LIFELONG FAITH FORMATION

Our Pastor’s Message
Saint Michael’s Lent 2026
Begins August 15th

Prayer and fasting are weapons of love that can change history. — Pope Francis

By Father Jim

In August 1224, Saint Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) climbed to the rugged summit of Mount La Verna in Tuscany for an extended period of prayer, fasting, and solitude that began on the Feast of the Assumption of Mary and concluded on the Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel. According to Saint Bonaventure, Francis was “filled unto overflowing, as never before, with the sweetness of heavenly contemplation.” And it was during this new “lent” that Francis was brought closer to the Lord by receiving the stigmata, the five wounds of the Poor Christ, on his feet, hands, and side.

Like Lent and Advent, an observance of Saint Michael’s Lent can be an intense and spiritually rewarding time. In Memory of Father Ben, Brother Patrick and I have decided to enter into this ancient practice by beginning a fast for the intention of all friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners who suffer from anxiety, depression, and loneliness. From August 15th through September 29th, we will fast from eating and speaking from sunset until sunrise. We will not eat meat or sugar. We will not drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages.

Along with this six week fast, we will renew our longstanding commitment to the Liturgy of the Hours. In addition, we will pray Psalm 142 each morning; the Angelus each day at lunchtime; and a prayer for the intercession of Saint Michael at suppertime. Finally, after morning and evening prayer, whether we pray alone or together, we will beg the Blessed Mother to pray for us by offering three Hail Marys for our intentions and for all who live, work, and worship in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport. These prayer resources are posted below.

Beginning next weekend and extending throughout this sacred lent, we will also devote a portion of our weekly newsletter to the life and teachings of Saint Francis of Assisi, which include the timeless disciplines of prayer and fasting. It is our sincere hope that this second annual observance of Saint Michael’s Lent will bring us closer to Christ, closer to the Church, closer to each other, and closer to those who suffer in mind, body, and spirit.

Our observance of Saint Michael’s Lent will conclude on Tuesday, September 29th, the Feast of the Archangels in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. Our devotions will begin with Morning Prayer at 8:00am, followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. The church will remain open for silent prayer throughout the day. At 12:00pm, we will gather for Daytime Prayer and the Holy Rosary. We will conclude with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and Holy Mass at 5:30pm. All are welcome!

Brother Patrick and I invite you to join us in observing Saint Michael’s Lent and remembering Father Ben in any way that you feel called and inspired. If you are able and willing to join us in our fast or our discipline of daily prayer, please see me or contact Brother Patrick at brpatrick@cccgronline.com. We hope that at least ten other parishioners will join us in prayer and fasting in memory of Father Ben and for the sake of those who live with anxiety, depression, or loneliness. Now more than ever, let’s pray and fast — together.

Reverend James M. Achadinha, Pastor
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
frjim@ccgronline.com

Saint Michael’s Lent Resources

__________

The Assisi Project
Loving Our Enemies
Saturday, September 5th

This year marks the 800th Anniversary of the Life and Death of Saint Francis of Assisi (1226-2026). In commemoration of this sacred milestone, Pope Leo XIV has declared a Special Jubilee Year which has inspired us to focus our adult faith formation programs on the Poor Man of Assisi.

In this spirit, the Assisi Project is going back to basics, back to the life and good example of our patron and his first followers to learn more about the virtues that can help us follow Saint Francis and live the Gospel of Christ with every thought, word, and deed.

All friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join us on Saturday, June 6th at 8:00am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church for a two hour mini-retreat that includes Holy Mass, a reflection by Father Jim and Brother Patrick, and a period of prayer and faith sharing. At this gathering, we will focus primarily on the challenging Franciscan virtue of loving our enemies.

Founded in 2007 by Father Jim and Brother Patrick, the Assisi Project is a Fellowship of Franciscans in Spirit with friends and neighbors around the world. We are dedicated to helping believers of all ages and backgrounds 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 world.

If you would like us to pray for you, your family, or your special intention; or if you want to learn more about the Assisi Project and its good work in our parishes, please contact Brother Patrick at brpatrick@assisiproject.com. 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! Always! May the Lord give you peace!

Listen: Franciscan Virtues Podcasts

__________

Saints for All Seasons
Saint Pio of Pietrelcina
Wednesday, September 23rd

Jubilee of Saint Francis of Assisi
Eight Hundred Years – 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 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 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 those who knew him best, the holy men and women who followed in his footsteps, 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 on Wednesday, September 23rd beginning with Mass at 5:30pm in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church in Gloucester, Massachusetts. After Mass and Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Brother Patrick will offer a reflection on Saint Pio of Pietreclina (1887-1968), who was known throughout the world as a mystic and miracle maker.

Saint Pio was also blessed with the stigmata, the sacred wounds of the Poor Christ on his feet, hands, and side. 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 Pio.

