Watch: Sunday Mass with Father Jim (4-26-26)
Listen: Pray As You Go Daily Meditations
Read: Scripture for Life by Mary McGlone (4-26-26)
This Week’s Message
A Pope’s Prayer for Peace
By Pope Leo XIV
Brothers and sisters
of every language, people, and nation:
we are one family
that weeps, hopes, and rises again.
No more war, a journey with no return.
No more war, a vicious cycle of grief and violence.
Dear friends, peace be with you!
It is the peace of the Risen Christ,
the fruit of his sacrifice of love on the cross!
For this reason, we raise our prayers to him:
Lord Jesus,
you conquered death
without weapons or violence;
you shattered its power
with the strength of peace.
Grant us your peace as you did
to the women filled with doubt on Easter Morning.
Grant us your peace as you did
to the disciples who were hiding in fear.
Send forth your Spirit,
the breath that gives life and reconciles,
the breath that turns adversaries
into brothers and sisters.
Inspire us to trust in Mary, your mother,
who stood at the foot of the cross with a broken heart,
but firm in the faith that you would rise again.
May the madness of war cease.
May the Earth be cared for and cultivated
by those who still know
how to bring forth, protect, and love life.
Hear us, Lord of life!
Glory to the Father,
to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Note: This prayer is excerpted from the Holy Father’s Prayer Vigil for Peace on April 11, 2026. All are encouraged to read and reflect on the full text of the pope’s important message at the link below.
Pope Leo’s Reflection – Vigil for Peace
CCGR Weekly Newsletter (4-26-26)
Bringing Home the Word (4-26-26)
The Kids Bulletin (4-26-26)
New!
Todos! Todos! Todos!
The Life & Legacy of Pope Francis
Vatican News Video
Art Credit: Celestial Saint Art – Etsy
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A Just War?
Catholic Social Teaching
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 and devastating defeat for all 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
Read: Pope Leo – The Future Belongs to Peacemakers
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Words of Wisdom from Pope Leo XIV
Let us believe once again in love,
moderation, and good politics.
We must form ourselves and get involved,
each following our own calling.
Everyone has a place in the mosaic of peace!
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Our Lady’s Lounge Presents
A Musical Showcase
Saturday, April 25th
All friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join us for Our Lady’s Lounge on Saturday, April 25th at 7:00pm in the parish hall. Our musical showcase will feature Captain Jack Favazza, along with Mark Davis, Alessandro Schoc, and Luann Palazzola.
Tickets are $20 per person. They are available at the door, the parish office, or by contacting Beth Fosberry or Linda Galvin. All are welcome to bring food and snacks. Coffee, tea, soft drinks, and bottled water will be offered for sale, along with a cash bar. In addition, we will have several raffles with great prizes!
All proceeds from this special musical showcase will support the good works at Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish. For more information, please contact Beth Fosberry at jcbf33@yahoo.com or Linda Galvin at lingalv2020@gmail.com. Spread the word! Bring a friend! All are welcome!
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Youth Choir & Music Ministry
Wednesday, April 29th
All young disciples, boys and girls, ages 8 through 17, are invited to share their musical talents with our parishes! Rehearsals continue on Wednesday, April 22nd 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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The Assisi Project
Franciscan Virtues – Fraternity
Saturday, May 2nd
This year marks the 800th Anniversary of the Life and Death of Saint Francis of Assisi (1226-2026). In commemoration of this sacred milestone, Pope Leo XIV has declared a Special Jubilee Year which has inspired us to focus our adult faith formation programs on the Poor Man of Assisi.
In this spirit, the Assisi Project is going back to basics, back to the life and good example of our patron and his first followers to learn more about the virtues that can help us follow Saint Francis and live the Gospel of Christ with every thought, word, and deed.
All friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join us on Saturday, May 2nd at 8:00am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church for a two hour mini-retreat that includes Holy Mass, a reflection by Father Jim and Brother Patrick, and a period of prayer and faith sharing. At this gathering, we will focus primarily on the Franciscan virtue of fraternity.
Founded in 2007 by Father Jim and Brother Patrick, the Assisi Project is a Fellowship of Franciscans in Spirit with friends and neighbors around the world. We are dedicated to helping believers of all ages and backgrounds more faithfully live the Good News in the spirit of Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi. We are also dedicated to promoting a devotion to Pope Francis (1936-2025) as a patron of peace, mercy, and fraternity in our world.
If you would like us to pray for you, your family, or your special intention; or if you want to learn more about the Assisi Project and its good work in our parishes, please contact Brother Patrick at brpatrick@assisiproject.com. 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! Please join us! All are welcome! Always! May the Risen Lord give you peace!
Learn More: The Assisi Project
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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 Father Jim and Brother Patrick in offering A Rosary for Peace Featuring Prayers by Pope Francis at the following days and times:
- A Rosary for Peace
Sunday, May 3rd at 8:45am
With Eucharistic Adoration
Saint Joachim Church - A Rosary for Peace
Saturday, May 2nd at 2:30pm
Saint Ann Church
For more information about A Rosary for Peace and these special moments of prayer for our suffering world, please contact Brother Patrick at brpatrick@ccgronline.com. If you are unable to attend in person, please join with us in spiritual communion by praying online with A Rosary for Peace at the link below. Please join us! Bring a friend! All are welcome! May the Risen Lord give you peace!
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Youth Faith Formation
First Holy Communion
Begins Saturday, May 2nd
As Catholics, we believe that the Eucharist is the “source and summit” of our shared life of prayer, fellowship, and service. We believe that the Eucharist is the Body and Blood of Christ. And like Pope Francis, we believe in our hearts: “The Eucharist is essential for us. It is Christ who wishes to enter into our lives and fill us with his grace. The Eucharist, although it is the fullness of the sacramental life, is not a prize for the perfect, but a powerful medicine and nourishment for the weak (EG 47).”
In this spirit, fifty-nine of our young disciples have completed their preparations and are ready to receive the Eucharist for the first time. As our annual celebrations of First Holy Communion approach, all are encouraged to be mindful of our upcoming schedule:
- First Holy Communion Mass
Saturday, May 2nd at 4:00pm
Saint Ann Church - First Holy Communion Mass
Saturday, May 3rd at 11:45am
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church - First Holy Communion Mass
Sunday, May 9th at 4:00pm
Saint Ann Church - First Holy Communion Mass
Sunday, May 10th at 10:00am
Saint Joachim Church - First Holy Communion Mass
Sunday, May 17th at 11:45am
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church
If your child has completed the second grade and has not received the Sacraments of Baptism or Eucharist, we have a special program for them called The Way for Kids! which begins on Saturday, April 25th from 4:30pm until 5:45pm. For more information, please contact Betsy Works at bworks@ccgronline.com. Please pray for all of our young disciples and their families! Peace, blessings, and congratulations to all!
Watch: The Eucharist (1 Minute Video)
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Words of Wisdom from Saint Gianna
The secret of happiness
is to live moment by moment,
and to give thanks to God for all that he,
in his goodness, sends us day after day.
Listen: Saint of the Day – Saint Molla Gianna (1.5 Minutes)
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We Share
Safe & Easy Electronic Giving
It is in giving that we receive. — Prayer of Saint 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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