Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Ask I mentioned last weekend, I’ll be away from the parish this weekend on a short trip.
Ask I mentioned last weekend, I’ll be away from the parish this weekend on a short trip.
Here’s the coverage schedule while I’m gone:
Friday, March 21
7:00 PM – Stations of the Cross & Benediction: Deacon Pepin
Saturday, March 22
9:00 AM – Mass & Confessions: Fr. Leonard
3:00 PM – Confessions: Fr. Leonard
4:00 PM – Vigil Mass: Fr. Leonard
Sunday, March 23
8:00 AM – Mass: Fr. Brian Harrington
10:30 AM – Mass: Fr. Jon Paul Gallant
I’m grateful to each of them for helping out. See you next weekend!
Fr. Ryan
Friday, March 21
7:00 PM – Stations of the Cross & Benediction: Deacon Pepin
Saturday, March 22
9:00 AM – Mass & Confessions: Fr. Leonard
3:00 PM – Confessions: Fr. Leonard
4:00 PM – Vigil Mass: Fr. Leonard
Sunday, March 23
8:00 AM – Mass: Fr. Brian Harrington
10:30 AM – Mass: Fr. Jon Paul Gallant
I’m grateful to each of them for helping out. See you next weekend!
Fr. Ryan
Solemnity this week - Tuesday March 25
The Solemnity of the Annunciation is coming up this Tuesday, March 25th. I will be offering a special Vigil Mass on Monday, March 24th, at 6:30 PM to honor this beautiful feast. There will also be the regular 9:00 AM Mass on Tuesday morning for those who wish to celebrate on the feast day itself. All are welcome to join us as we reflect on Mary’s yes and the mystery of the Incarnation!
"The Annunciation, recounted at the beginning of St Luke's Gospel, is a humble, hidden event - no one saw it, no one except Mary knew of it -, but at the same time it was crucial to the history of humanity. When the Virgin said her "yes" to the Angel's announcement, Jesus was conceived and with him began the new era of history that was to be ratified in Easter as the "new and eternal Covenant."
- POPE BENEDICT XVI
"The Annunciation, recounted at the beginning of St Luke's Gospel, is a humble, hidden event - no one saw it, no one except Mary knew of it -, but at the same time it was crucial to the history of humanity. When the Virgin said her "yes" to the Angel's announcement, Jesus was conceived and with him began the new era of history that was to be ratified in Easter as the "new and eternal Covenant."
- POPE BENEDICT XVI
Confessions at Stang
On Monday and Tuesday of this week, I had the chance to help with Lenten confessions for the students at Bishop Stang High School. I know many of you are alumni of Stang, and it’s clear this school has had a deep and lasting impact on our area. (That’s hard for me to say as a Feehan grad…)
It was especially nice to see so many students who are parishioners and alumni of SFX school. A number of our parishioners also serve on staff at Stang, and the school’s current chaplain is Fr. Larry Valliere, pastor of St. Julie’s. You might remember Fr. Larry from the summer of 2021, when he served here with Fr. Williams as a deacon, just before I arrived. He’s doing an excellent job in his ministry. The students were well-prepared and truly grateful for the opportunity to receive the Lord’s reconciling mercy in the Sacrament of Confession.
Speaking of Confession…
If you haven’t gone yet this Lent, I encourage you to make time. Whether it’s been a month or many years, don’t let fear or embarrassment hold you back. Here’s a short, helpful video guide to Confession from Ascension that was released last week.
It was especially nice to see so many students who are parishioners and alumni of SFX school. A number of our parishioners also serve on staff at Stang, and the school’s current chaplain is Fr. Larry Valliere, pastor of St. Julie’s. You might remember Fr. Larry from the summer of 2021, when he served here with Fr. Williams as a deacon, just before I arrived. He’s doing an excellent job in his ministry. The students were well-prepared and truly grateful for the opportunity to receive the Lord’s reconciling mercy in the Sacrament of Confession.
Speaking of Confession…
If you haven’t gone yet this Lent, I encourage you to make time. Whether it’s been a month or many years, don’t let fear or embarrassment hold you back. Here’s a short, helpful video guide to Confession from Ascension that was released last week.
