THE GIFTS WE BRING HEALING GOD S FAMILY & REBUILDING THE CHURCH OUR PASTOR 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 The Epiphany of the Lord January 6, 2019 THE GIFTS WE BRING HEALING GOD S FAMILY & REBUILDING THE CHURCH OUR PASTOR 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 THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD CALL TO PRAYER A New Year s Prayer for Church & Country BY ARCHBISHOP JOHN CARROLL, SJ Almighty and Eternal God, you have through Jesus Christ revealed your glory to all nations. We pray you to preserve the works of your mercy, so that your Church, being spread throughout the world, may continue with unchanging faith in the confession of your name. We pray you, who alone are good and holy, to endow with heavenly knowledge, sincere zeal, and sanctity of life our Supreme Pontiff, Pope Francis, the vicar of our Lord Jesus Christ, in the government of your Church; our own archbishop, all other bishops, priests, and pastors of the Church, and especially those who are appointed to exercise among us the functions of the holy ministry and conduct of your people into the ways of salvation. We pray you, God of might, wisdom, and justice, through whom authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment decreed, to assist with your holy spirit of counsel and courage the President of the United States, that his administration may be conducted in righteousness, and be eminently useful to your people over whom he presides; by encouraging due respect for virtue and religion, by a faithful execution of the laws in justice and mercy, and by restraining vice and immorality. Let the light of your divine wisdom direct the deliberations of Congress, and shine forth in all the proceedings and laws framed for our rule and government, so that they may tend to the preservation of peace, the promotion of national happiness, the increase of industry, sobriety, and useful knowledge, and may perpetuate to us the blessing of equal liberty. We pray for the Governor of our state, for the members of the legislature, for all judges, magistrates, and other officers who are appointed to safeguard our welfare, so that they may be enabled by your powerful protection, to discharge the duties of their respective stations with honesty and ability. We commend likewise to your unbounded mercy all our brethren and fellow citizens throughout the United States, that they may be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the observance of your most holy law; that they may be preserved in union, and in that peace which the world cannot give; and after enjoying the blessings of this life, be admitted to those which are eternal. Amen. The Most Reverend John Carroll, SJ ( ) was the first Roman Catholic Bishop of the United States. He served as Archbishop of Baltimore from 1789 until his death. 2

3 THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF GLOUCESTER & ROCKPORT JANUARY 6, 2019 OUR PASTOR S MESSAGE The Gifts We Bring BY FATHER JIM Last year was a difficult year. It was perhaps the most difficult year of my priesthood. The sudden deaths of Deacon Ray and Deacon Dan, who had both become good friends, were a shocking loss to me, our pastoral team, and all of our fellow parishioners. The retirement of Father Alves, whose courage and determination had become a source of strength, continues to weigh heavily upon me and everyone who knows and loves him. And the tragic death of a good friend s son, who embodied the full promise of youth, remains a source of deepest grief for me, his family, and many good people in our community. Last year also brought news about the ongoing shortage of ordained clergy (both deacons and priests) that will make parish ministry even more challenging in the future. This bad news was compounded by new revelations about sexual abuse and harassment in the Church and the unconscionable failure of our bishops to effectively address this seemingly endless crisis. And of course, any discussion of bad news must include the ongoing divisions in our country and in the Church itself, the coarseness of our public dialog about the issues of the day, the callousness of some civic leaders toward the plight of the poor and the sick, and even our own inability to love, forgive, and show mercy to each other. Despite these challenges, we find consolation in the Holy Family who radiate hope, joy, and love from the simplicity of a stable in a faraway place called Bethlehem. We find courage, generosity, and kindness in the Magi who travel far and wide in search of the Christ Child who brings God into a suffering world. And in their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, we find the grace to give generously, share freely, and love even the poorest of children. As we look back on last year and look forward to the year ahead, we find inspiration and optimism to see beyond the darkness, transcend the past, and work diligently toward a brighter future for divided country, our wounded Church, and our troubled world. Throughout this new year, I invite you to join me in the work of healing God s family and rebuilding our Church. I invite you to help by sharing your gifts of time, talent, and treasure in one of our parish ministries or service organizations. I ask you to pray daily for me, for our pastoral team, and for all who live, work, and worship in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport. I beg you to do your best to live the Gospel, to share God s love, to forgive, to refrain from gossip, and to encourage each other in both faith and prayer. And most of all, I implore you, with my whole heart, to observe with renewed zeal the Great Commandment to love God and to love your neighbor. Healing God s family and rebuilding the Church will not be accomplished in one year. It will become the work of many generations. But together, always together, we can do it by following in the footsteps of the Magi who cried out with one voice: We saw his star at its rising and we have come to do him homage (See Matthew 2:2). Together, always together, we can do it by bringing our humble gifts to the Baby Jesus, by seeking his blessing upon them, and by doing his will in all that we think, say, and do during the one life that we are blessed to live. In this way, the gifts we bring are the lives that we live for God and for each other. Peace and blessings to all for a happy, healthy, and hopeful new year! 3

