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Clergy Cookout
The 7th Annual Father Jack Clergy Cookout Held at Tucks’ Point June 24th –Hosted by Parishioners of Sacred Heart , Manchester-by the Sea and St. John’s Essex and Masconomo Council 1232 Knights of Columbus
Seven years ago Father Jack Gentleman recognized in Manchester-by the Sea a unique opportunity to honor the retired Catholic priests of the Archdiocese of Boston, especially those confined to Regina Cleri, the retirement home in Boston’s West End. Accordingly he proposed to parishioners of Sacred Heart and St. John’s that they sponsor and host a cookout at the Tucks Point Chowder House to give the retired priests, many elderly and infirm, an enjoyable “day away” on the North Shore at beautiful Tucks Point adjacent to Manchester Harbor. For the past seven years parishioners have volunteered their time and efforts to make the Cookout a success. Also supported by Masconomo Council 1232 Knights of Columbus, each year more than dozens of retired priests have been drawn to the Father Jack Gentleman inspired event.
Father Jack died in January 2015, but his tribute outing for retired priests continues and is now called the Father Jack Clergy Cookout. Father Paul Flammia, his friend and successor as pastor/administrator of the two parishes hosted this year’s cookout at the Chowder House.
“The clear bright blue skies and sunny weather weather were perfect for the cookout” noted Father Flammia. “This outing is a much awaited day out and reunion for these retired priests, who served long in the vineyard. Many were Father Jack’s mentors and inspiration on his faith journey. For their long service and commitment to God and their faith communities, they are also my role models. The parishes of Sacred Heart and St. John are pleased to give them this “Thank You” and this annual outing to enjoy the tranquil beauty of Tucks Point. It is our privilege to welcome these good men. We thank all who made the event a memorable success.”
“This year we were pleased to welcome retired priests who enjoyed our cookout, but we were especially delighted to greet former pastors Father Wallace Blackwood and Father James Harrington, respected priests much missed as shepherds to their flocks in Manchester-by the Sea and Essex. It was great to see them both as well as Father Joe Fagan, who is familiar to many as a former weekend assistant to the parishes.”, declared Father Flammia. He noted cookout guests included Very Reverend Gerald Petringa, Episcopal Vicar for the North Shore, Father Ron Gariboldi of Holy Family Collaborative, Gloucester, and Father Tim Murphy, retired pastor, Immaculate Conception parish, Salem
Tom Finn, Grand Knight Masconomo Council1232, Knights of Columbus, pointed out The 7th Annual Father Jack Clergy Cookout drew support from both parishes and from throughout the Cape Ann communities. “These men, many now slowed by advanced age and ill health, were once vigorous leaders in parish life and academia living and preaching the Word of God for the betterment of man. These cookouts are but a small token of respect to salute their service.”
37 Years Ago
The Turkey Shoot was a big success for fund raising.
Congratulations to the Father Jack Gentleman Memorial Scholarship winners
Congratulations to Nathan Evans, Charlie Davis, Isabella Mastendino and Gillian Guerin!
Casa Playhouse reached $10,000 goal
Words cannot express how much we appreciated your support and fabulous playhouse that was built to raise awareness and money for our CASA Program, a program where concerned citizens volunteer their time to advocate for abused and neglected children in foster care. With your help, we reached our $10,000 goal!! We received a special thank you from Mr. Earl Martin, Sr., a proud grandfather who was so excited when he found out that he won the playhouse he wanted for himself ……and grandchildren.
Again, we thank you for helping us make a difference!
Father Jack Gentleman Memorial Scholarship Fund
For the past eleven years Masconomo Council 1232 Knights of Columbus awarded scholarships to deserving seniors graduating from MERHS. Last year it doubled the amount granted and renamed the program in honor of the much loved pastor of Sacred Heart Manchester-by the Sea and St. John’s Essex, the late Rev. John Gentleman. The program is now known as The Father Jack Gentleman Memorial Scholarship Fund.
The Knights’ fundraising letter reads in part:
“Last year Father Jack Gentleman was taken from us all too soon and without warning. All in all, he was a good man, a very good man.
We had come to know him well as our pastor, our mentor, our guide through life’s journey, and our trusted friend and good shepherd. Through his patient understanding, ever present wit and good humor, he won our admiration, respect and love.That was especially true of the youth of Sacred Heart and St. John’s for whom he had a special affection. He loved them as salt and light and saw them as the future of the Church and our world. He saw in our youth the promise to do much good for our parish community and the universe God has given us.
It is that singular characteristic of Father Jack that Masconomo Council 1232 Knights of Columbus wished to honor as it renamed its annual scholarship program awarded to graduating students of Manchester Essex Regional High School, the Father Jack Gentlemen Memorial Scholarship fund.We urge that all parishioners of Sacred Heart, Manchester and Saint John’s, Essex contribute as generously as possible to this year’s scholarship fund in Father Jack’s memory as a tangible means of keeping his love for young people in this Cape Ann community alive.”
Raffle tickets to support the Father Jack Memorial Scholarship Fund will be sold in April and May into June for a cash prize drawing June 5th –first prize, $500; second prize, $300; and third prize $200.
Raffle tickets may be obtained from Grand Knight Tom Finn (978-505-0317), Chris Shea, Seven Central, or any member of Masconomo Council 1232 Knights of Columbus.