Watch: Sunday Mass with Father Jim
Listen: Pray As You Go Daily Meditations
Read: Scripture for Life by Sister Mary McGlone
This Week’s Message
The Profound Connection
By Kathleen M. Basi
I was a young girl when my great-grandparents passed away. I remember being afraid of them. I was intimidated by their vast age and had difficulty communicating with them. So, it has been wonderful for me to see my children developing relationships with their great-grandmothers, relationships that cross the boundaries of this world. My children prayed for my grandmother before she died and they pray for her now, two years after her death.
In a world that depends on the tangible and measurable, even people of faith sometimes shy away from praying for the dead. Some say: “Really, what is the point? They are dead.” But even popular culture is peppered with stories about people who sense that their loved ones are still with them. As Catholics, we have inherited a holistic and beautiful approach to death and resurrection. Believing in eternal life means that those we love are dead only in the body. They are still able to care for us. So, it is still worthwhile to pray for them.
Our Catholic faith also gives us a realistic perspective on holiness. We know that few among us are worthy of the kingdom when we die, but we believe that God is too merciful to condemn us for all eternity. Just as we pray for those we love in life, so we pray also for them in death. Even better, we can ask them to pray for us. This is an amazing thing. Those who formed us in faith — not only family members but also mentors and teachers — are still in our lives.
We talk a great deal about the role of the saints as inspirations for daily living. But those we actually knew in daily living influenced us most. We find ourselves repeating our father’s wisdom, our mother’s mannerisms, and pondering the life philosophy of the grandmother whose sugar jar we dipped into as she baked cookies. I am not saying anything new here, but it bears repeating. Catholics may no longer suffer from overt discrimination, but we are still aware of the ways in which our beliefs do not quite match those of the broader Christian family. We sometimes can be hesitant to embrace the profound connection between us and the communion of saints, both the big S and the little s varieties.
This is as good a time as any to reconnect with those who have gone before us; to recollect what they taught us; and to imagine them standing by our side at our toughest moments, whispering the good advice that we treasure (or perhaps have not treasured enough) when they were here in the flesh. During this Month of All Souls, we should try to remember. We will be better Christians because of it.
About the Author: Kathleen M. Basi is a composer, musician, essayist, and disability rights advocate. She is also a wife and mother of four children, one of whom lives with Down Syndrome. Kathleen is also a contributor to Bringing Home the Word, a resource for families that is posted every weekend at the link below.
CCGR Weekly Newsletter (11-15-26)
Bringing Home the Word (11-15-26)
The Kids Bulletin (11-15-26)
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Pope Leo XIV
Homecoming to Peru
Vatican News
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Words of Wisdom from Pope Francis
The saints…are not symbols, distant, unreachable human beings.
They are people who lived with their feet on the ground;
they experienced the daily toil of existence with its failures and successes,
finding in the Lord the strength to rise again and continue on the journey.
Learn More: Assisi Project – Pope Francis Resources
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Call to Prayer
For the Month of All Holy Souls
By Cameron Bella
In these days,
when we look back upon generations
of the mercy of God,
brilliantly lit in those who came before us,
I like to think, too, of the mercy
that will stretch beyond us.
We have laid so many to rest this year
that our grief is ever present within us,
but so, likewise, are our loved ones:
the paths they walked,
the prayers they prayed.
May we realize, too, that someday
we also will live on earth
only in memory,
carried in the hearts of those who loved us.
In remembering our death,
may we move through each day
with tenderness, with gentleness,
with love strong enough
to stretch that thin veil
between heaven and earth
into transparency.
May we light the candles
that will brighten the lives of those
who will come after us.
And me we always remember this truth:
that the goodness of God
is matched only by its might,
ever transcending both life and death.
Amen.
About the Author: After completing a doctorate in Russian Literature from the University of California at Berkeley, Cameron Bellm traded the academic life for the contemplative life, inspired by Catholic Social Teaching and the spirituality of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Cameron is now an acclaimed author and retreat leader. She lives in Seattle with her husband and children.
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Brother Leo of Assisi
Saints for All Seasons
Wednesday, November 18th
All Christians are called to holiness. All Christians are called to be saints. A saint is a person who lived a courageous and virtuous life: a life 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 death of Saint Francis of Assisi (1226-2026). As part of our commemoration of this Jubilee Year, we look both to Saint Francis and to the holy men and women who followed in his footsteps, the shining stars who lived 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, November 18th beginning with Mass at 5:30pm in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. After Mass and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Brother Patrick will offer a brief reflection on Blessed Leo of Assisi (1195-1271), who was the close friend 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 and veneration of a relic of Saint Francis of Assisi. For more information, please contact Brother Patrick at brpatrick@ccgronline.com; or join us. Please join us! Bring a friend! All are invited! All are welcome!