4 THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF GLOUCESTER & ROCKPORT THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD SHARING GOD S LOVE WELCOMING YOUNG DISCIPLES THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM OUR SCHEDULE FOR JANUARY 2019 The Sacrament of Baptism is the first of three Sacraments of Initiation in the Roman Catholic Church. The two other Sacraments of Initiation are Eucharist and Confirmation. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church: Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism, we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church, and made sharers in her mission (CCC 1213). During the month of January, the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport will celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism according to the following schedule: Sacrament of Baptism Sunday, January 13th at 1:00pm Saint Ann Church Sacrament of Baptism Sunday, January 20th at 1:00pm Our Lady of Good Voyage Church Sacrament of Baptism Sunday, January 27th at 10:00am Mass Saint Joachim Church The following children were recently baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit here in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport: Madalena Lewis Giulia Maiorana Elizabeth Rodolosi Anthony Romeo Austin Towne Henrik Verkade V If you would like to schedule your child s baptism in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, please contact Sheila McCarthy at smccarthy@ccgronline.com or Please pray for our newly baptized young disciples and for their parents, grandparents, godparents, and siblings! May God bless all families with good health, happiness, and much love during this new year! Peace, blessings, and congratulations to all! PRAYER, FELLOWSHIP, AND SERVICE HOLY NAME SOCIETY Sunday, January 6th at 6:30pm The Holy Name Society of Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish is an organization of men that was founded to prayerfully support our parish through fundraising and volunteer service. The Holy Name Society meets on the first Sunday evening of every month in Our Lady s Hall. Our next meeting is schedule for Sunday, January 6th at 6:30pm. For more information about the Holy Name Society and its good work in our parish, please contact Matt Parisi at or mparisi101@gmail.com. Please join us! New members are always welcome! OUR LADY S GUILD Monday, January 7th 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. Our Lady s Guild meets on the first Monday of every month in Our Lady s Hall. Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 7th at 6:30pm. After our business meeting, we will hold a silent auction. All members are reminded to bring their food and auction donations. Fatima Lourenço and Rose De- Lima will serve as co-chairwomen of this event. Beth Fosberry and Linda Galvin will organize the silent auction. For more information about Our Lady s Guild and its good work in our parish, please contact Beth Fosberry at or jcbf33@yahoo.com. Please join us! New members are always welcome! THE ASSISI PROJECT Need Prayers? Founded in 2007 by Father Jim and Cliff Garvey, the Assisi Project is a Fellowship of Franciscans in Spirit that seeks to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the inspiration of Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi. Our mission is to serve the Church and to give witness to the Good News of Christ through fellowship and formation, pilgrimage and retreat, and educating our friends and fellow parishioners about the Franciscan way of life. Members of the Assisi Project range in age from 16 to 93; and we live in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Italy, Spain, and Angola. We pray daily for those who ask for our prayers. If you would like us to pray for you or your special intention, please contact Cliff Garvey at cgarvey@ccgronline.com or For more information about the Assisi Project and its good work in our parishes, please see Father Jim or Cliff; or join us online at assisiproject.com! Please join us! All are welcome! 4

5 THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF GLOUCESTER & ROCKPORT JANUARY 6, 2019 PRAYER, FELLOWSHIP, AND SERVICE THE LEGION OF MARY Wednesday Afternoons at 4:00pm Each week, members of the Legion of Mary from both Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish reach out to our sick, aged, disabled, and homebound fellow parishioners. They visit these friends and neighbors in their homes and apartments, hospitals, and nursing homes. They pray together, offer companionship and conversation, and share God s love and mercy with those who are so often lonely and forgotten. Every Wednesday at 4:00pm, the Legion of Mary meets in our parish office (located at 74 Pleasant Street in Gloucester) to pray the Rosary, share their faith experiences, and participate in a period of formation under the guidance of their spiritual directors. For more information about the Legion of Mary and its good work in our parish communities, please contact Sue Demetri at or sdemetri2000@yahoo.com. Please join us! All are invited! New members are always welcome! SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY Help Us Help Others! The Saint Vincent de Paul Society is an international organization dedicated to responding to any request from any person or family in need. Here on Cape Ann, we work from Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish to serve the poor and needy. Our Clothes Closet is open on Saturdays from 10:00am until 1:00pm. And our Food Pantry is stocked with non-perishable foods. Donation baskets are located at the entrances of our churches. The Food Pantry needs these items: Assorted Canned Soups Beef Stew Chef Boyardee Canned Tuna Chicken & Tuna Helper Chips, Cookies, Crackers, and Snacks Instant Mashed Potatoes Pancake Mix & Syrup Pasta & Sauce Ramen Noodles Rice-a-Roni Peanut Butter & Jelly Donation envelopes are located at the entrances of our churches. Donations can be placed in the offertory basket or mailed to us. Checks should be made payable to the Saint Vincent de Paul Society. