OUR GRAND ANNUAL COLLECTIONS 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 Fourth Sunday of Easter May 7, 2017 OUR GRAND ANNUAL COLLECTIONS OUR PASTOR S MESSAGE PAGE 3 The Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport Please Join Us! All Are Welcome! 74 Pleasant Street Gloucester, Massachusetts Phone: Fax: office@ccgronline.com Website: ccgronline.com Office Hours: Monday through Friday 10:00am-4:00pm Cover Image: Pietá by Jody Cole jcoleicons.com

2 THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF GLOUCESTER & ROCKPORT FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2017 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 the First Holy Communion this month: Anthony Aiello Nico Alves Timothy Arnold Hannah Aspesi Emily Bean Flynn Blanchard Giacomo Bologna Joseph Brousseau Chase Brown Ryan Connelly Patrick Conners Serafin Costa Kiara Curcuru Natalie Curley Isabella DaCruz Judah Day-Laporte Donovan debrigard Matthew debrigard Gerardo DiStefano Giacamo Ferrara Cade Francis Logan Frontiero Maddison Goodhue Beckett Guest Angelina Guyotte Logan Hannah Maliyah Harnish Jillian Hayes Andrew Johnson Teagan Kelliher-Pate Connor Lambert Jocelyn Maddalena Landon Madruga Olivia Madruga Connor Mahoney Trey Marrone Gabriella Martell Eliza Mazzeo Tyler Moran Nathan Morin Anthony Murawski Jaylyn Novello Mia O Leary Connor Oliveira Michael Quinn Drew Rodolosi John Russo Benjamin Scola Giovanni Silva Mehciz Andrew Smith Destiny Smith Jude Szuter Jaclyn Taorima Isabella Tarantino Emma Teixeira Olivia Vargus Kathryn Wall Lilly Wall Michael White During these past seven months, these fifty-nine young fellow parishioners and their parents have prayed, studied, and grown together in prayer, fellowship, and service during the past seven months. They have learned together that disciples of all ages are called to live the Gospel, share God s love, and rebuild the Church. They are all wellprepared 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, Angelica Duran, Mary Duran, Jennifer Dort, Jean Madruga, Mary Ellen McLeod, Marie Orlando, 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 made these celebrations possible. Thank you! May God bless you and your family! 2

3 THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF GLOUCESTER & ROCKPORT MAY 7, 2017 OUR PASTOR S MESSAGE _ HOLY FAMILY PARISH & OUR LADY OF GOOD VOYAGE PARISH OUR GRAND ANNUAL COLLECTIONS Almost three years ago, the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport was created as a collaborative of two historic parishes: Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish. Although our parishes share a pastor and pastoral team, each parish remains canonically and financially independent; maintain their own bank accounts and accounting procedures; and continue to be fully responsible for their own expenses, building maintenance, and pastoral programs. Both of our parishes are blessed in countless ways. Our ministries and service organizations faithfully serve the poor, sick, and homebound. Our adult faith formation programs bring together large groups of parishioners who desire to grow closer to Christ and the Church. Our youth faith formation programs are creating a new generation of young disciples who are excited about their faith and eager to learn more about the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church. And thanks to your ongoing generosity, our parishes are coping with their unique financial challenges. Last month, I wrote to each and every parish family about our Grand Annual Collections and our goals of raising $50,000 for Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish and $75,000 for Holy Family Parish by June 30th, the end of the current fiscal year. These Grand Annual Collections aren t just ambitious and lofty goals on paper. They are essential and vitally important components of our annual parish budgets. They help us balance our books by bridging the gap between our weekly collections and our overall financial obligations. In short, if we do not reach our goals, then it becomes almost impossible to balance our annual budgets. And it is important to keep in mind that ongoing imbalances could threaten the long-term financial stability of our parishes. How do our parishes use your contributions? Your contributions help us pay for the salaries and benefits of our priests, deacons, and pastoral team members. They help us pay for insurance premiums and utility bills. They help us pay for snow removal, grounds keeping, basic administrative costs, and building maintenance and repairs. They also help us fund essential parish programs like our adult and youth faith formation programs, our adult and youth music ministries, and special events and programs throughout the year. Every contribution to our Grand Annual Collections, whether it s for $1 or $10 or $100 goes directly to the parish of your choice: either Holy Family Parish or Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish. At this point, Holy Family Parish has raised more than $34,000 (in just one month) which is almost one-half of our goal; and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish has raised more than $27,000 (during the past few months) which is just over one-half of our goal. Thank you for your generous support! These are great beginnings, but we simply must reach our goals by June 30th! If every parishioner and parish family could prayerfully discern what they feel called to give, then I am confident that we can reach our goals and ensure the financial stability of our parishes. As the son of parents who worked hard to make ends meet, I appreciate how hard it must be for a family or a retired person to give again and again. But as Mother Teresa often said: It is not how much we give, but how much love we put into the giving. As our Grand Annual Collections continue, please join me in praying that each of us, according to our means, will give generously and lovingly to one (or both) of these all-important fundraising efforts. Please also pray for me and for our pastoral team. And be assured always of our daily prayers for you and your family. In a special way, please pray for Father Alves and Father Gariboldi, our beloved senior priests, who are both recovering from recent health problems. May God bless you, your family, and all who live, work, and worship in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport. Thank you again for your prayers, generosity, and support! Peace and blessings to all, Father Jim 3

