Watch: Sunday Mass with Father Jim (3-8-26)
Listen: Pray As You Go Daily Meditations
Read: Scripture for Life by Mary McGlone (3-8-26)
This Week’s Message
An Appeal for Peace
By Pope Francis
O Mary, Mother of God and our Mother,
during this time of trial, we turn to you.
As our Mother, you love us and know us:
No concern of our hearts is hidden from you.
Mother of Mercy, how often have we experienced
your watchful care and your peaceful presence!
You never cease to guide us to Jesus, the Prince of Peace!
Yet, we have strayed from the path of peace.
We have forgotten the lessons learned
from the tragedies of the last century,
the sacrifice of the millions who fell in two world wars.
We have degraded the commitments we made as a community of nations.
We have betrayed the people’s dreams of peace and the hopes of the young.
We grew sick with greed,
we thought only of our own nations and their interests,
we grew indifferent and caught up in our selfish needs and concerns.
We chose to ignore God, to be satisfied with our illusions,
to grow arrogant and aggressive,
to suppress innocent lives and stockpile weapons.
We stopped being our neighbor’s keepers and stewards of our common home.
We have ravaged the garden of the earth with war.
By our sins, we have broken the heart of our Heavenly Father,
who desires us to be brothers and sisters.
We grew indifferent to everyone and everything except ourselves.
Now with shame, we cry out: Forgive us, Lord!
Therefore, O Mother, hear our prayer.
Star of the Sea, do not let us be shipwrecked in the tempest of war.
Ark of the New Covenant, inspire projects and paths of reconciliation.
Queen of Heaven, restore God’s peace to the world.
Eliminate hatred and the thirst for revenge and teach us forgiveness.
Free us from war, protect our world from the menace of nuclear weapons.
Queen of the Rosary, make us realize our need to pray and love.
Queen of the Human Family, show people the path of fraternity.
Queen of Peace, obtain peace for our world.
In your womb, Jesus took flesh.
Help us to foster the growth of communion.
You once walked the streets of this world.
Lead us now on the paths of peace. Amen.
Learn More: Consecration to Mary 2022 (Complete English Text)
CCGR Weekly Newsletter (3-8-26)
Bringing Home the Word (3-8-26)
The Kids Bulletin (3-8-26)
New!
Moment of Confession
By Brother Patrick
Gloucester Daily Times
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A Just War?
Catholic Principles of Just War Theory
Just War Theory, often called just war tradition or just war doctrine, is a “set of principles developed through the centuries by the Catholic Church that clearly outlines when a nation may ethically participate in a war…and sets clear limits on armed force once a war is engaged (Pennock, Catholic Social Teaching, 185).” Based on the writings of Saint Augustine (354-430) and Saint Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), the Church has set forth the following criteria for [entering into] a “just war.”
- Just Cause: There must be a real, lasting, and certain damage inflicted by an aggressor on a nation or community of nations.
- Legitimate Authority: The right to declare war belongs to the people who legitimately represent the people of a certain nation.
- Comparative Justice: The rights and values involved in the conflict must be important enough to justify killing.
- Right Intention: The war must be waged with a commitment to post-war reconciliation and peace, not personal gain.
- Probability of Success: The odds of success should be compared to the likely cost of human life.
- Proportionality: The damage and costs of the war should be proportionate to the good expected.
- Last Resort: All peaceful efforts have been tried and exhausted before entering a war.
Pastor’s Note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church continues to maintain its teachings on the so-called “just war doctrine.” We should remember, however, that every pope of the twenty-first century (from John Paul II through Leo XIV) has declared that all wars are a profound defeat for humanity. And so, as a community united in prayer, fellowship, and service, we raise our hearts to heaven with pleas for peace, truth, and justice in our suffering world! — Father Jim
Pray: A Prayer for Peace by Pope Francis
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Call to Prayer
A Rosary For Peace
In January 2003, just a few weeks before the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom, an ailing Pope John Paul II (1920-2005) met with international diplomats in Rome. The Holy Father did not mince words about the looming prospect of hostilities between nations. In a frail voice, he cried out: “No to war! War is not always inevitable, but it is always a defeat for humanity!”
At the same time, the pope and saint reminded his audience that peace is always within reach. He said: “It is possible to change the course of events, once goodwill, trust in others, fidelity to commitments, and cooperation between responsible partners are allowed to prevail.”
In this spirit and in spiritual communion with those who long for peace around the world, all friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join Brother Patrick in offering A Rosary for Peace Featuring Prayers by Pope Francis at the following days and times:
- A Rosary for Peace
Thursday, March 19th at 5:30pm
With Eucharistic Adoration
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church - A Rosary for Peace
Saturday, March 28th at 2:30pm
With Eucharistic Adoration
Saint Ann Church
For more information, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com or Brother Patrick at brpatrick@ccgronline.com. If you are unable to join us, please feel encouraged to offer A Rosary For Peace by clicking on the link below. Spread the word! Bring a friend! All are invited! All are welcome!
Pray: A Rosary For Peace
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Words of Wisdom from Saint John Paul II
To refuse peace means not only to provoke
the losses and sufferings that war,
even a limited one, implies.
It could also involve
the total destruction of entire regions,
not to mention the threat of possible catastrophes…
of even universal proportions (6-7-82).
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Youth Choir & Music Ministry
Wednesday, March 11th
All young disciples, boys and girls, ages 8 through 17, are invited to share their musical talents with our parishes! Rehearsals continue on Wednesday, March 4th at 5:30pm in Saint Ann Church! Being a part of our youth music ministry is a great way to make new friends and learn about the Lord! For more information, please contact Patty Natti at pnatti@comcast.net. Save the date! Spread the word! Please join us! All are welcome!