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 4:00pm in Our Lady s Hall. The Saint Vincent de Paul Society warmly welcomes new members and volunteers! For more information, please contact Harry Miller at or Barbara Frontiero at Barbara.Frontiero@gortons.com. If you or your family needs our assistance, please contact us at Thank you for your generous support! REBUILDING OUR CHURCH BRAIN TEASING SPECIAL EVENT TRIVIA NIGHT with FATHER JIM SATURDAY, JANUARY 19TH AT 7:00PM All parishioners, friends, and guests of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport are invited to join us for a brain-teasing, mind-blowing, and fast-paced special event: Trivia Night with Father Jim on Saturday, January 19th from 7:00pm until 10:00pm in Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish Hall. Throughout the evening, Father Jim (who is secretly a quiz master and aspiring game show host) will ask a series of questions on a wide array of topics ranging from music and sports, movies and television, books and history, religion and good, old-fashioned trivia. Tickets are $20 per person. Participants will be organized into teams of eight, so all are welcome to organize a team in advance or take your chances at the door! Tickets will be available at the door, in our parish office, or by contacting Father Jim. All are invited to bring food and snacks. Coffee, tea, bottled water, and soft drinks will be offered for sale (along with a cash bar). Father Jim promises cool prizes and raffles, too! Don t miss this chance to impress your friends and neighbors with your knowledge of facts, figures, and trivia! Don t miss this chance to share a few laughs with family and fellow parishioners! Don t miss your chance to win a great prize! And don t miss this chance to raise some much needed funds for Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish! For more information, please contact Father Jim at or frjim@ccgronline.com. Please join us! All are invited! All are welcome! Merry Christmas! PASTOR S NOTE WINTER WEATHER CANCELLATIONS Join us: ccgronline.com! For the latest information about weather related cancellations during the winter months in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, please visit our website at ccgronline.com. Announcements will also be made on WBZ1030-AM and cbsboston.com. All parishioners should note that if public schools are closed on a particular weekday due to inclement weather, then our daily Mass and all adult and youth faith formation programs will be cancelled on that day, too. Peace and blessings to all for a safe winter season! Father Jim 5

6 THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF GLOUCESTER & ROCKPORT OUR MASS INTENTIONS JANUARY 5 JANUARY 13, 2019 Saturday, January 5 4:00pm Saint Ann 6:00pm OLGV Sunday, January 6 7:00am OLGV 8:15am Saint Ann 10:00am Saint Joachim 11:45am OLGV 5:00pm Saint Ann Monday, January 7 8:00am OLGV Tuesday, January 8 8:00am Saint Joachim Wednesday, January 9 8:00am OLGV Thursday, January 10 8:00am Saint Joachim Friday, January 11 8:00am OLGV Saturday, January 12 8:00am Saint Ann Saturday, January 12 4:00pm Saint Ann 6:00pm OLGV Sunday, January 13 7:00am OLGV 8:15am Saint Ann Vigil Epiphany of the Lord Peter Feeney Anthony & Elsie Marks Epiphany of the Lord John Barbosa Giuseppa Balistreci James Carter, Sr. Frank Santo Healing of God s Family Christmas Season Communion Service Teresa Casimiro Toni Vaccaro William & Grace Budrow Maria Padre Msgr. Richard Cunningham Vigil Baptism of the Lord Angelo & Nicolo Vitale John Orlando Baptism of the Lord Harold Jesso Patricia MacDowell OUR WEEKLY GIFTS THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD PASTOR S NOTE Electronic Giving: Safe, Simple, Secure Due to an early printer s deadline, we are unable to post last weekend s collections. Please remember that your weekly gift is much appreciated, ensures the financial stability of our parishes, and empowers us to live the Gospel, share God s love, and rebuild the Church here in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport. Another important component of our ongoing fundraising effort is the We Share electronic giving program which is now available at both Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish. It is safe, simple, and secure to make online donations to your home parish using a credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Donations can be made on a one-time or ongoing basis. And it takes just a few minutes to set up a personal account. For more information about electronic giving, please see Father Jim before or after Mass; or contact Melissa Unis at or office@ccgronline.com. On behalf of Father Jim and every member of our pastoral team, thank you for your generous support of our parishes! Peace and blessings to all for a Happy New Year! Father Jim 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. The requested donation for a sanctuary candle is $25. This week, donations were offered for the following intentions: In Memory of Thomas Misuraca Sanctuary Candle Saint Ann Church In Memory of Peter Feeney Sanctuary Candle Saint Anthony Chapel In Memory of Matteo Russo Sanctuary Candle Our Lady of Good Voyage Church For more information about donating sanctuary candles, sanctuary flowers, or sanctuary gifts in memory of a deceased family member, friend, or loved one, please contact Melissa Unis at office@ccgronline.com or Thank you for your generous support! 10:00am Saint Joachim 11:45am OLGV 5:00pm Saint Ann Domenico Viviano Anna Delfio Healing of God s Family ASSISIPROJECTonline WORLD DAY OF PEACE MESSAGE By POPE FRANCIS Join us: assisiproject.com! Happy New Year!