This Week’s Message
The Coming Miracle
By Barbara Hughes
I have always been a morning person. It is possible that my body clock was genetically programmed to rise with the morning sun, but more likely, it was the demands of a busy life that would awaken me during the predawn hours. But regardless of the genesis, somewhere along the road to adulthood, the early morning hours became sacred hours.
As the size of our family increased, so did the need for my holy hour with God. I might spend the time reading sacred scripture, praying the rosary, or simply pouring out my heart to God. How I spend the time has become less important than entering the sacred space where I meet the person I truly am: a beloved child of God, not because of anything I do, but because of who God is. Knowing this helps keep the past in proper perspective. It allows me to celebrate the present. And it prepares me for the day ahead. Watching and waiting during the time before sunrise remains a guilt-free luxury, not so different from the Advent season.
The way I see it, Advent is to Christmas as dawn is to daylight. It is an occasion for humble expectation and joyful celebration when time seems still. It heralds the rising of the Son from the night of sin. It invites Christians to ponder the mystery of Christ’s threefold coming: in history, with us now, and in anticipation of his second coming. Such a regal liturgical season calls for greenery, lighting candles, and purple vestments. Transcending the barriers of time that once held the world in bondage, Advent calls forth timeless stories about Mary and Joseph, Elizabeth and Zechariah. No longer distant figures from the past, these saints bid our hearts to prepare for the birth that is never ancient and forever new.
During the predawn hours before Christmas, the communal celebration becomes personal when Mary’s fiat invites us to say “yes” to God; when Elizabeth’s greeting challenges us to see Jesus in the face of every weary salesclerk. When life’s events rob my soul of peace, Joseph reminds us to trust God; and when self-doubt threatens to steal our identity as children of God, Zechariah invites us to sit in silent prayer and breathe in love’s miracles.
Some have called Christmas a magical season, but there is nothing magical about God becoming human. The incarnation is a mystery and a miracle that summons Christians to receive the Infant God anew, for once again, a new day is dawning. As the beloved of God, we are being transformed. Ever mindful of his coming, we prepare for the long-awaited birth. Joyfully, we acknowledge the presence of Christ with us here and now, even as we watch and pray: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel!”
About the Author: Barbara Hughes is a writer, retreat leader, pastor’s wife, mother of four children, and grandmother to an ever-increasing number of grandchildren. Barbara is also author of five books. She and her family live near Spokane, Washington. Barbara is also a contributor to Bringing Home the Word, a weekly online newsletter that provides resources for prayer and reflection at home. A new edition is posted every weekend at the link below.
CCGR Weekly Newsletter (12-14-25)
Bringing Home the Word (12-14-25)
The Kids Bulletin (12-14-25)
New!
Saint Charles de Foucauld – Universal Brother
An Assisi Project Podcast
assisiproject.com
Art Credit: Kittiwara Phunnu – Dreamstime.com
__________
Call to Prayer
A Prayer for Christians in Areas of Conflict
By Pope Leo XIV
Following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Pope Leo XIV offers a special prayer intention each month and invites all believers and people of goodwill around the world to pray with him. In December, the Holy Father calls us to pray for those who live in areas of conflict so they may become seeds of peace. In spiritual communion with the pope, we pray:
God of peace,
who through the blood of your Son
has reconciled the world to yourself,
we pray for Christians living amidst war and violence.
Even surrounded by pain,
may they never cease to feel the gentle kindness of your presence
and the prayers of their brothers and sisters in faith.
For only through you,
and strengthened by fraternal bonds,
can they become the seeds of reconciliation,
builders of hope in ways both small and great,
capable of forgiving and moving forward,
of bridging divides, and of seeking justice with mercy.
Lord Jesus,
who called blessed those who work for peace,
make us instruments of peace
even where harmony seems impossible.
Holy Spirit,
source of hope in the darkest times,
sustain the faith of those who suffer and strengthen their hope.
Do not let us fall into indifference
and make us builders of unity, like Jesus. Amen.
Watch: The Pope Video – December 2025
__________
Words of Wisdom from Pope Leo XIV
I wish to affirm that the Holy See will not be a silent bystander
to the grave disparities, injustices,
and fundamental human rights violations
in our human and global community,
which is increasingly more fractured and conflict-prone.
__________
Saints for All Seasons
Saint Lazarus of Bethany
Wednesday, December 17th
Advent is a good time to step back from the business and busyness of the world and focus on our relationship with Jesus and all those we are called to love. Unfortunately, few among us are able to leave behind home, work, and family for a real retreat from the responsibilities of daily life. For this reason and for the fourth consecutive year, we offer our Saints for All Seasons Mini-Retreats.
Throughout his long and storied priestly ministry, Pope Francis (1936-2025), called us to learn about and pray with the saints. The Holy Father believed in his heart that the saints bring us closer to Christ, closer to the Church, and close to each other. He once said: “The saints are still here, not far from us; and their images [and relics] in our churches evoke the ‘cloud of witnesses’ that always surrounds us…The saints remind us that even in our lives, however weak and marked by sin, holiness can unfold.”
In this spirit of unfolding holiness, all are invited to join Father Jim and Brother Patrick for our final mini retreat of the year on Wednesday, December 17th beginning with Mass at 5:30pm in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. After Mass, Brother Patrick will offer a reflection on the life and miracles of Saint Lazarus of Bethany, the Lord’s dear friend whom he raised from the dead and is venerated as a patron of the poor and the sick.
After Brother Patrick’s reflection, Father Jim will hear confessions (for those who feel called) during a period of silent adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. This special evening of prayer and devotion will conclude with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and veneration of a relic of Saint Lazarus of Bethany.
