The Assisi Project
Pray for Me – A Personal Witness
Saturday, June 3rd
Special Guest – Reverend Anne Deneen
Saint Paul writes: “I urge you…to pray for all people. Ask God to help them, intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them (1 Timothy 2:1).” To pray in this way is to ask God for a blessing or benefit on behalf of another person. To pray for others carries us beyond ourselves. It brings us to the doorstep of a neighbor in need. It brings us face to face with the struggles of our brothers and sisters. It makes the needs of others a priority in a world that is often selfish and self-serving.
Few people have experienced the grace of intercessory prayer more deeply than our good friend, Reverend Anne Deneen. For nearly two decades, Anne served as Pastor of Saint Paul Lutheran Church in Gloucester. She is now a retreat leader and spiritual director. But even Anne’s long experience as a pastor, spouse, and mother could not prepare her for the challenge of caring for her husband after he was diagnosed with cancer. In her grief and struggle, Anne learned valuable lessons about the blessings of prayer in our lives.
On Saturday, June 3rd, all are invited to join Father Jim, Cliff Garvey, and Anne Deneen for a compelling discussion about the beauty and power of intercessory prayer in our lives. Our morning of prayer and reflection will begin with the Holy Rosary at 7:30am and Holy Mass at 8:00am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. After Mass, Anne will share her family’s experiences with intercessory prayer and lead us in a period of questions and faith sharing. Our gathering will conclude with prayer at 9:45am.
For more information about the Assisi Project and its good work in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, please visit our website at assisiproject.com; or contact Cliff at cgarvey@ccgronline.com. Please join us! All are invited! All are welcome! May the Risen Lord give you peace!
Learn More: The Assisi Project
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Youth Faith Formation
Confirmation Preparation – Year I
Now Underway!
For too many teenagers, the Sacrament of Confirmation has become a kind of graduation from the Catholic Church, rather than the joyful beginning of life as an adult disciple with the Church. We hope to stem this sad situation by transforming our youth faith formation program into an engaging process for the whole family.
First, we place primary importance on attending Mass. For more than a century, the Church asked every parish to offer sacramental preparation programs for children and teenagers. During recent decades, however, we neglected to remind parents of their baptismal promise to be the first teachers of their children in all matters related to faith and morals; and that the most important part of that responsibility is attending Mass as a family.
In an increasingly busy world, it became commonplace for parents to entrust their children to us for an hour of instruction, but then not join us for Mass on the weekend. We will continue to ask parents to dedicate one hour each week to their children’s religious education — by joining us for one of our six weekend Masses!
In addition, all high school students (beginning in ninth grade) are asked to actively participate in our two year preparation program for the Sacrament of Confirmation. During the first year, students will attend eight interactive workshops about the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church. These sessions will begin on Sunday, February 12th (weather permitting).
During the second year, students will attend more workshops that are creatively designed to help them grown in prayer, fellowship, and service; prepare them to receive the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit; and jumpstart their spiritual lives as faithful and faith-filled young disciples.
If your child is now in high school and sincerely wants to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation, then please attend our Welcome & Registration Workshop on Sunday, February 12th at 11:00am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. Registration forms are available on our website at ccgronline.com/formation. For more information about youth faith formation in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, please contact Betsy Works at bworks@ccgronline.com. Spread the word! Please join us! All are invited! All are welcome! Come, Holy Spirit!
Confirmation Registration 2023
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Youth Faith Formation
Confirmation Preparation – Year I
Workshop Schedule
During Year I of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport’s Confirmation Preparation Program, eligible students are expected to attend all eight workshops at Our Lady’s School and attend Sunday Mass at 11:45am:
- Workshop I: Welcome & Registration
Sunday February 12, 2023
Workshop at 11:00am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church
Mass at 11:45am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church - Workshop 2: Who Is Jesus? Part 1
Sunday, February 26, 2023
Workshop at 10:00am in Our Lady’s School
Mass at 11:45am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church - Workshop 3: Who Is Jesus? Part 2
Sunday, March 5, 2023
Workshop at 10:00am in Our Lady’s School
Mass at 11:45am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church - Workshop 4: God Calls Me
Sunday, March 12, 2023
Workshop at 10:00am in Our Lady’s School
Mass at 11:45am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church - Workshop 5: Following Jesus as Disciples
Sunday, March 19, 2023
Workshop at 10:00am in Our Lady’s School
Mass at 11:45am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church - Workshop 6: Meeting Jesus at Mass
Sunday, March 26, 2023
Workshop at 10:00am in Our Lady’s School
Mass at 11:45am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church - Workshop 7: Meeting Jesus in Prayer
Sunday, April 2, 2023
Workshop at 10:00am in Our Lady’s School
Mass at 11:45am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church - Workshop 8: Faith & Family Workshop
Sunday, April 30, 2023
Workshop at 11:00am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church
Mass at 11:45am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church
If you have questions or need more information about our Confirmation Preparation Program, please contact Betsy Works at bworks@ccgronline.com. Thank you in advance for your prayers and support for all of our candidates, catechists, sponsors, and their families.
