Winter Storm Advisory – Plan Ahead for Mass
The forecast is calling for bad weather this Saturday night, and I encourage everyone who is able to consider attending the 4 PM Mass on Saturday. If you are unable to do so, please use prudence and be very careful when deciding whether to come out on Sunday morning. Your safety is important—if conditions are too dangerous, please stay home.
For those who usually give in person, a reminder that our online giving page is available here.
Stay safe, and God bless!
For those who usually give in person, a reminder that our online giving page is available here.
Stay safe, and God bless!
Celebrating World Marriage Sunday
This weekend, we celebrate World Marriage Sunday, a time to give thanks for the gift of marriage and to ask God’s blessing upon all married couples in our parish and those preparing for the sacrament of marriage. May the Lord strengthen your love and deepen your commitment to one another!
For your reflection this weekend, I’ve included an article in the bulletin with words from Pope Benedict XVI on marriage and family life. You can read it here.
For your reflection this weekend, I’ve included an article in the bulletin with words from Pope Benedict XVI on marriage and family life. You can read it here.
Blessing Your Marriage on a Special Anniversary
If you are celebrating a significant anniversary, I am always happy to bless your marriage with a simple renewal of vows ceremony that the Church provides for such occasions. Just reach out to me ahead of time.
Receiving a Papal Blessing
Did you know that you can request a Papal Blessing for your marriage anniversary? This is a simple process where you submit a request to a Vatican office for a beautifully inscribed parchment, which a priest can then present to you on behalf of the Pope. I'd be happy to help you request one or Read here about how to request one yourself here.
If you are celebrating a significant anniversary, I am always happy to bless your marriage with a simple renewal of vows ceremony that the Church provides for such occasions. Just reach out to me ahead of time.
Receiving a Papal Blessing
Did you know that you can request a Papal Blessing for your marriage anniversary? This is a simple process where you submit a request to a Vatican office for a beautifully inscribed parchment, which a priest can then present to you on behalf of the Pope. I'd be happy to help you request one or Read here about how to request one yourself here.
Marriage Enrichment & Support
If you’d like to enrich your marriage, consider attending a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend, designed to help good marriages become even better. These weekends are even hosted locally with one coming up April 25-27 at Corpus Christi Parish in East Sandwich.
For couples in need of healing, Retrouvaille retreats offer a path toward reconciliation and renewal for those facing significant struggles in their relationship. There is one coming up on March 7th in Massachusetts.
Resources for Challenging Times
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties in marriage, this article shares insights on saving a troubled marriage, featuring a couple who wrote a book offering wisdom and guidance.
May God bless all married couples and continue to strengthen the sacred bond of marriage!
If you’d like to enrich your marriage, consider attending a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend, designed to help good marriages become even better. These weekends are even hosted locally with one coming up April 25-27 at Corpus Christi Parish in East Sandwich.
For couples in need of healing, Retrouvaille retreats offer a path toward reconciliation and renewal for those facing significant struggles in their relationship. There is one coming up on March 7th in Massachusetts.
Resources for Challenging Times
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties in marriage, this article shares insights on saving a troubled marriage, featuring a couple who wrote a book offering wisdom and guidance.
May God bless all married couples and continue to strengthen the sacred bond of marriage!
PLEASE NOTE: the Wedding Anniversary Mass to be celebrated on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at St. Mary’s Cathedral, has been postponed due to the forecasted winter storm. It has been rescheduled to Sunday, March 2nd at 3:00 PM.
Thank You for a great Family Holy Hour!
Thank you to the families who joined us for our Young Children's Holy Hour last Saturday! It was a wonderful hour of prayer as we gathered before the Lord, placed our intentions before the altar, and reflected on the gift of prayer through a children’s story by Anthony DeStefano.
A special thank you to the members of our School’s Catholic Identity Committee for their help in organizing this event and providing refreshments.
We look forward to gathering again for prayer in the future—may the Lord continue to bless our families!
