RESOURCES

Faith & Prayer Resources
Something New Every Week!

Updated – Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 9:51am

In addition to participating in the sacramental life of our parishes, all Catholics are called to holiness through daily prayer. As one way of encouraging members of our community to grow closer to Christ through prayer during these uncertain times, we recommend the following free resources for prayer and reflection which can be accessed by clicking on the links below:

This Week’s Featured Resource

Last Week’s Featured Resource

This Week’s Recommended Resources

Theologians Corner
Global Sisters Report

Resources for Supporting Immigrants & Refugees

Vatican News Resources

Catholic Women Preach
Weekly Reflections on the Sunday Scriptures

The Assisi Project Podcast

The Assisi Project
We Are Pope Francis (1936-2025)

The Assisi Project Podcast
The Complete Series – Pilgrims of Hope 2025

Resources for Grief

Listen to Catholic Women with Bishop Mark O’Connell
Complete First Season

Luke’s Gospel for Children with Bishop Mark O’Connell

Our Social Media

Franciscan Media Daily

Father Jim’s Reflections on ‘A Good Life’

From Tourist to Pilgrim Podcast
The Road Best Travelled in Rome

Synod on Synodality
Synod Retreat with Father Timothy Radcliffe, OP

Vatican View Point Podcasts
The Church in the World – Seen from Rome
Synod Spirituality Series with Fr. Timothy Radcliffe

Franciscan Media
Daily Resources for Prayer & Reflection

Blessed Carlo Acutis
Patron of Teenagers and the Internet

A Living Gospel
Reading God’s Story in Holy Lives
Featuring Robert Ellsberg

Eucharist – God’s Embrace
Father Ronald Rolheiser, OMI

The Letter – Laudato Si Film
Pope Francis and the Environmental Crisis

Franciscan Media’s Holy Rosary

Francis and the Sultan
A Model for Peacemaking

The Church Is Our Home
Synod: Listening to People with Disabilities
Vatican News Special Series 

The Secrets of the Vatican
Vatican News Special Series

The Way of the Seven Churches
Vatican News Short Video Pilgrimage

Seven Days with Mary
Short Video Retreat

Praying the Rosary with Father Jim

A Franciscan Night Prayer
The Assisi Project: Podcast & Print Versions

Assisi Project Podcast
The Living Rosary Virtual Retreat

Assisi Project Podcast
The Legend of Saint Clare

Assisi Project Podcast
Let Us Dream: A Virtual Retreat with Pope Francis

Fraternity & Social Friendship Resources
Fratelli Tutti by Pope Francis

Amoris Laetitia – The Joy of Love
Pope Francis Reflects on Family Life

Franciscan Media
Saint Francis Nine Day Novena Retreat

Salt + Light TV
Nine Day Novena to Saint Joseph

Ascension Presents: Mary

The Seven Sacraments
One Minute Video Series

Learning to Pray with Father James Martin, SJ
Short Video Series

Holy Land Pilgrimage with Father James Martin, SJ
Short Video Series

On Retreat with Terry Hershey
Spend a Few Minutes Living in the Present Moment

Ignatian Spirituality Resources

Praying with Father Gary Caster

Daily Prayer Resources

CTS101: Catholic Social Teaching
Catholic Relief Services Video Mini-Course
Each Episode: Approximately 4 Minutes

Night Prayer Retreat with Bishop Mark O’Connell

Resources for Adults

Resources for Families with Children

Check back soon for additional resources! If you have questions or need further suggestions about daily prayer during these difficult and uncertain times, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com or Brother Patrick at brpatrick@ccgronline.com.

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The Jesus Prayer

We all have something to learn from the perseverance of a Russian pilgrim, mentioned in the famous work of spirituality (The Way of the Pilgrim), who learned the art of prayer by repeating the same invocation over and over again: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me, a sinner! He repeated only this one prayer.

If his life received graces, if prayer became so warm one day as to perceive the presence of the Kingdom among us, if his gaze was transformed until it became like that of a child, it is because he insisted on reciting this simple Christian exclamation. In the end, it became part of his breathing. The story of the Russian pilgrim is beautiful. It is a book that is accessible to all. I recommend you read it; it will help you understand what vocal prayer is all about (4-21-21).

Liturgy of the Hours

In his First Letter to the Thessalonians, Saint Paul writes: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thess 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 “Liturgy of the Hours” to mark and sanctify the various hours or times of the day: morning, afternoon, evening, and night. It uses a four-week cycle of psalms, canticles, and scripture read- ings to draw us into deeper relationship with Christ and the Church by uniting us with the Lord and each other through prayers of petition, praise, and thanksgiving.

At ordination, our deacons and priests make solemn promises to pray with the Divine Office each and every day. However, the Liturgy of the Hours is not just for deacons, priests, and those consecrated to religious life. Countless lay men and women around the world make the Liturgy of the Hours the foundation of their daily prayer and worship. Indeed, in Canticum Laudis, the Apostolic Constitution of the Church, we read: “The purpose of the Divine Office is to sanctify the day and all human activity. The Divine Office is the prayer not only of the clergy but of the whole People of God.” The Liturgy of the Hours can be prayed alone or in groups. If you are interested in praying online, please click on the link below:

If you have questions or need further suggestions about daily prayer during these difficult and uncertain times, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com or Brother Patrick at brpatrick@ccgronline.com.

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The Assisi Project
Need Prayers?

Founded in 2007 by Father Jim and Cliff Garvey during their first pilgrimage to Italy, the Assisi Project is a Fellowship of Franciscan in Spirit. Our mission is to help believers of all ages and backgrounds grow closer to Christ, to the Catholic Church, and to each other through the intercession, inspiration, and life example of Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi.

Members of the Assisi Project range in age from 17 to 94 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 visiting assisiproject.com and making use of the many resources on our website (including our Daily Prayers, Franciscan Rosary, Way of the Cross, and more than fifty reflections and stories about Saint Francis and Saint Clare). Come and pray with us online! May the Lord give you peace — now and always!

Learn More: The Assisi Project

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WeShare
Safe & Easy Electronic Giving

Electronic giving is available at both Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish. It is safe and simple to make online donations to your home parish using a credit cared or debit card. Donations can be made on an ongoing or one-time-only basis. And it takes just a few minutes to set up a secure personal account. For assistance or more information about this important fundraising resource for the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com. Thank you for your generous support for our parishes during these difficult times! Peace, blessings, and many thanks to all!

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!

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