the catholic community of gloucester & rockport · 2020-04-25 · jesus, help me! when i throw...

The Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport

HOLY FAMILY PARISH & OUR LADY OF GOOD VOYAGE PARISH

_____________________________

Live the Gospel. Share God’s Love. Rebuild the Church.

Third Sunday of Easter · April 26, 2020

BRINGING HOME THE WORD

OUR PASTOR’S MESSAGE — PAGE 3

_____________________________

The Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport

United in Prayer, Fellowship, and Service

Phone: 978-281-4820 Email: [email protected]

Website: ccgronline.com Cover Art: The Mealtime Prayer by Fritz von Uhde

2

CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF GLOUCESTER & ROCKPORT THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER

A CALL TO PRAYER _____________________

Jesus, Help Me!

EVER TOGETHER IN PRAYER

With every need,

let me come to you with humble trust and say:

Jesus, help me!

In all my doubts,

perplexities, and temptations:

Jesus, help me!

In hours of loneliness,

weariness, and trial:

Jesus, help me!

In the failure of my plans and hopes,

in disappointments, troubles, and sorrows:

Jesus, help me!

When others fail me

and your grace alone can assist me:

Jesus, help me!

When I throw myself on your tender love

as both Father and Savior:

Jesus, help me!

When my heart is cast down by failure,

at seeing no good come from my efforts:

Jesus, help me!

When I feel frustrated and impatient

and my cross irritates me:

Jesus, help me!

When I am sick

and my head and hands cannot work:

Jesus, help me!

Always, always, always,

in spite of every weakness, failure, and shortcoming:

Jesus, help me and never forget me!

Pastor’s Note: Even though we cannot worship together right now, we can still pray togeth-

er. This weekend’s newsletter features reflections from Bringing Home the Word, a resource

for adults and families that encourages prayer and study of the scriptures, the lives of the

saints, and topics related to the Christian life. A new edition is posted every weekend on our

website: ccgronline.com. All are encouraged to join us in Bringing Home the Word! Print it,

share it, use it! Let’s pray together! Ever together! Peace and blessings to all! — Father Jim

3

CCGRONLINE.COM | @CCGRONLINE APRIL 26, 2020

OUR PASTOR’S MESSAGE _____________________

Bringing Home the Word

BY FATHER JIM

Abba Moses lived in Egypt during the fourth century. He began his adult life as an appren-

tice to a government official. He was a tall, angry, and imposing man who was dismissed

from his position for theft and violent crimes. He soon became the leader of a gang that ter-

rorized the Nile Valley. In an effort to escape justice, he took refuge among some desert

monks whose life and example soon convinced him to change his ways. Moses was bap-

tized, joined the monastery, and ultimately became its spiritual father. Abba Moses is best

remembered for saying: “Stay in your cell and your cell will teach you everything.”

As we begin another week at home, perhaps working remotely or perhaps working not at

all and finding it harder than ever to make ends meet, let us pray for the intercession of Ab-

ba Moses and the Desert Fathers and Mothers. These early Christians turned their backs on

the world, settled in small communities, and dedicated themselves to prayer, solitude, and

mutual assistance. In his book, Domestic Monastery, Father Ronald Rolheiser reminds us that

we need not be desert monks to grow close to God; we need only do what God calls us to

do here and now with the one life that we are blessed to live.

At this moment, common sense, science and medicine, and a concern for public health call

us to stay home. But staying at home does not release us from our Christian vocation to

love and care for others. Whether it’s simply loving our families, looking out for an elderly

neighbor, or reaching out by phone or social media, each of us has a role to play in building

and strengthening our community during these uncertain times. Father Rolheiser writes

that the rule and rich spirituality of the domestic monastery is based on these principles:

Stay inside your commitments, be faithful,

your place of work is a seminary,

your work is a sacrament,

your family is a monastery,

your home is a sanctuary.

