This Week’s Message
Just Do It!
By Brother Patrick
As a spiritual director, I am often asked: How should I pray? When should I pray? Where should I pray? Which prayers are best? The answers can be boiled down to an iconic advertising slogan: Just do it! It doesn’t matter how we pray, when we pray, or where we pray. It doesn’t matter which prayers we say as long as those prayers deepen our relationship with the Lord. What matters is that we actually do pray; that we pray often; that we cultivate a habit of prayer that becomes an important part of our lives.
History teaches us that the great saints, mystics, and religious orders often prayed according to a timetable or rule of life. Father Jim and I recently made a short pilgrimage to Saint Joseph’s Abbey in Spencer, Massachusetts. The abbey is home to a vibrant community of Trappist monks who gather six times everyday to pray the Liturgy of the Hours. This fixed schedule of prayer has been part of the Benedictine tradition for fourteen centuries. Diocesan priests and deacons, along with consecrated persons like me, are also called to mark the “hours” of the day with this kind of prayer.
What about the rest of God’s family? Over the years, I have been blessed to learn from Jesuits, Franciscans, Benedictines, and other holy men and women about how a life of discipleship can be built on a fixed schedule of daily prayer. And thanks to the good advice of my longtime spiritual director, Father Mark Noonan (1934-2025), I begin each day with an hour of prayer and spiritual reading. In addition to books about the scriptures and lives of the saints, I am deeply grateful for these three daily devotionals:
Through the Year with Francis of Assisi (241 pages) offers daily quotes or short stories from the life of the Little Poor One. Edited by Father Murray Bodo, OFM, one of the world’s best loved friar and writer, this book presents the good example of Saint Francis through his own words, through his life and legend, and through reflections by his most famous biographers: Saint Bonaventure (1221-1274) and Blessed Thomas of Celano (1200-1260). This volume has been part of my morning routine for nearly twenty years. Because of its profound holiness, this book always seems new and fresh.
All Saints by Robert Ellsberg (582 pages) contains a daily reflection on saints, prophets, and witnesses from various cultures and faith traditions. Almost all of these reflections are about Christian men and women who devoted themselves to living the Gospel, sharing God’s love, and rebuilding the Church. Some are martyrs. Some are mystics. Some are miracle makers. Some are peacemakers. Some are even troublemakers. But all of them offer good guidance and real inspiration for living our shared faith.
You Are Beloved by Father Henri Nouwen (417 pages) features a daily meditation from one of the twentieth centuries most popular and prolific Christian authors. Father Nouwen (1932-1996) wrote more than forty books. Rooted in his personal loneliness and longing for deep human friendships, his writings remind us again and again of God’s abiding love for each and every person. All of Father Nouwen’s books are worth reading. But this book provides both a good introduction and a daily dose of practical inspiration for people of all ages, backgrounds, and life experiences.
When asked over the years for recommendations about what books to read or what prayers to pray, Father Mark always said: “Follow the good instincts that lead you to the Lord.” So whether we have our own spiritual libraries or take a chance on the recommendations of a humble hermit, let us ask the Holy Spirit to help us find prayers and other faith resources that bring us all closer to Christ, closer to the Church, and closer to each other. May God bless us, everyone, with lives filled with good books, beautiful prayers, and abundant graces! May the Lord give you peace!
Brother Patrick Garvey
Associate Minister & Diocesan Hermit
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: brpatrick@ccgronline.com
CCGR Weekly Newsletter (1-11-26)
Bringing Home the Word (1-11-26)
The Kids Bulletin (1-11-26)
New!
Poor Man of God
An Assisi Project Podcast
assisiproject.com
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Saints for All Seasons
The First Franciscan Martyrs
Wednesday, January 14th
800th Anniversary of the Life & Death of Saint Francis (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 by others. 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 year, we look not just to Saint Francis, but to the friends who knew him best; to the holy men and women who sought to follow in his footsteps; to the “shining stars” who sought to live the Gospel of Christ with every thought, word, and deed.
In this spirit, all are invited to join Father Jim and Brother Patrick for this year’s first Saints for All Seasons Mini-Retreat which will begin with Holy Mass on Wednesday, January 14th 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 the Franciscan Protomartyrs, the first followers of Saint Francis to lose their lives for simply living and preaching the Good News of the Poor Christ.
After our reflection, Father Jim will celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation (for those who feel called to confession) during a period of silent adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. This special evening of prayer and devotion will conclude with Benediction and veneration of a relic of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Throughout the year, our challenge will be to turn what we learn about the Friends of Francis into living more faithfully as disciples. After all, Saint Francis once said: “What a great shame that while the saints actually followed the Lord, we expect glory and honor simply because we can recite what they did.” Mindful of this counsel, we will seek to renew our timeless mission to live the Gospel, share God’s love and rebuild the Church.
For more information about our Saints for All Seasons Mini-Retreats, please contact Brother Patrick at brpatrick@ccgronline.com. Our complete schedule of mini-retreats is now posted at the link below. 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!
Learn More: The Assisi Project
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Words of Wisdom from Pope Leo XIV
Peace is a breath of the eternal.
While to evil we cry out ‘Enough!’,
to peace we whisper ‘Forever.’
Learn More: Pope Leo’s Word Day of Peace Message
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Pastor’s Note
The Bare Necessities
Every Dollar Makes a Difference!
By Father Jim
The Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport is alive and well! Babies are being baptized. Confessions are being heard. Funerals and weddings are being celebrated. Our online ministries attract more than 2,000 visitors every week. Our young disciples are preparing for Confirmation and First Holy Communion. Our service organizations and adult faith formation programs are bringing together people of all ages in prayer, fellowship, and service. And best of all, more and more of our friends and neighbors are coming home to church.
