Pro-Life Night: A Stunning Success!
Last Sunday’s Pro-Life Night was an incredible testament to the love and generosity of our parish and community! Close to 200 people gathered in prayer and support for mothers in need. Together, we raised close to $5,000 to assist three young expectant mothers working with the diocesan Pro-Life Office, and we sent a mountain of donated baby items with Irina Robinson, the director of the Pro-Life Office.
A special thank you to Jay Hamel, who not only had the idea for this event but also organized the entire night. Jay delivered a fantastic talk on the powerful conversion story of Abby Johnson, a national pro-life advocate. If you missed it, you can watch his talk by clicking here.
We are also deeply grateful to Liz Cotrupi-Pfunder, who stepped in last minute when our scheduled musician fell ill. Liz later shared, the day before she was called about the event, that she woke up that morning with a sense that God would ask her to support the pro-life cause in some way—and He did! She even chose to donate her time, refusing a stipend, because the Pro-Life cause is so near and dear to her heart.
We are also deeply grateful to Liz Cotrupi-Pfunder, who stepped in last minute when our scheduled musician fell ill. Liz later shared, the day before she was called about the event, that she woke up that morning with a sense that God would ask her to support the pro-life cause in some way—and He did! She even chose to donate her time, refusing a stipend, because the Pro-Life cause is so near and dear to her heart.
Finally, Irina Robinson was in awe of the overwhelming response and turnout. She told me that her faith was increased that night! She was so moved by our parish’s witness to life that she described SFX as “a womb from which many faithful vocations to marriage, priesthood, and religious life will come forth to serve God and the Church.”
We are now gearing up for our parish’s participation in the 40 Days for Life campaign, which will take place on Saturday, April 12th, in Attleboro. Parishioners will be there from 6 AM – 2 PM, and you are welcome to stop by anytime during those hours to stand in peaceful, prayerful witness for life.
Click here to watch a 1 1/2 minute invitation video from Jay Hamel.
Thank you to everyone who participated, donated, and prayed for the success of this night. Your generosity is making a real difference in the lives of mothers and their babies. God is at work in our parish!
Thank you to everyone who participated, donated, and prayed for the success of this night. Your generosity is making a real difference in the lives of mothers and their babies. God is at work in our parish!
First Lenten Mission Talk this Thursday
SFX Lenten Mission Series Schedule 2025
If you cannot attend any of the evenings, they will be recorded and posted on the website.
At our school’s Ash Wednesday Mass this week, I challenged the students to begin a new Lenten practice: praying this bedtime prayer each night. This simple yet meaningful prayer was prayed daily from childhood by Pedro Ballester, the young man from England who I spotlighted in January who may one day be declared a saint. I recently came across it and felt it would be a powerful way for our students to grow in faith this Lent.
Heavenly Father, hear my bedtime prayer: For everything I enjoyed today, thank you. For the kindness and help I received from others, thank you. For the good choices I made today, thank you. For the times I did something wrong, forgive me. For the times I hurt others, forgive me and help me to be better tomorrow. Stay with me through the night, so I can wake up tomorrow ready to face the day with You by my side. Amen.
Rosary Party this Sunday evening
Join us at 6:00 PM this Sunday for the monthly Rosary Party. We pray the rosary and then have social time. You are welcome to bring a dessert to share. All are welcome!
Join us tonight for the monthly 6:00 PM Mass for First Friday. Mass will be followed by Devotions to the Sacred Heart 6:30-7:00 PM with Stations of the Cross beginning at 7:00 PM.
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, tonight is First Friday. Holy Mass will be at 6:00PM followed by devotions to the Sacred Heart with Stations beginning at 7:00PM.
SFX Trivia Night Recap: A Night of Fun and Friendly Competition!
Last Friday, we had an awesome time at our first-ever SFX Trivia Night! This event came from my desire to host more social gatherings where parishioners can grow in friendship, and it was a great success.
