Family Masses
The Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport is hosting Faith & Family Masses on Sundays, March 24 and April 21, at 11:45 a.m. in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church; and Saturday, May 11, at 4 p.m. in Saint Ann Church. Questions? Contact Betsy Works at 978-281-4820 or bworks@ccgronline.com.
Prayer Walk
The Associated Clergy of Cape Ann invites the community to join in a Good Friday Ecumenical Prayer Walk along Stacy Boulevard on March 29 at 1 p.m., rain or shine. Walkers will gather at the Fisherman’s Memorial to walk toward Bourdreau Field and back. The walk is approximately 1 mile in length. Walkers are encouraged to wear or hold symbols of peace and solidarity. Donations will be collected for Save The Children (support.savethechildren.org/goto/goodfridaygloucester) and Pathways for Children (https://www.pw4c.org/unrestricted-giving-form).
This event is co-sponsored by the Annisquam Village Church, First Congregational Church of Rockport, First Parish Church Manchester, First Universalist Church of Essex, Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, St. John’s Episcopal Church, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Trinity Congregational Church, and West Gloucester Trinitarian Congregational Church.
Holy Week services
Annisquam Village Church, 820 Washington St., hosts Maundy Thursday Eucharist at 7 p.m. March 28; takes part in the Ecumenical Prayer Walk on Stacy Boulevard starting at the Man at the Wheel statue at 1 p.m. on Good Friday, March 29; and celebrates Easter Sunday, March 31, at 7:30 a.m. at Squam Rock and with an in=person and Zoom service at the church at 10 a.m.
Cape Ann Bible Church, 8 Thompson St., Gloucester, will hold a Maundy Thursday service Thursday, March 28, at 6 p.m. at the church. On Sunday, March 31, there will be an Easter Sunrise Service at 6:20 a.m. at Stage Fort Park and a Cannons Resurrection Sunday Worship Service at 10:30 a.m. at the church. Questions? 978-281-3941.
The Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport celebrates Palm Sunday, on Saturday, March 23, with Masses at 4 p.m. at St. Ann Church, 74 Pleasant St. in Gloucester, and 6 p.m. at Our Lady of Good Voyage Church, 142 Prospect St. in Gloucester, and on Sunday, March 24, at Our Lady of Good Voyage Church at 7 and 11:15 a.m., St. Ann Church at 8:15 a.m. and Saint Joachim Church, 56 Broadway in Rockport at 10 a.m. Holy Thursday Mass will be celebrated March 28 at 7 p.m. at St. Ann Church. Good Friday Masses on March 29 will be at Saint Joachim Church at 3 p.m. and Our Lady of Good Voyage at 7 p.m. An Easter Vigil celebrated will be held at St. Ann Church at 7 p.m. Masses on Easter Sunday, March 31, will be celebrated at 7 and 11:15 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Voyage Church, at 8:15 a.m. at St. Ann Church, and 10 a.m. at Saint Joachim Church.
Community Church of East Gloucester, 7 Chapel St., is celebrating Holy Week with a reflective service in the sanctuary Good Friday, March 29, at 6:30 p.m.; and Easter Sunday, March 31, together with the Gloucester Assembly of God and Revival Church Gloucester churches, held on the Back Shore at 6:10 a.m. and at the church at 10 a.m. in-person and live-streamed (www.eastgloucester.org/worshiponline). Additional opportunities to worship throughout Holy Week is available on the church's website at https://www.eastgloucester.org/news/holy-week-2024.
Essex’s Ecumenical Easter Sunrise Service will take place at Conomo Point at 6:30 a.m., followed by a breakfast hosted by the First Congregational Church 39 Main Street, Essex. All are welcome.
First Congregational Church, UCC, of Rockport, 12 School St., is celebrating a Palm Sunday service, March 24, at 10 a.m. in person and online at www.oldsloop.org; vespers at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 27, in person; an ecumenical Good Friday service at 7 p.m. March 29 at Trinity Congregational Church UCC, 70 Middle St., Gloucester, in person and on Zoom; and Easter, March 31, with an ecumenical sunrise service at 6 a.m. on Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester and at 10 a.m. with a Easter Sunday service at the church.
