This Week’s Message
My Name Does Not Matter
By a Child Who Still Believes
My name does not matter as much as my heart does.
I am a child who came here because my parents wanted me to live,
not just to breathe, but to live without fear.
They are not bad people.
They are a mother and father like you.
They took my hand and ran from men with guns,
from gangs who wanted to use my brother,
from hunger that never ended.
They crossed deserts and borders because love made them brave.
They dreamed that in America,
I could go to school, play outside,
and sleep at night without being afraid.
You may see papers and rules.
I see my father’s hands: strong, blistered from working in the fields.
I see my mother’s eyes: tired but full of hope.
They believe this country would welcome their work,
their dreams, and the love they carry for us.
They believed in the same promise
that once brought so many others here:
that all people are created equal,
that every child deserves a chance.
Now that dream is breaking.
My father could be taken away.
My mother cries quietly so we won’t hear.
I ask you: if you have a daughter or a son,
could you imagine them crying for you the way I cry for mine?
Would you not do everything, anything, to keep them safe?
Please, see us not as strangers
but as family you have not yet met.
We do not want to harm your country.
We want to share in its hope.
We want to learn, to work hard, to give back.
My parents came here because they believed America
still had a heart big enough for all God’s children.
Please, look into your own heart.
Remember that we, too, are made in God’s image.
Remember that love is stronger than fear.
CCGR Weekly Newsletter (12-21-25)
Bringing Home the Word (12-21-25)
The Kids Bulletin (12-21-25)
New!
Lazarus of Bethany – A Universal Patron
Saints for All Seasons
assisiproject.com
__________
How It Happened
A Gospel Meditation for Christmas
By Brother Patrick
This is how it happened.
A young woman and her fiancé
learn that she will have a child,
who was conceived by grace and miracle,
by the hand of all creation.
By law and custom,
the man, called Joseph, could be angry.
But he is good and holy:
filled with faith, hope, and love.
Joseph’s kindness is confirmed by an angel,
who enters into his dreams:
counsels courage, envisions an age of mercy,
foretells a destiny of deliverance
for all of God’s children.
This child, soon to be a son, is God with us:
of the Father, yet one of us.
He is Jesus, Emmanuel,
friend and brother, prophet and teacher,
savior and redeemer.
This woman, Mary, gives life.
This man, Joseph, gives life refuge.
We, this people, now gives itself:
to love, to mercy,
to justice for the oppressed.
With them, brothers and sisters all,
we make the journey:
to Bethlehem, to a stable, to a manger,
where the child is given us,
where love is born anew, where love whispers:
Be not afraid.
Be holy. Be loved. Be saved.
Be one holy family.
Peace and goodwill to all people in all places.
Now and forever. Amen.
Read: The Challenge of Christmas
__________
The Christmas Season
Our Worship Schedule
The Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport joyfully invites you and your family to join us for Holy Mass in celebration of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ at Christmas! Here’s our upcoming schedule:
- Christmas Eve – Wednesday, December 24th
Saint Ann Church at 4:00pm
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church at 5:30pm
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church at Midnight - Christmas Day – Thursday, December 25th
Saint Ann Church at 8:15am
Saint Joachim Church at 10:00am
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church at 11:45am - Christmas Mass on YouTube
Watch at 4:00pm on Christmas Eve - Vigil – Solemnity of Mary – Wednesday, December 31st
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church at 5:30pm - Solemnity of Mary – January 1st
Saint Ann Church at 8:15am
Saint Joachim Church at 10:00am
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church at 11:45am
All friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners are advised that we are no longer welcome to park in the Shaw’s parking lot near Saint Ann Church. Violators are being towed. Please plan accordingly. On behalf of our pastor, senior priests, and pastoral team, we wish you peace, good health, and every happiness at Christmas and throughout the coming new year! Now more than ever, let’s pray together! Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! Please join us! All are welcome!
Listen: Saint of the Day – The Nativity (1.5 Minutes)
__________
The Assisi Project
The Franciscan Virtues 2026
Saturday, January 3rd
Fifty-Two Steps to Conversion
The coming year marks two important anniversaries in the life of the Catholic Church. It is the 10th Anniversary of the Extraordinary Year of Mercy (2016) and the 800th Anniversary of the Transitus (Death) of Saint Francis of Assisi. As part of its ongoing mission to help us more faithfully live the Gospel of the Poor Christ in the spirit of Saint Francis and Saint Clare, the Assisi Project is going back to the basics, back to the life and good example of our patron saint and his first followers.
On the First Saturday of every month, the Assisi Project gathers for a two-hour mini-retreat that includes Holy Mass, a reflection by Father Jim or Brother Patrick, and a period of prayer and faith sharing. All are invited to join us on Saturday, January 3rd beginning at 8:00am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church as we begin our reading and discussion of an amazing book called Franciscan Virtues Through the Year: Fifty-Two Steps to Conversion.
This beautiful but sometimes challenging little book includes fifty-two weekly short reflections on the virtues practiced by Saint Francis of Assisi and the saints and sinners who have tried to follow him during the past eight centuries. In January, for example, we will read and reflect on Attentiveness, Confession, Courage, and Detachment. At our monthly gatherings, we will focus on one of more of these compelling Franciscan virtues.
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. We are dedicated to helping believers of all ages more faithfully live the Good News in the spirit of Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi. We are also dedicated to promoting a devotion to Pope Francis (1936-2025) as a patron of peace, mercy, and fraternity in our sick and suffering world.
For more information about the Assisi Project and its good work in our parishes and beyond, please contact Brother Patrick at brpatrick@assisiproject.com. Please join us! Bring a friend! All are invited! All are welcome! 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! May God bless you! May the Lord give you peace at Christmas and always!
Learn More: The Assisi Project
__________
Words of Wisdom from Saint Francis of Assisi
This is our vocation:
to heal wounds, to bind what is broken,
and to bring home those who are lost.
Watch: A Story of Saint Francis (1.5 Minutes)
__________
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!
__________
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
__________
Words of Wisdom from Pope Leo XIV
Let us disarm our words
and we will help disarm the world.
Learn More: Pope Leo’s Message to Journalists
__________
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 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 us to pray for them. 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! Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!
__________
Pastor’s Note
Winter Weather Advisor
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
__________
We Share
Safe & Easy Electronic Giving
It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).
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
__________
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!
Follow us on Instagram!
This Week’s Homepage
In Memory of Helen M. Greely