Learn More: Saints for All Seasons Podcasts
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Christmas Fair
Holy Family Parish
Saturday, November 21st
All friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join the Holy Family Women’s Guild for the Annual Christmas Fair on Saturday, November 21st from 9:00am until 2:00pm in Saint Ann Church Hall. This year’s fair will feature various sale tables that will included kissing balls, cemetery baskets, holiday decorations, homemade baked goods, Bea’s Raffle, and our world famous basket wheel. Refreshments will be available for sale, too.
In addition, raffle tickets are now available for cash prizes, a homemade quilt, lottery tickets, and an Amazon Fire Tablet. Please help us make this year’s Christmas Fair our most successful fair ever! For more information, please contact Lydia Bertolino at lbbglosta1929@outlook.com. Spread the word! Bring a friend! Bring your family! All are welcome! Peace and blessings to all for a very happy holiday season!
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Christmas Fair Basket Wheel
Holy Family Parish
Now Accepting Donations
Our world famous basket wheel is the biggest moneymaker at our biggest fundraising event of the year! But our success depends on donations from friends and fellow parishioners! So, all are invited to create and donate a $25 theme basket for crafts, movie nights, school snow days, holiday gift wrap, or summer barbecues. Please help us make this year’s Christmas Fair Basket Wheel our most successful ever! For more information, please contacgt Lydia Bertolino at lbbglosta1929@outlook.com or Stephanie Tashjy at 978-281-4820. Spread the word! Thank you in advance for your kind and generous support for Holy Family Parish!
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Sharing God’s Love
Our Christmas Giving Trees
Begins Next Weekend
This year, the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport is once again sponsoring the Christmas Giving Tree! During the weekends of November 21st & 22nd and November 28th & 29th, a Christmas Giving Tree will be placed at the entrances of Saint Ann Church, Saint Joachim Church, and Our Lady of Good Voyage Church.
Each tree will be decorated with stars that include a Christmas wish for a local child in need. If you can make their wish come true, then please take the star! Every donated gift should be new, unused, unwrapped, and placed under any Christmas Giving Tree no later than Sunday, December 6th.
For more information about the Christmas Giving Tree, please contact Lori Thorstensen at lorithor@hotmail.com or leave a message at 978-281-4820. As we deck the halls and celebrate the holiday season, let’s together share God’s love with children and families that need our help! Thank you! May God bless us, everyone!
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Words of Wisdom from Mother Teresa
What I can do, you cannot.
What you can do, I cannot.
But together, we can do something beautiful for God.
Learn More: Mother Teresa – Missionaries of Charity
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Christ the King Faith & Family Mass
A Youth Faith Formation Special Event
Sunday, November 22nd
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 (Matthew 9:14).” In response to the Lord’s call, all children, parents, grandparents, and godparents are invited to join Father Jim for our Christ the King Faith & Family Mass on Sunday, November 22nd at 11:45am in Our Lady’s Church.
During Mass, Father Jim will offer a special homily for children of all ages about how Jesus is King of heaven and earth, Lord of our hearts and souls, and merciful Redeemer, friend, and brother. Every child who joins us will receive a crown to signify their part in Jesus Christ’s ministry as priest, prophet, and king.
We believe that Mass is our class! We believe that Jesus is our teacher! And we believe that every family that joins us for Mass is a precious gift from God! So, please save these dates for our upcoming Faith & Family Masses which are an essential component of our youth faith formation programs:
Advent Faith & Family Mass
Sunday, December 13th at 11:45am
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church
Epiphany Faith & Family Mass
Annual Christmas Pageant
Saturday, January 2nd at 4:00pm
Saint Ann Church
Lent Faith & Family Mass
Sunday, February 14th at 11:45am
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church
For more information about youth faith formation in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, please contact Betsy Works at bworks@ccgronline.com. Please join us! Bring a friend! Bring your whole family! All are invited! All are welcome!
Learn More: Solemnity of Christ the King
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Words of Wisdom from C.S. Lewis
A proud man is always looking down on things and people;
and, of course, as long as you are looking down,
you cannot see something that is above you.
Learn More: Clive Staples Lewis (1898-1963)
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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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