Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I hope you all had a great week, especially those who enjoyed some time off during the school vacation. With the quieter week—thanks to the Monday holiday and school break—I took the opportunity to spend some extra time with my sister and my nephew, who will be turning one in just a couple of weeks. It’s hard to believe how quickly this first year has gone!
As many of you have likely seen in the news, Pope Francis has been seriously ill in the hospital with pneumonia over the past several days, prompting prayers from Catholics around the world. Let us continue to keep the Holy Father in our prayers, as it seems he is still not fully out of the woods.
I also heard that Msgr. O'Connor, former pastor of SFX, has been battling pneumonia this week and had to be hospitalized. Please keep him in your prayers as well, asking for healing and strength.
Let’s continue to pray for all those who are sick and suffering, entrusting them to the care of our Lord.
In Christ,
Fr. Ryan
I hope you all had a great week, especially those who enjoyed some time off during the school vacation. With the quieter week—thanks to the Monday holiday and school break—I took the opportunity to spend some extra time with my sister and my nephew, who will be turning one in just a couple of weeks. It’s hard to believe how quickly this first year has gone!
As many of you have likely seen in the news, Pope Francis has been seriously ill in the hospital with pneumonia over the past several days, prompting prayers from Catholics around the world. Let us continue to keep the Holy Father in our prayers, as it seems he is still not fully out of the woods.
I also heard that Msgr. O'Connor, former pastor of SFX, has been battling pneumonia this week and had to be hospitalized. Please keep him in your prayers as well, asking for healing and strength.
Let’s continue to pray for all those who are sick and suffering, entrusting them to the care of our Lord.
In Christ,
Fr. Ryan
Pro-Life Night & Baby Shower – Next Sunday, March 2nd
Mark your calendars! SFX is hosting a special Pro-Life Night on Sunday, March 2, at 6:30 PM in the church. This evening will include a pro-life talk, Eucharistic Adoration, and live prayer music by Justin Dery on acoustic guitar.
Most importantly, this night is an opportunity to support a young mother who courageously chose life but has almost nothing for her baby. To help, we’re turning this into a baby shower to provide her with the essentials she needs!
Here’s how you can help:
Most importantly, this night is an opportunity to support a young mother who courageously chose life but has almost nothing for her baby. To help, we’re turning this into a baby shower to provide her with the essentials she needs!
Here’s how you can help:
🍼 Shop the Amazon Baby Registry - Purchase items online and have them shipped directly: Click here to give.
🎁 Bring a baby item or gift card Donations can be brought to the event or dropped off ahead of time at the parish office during business hours or Acushnet Creamery (11:30 AM–8 PM daily). (Deadline: Friday, February 28.)
✔️ Most needed items: Diapers (all sizes) & wipes. Used baby clothes, cribs, and high chairs are welcome (must be in very good condition). New car seats & crib mattresses only for safety reasons.
🎁 Bring a baby item or gift card Donations can be brought to the event or dropped off ahead of time at the parish office during business hours or Acushnet Creamery (11:30 AM–8 PM daily). (Deadline: Friday, February 28.)
✔️ Most needed items: Diapers (all sizes) & wipes. Used baby clothes, cribs, and high chairs are welcome (must be in very good condition). New car seats & crib mattresses only for safety reasons.
Let’s fill the church and come together to support this mother and her baby. All extra donations will be given to the Diocesan Pro-Life Office to be distributed to mothers in need. Please spread the word and invite others to participate. Thank you for being a witness for life!
Women of Grace's New Program starting Feb 26th
The Women of Grace are excited to kick off their new program this Wednesday Feb 26th at 7 PM with an information session! They’ll be using an updated curriculum from the national Women of Grace apostolate—the very same program that helped launch the group years ago. This new series was discovered after some of our members met a regional WOG representative at the Worcester Catholic Women's Conference this past fall, leading to this great opportunity.
I encourage all the women of the parish to consider signing up. The Women of Grace group is a beautiful source of sisterhood and support as we strive to live out our Christian calling. As the ancient adage says, Unus Christianus, nullus Christianus—“a single Christian is no Christian.” We need community and one another if we are to follow the life God has planned for us.
Come join this vibrant sisterhood and see how God is calling you to grow!
To sign-up, email coordinator Amy Plante at amyplante122@gmail.com
I encourage all the women of the parish to consider signing up. The Women of Grace group is a beautiful source of sisterhood and support as we strive to live out our Christian calling. As the ancient adage says, Unus Christianus, nullus Christianus—“a single Christian is no Christian.” We need community and one another if we are to follow the life God has planned for us.
