Watch: Sunday Mass with Father Jim
Listen: Pray As You Go Daily Meditations
Read: Scripture for Life by Sister Mary McGlone
Our Pastor’s Message
Reaching for Padre Pio
By Father Jim
After being ordained to the priesthood twenty-three years ago, I was assigned as a parochial vicar to Saint Charles Borromeo Parish in Woburn. My first pastor was Father Timothy Shea. Ordained in 1961, Father Tim has lived a remarkable priesthood. He entered seminary before the Second Vatican Council, was ordained before it began, and has presided over Masses in Latin, English, Spanish, and Italian for more than six decades.
Father Tim is a raconteur — a born storyteller, a consummate spinner of yarns. More than once, his sense of humor has made archbishops blush. Some of Father Tim’s most favorite stories come from his seminary years in Rome. At some point during the pontificate of Saint John XXIII, Father Tim and his classmates traveled to the village of San Giovanni Rotondo which is located near the heal of the boot of Italy. It was the home of the famous Padre Pio.
By this time, Padre Pio was an old man. Since being blessed with the stigmata in 1918, he had become famous throughout the world as a healer, mystic, and reader of souls. While this notoriety brought hundreds of thousands of pilgrims to San Giovanni Rotondo, it also created challenges and disruptions for the friary and local community. Because of the sainted friar’s many gifts, people wanted to see him. They wanted to touch him. They wanted to get close to him. They wanted him to hear their confessions and offer spiritual guidance.
When Padre Pio entered the convent church to hear confessions or celebrate the liturgy, pilgrims and parishioners alike surrounded him. Some begged for a blessing. Some tore or used scissors to cut pieces from his habit to claim as relics. Some became so frenzied and persistent that bodyguards were eventually needed to protect the friar from the people he loved and served. Sometimes violent altercations erupted when an unknowing pilgrim mistakenly sat in a pew that “belonged” to one of Padre Pio’s self-appointed disciples.
As Father Tim tells it, all of these things occurred on the day that he and his friends gathered for Mass in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Grace at San Giovanni Rotondo. He loves to share how even the oldest widows were the most fanatical about getting closer to Padre Pio. He watched as security guards swatted them away before they could reach the aging friar who bore the wounds of the Crucified Christ on his feet, hands, and side.
Needless to say, we rarely see this kind of frenzied behavior in our churches. Nobody begs for locks of hair or squares of clothing from me, Father Bill, or Father Bruce — at least not yet! In our time, such behavior is more common among the fans of pop stars and politicians. It is also common among the rich and famous. Their appetites are insatiable. Their grasping at money, power, and privilege are seemingly uncontrollable and unquenchable.
A different kind fervor, however, is common in the gospels. Consider the suffering woman who reaches out to touch the hem of Jesus’s cloak (Matthew 9:20-22). Consider the crowds in the Gospels of Luke (6:19) and Mark (6:56; 3:10) who push forward to be closer to the Lord when he heals the sick. In talking about his encounter with Padre Pio, Father Tim surely makes us laugh at the fanaticism. At the same time, he plants in our hearts an enduring truth. Our souls long to come closer to all that is good, true, and holy. It is this longing that inspires our devotion to the saints –especially Saint Padre Pio!
Reverend James M. Achadinha, Pastor
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
frjim@ccgronline.com
CCGR Weekly Newsletter (9-20-26)
Bringing Home the Word (9-20-26)
The Kids Bulletin (9-20-26)
New!
For Those Who Are Struggling
A Prayer for the Intercession of Padre Pio
(5 Minute Video)
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Saints for All Seasons
Saint Pio of Pietrelcina
Wednesday, September 23rd
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 over the centuries, 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, September 23rd 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 Saint Pio of Pietrelcina (1887-1968), better known simply as Padre Pio, a Franciscan friar, who is most remembered for being blessed, like Saint Francis, with the stigmata — the five wounds of the Crucified Christ.
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! Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, pray for us! Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us!
Listen: Saints for All Seasons Podcasts
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Words of Wisdom from Saint Pio
Jesus, my breath and my life, how I tremble today
as I lift you up in a mystery of love;
together with you,
may I be for the world way, truth, life,
and through you,
a holy priest and perfect victim.
Learn More: Saint Pio of Pietrelcina
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Holy Family Women’s Guild
Bakeless Bake Sale
Month of September
During September, the Holy Family Women’s Guild is sponsoring a Bakeless Bake Sale! Why? Because now more than ever, our parish needs your support, especially in light of rising utility costs. Every dollar makes a difference! Checks should be made payable to Holy Family Parish. All donations (cash or check) should be mailed to the following address:
Lydia Bertolino
Holy Family Women’s Guild
10 Orchard Street
Gloucester, Massachusetts 01930
Established in 2005, the Holy Family Women’s Guild brings together women of all ages in prayer, fellowship, and service. New members are always welcome. For more information about the Women’s Guild and its good work in our parish community, please contact Lydia at lbbglosta1929@outlook.com. May God bless you! Thank you for your generous support!