Learn More: Sacrament of Confirmation
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The Way
Sacramental Preparation for Adults
Begins This Fall!
I am the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).
The Way was the among the earliest names for 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 two thousand years later, Catholic Christians are still part of the Way of Jesus Christ. But as we all know, 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 lives should be focused on and inspired by our faith in Christ, who is our merciful redeemer, friend, and brother. And as his disciples, we are called to reach out to those who need our help in growing closer to Christ and the Church.
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 The Way, a new adult faith formation program that will begin this fall. The Way (typically called the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) is a seven month program that prepares adults to be received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. As part of this same program, we will prepare adults for the Sacrament of Confirmation (to be received at either the Easter Vigil or at a regional archdiocesan celebration). Other parishioners who have received the Sacraments and are interested in renewing their spiritual lives are also very welcome to join us!
Our group will gather for fellowship, formation, and faith sharing. As a community of disciples, we will learn together about the basic beliefs, teachings, and traditions of the Church; and we will explore the methods of prayer and spirituality that have brought centuries of believers closer to Christ Jesus and to the Church. In addition, we will talk openly and honestly about the challenges of living an authentic life of faith, hope, and love in the modern world. Our first gathering will be scheduled sometime soon. If you would like to learn more about this journey of faith and become part of a unique fellowship in preparation for the sacraments of God’s Church, then please contact Cliff Garvey at cgarvey@ccgronline.com. Please join us! Spread the word! All are invited! All are welcome!
Learn More: Baptism (One Minute Video)
Learn More: Eucharist (One Minute Video)
Learn More: Confirmation (One Minute Video)
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Youth Faith Formation
First Holy Communion Preparation
Now Underway!
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 is designed to prepare both children and their parents for these sacraments; encourage lifelong relationships with Jesus and the Catholic Church; and help every family grow together in prayer, fellowship, and service.
In an effort to do what we can to ensure the health and safety of our parishioners during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, all second grade students and their families are invited to participate in a hybrid model of youth faith formation that combines engaging online videos, family homework, and six Faith & Family Workshops (which include a teaching Mass with Father Jim). Our primary goal is to share the Good News of the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.
Our program is simple and family-friendly! No special training or preparation is necessary! Just print and complete a registration form and return it to us as soon as possible. Tuition of $100 is requested at the time of registration. Scholarships are available for families in need. When we receive your registration form and tuition, parents (or guardians) will be given copies of Dynamic Catholic’s Blessed First Communion. Over the course of six months, all parents and children are asked to watch an online video and review a chapter in the book according to the following schedule:
- November 2022: Sunday is Special
- December 2022: Greatest Event on Earth
- January 2023: Word of God
- February 2023: The Eucharist
- March 2023: Your First Holy Communion
- April 2023: God’s Family
In addition, all parents and young disciples are asked to join Father Jim for three monthly Fall Faith & Family Workshops (with Mass) on the following days and times. Choose one from each session:
- Session 1: October 7 at 6:00pm; October 12 at 4:30pm; or October 21 at 6:00pm
- Session 2: November 4 at 6:00pm; November 9 at 4:30pm; or November 18 at 6:00pm
- Session 3: December 2 at 6:00pm; December 7; or December 9 at 6:00pm
Finally, all parents and young disciples are asked to join Father Jim for three monthly Winter-Spring Faith & Family Workshops (with Mass) on the following days and times. Choose one from each session:
- Session 1: February 3 at 6:00pm; February 8 at 4:30pm; or February 10th at 6:00pm
- Session 2: March 3 at 6:00pm; March 8 at 4:30pm; or March 10 at 6:00pm
- Session 3: March 31 at 6:00pm; April 12 at 4:30pm; or April 14 at 6:00pm
Dates for the celebration for the Sacraments of First Penance and First Holy Communion will be announced later this fall. Until then, if you have questions or need more information, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com. As we forge ahead under unusual circumstances, please pray for all of our young disciples and their parents. Please join us! All are invited! All are welcome! Peace and blessings to all!
First Holy Communion Prep Registration 2022-2023
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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 Cliff 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, Cliff 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 Cliff at cgarvey@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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Let Us Dream
A Virtual Retreat with Pope Francis
Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport’s twin goals have been to do whatever we can to protect the health and safety of our parishioners and to provide free and high quality spiritual nourishment via ccgronline.com, assisiproject.com, and our YouTube channel. We are grateful for your kind words of encouragement and support for our efforts!
Over the years, our annual summer retreat has been our most popular adult faith formation program. For six consecutive summers, under the direction of Cliff Garvey, we gathered and prayed together over a wide variety of topics: Desert Spirituality, Benedictine Spirituality, Franciscan Spirituality, Eastern Monastic Spirituality, Discipleship & Mission, and the Universal Call to Holiness.