For more information about our Saints for All Seasons Mini-Retreats, please contact Brother Patrick at brpatrick@assisiproject.com; or check out our resources page via the link below. Please join us! Bring a friend! All are welcome! Always! 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! Saint Paschal Baylon, pray for us!

Listen: Saints for All Seasons Podcasts

__________

The Way
Adult Faith Formation
Begins This Fall

The Way was among the earlies names for the followers of the Risen Christ. The Way also appears as a biblical reference for the earliest Christian communities in the Acts of the Apostles. In addition, tradition teaches that both before and after his conversion, Saint Paul referred to the disciples of Christ as part of The Way.

More than 2,000 years later, Catholic Christians are still part of The Way. As we all know, however, a life of discipleship is not a hobby or pastime. It is a vocation, a way of life, that lays claim to our whole heart, mind, and strength. As disciples, our thoughts, words, and actions should be inspired by our shared faith in Jesus.

If you are an adult (age 18 and over) and have not received all of the Sacraments of Initiation in the Roman Catholic Church (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation), then please consider joining our adult faith formation program called simply The Way.

This six month program prepares adults to be received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. As part of this program, we also prepare adults for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Other parishioners who have received the sacraments and are interested in renewing their spiritual lives are also welcome to join us.

Beginning on October 3rd, our group will gather on the first Saturday and Sunday of each month. We will begin with Mass, followed by fellowship, formation, and faith sharing. We will learn together about prayer and spirituality; discuss the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church; and talk honestly about the challenges of living with faith, hope, and love in the modern world.

For more information about becoming part of The Way as a journey of faith and preparation for the sacraments, please contact Brother Patrick at brpatrick@ccgronline.com. Spread the word! Please join us! Bring a friend! All are welcome!

__________

Youth Faith Formation
Confirmation Preparation

Several years ago, after a great deal of prayer and preparation, the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport embarked on a journey to rebuild and reimagine our youth faith formation programs, especially our preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Our parishes now offer a two year program for young disciples who have begun seventh grade and feel called to prepare to receive the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit at Confirmation.

During the first year of preparation, your child will be asked to attend both Sunday Mass and a series of workshops designed to help them jumpstart their faith; grow in prayer, fellowship, and service; and embrace the Gifts of the Holy Spirit:

  • Counsel
  • Fortitude
  • Knowledge
  • Piety
  • Understanding
  • Wisdom
  • Wonder & Awe

All seventh grade students are welcome to enroll in our program! The first year of preparation will begin on January 10, 2027 at our Faith & Family Workshop with Mass beginning at 11:00am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. Our workshop will include registration; an explanation of our program of preparation, our schedule of workshops, our expectations for candidates, parents, and sponsors; and the celebration of Holy Mass. New candidates and their parents are asked to attend!

Tuition of $150 per student is requested. Checks may be made payable to either Holy Family Parish or Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish. For more information about youth faith formation in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, please contact Betsy Works at bworks@ccgronline.com. All are invited! All are welcome! Peace and blessings to all!

Watch: Sacrament of Confirmation (1 Minute)

__________

Youth Faith Formation
Seeds of Faith
First Holy Communion

The Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport offers a creative and innovative way for children to prepare for the Sacraments of Penance & Reconciliation (Confession) and First Holy Communion. Our program, Seeds of Faith, is designed to prepare both second graders and their parents for the sacraments; to encourage lifelong relationships with Jesus and the Catholic Church; and to help every family grow together in prayer, fellowship, and service.

First, our primary focus is to invite all families to attend one of our six weekend Masses, especially our scheduled Faith & Family Masses throughout the school year. Second, all second grade children are asked to attend seven Young Disciples Workshops. Thirds, all second grade children and their parents (or guardians) are asked to attend seven Faith & Family Workshops.

All Young Disciples Workshops are held in Our Lady’s School, which is located at 13 Mount Vernon Street in Gloucester. During these workshops, students with gather with Betsy Works, Associate Minister of Youth Faith Formation, and our team of catechists and volunteers. All Faith & Family Workshops are held in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. During these workshops, students and their parents (or guardians) will meet with Father Jim, Betsy, and our team.

During Seeds of Faith, our young disciples will prepare for the sacraments by learning about the Mass, the Bible, reading faith-based children’s literature, and engaging in hands-on activities with art, crafts, food, dance, music, and prayer.

For schedules, registration forms, and more information about Seeds of Faith and your child’s preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, please contact Betsy Works at bworks@ccgronline.com. Please pray for all of our students and their parents as they begin this exciting journey of faith. All are welcome! Peace and blessings to all!