A special thank you to the members of our School’s Catholic Identity Committee for their help in organizing this event and providing refreshments.
We look forward to gathering again for prayer in the future—may the Lord continue to bless our families!
(After coloring their sheets, the children proudly showed their completed artwork to our Lord in the Monstrance!)
Women of Grace's New Program starting Feb 26th
Sign up this weekend at Mass or email coordinator Amy Plante at amyplante122@gmail.com
Study guides are $20 and will be ordered through the parish
Tuesday, Feb 11 – World Day of Prayer for the Sick
This Tuesday, February 11, the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, the Church observes the 33rd World Day of Prayer for the Sick, a time to lift up all those who are suffering in body, mind, or spirit.
I want to remind you that I am always available to administer the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick to anyone who is gravely ill or preparing for major surgery. This sacrament's purpose is healing and strength, and I can offer it to you after a weekend Mass or by stopping by your home. If there is ever an urgent need, the parish has an emergency line on our phone system menu to get in touch with me at anytime.
Deacon David and I visit the homebound of our parish usually every Thursday. Deacon David, who spent several years as a hospital chaplain at St. Luke’s and St. Anne’s, has a great love for the sick and does an excellent job coordinating our homebound ministry and organizing the extraordinary ministers who bring Holy Communion to those unable to attend Mass. Thank you, Deacon David, for all your hard work!
If you know of anyone in the parish who is homebound or has difficulty getting to Mass, please bring them to our attention so that we can visit them, offer them the Sacraments, and assure them of the prayers of their parish family.
Helpful Resource for Families & Caregivers
I also wanted to share this Catholic booklet I recently came across—it provides helpful reading and prayers for family members and caregivers of those who are dying or gravely ill. You can find it here.
Let us keep all the sick in our prayers, asking for the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes, patroness of the sick, that they may find peace and healing.
I want to remind you that I am always available to administer the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick to anyone who is gravely ill or preparing for major surgery. This sacrament's purpose is healing and strength, and I can offer it to you after a weekend Mass or by stopping by your home. If there is ever an urgent need, the parish has an emergency line on our phone system menu to get in touch with me at anytime.
Deacon David and I visit the homebound of our parish usually every Thursday. Deacon David, who spent several years as a hospital chaplain at St. Luke’s and St. Anne’s, has a great love for the sick and does an excellent job coordinating our homebound ministry and organizing the extraordinary ministers who bring Holy Communion to those unable to attend Mass. Thank you, Deacon David, for all your hard work!
If you know of anyone in the parish who is homebound or has difficulty getting to Mass, please bring them to our attention so that we can visit them, offer them the Sacraments, and assure them of the prayers of their parish family.
Helpful Resource for Families & Caregivers
I also wanted to share this Catholic booklet I recently came across—it provides helpful reading and prayers for family members and caregivers of those who are dying or gravely ill. You can find it here.
Let us keep all the sick in our prayers, asking for the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes, patroness of the sick, that they may find peace and healing.
Last Call to Sign Up!
Calzone and Trivia Night – Join Us for a Fun Evening!
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. Call the parish office this week to sign up.
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. Call the parish office this week to sign up.
MOSJ Men's Night - Feb 20th
From Coordinator Jay Hamel:
Men, our next MOSJ at SFX night is 2 weeks away (Thursday February 20). It’s our first ever interactive distance speaker, with us in the gym, and our speaker on the big screen and able to see us and have live questions and answers.
Dr. Eugene Gan is a professor of technology at Franciscan University of Steubenville, worked on AI at Carnegie Mellon University, and teaches AI applications. He is a deeply holy man, was picked to be on an exorcism team (you only get picked to be in the room for those if you are deeply holy and humble), and has a lot of insight about AI and its benefits and dangers.
Mark your calendars and invite a friend, this is going to be great stuff!
