National Catholic Schools Week Recap
As National Catholic Schools Week comes to a close, I want to take a moment to thank everyone who helped make this week such a wonderful celebration of our parish school and the gift of Catholic education.
Thank You for Your Generosity!
Last weekend’s second collection for the school raised $2,581.00, which directly supports our operating budget. Your generosity ensures that we can continue providing an outstanding faith-based education to our students. A reminder that you can donate anytime to our school through our parish online giving page.
A special thank you to the students who lectored at Mass and shared their love for SFX School with the parish. Your heartfelt words helped our community appreciate the mission of our school.
A Successful Open House
I am happy to share that we had a positive Open House last Sunday, with around 30 families stopping by to check out our school. If you know anyone who wasn’t able to attend, please encourage them to reach out to the school office to schedule a personal tour—we’d love to meet them! (On Monday, enrollment opens for new families!)
As part of CSW, students proudly wore their uniforms to Mass last weekend at area churches, representing SFX School in their local parishes. Here is one of our students attending Our Lady of Lourdes in Carver with Fr. Paul Born, who was in the seminary with me. It’s a great reminder that families from all over make the drive to SFX because of the quality Catholic education we provide.
Thank You for Your Generosity!
Last weekend’s second collection for the school raised $2,581.00, which directly supports our operating budget. Your generosity ensures that we can continue providing an outstanding faith-based education to our students. A reminder that you can donate anytime to our school through our parish online giving page.
A special thank you to the students who lectored at Mass and shared their love for SFX School with the parish. Your heartfelt words helped our community appreciate the mission of our school.
A Successful Open House
I am happy to share that we had a positive Open House last Sunday, with around 30 families stopping by to check out our school. If you know anyone who wasn’t able to attend, please encourage them to reach out to the school office to schedule a personal tour—we’d love to meet them! (On Monday, enrollment opens for new families!)
As part of CSW, students proudly wore their uniforms to Mass last weekend at area churches, representing SFX School in their local parishes. Here is one of our students attending Our Lady of Lourdes in Carver with Fr. Paul Born, who was in the seminary with me. It’s a great reminder that families from all over make the drive to SFX because of the quality Catholic education we provide.
Monday – Celebrating Catholic Education at Mass
We gathered as a school community for a beautiful Catholic Schools Week Mass at the church, where I shared with the students how we use both faith and reason in Catholic education which helps us to know the whole truth. I encourage you to read this article from Bishop Barron, which beautifully summarizes why Catholic schools matter.
Tuesday – Faculty vs. Students Knockout Game
The students took on the faculty in a fun game of Knockout, and we had a few surprise guests join in. Superintendent Dan Roy stopped by to participate, and Fr. John Garabedian, who lives at the rectory with me, also joined the fun. He played basketball at Mansfield High, so he impressed everyone with his skills—so much so that the kids asked if God gave him the power of basketball at his priestly ordination!
We gathered as a school community for a beautiful Catholic Schools Week Mass at the church, where I shared with the students how we use both faith and reason in Catholic education which helps us to know the whole truth. I encourage you to read this article from Bishop Barron, which beautifully summarizes why Catholic schools matter.
Tuesday – Faculty vs. Students Knockout Game
The students took on the faculty in a fun game of Knockout, and we had a few surprise guests join in. Superintendent Dan Roy stopped by to participate, and Fr. John Garabedian, who lives at the rectory with me, also joined the fun. He played basketball at Mansfield High, so he impressed everyone with his skills—so much so that the kids asked if God gave him the power of basketball at his priestly ordination!
Wednesday – Our Annual Patriotic Assembly
Each year, we take time during Catholic Schools Week to celebrate our love for our country. This year’s Patriotic Assembly was led by Chief Petty Officer Michael Girourd, a school parent who served as our Master of Ceremonies.
Every year, we honor a special guest, and this year, we recognized U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Joanne Ashley, a parent in our school community who serves in the 102nd Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group.
The Pre-K students sang patriotic songs, and we concluded the assembly with a slideshow honoring the many veterans and active-duty military members in our school community, including parents and grandparents.
It is an honor to instill in our students a deep love for their country and appreciation for those who serve!
Each year, we take time during Catholic Schools Week to celebrate our love for our country. This year’s Patriotic Assembly was led by Chief Petty Officer Michael Girourd, a school parent who served as our Master of Ceremonies.
Every year, we honor a special guest, and this year, we recognized U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Joanne Ashley, a parent in our school community who serves in the 102nd Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group.