Stay inside them, don’t betray them,

learn what they are teaching you

without constantly looking for life elsewhere

and without constantly believing that God is elsewhere.

Unlike our current circumstances, the Desert Fathers and Mothers retreated voluntarily

from the world. Their way of life was not caused by a life-threatening global pandemic. But

even now, they remind us that Christ is ever present in our homes, in the compelled soli-

tude of these strange times, in the faces of our loved ones, and in the everyday miracles of

watching a new season blossom from the safety of our kitchen windows.

These are difficult days. Fear and uncertainty loom over those who are well. Hardship and

suffering confront the sick and those who care for them. We miss each other. We long for a

return to normalcy. At the same time, we can bring the Word of God into our homes by

reading the scriptures, by taking advantage of the many resources available on our website,

and by taking care of ourselves and our loved ones. So for now, let’s stay home and pray

together that God will teach us what we need to know.

4


BRINGING HOME THE WORD _____________________

Hanging on to Hope

BY JIM & SUSAN VOGT

It is easy for all of us to feel overwhelmed and helpless in the face of natural disasters, blatant

injustices, and tragedies in our world (like the coronavirus pandemic). Are earthquakes,

floods, and droughts worse than in the past, or are we more aware of them due to modern

communication? Injustices tear at our hearts the most since they are under human control.

Terrorism, corrupt politicians, oil spills, and pollution are mammoth problems of human mak-

ing. Tragedies like death, divorce, or lingering illnesses can devastate us. We wonder: How

can God allow such suffering when we try so valiantly to do what is right and pray so hard?

What is a Christian to do? Wallow in grief or guilt? Rail at God? Give up? Grieving is normal,

for a time. Even getting angry at God is human. The psalms are good examples of people

pouring out their grief and anger to God (See for example Psalms 22, 55, 57, 88, 94, and 102).

Don’t worry. God can handle our strong feelings. There comes a time, however, when we

have to pick ourselves up and carry on. The following actions have helped us when we have

felt overwhelmed or powerless in the face of problems and evils in our world:

Cultivate gratitude. Let go of your anger through consciously noting one thing each day for

which you are grateful. When Susan starts fretting about the ills of society, she calls to mind

that at least our home has electricity and running water.

Pray in solidarity. Of course, we both pray, both personally and at Mass, for people affected

by natural disasters and tragedies of all kinds. Adding our bodies to our prayers through fast-

ing or other sacrifices can build solidarity with the victims and reinforce our prayers.

Take actions. Actions put feet on prayer. If you are already feeling overwhelmed and

stretched, then remind yourself that you do not have to eradicate poverty or war today — or

alone. Can you take one action step in the direction of change? This will not solve the problem,

but it gets you out of the starting gate.

Protect your sanity. When making even one step feels like too much, you might be right.

Sometimes we are truly maxed out and have to trust others and God to take care of a problem.

Count what you are doing as contributing to society and call it ‘enough.’

Think bigger. Those of us with ordinary demands on our time, energy, and money have the

responsibility to think bigger, to consider a second or third step. We must go beyond the hu-

man temptation to throw up our hands and say: “It’s too big a problem. I can’t make any dif-

ference.” Consider that your strong emotion of anger or helplessness may be a call from God

to act. You have been touched and moved.

Make a friend. Whatever problem is touching your heart, there are probably others who have

organized a group that is already working on it. Besides, having others to work with is moti-

vating and can refine bigger ideas. Get involved.

Jesus spent his life showing us how to deal with adversity and how to be good neighbors. And

what did it get him? Crucified! If we are following Jesus, then we should not expect comfort

and ease. Rather, we need to spend ourselves for others and learn to love better. Jim McGin-

nis, a co-founder of the Institute for Peace & Justice, writes: “In the face of escalating violence,

let us escalate love.”

