Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
This upcoming week, we celebrate National Catholic Schools Week, and it’s an exciting time for our parish community! We are so blessed to have a parish school that adds so much life to our parish. As a priest, the school requires a great deal of work and attention, but it is truly one of the most rewarding aspects of being a pastor.
We are kicking off the week with our Open House on Sunday, and everyone is invited to attend! This weekend students will be at Masses in their uniforms, with some serving as greeters and lectors. At the end of Mass, a few students will share what St. Francis Xavier School means to them.
On Monday, January 27th, we will gather for our weekly school Mass at 9:00 AM in the church to thank God for the gift of our parish school. We’ll also pray for His continued guidance to remain authentically Catholic and true to our mission. All are welcome to join us for this special Mass.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support of our parish school. Together, let us celebrate the incredible blessings it brings to our community!
We are kicking off the week with our Open House on Sunday, and everyone is invited to attend! This weekend students will be at Masses in their uniforms, with some serving as greeters and lectors. At the end of Mass, a few students will share what St. Francis Xavier School means to them.
On Monday, January 27th, we will gather for our weekly school Mass at 9:00 AM in the church to thank God for the gift of our parish school. We’ll also pray for His continued guidance to remain authentically Catholic and true to our mission. All are welcome to join us for this special Mass.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support of our parish school. Together, let us celebrate the incredible blessings it brings to our community!
In Christ,
Fr. Ryan
The Annual March for Life was today in DC
Today marks the annual March for Life in Washington, DC, where thousands gathered to witness to the sanctity of human life. I know a few of our own parishioners made the trip to participate this year, and I invite all of us to pray for a greater respect for life, from conception to natural death.
To learn more about this year’s March and the guest speakers, you can read this article or watch the coverage from EWTN on YouTube.
If you would like to support the pro-life cause locally, consider donating today to Abundant Hope Pregnancy Center in Attleboro, which provides vital assistance to women and families in need. You can make a donation here.
To learn more about this year’s March and the guest speakers, you can read this article or watch the coverage from EWTN on YouTube.
If you would like to support the pro-life cause locally, consider donating today to Abundant Hope Pregnancy Center in Attleboro, which provides vital assistance to women and families in need. You can make a donation here.
Pro-Life Committee at SFX
I am also excited to announce the formation of a Pro-Life Subcommittee at SFX. This group will advise me on ways we can strengthen our parish’s support of the pro-life cause.
Our first info meeting will take place on Thursday, February 6th, at 7 PM in the parish center, and all are welcome to attend to learn more about this initiative.
Our first info meeting will take place on Thursday, February 6th, at 7 PM in the parish center, and all are welcome to attend to learn more about this initiative.
This Weekend!!!
Bravo to the SFX Drama Club!
What a fantastic performance by our school's Drama Club students in The Little Mermaid this past weekend! I had the pleasure of attending both Friday and Saturday night, and the talent and hard work of our students truly shone on stage.
If you know any prospective students who love drama and performing, they’ll find a wonderful home in the SFX Drama Club. Come learn more at our Open House this Sunday—we’d love to meet them!
If you know any prospective students who love drama and performing, they’ll find a wonderful home in the SFX Drama Club. Come learn more at our Open House this Sunday—we’d love to meet them!
Kindergarten Craft Adventures
This morning, I had the privilege of joining Mrs. Jason’s Kindergarten class to help with their special centers. My job was to lead the students in a craft with several delicate steps. Thankfully, the glue and paint mostly ended up on the paper!
Mrs. Jason does an amazing job with our kindergarteners, and we are truly blessed to have her guiding these little ones every day.
Mrs. Jason does an amazing job with our kindergarteners, and we are truly blessed to have her guiding these little ones every day.
Calzone and Trivia Night – Join Us for a Fun Evening!
Mark your calendars! SFX Events Committee is hosting a Trivia Night on Friday, February 28th, from 6–10 PM at the VFW in Freetown.
Highlights of the evening include:
🍽️ Delicious homemade calzones and Italian meatballs prepared by Donna Coray, along with salad. Desserts are welcome!
🎤 Team Trivia hosted by Andrew Hamel, sure to entertain and challenge!
🍹 A cash bar available through the VFW and music.
Tickets are $20 per person and will be sold after all Masses on the weekends of January 25/26 and February 1/2.
I hope you’ll join us!
Mark your calendars! SFX Events Committee is hosting a Trivia Night on Friday, February 28th, from 6–10 PM at the VFW in Freetown.