This year, the ongoing pandemic and Cliff’s unexpected surgery and long recovery prompted us to postpone, then cancel our plans for an in-person summer retreat. In our disappointment, Cliff and I read and talked together about a compelling new book: Let Us Dream: The Path to a Better Futureby Pope Francis. Written during the worst of the pandemic, the Holy Father reflects on this and other worldwide crises, the dark voices that divide us, and a way forward that can bring us together around a common mission to care for each other and for our common home.
In Let Us Dream, produced in collaboration with his friend, Austen Ivereigh, Pope Francis writes: “This is a moment to dream big, to rethink our priorities — what we value, what we want, what we seek — and to commit to act in our daily life on what we have dreamed of. What I hear at this moment is similar to what Isaiah hears God saying through him: Come, let us talk this over. Let us dare to dream. God asks us to dare to create something new…We need to slow down, take stock, and design better ways of living together on this earth.” In this spirit, we are happy to announce that all four episodes our Virtual Fall Retreat: Let Us Dream are now available! Just click on the links below:
- Listen Now: Episode 1: Open Your Eyes
- Listen Now: Episode 2: What Comes from God
- Listen Now: Episode 3: No One Is Saved Alone
- Listen Now: Episode 4: Our Greatest Power
All are invited to join us on retreat! Our podcasts are always free! You do not need to read the book in order to fully appreciate the depth and richness of the Holy Father’s insightful and though provoking work. But a limited number of copies are still available for $26.00 each. If you would like to purchase a copy, please contact Cliff at cgarvey@ccgronline.com. Let’s pray together! Spread the word! All are welcome!
Learn More: Let Us Dream (Video)
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The Living Rosary
A Virtual Retreat
Jesus says: “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have love you, you also should love one another (John 13:34).” During this pandemic, when so many of us are sick and suffering and when so many of us are self-isolating to protect ourselves and the people we love, it seems difficult to put Christ’s New Commandment into action.
For more than six months, our parish ministries that build community, serve the poor, share the faith, and raise much needed funds have seen their activities curtailed or suspended. In accordance with archdiocesan and state government guidelines, we were unable to throw open our doors and cry out: “All are welcome!” And concern for the deepening divisions in our country seem to seep into every conversation. These are difficult times, indeed, to live the Gospel and share God’s love!
And yet, our parishes have rose above the shadows of these dark times. More than 100 friends and fellow parishioners recently participated in our first-ever virtual retreat. This retreat featured praying the Holy Rosary, from dawn until dusk, in half-hour blocks, for five consecutive days, for the special intention of God’s mercy, healing, and protection from the coronavirus. When we pray the Rosary, alone or in community, we are part of a powerful spiritual communion that spans the globe and transcends time. Even if you and your family were unable to join us when we prayed the Living Rosary as a community, you can still make the retreat by praying the Rosary for five consecutive days and by listening to each day’s audio reflection:
- The Living Rosary: Introduction
- The Living Rosary – Day 1: A Journey Begins
- The Living Rosary – Day 2: A Journey Continues
- The Living Rosary – Day 3: A Prayer for Hope
- The Living Rosary – Day 4: A Prayer for Tomorrow
- The Living Rosary – Day 5: A Prayer for Joy
Our pastor, pastoral team, and fellow parishioners are grateful to each and every person who takes the time to participate in this virtual retreat and prays for God’s mercy, healing, and protection during these difficult times. Our special thanks goes to the Assisi Project, the Legion of Mary of Gloucester & Rockport, the Rosary Group from Saint Charles Borromeo Parish in Woburn, the Sisters of Saint Bridget of Sweden in Assisi, Italy, along with hundreds of other people from Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, and New York who have already made this special retreat!
Please read our weekly newsletter or visit this page for information about upcoming opportunities for adult faith formation. For more information about adult faith formation in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, please contact Cliff Garvey at cgarvey@ccgronline.com. Now more than ever, let’s pray together!
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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!
- A Franciscan Night Prayer for Sunday
- A Franciscan Night Prayer for Monday
- A Franciscan Night Prayer for Tuesday
- A Franciscan Night Prayer for Wednesday
- A Franciscan Night Prayer for Thursday
- A Franciscan Night Prayer for Friday
- A Franciscan Night Prayer for Saturday
For more information about the Assisi Project and its good work in our parishes, please see Father Jim or contact Cliff Garvey at cgarvey@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
- Advent Mission & Retreat
- Lent Mission & Retreat
- Summer Evening Retreat
- Spring & Fall Days of Prayer & Reflection
- Seasonal Book Study Groups
- 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 Cliff Garvey, Associate Minister, at cgarvey@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!
Follow us on Twitter: @CCGRonline