Come join this vibrant sisterhood and see how God is calling you to grow!
To sign-up, email coordinator Amy Plante at amyplante122@gmail.com
Study Guides will be sold for $20 after all Masses this weekend (Feb 22/23).
Awesome Turnout for MOSJ Men’s Night yesterday!
We had a great turnout for Men’s Night last night with 50 guys coming together for an inspiring and thought-provoking evening. Dr. Eugene Gan, a Communications professor at Franciscan University of Steubenville, gave a fascinating talk on Artificial Intelligence—highlighting how we can use AI as a tool while also considering the important moral implications that come with it. MOSJ leader Jay Hamel first discovered Dr. Gan through an interview on Relevant Radio and was so impressed that he reached out to invite him. Dr. Gan, a very holy man, also shared that two of his four sons, John Paul and Maximilian Kolbe, are currently in the seminary studying to become priests!
This was also our first-ever virtual speaker, with Dr. Gan joining us live from Ohio, projected on the big screen while the men asked him questions in real time. A huge thank you to Shawn Mills, owner of My Biz Media in Swansea, who made this technologically complex event happen pro bono! Shawn, though not a parishioner, regularly attends our monthly Men’s Nights and generously donated his time and expertise. Typically, an event like this would cost several thousand dollars, but Shawn and his team handled it all out of love for the faith. If you need any digital marketing, videography, or photography services, be sure to check out My Biz Media here.
This was also our first-ever virtual speaker, with Dr. Gan joining us live from Ohio, projected on the big screen while the men asked him questions in real time. A huge thank you to Shawn Mills, owner of My Biz Media in Swansea, who made this technologically complex event happen pro bono! Shawn, though not a parishioner, regularly attends our monthly Men’s Nights and generously donated his time and expertise. Typically, an event like this would cost several thousand dollars, but Shawn and his team handled it all out of love for the faith. If you need any digital marketing, videography, or photography services, be sure to check out My Biz Media here.
The talk will be posted on the MOSJ website soon, but in the meantime, check out this podcast Dr. Gan did with Crisis Magazine in 2023.
Thanks to this new virtual format, we’re now able to bring in top Catholic speakers from around the country without the heavy travel costs—so stay tuned for more exciting virtual events in the future!
Spots in our 3 and 4 year old programs are filling up fast!!
Give your child a strong start in Building Character for Life at SFX School.
Give your child a strong start in Building Character for Life at SFX School.
Exciting Security Updates at SFX School!
As I shared last week, SFX School was awarded a $19,500 security grant to upgrade our security camera system—praise God! This grant was only possible thanks to many hours of work by Mrs. Rogers and members of our School Advisory Board, who worked diligently to secure these funds for our school’s safety.
The original cost of the project was $33,000, but thanks to several dads in the parish who donated their time over the last week to install the wiring, we were able to complete the entire project using grant funds—saving nearly $15,000 in labor costs. Thank you!
The original cost of the project was $33,000, but thanks to several dads in the parish who donated their time over the last week to install the wiring, we were able to complete the entire project using grant funds—saving nearly $15,000 in labor costs. Thank you!
The 28 new security cameras, both inside and outside the school, were installed this week and they look awesome!
In addition, Giving Tuesday and Grandparents Giving raised enough funds to fully cover the cost of a new PA system, which will allow emergency pages to be made from every room, with an outdoor speaker for the playground and parking lot. This system was also installed this week over the break.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to making SFX School an even safer place for our children to learn and grow!
Two Ways to Support St. Francis Xavier School
I want to make you aware of two great ways you can help SFX School continue to thrive.
Benefit Banquet – May 2nd at SJN Hall
Preparations for our annual Benefit Banquet are in full swing! Right now, we are looking for companies to sponsor this big night. This is a huge opportunity for businesses to support the premier Catholic PreK-8 school on the South Coast. If you know someone who might be interested in sponsoring, please let us know!
Benefit Banquet – May 2nd at SJN Hall
Preparations for our annual Benefit Banquet are in full swing! Right now, we are looking for companies to sponsor this big night. This is a huge opportunity for businesses to support the premier Catholic PreK-8 school on the South Coast. If you know someone who might be interested in sponsoring, please let us know!
We will also soon be collecting silent and live auction items. If you can contribute, please reach out to Mrs. Rogers. These could include gift baskets, experiences (like time at a rental property), or services from your business.
Ticket sale information will follow soon.
Housing for our Teachers
As we look ahead to next school year, we are often in need of housing for teachers. Catholic school teachers make wonderful tenants, and offering them a place to rent is a huge service to the cause of Catholic education. If you know of any available rentals, please reach out to me or Mrs. Rogers.
