A PRAYER FOR SPRING GARDENS THIS WEEK S MESSAGE PAGE 3

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1 The Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport HOLY FAMILY PARISH & OUR LADY OF GOOD VOYAGE PARISH A Community United in Prayer, Fellowship, and Service Fifth Sunday of Easter April 29, 2018 A PRAYER FOR SPRING GARDENS THIS WEEK S MESSAGE PAGE 3 The Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport Live the Gospel. Share God s Love. Rebuild the Church. 74 Pleasant Street Gloucester, Massachusetts Phone: Fax: office@ccgronline.com Website: ccgronline.com Office Hours: Monday through Friday 10:00am-4:00pm

2 THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF GLOUCESTER & ROCKPORT FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2018 Blessings & Congratulations! On behalf of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, Father Jim wishes to congratulate the following children from Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish who have successfully completed our program of preparation and who will receive their First Holy Communion this month: Chase Albano John Anderson Jack Baez Nicholas Bilenchi Avigail Bouchard Janelle Brancaleone Meghan Buckley Brady Ciaramitaro Matthew Conners Sophia Cooke Connor Curley Sophia Drost Claire Dullea Merina Earl Giuseppe Ferrara Isabella Figurido Norah Fogarty Joseph Gavin Laycee Goodhue Jake Gucciardi Jackson Harnish Isabelle Johnson Owen Kesterson Nicholas Koller Anthony Kozma Jonesy Lilly Natalee Loiacano Olivia Lottatore Adam Madruga Mackenzie Mahoney Jesse Mannino Ava Marino Finn McKay Ian Morgan Jason Movalli John Novello Luca Oliva George Osier Ethan Parisi Saige Racofsky Collin Rife Angela Russo Luke Salah Elyanna Sawulski Giavana Seniti Ethan Silva Michael Smith Nathan Stanley Dominic Szyp Adam Taormina James Towne Allison Tuck Sabina Twalipo Cruz Viator Nicholas Whitten Abigail Wilson During these past seven months, these fifty-six young fellow parishioners and their parents have prayed, studied, and grown together in prayer, fellowship, and service. They have learned together that disciples of all ages are called to live the Gospel, share God s love and mercy, and rebuild the Church. They are all well-prepared to receive the Body & Blood of the Risen Lord and to become faithful and faith-filled disciples! The children who are receiving their First Holy Communion this year wish to thank their parents, families, and friends for their love, prayers, and support. In particular, they wish to express their appreciation to those who helped them prepare for their First Holy Communion: Father Jim Achadinha, Olga Alves, Rizza Anderson, Fernanda Brown, Phyllis Comeau, Carol Conlon, John Conlon, Angelica Duran, Mary Duran, Jenn Dort, Grace Figurido, Gerry Kippen, Yvonne LeBlanc, Sean Lilly, Jean Madruga, Mary Ellen McLeod, Marilyn Smith, Chris Smith, and especially Betsy Works. Finally, please pray for all of our young fellow parishioners, their parents, and families so that they will continue to grow in faith, hope, and love; and that they will continue to join us for Mass on a regular basis. Please also pray in thanksgiving for our pastoral team and our dedicated volunteers who make these celebrations possible. Thank you for your prayers and support! May God bless you and your family! 2

3 THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF GLOUCESTER & ROCKPORT APRIL 29, 2018 THIS WEEK S MESSAGE A Prayer for Spring Gardens Almighty God and Father, before the sin of our first parents, Adam and Eve, they lived happily in the Garden of Eden. As we read in the Holy Book, you walked with them in the afternoon air and they heard the sound of your voice in the garden. Later, your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, began his fearful passion in the Garden of Gethsemane. Ever since, the garden has been a holy place. You still walk there with us. We can see you in the generous and merciful bounty that grows there for us: the green plants and the trees that blossom and bear rich and nourishing fruit. We can see the Cross of Christ in every tree, and His Crown in every thorn. Bless our gardens during the coming season. Bless us with a rich and plentiful harvest. As we work, help us to see you in your loving kindness that works with us and for us. Help us to do your will at all times; and then someday, may we walk with you, with your Son, and with our Blessed Mother along the pathways of that heavenly garden, far better and far more beautiful than even the Garden of Eden. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen. This prayer is adapted from A Prayer for Gardens & Orchards in the Rural Life Prayer Book. 3