Highlights of the evening include:
🍽️ Delicious homemade calzones and Italian meatballs prepared by Donna Coray, along with salad. Desserts are welcome!
🎤 Team Trivia hosted by Andrew Hamel, sure to entertain and challenge!
🍹 A cash bar available through the VFW and music.
Tickets are $20 per person and will be sold after all Masses on the weekends of January 25/26 and February 1/2.
I hope you’ll join us!
This year, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas) falls on Sunday, February 2nd, taking the place of the usual Sunday in Ordinary Time. This feast celebrates the presentation of Jesus in the temple 40 days after His Birth and has traditionally been associated with light and candles, symbolizing Christ, the Light of the World, coming to the temple that day.
To mark this special feast, I am planning a candlelight Mass at 6:00 PM on Sunday evening. During the Mass, beeswax candles will be blessed and made available for you to take home to burn as a reminder of Christ’s light in your life. You may also bring candles to the Mass to be blessed. Note that this Mass will fulfill your Sunday obligation.
To mark this special feast, I am planning a candlelight Mass at 6:00 PM on Sunday evening. During the Mass, beeswax candles will be blessed and made available for you to take home to burn as a reminder of Christ’s light in your life. You may also bring candles to the Mass to be blessed. Note that this Mass will fulfill your Sunday obligation.
Please note: This Mass will take the place of the previously scheduled Rosary Party for that evening.
All families with young children are invited to a special Family Holy Hour on Saturday, February 1st, at 1:00 PM in the church. The hour will include music, guided prayer, and activities like coloring sheets for the kids. It’s a great opportunity to experience Eucharistic Adoration as a family and introduce children to this beautiful way of praying. Stay as long as you like, and join us afterward for refreshments downstairs.
High School Youth Group This Sunday 1/26!
All high schoolers are invited to join us this Sunday evening at 6:30 PM in the SFX school gym for our monthly meeting!
The evening will include an inspiring talk by Jay Hamel, specially geared toward teens. Afterward, the main event will be a Nerf Gun War—bring your own Nerf gear if you have it, but don’t worry if you don’t; extras will be provided! The evening will conclude at 8:30 PM.
The evening will include an inspiring talk by Jay Hamel, specially geared toward teens. Afterward, the main event will be a Nerf Gun War—bring your own Nerf gear if you have it, but don’t worry if you don’t; extras will be provided! The evening will conclude at 8:30 PM.
Looking ahead: We’re already making plans for our June youth pilgrimage to the incredible Steubenville Youth Conference in Ohio. Jay Hamel and I had the privilege of helping lead this trip with the diocese last year, and it was a life-changing experience for the teens. This year, we’re hoping to again bring a group from SFX and will be organizing fundraisers to help offset the cost for the kids.
If you know any rising 9th graders through college freshmen who might be interested in joining us, please reach out. Below is the flyer from the diocese with more details. Click here for the YouTube trailer.
If you know any rising 9th graders through college freshmen who might be interested in joining us, please reach out. Below is the flyer from the diocese with more details. Click here for the YouTube trailer.
Upcoming Diocesan Youth Opportunity:
YES! Youth Weekend Retreat MARCH 21-23, 2025
The YES! Retreat is a three-day weekend retreat experience run by a Board of Directors and sponsored by the Secretariat for the New Evangelization. The YES! Retreat provides high school youth an opportunity to encounter God through the sacraments, testimony, fellowship, and a closer examination of self and relationships with others. The experience allows young people to affirm their confirmation promises and return to their communities with renewed conviction and empowerment to bring Christ to others.
The YES! Retreat is a three-day weekend retreat experience run by a Board of Directors and sponsored by the Secretariat for the New Evangelization. The YES! Retreat provides high school youth an opportunity to encounter God through the sacraments, testimony, fellowship, and a closer examination of self and relationships with others. The experience allows young people to affirm their confirmation promises and return to their communities with renewed conviction and empowerment to bring Christ to others.
Please keep the 35 students in our First Communion class in your prayers as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time this Sunday evening. Earlier in the day, the students will participate in a special formation session between the morning Masses to help them prepare for this beautiful encounter with God's mercy.
