Ash Wednesday Schedule – March 5th
6:45 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
**Note, I mistakenly wrote 6:30am in last week's message.
A basket is in the narthex for you to drop off your old palm branches, which will be burned in preparation for Ash Wednesday.
A Wake-Up Call for Catholics & an Invitation for Ash Wednesday
New research released this week on religious practice in America revealed a sobering reality—while the downturn in U.S. Christianity may be leveling off, Catholics have suffered the greatest net losses in affiliation. You can read more about the findings here: OSV: Pew: US Christianity downturn leveling, but Catholics suffer ‘greatest net losses’
With Ash Wednesday and Lent approaching, I encourage you to invite your family, friends, and loved ones to church. Ash Wednesday remains one of the most well-attended days of the year, and this year, I will be handing out Lenten packets—not only for parishioners but also for those who may not be regular attendees. This is a small effort to engage them in the faith, meet them where they are, and invite them to be part of our community.
Please say a prayer for all who will be attending on Ash Wednesday, that the Holy Spirit may stir their hearts to draw closer to Christ and His Church
Please say a prayer for all who will be attending on Ash Wednesday, that the Holy Spirit may stir their hearts to draw closer to Christ and His Church
SFX Lenten Mission Series 2025!
Available at the Doors this Weekend...
Lenten Magnificat Companion
From the Publisher:
From the Publisher:
Lent is a time to refocus our hearts and revive our love of the Lord and one another.
A Companion for the Forty Days of Lent (from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday)
Designed in a convenient, easy-to-use format:
- Inspiring daily reflections from some of the most gifted Catholic writers
- Faith-filled essays
- Prayers, poetry, and devotions
- Meditations for the Way of the Cross
- A treasury of spiritual insights
By spending a few moments meditating on the inspiring daily reflections and the short prayers that follow them, you will accompany Jesus through his Passion and Death, emerging on Easter Sunday to the overflowing joy of his Resurrection.
Let the profound yet practical insights you will find in this little spiritual treasury form and focus your spiritual life, filling it with new conviction and purpose.
A Companion for the Forty Days of Lent (from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday)
Designed in a convenient, easy-to-use format:
- Inspiring daily reflections from some of the most gifted Catholic writers
- Faith-filled essays
- Prayers, poetry, and devotions
- Meditations for the Way of the Cross
- A treasury of spiritual insights
By spending a few moments meditating on the inspiring daily reflections and the short prayers that follow them, you will accompany Jesus through his Passion and Death, emerging on Easter Sunday to the overflowing joy of his Resurrection.
Let the profound yet practical insights you will find in this little spiritual treasury form and focus your spiritual life, filling it with new conviction and purpose.
Lenten Offering Boxes – A simple way to give alms by setting aside money throughout Lent, perhaps from a personal sacrifice or fasting. This year, all funds collected will be donated to Abundant Hope Pregnancy Resource Center in Attleboro, which provides vital support to mothers in need in our community. Please return the boxes at the end of Lent.
Join us for Stations this Lent!
*Note, the Stations were at 6:30PM last year but I've moved them back to 7:00PM.
**Note, next Friday (3/7) is First Friday. Holy Mass will be at 6:00PM followed by devotions to the Sacred Heart with Stations beginning at 7:00PM.
Lenten Confession Survey – Your Input Needed!
As we prepare for Lent, I want to make the Sacrament of Confession as accessible as possible for our parish. I’m considering adding additional confession times and would love your anonymous feedback on whether that would be helpful.
Please take a moment to fill out this short survey.
Please take a moment to fill out this short survey.
Your input will help me better serve the parish this Lent. Thank you!
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.
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.
Lent: Consider Joining the Chart-Topping Rosary in a Year Podcast!
Did you know that one of the most popular podcasts right now isn’t about politics, gossip, or success—but about prayer? The Rosary in a Year, hosted by Fr. Mark-Mary Ames of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, has been making waves since its debut last month, and I saw it featured in the media this week: Fox News Radio: Rosary in a Year: The Spiritual Hunger Fueling Its Popularity
This simple yet powerful 10-15 minute daily devotion is helping thousands draw closer to Christ through Mary. Whether you’re new to the rosary or looking for a way to deepen your prayer life, this podcast is a great way to build the habit of daily prayer.