First Parish Church Congregational Manchester, 10 Central St. in Manchester, celebrates Palm Sunday service, March 24, at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Ellie Richardson; Maundy Thursday, March 28, with a Tenebrae service at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Judy Brain; Good Friday March 29, with a noon service with Rev. Brain; Easter Sunday, March 31, with an ecumenical sunrise service at 6:26 a.m. at Singing Beach with the Revs. Luther Zeigler and Ryan Ackerman, and Deacon Liz Loomis, and a service at 10 a.m. when Dr. Herman Weiss will lead a celebration choir with trumpets and timpani; an Easter egg hunt will follow. In person and streaming on Facebook @ firstparishchurch/manchesterma.
Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, 10 Church St., for a Sunday service at 10 a.m. Easter Sunday and every Sunday. Please visit the church’s website, www.gloucesteruu.org, for the link to the livestream.
St. John’s Episcopal Church, 48 Middle St., Gloucester, marks Palm Sunday, March 24, with a procession and choral Eucharist at 10 a.m.; Maundy Thursday, March 28, with an Agape meal with Eucharist at 6 p.m. followed by prayers in the “Garden of Gethsemane” through midnight; Good Friday, March 29, at 11:30 a.m., Stations of the Cross; Saturday, March 30, with an Easter Vigil at 7 p.m. followed by chocolate desserts and champagne; and Easter Day, March 31, with a choral Eucharist with trumpet and cello.
St. Mary Episcopal Church, 24 Broadway, Rockport, celebrates Palm Sunday, March 24, with a 10 a.m. service; Maundy Thursday, March 28, with a 7 p.m. service; Good Friday, March 29, with a noon service; Easter Eve, March 30, with compline at 7 p.m.; and Easter Sunday, March 31, with a 10 a.m. service.
St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1123 Washington St. in Gloucester, celebrates Palm Sunday, March 24, with worship at 10 a.m.; Maundy Thursday, March 28, with worship at 7 p.m.; Good Friday, March 29, with worship at 7 p.m.; and Easter Sunday, March 31, with worship at 10 a.m.
Trinity Congregational Church UCC, 70 Middle St., Gloucester, hosts its Holy Week services at 10:30 a.m. Palm Sunday, March 24; Maundy Thursday, March 28, with a Tenebrae service at 7 p.m.; hosts a Good Friday ecumenical service March 29 at 7 p.m.; and Easter Sunday, March 31, with a sunrise service at 6:15 a.m. at Good Harbor Beach, and a Jazz Service of the Resurrection featuring Sax Supercubed at 10:30 a.m. at the church.
Visitation Parish, Churches of Sacred Heart & St. John the Baptist, celebrates the Mass of the Lord’s Prayer at 7 p.m. Holy Thursday, March 28, at St. John the Baptist, 52 Main St. in Essex; the Passion of Our Lord on Good Friday, March 29, at 7 p.m. at St. John the Baptist in Essex; an Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, March 30, at 7 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 62 School St., in Manchester-by-the-Sea; and Easter Sunday, March 31, with Masses at 8:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Manchester-by-the-Sea, and at 10 a.m. St. John the Baptist in Essex.
West Gloucester Trinitarian Congregational Church, 488 Essex Ave. in Gloucester, is celebrating Palm Sunday, March 24, with a 10 a.m. service followed by an Easter egg hunt and refreshments; Maundy Thursday, March 28, with a Tenebrae service with light supper in the church hall at 6 p.m.; Good Friday, March 29, with the Ecumenical Prayer Walk on Stacy Boulevard starting at the Man at the Wheel statue at 1 p.m. and an ecumenical Seven Last Words of Christ service at 7 p.m. at Trinity Congregational Church UCC, 70 Middle St., Gloucester; and Easter, March 31, with an ecumenical sunrise service at 6 a.m. on Good Harbor Beachand at 10 a.m. with a Easter Sunday service at the church.