Last year, I shared the inspiring words of St. Thérèse of Lisieux about her own First Reconciliation with the class, and I’d like to share them with you as well. You can read them here:
"Well instructed as to what I was to do, I entered the confessional, and turning round to the priest, so as to see him better, I made my confession and received absolution in a spirit of lively faith—my sister having assured me that at this solemn moment the tears of the Holy Child Jesus would purify my soul. I remember well that he exhorted me above all to a tender devotion towards Our Lady, and I promised to redouble my love for her who already filled so large a place in my heart. Then I passed him my Rosary to be blessed, and came out of the Confessional more joyful and lighthearted than I had ever felt before. It was evening, and as soon as I got to a street lamp I stopped and took the newly blessed Rosary out of my pocket, turning it over and over. “What are you looking at, Thérèse, dear?” asked Pauline. “I am seeing what a blessed Rosary looks like.”
Let’s continue to pray for these students as they journey toward receiving their First Holy Communion in May!
Last year, I shared the inspiring words of St. Thérèse of Lisieux about her own First Reconciliation with the class, and I’d like to share them with you as well. You can read them here:
"Well instructed as to what I was to do, I entered the confessional, and turning round to the priest, so as to see him better, I made my confession and received absolution in a spirit of lively faith—my sister having assured me that at this solemn moment the tears of the Holy Child Jesus would purify my soul. I remember well that he exhorted me above all to a tender devotion towards Our Lady, and I promised to redouble my love for her who already filled so large a place in my heart. Then I passed him my Rosary to be blessed, and came out of the Confessional more joyful and lighthearted than I had ever felt before. It was evening, and as soon as I got to a street lamp I stopped and took the newly blessed Rosary out of my pocket, turning it over and over. “What are you looking at, Thérèse, dear?” asked Pauline. “I am seeing what a blessed Rosary looks like.”
Let’s continue to pray for these students as they journey toward receiving their First Holy Communion in May!
In your kindness, please pray for the repose of the souls of the following individuals:
Leo P. Lyonnais, 89, passed away suddenly on December 25, 2024. He was the husband of Annette F Lyonnais for 68 years. Their funeral will celebrated at SFX on Tuesday at 10 AM, Click here for his obituary.
Annette F. Lyonnais, 87, passed away suddenly on December 25, 2024, She was the wife of Leo P. Lyonnais for 68 years. Their funeral will celebrated at SFX on Tuesday at 10 AM, Click here for her obituary.
Rev. Robert J. Powell, 76, a retired priest of the Diocese of Fall River, passed away Monday, January 20, 2025, after a brief illness. Fr. Powell graciously covered the 9am Mass on Wednesdays at SFX for the past several years for mine and Fr. Williams' day off. Visitation will take place at St. Julie Billiart Church, Dartmouth on Monday, January 27 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. His Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Julie Billiart on Tuesday, January 28 at 11am. Click here for his obituary.
Peter William Letendre, 67, of Dawsonville Georgia passed away suddenly on January 15, 2025. He was the nephew and godson of SFX parishioner Jeanne Duggan. Click here for his obituary.
Men's Night Recap
On January 16th, the Men of St. Joseph hosted their monthly Men’s Night featuring a talk by Deacon Chris Paul. He shared inspiring insights about the spiritual life, drawing lessons from the true story of Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell. If you missed it, you can listen to his talk here.
For previous talks and updates from the Men of St. Joseph, check out their new website here.
Thank you to all who attended, and we hope to see more men join us at future events!
Parish Leaders Dinner Last Night
Last night, Phil Martin, our DRE, and I attended the Parish Catechetical Leaders Dinner at Holy Family in East Taunton for DREs and catechists from around the Diocese. The guest speaker was John Roberto, President of the National Conference of Catechetical Leaders and co-author of Guided by the Directory for Catechesis (2024).
John gave an excellent presentation on the Vatican’s Directory for Catechesis, published in 2020, sharing many inspiring ideas for teaching the faith—not just to young people but to all ages in the parish. It was a thought-provoking evening, and I left with lots of ideas for our parish!
John gave an excellent presentation on the Vatican’s Directory for Catechesis, published in 2020, sharing many inspiring ideas for teaching the faith—not just to young people but to all ages in the parish. It was a thought-provoking evening, and I left with lots of ideas for our parish!
Baptism Congratulations to the Waite Family
Congratulations to the Waite family on the baptism of their three children last Sunday, January 19th! The two oldest are students at our parish school, and it was a beautiful celebration for their family. (The youngest really wished he could hold that candle like his siblings!)
