Our Pastor’s Message
Christ Lives!
By Father Jim
An apostolic exhortation is a form of communication from a pope that usually encourages the People of God to some form of action or prayer. Seven years ago, not long before the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, Pope Francis (1936-2025) published an apostolic exhortation called Christus Vivit or Christ Lives! It was addressed to young people and also to all people of faith and goodwill. It is a document of great beauty and a compelling call to prayer, discernment, and discipleship. In deep spiritual communion with each other, let us reflect on the opening passage of this important invitation to prayer and action:
Christ is alive!
He is our hope, and in a wonderful way,
he brings youth to our world,
and everything he touches
becomes young, new, and full of life.
The very first words that I wish to say
to every Christian are these:
Christ is alive and he wants you to be alive!
He is in you, he is with you, he never abandons you.
However far you may wander,
he is always there, the Risen One.
He calls you and he waits for you
to return to him and start over.
When you feel that you are growing old
out of sorrow, resentment, fear, doubt, or failure,
he will always be there
to restore your strength and your hope.
Throughout his inspiring tenure, Pope Francis understood and appreciated the challenges associated with living a life of faith in the modern world and the particular challenges associated with passing that faith along to our children, grandchildren, and godchildren. At the same time, the Holy Father reminded us of three important truths that we should keep close to our hearts and share with others, both young and old. First, God loves you! Second, Jesus sacrificed himself on the cross for you and for all people everywhere! And finally, Christ is alive!
With these truths rooted in our hearts and minds, we can have confidence that “goodness will have the upper hand” in our lives and that “all of our struggles will prove worthwhile” because all things are possible, all challenges can be overcome, and all will be well because Jesus is alive and ever present in our suffering world.
Such confidence is the product of our dedication to prayer, diligence in good works, and sincere love for God for each other. As a new year begins, let us renew our commitment to live the Gospel, share God’s love, and rebuild the Church. From my heart, thank you for your love and support! Peace and blessing to all!
Reverend James M. Achadinha, Pastor
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: frjim@ccgronline.com
CCGR Weekly Newsletter (1-4-26)
Bringing Home the Word (1-4-26)
The Kids Bulletin (1-4-26)
New!
Drawing Down the Graces
By Brother Patrick
Gloucester Daily Times (12-31-25)
Art Credit: Zatelic – 94817865 – Dreamstime
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Call to Worship
The Epiphany Proclamation
While Christmas day is fixed in our hearts and on our calendars, many important holy days move based on the date of Easter Sunday. Each year, Easter falls on the First Sunday after the so-called Paschal Full Moon, and can occur between March 22nd and April 25th.
In ancient times, before calendars were commonplace, most people did not know the dates for the holy days of the new liturgical year. On Epiphany Sunday, therefore, the dates were proclaimed during the celebration of Holy Mass. After the proclamation of the Gospel, in keeping with tradition, a cantor, deacon, or lector may announce from the ambo the moveable feasts of the year.
The Epiphany Proclamation
Brothers and sisters,
now that we have rejoiced
at the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ,
so by leave of God’s mercy,
we announce to you also the joy
of his Resurrection, who is our savior.
On the Eighteenth Day of February,
will fall Ash Wednesday,
and the beginning of the fast
of the most sacred Lenten Season.
On the Fifth Day of April,
you will celebrate with joy Easter Sunday,
the Paschal Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
On the Twenty-Fourth Day of May,
the Feast of Pentecost.
On the Seventh Day of June,
the Feast of the Most Holy Body & Blood of Christ.
On the Twenty-Ninth Day of November,
the First Sunday of the Advent
of Our Lord Jesus Christ,
to whom is honor and glory for ever and ever.
Amen.
We invite you and your family to join us for the celebration of Holy Mass every week. Please click the link below for our weekly worship schedule. For more information, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com. All are invited! All are welcome!
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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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Special Message of Thanks
to Some Very Special People
As we continue to celebrate the Christmas Season, we join together in a prayer of thanksgiving for parishioners and pastoral team members who dedicated their time, talent, and treasure to help us celebrate these holy days in a joyful spirit of faith, hope, and love.
