Watch: Sunday Mass with Father Jim (3-15-26)
Listen: Pray As You Go Daily Meditations
Read: Scripture for Life by Mary McGlone (3-15-26)
Our Pastor’s Message
Love & Mercy
By Father Jim
As a spiritual exercise during Lent, I am reading a book called On Love by Pope Francis (1936-2025). It is a collection of brief passages from the late pope’s homilies and speeches gathered during his long and inspiring reign as Bishop of Rome. Each day, I read two one-page passages. During the tenth anniversary of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy (2016), these readings remind me again and again, above all else, that Christians and disciples are called to love our God and love our neighbor.
The Holy Father’s writings on love also remind me of the inseparable link between love and mercy. Throughout his long papacy, Pope Francis taught us that God is mercy; that God’s mercy is boundless; and that God’s mercy is ours for the asking through prayer, the reception of the Holy Eucharist in good conscience, and-or the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession). In short, God is waiting for us with arms forever open in love and mercy. In On Love, Pope Francis offers a clear and compelling catechesis on the nature, meaning, and immensity of God’s mercy. He writes:
The word mercy (misericordia) is composed of two words:
misery (miseria) and heart (cuore).
The word heart symbolizes the ability to love,
and the word mercy represents the love that reaches out
and embraces the misery of the human person.
It is love that takes our suffering as its own,
with a desire to free us from it.
With these words, the pope prompts us to remember that despite our faults and failures love endures. It is a love that is always longing for us. It is a love that is always ready to reconcile. It is a love that does not judge or condemn. It is love that is ever-present in our world, even in the midst of war, violence, and persecution. This love, of course, is the love that becomes flesh. It is the love that becomes incarnate in the life, passion, and resurrection of Jesus.
Jesus is the Just Judge. He is the Master of the Universe. He will come again to assess the souls of the living and the dead. At the same time, Jesus is born in order to walk among us, share in our human experiences, and so understand our vices and virtues. Jesus then embraces the Cross in order to feel what we feel and suffer what we suffer. Pope Francis writes: “Such is the depth of God’s compassion and mercy: self-destruction in order to become a companion at the service of humanity.” This kind of love is beyond our understanding. It simply takes our breath away.
Lent is a season for prayer, penance, and almsgiving. It is a season for devotions and sacraments. It is a season for fasting and good works. It is a season for renewal and new beginnings. It is a season for growing closer to Christ, closer to the Church, and closer to each other. But most of all, it is a season for immersing ourselves in the love and mercy of God. It is a season for remembering two simple but profound truths: God is love. God is mercy.
Reverend James M. Achadinha, Pastor
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: frjim@ccgronline.com
CCGR Weekly Newsletter (3-15-26)
Bringing Home the Word (3-15-26)
The Kids Bulletin (3-15-26)
New!
The Relics of Saint Francis
Vatican News Video
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Call to Prayer
A Prayer for Peace
By Pope Leo XIV
Following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Pope Leo XIV offers a special prayer intention each month and invites all believers and people of goodwill around the world to pray with him. In March, the Holy Father calls us to pray for peace and disarmament in our war-torn world. In spiritual communion with the pope, we pray:
Lord of Life,
you shaped every human being in your image and likeness.
We believe you created us for communion, not for war,
for fraternity, not for destruction.
You who greeted your disciples by saying, “Peace be with you!”,
grant us the gift of your peace
and the strength to make it a reality in history.
Today we lift up our prayer for peace in the world,
asking that nations renounce weapons
and choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy.
Disarm our hearts of hatred, resentment, and indifference,
so we may become instruments of reconciliation.
Help us understand that true security
does not come from control fueled by war,
but from trust, justice, and solidarity among peoples.
Lord, enlighten the leaders of nations,
so they may have courage to abandon projects of death,
halt the arms race,
and place the lives of the most vulnerable at the center.
May the nuclear threat never again dictate the future of humanity.
Holy Spirit, make us faithful
and creative builders of daily peace:
in our hearts, our families, our cities, and our communities.
May every kind word,
every gesture of reconciliation,
and every choice for dialogue
be seeds of a new world. Amen.
Watch: The Pope Video – March 2026
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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 Pope Francis
War is a sacrilege!