Hidden Child of the Holocaust
ROCKPORT — On April 7, the Chabad Jewish Center of Cape Ann welcomes Holocaust survivor Janet Applefield at the Shalin Liu Performance Center as she shares her story, beginning at age 7 with the Nazi invasion of her native Poland and the end of life as she had known it. Her words — her “blue print for self discovery” and survival will be accompanied by New England klezmer musicians Yaeko Miranda, Jim Prendergast and Sonny Barbato. The mission — to live one’s life, overcoming hatred with resilience, grace, dignity, love and forgiveness, to unite and send a message against hate and intolerance. Janet’s forthcoming memoir, ‘Becoming Janet: Finding Myself in the Holocaust’ documents her journey. The event aims to create a deeper understanding of how we can work together. For tickets and more information, visit www.capeannsurvivor.com Partnership and corporate sponsorship opportunities are available for this event by contact Rabbi Avremi Raichik at Rabbi@Chabadcapeann.com.
Blood drive
Our Lady of Good Voyage, 142 Prospect St., Gloucester, and the American Red Cross are hosting a blood drive in the church’s Parish Hall. Date is Thursday, April 18, from 1 to 6 p.m. Register for an appointment at https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=Gloucester. Drive contact is the Rev. Jim Achadinha at 978-281-4820 or frjim@ccgronline.com.
The American Red Cross urges blood and platelet donors to make and keep donation appointments now to help hospitals restock blood products for patients.
Teen task force
High school students of all faiths are invited to join Lappin Foundation’s Teen Antisemitism Task Force. Students will hear from experts about ways they can combat antisemitism and all forms of hate, as well as put into action what they learn. There will be opportunities for teens to share their experiences and ideas as well. Meetings are held Tuesdays from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., once a month. For the complete calendar and list of speakers, visit LappinFoundation.org. There is no cost to join the task force and students can attend meetings as their schedules allow. For more information email dcoltin@lappinfoundation.org. The Teen Antisemitism Task Force is supported by CJP and the Jewish Teen Initiative.
Clothes Closet
The Saint Vincent de Paul Clothes Closet is open every Saturday except the first Saturday of the month. Hours are 9 a.m. to noon in the basement of St. Ann’s Church, Holy Family Parish, Pleasant Street. New and gently used clothing and footwear are available in all sizes for men, women, and children. All is provided free; donations are greatly appreciated.
Thrift shops
Cape Ann Thrift Shop at the Trinity Congregational Church UCC, 70 Middle St., Gloucester, now is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Inventory of seasonal clothing, accessories, household items and collectables. Donations are accepted during operating hours. Proceeds support Trinity Congregational Church Missions’ community-focused programs. Connect with church at 978-283-2767 or trinity@trinitycongregational.org.
Regal Rummage shop at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 48 Middle St. in Gloucester, is open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with clothing for men, women and children. Freshen up your home with linens, dishes, furniture and decorative items. Proceeds support the mission of St. John’s to serve the Gloucester community and beyond. Mastercard and Visa accepted. Free parking at 33 Washington St.
Tower restoration
Severely wind-damaged, the bell tower of Our Lady of Good Voyage Church needs restoration. Home to historic carillon bells, the tower repairs were held up through the winter, but necessary, permanent structural restoration has begun. American Steeple of Salem is repairing the towers and replacing the roof. Insurance will cover some cost, but at least $150,000 is needed to fully restore the tower. Donations can be made at ccgronlineolgv.churchgiving.com or mailed to Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish, 74 Pleasant St., Gloucester, MA 01930. Questions? Call 978-281-4820 or email frjim@ccgronline.com.
Services
Temple Ahavat Achim is meeting in-person and via Zoom. Instructions on how to join the temple’s Zervices may be found at on its homepage, https://www.taagloucester.org/, where details on High Holidays programming can also be found.
Trinity Congregational Church UCC, 70 Middle St., Gloucester, invites all to its Sunday Services at 10:30 a.m. Guest musicians in a range of styles complement the weekly services. Zoom link available for those unable to attend. Please contact the church office, trinity@trinitycongregational.org for the link. Coffee hour following the service. All welcome. Connect with church via email, or online at www.trinitycongregational.org, where a full calendar can be found.
