Watch: Sunday Mass with Father Jim (5-10-26)
Listen: Pray As You Go Daily Meditations
Read: Scripture for Life by Mary McGlone (5-10-26)
This Week’s Message
Suffer the Children?
By Brother Patrick
In a relatively recent translation of the Holy Bible, 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 (Matthew 19:14).” However, in older editions of the Bible, the Lord’s command begins with these words: “Suffer the little children…” Such differences in translation can seem confusing or contradictory. But upon closer study, they challenge us to consider who we are, where we stand, and whether we truly cherish all of God’s little ones.
For us, to suffer is to experience some pain or persecution. To suffer also means to allow, assent, or give one’s blessing to a particular practice or experience. So when Jesus says “suffer the little children,” he calls his disciples to be welcoming, counter-cultural, and signs of contradiction in an often cold, cruel, and hard-hearted world.
In ancient times, children did not have rights. They were not showered with love and affection. They were often required to work long hours to support their families. And they were not permitted to fully participate in religious services. But Jesus calls his followers to embrace the dignity of every child. One scripture scholar, Douglas Hare (1929-1915), writes: “Jesus insists that children are just as valuable to God as adults…The child is a paradigm of what it means to be helplessly dependent on our Father in heaven (Interpretation, 224).”
In recent months, I have been haunted by current events and the Lord’s words about the nobility of children. Not long ago, Adrian Conejo Arias and Liam, his five year old son, were detained by federal agents. Adrian and Liam are not illegal immigrants. They have pending applications for asylum. Neither father nor son have a criminal record. So why were they detained? What horror did Liam experience during his detention that causes him to be afraid of school? Afraid of classmates? Afraid of the police? Suffer the little children?
Elvis Joel Tipan-Echeverria and Chloe, his two year old daughter, were confronted by federal agents in their driveway. Elvis and Chloe are also not illegal immigrants. They have pending applications for asylum. Neither father nor daughter have a criminal record. The officers had neither a warrant nor a deportation order. They just smashed a car window, pulled Chloe out, and placed her into a vehicle without a child safety seat. Elvis and Chloe were eventually released by a judge’s order. But why did this happen? Why does it continue to happen? Suffer the little children?
On September 27th, the Catholic Church will celebrate 112th Annual World Day of Migrants & Refugees. Pope Leo says that this year’s observance will be called Even Just One of These Children and will be based on the Lord’s own words: “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me (Matthew 18:5).” In light of current events, the Lord’s clear command and the pope’s charity and compassion, we are confronted with hard questions.
How can we call ourselves pro-life when we ignore the plight of poor children? How can we claim to respect life when we fail to stand in solidarity with the persecuted in our midst? How can we claim to protect God’s children when we remain silent against policies that cause so much pain and hardship? For me, at least, the time for silence is over. The time for prayer and prophetic witness begins now. Suffer the little children, indeed!
Brother Patrick Garvey
Associate Minister & Diocesan Hermit
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: brpatrick@ccgronline.com
CCGR Weekly Newsletter (5-10-26)
Bringing Home the Word (5-10-26)
The Kids Bulletin (5-10-26)
New!
Read: Even Just One of These Children
Pope Leo XIV – World Day of Migrants & Refugees
Vatican News
Art Credit: Craft Sea Shells – Etsy
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Youth Faith Formation
Mother’s Day Mass for Families
Saturday, May 9th
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 (Mt 19:14).” In response to the Lord’s call, all parents, godparents, grandparents, and children of all ages are invited to join Father Jim for a Mother’s Day Mass for Families on Saturday, May 9th at 4:00pm in Saint Ann Church.
During Mass, Father Jim will offer a special homily about Mother’s Day and a special blessing for all mothers, families, and children. In addition, all who gather with us will join in the Crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary. As Mother’s Day approaches, we renew our beliefs that Mass is our class; Jesus is our best teacher; and every family that joins us is a special blessing from God!
For more information about our annual Mother’s Day Mass for Families, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com. May God bless our mothers, godmothers, and grandmothers! Please join us! Bring your family! All are invited! All are welcome! Always!
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Youth Faith Formation
First Holy Communion
Continues This Weekend!
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
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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Saints for All Seasons
Saint Paschal Baylon
Wednesday, May 13th
Jubilee of Saint Francis of Assisi
Eight Hundred Years – 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 and veneration. Pope Leo XIV proclaims: “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 those 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 on Wednesday, May 13th beginning with Mass at 5:30pm in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church in Gloucester, Massachusetts. After Mass and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Brother Patrick will offer a reflection on Saint Paschal Baylon (1540-1592), who was called a “Seraph of the Eucharist” by Pope Leo XIII (1810-1903). A seraph is an angelic being of the highest order who is associated with light, love, and purity of mind, body, and spirit. 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@assisiproject.com; or check out our resources page via the link below. Please join us! Bring a friend! All are welcome! Always! 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! Saint Paschal Baylon, pray for us!
Listen: Saints for All Seasons Podcasts
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Words of Wisdom from Saint Paschal Baylon
Let your heart be more attentive
than your head.