Nevertheless, the challenges of midwinter are upon us. Our churches and parish buildings must be cleaned, heated, and insured. Basic repairs are ongoing and everyday. Parking lots must be plowed. Steps and sidewalks must be shoveled and kept clear of ice. And our hardworking pastoral team (including me and our assisting clergy) must be paid a fair wage. Here is just a small sampling of some recent monthly expenses:
Holy Family Parish
Saint Ann Campus Electricity: $831
Saint Joachim Campus Heating: $2,347
Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish
Our Lady’s Church Heating: $2,399
Our Lady’s Campus Electricity: $948
As you know, my parents taught me how to pinch pennies at a very young age. Believe me, we are doing all we can to control costs. But the financial stability and pastoral viability of both Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish depends entirely on us. We are solely responsible for paying our bills.
How can you help? Give what you can. Give an extra dollar or two every week. Use our electronic giving program. Encourage your families, friends, and neighbors to chip in. For more information about you can help, please see me before or after Mass or contact me. Thank you for your ongoing encouragement and generous support for our beloved home parishes! Peace and blessings to all for a happy and healthy year!
Reverend James M. Achadinha, Pastor
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: frjim@ccgronline.com
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Youth Faith Formation
First Penance & Reconciliation
Saturday, January 24th
As a new year begins, fifty-seven young disciples from Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish are preparing for First Holy Communion. As part of their ongoing formation to receive the Body & Blood of Christ, these young fellow parishioners will soon participate in the Sacrament of Penance & Reconciliation (Confession) for the first time.
This celebration is an important milestone in every child’s faith journey. It teaches them and reminds us all about the importance of conscience, forgiveness, humility, and God’s boundless gifts of love, mercy, and friendship. As our young disciples make their first confession, we entrust them into God’s loving care:
All good and gracious God,
help our children to be kind and patient.
Do not let pride or envy take root in their hearts.
Keep them from being angry and hateful.
Help them to forgive others
and to let go of grudges and rivalries.
Help our children preserve family ties,
love each other, hope for the future,
and build up their community
in prayer, fellowship, and service.
We make this prayer through Christ Jesus,
our Risen Lord and Savior. Amen.
Our celebration of First Penance & Reconciliation is scheduled for Saturday, January 24th at 9:00am in 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.
As our children, godchildren, and grandchildren continue to prepare for the Sacraments of First Penance and First Eucharist, please pray for them and for their families. May God bless us with faith, hope, love, and true happiness throughout the new year! Peace and blessings to all!
Watch: Penance & Reconciliation (1 Minute)
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Youth Faith Formation
Sacrament of Confirmation
Saturday, January 24th
Along with Baptism and Eucharist, Confirmation is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation in the Roman Catholic Church. The Sacrament of Confirmation completes the grace of Baptism through the outpouring of the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Courage, Knowledge, Wisdom, Reverence, Right Judgment, Understanding, and Wonder & Awe of the Lord.
These powerful gifts seal or confirm the mystical union between Jesus and the candidates. These precious gifts also prepare the candidates to actively participate in the prayer, fellowship, and service of God’s family in their home parish and beyond.
This year, sixty-four students from Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish have completed the requirements of our Confirmation Preparation Program. During the past two years, they prayed together, attended Mass together, and completed a rigorous journey of formation as a community of young disciples. They are now well-prepared to publicly renew their baptismal vows, profess their faith, and live as faithful and faith-filled Catholic Christians.
The Very Reverend Brian Flynn, Episcopal Vicar for the North Region of the Archdiocese of Boston, will join us as special guest celebrant and homilist for our annual celebrations of the Sacrament of Confirmation on Saturday, January 24th at 4:00pm in Saint Ann Church and on Saturday, February 14th at 10:00am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. Welcome to the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, Father Brian!
As we make ready for these celebrations, please pray for all of our candidates, sponsors, parents, and catechists. In a special way, we pray in thanksgiving for Betsy Works, Associate Minister of Youth Faith Formation, for her good work, dedication, and creative spirit. Peace, blessings, and congratulations to all! Come, Holy Spirit! Enkindle in us the fire of your love!
Watch: Confirmation (1 Minute)
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The Assisi Project
We’re Praying for You!
Founded in 2007 by Father Jim and Brother Patrick, the Assisi Project is a Fellowship of Franciscan in Spirit with friends and followers around the world. We are dedicated to helping believers of all ages more faithfully live the Gospel of the Poor Christ through the inspiration of Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi. We are now also dedicated to promoting Pope Francis (1936-2025) as a patron of peace, mercy, and fraternity in our world.
Members of the Assisi Project range in age from 17 to 101 years old. We pray every day for peace, for the poor, and for the persecuted in our midst. We also pray for all who ask for our prayers of intercession. If you would like our fellowship to pray for you, your family, or your special intention, please contact Brother Patrick at brpatrick@assisiproject.com. Brothers and sisters all! May God bless you! May the Lord give you peace!
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Words of Wisdom from Saint Francis
The Lord called me into the way
of simplicity and humility…
He told me that I am to be
a new kind of fool in this world.
Listen: Peace Prayer of Saint Francis
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Pastor’s Note
Winter Weather Advisory
The Season of Winter is upon us! For the latest information about weather related cancelations during the coming months, please check our homepage: ccgronline.com. All friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners are reminded that if public schools are closed due to inclement weather, then all parish programs (including weekday Masses) are canceled too. Stay safe! Stay warm! Peace and blessings to all! — Father Jim
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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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In Memory of Katelyn Caruso