4 THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF GLOUCESTER & ROCKPORT FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER PRAYER, FELLOWSHIP, AND SERVICE MADONNA DEL ROSARIO SOCIETY MOTHER S DAY BRUNCH Saturday, May 13th at 11:00am The Madonna del Rosario Society will host its annual Mother s Day Brunch on Saturday, May 13th beginning at 11:00am in the Gloucester House Restaurant (located at 63 Rogers Street). After a brief business meeting, brunch and dessert will be served, followed by a friendly game of bingo! Tickets are $15 each. For more information, please contact Grace at or Marie at Please join us! All are invited! All are welcome! KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS SPECIAL MESSAGE OF THANKS Next Meeting: Tuesday, May 9th at 7:00pm The Knights of Columbus (Council 215) is a fraternal and charitable organization of Catholic men that serves the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport at both Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish. Since 1897, our award-winning council has sponsored countless works of charity on Cape Ann, including annual events like our blood drive, food drive, golf tournament, and Coats for Kids; along with our ongoing support for the Saint Vincent de Paul Society and the Ho-ly Family Women s Guild. The Knights of Council 215 wish to thank our fellow parishioners for their generosity. Along with the Rockport Boy & Girl Scouts, we raised 1,500 pounds of food and $500 for the Saint Vincent de Paul Society s food pantry. In addition, proceeds from our annual golf tournament and raffle allowed us to buy new wheelchairs for our churches to assist our disabled or elderly parishioners. Finally, thanks to your generosity, we were able to purchase new SmartTV s and DVD systems for our youth faith formation classrooms. This year, Council 215 is celebrating its 120th anniversary of serving our community, our families, and our parishes. We are actively seeking new members! All Catholic men (age 18 and older) are invited to join us! If you have 24 hours to volunteer for charity this year, we can transform that commitment into meaningful results! Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 9th at 7:00pm in the Parish Center (located at 74 Pleasant Street in Gloucester). For more information, please contact Mark Natti at or mnatti@comcast.net; or visit our website: kofc215.com. Please join us! All are welcome! HELP US HELP OTHERS! Live the Gospel. Share God s Love. Rebuild the Church. Find out how you can help! Join us: ccgronline.com/fellowship SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Schedule for the Month of May 2017 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 May, the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport will celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism according to the following schedule: Baptism Preparation Workshop Sunday, May 7th at 11:00am Saint Ann Church Sacrament of Baptism Sunday, May 14th at 1:00pm Saint Ann Church Sacrament of Baptism Sunday, May 21st at 1:00pm Our Lady of Good Voyage Church Sacrament of Baptism Sunday, May 28th at 11:00am Saint Joachim Church Since Easter Sunday, the following children have received the Sacrament of Baptism here in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport: Alexa Giacalone Silas Hale Natalee Loiacano Vivian Macchi Tess McDiarmid Asher Mitchell Guiseppina Mulcahy Federico Mulcahy Natalie Pizzimenti Cameron Ragusa Michael Robicheau Jacob Robicheau Mickaela Romeiro Scarlett Rowe Sebastian Sclafani Chloe Sousa Malia Tucker If you would like to schedule your child s baptism, please contact Melissa Unis at office@ccgronline.com or If you are an adult and have not received the Sacraments of Initiation in the Catholic Church (Baptism, Eucharist, and/or Confirmation), please contact Cliff Garvey at cgarvey@ccgronline.com or Peace, blessings, and congratulations to all! Please pray for our newly baptized young disciples, their parents, grandparents, and godparents! Thank you! LEARN ABOUT THE SACRAMENTS! Join us: ccgronline.com/sacraments 4

