This Week’s Message
Welcome, Pope Francis!
By Cliff Garvey
Earlier this month, Pope Francis spent four days in Mongolia. It is a land dominated by a large grassy plateau at its center with mountains to the north and a desert in the south. It is also the world’s largest landlocked country, bordered to the north by Russia and by China in the south. With a population of just 3.3 million people (comparable to the combined populations of Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire) Mongolia is also the world’s most sparsely populated sovereign nation. More than one half of its citizens live in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar; and one third of its people belong to nomadic tribes.
Buddhism is the leading religion in Mongolia, followed by those who confess no religious faith at all. Only about 1,500 Roman Catholics live there. Nevertheless, Pope Francis made his 43rd Apostolic Journey to this small community of faith during which he preached about peace, mercy, fraternity among all peoples, and dialogue between different faiths and cultures. The Holy Father’s message was clear and simple: Give witness to the Good News of Christ. Give your life in service to the Gospel. See Jesus in the faces of the poor, the sick, and all those we are called to love and serve.
If Pope Francis traveled more than 5,700 miles to visit the small Catholic community of Mongolia, then he could easily travel barely 4,000 to visit the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport. After all, more than 13,000 men, women, and children are registered parishioners in Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish. And although we always pray for more churchgoers, more than 1,000 people join us for Mass every weekend. This makes us a good choice for a papal visit, right?!
So, let’s assume for a moment that Father Jim writes to Pope Francis and invites him down the line for a visit. Let’s also assume that the Holy Father accepts our invitation. What next? What would we say to him? What would we show him? If it’s up to me, we would introduce him to members of the Assisi Project who pray every day for those who need our prayers. We would introduce him to members of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society who serve the poor with love and compassion. We would introduce him to the fiercely dedicated men and women in both of our parishes who raise funds, build community, and strengthen our shared faith by their hard work and good example.
If Pope Francis comes here, we should show him the stained glass windows in Saint Ann Church. We should show him the simple beauty of Saint Joachim Church. We should pray for miracles at Saint Anthony Chapel. We should treat him to a carillon concert at Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. We should teach him about our ethnic and cultural heritage. We should tell him all about the fishermen and their families who built our beloved churches and entrusted them into our care.
If Pope Francis comes here, what would he say to us? He might say: “God, who is love, has drawn near to you in his Son, Jesus, and he wants to share your life, your struggles, your dreams, and your thirst for happiness.” He might also say: “At the heart of Christianity is this surprising news: when you lose your life, when you offer it generously, when you risk your life by dedicating it to love, it comes back to you abundantly and a joy that does not pass away is poured out in you.”
Finally, before leaving us, the Holy Father might say: “Go forward meekly and without fear, aware of the closeness and encouragement of the entire Church, and above all of the Lord’s tender gaze, who forgets no one and looks with love upon each of his children.” Indeed, Pope Francis said all of these beautiful things to the good and faithful people of Mongolia. Like them, I can hear all of us respond- ing with open, joyful, and grateful hearts: “Amen, Holy Father, Amen!”
Cliff Garvey
Associate Minister
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: cgarvey@ccgronline.com
CCGR Weekly Newsletter (9-17-23)
Bringing Home the Word (9-17-23)
The Kids Bulletin (9-17-23)
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Living the Gospel
A Special Message from Father Jim
By Father Jim
Brothers and Sisters! I am writing with some important and beautiful news!
On the subject of vocations, Pope Francis says: “All of us are called to share in Christ’s mission to reunite a fragmented humanity and reconcile it with God. Each man and woman, even before encountering Christ and embracing the Christian faith, receives with the gift of life a fundamental calling.” The Roman Catholic Church embraces a variety of vocations: Diaconate, Priesthood, Single Life, Married Life, Religious Life, and Consecrated Life.
