards, and bumper stickers. But do we ever pause and pray with these words? Do we ever consider what the Lord is really saying to us and to all people who walk this earth?
Pope Francis (1936-2025) loved this passage. He believed that it should be read and re-read often because it captures the entirety of the gospel message. The Holy Father once said: “This dialogue between Jesus and Nicodemus is a true treatise on theology. Here is everything: kerygma, catechesis, theological reflection, and parenesis. Everything is here!”
Pope Francis reminds us that this passage professes an essential truth, provides food for thought, and calls us to believe and follow the Lord by sharing his love and mercy with the world. At the same time, we honor the Lord’s great sacrifice beneath the shadow of a cross. God’s great gift of salvation through his Son is a gift that involves pain and suffering and humiliation.
As individuals, we may not be called to suffer. We are all called, however, to stand in solidarity with those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit. Each time we pray before the Cross, adore the Eucharist, or receive Holy Communion, we encounter the Crucified Christ who is given to us, suffers for us, and redeems us by his sacrifice. It is a gift of boundless love and mercy that endures the cross, transcends the cross, and ultimately triumphs over the cross.
This victory over suffering does not diminish the suffering that occurs all around us. Each day, we are confronted with the trials and tribulations of our brothers and sisters. A young disciple with brain cancer. An elderly disciple with blood cancer. Politicians joking about executing criminal suspects without a trial or legal representation. Hundreds of factory workers arrested simply because of the color of their skin. Each day, our hearts break over some new form of pain and suffering.
In a recent reflection on this gospel passage, Mariann Edgar Budde, the Episcopal Bishop of Washington, said: “Pay attention to what breaks your heart…For in that pain there may be a call to action, something that God needs you to do.” This call to action may take the form of a fast, a prayer or a protest. It may take the form of sending a card, sharing groceries or a home cooked meal, or offering a kind word or helping hand to someone in need.
Bishop Budde also said: “How I wish that we had the capacity to address all of these needs with the dedication and sacrifice they deserve. But this I know: we are called, as a body, in ways that defy human understanding, to show up, love our neighbor, and work for justice. The work can feel impossible. Yet through Christ and with the encouragement…of one another, we can, and are, making a difference for good in the world.” In short, to know Christ is to know and respond to suffering.
Ultimately, our prayers and good works bring us back to the cross, to the ultimate sacrifice, and to the Lord who loves us beyond measure, beyond every border, beyond all of our best intentions. And our humble efforts bring us back to God, who intervenes in our history; who calls us to believe and act; who loves the world so much that he sacrifices his greatest treasure for our sake.
Reverend James M. Achadinha, Pastor
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: frjim@ccgronline.com
CCGR Weekly Newsletter (9-14-25)
Bringing Home the Word (9-14-25)
The Kids Bulletin (9-14-25)
New!
Listen to Catholic Women
With Bishop Mark O’Connell
Episode 2 – Ann Carter
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Youth Faith Formation
Faith & Family Mass
Sunday, September 21st
The Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport offers a creative and innovative way for children to prepare for the Sacraments of Reconciliation (Confession) and Eucharist (First Holy Communion). Our program is designed to prepare both our young disciples and their parents for the sacraments; encourage lifelong relationships with Jesus and the Catholic Church; and help each family grow together in prayer, fellowship, and service.
First, we invite all families with children to attend any one of our weekend Masses. Second, all students and their parents or guardians are asked to attend seven Young Disciples Workshops in Our Lady’s School and seven Faith & Family Workshops in Our Lady’s Church.
At the Young Disciples Workshops, our students will gather with Betsy Works and a team of dedicated catechists to learn about the sacraments, teachings, and traditions of the Catholic Church. At the Faith & Family Workshops, Father Jim will lead the whole family in sessions that focus on the sacraments and their foundations in the sacred scriptures.
At both workshops, our young disciples and their parents will learn about the Bible, the Mass, the Eucharist, and the meanings of mercy, penance, and reconciliation by reading children’s literature and engaging in hands on activities like arts and crafts, food and music, and prayer.
All children, beginning in the second grade, are invited to participate in our program! All families are encouraged to attend a Faith & Family Meeting on Sunday, September 21st at 11:00am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church, followed by Mass at 11:45am. For more information, please contact Betsy Works at bworks@ccgronline.com. Please pray for all of our young disciples and their families! All are invited! All are welcome! Peace and blessings to all!
Watch: Holy Eucharist (1 Minute)
Watch: Penance & Reconciliation (1 Minute)
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Our Lady of Good Voyage
Fall Yard Sale
Saturday, September 27th
Since 1944, Our Lady’s Guild has worked to build community among women of all ages in Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish through prayer, good works, social activities, and fundraising events. All friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join the Guild for a Fall Yard Sale on Saturday, September 27th from 9:00am until 12:00pm in Our Lady’s Hall.
Muffins, coffee, and tea will be offered for sale. In addition, the yard sale will feature numerous raffles and sale tables for browsing and buying. All proceeds will benefit Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish. For more information about Our Lady’s Guild and its good work in our parish, please contact Beth Fosberry at jcbf33@yahoo.com. Please join us! Bring a friend! Bring your family! New members and volunteers are always welcome!