__________

Youth Faith Formation
Call for Youth Altar Servers

Father Jim is full of energy but now more than ever he needs our help! He is hoping to recruit a team of youth altar servers to assist him at the celebration of Holy Mass! All young disciples, boys and girls, ages 8 through 17, are invited to participate on a weekly or monthly basis (especially at the 6:00pm Vigil Mass on Saturdays; and the 8:15am, 10:00am, and 11:45am Masses on Sundays). Being an altar server is a great way to make new friends and learn more about the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church! If your son or daughter is interested in helping us fulfill our mission to live the Gospel, share God’s love, and rebuild the Church, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com. Training is provided. Please join us! Spread the word! All are welcome!

__________

The Assisi Project Podcast
Always Free! Always Available!

Founded by Father Jim and Cliff, the Assisi Project is a Fellowship of Franciscans in Spirit that is dedicated to helping believers of all ages to more faithfully live the Gospel of Christ in the spirit of Saints Francis and Clare. In response to the pandemic, Father Jim asked Brother Patrick to look back on nearly two decades of ministry as a catechist, spiritual director, and leader of retreats and pilgrimages; and to create a regular series of podcasts (audio recordings) as a way of continuing his adult faith formation ministry. As of this weekend, Brother Patrick has already created more than 75 podcasts with more on the way! These podcasts are free and always available! Just click on the links below:

Assisi Project Podcasts

Members of the Assisi Project range in age from 15 to 99 and live in Holy Family Parish, Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish, throughout the Archdiocese of Boston, all across the United States, Canada, Brazil, Italy, Spain, and Angola. Part of our work together is our prayer together. So we pray each day for all who ask for our prayers all around the world. If you would like the Assisi Project to pray for you, your family, your special intention, or the soul of a deceased friend or loved one, please contact Brother Patrick at brpatrick@ccgronline.com

During this time of pandemic, when we are encouraged to remain at home, all are invited to pray and reflect on the Gospel Life by making use of the many resources on our website (click link below). These resources include our Daily Prayers, Franciscan Rosary, Way of the Cross, our new podcasts, and more than fifty reflections and stories about Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi. Come and pray with us online! May the Lord give you peace — now and always!

Learn More: The Assisi Project

__________

The Assisi Project
A Franciscan Night Prayer
Let’s Pray Together!

Saint Paul writes: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of the God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:16).” For centuries, Christians have puzzled over what it means to pray without ceasing. But one ancient practice provides an answer: the Liturgy of the Hours. Since the Middle Ages, the Church has used a daily practice of prayer called the Divine Office or the Liturgy of the Hours to mark and sanctify the various hours of the day: morning, afternoon, evening, and night. It is based on a four week cycle of psalms, canticles, and scripture readings that calls us into a deeper relationship with Christ and the Church bringing us together through prayers of praise, petition, intercession, and thanksgiving.

At ordination, deacons and priests make a solemn promise to pray the Liturgy of the Hours every day, using a book called the Breviary. But the Divine Office is not just for the clergy and those consecrated to religious life. Countless lay people around the world make the Liturgy of the Hours part of their daily prayer and worship. Indeed, when we pray these prayers, whether alone or in community, we are united in a powerful spiritual communion that helps to heal, redeem, and consecrate our sick and suffering world.

Unlike the other hours of the Divine Office, Compline (or Night Prayer) works on a seven day cycle. Every Sunday, the prayers are the same. Every Monday, the prayers are the same. And so on. According to the General Instruction of the Liturgy of the Hours: “Night Prayer is the last prayer of the day, said before retiring, even if that is after midnight.” And about this form of prayer, Pope Francis says: “I am very attached to the Breviary…It is the first thing I open in the morning and the last thing I close before going to sleep.”

In this spirit, in solidarity with Pope Francis, and in communion with Christian disciples around the world, the Assisi Project invites you to join us in offering A Franciscan Night Prayer. This newly created version of Night Prayer includes the traditional psalms, readings, and canticle of the day. It also includes antiphons, readings, and a Marian devotion from the spiritual tradition founded by Saint Francis of Assisi. A Franciscan Night Prayer can be prayed by listening to one of our free podcasts or by praying with the printable version. See links below! Let’s pray together! It’s a great way to end the day! Each podcast is less than ten minutes!

For more information about the Assisi Project and its good work in our parishes, please see Father Jim or contact Brother Patrick at brpatrick@ccgronline.com. Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us! Saint Clare of Assisi, pray for us! Our Lady of Angels, pray for us! May the Lord give you peace!

Learn More: The Assisi Project

__________

Adult Faith Formation

In addition to our adult faith formation programs that focus on preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation, the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport also offers the following programs for adults seeking to deepen their relationship with Christ and His Church:

  • Assisi Project
  • Saints for All Seasons Mini-Retreats
  • Scripture Study with Father Jim
  • Individual Spiritual Direction
  • Other Special Events

Please read our weekly newsletter or visit this page for the dates and times for these and other upcoming opportunities for adult faith formation. For more information about adult faith formation in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, please contact Brother Patrick, Associate Minister, at brpatrick@ccgronline.com. Please join us! All are welcome! Always!

__________

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 Roman Catholic community 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!