Each of these callings is precious in God’s eyes; and each one deserves our prayers, respect, and support. Within the state of consecrated life, there are Consecrated Virgins (women) and Diocesan Hermits (men and women). Although hermits (also known as anchorites or solitaries) have existed since the earliest centuries of Church history, the vocation to the eremitic life was not codified in Canon Law until 1983.
In the Code of Canon Law, we read: “The Church recognizes the eremitic or anchoritic life by which the Christian faithful devote their life to the praise of God and the salvation of the world through a stricter withdrawal from the world, the silence of solitude, and assiduous prayer and penance. A hermit is recognized in the law as one dedicated to God in Consecrated Life if he or she publicly professes the three evangelical counsels, confirmed by vow or other sacred bond, in the hands of the diocesan bishop and observes his or her own plan of life under his direction (Canon 603:1-2).”
For the past decade, our friend and fellow parishioner, Cliff Garvey, has been discerning a vocation to the eremitic life. And for much of the past year, Cliff has been engaged in a rigorous program of formation under the direction of Bishop Mark O’Connell, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Boston, Sister Germana Santos, Delegate for Religious Life, and his own spiritual director. Cliff’s formation has included a thorough exploration of the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience; thoughtful consideration of the challenges of pursuing silence and solitude in this always busy world; and prayerful creation of a Rule of Life.
With the support and approval of Cardinal Sean O’Malley, I am now delighted to report that Bishop Mark will consecrate Cliff as a Diocesan Hermit on Tuesday, October 3rd at 5:00pm in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. During this Consecration Mass, Cliff will make perpetual vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience; promise to live a life that prioritizes silence and solitude; and pledge to pray each day for the rest of his life for us and for the intentions of the Archdiocese of Boston. All friends and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to attend this Mass. After Mass, all are invited to join us for a catered community supper in Our Lady’s Hall.
This consecration is no small thing. Cliff will continue his work as an Associate Minister, responsible for adult faith formation, parish communications, and special projects. At the moment of his consecration, however, Cliff will also become a religious brother and join the men and women around the world who are called to live a blessed and consecrated life. His vocation will be symbolized by a ring and a Tau cross that he will wear around his neck. He will also take on the name and title of Brother Patrick to remind him and us that he is a person whose whole life is now consecrated by the Church and wholly dedicated to living more simply, more quietly, and more prayerfully.
I hope that you will join us for Brother Patrick’s Consecration Mass on Tuesday, October 3rd. If you are able to join us for supper, please contact me at frjim@ccgronline.com. If you wish to celebrate this special occasion with a card or gift, please make any checks payable to the Assisi Project. And if you have any questions about the eremitic life, please see Cliff or contact him at cgarvey@ccgronline.com. He loves to talk about this amazing spiritual journey! As Cliff’s special day approaches, let us pray with joyful hearts for him, for each other, and for all who need our prayers! Peace and blessings to all!
Reverend James M. Achadinha, Pastor
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: frjim@ccgronline.com
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Youth Faith Formation
First Holy Communion Preparation
Begins Sunday, September 24th
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 (Eucharist). Our program is designed to prepare both children and their parents for the sacraments, encourage lifelong relationships with Jesus and the Catholic Church, and help each and every family grow together in prayer, fellowship, and service.
First, we focus on inviting families to attend one of our six weekend Masses. Second, all second grade students and their parents or guardians are asked to attend six Faith & Family Workshops and six Young Disciples Workshops. Our Faith & Family Workshops will be held in Our Lady’s Hall; and our Young Disciples Workshops will be held at Our Lady’s School.
During the Young Disciples Workshops, the children will gather with Betsy Works and a team of dedicated catechists and volunteers. At both workshops, the children and their parents will learn about the Bible, the Mass, and the Eucharist by reading children’s literature and engaging in hands-on activities like arts and crafts, food and music, dance and prayer.
All students (beginning in the second grade) are invited to participate in our program. And all families with children eligible for our program are encouraged to attend our Family Mass & Meeting on Sunday, September 24th beginning at 11:00am in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. At this meeting, parents can submit a registration form and receive our full workshop schedule.
