Watch: Sunday Mass with Father Jim (5-17-26)
Listen: Pray As You Go Daily Meditatons
Read: Scripture for Life by Mary McGlone (5-17-26)
Our Pastor’s Message
A Prayer to the Holy Spirit
By Father Jim
As Pentecost approaches, we are mindful of the glorious moment when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles and blessed them with the necessary grace, strength, and courage to preach the Good News of Christ throughout the world. More specifically, the Holy Spirit offered them seven gifts: knowledge, wisdom, fortitude, reverence, understanding, right judgment, and awe at God’s power and majesty.
Here and now, the beautiful burden of sharing the Gospel falls to us, each one of us, in our homes, hometowns, parishes, and workplaces. It falls to us, each one of us, to open our hearts and minds, embrace the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, and give witness to God’s love and mercy to the four corners of the world, even if our own personal world barely extends beyond the borders of Gloucester and Rockport.
As we gather this week for our annual celebration of the Crowning Feast of the Holy Spirit, we renew our shared vocation to living the Gospel, sharing God’s love, and rebuilding the Church. And each day, we pledge to offer this compelling prayer during this special week in the life of our beloved faith community:
Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
enlighten our minds
to perceive the mysteries of the universe
in relation to eternity.
Spirit of right judgment and courage,
guide us and make us firm
in our baptismal decision
to follow the Lord’s way of love.
Spirit of knowledge and reverence,
help us to see the lasting value
of justice and mercy
in our everyday dealings with one another.
May we respect life
as we work to solve problems
of nation and family, ecology and economy.
Spirit of God,
spark our faith, hope, and love
into new action each and every day.
Fill our lives with wonder and awe
at your presence which penetrates all creation.
Amen. Amen.
Regardless of where you worship on the weekend, please remember that all friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are welcome to join us for Crowning Week! May the Holy Spirit inspire us with a joyful zeal for prayer, fellowship, and service! And may we cry out with one voice: Come, Holy Spirit! Come! Enkindle in us the fire of your love! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Reverend James M. Achadinha, Pastor
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: frjim@ccgronline.com
CCGR Weekly Newsletter (5-17-26)
Bringing Home the Word (5-17-26)
The Kids Bulletin (5-17-26)
New!
The New Beatitudes
An Assisi Project Podcast
assisiproject.com
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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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Words of Wisdom from Pope Francis
The Holy Spirit is the soul of the Church.
The Spirit gives life, brings forth different charisms
that enrich the people of God, and above all,
creates unity among believers.
From the many, the Holy Spirit makes us
the one Body of Christ.
The Church’s whole life and mission depend
on the Holy Spirit who fulfills all things.
Learn More: One Year Later – A Place of Pilgrimage
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Youth Choir & Music Ministry
Wednesday, May 20th
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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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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A Rosary for Peace
Let’s Pray Together!
In Communion with Pope Leo XIV
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
Saturday, May 16th at 2:30pm
With Eucharistic Adoration
Saint Ann Church - A Rosary for Peace
Saturday, May 30th at 2:30pm
With Eucharistic Adoration
Saint Ann Church - A Rosary for Peace
With Eucharistic Adoration
Sunday, June 7th at 8:45am - A Rosary for Peace
An Assisi Project Podcast Series
assisiproject.com/resources
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. Please join us! Spread the word! All are welcome! May the Risen Lord give you peace!
Learn More: Pope Leo XIV’s Prayer for Peace
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Words of Wisdom from Saint Mary Magdalene of Pazzi
Never utter in your neighbor’s absence
what you would not say in their presence!
Learn More: Saint Mary Magdalene of Pazzi
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We Share
Safe & Easy Electronic Giving
Let us insist on raising funds for peace and love. — Mother Teresa
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 Betty Mitchell