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Saint Vincent de Paul Society
Special Fall Collection
Weekend of September 27th & 28th
Following in the footsteps of its patron and inspiration, the Saint Vincent de Paul Society is a fraternity of men and women that offers person-to-person service to local families and individuals in need. During the weekend of September 27th and 28th, the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport will sponsor a Special Fall Collection at all Weekend Masses to benefit the Saint Vincent de Paul Society. All donations will go directly to assist the poor in our community.
For more information about the Saint Vincent de Paul Society and its good work in our parishes and community at large, please contact Harry Miller at 978-281-8672 or Robert Weeks at svdpmember1@gmail.com. New members and volunteers are always welcome! Thank you for your ongoing support for the Saint Vincent de Paul Society! May God bless you and your family!
Learn More: Saint Vincent de Paul
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We Are Francis!
Celebrating Two Holy Lives
Friday, October 3rd
Welcome, Bishop Mark O’Connell
In the scriptures, Jesus reaches out to the poor, heals the sick, and breaks bread with the left behind. In the thirteenth century, Saint Francis of Assisi called his followers to “heal wounds, bind what is broken, and bring home those who are lost.” And in the twenty-first century, Pope Francis reminds us: “In the Church, no one is left out or left over. There is room for everyone, just the way we are…The Lord does not point a finger, but opens his arms. He embraces us all.”
In this spirit of universal love, boundless mercy, and radical welcome, all friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners are invited to join Father Jim and the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport on Friday, October 3rd for a special evening of prayer, fellowship, and service in celebration of Pope Francis and Saint Francis of Assisi. We will begin with a Vigil Mass for the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi at 5:30pm in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church.
We are delighted to welcome Bishop Mark O’Connell, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Boston, as principal celebrant. After Mass, Bishop Mark will offer a brief reflection on the life and legacy of Pope Francis. Bishop Mark will then bless a new hand painted icon of Pope Francis that was recently created by Kelly Latimore, a world famous artist and iconographer.
This large and breathtaking icon will be hung in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church beside our much-loved statue of Our Lady of Fatima to whom the Holy Father dedicated his papacy. The icon is a precious gift on loan to us from the Assisi Project which has also paid for new paint and lighting in the hallways on both sides of the church.
When this blessing is complete, we will adjourn to Our Lady’s Hall for a community supper featuring delicious foods provided by the Azorean Restaurant in Gloucester. Desserts will be provided by our pastoral team. A cash bar will be available, too. Although the supper is free and all are welcome, a collection will be taken up during Mass to support the Assisi Project and its good work in our parishes. If you plan to join us for supper, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com. Please join us! Bring a friend! Bring your family! All are welcome!
Donate: Assisi Project – Pope Francis Memorial Fundraiser
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Words of Wisdom from Cardinal Medeiros
It is a long way from the cobbled streets of thirteenth century Assisi
to the paved sidewalks of today’s Boston.
Times have changed indeed. Technology has transformed our culture.
Yet even in an era of scientific wonders, history has by no means worn out the need
for the simple values of the beloved Saint Francis of Assisi.
In many ways, they are truly needed now more than ever.
Learn More: Cardinal Medeiros (1915-1983)
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Saint Michael’s Lent
On the Wings of Angels
By Brother Patrick
As we begin the fourth week of Saint Michael’s Lent, Father Jim and I have received numerous requests from friends and fellow parishioners about whether it’s too late to join our prayers and fasting for Pope Leo XIV’s intention of an increase of peace, truth, and justice in our suffering world. The answer, of course, is that it is never too late to begin praying!
In this spirit, all are invited to join us in fasting from meat, sugar, and alcohol; and from speaking (except when necessary from sunset until sunrise); and in praying the Angelus at 12:00pm, Psalm 77 at 3:00pm, and the following prayer for the intercession of Saint Michael at 6:00pm:
A Prayer to Saint Michael
For Peace, Truth & Justice
Saint Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle;
be our defense against the wickedness
and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
and may you, O prince of the heavenly host,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan and all other evil spirits
who prowl about the world
for the ruin of souls. Amen.
Needless to say, we should pray and fast as we are able! No one should fast in a way that endangers their health or well-being! No one should feel discouraged or excluded if they are not able to join in the fast! But everyone can pray with us! Even though our praying and fasting may be imperfect, the Poor Christ hears them perfectly and embraces our small sacrifices with love, mercy, and gratitude!
Every prayer and every day of fasting is carried to heaven on the wings of angels! Every prayer is heard and answered by the Good Shepherd! Thank you for your prayers and support! May God bless you! May the Lord give you peace! Saint Michael, pray for us and protect us!
Saint Michael’s Lent Prayers & Resources
- Read: Father Jim’s Message
- Pray: The Angelus
- Pray: Psalm 77: The Faster’s Prayer
- Pray: Saint Michael Prayer
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Words of Wisdom from Pope Leo XIV
Where others have sown distrust, we choose trust.
Where others might foster fear,
we strive for understanding.
Where others view differences as barriers,
we recognize them as avenues of mutual enrichment.
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We Share
Safe & Easy Electronic Giving
Generosity enlarges the heart. — Pope 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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