5

CCGRONLINE.COM | @CCGRONLINE APRIL 26, 2020

BRINGING HOME THE WORD _____________________

The Mystery of Suffering

BY FATHER MICHAEL GUINAN, OFM

Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. Wildfires in California. The Indian Ocean Tsunami. Ac-

cidents, mass shootings, disease, and death. Natural disasters and those produced by humans

bring with them so much suffering. Ancient literature from Egypt and Mesopotamia attests

that even then people called out, “Why?” In Psalm 10:1, the psalmist cries out, “Why, Lord?”

Our voices join in an age-old chorus! The problem of suffering is difficult. How can we under-

stand a benevolent, just God in the face of such human experiences?

Perhaps the best biblical example of this struggle is found in the Book of Job. Job suffers the

loss of possessions and family and is afflicted with a terrible disease. Friends hear of his plight

and come to console him. After Job’s cry of pain, the discussion begins. Why is Job suffering?

One easy answer that surfaces immediately is that Job deserves it; he is suffering because of

his sins. When Job rejects this, his friends counter, in effect, “Don’t give us that! All human

beings are rotten sinners!” For them, all suffering is somehow punishment for sin. Sad to say,

Job’s friends have vocal descendants even now. While it is true that our sinful actions have

consequences, as an all-purpose explanation, this one is too simplistic.

Even within the Book of Job, the situation is complicated. As readers, we know from the start

that his friends are wrong. Job is righteous, and his suffering is allowed by God to test his vir-

tue. Other answers also appear in the book. Like any good ancient Near Eastern father, God

disciplines us through suffering to make us better (Job 5:17-18 & Job 36:15). Or suffering is

mysterious, so who are we to understand God’s ways (Job 11:7-10 & Job 15:8-9)? Although

these responses may give temporary relief, ultimately they are not satisfactory answers to the

meaning of suffering. While we seek understanding, perhaps this is not the best approach to

the problem. In fact, maybe suffering is not really a problem at all but a mystery.

What is the difference? A problem is something ‘out there.’ We can see all the pieces and sur-

vey its dimensions. The question then become: How do we understand it? How do we solve

it? Problems are solved intellectually. A mystery is different. It is a situation in which I am so

immersed that I can never get far enough away to see it all ‘out there.’ Love and death are

mysteries. So is suffering. Mysteries involve us on the deepest levels of our relationships with

ourselves, others, the natural world, and with God. To be human is to be enmeshed in these

relationships. When they grow into greater wholeness (through love) or come apart (through

suffering), we are in the presence of mystery. We will never solve the meaning of suffering

any more than the meaning of love.

At the heart of Christianity is the affirmation that, through the Incarnation, Jesus entered into

these relationships too. Jesus fully shared in the human condition. When he faced suffering

and death, he also called out, “Why?” The Book of Mark quotes these as his last words from

the cross: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me (Mark 15:34)?” We know that God

did not forsake Jesus but raised him to everlasting life. Nowhere in scripture do we read:

“Have faith in me and you will understand everything, including suffering.” But we do read

that whatever the suffering: “Do not be afraid, for I am with you.” We do not suffer alone. To-

gether, we survive all suffering, even death itself.

CHECK OUT BRINGING HOME THE WORD AT CCGRONLINE.COM!


OUR WEEKLY GIFTS _____________________

PASTOR’S NOTE Your Generosity Matters More Than Ever!

During this pandemic crisis, your weekly gifts are vitally important to the financial stability of both Holy Family Parish and Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish. Our parish-es depend solely on the generosity of our parishioners to pay our bills and make ends meet.

All are encouraged to mail their offering or give electron-ically. Our mailing address is 74 Prospect Street, Glouces-ter, Massachusetts 01930. In addition, our We Share pro-gram is a safe and easy way to make online donations to your home parish using a credit care, debit card, or elec-tronic check. Now more than ever, we need your help to ensure the financial stability of our parishes.