It is the heart that the Lord looks at.
Learn More: Saint Pachal Baylon
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Youth Choir & Music Ministry
Wednesday, May 13th
All young disciples, boys and girls, ages 8 through 17, are invited to share their musical talents with our parishes! Rehearsals continue on Wednesday, May 13th 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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Crowning Feast of the Holy Spirit
A Beloved Annual Tradition
Begins Monday, May 18th
All friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners are invited to join Father Jim, our imperatrix Linda Galvin and her family, the Holy Name Society, Our Lady’s Guild, Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish, and the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport in celebrating the Crowning Feast of the Holy Spirit from Monday, May 18th through Sunday, May 24th. Here’s our schedule of events for this beautiful annual tradition:
- Monday, May 18th
Mass & Holy Hour at 8:00am – Our Lady’s Church
Holy Rosary at 6:30pm – Our Lady’s Church
Followed by Supper – Our Lady’s Hall - Tuesday, May 19th
Mass & Holy Hour at 8:00am – Our Lady’s Church
Holy Rosary & Supper at 6:30pm – Our Lady’s Hall - Wednesday, May 20th
Holy Rosary at 5:30pm – Our Lady’s Church
Holy Mass at 6:00pm – Our Lady’s Church
Soup & Bread Supper at 6:30pm – Our Lady’s Hall - Thursday, May 21st
Mass & Holy Hour at 8:00am – Our Lady’s Church
Holy Rosary & Supper at 6:30pm – Our Lady’s Hall - Friday, May 22nd
Mass & Holy Hour at 8:00am – Our Lady’s Church
Sung Rosary in Portuguese at 6:30pm – Our Lady’s Hall
Followed by Supper – Our Lady’s Hall - Saturday, May 22nd
Holy Rosary at 5:15pm – Our Lady’s Church
Holy Mass at 6:00pm – Our Lady’s Church - Sunday, May 23rd
Holy Mass & Crowning at 11:45am – Our Lady’s Church
Crowning Luncheon at 1:00pm – Our Lady’s Hall
Tickets for Sunday’s Crowning Luncheon are available after all Weekend Masses in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church or through the parish office. A donation of $25 per person is requested. Donations for the Crowning Raffle are also appreciated! Pre-orders for the traditional Rosquilhas (round sweet bread) are now being accepted. For more information about donations and reservations for the luncheon, please contact Matt Parisi at mparisi101@gmail.com; Beth Fosberry at jcbf33@yahoo.com; or our parish office at 978-281-4820. Bring your family & friends! All are welcome! Come, Holy Spirit!
Learn More: The First Pentecost
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Holy Family Women’s Guild
Spring Bake & Plant Sale
Saturday, May 23rd
All friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join the Holy Family Women’s Guild for a Spring Bake & Plant Sale on Saturday, May 23rd from 9:00am until 1:00pm at Saint Ann Church. We will have raffles, baked goods, cemetery baskets (see below), colorful hanging baskets, and various seasonal plants and flowers. All proceeds will benefit the good works of Holy Family Parish. Thank you for your kind and generous support!
Established in 2005, the Holy Family Women’s Guild brings together women of all ages and backgrounds in prayer, fellowship, and service to our parish and the wider community. For more information, please contact Lydia Bertolino at lbbglosta1929@outlook.com or Celia Gray at 978-281-2072. Please join us! All are welcome!
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Holy Family Women’s Guild
Memorial Day Cemetery Baskets
Now Accepting Orders
In prayerful preparation for Memorial Day, the Holy Family Women’s Guild is working with Cressey & Sons in Rowley to offer Memorial Day Baskets in honor of our fallen heroes. A donation of $30 each is requested for each one of the beautifully decorated log-shaped baskets. We are now accepting orders! Baskets will be available for pick-up on Saturday, May 23rd from 9:00am until 1:00pm at our Spring Bake & Plant Sale. If you would like to reserve a Memorial Day Basket, please contact Celia Gray at 978-281 -2072 or Jane Marshall at 978-283-5111. Thank you for your kind and generous support!
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The Assisi Project
We Pray for You!
Members of the Assisi Project range in age from 18 to 102. We pray each and every day for all who ask for our prayers. If you would like our fellowship to pray for you or your special intention, please contact Brother Patrick at 978-281-4820 or brpatrick@assisiproject.com. In addition to your requests for prayers, we also pray in communion with Pope Leo XIV for peace, truth, and justice in our war-torn world; for all migrants and refugees, and for the poor, the sick, the elderly, the persecuted, and the imprisoned. Please pray with us! Now more than ever, let’s pray together! May God bless you! May the Risen Lord give you peace!
Learn More: The Assisi Project
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Words of Wisdom from Saint Margaret of Cortona
During times of desolation,
God conceals himself so that we can discover
what we are without him.
Learn More: Saint Margaret of Cortona
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We Share
Safe & Easy Electronic Giving
The path of Jesus is charity. — 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 Captain Joe Goncalves