In your kindness, please pray for the repose of the souls of the following individuals:
Mary Marden, SFX parishioner, and mother of Elaine Gonneville, who passed away today, February 7th, after a period of declining health. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Francis Xavier next week on a date yet to be determined. Arrangements are being handled by Potter Funeral Services, 61 Tarkiln Hill Rd., New Bedford. Her obituary will be available in the coming days on their website.
On the Bulletin Cover this weekend...
Blessed James Miller, FSC (September 21, 1944 – February 13, 1982)
Feast Day: February 13th
Beatified in 2019
Born in rural Wisconsin, he became a De La Salle Christian Brother, dedicating his life to educating impoverished youth in Central America, where his unwavering commitment led to his martyrdom in 1982.
Capital Campaign Reminder Error
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!
Pro-Life Committee Meeting Postponed
The Pro-Life Committee meeting originally scheduled for last night Thursday February 6th was postponed. If you would like to be notified when a new date is set, please contact me directly.
Trying to pray more this year? Consider Being an Adoration Substitute!
As we begin the new year, are you looking for a way to grow in prayer and deepen your relationship with Christ? Consider signing up as a substitute in our Adoration Program!
If you can’t commit to a weekly time slot, being a substitute is a great way to participate. We are always in need of substitutes, and it’s easy to get started. Our automated system will send you an email or text (based on your preference) whenever a time slot needs coverage. You can choose which times of the day or week you’d like to receive requests for, and simply respond "yes" or "no" when available.
All you need to do is show up for your dedicated time and spend an hour with our Lord. If you’re not already part of the system, you can create an account here: SFX Adoration Website
💡 Note: If you sign up to be a substitute between 8:30 PM and 6:30 AM, the church doors are locked, and you will need to pick up a key from the office beforehand.
If you can’t commit to a weekly time slot, being a substitute is a great way to participate. We are always in need of substitutes, and it’s easy to get started. Our automated system will send you an email or text (based on your preference) whenever a time slot needs coverage. You can choose which times of the day or week you’d like to receive requests for, and simply respond "yes" or "no" when available.
All you need to do is show up for your dedicated time and spend an hour with our Lord. If you’re not already part of the system, you can create an account here: SFX Adoration Website
💡 Note: If you sign up to be a substitute between 8:30 PM and 6:30 AM, the church doors are locked, and you will need to pick up a key from the office beforehand.
Have You Seen This Story? A Pro Soccer Player Who Became a Priest
I recently saw this story circulating again on the internet over the last couple of weeks, even though it originally happened in 2017. It’s about Philip Mulryne, a former Manchester United soccer player who, after retiring due to injuries, discerned a call to the priesthood and was ordained in 2017. At the height of his career, he was reportedly earning €500,000 per year, yet he left behind the world of professional soccer to follow God’s call. If you haven’t read about it yet, you can check it out here.
Praying for Vocations is a Priority at SFX
At St. Francis Xavier, we are committed to praying for vocations, and I encourage you—if you haven’t already—to sign up for a slot with our Elijah Cup Vocations Prayer Ministry found on the table near the Adoration chapel entrance. Your prayers make a difference!
Let us continue to ask the Lord to raise up more holy priests, religious, and married couples who will dedicate their lives to serving Him.
Praying for Vocations is a Priority at SFX
At St. Francis Xavier, we are committed to praying for vocations, and I encourage you—if you haven’t already—to sign up for a slot with our Elijah Cup Vocations Prayer Ministry found on the table near the Adoration chapel entrance. Your prayers make a difference!
Let us continue to ask the Lord to raise up more holy priests, religious, and married couples who will dedicate their lives to serving Him.
Baptism Congratulations to the Bairos Family!
Cecelia Raposo Bairos was baptized on Sunday February 2nd.
From the Diocese...
Bishop da Cunha Voices Concern on Immigration Enforcement
Discernment Events for Young Adult Women
Worcester Catholic Men's Conference - April 5th
Men of the parish, mark your calendars! The Worcester Men's Conference is coming up, and parishioner Kevin Kowzic is organizing a free 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).
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!
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