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Lent – Midweek Mercies
Mass, Confessions & Adoration
Wednesday, March 11th
Every Wednesday Evening, all are invited to join Father Jim for Midweek Mercies in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. These evenings of prayer, sacrament, and adoration begin with Mass at 5:30pm. After Mass, Father Jim will celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation (those who feel called to confession). Also, the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed for an hour of silent prayer and adoration. For some, this may be a time for sacramental penance and reconciliation. For others, it may be a period of quiet prayer and recollection. And for others, it may be an opportunity to begin or renew the spiritual journey. Confessions are also heard by appointment. For more information, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com. Please join us! All are welcome!
Watch: Why Give Things Up For Lent (2 Minutes)
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Lent – The Way of the Cross
The Traditional Devotion
Friday, March 13th
For more than five hundred years, the Way of the Cross has been among the most moving devotions in the Catholic Church. By uniting our humble prayers with the Poor Christ in both words and images, we make a spiritual pilgrimage with the Lord as he experiences the Passion of the Holy Cross. During Lent, all friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join us in praying the Way of the Cross on Friday afternoons through April 3rd at 12:00pm in Saint Ann Church. For more information, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com. Please join us! All are welcome!
Watch: Way of the Cross with Pope Francis (English; 1.5 Hours)
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Lent – Litany of the Sacred Wounds
Friday, March 13th
Pope Francis (1936-2025) spoke often about his devotion to the Five Wounds of the Poor Christ. The Holy Father once shared the advice of a spiritual director who said: “Look at the wounds. Enter into the wounds. By these wounds, we are healed. Do you feel bitter? Do you feel sad? Do you feel that life is not going the right way? Look there, into the wounds, in silence.” In this spirit, all are invited to join us on March 13th at 3:00pm in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church for a Holy Hour that includes Eucharistic Adoration, Saint Clare of Assisi’s Litany of the Sacred Wounds, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation (for those who feel called to confession) For more information, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com. All are welcome!
Pray: Saint Clare’s Litany of the Sacred Wounds
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Words of Wisdom from Pope Leo XIV
Stability and peace are not achieved
through mutual threats, nor with weapons
that sow destruction, suffering, and death,
but only through sincere, reasonable,
and responsible dialogue (3-1-26).
Learn More: Pope Leo’s Call for Peace (Complete English Text)
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Solennita di San Guiseppe
Celebrazione della Messa in Italiano
Giovedi 19 Marzo Alle 8:00
For more than one thousand years, the Catholic Church has venerated Saint Joseph as patron of fathers, protector of families, and guardian of single mothers. He is also venerated as patron of carpenters, immigrants, laborers, those who doubt their faith, and those suffering from sickness. Last but not least, Saint Joseph is honored as patron and defender of the Universal Church.
This year, the Church commemorates the Solemnity of Saint Joseph on Thursday, March 19th. Here in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, our devotion to Saint Joseph remains strong and vibrant. In this spirit and as a way of celebrating the contributions of immigrants in our parishes and beyond, all are invited to join Father Jim for the Holy Rosary at 7:30am and Holy Mass in Italian (with a homily in English) at 8:00am on Thursday, March 19th in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. Please join us! All are welcome!
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Saint Vicent de Paul Society
Help Us Help Others
The Saint Vincent de Paul Society is an international organization that is dedicated to responding to any request from any person or family in need. Here on Cape Ann, we work through Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish to serve the poor and the needy. Help us help others! Donations can be pushed through the mail slot in the parish office, dropped in the collection basket at any Weekend Mass, or mailed to:
Saint Vincent de Paul Society
74 Pleasant Street
Gloucester, Massachusetts 01930
New members and volunteers are always welcome! For more information about the Saint Vincent de Paul Society and its good work in our parishes and hometowns, please contact Harry Miller at 978-281-8672 or Robert Weeks at svdpmember1@gmail.com. If you or someone you know needs our help, please call 978-281-8672. Thank you for your generous support for the Saint Vincent de Paul Society! May God bless you!
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Saint Vincent de Paul Society
Our Clothes Closet
Second, Third & Fourth Saturdays
The Saint Vincent de Paul Clothes Closet is open for business in Saint Ann Church Hall on the second, third, and fourth Saturdays of every month from 9:00am until 12:00pm. All friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners are welcome to drop by and check out the Clothes Closet by entering through the Pleasant Street doors of Saint Ann Church Hall.
Donations of gently worn clothing and shoes are gratefully accepted during our regular hours and in the bin located in the Saint Ann School parking lot. Please note that we cannot accept donations of books, toys, or household items. For more information about the Saint Vincent de Paul Clothes Closet, please contact Bridget Nelligan at 781-572-4752 or Cathy Kyrouz at 978-290-1756. As always, thank you for your generous support!
Learn More: Saint Vincent de Paul
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Pastor’s Note
Winter Weather Advisory
The Season of Winter is upon us! For the latest information about weather related cancelations during the coming months, please check our homepage: ccgronline.com. All friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners are reminded that if public schools are closed due to inclement weather, then all parish programs (including weekday Masses) are canceled too. Stay safe! Stay warm! Peace and blessings to all! — Father Jim
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We Share
Safe & Easy Electronic Giving
The miracle is this: The more we share, the more we have. — Leonard Nimoy
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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