The VFW in Freetown was a brand-new venue for a parish event, and it did not disappoint. The space was clean, welcoming, and featured a full cash bar, which many of us took advantage of. The competition was fierce, and in an exciting twist, "Not Your Average Parishioners" triumphed over their competition through some very tricky rounds! My own team, "Father Knows Best," (in reality, Father Ryan did not know best for most of the questions) tied for second with "We Heart Babysitters." A fun time was had by all!
The VFW in Freetown was a brand-new venue for a parish event, and it did not disappoint. The space was clean, welcoming, and featured a full cash bar, which many of us took advantage of. The competition was fierce, and in an exciting twist, "Not Your Average Parishioners" triumphed over their competition through some very tricky rounds! My own team, "Father Knows Best," (in reality, Father Ryan did not know best for most of the questions) tied for second with "We Heart Babysitters." A fun time was had by all!
A huge thank you to Donna Coray for preparing all the delicious homemade calzones and Italian meatballs, with the help of her kitchen assistant, Julie. Thanks also to our Events Committee for organizing the night, Andrew Hamel for leading the trivia, and parishioner Steve Watts, a member of the VFW, for helping us secure such a great venue. I highly recommend booking the VFW in Freetown for your next big event!
Have an idea for a future parish event? Click here to submit your suggestions!
Looking forward to many more great social gatherings to come!
Novena of Grace
The Novena of Grace in honor of St. Francis Xavier continues until this Wednesday, March 12th. 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 are available at the church doors. 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 the parish's first-class relic of St. Francis Xavier out for veneration at Masses.
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 are available at the church doors. 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 the parish's first-class relic of St. Francis Xavier out for veneration at Masses.
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 Luigi Orione (June 23, 1872 - March 12, 1940)
Feast Day: March 12th
Feast Day: March 12th
Canonized in 2004
A fiery and unconventional priest, dedicated his life to serving the poor, rescuing orphans, and rebuilding shattered communities after disasters, leaving behind a vast legacy of faith-driven charity that continues to transform lives today.
Get Well Soon Monsignor!
As you may have heard, Monsignor O’Connor, former pastor of St. Francis Xavier (2008-2017), now serving as Rector of St. Mary's Cathedral in Portland , OR, has been facing serious health challenges over the past several weeks.
In the upcoming Cathedral bulletin, he shared the following update:
My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In the upcoming Cathedral bulletin, he shared the following update:
My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I am writing this on Monday night so as to hit the bulletin deadline. I was released from hospital last Wednesday (after 2 weeks) and have to be on a self-administered IV antibiotic for about 1 month. For those of you who know these things: I was admitted to the hospital with necrotizing pneumonia; whilst there I got a staph infection (MRSA) which turned into a blood infection. Whilst we think the pneumonia is under control the blood infection is now what needs attention. So that is my plan for now. I also need to buildup my strength and work on my diet - after 2 weeks or so without any appetite or any real sleep you can imagine I’m very weak.
Thank you to all who have sent cards, notes, emails etc. - I appreciate your prayers - please keep them coming - still a long way to go.
God is Good! I am grateful to my brother priests who have stepped up to help out at Cathedral at this time. I am very grateful to those priests who have brought me Holy Communion during my time in the hospital and here at home. I am happy to say that yesterday I managed to say a private Mass and today also - which I offered for your intentions.
I will keep you informed of my progress - in the meantime please continue your prayers for God’s Will and a speedy recovery.
If you would like to email Monsignor O’Connor to tell him that you are praying for him or with a word of encouragement, you can reach him at: goconnor@archdpdx.org
Looking for deeper insight into this weekend’s readings? Check out this reflection from my favorite biblical scholar, Dr. John Bergsma
Celebrating Mrs. Shaughnessy: Middle School Science Teacher of the Year!
We are thrilled to share that our very own Mrs. Anabela Shaughnessy was awarded the Middle School Science Teacher of the Year at the regional science fair awards last Saturday! This well-deserved recognition highlights her dedication, expertise, and profound impact on our students' education.