A Call to Help a Parish Family in Need
A family in our parish is facing significant challenges and could use our prayers and support. Kendra and Sergio's son, Joshua, was recently hospitalized for a couple weeks, battling RSV pneumonia and a new diagnosis of Restrictive Lung Disease. Joshua requires around-the-clock care for multiple medical conditions, and this recent hospitalization has placed an even greater strain on the family.
In addition to medical expenses and the need for specialized equipment, the family’s car—essential for transporting Joshua to his many appointments—unexpectedly broke down and needs to be replaced.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family with medical expenses, essential home equipment, and the purchase of a reliable vehicle. If you feel called to assist in any way, please visit the link to learn more:
In addition to medical expenses and the need for specialized equipment, the family’s car—essential for transporting Joshua to his many appointments—unexpectedly broke down and needs to be replaced.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family with medical expenses, essential home equipment, and the purchase of a reliable vehicle. If you feel called to assist in any way, please visit the link to learn more:
Thank you!
On the Bulletin Cover this weekend...
Blessed Maria Bolognesi (21 October 1924 – 30 January 1980)
Feast Day: January 30th
Beatified in 2013
Mystic, stigmatist, visionary, and victim of the demonic
Mark your Calendars!
Welcome Back Seminarian Evan Mello!
We are excited to welcome back Evan Mello, who stayed with us at SFX in August before beginning his first year of seminary at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD. Evan is in the first of seven years of formation, called the Propaedeutic Year, recently added by Pope Francis. He is all the way down in Maryland because that seminary is know to have one of the strongest first-year programs in the country.
Evan is one of 30 first-year men in the program. The group lives at the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, just a short distance from the seminary campus. Evan shared with me that the schedule has a lighter class load, focusing more on the transition into seminary life, with ample time for prayer and fraternity. The first year includes a technology fast, which means they’ve been spending a lot of time playing board games!
Part of the program involves working at a local Catholic-owned farm. Evan confessed he’s not a fan of shoveling the compost pile and hasn’t quite mastered the scythe!
The program also includes a two-week pastoral field experience, which is why Evan is back at SFX. During these two weeks, he is serving at Sacred Heart Nursing Home in New Bedford and assisting the Missionaries of Charity in their apostolate. Evan will be with us until Sunday, February 2nd, so be sure to say hello to him at weekend Mass!
Please keep Evan in your prayers as he continues his journey of discernment and formation.
Evan is one of 30 first-year men in the program. The group lives at the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, just a short distance from the seminary campus. Evan shared with me that the schedule has a lighter class load, focusing more on the transition into seminary life, with ample time for prayer and fraternity. The first year includes a technology fast, which means they’ve been spending a lot of time playing board games!
Part of the program involves working at a local Catholic-owned farm. Evan confessed he’s not a fan of shoveling the compost pile and hasn’t quite mastered the scythe!
The program also includes a two-week pastoral field experience, which is why Evan is back at SFX. During these two weeks, he is serving at Sacred Heart Nursing Home in New Bedford and assisting the Missionaries of Charity in their apostolate. Evan will be with us until Sunday, February 2nd, so be sure to say hello to him at weekend Mass!
Please keep Evan in your prayers as he continues his journey of discernment and formation.
God Squad vs CYO All Stars last Monday night
On Monday night, I had the chance to attend the CYO Basketball Jamboree at Bishop Connolly. The God Squad, a team composed of priests, religious sisters, and some married fathers from around the diocese, faced off against the CYO All Stars, which included a couple of boys from SFX School. (I heroically supported the God Squad by serving as the photographer.)
It was an exciting and hard-fought game, but the CYO All Stars came out on top with a 71-66 victory. Our own parishioner, Ed Trendowski, played on the God Squad, representing the parish well.
It was an exciting and hard-fought game, but the CYO All Stars came out on top with a 71-66 victory. Our own parishioner, Ed Trendowski, played on the God Squad, representing the parish well.
From the Diocese...
Movie at Holy Ghost in Tiverton, RI
Some SFX parishioners are looking forward to attending a showing of this recently released Catholic film, which explores what mystics have revealed through private revelations about the illumination of conscience. This refers to a special grace from God where individuals are given a profound insight into the current state of their soul and whether they are on the path to heaven or hell.
According to Holy Ghost Church's announcement, tickets are $5.00 per person and can be purchased at that parish office or at the door. Doors will open at 1:00 PM.
According to Holy Ghost Church's announcement, tickets are $5.00 per person and can be purchased at that parish office or at the door. Doors will open at 1:00 PM.