4 THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF GLOUCESTER & ROCKPORT FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER ADULT FAITH FORMATION MARY MOTHER OF GOD, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH SPRING DAY OF PRAYER & REFLECTION Saturday, May 5th Begins at 8:00am Earlier this year, Pope Francis announced that the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, should be celebrated annually on the Monday after Pentecost Sunday in churches throughout the world. In anticipation of this new feast and as part of our Year for Vocations, all parishioners, friends, and guests of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join the Legion of Mary, the Assisi Project, and their spiritual directors, Father Jim and Cliff Garvey, for Mary: Mother of God, Mother of the Church on Saturday, May 5th in Saint Anthony Chapel. During this four-hour morning retreat, we will explore the Blessed Virgin Mary s twin vocations as Mother of God and Mother of the Church. This morning of prayer and reflection will proceed according to the following schedule: Celebration of Holy Mass at 8:00am; First Reflection & Faith Sharing at 9:00am; Eucharistic Adoration & Rosary at 10:00am; Second Reflection & Faith Sharing at 11:00am; Angelus & Closing Prayers at 12:00pm. Throughout the morning, there will be scheduled breaks and time for faith sharing, fellowship, questions, and refreshments. Coffee, tea, and bottled water will be available throughout the morning. After our closing prayers, all are invited to remain for a picnic lunch. During Mass, a collection will be taken in support of our adult faith formation ministry. If you would like to join us for this special morning of prayer and reflection in honor of our Blessed Mother, please contact Cliff Garvey at cgarvey@ccgronline.com or (so that we can plan adequately for food and drink). The Legion of Mary and the Assisi Project always welcome new members! For more information about these ministries and their good work in our parishes, please visit our websites: assisiproject.com or ccgronline.com/ fellowship. Please join us! All are invited! All are welcome! PRAYER, FELLOWSHIP, AND SERVICE VOCATION FRIDAY Friday, May 4th at 5:00pm As Catholic Christians, we believe that God calls us to live as faithful disciples. But in what way of life are we called to live our discipleship? What is your calling? What is your vocation? These questions can sometimes take a lifetime to answer. But with hearts open to discernment and prayer, God can help us find our way in the world. Each and every one of us (regardless of age, gender, or life experience) can discover, rediscover, and respond to God s plan for our lives. This year, the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport is celebrating a Year for Vocations, a time to pray and reflect on who God calls us to be and what God calls us to do with the one life that we are blessed to live on this earth. In this spirit, we will gather on Friday, May 4th for Vocation Friday in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. Our prayer vigil will begin with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at 5:00pm, followed by Evening Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours. At 6:00pm, we will pray the Rosary for an increase in vocations to the priesthood. And we will conclude at 7:00pm with Night Prayer and Benediction. These Vocation Fridays will be held throughout the year on the First Friday of each month. Our hope is that all parishioners and their families will be able to join us for at least one of these special days of prayer, discernment, and devotion. If you are not able to join us this month, please take a few moments to pray this powerful prayer for vocations by Cardinal Joseph Bernadin: Almighty God and Father, you call each one of us by name and you ask us to follow you. Bless your Holy Church by raising up dedicated and generous leaders from among our families and friends who will serve your people as priests and deacons, as religious brothers and sisters, and as lay ministers. Inspire us as we grow to know you, and open our hearts to hear your call. Amen. Throughout this Year for Vocations, let us pray together that each one of us, in our own way, will learn to pray, discern, and respond to God s call with faith, hope, and love in our hearts. For more information, please see Father Jim before or after Mass; or contact Cliff Garvey at or cgarvey@ccgronline.com; or check out our vocations page at ccgronline.com. Please join us! All are invited! All are welcome! 4

5 THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF GLOUCESTER & ROCKPORT APRIL 29, 2018 PRAYER, FELLOWSHIP, AND SERVICE OUR LADY S GUILD Monday, April 30th at 6:30pm Since 1944, Our Lady s Guild has worked to build community among women of all ages in Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish through prayer, good works, social activities, and fundraising events. The Guild s next meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 30th at 6:30pm in Our Lady s Hall. At this meeting, we will elect new officers for the coming year. Cecelia Doucette, Anna Loiacano, and Phyllis Pascucci will co-chair our gathering. For more information about Our Lady s Guild and its good work in our parish, please contact Beth Fosberry at or jcbf33@yahoo.com. New members are always welcome! Please join us! HOLY FAMILY WOMEN S GUILD SPRING INTO SPRING Tuesday, May 1st at 6:30pm Established in 2005, the Holy Family Women s Guild brings together women of all ages and backgrounds in prayer, fellowship, and service to our parish and community. The Guild s next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 1st at 6:30pm in Saint Ann Church Hall. All are invited to join us as we spring into spring in celebration of the Kentucky Derby. All members and friends are encourage to wear their finest hats as we head to the races! Refreshments will be served! For more information about the Holy Family Women s Guild and its good work in our parish, please contact Lydia Bertolino at or bertolino4@msn.com. Please join us! All are welcome! THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD Holy Day of Obligation Thursday, May 10th On Thursday, May 10th, the Roman Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, which commemorates Christ s elevation into heaven in the presence of the disciples on the fortieth day after his resurrection. On this Holy Day of Obligation, the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport will celebrate Masses according to the following schedule: Saint Ann Church Wednesday, May 9th at 7:00pm Saint Joachim Church Thursday, May 10th at 8:00am Our Lady of Good Voyage Church Thursday, May 10th at 12:00pm For more information about the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, please contact Father Jim at or frjim@ccgronline.com. Please join us! All are welcome! YOUTH FAITH FORMATION THE WAY FOR KIDS Begins Saturday, May 5th at 4:00pm If you have a child, grandchild, or godchild who has completed the second grade but has not received the Sacraments of Baptism and/or First Holy Communion, we have a special program just for them: The Way for Kids. Beginning on Saturday, May 5th from 4:00pm until 5:45pm in Our Lady s School, Betsy Works and a team of volunteers will lead a five-week series of workshops for young disciples who have not yet received the Sacraments of Initiation. After each workshop, the children (and their families) will attend Mass at 6:00pm in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church. For more information about The Way for Kids or a registration form, please contact Betsy Works at bworks@ccgronline.com or Please pray for our young disciples and their families! Please join us! All are invited! All are welcome! MOTHER S DAY MASS FOR FAMILIES Saturday, May 12th at 4:00pm In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says: Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs (Mt 19:14). In response to the Lord s call, all parents, grandparents, godparents, and children of all ages are invited to join Father Jim for our Mother s Day Mass for families on Saturday, May 12th at 4:00pm in Saint Ann Church. During Mass, Father Jim will preach about Mother s Day and offer a special blessing for all mothers, families, and children. In addition, those who gather for this Mass will join the Legion of Mary in the Annual Crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary. As our Mother s Day Mass for Families draws near, let us reaffirm that Mass is our class! Jesus is our Teacher! Mary is our Mother! And every family that joins us is a gift from God! For more information, please contact Father Jim at frjim@ccgronline.com or Please join us! All are invited! All are welcome! YOUTH CHOIR & MUSIC MINISTRY Tuesdays at 5:00pm The Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport s Youth Choir & Music Ministry meets for practice every Tuesday at 5:00pm in Saint Ann Church. This program is a great way for children of all ages to make new friends, learns about the teachings and traditions of the Church, and participate more fully in the vibrant life of our parishes. New members who wish to sing or who already play an instrument (ranging in age from kindergarten through high school) are always welcome! For more information, please contact Patty Natti at pnatti@comcast.net or Please join us! All are welcome! 5