If you have questions or need more information about supporting our parishes during this difficult time, please contact me at [email protected] or 978-281-4820. Thank you for your generous support! Peace, prayers, and blessings for you and your family! — Father Jim

SANCTUARY GIFTS

At each of our churches in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport, sanctuary flowers, sanctuary can-dles, and sanctuary gifts (hosts & wine) can be donated for a special intention or in memory of a friend or loved one. The requested donation for sanctuary gifts is $175. The requested donation for a sanctuary candle is $25. This week, donations were offered for these intentions:

In Memory of the Taormina Family Sanctuary Candle· Saint Ann Church

In Memory of Roberta Wallace Sanctuary Candle· Saint Joachim Church

In Memory of Nicolo Vitale Sanctuary Candle· Saint Anthony Chapel

In Memory of Captain Rosario Grillo Sanctuary Candle· Our Lady of Good Voyage Church

If you would like to donate a sanctuary candle or sanctu-ary gifts in memory of a deceased loved one, please con-tact us at [email protected] or 978-281-4820. Thank you for your generous support! May God bless you!

WESHARE

Safe & Easy Electronic Giving Holy Family & Our Lady of Good Voyage Parishes

Learn more: ccgronline.com! Or contact Father Jim: [email protected]!

Thank you for your generous support! Christ is Risen! Alleluia! Alleluia!

OUR MASS INTENTIONS _____________________

APRIL 25—MAY 3, 2020

Saturday, April 25 Vigil· Third Sunday of Easter

4:00pm Ronald Joseph

Sunday, April 26 Third Sunday of Easter

7:00am Celestino Goulart

8:15am Samuel & Frances Miceli

10:00am Helen Joseph

11:45am Captain Rosario Grillo

5:00pm Mass for God’s People

Third Week of Easter

Monday, April 27 Antoinette Vaccaro

Tuesday, April 28 Peter Hood

Wednesday, April 29 The Sears Family

Thursday, April 30 Domenic & Nicolina Petringa

Friday, May 1 All Souls in Purgatory

Saturday, May 2 Intentions of the Assisi Project

Saturday, May 2 Vigil· Fourth Sunday of Easter

4:00pm Madonna del Rosario Society

Sunday, May 3 Fourth Sunday of Easter

7:00am Julia & Alcides Padre

8:15am The Unis Family

10:00am George & Katy Warde

11:45am Anibal & Manuel Senos

5:00pm Mass for God’s People

6:00pm Kathleen Rose Legendre

6:00pm Maurice & Mary Landry

For Advertising call 617-779-3771 Pilot Bulletins Holy Family, Gloucester, MA 21951

Greely Funeral Home

212 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA 01930

978-283-0698

& CREMATION SERVICE

“Serving Cape Ann families since 1884”

Linked Website: https://www.greelyfuneralhome.com/

Changes? Reply to the email with your detailed changes. We will promptly assist you. Contact the Advertising Customer Service department at [email protected], 800-477-4574 ext 6234.

Account # 03-1165-0041

ACTUAL SIZEThe ads will be placed as shown

unless changes are indicated.

This digital ad has been designed specifically for parishesonline.com in accordance with LPi guidelines. Screen

font sizes, amount of characters,and the call-to-action button are set to our standards. Your ad will be linked to

the web page specified.

Greely Funeral Home & CREMATION SERVICE

LEARN MORE

“ServingCape Ann families

since 1884”

978-283-0698

212 Washington StreetGloucester, MA 01930

PARISHIONER OWNED BUSINESS

Danvers Ford“Where Customers Become Friends”