It wreaks havoc on what is most precious on earth:
human life, the innocence of the little ones,
and the beauty of creation.
Pray: A Prayer for the Intercession of Pope Francis
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Youth Choir & Music Ministry
Wednesday, March 18th
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 18th 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 18th
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!
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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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Lent – The Way of the Cross
The Traditional Devotion
Friday, March 2oth
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 afternoon through March 20th 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 20th
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 20th 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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Saints for All Seasons
Bernard of Quintavalle
Wednesday, March 25th
Jubilee of Saint Francis of Assisi (1226-2026)
All Christians are called to holiness. All Christians are called to be saints. A saint is a person who has lived a courageous and virtuous life: a life lived for God, a life lived for others, a life worthy of imitation. Pope Leo XIV recently proclaimed: “The lives of the saints teach us that it is possible to live passionately amidst the complexities of the present time without neglecting [Saint Paul’s] mandate to ‘shine like stars in the world (Philippians 2:15).’”
This year, the Catholic Church marks the 800th anniversary of the life and legacy of Saint Francis of Assisi (1226-2026). As part of our commemoration of this Special Jubilee Year, we look not just to Saint Francis, but also to the friends who knew him best, the holy men and women who followed in his footsteps, the shining stars who sought to live the Gospel in thought, word, and deed.
In this spirit, all are invited to join Father Jim and Brother Patrick for our next Saints for All Seasons Mini-Retreat beginning with Holy Mass on Wednesday, March 25th at 5:30pm in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. After Mass and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Brother Patrick will offer a reflection on Blessed Bernard of Quintavalle (1180-1241), an acclaimed lawyer who surrendered all of his riches to become the first follower of Saint Francis.
After our reflection, Father Jim will celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation (for those who feel called to confession) during a period of silent Eucharistic Adoration. This special evening of prayer and devotion will conclude with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. For more information about our Saints for All Seasons Mini-Retreats, please contact Brother Patrick at brpatrick@ccgronline.com. Please join us! Bring a friend! All are invited! All are welcome! Blessed Bernard of Quintavalle, pray for us! Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us!
Listen: Saints for All Seasons Podcasts
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Call to Worship
Palm Sunday Faith & Family Mass
Palm Sunday, March 29th
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says: “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs (9:14).” In response to the Lord’s call, all young disciples and their families are invited join Father Jim for our Holy Week Faith & Family Mass on Sunday, March 29th at 11:45am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church.
During Mass, Father Jim will offer a special homily about Holy Week and how we can grow closer to Jesus through prayer, sacrifice, and good works. Every child who joins us will also receive a Palm Cross! In addition, please save these dates for our upcoming Faith & Family Masses:
- Easter Season Faith & Family Mass
Sunday, April 12th at 11:45am
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church - Mother’s Day Faith & Family Mass
Saturday, May 9th at 4:00pm
Sain Ann Church
For more information about our youth faith formation programs in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, please contact Betsy Works at bworks@ccgronline.com. Mass is our class! Jesus is our teacher! Every family who joins us is a special blessing from God! All are invited! All are welcome! Always!
Listen: Sunday Soundbite for Palm Sunday (2 Minutes)
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Call to Prayer
The Way of the Cross
Palm Sunday, March 29th
A Contemporary Interpretation with Music
During an Apostolic Journey to Poland in 2016, Pope Francis (1936-2025) said: “The Way of the Cross alone defeats sin, evil, and death, because it leads us to the radiant light of Christ’s resurrection and opens the horizons of a new and fuller life. It is the way of hope, the way of the future. Those who take up the Way of the Cross with faith and generosity offer us hope and a bright future to all humanity.”
In this spirit, all friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join Father Jim for a Contemporary Way of the Cross on Sunday, March 29th at 5:30pm in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. During this special event, we will combine traditional prayers and scriptures with music from various genres in order to grower closer to our Crucified Lord and Savior.
For more information, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com. In the words of Saint Francis of Assisi: “We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you! By your Holy Cross, you have redeemed the world!” Please join us! Bring a friend! Bring your family! Spread the word! All are invited! All are welcome!
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We Share
Safe & Easy Electronic Giving
God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7)
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 Catherine M. Randazza