5 THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF GLOUCESTER & ROCKPORT MAY 7, 2017 YOUTH FAITH FORMATION FIRST HOLY COMMUNION The Holy Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith community s joy and the center of our life of prayer, fellowship, and service. This spring season, after a year of prayer, preparation, and study, fifty-nine children in our youth faith formation program will receive the Body and Blood of the Risen Lord for the first time. As our annual celebrations of First Holy Communion continue, all are encouraged to be mindful of our upcoming schedule: Our Lady of Good Voyage Church Sunday, May 7th at 11:45am Mass Our Lady of Good Voyage Church Sunday, May 14th at 11:45am Mass For more information about youth faith formation in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, please contact Betsy Works at bworks@ccgronline.com or As we make final preparations for First Holy Communion, please pray for all of our young disciples, their parents, families, and catechists. Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support! MOTHER S DAY MASS FOR FAMILIES Saturday, May 13th 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 to 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 13th at 4:00pm in Saint Ann Church. During Mass, Father Jim will preach about Mother s Day and Our Blessed Mother; and also 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! And every family that joins us is a gift from God! For more information, please contact Father Jim at or frjim@ccgronline.com. Please spread the word! Please join us! All are invited! All are welcome! MORE NEWS & INFORMATION ONLINE! Join us: ccgronline.com Follow us on PRAYER, FELLOWSHIP, AND SERVICE THE ASSISI PROJECT Need Prayers? Founded in 2007 by Father Jim and Cliff Garvey, the Assisi Project is a Fellowship of Franciscans in Spirit who meet monthly for prayer, fellowship, and formation. We also pray for those who need prayers. If you would like us to pray for you or your special intention, please contact Cliff at or cgarvey@ccgronline.com. For more information, please see Father Jim or Cliff; or join us online at assisiproject.com. All are welcome! HOLY FAMILY WOMEN S GUILD JALAPENO S RESTAURANT FUNDRAISER Wednesday, May 17th Begins at 4:00pm On Wednesday, May 17th, all are invited to join the Holy Family Women s Guild for a fundraising night at Jalapeno s Restaurant, which is located at 86 Main Street in Gloucester. Beginning at 4:00pm until closing, Jalapeno s will donate 10% of all dinner checks (including take-out) to Holy Family Parish! Please invite your family, friends, and neighbors for an evening of good food, fellowship, and fundraising for our parish! Please join us! All are invited! All are welcome! HOLY FAMILY PARISH STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL Saturday, June 3rd 9:00am-2:00pm On Saturday, June 3rd, the Holy Family Women s Guild will host the Annual Strawberry Festival from 9:00am until 2:00pm in Saint Ann Church Hall. This year s theme is Life on Cape Ann because everyone who lives here knows that there isn t a better or more beautiful place on earth to live, work, worship, or raise a family! This year s Strawberry Festival will feature art, homemade baked goods and preserves, crafts of all kinds, and all things related to the garden (including annuals and perennials)! We ll have a Mug Up with hand-made ceramic mug and snack bar featuring pulled-pork sandwiches, Italian Cookies, Mickey s Muffins, Papa s Biscotti, Cindy s Scones, Jam from the Jam Ladies, and our famous strawberry shortcake. Mahroussie Jabba will also be serving middle eastern food. And as always, vintage treasures will be offered for sale in our Granny s Attic! Whether you re a crafter or a carpenter, a knitter, baker, or basket-weaver, we need your help! Whether you re an artist, gardener, or handyman, we need your help! And if someone is willing and able to volunteer with setting up or cleaning up, we need your help, too! All proceeds from the Strawberry Festival benefit Holy Family Parish. For more information, please contact Jane Marshall at Please join us! All are invited! All are welcome! 5

6 THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF GLOUCESTER & ROCKPORT Saturday, May 6 4:00pm Saint Ann 6:00pm OLGV Sunday, May 7 7:00am OLGV 8:15am Saint Ann 10:00am Saint Joachim 11:45am OLGV 5:00pm Saint Ann Monday, May 8 8:00am OLGV Tuesday, May 9 8:00am Saint Joachim Wednesday, May 10 8:00am OLGV Thursday, May 11 8:00am Saint Joachim Friday, May 12 8:00am OLGV Saturday, May 13 8:00am Saint Ann Saturday, May 13 4:00pm Saint Ann 6:00pm OLGV Sunday, May 14 7:00am OLGV 8:15am Saint Ann 10:00am Saint Joachim 11:45am OLGV 5:00pm Saint Ann OUR MASS INTENTIONS _ MAY 6 MAY 14, 2017 Vigil Fourth Sunday of Easter The Madonna del Rosario Society Francis, Elizabeth, and Peter Bruni Fourth Sunday of Easter Kyle Joseph Captain Gus, Frances & Nicholas Demetri Stephen Russo First Holy Communion Mass for the People Fourth Week of Easter Sally Unis The Sheehan & Gartland Families Pearl Parisi Norman Taylor Carol Ross John Priest Vigil Fifth Sunday of Easter Fifth Sunday of Easter First Holy Communion Mass for the People OUR WEEKLY OFFERINGS _ FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER HOLY FAMILY PARISH Weekend of April 29th April 30th Weekly Offerings $5, Electronic Donations $ Total Offerings $6, Second Collection N/A Grand Annual Collection $34, Saint Ann Church Restoration $220, Thank you for your generous support of Holy Family Parish! OUR LADY OF GOOD VOYAGE PARISH Weekend of April 29th April 30th Weekly Offerings $3, Electronic Donations $30.00 Total Offerings $3, Second Collection N/A Grand Annual Collection $27, 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 Deceased Members of the Madonna del Rosario Society Sanctuary Candle Saint Ann Church In Memory of Gerald O Connor Sanctuary Candle Saint Joachim Church In Memory of Captain Salvatore & Sarina Barbara Sanctuary Gifts Holy Family Parish In Memory of All Deceased Mothers Sanctuary Candle Our Lady of Good Voyage Church For more information about donating sanctuary candles, flowers, or gifts for a special intention or in memory of a deceased friend or loved one, please contact Melissa Unis at office@ccgronline.com or Thank you for your generous support of the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport at Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish! May God bless you and your family now and always!