Unitarian Universalist Society of Rockport, 4 Cleaves St., Rockport, has resumed in-person worship on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Services will also be available via Zoom. Check the website (www.uusr.org) for the Zoom ID and password or email us at rockportuu@rockportuu.org, if you cannot attend in person. Everyone is welcome.
Visitation Parish, Churches of Sacred Heart & St. John the Baptist: The Rev. Paul Flammia celebrates Mass in Manchester at Sacred Heart Church, 62 School St., at 5 p.m. on Saturdays and at 8:30 a.m. on Sundays, and at 10 a.m. Sunday at St. John the Baptist, 52 Main St. in Essex. More information may found on the parish website at https://www.mecatholic.org.
West Gloucester Trinitarian Congregational Church, 488 Essex Ave. in Gloucester, an open and affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ, is hosting in-person services Sundays at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Rona Tyndall. Children’s Message & Music offered, children worship with their families. The church offers youth groups for junior high and high school students as well as programs for younger children. Masks are optional in the Sanctuary but are suggested. Services are also streamed live on the church’s Facebook page. You do not need to be a subscriber to Facebook to view the worship service.
Monthly Mission Bin Collection: Canned soup, coffee, tea and cocoa for The Open Door.
Coffee Hour Conversations on Christian Basics; Baptism, Holy Communion, membership and the United Church of Christ, Sunday mornings in Fellowship Hall after worship.
For pastoral needs, questions, or to reach the Rev. Rona Tyndall, please contact the church at 978-283-2817 or www.wgtccucc@gmail.net. The website is www.wgtccucc.org.
Annisquam Village Church, 820 Washington St., is conducting worship Sundays at 10 a.m. in person and via Zoom. There is a new Children’s Church program during the service for children ages 3 to 12; it offers music, storytelling, arts, nature-based activities, movement and more, with trained adult leaders. As an independent, interdenominational church, members come from a variety of religious backgrounds and strive to follow Jesus Christ’s way of love and compassion, while being open to the wisdom found in the world’s great religious and spiritual traditions. A non-dogmatic spiritual community, the church encourages members to care for oneanother and the Earth, and to reach out in service to the community and the world. All are welcome. Parking is available along Leonard and Washington Streets. For more information and web links, please visit annisquamvillagechurch.org.
Cape Ann Bible Church, 8 Thompson St., Gloucester, offers an in-person Sunday Service at 10:30 a.m. and continues to provide it live-streamed on facebook.com/capeannbiblechurch where past services and messages may be found. For more information go to capeannbiblechurch.org or call 978-281-3941.
The Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport‘s churches are open for Masses without capacity limits and reservations.
Saturday Vigil Masses are at 4 p.m. at St. Ann Church, 74 Pleasant St. in Gloucester, and 6 p.m. at Our Lady of Good Voyage Church, 142 Prospect St. in Gloucester.
Sunday Masses will at 7 and 11:45 a.m. in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church, 8:15 a.m. in St. Ann Church, and 10 a.m. in Saint Joachim Church, 56 Broadway in Rockport. Sunday Mass will also be offered online at the churches’ YouTube channel, https://bit.ly/3oXvBnf.
Daily Masses are celebrated at Our Lady of Good Voyage Church on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m., Thursdays and Friday at 8 a.m., and on the first Saturday of the month at 8 a.m.
The sacrament of confession is offered Wednesdays from 6:05 to 6:45 p.m. at Our Lady of Good Voyage Church and by appointment.
The Rev. James Achadinha, pastor of the community, said all pastoral ministry and service organizations are meeting again. Pastoral assistance is always available by calling 978-281-4820 or office@ccgronline.com.
First Baptist Church of Gloucester, 38 Gloucester Ave., hosts Sunday Services at 10 a.m. The sanctuary is open for worship, and been marked with arrows for entrance and exit, and some pews have been blocked to help observe proper COVID-19 protocols. Masks are required at all times, as well as practicing social distancing. The service is also available on Facebook Live for viewing as it is being conducted, or for viewing at a future time if desired. All are welcome.