The Pre-K students sang patriotic songs, and we concluded the assembly with a slideshow honoring the many veterans and active-duty military members in our school community, including parents and grandparents.
It is an honor to instill in our students a deep love for their country and appreciation for those who serve!
Thursday – Vocations Day & Bishop Stang Challenge
Thursday was Vocations Day, where students dressed up as the profession they hope to be in the future—we had plenty of doctors, veterinarians, police officers, moms, and even a few future priests!
Thursday was Vocations Day, where students dressed up as the profession they hope to be in the future—we had plenty of doctors, veterinarians, police officers, moms, and even a few future priests!
We welcomed special guests:
Fr. John Garabedian, Assistant Vocations Director for the Diocese, spoke to the boys in grades 2-6 about praying for their vocation.
Sr. Therese Maria Touma from the Maronite Servants of Christ the Light spoke to the girls in grades 2-6 about discerning God’s plan for their lives.
Fr. John Garabedian, Assistant Vocations Director for the Diocese, spoke to the boys in grades 2-6 about praying for their vocation.
Sr. Therese Maria Touma from the Maronite Servants of Christ the Light spoke to the girls in grades 2-6 about discerning God’s plan for their lives.
Thursday was also the annual Catholic Schools Week Challenge at Bishop Stang, where Catholic schools from the Fall River and New Bedford area come together for a friendly academic and athletic competition. See photos from the day here.
I am thrilled to announce that we had a three-peat! SFX tied for first place with All Saints School, bringing home the victory for the third year in a row. When our team returned to school, students in the younger grades cheered them on from the windows as they got off the bus.
I am thrilled to announce that we had a three-peat! SFX tied for first place with All Saints School, bringing home the victory for the third year in a row. When our team returned to school, students in the younger grades cheered them on from the windows as they got off the bus.
Friday – The Fun Run Fundraiser
Today, students participated in our annual Fun Run, one of our biggest fundraisers of the year.
For the past several years, we’ve used a third-party company to help run and market the event. This year, our incredible school staff took on the entire project themselves to save costs—and it was a huge success!
A huge thank you to Mrs. Rogers, Mrs. Reis, and Mrs. Shaughnessy for all their hard work in making this happen. I am delighted to share that we raised nearly $30,000 for the school!
Today, students participated in our annual Fun Run, one of our biggest fundraisers of the year.
For the past several years, we’ve used a third-party company to help run and market the event. This year, our incredible school staff took on the entire project themselves to save costs—and it was a huge success!
A huge thank you to Mrs. Rogers, Mrs. Reis, and Mrs. Shaughnessy for all their hard work in making this happen. I am delighted to share that we raised nearly $30,000 for the school!
Today was also Teacher, Staff, and Volunteers Appreciation Day. Our amazing faculty make so many great sacrifices, and work so hard each day to bring Christ to the center of each day of learning. We honored the ways they make our school special with a special treat.
Exciting News – Our New School Marketing Video!
I am very excited to share that we have a brand-new marketing video for St. Francis Xavier School! This project was the result of much effort from our staff, and it beautifully captures what makes SFX special.
A big thank you to the members of our School Board who helped with coordination, and to Mrs. Rogers and Mrs. Shaughnessy for their dedication and hard work in making this a reality.
Please watch and share the video on social media!
Here is the link to share on social media:
Thank You for Supporting Catholic Education!
As Catholic Schools Week comes to an end, I want to thank you all again for your prayers, generosity, and support of our parish school. It is a blessing to be part of a community that values Catholic education and the formation of young hearts and minds in faith.
May God continue to bless our students, families, and teachers as we move forward in the school year!
As Catholic Schools Week comes to an end, I want to thank you all again for your prayers, generosity, and support of our parish school. It is a blessing to be part of a community that values Catholic education and the formation of young hearts and minds in faith.
May God continue to bless our students, families, and teachers as we move forward in the school year!
Tomorrow afternoon!
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.
An extra weekend Mass option this Sunday evening
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.
This weekend, in honor of the Feast of St. Blaise (February 3rd), I will be offering the traditional blessing of throats after all Masses, including the 6 PM Sunday Mass for Candlemas.
Before Mass: Available 15 minutes before the 8 AM & 10:30 AM Masses on Sunday.
Before Mass: Available 15 minutes before the 8 AM & 10:30 AM Masses on Sunday.
After Mass: Offered after all weekend Masses and again after the 9 AM Mass on Monday, February 3rd.
This beautiful tradition asks for St. Blaise’s intercession for protection against illnesses of the throat and other ailments.