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Our Lady’s Guild
Fall Yard Sale
Saturday, September 26th
All friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join Our Lady’s Guild for a Fall Yard Sale on Saturday, September 26th from 9:00am until 12:00pm in Our Lady’s Hall. Our Fall Yard Sale will feature sale tables for buying and browsing for bargains, along with raffles with great prizes! Muffins, coffee, and tea will be offered for sale. All proceeds will benefit Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish. For more information about Our Lady’s Guild and its good work in our parish, please contact Beth Fosberry at jcbf33@yahoo.com. Save the date! Spread the word! Please join us! Bring a friend! New members and volunteers are always welcome!
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Saint Michael’s Lent
Feast of the Archangels
Tuesday, September 29th
The Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport’s forty day observance of Saint Michael’s Lent will conclude on the Feast of the Archangels, Tuesday, September 29th, in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church.
This special day of prayer and devotion will begin with Morning Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours at 8:00am, followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. After Morning Prayer, the church will remain open all day for silent prayer and adoration. At 12:00pm, we will gather again for Daytime Prayer and a Rosary for Peace. We will conclude with Evening Prayer and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at 5:30pm.
A Prayer for the Feast of the Archangels
Most High God,
you gave us archangels to help us
during the pilgrimage of life.
Saint Michael is our protector.
We ask him to come to our assistance
and to protect us from every danger.
Saint Gabriel is a messenger of the Good News.
We ask him to help us hear your voice
and to teach us your truth.
Saint Raphael is a healer.
We ask him to pray for our healing
and for the healing of those we love.
Help us to embrace the verity of these angels
and their calling to care for us.
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.
Archangels, pray for us!
Archangels, protect us!
For more information about this special day of prayer and devotion, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com. All are invited! All are welcome!
Learn More: Feast of the Archangels
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Saint Michael’s Lent
The Spindle of Prayer
By Brother Patrick
In The Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis (1936-2025) writes: “The Church urgently needs the deep breath of prayer (EG 262).” With these words, the late Holy Father reminds us that living and sharing the Good News of Jesus is not all about programs or credentials. It is instead about giving witness in thought, word, and action.
When Father Jim and I discerned a call to pray and fast again during Saint Michael’s Lent, our goal was not to drag others into a period of ascetic practices. It was instead a call to pray holistically: body, mind, and spirit. And it was meant to raise awareness about those who suffer from anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
What we have learned again is clear and compelling. Without prayer, our fast would be a failure. Without prayer, our fast would be pointless. Think about a turntable (a.k.a record player). We place the record on the spindle (or center spoke). We adjust the speed, press play, and the record spins. We then place the needle on the record and we hear beautiful music.
Imagine what happens, however, if the spindle is removed. The sound of music is first warped, then the record spins off the turntable. This is a compelling metaphor for our lives without the spindle of prayer. Our lives become pure and utter chaos.
Pope Francis says: “What is needed is the ability to cultivate an interior space which can give a Christian meaning to commitment and activity. Without prolonged moments of adoration, of prayerful encounter with the word, or sincere conversation with the Lord, our work easily becomes meaningless; we lose energy as a result of weariness and difficulty, and our fervor dies (EG 262).”
In this spirit, please pray for all who have joined us in observing Saint Michael’s Lent. Pray for all who live with anxiety, depression or loneliness. Please pray for the soul of Father Ben! Thank you! May God bless you! May the Lord give you peace!
Saint Michael’s Lent Resources
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The Assisi Project
In Constant Prayer for You
Founded in 2007 by Father Jim and Brother Patrick, the Assisi Project is a Fellowship of Franciscans in Spirit with friends and followers around the world. Our mission is to help believers of all ages more faithfully live the Gospel of the Poor Christ in the spirit of Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi.
Members of the Assisi Project range in age from 18 to 102. Each of us serves our parishes in some way. But our most important contribution is prayer. So we pray each day for all who ask for our prayers. Last week, we prayed for 188 intentions! If you would like our fellowship to pray for you, or your special intention, please contact Brother Patrick at brpatrick@assisiproject.com.
In communion with Pope Leo XIV and in solidarity with people of faith and goodwill everywhere, we also pray each day for peace, truth, and justice in our world; and for the poor, the persecuted, and the unjustly imprisoned. You can pray with us by visiting assisiproject.com! May God bless you! May the Lord give you peace!
Learn More: The Assisi Project
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We Share
Safe & Easy Electronic Giving
The more we share, the more we have. — Leonard Nimoy
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 Helen Downey