First Baptist Church of Rockport, 4 High St. in Rockport, worships on Sundays at 10 a.m. Worship takes place in the sanctuary and is live streamed via facebook. There is a robust Children’s Church program divided by respective ages that takes place during the service. The service includes traditional and contemporary worship music.
For more information, visit FirstBaptistRockport.org or follow on Facebook and Instagram.
First Congregational Church of Essex (FCCOE), 39 Main St., Essex, is worshiping in person (seating limited and masks requested by Essex Board of Health) and online at its website. To join in visit www.fccoe.org and click “At Home Sunday Worship.” You may also stay connected by clicking “like” on its Facebook page, First Congregational Church of Essex.
First Congregational Church, UCC, of Rockport, 12 School St., is meeting in person and online on Sundays at 10 a.m. Links to online streaming can be found at www.oldsloop.org as well as weekly rebroadcasts of the Sunday service. Masks are now optional for in-person services and meetings in the buildings. See the church’s “calendar” of weekly activities and Zoom prayer meetings, storytelling, Bible study, book groups, coffee houses, choirs and poetry at the website, www.oldsloop.org, for times and locations. Questions? 978- 546-6638.
First Parish Church Congregational Manchester, 10 Central St. in Manchester, is hosting in-person and online Sunday morning worship at 10 a.m. Details can be found at firstparishchurch.org. Virtual worship can be found at facebook.com/firstparishmanchesterma/live and YouTube (search First Parish Church Manchester by the Sea).
Mondays: On first and third of month, “Still Speaking” group meets at 7:30 p.m. to discuss modern intellectuals’ thinking on issues of faith, morals and justice as they relate to our spiritual tradition. Last Monday of the month, the Book Group meets at 7 p.m. to discuss of a book of interest to people of various backgrounds.
Wednesdays: Prayer & Meditation, 7 p.m. An opportunity to come together for quiet reflection, sharing of scripture and the offering of prayer intentions.
Thursdays: Bible Study, 4 p.m., discusses upcoming weekly scripture. No preparation is needed.
To join these programs on your computer, tablet, smart phone or phone, contact office.fpchurch@gmail.com or 978-526-7661 for details.
Gloucester Assembly of God, 211 Washington St., hosts Sunday services at 10 a.m. Care is available for infants and children up to age 5. More information is available by contacting Pastor Jim Williams at jim.williams@gloucesterassembly.org or the church office at 978-283-1736.
Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, 10 Church St., holds Sunday services at 10 a.m. in-person in its historic sanctuary, as well as online. Please visit the church’s website, www.gloucesteruu.org, for the link to the livestream. Activities provided during the service for elementary school-aged children. The church is handicap accessible. All are welcome.
North Shore Bible Church of Cape Ann, 65 Eastern Ave. in Essex, plans this Sunday to have one service at 10 a.m., and stream it online. Seats may be reserved at northshorebiblechurch.com.
North Shore Friends (Quakers) are now meeting at 10 a.m. on Sundays at 74 Hart St. in Beverly Farms. More information is available by contacting Martin Ray at 978-283-4585.
The Orthodox Congregational Church of Lanesville‘s Sunday 10 a.m. worship service takes place in person and online. Visit https://occlanesville.org/ for information or for the link to connect via Zoom or Facebook to participate.
Pigeon Cove Chapel in Rockport‘s services are being celebrated in person and online at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. See its YouTube channel, Pigeon Cove Chapel. 978-546-2523.
St. John’s Episcopal Church, 48 Middle St., has in-person worship Sundays at 10 a.m., and streaming the service live on Facebook, and posting later to YouTube at stjohnsgloucester. Updates, links to services, and more information are available at www.stjohnsgloucester.org.
St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1123 Washington St. in Gloucester, holds worship services every Sunday at 10 a.m., in-person and on Zoom. All ages, genders, sexual orientations, races, and faiths — including non-believers and persons curious about faith — are welcome. More information is available at www.stpaulcapeann.org or by calling 978-283-6550.
Listings may be sent to: Religion Calendar, Gloucester Daily Times, 36 Whittemore St., Gloucester, MA 01930; or emailed to Andrea Holbrook at aholbrook@gloucestertimes.com, at least two weeks prior to the event.