Housing for our Teachers
As we look ahead to next school year, we are often in need of housing for teachers. Catholic school teachers make wonderful tenants, and offering them a place to rent is a huge service to the cause of Catholic education. If you know of any available rentals, please reach out to me or Mrs. Rogers.
Looking for deeper insight into this weekend’s readings? Check out this reflection from my favorite biblical scholar, Dr. John Bergsma
Prepare for Lent: Recommended Spiritual Reading
Lent is fast approaching, and now is the time to start thinking about Lenten reading so you can order any books in time for Ash Wednesday. If you haven’t already read it, I highly recommend He Leadeth Me by Fr. Walter Ciszek, SJ—a particularly fitting and powerful book for this season of prayer, sacrifice, and trust in God.
About the Book:
"He Leadeth Me" is the deeply moving personal story of one man's spiritual odyssey and the unflagging faith that enabled him to survive a horrendous ordeal that wrenched his body and spirit to near collapse.
Captured by the Russian army during World War II and convicted of being a Vatican spy, American Jesuit Fr. Walter J. Ciszek spent 23 agonizing years in Soviet prisons and the labor camps of Siberia. He recalls how an utter reliance on God's will gave him the strength to endure. Through prayer and trust, he found courage to face loneliness, pain, frustration, anguish, fear, and despair.
Even while toiling in the infamous Siberian salt mines, Fr. Ciszek offered his suffering to God, finding purpose in even the most inhumane conditions. His story is a testament to faith in the darkest of times, reminding us that God's grace is always at work.
He Leadeth Me is a book to inspire all Christians to greater faith and trust in God—even in their darkest hour.
If you're not a big reader, you can also listen to a free audiobook version on YouTube here.
Looking for more Lenten reading? Here’s a list of other recommended books to help guide your spiritual journey this Lent.
Now is the perfect time to choose your Lenten reading—order a book today and prepare your heart for this holy season!
About the Book:
"He Leadeth Me" is the deeply moving personal story of one man's spiritual odyssey and the unflagging faith that enabled him to survive a horrendous ordeal that wrenched his body and spirit to near collapse.
Captured by the Russian army during World War II and convicted of being a Vatican spy, American Jesuit Fr. Walter J. Ciszek spent 23 agonizing years in Soviet prisons and the labor camps of Siberia. He recalls how an utter reliance on God's will gave him the strength to endure. Through prayer and trust, he found courage to face loneliness, pain, frustration, anguish, fear, and despair.
Even while toiling in the infamous Siberian salt mines, Fr. Ciszek offered his suffering to God, finding purpose in even the most inhumane conditions. His story is a testament to faith in the darkest of times, reminding us that God's grace is always at work.
He Leadeth Me is a book to inspire all Christians to greater faith and trust in God—even in their darkest hour.
If you're not a big reader, you can also listen to a free audiobook version on YouTube here.
Looking for more Lenten reading? Here’s a list of other recommended books to help guide your spiritual journey this Lent.
Now is the perfect time to choose your Lenten reading—order a book today and prepare your heart for this holy season!
Get Ready for Lent with These Digital Resources!
Lent is just around the corner, and there are so many wonderful ways to grow spiritually this season! I’ve gathered a list of digital Lenten resources offered by various Catholic apostolates—many of which will send a short video or reflection right to your inbox each day of Lent.
(And don’t forget! We’ll again be offering the popular Magnificat Lenten Companion for free on Ash Wednesday!)
Lenten Resources for Adults:
- The Ultimate Guide to Lent from Fr. Mike Schmitz – A comprehensive guide to help you enter more deeply into the season. Check it out here.
- Hallow’s Pray40 Challenge (2025) – Join the Pray40 community in prayer this Lent through the Hallow app. Learn more here.
- Ascension’s SET FREE – Fr. Josh Johnson offers daily reflections on overcoming the Seven Deadly Sins. Sign up here.
- Ascension Lenten Companion – Walk with Mary to Jerusalem through daily reflections and videos. (The print edition is sold out, but the online content is still available!) Access here.
- Bishop Barron’s Daily Gospel Reflections– Thought-provoking daily reflections from Word on Fire. Find them here.
- OSV’s My Daily Visitor – Simple daily reflections for Lent. Explore here.
- The Pray More Lenten Retreat – A self-paced, online retreat with 16 talks on prayer, fasting, divine mercy, and more. No required fee, but donations are welcome. Join here.
Lenten Resources for Kids & Families:
- Catholic Sprouts Lenten Activities – Creative resources to help kids grow in faith this Lent. Shop here | Follow on Facebook.
