This Week’s Message
A Prayer for Gun Reform
By Cameron Bellm
When Jesus told Peter to put away his sword,
he spoke a truth both simple and profound:
“Those who live by the sword, die by the sword.”
And we are dying. And dying. And dying.
There is no safe place in a country
that swells with an ocean of weapons.
Lord of mercy, prince of peace,
strengthen the lungs of the living
to cry out for change.
May our song of lament be long and loud.
May its deep roar shake us from complacency
until we are free from terror,
until we may say, and we may see,
that no more, no more, no more shall perish. Amen
A Sacred Protest
By Cameron Bellm
Give me a church that understands
she is not a structure of stone and glass,
but a cathedral made up of her people.
Give me a church that will not abide
threats and violence against her neighbors,
that will not rest until there’s justice and peace.
Give me a church that does not hide
behind the walls of institution,
but hears a human cry and runs toward it,
stole flapping behind her in the breeze.
Give me a church that knows
this is the moment to take a stand,
and we will stand with her. Amen.
About the Author
After completing her doctorate in Russian literature from the University of California – Berkeley in 2011, Cameron Bellm traded the academic life for a contemplative life informed by Catholic Social Teaching and the spirituality of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Cameron is now an author and retreat leader. She lives in Seattle with her husband and children. Learn more at cameronbellm.com.
CCGR Weekly Newsletter (9-21-25)
Bringing Home the Word (9-21-25)
The Kids Bulletin (9-21-25)
New!
Listening to Catholic Women
With Bishop Mark O’Connell
Episode 3 – Wendy Rodriguez
Art Credit: Kelly Latimore – kellylatimoreicons.com
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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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Call to Worship
Feast of the Archangels
Monday, September 29th
Eucharist Adoration & Holy Mass
The Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport’s forty day observance of Saint Michael’s Lent will conclude on Monday, September 29th, the Feast of the Archangels, in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church.
This special day of prayer and devotion will begin with Morning Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours at 8:00am, followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. After Morning Prayer, the church will remain open all day for silent prayer and adoration. At 12:00pm, we will gather again for Daytime Prayer and a Rosary for Peace. We will conclude with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Mass at 5:30pm.
As the Feast of the Archangels approaches, all are invited to join us in spiritual communion with Pope Leo XIV by offering the following prayers each day: Angelus at 12:00pm; Psalm 77 at 3:00pm; and the following prayer to Saint Michael for the Holy Father’s intentions of peace, truth, and justice in our violent and war torn world:
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.
For more information about this special event, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com. Please join us! All are invited! All are welcome! Saint Michael, pray for us! Saint Gabriel , pray for us! Saint Raphael, pray for us! Peace and blessings to all!
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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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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The Assisi Project
Celebrating Saint Francis & Pope Francis
Saturday, October 4th
Welcome Kelly Latimore!
During this Jubilee of Hope, Pope Francis (1936-2025) called us to be “pilgrims of hope.” He beckoned us to be hopeful, to be peacemakers, and to be what he called “weavers of communion” in our suffering world. The Holy Father wrote: “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 that we so urgently desire.”
On Saturday, October 4th, the Assisi Project and the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport will be pleased to welcome Kelly Latimore, a world famous artist and iconographer, as our special guest. This special morning of prayer, reflection, and faith sharing will begin with Holy Mass for the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi at 8:00am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. After Mass, Kelly will share his personal faith journey and the inspiration behind his beautiful and compelling icons of both Saint Francis and Pope Francis (including the icon of the late pope which will soon be displayed in our church).
After Kelly’s reflection, all are welcome to ask questions and share their own personal devotions to the saint and pope who have long inspired our work together. After our program, we will gather in Our Lady’s Hall for coffee, muffins, and fellowship. For more information about Kelly Latimore, please visit kellylatimoreicons.com. 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! Bring a friend! 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! Pope Francis, pray for us!
Learn More: The Assisi Project
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Celebrating Saint Francis
The Blessing of the Animals
Saturday, October 4th
Saint Francis of Assisi is venerated around the world as the patron of animals and the environment. During his lifetime, Saint Francis is credited with countless miracles, with many of those miracles involving animals. Whether Francis was preaching to birds or taming a wolf, he has been regarded as the friend and protector of pets and animals of all kinds for more than eight hundred years.
On the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, Saturday, October 4th at 11:00am, all friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are cordially invited to join Father Jim and Brother Patrick for the Blessing of the Animals in Our Lady of Good Voyage Rectory Parking Lot. All family-friendly pets are welcome (but must be leashed or secured in carriers). For more information about this beautiful annual tradition, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com. Please join us! Bring your family! All are welcome!
Listen: Saint of the Day – Saint Francis of Assisi
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Words of Wisdom from Cameron Bellm
Maybe the most important word we’ll ever say is no.
No to violence. No to racism
No to hatred. No to war.
May every footfall of our march echo no, no, no.
May our no be our song, the prayer of our lives.
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We Share
Safe & Easy Electronic Giving
When we come with generosity to his service,
Jesus accomplishes great things in us. — 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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In Memory of Del Whorowski