You can check out the Rosary in a Year Podcast here.
This simple yet powerful 10-15 minute daily devotion is helping thousands draw closer to Christ through Mary. Whether you’re new to the rosary or looking for a way to deepen your prayer life, this podcast is a great way to build the habit of daily prayer.
You can check out the Rosary in a Year Podcast here.
Continue to Pray for Pope Francis
As you have likely been following, our Holy Father, Pope Francis, remains in the hospital. I saw this afternoon that he was put on a breathing machine due to a respiratory episode. Please continue to keep him in your prayers.
Did you see this video from this week of the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, singing the Salve Regina? It was a moving expression of love and support for the Holy Father.
Did you see this video from this week of the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, singing the Salve Regina? It was a moving expression of love and support for the Holy Father.
Let us join our prayers with theirs, asking Our Lady’s intercession for his health and strength.
Pro-Life Night & Baby Shower – This Sunday, March 2nd
SFX is hosting a Pro-Life Night this Sunday, March 2, at 6:30 PM in the church. This evening will include a pro-life talk by Jay Hamel, Eucharistic Adoration, and live prayer music by Liz Cotrupi-Pfunder.
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 Mass this weekend or to the event.
✔️ 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!
Novena of Grace starts Tuesday March 4th
The Novena of Grace in honor of St. Francis Xavier begins this Tuesday, March 4th. A novena—nine days of prayer—is traditionally offered for a particular intention through the intercession of a saint. This novena leads up to the anniversary of St. Francis Xavier’s canonization, rather than his feast day on December 3.
The devotion traces back to 1633, when St. Francis Xavier appeared to a Jesuit priest, Fr. Marcello Mastrilli, and promised that those who pray this novena with faith and devotion will experience his protection and obtain graces from God. Since then, the Novena of Grace has spread worldwide and continues to be a source of many blessings.
Prayer cards will be available at the church doors this weekend. Here is a link to a modern version with daily quotes and questions for personal reflection, as well as the traditional prayers at the end. During these nine days, I will place St. Francis Xavier’s relic out for veneration at Masses, including next weekend.
The devotion traces back to 1633, when St. Francis Xavier appeared to a Jesuit priest, Fr. Marcello Mastrilli, and promised that those who pray this novena with faith and devotion will experience his protection and obtain graces from God. Since then, the Novena of Grace has spread worldwide and continues to be a source of many blessings.
Prayer cards will be available at the church doors this weekend. Here is a link to a modern version with daily quotes and questions for personal reflection, as well as the traditional prayers at the end. During these nine days, I will place St. Francis Xavier’s relic out for veneration at Masses, including next weekend.
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.
Practicing families in the parish are eligible for parish subsidy!
On the Bulletin Cover this weekend...
Saint Angela of the Cross (30 January 1846 – 2 March 1932)
Feast Day: March 2nd
Feast Day: March 2nd
Canonized in 2003
A humble servant of the poor, transformed her deep love for Christ into action by founding the Sisters of the Company of the Cross, dedicating her life to the forgotten and suffering—her story is one of radical faith, selfless service, and an inspiring call to holiness that still resonates today.
A Visit with an Old Friend & A Look at the Church in Abu Dhabi
This week, I had the chance to catch up with one of my closest classmates and old friends from seminary, Fr. Abishai Vase, who serves as a priest in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Yes, Abishai—like David’s servant from last weekend’s first reading. 😂) This was only the second time I’ve seen him since we were ordained over five years ago, and it was a joy to reconnect.
Fr. Abishai has been one of the biggest influences on the priest I am today, and I wanted to share a little about his ministry because I think it's fascinating to learn about the Church in other parts of the world.
Fr. Abishai was born in Mumbai, India, but grew up in Abu Dhabi. After high school, he was accepted to Harvard, which brought him to Boston. He’s truly one of the most brilliant people I know. But rather than using his gifts for worldly success, he felt called to the priesthood and discerned a vocation to serve God and the Church. After seminary in Boston, he returned home, was ordained, and now serves at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Abu Dhabi.
