LIFELONG FAITH FORMATION

The Assisi Project
Franciscan Virtues – Peacemaking
Saturday, October 3rd

This year marks the 800th anniversary of the life and death of Saint Francis of Assisi (1226-2026). In celebration of this sacred milestone, Pope Leo XIV declared a Special Jubilee Year which has inspired the Assisi Project to go back to the 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 in living the Gospel of the Poor Christ in thought, word, and deed.

All friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join us on Saturday, October 3rd beginning at 8:00am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church for a two hour mini-retreat that includes Holy Mass, a Rosary for Peace, a reflection by Father Jim and Brother Patrick, and a period of faith sharing. At this gathering, we will focus on the Franciscan virtue of peacemaking.

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 troubled world.

If you have a prayer request or if you would like more information about the Assisi Project and its good work in our parishes, please contact Brother Patrick at brpatrick@assisiproject.com. You do not need to be a member of the Assisi Project to join us for this special morning of prayer and devotion! So please join us! All are invited! All are welcome!

Learn More: The Assisi Project

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All Saints Faith & Family Mass
A Youth Faith Formation Special Event
Sunday, November 1st

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says: “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” In response to the Lord’s call, all parents, grandparents, and children of all ages are invited to join Father Jim for our annual Halloween Faith & Family Mass next Sunday, November 1st at 11:45am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church.

Halloween is often described as a pagan holiday, but this is contrary to its true meaning and authentic origins. The word “hallo” actually means holy. All Hallows Eve is really a Catholic holiday with roots in both celebrating the lives of the saints and praying for the souls of our departed brothers and sisters.

At sunset on October 31st, the Catholic Church begins its celebration of the Solemnity of All Saints. So, from the Vigil of All Saints on October 31st through the Solemnity of All Saints Day on November 1st, and the Commemoration of All Souls on November 2nd, we pray with the saints and we pray for the souls of our loved ones.

Over the years, French, Irish, and English immigrants brought a variety of local Catholic customs to the United States. Dressing up in costumes for Halloween comes from France. Jack-O-Lanterns are from Ireland, where the faithful originally carved turnips, not pumpkins. And the tradition of going from door to door begging for sweets and treats was born in England, where children were given “soul cakes” in exchange for the promise to pray for the souls of departed loved ones. Eventually, these traditions came together in the American Melting Pot and became part of almost every family’s Halloween tradition.

Now it’s our turn to continue this annual tradition! On Sunday, November 1s at 11:45am, we will celebrate Holy Mass in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. After Mass, all are invited to join us outside on the church lawn where our pastoral team and parish service organizations will offer treats to the kids! All parishioners, especially parents, grandparents, and their children are invited and encouraged to wear costumes!

If celebrated with hearts filled with faith, hope, and love, Halloween can be an enjoyable and wholesome experience for your family and our entire community! It offers a unique opportunity to teach our children and grandchildren about the realities of good and evil, light and darkness, and the ultimate triumph of God’s love and mercy in our world!

For more information about the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport’s All Saints Faith & Family Mass, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com. Save the date! Spread the word! Bring your family! Bring your friends! All are invited! All are welcome! Peace and blessings to all!

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Saints for All Seasons
Blessed Leo of Assisi
Wednesday, November 18th

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,  November 18th 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 Blessed Leo of Assisi (1195-1271), who a close friend, confessor, and secretary of Saint Francis of Assisi.

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 Francis of Assisi.

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

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The Way
Adult Faith Formation
Begins October 3rd

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!

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Youth Faith Formation
Seeds of Faith
First Holy Communion Preparation

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

First, our primary focus is to invite all families to attend one of our six Weekend Masses, especially our Faith & Family Masses throughout the school year. Second, all second grade students are asked to attend seven Young Disciples Workshops. Third, all children and parents are asked to attend seven Faith & Family Workshops.

During the Young Disciples Workshops in Our Lady’s School, all students will gather with Betsy Works and our team of catechists. During our Faith & Family Workshops in Our Lady’s Church, students and parents will meet together with Father Jim, Betsy, and our team.

Throughout 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 more information about youth faith formation in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, please contact Betsy Works at bworks@ccgronline.com. Every child and every family is a gift from God. So, please pray for all of our young disciples and their families! All are invited! All are welcome!

Seeds of Faith Registration Form 2026-2027

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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)

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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!

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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

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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

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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!

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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 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!

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