For more information, please contact Brother Patrick at brpatrick@ccgronline.com. Please join us! Bring a friend! All are invited! All are welcome! Saint Lazarus of Bethany, pray for us! May God bless you! May the Lord give you peace — now and always!
Listen: Saint of the Day: Mary, Martha & Lazarus (1.5 Minutes)
__________
A Guadalupe Rosary
Featuring Prayers by Saint John Paul II
Friday, December 19th
Includes Eucharistic Adoration & Confessions
Last December 12th, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Pope Francis (1936-2025) and Cardinal Robert Prevost (now Pope Leo XIV) concelebrated Mass in Saint Peter’s Basilica. During the homily, the Holy Father reminded us that the long-venerated miraculous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe communicates one simple but profound message: the Motherhood of Mary. He said: “The mystery of Guadalupe is to venerate her and to hear in our hearts: ‘Am I not here, I who am your mother’…This is the whole message of Guadalupe.”
During the Season of Advent, as we prepare our hearts to welcome the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ at Christmas, it is good to be reminded that Mary is Mother of Christ, Mother of the Church, and Mother of All Peoples. And thanks to a declaration by Saint John Paul II (1920-2005), she is also Mother & Patron of the Americas.
In this spirit of devotion, all friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join us for A Guadalupe Rosary Featuring Prayers by Saint John Paul II on Friday, December 5th; Friday, December 12th; and Friday, December 19th at 3:00pm in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church.
Each of these special afternoons of prayer will begin with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at 3:00pm followed by Confessions (for those who feel called) and A Guadalupe Rosary. Our time of prayer and devotion will conclude at 4:00pm with veneration of a relic of the Blessed Mother and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
For more information about this special series, please see Father Jim or contact Brother Patrick at 978-281-4820 or brpatrick@ccgronline.com. Now more than ever, let’s pray together! Please join us! Bring a friend! All are invited! All are welcome! Pope Francis, pray for us! Saint John Paul II, pray for us! Our Lady, Mother of All Peoples, pray for us! Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us!
Listen: Saint of the Day – Our Lady of Guadalupe (1.5 Minutes)
__________
Pastor’s Note
Special Message of Thanks
By Father Jim
Our parishes are blessed with the gift of beautiful music! Whether praying with us during Mass, celebrating with us at weddings, grieving with us at funerals, or performing at special events throughout the year, our music ministers bless us by their talent, hard work, and dedication.
Last weekend, friends and fellow parishioners gathered in Saint Ann Church for the Annual Advent & Christmas Concert which is among our most cherished holiday traditions. It was a truly wonderful afternoon of choral and instrumental music that prepared our hearts to welcome the Christ Child at Christmas.
Our deepest thanks go to Tom Misuraca and LuAnn Pallazola for directing our adult music ministry. We thank every member of the choir and our instrumentalists for their ongoing gifts of time and talent. And we thank all of our fellow parishioners who joined us for the concert! All are reminded that ministries and programs like our adult choir and music ministry are made possible by your generous support. Your weekly gifts are the fuel that fires the spirit in our parishes! If you missed the concert, you can watch it at the link below. Thank you! Peace and blessings to all for a Merry Christmas! God bless us, everyone!
Watch: Advent & Christmas Concert 2025
__________
Call to Prayer
Our Prayer for Advent
By Saint Charles de Foucauld
The time is near.
Although that awaited day will be happy,
how sweet today already is!
You are there, my God, at Mary’s bosom,
you are there in that little house,
adored by her, by Joseph, and by the angels.
Take me to them, my Lord.
My Lord and my God, when I am in your sanctuary,
at the foot of the tabernacle, are you not as close to me
as you were to Saint Joseph during Advent?
When you give yourself to me in Holy Communion,
are you not as close to me, as in me,
as you were in the Holy Virgin?
My God, how happy I am, how happy I am!
But Lord, I beg you, convert me,
may I be at the foot of the tabernacle,
may I be in the Holy Communion,
may I be what I should be;
may I no longer be indifferent, asleep before your altar,
so that I no longer receive your divine body without reflection.
Convert me, convert me, my Lord, I pray in your name!
Remind me that you promised
to grant all that we ask in your name
and to give good spirit to those who ask.
My God, give me the good spirit, your Spirit,
and make me spend this Advent and all the days of my life
in a way that glorifies you as much as I can.
As much as I can, as much as you will me to be,
not nearly as much as the Blessed Virgin or Saint Joseph,
but as much as you will me to be,
as much as I can with the grace you give me.
Let me join your Holy Family so lovingly, so humbly,
overwhelmed in admiration, in contemplation, in love,
at your feet, during this Advent and always.
And what I ask of you for me,
I ask of you for all people,
and above all for those I especially must pray for,
in you, through you, and for you. Amen.
Listen: Saint of the Day – Charles de Foucauld
__________
Our Mass Intentions Book
Opens Friday, December 19th
The Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport’s Mass Intentions Book will open on Friday, December 19th from 9:00am until 10:30am in our parish office which is located at 74 Pleasant Street in Gloucester. On that day and time, parishioners are welcome to book one Weekday Mass and one Weekend Mass at Saint Ann Church, Saint Joachim Church, or Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. All are reminded that on December 19th, all Mass intentions must be booked in person. No exceptions. Any remaining Masses may be booked after January 1, 2026. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and generous support! For more information, please contact Melissa Joseph at office@ccgronline.com. Peace and blessings to all!
__________
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
Available 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)
__________
We Share
Safe & Easy Electronic Giving
We only have what we give. — Isabel Allende
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 Brooke Benham