The Guinee Family

106 Sylvan Street, Danvers • 978-774-0727SALES • SERVICE • BODY SHOP • RENTALS

Baked Fresh Daily and Waiting For You

34 Railroad AveAcross the street from the train station

978-283-3383www.jimsbagels.com

Hours:Mon-Fri: 5am-7pmSat: 5am-6pmSun: 5am-3pm

North Shore Veterinary Hospital

7 Dr. Osman Babson Rd., Gloucester, MA

Phone 978-283-0214 Fax 978-283-5060

A Locally Owned Small Animal Practice Serving the North Shore

Dr. Donna J. Heaney, DVM

[email protected]

www.nsvets.com

Dr. Leonard Letendre & Dr. Lee Powell

Chainsaws, Blowers, Snow Blowers and more! 7 Scotts Way • Essex, MA 01929

Phone: 978-768-9909 www.mayerpower.com

Mon - Fri : 8AM to 4PMSat : 8AM to 12PM

Sun : Closed

In Memory of Hilary Oliver

May she rest in peace.

LLO

LEES LAW OFFICEPAUL L. LEES, ESQ.

30 Years in PracticeFree 30 Minute Consultation

46 Middle StreetGloucester, MA [email protected]

Tel: (978) 281-0777Fax (978) 281-4484

Rely on the Knights of Columbus to protect your family’s future.

DISCOVER THE CATHOLIC DIFFERENCE

LIFE INSURANCE • DISABILITY INCOME INSURANCE • LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE • RETIREMENT ANNUITIES

Greg PrenticeField Agent

[email protected]

DISCOVER THE CATHOLIC DIFFERENCERely on the Knights of Columbus to protect your family’s future.

Greg Prentice, Field Agent, FIC978-969-1672 • [email protected]

LIFE INSURANCE • DISABILITY INCOME INSURANCE • LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE • RETIREMENT ANNUITIES

141 Main St. Gloucester • 978-281-1624 www.houseoftheraven.com

Picture FramingGifts

Jewelry

Fr. John UnniPASTOR

Saint Cecilia Parish, BostonAssociate Fire Chaplain

Boston Fire Department

BOARD MEMBER

Pine Street Inn

Healthier Priests. Stronger Communities.

The strength of our communities depends on the well-being of our priests who tirelessly serve others.

Please support our priests at clergytrust.orgClergy Health and Retirement Trust is an independently managed trust for the care of active and senior priests in good standing.

Catholic Cruises and Tours and The Apostleship of The Sea of the United States of America

Catholic Cruises and Tours to Worldwide Destinations

Call us today at 860-399-1785 or email [email protected]

www.CatholicCruisesandTours.com

Take your FAITH ON A JOURNEY

Catholic Cruises and Tours

Mass is included with all of our tours!

Holy Land Discovery • Fatima, Lourdes and Shrines of Spain • Grand Catholic Italy • Footsteps of

Apostle Paul • Shrines of Alpine Europe • Pilgrimage to Lourdes • Scottish Highlands

• Camino, a walking journey for the soul

AD SPACE AVAILABLE

617-779-3771

Stand OutColor Advertising

617-779-3771

For Advertising call 617-779-3771 Pilot Bulletins Holy Family, Gloucester, MA 21951

Complete Collision Work • Insurance Estimates16 Mansfield Street, Gloucester, MA 01930

978-283-3829

RS# 258 Prop.

Mark Sullivan

SULLY’S AUTO BODY

Our staff and attorneys will work to preserve and protect your assets.

Elder Law Center of Cape Ann

Gloucester, MA 01930 978-989-9999 | [email protected]

Bridget E. Murray, Esq

Leif K. Bakland D.D.S.HarborCoveDental.com

HARBOR COVE DENTAL 123 Main St. Gloucester

(978) 865-3360

John B. Nicastro, OwnerBruce Lane, Expert Letter Cutter

150 Eastern Ave., GloucesterAcross from Calvary Cemetery

978.283.7841mountpleasantmemorials.com

Uncompromised quality and personalized service.Cemetery lettering and

monument cleaning a specialty.MOUNT PLEASANT

MEMORIALSServing Cape Ann Since 1979

Honoring Lives

Celebrating Memories

N I C A S T R O







Honoring Lives


N I C A S T R OJohn B. Nicastro, OwnerBruce Lane, Expert Letter Cutter






Honoring Lives


N I C A S T R O







Honoring Lives


N I C A S T R OJohn B. Nicastro, Owner

Bruce Lane, Expert Letter Cutter






Honoring Lives


N I C A S T R O

Uncompromised Quality and Personalized Service. Cemetery Lettering and Monument Cleaning a Specialty.