For over a decade, Mrs. Shaughnessy has been a pillar of St. Francis Xavier School, serving for the past 11 and a half years as our Assistant Principal. In this role, she has supported every aspect of school life, from admissions to Catholic identity to marketing, always wearing many hats with grace and commitment.
Beyond her administrative role, she has also served as our middle school science teacher for the last several years. One science teacher at Bishop Stang recently remarked that SFX students are the most prepared for high school-level science, thanks directly to Mrs. Shaughnessy's instruction. Her dedication to excellence in education has left a lasting impact on countless students.
In 2021, she helped launch and guide the FAM House System, fostering teamwork, camaraderie, and devotion to the saints among our middle school students. As a co-house parent with her in Molla House (Go Molla!), I have seen firsthand how her leadership has strengthened our school community.
She has also played a key role in ensuring a smooth transition of leadership from Mrs. Russo to now Mrs. Rogers, providing a steady, hardworking presence that keeps our school thriving.
I have had the privilege of working with Mrs. Shaughnessy for the past 3.5 years, and I continue to be inspired by her passion, commitment, and dedication to Catholic education. Simply put, SFX School would not be what it is today without her hard work and contributions.
Please join me in congratulating Mrs. Shaughnessy on this incredible achievement!
For over a decade, Mrs. Shaughnessy has been a pillar of St. Francis Xavier School, serving for the past 11 and a half years as our Assistant Principal. In this role, she has supported every aspect of school life, from admissions to Catholic identity to marketing, always wearing many hats with grace and commitment.
Beyond her administrative role, she has also served as our middle school science teacher for the last several years. One science teacher at Bishop Stang recently remarked that SFX students are the most prepared for high school-level science, thanks directly to Mrs. Shaughnessy's instruction. Her dedication to excellence in education has left a lasting impact on countless students.
In 2021, she helped launch and guide the FAM House System, fostering teamwork, camaraderie, and devotion to the saints among our middle school students. As a co-house parent with her in Molla House (Go Molla!), I have seen firsthand how her leadership has strengthened our school community.
She has also played a key role in ensuring a smooth transition of leadership from Mrs. Russo to now Mrs. Rogers, providing a steady, hardworking presence that keeps our school thriving.
I have had the privilege of working with Mrs. Shaughnessy for the past 3.5 years, and I continue to be inspired by her passion, commitment, and dedication to Catholic education. Simply put, SFX School would not be what it is today without her hard work and contributions.
Please join me in congratulating Mrs. Shaughnessy on this incredible achievement!
Congratulations to the Ferreira Family!
Elias Ferreira, baptized at SFX, March 2nd, 2025
Hosting the New Bedford Deanery Priests Meeting
This past Monday, St. Francis Xavier hosted the monthly New Bedford Deanery priests' meeting. It’s always a great opportunity to gather with my brother priests from the area to discuss the needs of the local Church and share in fraternity.
At the start of the meeting, we welcomed Joe Barckett, one of the leaders of Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity and a parishioner at Our Lady of Purgatory. Joe shared insights into how parishes can partner with Habitat for Humanity in their mission to provide housing solutions for those in need. He noted that their greatest challenge is securing land to build on, which has led them to focus on their most recent initiative—constructing ramps for homes to help disabled individuals safely enter and exit their houses.
If you’d like to learn more about Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity and their work, visit their website here.
At the start of the meeting, we welcomed Joe Barckett, one of the leaders of Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity and a parishioner at Our Lady of Purgatory. Joe shared insights into how parishes can partner with Habitat for Humanity in their mission to provide housing solutions for those in need. He noted that their greatest challenge is securing land to build on, which has led them to focus on their most recent initiative—constructing ramps for homes to help disabled individuals safely enter and exit their houses.
If you’d like to learn more about Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity and their work, visit their website here.
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.
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.