6 THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF GLOUCESTER & ROCKPORT Saturday, April 28 4:00pm Saint Ann 6:00pm OLGV Sunday, April 29 7:00am OLGV OUR MASS INTENTIONS APRIL 28 MAY 6, 2018 Vigil Fifth Sunday of Easter First Holy Communion Captain Rosario Grillo Fifth Sunday of Easter Justine Surrette OUR WEEKLY GIFTS FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER HOLY FAMILY PARISH Weekend of April 21st April 22nd Weekly Offerings $6, Electronic Donations $ Total Offerings $7, Second Collection N/A Grand Annual Collection $43, Thank you for your generous support of Holy Family Parish! 8:15am Saint Ann 10:00am Saint Joachim 11:45am OLGV 5:00pm Saint Ann Monday, April 30 8:00am OLGV Tuesday, May 1 8:00am Saint Joachim Wednesday, May 2 8:00am OLGV Thursday, May 3 8:00am Saint Joachim Friday, May 4 8:00am OLGV Saturday, May 5 8:00am Saint Anthony Saturday, May 5 4:00pm Saint Ann 6:00pm OLGV Sunday, May 6 7:00am OLGV 8:15am Saint Ann 10:00am Saint Joachim 11:45am OLGV 5:00pm Saint Ann Sara Jean Tarr First Holy Communion Theresa Wilkins Monica Silva Fifth Week of Easter Charles Works Theresa Cahoon Jack Scandalito Special Intention Phil Demetri Reverend Mr. Raymond Wellbank Vigil Sixth Sunday of Easter Madonna del Rosario Society Capt. Salvatore & Josephine Santuccio Sixth Sunday of Easter Norman J. DuLong, Jr. Joseph & Mary D Amico Allerio & Filippa Loiacano First Holy Communion Mass for the People OUR LADY OF GOOD VOYAGE PARISH Weekend of April 21st April 22nd Weekly Offerings $2, Electronic Donations $80.00 Total Offerings $2, Second Collection (Grand Annual) $3, Grand Annual Collection $30, Thank you for your generous support of Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish! SANCTUARY GIFTS At each of the churches in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, sanctuary flowers, sanctuary candles, and altar gifts (hosts & wine) can be donated for a special intention or in memory of a departed loved one. The requested donation for flowers is $250. The requested donation for altar gifts is $175. And the requested donation for a sanctuary candle is $25. This week, donations were offered for the following intentions: In Memory of Alden Robinson Sanctuary Candle Saint Ann Church In Memory of the McCrohon Family Sanctuary Flowers Saint Ann Church In Memory of Kelly Durkin Sanctuary Candle Saint Joachim Church In Memory of 1st Lt. Frank D Amico Sanctuary Candle Saint Anthony Chapel In Memory of Mary & Theresa Wilkins Sanctuary Candle Our Lady of Good Voyage Church For more information about donating sanctuary candles, flowers, or gifts in memory of a deceased family member, friend, or loved one, please contact Melissa Unis at or office@ccgronline.com. Thank you for your generous support of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport! May God bless you and your family!