On behalf of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, we sincerely thank Caroline Bachman, Celia Barletta, Nina Groppo, Michele Herlihy, Bob Krause, Terri Krause, Kim LoGrasso, Suzanne McLaughlin, Mark Natti, Brian Rano, Jane Russo, Neil Scannell, Lucy Sheehan, Marilyn Thompson, Lori Thorstensen, a humble hermit and three rambunctious dachshunds for their good work in decorating our churches so beautifully.
We also offer deep thanks to Lori Thorstensen and the Saint Vincent de Paul Society for their hard work in organizing our Christmas Giving Trees. In addition, we thank all young and adult disciples who served as acolytes, greeters, lectors, ushers, and Eucharistic Ministers.
Last but not least, we thank Tom Misuraca, LuAnn Pallazola, Patti Natti, and all of our musicians and choir members for the gift of beautiful music during the Advent and Christmas Seasons. Peace and blessings to all for a happy and healthy New Year! — Father Jim
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Living the Gospel
Sacrament of Baptism
Basis for the Whole Christian Life
The Sacrament of Baptism is the first of the three Sacraments of Initiation in the Roman Catholic Church. The two others are Holy Eucharist and Confirmation. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism, we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission (CCC 1213).” Father Jim recently baptized the following young disciples:
Enzo Anthony Emerson
Jace James Laird
Julian Gerard LeBlanc
Roma Jane Lograsso
Salvatore Jacob Lograsso
Julien Steven Salah
Amelia Grace Vivian
The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated during any Sunday Mass at 10:00am in Saint Joachim Church; on the second Saturday of the month at 11:30am in Saint Ann Church; and on the third Saturday of the month at 11:30am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church.
For more information about celebrating the Sacrament of Baptism with your child or grandchild in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, please contact Sheila McCarthy-Durkin at smccarthy@ccgronline.com. If you are an adult who has not received the Sacraments of Initiation, please contact Brother Patrick at brpatrick@ccgronline.com.
Please pray for all of our newly baptized young disciples, along with their parents, siblings, godparents, and grandparents! Every child and every family in our parishes is a gift from heaven! May God bless you! Peace, blessings, and congratulations to all! Happy New Year!
Learn More: Sacrament of Baptism (1 Minute Video)
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Saint Vincent de Paul Society
Help Us Help Others
The Saint Vincent de Paul Society is an international organization that is dedicated to responding to any request from any person or family in need. Here on Cape Ann, we work through Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish to serve the poor and the needy. Help us help others! Donations can be pushed through the mail slot in the parish office, dropped in the collection basket at any Weekend Mass, or mailed to:
Saint Vincent de Paul Society
74 Pleasant Street
Gloucester, Massachusetts 01930
New members and volunteers are always welcome! For more information about the Saint Vincent de Paul Society and its good work in our parishes and hometowns, please contact Harry Miller at 978-281-8672 or Robert Weeks at svdpmember1@gmail.com. If you or someone you know needs our help, please call 978-281-8672. Thank you for your generous support for the Saint Vincent de Paul Society! May God bless you!
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Saint Vincent de Paul Society
Our Clothes Closet
Open 2nd, 3rd & 4th Saturdays
The Saint Vincent de Paul Clothes Closet is open for business in Saint Ann Church Hall on the second, third, and fourth Saturdays of every month from 9:00am until 12:00pm. All friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners are welcome to drop by and check out the Clothes Closet by entering through the Pleasant Street doors of Saint Ann Church Hall.
Donations of gently worn clothing and shoes are now gratefully accepted during our regular hours and in the bin located in the Saint Ann School parking lot. Please note that we cannot accept donations of books, toys, or household items. For more information about the Saint Vincent de Paul Clothes Closet, please contact Bridget Nelligan at 781-572-4752 or Cathy Kyrouz at 978-290-1756. Thank you for your generous support!
Learn More: Saint Vincent de Paul
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Words of Wisdom by Pope Leo XIV
The Word became flesh.
Though he will grow and one day learn
the language of his people, for now he speaks only
through his simple, fragile presence…
Human flesh asks for care;
it pleads for welcome and recognition;
it seeks hands capable of tenderness
and minds willing to listen;
it longs for words of kindness.
Learn More: Pope Leo XIV’s Christmas Homily 2025
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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 Safety
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 Paul Parisi, Jr.