Since the UAE is a Muslim-majority country, the number of Catholic parishes is very limited. The Catholic population consists mainly of poor migrant workers from places like India and the Philippines. His parish alone has over 20,000 parishioners, with around 15 weekend Masses, each drawing between 1,000 and 3,000 people! When I told him SFX has about 450 people attending Mass each weekend, he asked, "Per Mass?" I laughed and said, "No, that’s all of them combined!" 😂
Fr. Abishai also runs the altar server program at his parish. How many servers? 350! He commented that his parish's Religious Ed program was actually smaller than the parish in Dubai, with only 7,000 children compared to 10,000 in Dubai! And because most Catholics there are from other countries, funerals are rare—since remains are typically sent back to the person's home country for burial. So different from here!
It was a great reminder of the beautiful diversity of the Catholic Church worldwide, and the incredible ways the faith is being lived in places we don’t often think about. Please say a prayer for Fr. Abishai and the Church in Abu Dhabi!
Fr. Abishai was born in Mumbai, India, but grew up in Abu Dhabi. After high school, he was accepted to Harvard, which brought him to Boston. He’s truly one of the most brilliant people I know. But rather than using his gifts for worldly success, he felt called to the priesthood and discerned a vocation to serve God and the Church. After seminary in Boston, he returned home, was ordained, and now serves at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Abu Dhabi.
Since the UAE is a Muslim-majority country, the number of Catholic parishes is very limited. The Catholic population consists mainly of poor migrant workers from places like India and the Philippines. His parish alone has over 20,000 parishioners, with around 15 weekend Masses, each drawing between 1,000 and 3,000 people! When I told him SFX has about 450 people attending Mass each weekend, he asked, "Per Mass?" I laughed and said, "No, that’s all of them combined!" 😂
Fr. Abishai also runs the altar server program at his parish. How many servers? 350! He commented that his parish's Religious Ed program was actually smaller than the parish in Dubai, with only 7,000 children compared to 10,000 in Dubai! And because most Catholics there are from other countries, funerals are rare—since remains are typically sent back to the person's home country for burial. So different from here!
It was a great reminder of the beautiful diversity of the Catholic Church worldwide, and the incredible ways the faith is being lived in places we don’t often think about. Please say a prayer for Fr. Abishai and the Church in Abu Dhabi!
We are in need of adorers for the following hours:
- Thursdays 4:30AM - 5:30AM
- Fridays 12:00Noon - 1:00PM
If you are interested in spending an hour with the Lord, please call or text Mary Cardoza at 774-526-1444 or speak with Fr. Ryan.
Looking for deeper insight into this weekend’s readings? Check out this reflection from my favorite biblical scholar, Dr. John Bergsma
Exciting Lenten Mission in Bridgewater
I wanted to share a great opportunity coming up this Lent—popular Catholic speaker Fr. Larry Richards will be leading a Lenten Mission at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Bridgewater from April 7th-10th.
Fr. Larry is a lively and dynamic speaker, a parish priest from Erie, PA, and someone I have been a fan of for many years. When I was younger, I read his book Be a Man: Becoming the Man God Created You to Be, and I found it excellent. His talks are always engaging, thought-provoking, and sure to deepen your faith.
Although it's a bit of a drive (about 35 minutes from SFX), I encourage you to consider attending. The mission is free, though a collection will be taken on the final night to support Fr. Larry’s ministry. Registration is encouraged but not required. You can find all the details and register here.
Fr. Larry is a lively and dynamic speaker, a parish priest from Erie, PA, and someone I have been a fan of for many years. When I was younger, I read his book Be a Man: Becoming the Man God Created You to Be, and I found it excellent. His talks are always engaging, thought-provoking, and sure to deepen your faith.
Although it's a bit of a drive (about 35 minutes from SFX), I encourage you to consider attending. The mission is free, though a collection will be taken on the final night to support Fr. Larry’s ministry. Registration is encouraged but not required. You can find all the details and register here.
Day with Mary at St. Anthony's in NB - Tomorrow (March 1st)
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.