- NEW! All About Lent & Holy Week: Sharing the Seasons of Repentance & Salvation with Children – A beautifully illustrated book for kids. Order here.
Ash Wednesday Schedule – March 5th
6:30 AM – Liturgy of the Word with Distribution of Ashes
9:00 AM – Holy Mass
4:00 PM – Liturgy of the Word with Distribution of Ashes
7:00 PM – Holy Mass
A basket will be in the narthex this weekend and next for you to drop off your old palm branches, which will be burned in preparation for Ash Wednesday.
In your kindness, please pray for the repose of the souls of the following individuals:
Mark A. Oliveira, Sr., aged 62, of Fall River, son of Patricia (Rogers) Souza and John A. Oliveira. His funeral Mass was celebrated at SFX on Thursday, February 20th. Click here to read his obituary.
On the Bulletin Cover this weekend...
Blessed Carlo Gnocchi (25 October 1902 – 28 February 1956)
Feast Day: February 28th
Feast Day: February 28th
Beatified in 2009
An Italian priest who, after serving as a military chaplain during World War II, dedicated his life to founding the "Fondazione Pro Juventute" to support disabled children affected by war and polio, earning him national recognition.
Upcoming Event at St. Anthony's in NB - Feb 28th
A powerful testimony of redemption as we get ready for Lent coming to St. Anthony of Padua Church. You can’t imagine what Laurie went through from the early age of 4 and managed by the grace of God to survive.
Her past, her present life will fill you with emotions ending with the enormous blessing she still holds onto even today.
4:15pm - Eucharistic Adoration and Sacrament of Confession
5:15pm- Holy Mass
6:15pm - Talk with Laurie Nigro
Day with Mary Next Saturday (March 1st) at St. Anthony's in NB
Worcester Catholic Men's Conference - April 5th
The Worcester Men's Conference is coming up, and parishioner Kevin Kowzic has organized a free bus for men from our parish and the surrounding area to attend.
Wednesday 9 AM Mass Update
I wanted to let you know that going forward Fr. Daniel Nunes will be covering the Wednesday 9 AM Mass, which is my usual day away from the parish. Fr. Dan was ordained in 2018, just a year before me, and is currently serving as the chaplain at St. Luke’s Hospital. He resides at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in New Bedford with Fr. Chris Peschel. If you find yourself at the 9 AM Mass on a Wednesday, please take a moment to say hello and welcome him!
We continue to mourn the sudden passing of Fr. Bob Powell, who faithfully celebrated our Wednesday 9 AM Mass for the past several years. Below is his remembrance card, which the diocese recently sent me.
A Month’s Mind Mass for Fr. Powell will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 12 noon. All are welcome.
A Month’s Mind Mass for Fr. Powell will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 12 noon. All are welcome.
From the USCCB...
As Catholics, we hold a deep respect for the dignity of every human life, from conception to natural death. The USCCB released a statement yesterday (Feb 20th) in response to new policies promoting in vitro fertilization (IVF), reminding us of the complex moral considerations surrounding this technology.
The Church acknowledges the profound pain many couples experience when facing infertility and upholds their deep desire to bring new life into the world. At the same time, it calls us to reflect on the dignity of all human life, including embryos created through IVF, many of whom are never given the chance to be born. Importantly, the Church teaches that every person conceived, no matter how, is of infinite worth and dignity.
I invite you to read the full USCCB statement here and explore resources on ethical, restorative reproductive medicine that respects the sanctity of life while supporting couples on their journey toward parenthood.
Let us continue to pray for all families struggling with infertility and for a deeper respect for the dignity of all human life.
The Church acknowledges the profound pain many couples experience when facing infertility and upholds their deep desire to bring new life into the world. At the same time, it calls us to reflect on the dignity of all human life, including embryos created through IVF, many of whom are never given the chance to be born. Importantly, the Church teaches that every person conceived, no matter how, is of infinite worth and dignity.
I invite you to read the full USCCB statement here and explore resources on ethical, restorative reproductive medicine that respects the sanctity of life while supporting couples on their journey toward parenthood.
Let us continue to pray for all families struggling with infertility and for a deeper respect for the dignity of all human life.
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
Adoration Times
Monday-Friday
6:30am-8:45am, 9:30am-8:30pm
Saturday
6:30am-8:45am, 9:30am-2:45pm
6:30am-8:45am, 9:30am-8:30pm
Saturday
6:30am-8:45am, 9:30am-2:45pm
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
To add someone to this weekly newsletter, they can either text the word ACUSHNET to 84576 or sign up at sfxparish.flocknote.com.