If you have questions or need more information about youth faith formation in Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish, please contact Betsy Works at bworks@ccgronline.com. Please pray for our young disciples and their families! Please join us! All are invited! All are welcome!
First Holy Communion Registration 2023-24
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Youth Faith Formation
Faith & Family Masses
Begins Sunday, September 24th
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 (Matthew 9:14).” In response to the Lord’s call, all children, parents, grandparents, godparents, and guardians are invited to join Father Jim and the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport for our Monthly Faith & Family Mass!
One weekend each month during the school year, Father Jim will offer a special homily especially for families with children and a special blessing for all of God’s children and their parents and families. In addition, every child will receive a small gift to encourage them on their journey of faith. Here’s our upcoming schedule:
- Fall Faith & Family Mass
Sunday September 24th at 11:45am
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church - All Saints Faith & Family Mass
Sunday, October 29th at 11:45am
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church - Christ the King Faith & Family Mass
Sunday, November 26th at 11:45am
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church - Advent Faith & Family Mass
Sunday, December 3rd at 11:45am
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church
For more information, please see Father Jim or contact Betsy Works, Associate Minister for Youth Faith Formation at bworks@ccgronline.com. We hope and pray that you and your family will be able to join us for our Monthly Faith & Family Masses! Mass is our class! Jesus is our teacher! Every child is precious gift from God! Every family is invited to join us! Spread the word! Bring a friend! Bring your family! All are invited! All are welcome! Always!
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Adult Faith Formation
The Way
Sacramental Preparation for Adults
Begins Sunday, October 1st at 8:15am
“The Way” was the among the earliest 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 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!
Beginning on October 1st, our group will gather on the first and second Sunday mornings of each month for Mass at 8:15am in Saint Ann Church, followed by 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. 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! All are invited! All are welcome!
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The Blessing of the Animals
Celebrating Saint Francis of Assisi
Sunday, October 1st at 2:00pm
Saint Francis of Assisi is venerated around the world as the patron of animals and the environment. Throughout his lifetime, Saint Francis is credited with countless miracles — many of them involving animals. Whether Francis was preaching to birds or taming a ferocious wolf, he has been regarded as the friend and protector of animals and pets for more than eight hundred years.
In anticipation of the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, all friends, neighbors, and fellow parishioners of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are cordially invited to join Father Jim for the traditional Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, October 1st at 2:00pm in Our Lady’s Rectory Parking Lot. All family-friendly pets are welcome (but must be leashed or secured in carriers). For more information, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com. Please join us! All are invited! All are welcome!
Listen: Saint of the Day – Saint Francis of Assisi
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Our Lady of Good Voyage
Holy Name Society
Sunday, October 1st at 6:30pm
The Holy Name Society at Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish is an organization of men which was founded to support the parish through fundraising and volunteer service. Our next meeting is scheduled for Sunday, October 1st at 6:30pm in Our Lady’s Hall. For more information about the Holy Name Society and its good work in our parish community, please contact Fitz Lufkin at fitzlufkinappraiser@gmail.com; Matt Parisi at mparisi101@gmail.com; or leave a message at 978-281-4820. Please join us! New members are always welcome!
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WeShare
Safe & Easy Electronic Giving
Good will come to those who are generous. — Psalm 112:5
Electronic giving has become an essential component 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 additional to the weekly offering, you can also give electronically to our church restoration funds which helps us plan for the repair and maintenance of our beloved and historic churches.
During these challenging times, Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish need your support more than ever before! Please prayerfully consider enrolling in our ‘We Share!’ electronic giving program! For more information about setting up a new account or for assistance with your existing account, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com. Thank you for your generous support for our parishes! May God bless you and your family, now and always!
Support Holy Family Parish
Support Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish
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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!
For Catherine Randazza
In Celebration of Her 94th Birthday
Happy Birthday! God Bless You!