Learn more by watching this Youtube video.
This beautiful tradition asks for St. Blaise’s intercession for protection against illnesses of the throat and other ailments.
Learn more by watching this Youtube video.
Tickets on Sale this weekend!
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!
Women of Grace's New Upcoming Program
Living Proof Young Adult Group – Tomorrow at 7 PM
Living Proof, a Catholic young adult group which meets at SFX, will be meeting tomorrow, Saturday, February 1st, at 7 PM in the Hospitality Room. Led by parishioner Ellie Hamel, this group seeks to bring together young adults (ages 18-30) for an evening of prayer, Adoration, Confession, and fellowship. All are welcome!
Join us tomorrow, February 1st, for 9am Mass for First Saturday. Mass is followed by Adoration, Confessions, and the Rosary in church.
Join us next Friday, February 7th, for the monthly 6pm Mass for First Friday. Mass is followed by Adoration with prayers led by the Men of the Sacred Heart and Confession available.
On the Bulletin Cover this weekend...
Blessed Maria Esperanza of Jesus, (30 September 1893 – 8 February 1983)
Feast Day: February 8th
Beatified in 2014
A Spanish nun who founded the Handmaids of Merciful Love, dedicating her life to spreading God's merciful love through charitable works and serving the poor.
Capital Campaign Donation Reminder Update
Some parishioners have reached out to the office regarding capital campaign reminders they received in the mail that incorrectly reflect their donation records. We sincerely apologize for any confusion and have contacted our third-party company, LCI, to rectify the situation.
Please be assured that we have an accurate record of all donations at the parish office. If you have any questions or would like to verify your contribution, please don’t hesitate to call the parish office.
Mark your Calendars!
Upcoming Youth Opportunities
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.
YES! 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.
Did you know our parish has an Intercessory Prayer Ministry? Generously coordinated by parishioner Dottie Swol, this ministry allows us to lift one another up in prayer.
If you have a special intention, you can send it to Dottie, and she will share it with those on the prayer line who will pray for your needs. You can also join the prayer team by requesting to be added to the email list to receive the intentions and pray for others.
Call: 508-264-4812 (between 8 AM & 8 PM)
Email: sfxprayerministry@gmail.com
Thank you, Dottie, for your faithful service in bringing our prayers before the Lord!
If you have a special intention, you can send it to Dottie, and she will share it with those on the prayer line who will pray for your needs. You can also join the prayer team by requesting to be added to the email list to receive the intentions and pray for others.
Call: 508-264-4812 (between 8 AM & 8 PM)
Email: sfxprayerministry@gmail.com
Thank you, Dottie, for your faithful service in bringing our prayers before the Lord!
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.
Click here to watch the trailer.
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.
Worcester Men's Conference
Men of the parish, mark your calendars! The Worcester Men's Conference is coming up, and parishioner Kevin Kowzic is organizing a bus trip for men from our parish and the surrounding area to attend.
This is a powerful day, featuring an impressive lineup of speakers (see above for details).
This is a powerful day, featuring an impressive lineup of speakers (see above for details).
Click here for the Conference website.
Date: Saturday, April 5th
Location: The DCU Center, Worcester
For more information or to reserve your spot on the bus, contact Kevin at: kkowzic@gmail.com
Don't miss this great opportunity!
Date: Saturday, April 5th
Location: The DCU Center, Worcester
For more information or to reserve your spot on the bus, contact Kevin at: kkowzic@gmail.com
Don't miss this great opportunity!
Looking for a Great Catholic Summer Camp?
If you’re looking for a faith-based summer camp for your kids, I highly recommend Camp Fatima for boys and Camp Bernadette for girls in New Hampshire. I had the privilege of working there for two summers, and I can personally attest to the wonderful community and strong Catholic environment they offer.
Click here for their website.
Click here for their website.
Happy Feast of St. John Bosco (Jan 31st), one of my favorites!
Mass Times
Sunday: 8:00 AM | 10:30 AM
Saturday Vigil: 4:00 PM
Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM
Sunday: 8:00 AM | 10:30 AM
Saturday Vigil: 4:00 PM
Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM
First Friday: 9:00 AM | 6:00 PM
Confession Times
Monday: 5:30–6:30 PM
Saturday: 9:30–10:00 AM | 3:00–3:45 PM
Monday: 5:30–6:30 PM
Saturday: 9:30–10:00 AM | 3:00–3:45 PM
First Friday: 6:45–7:15 PM
Anytime by Appointment