John & Julie NicastroOwners

Whitmarsh Lock & Safe

Locksmith Since 1913800-696-1913 Historic Preservation

Decorative HardwareHigh Security Locks

• Electrical repair• Installation • Maintenance• Renovations

• Commercial• Residential• Marinas• Generators

Fully Licensed and Insured Electricians

(978)-283-0750 Free Estimateswww.nobleelectriciansinc.com

24 Hour Emergency

Services

(978) [email protected]

32 Maplewood Ave., Gloucester

Proudly serving the Cape Ann area since 1846

Deborah a. eliason, esq.

63 Middle StreetGloucester MA 01930

[email protected]

EliasonLawOffice.com

Real Estate Transactions Land Use Municipal Permitting

Deborah a. eliason, esq.63 Middle StreetGloucester, MA 01930

978-283-7432EliasonLawOffice.com

Real Estate Transactions Land Use • Municipal Permitting

Steve Lambert Jr. • Ralph E. Martin, [email protected]

7 Pond Road • Gloucester, MA 01930

978.283.2008

Preferred Auto Body

Carpet • Area Rugs • VinylCeramic • Wood • Laminate

Glover'sFloor CoverinGs, inC.Quality Dependable Service

for over 50 years18 Whittemore St. • Gloucester

978-283-3940

BankGloucester.com I 978-283-8200 I 160 Main St, Gloucester I 15 Martin St, Essex Member FDIC Member SIF

At BankGloucester, we’re committed to delivering excellent products and services to help improve the financial lives of our clients, as well as giving back to the communities we serve.

Carpet & Upholstery CleaningHard Surface Floor Cleaning

Stripping & WaxingOriental & Area Rug Cleaning

Senior Discounts

978-828-9136 | [email protected]

38 Blackburn Center, 2nd Flr, Gloucester, MA978-282-5575 • www.connectedhomecare.com/apply

NOW HIRING!Free HHA & PC Classes

All Purpose Flowers (978) 526-1241 29 Lexington Avenue, Magnolia, MA 01930 www.allpurposeflowers.net

FLORIST

55 Main Street, Gloucester

Priscilla A. Malbeouf, Esq. www.beauportlaw.com

978-281-0812 978-865-3889 Fax

• Elder Law • Estate Planning• Probate

From your kitchen to your laundry room, no matter the brand, the make or the model.

If it’s broken, we can fix it.

Bringing to you the top quality, expert service you deserve.Your 1 Choice in Appliance Repair

978-675-6052 • 1stchoiceappliancerepair.com • Same Day Service

& Dryer Vent Cleaning

From Our Family to Yours

#

Fully Licensed & Insured

Party Supplies for Every Occasion5 Pond Road, Gloucester

978-281-2440

The Goodwin Party Shop

AUTO REPAIR & ALIGNMENT

978.281.4909

Rob Madruga5 Pond RoadGloucesterMA 01930

186 Main Street Suite 44, Gloucester, MA978 879 4264 • 978 879 4418

Professionals in Personal and Business Tax preparation.• Non-profit Organization.

• Payroll and Accounting Services. • Business Set Up: Corporations, LLC• 501 (c) (3) Non Profit Applications.

• Any types of Audits WC, GL, IRS, DOR. • Notary Public.

Personal Tax Preparation•Business Tax Preparation•Itin Y Ein•Bussines Start Up LLC & Corps•Audits•Immigration, etc

EBENEZERTAX & SERVICES

“God is Love”1 John 4:8

the catholic community of gloucester & rockport · 2020-04-25 · jesus, help me! when i throw...

Documents