Click here: How to Go to Confession (COMPLETE Step-by-Step Catholic Guide)
If you’re looking to go outside the parish, here’s a list of some local Confession times:
La Salette Shrine, Attleboro
Daily 1:00–4:00 PM (Lenten times)
St. Gabriel, New Bedford
Saturday: 3:15–3:45 PM
Sunday: 6:15–6:45 PM
St. Mary, Fairhaven & St. Joseph, Fairhaven
Saturday: 3:45–4:15 PM
St. John Neumann, East Freetown
Saturday: 3:00–3:45 PM
St. Isidore Parish (Rochester, Lakeville)
Thursday:
• 5:00–6:00 PM at Sts. Martha and Mary
Saturday:
• 3:00–3:45 PM at Sacred Heart Church
Sunday:
• 8:30–8:50 AM at St. Rose of Lima
• 8:45–9:15 AM at Sts. Martha and Mary
St. Anthony, New Bedford
Tuesday: 6:30–7:15 PM (chapel)
Thursday: 6:30–7:15 PM (church)
Friday: 4:15–5:00 PM (chapel)
Saturday:
• 11:00–11:45 AM (chapel)
• 3:00–3:45 PM (church)
Our Lady's Chapel, New Bedford
Mon-Sat: 10:30am–12:15pm
If you’re looking to go outside the parish, here’s a list of some local Confession times:
La Salette Shrine, Attleboro
Daily 1:00–4:00 PM (Lenten times)
St. Gabriel, New Bedford
Saturday: 3:15–3:45 PM
Sunday: 6:15–6:45 PM
St. Mary, Fairhaven & St. Joseph, Fairhaven
Saturday: 3:45–4:15 PM
St. John Neumann, East Freetown
Saturday: 3:00–3:45 PM
St. Isidore Parish (Rochester, Lakeville)
Thursday:
• 5:00–6:00 PM at Sts. Martha and Mary
Saturday:
• 3:00–3:45 PM at Sacred Heart Church
Sunday:
• 8:30–8:50 AM at St. Rose of Lima
• 8:45–9:15 AM at Sts. Martha and Mary
St. Anthony, New Bedford
Tuesday: 6:30–7:15 PM (chapel)
Thursday: 6:30–7:15 PM (church)
Friday: 4:15–5:00 PM (chapel)
Saturday:
• 11:00–11:45 AM (chapel)
• 3:00–3:45 PM (church)
Our Lady's Chapel, New Bedford
Mon-Sat: 10:30am–12:15pm
Next Lenten Mission Talk this Thursday!
Join us this Thursday, March 27th, at 7 PM as we continue our Lenten Mission series and welcome home Deacon Tony Pimental! Many of you remember Deacon Tony as a longtime parishioner before his ordination in 2019. He now serves at St. Gabriel’s Parish in New Bedford, and we’re excited to have him back to share with us on the topic of the Eucharist and Hope.
SFX Lenten Mission Series Schedule 2025
We are in need of adorers for the following hours:
- Wednesdays 11:30 PM-12:30 AM
- Fridays 11:00 PM-12:00 AM
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.
In your kindness, please pray for the repose of the souls of the following individuals:
Norbert J. Fredette, 98, of High Point, NC, formerly of New Bedford, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 7, 2025, at Westchester Harbour in High Point, NC. He was the father of SFX parishioner David Fredette. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at SFX at a later date. Click here to read his obituary.
Hector M. Gonzalez, a beloved, faithful, and devoted man, passed away on March 16, 2025, at the age of 95. Born on March 12, 1930, in Bogota, Colombia, Hector was a resident of New Bedford, MA. His funeral will be at SFX tomorrow, Saturday, at 10 AM. Click here to read his obituary.
MOSJ Men's Night Recap from Last Night
Last night, Bud Miller gave an excellent presentation on mental prayer and the importance of growing in that daily interior conversation with the Lord.
Jay Hamel also shared some exciting news: with the help of Shawn Mills—who coordinated the video call with Dr. Gan from Ohio last month—we’re planning to livestream our next speaker on April 24th to several other men’s groups around the diocese.
This means many more men will be able to hear the talk and connect with others in their local area—without needing to travel long distances. It’s truly remarkable and all thanks to Jay, the Men of St. Joseph, and of course, the intercession of St. Joseph himself, who continues to make things happen behind the scenes.
Jay Hamel also shared some exciting news: with the help of Shawn Mills—who coordinated the video call with Dr. Gan from Ohio last month—we’re planning to livestream our next speaker on April 24th to several other men’s groups around the diocese.
This means many more men will be able to hear the talk and connect with others in their local area—without needing to travel long distances. It’s truly remarkable and all thanks to Jay, the Men of St. Joseph, and of course, the intercession of St. Joseph himself, who continues to make things happen behind the scenes.
Youth Living Stations - Volunteers Needed
Once again this year, on Friday, April 11th (the Friday before Good Friday), we will have our annual presentation of the Living Stations of the Cross.
Students in grades 4-12 are invited to participate! If you're interested, please speak with Mrs. Louise Hebert or Mrs. Mary Cardoza or come to the Info Meeting on March 30th.
Important Dates:
Info Meeting: Sunday, March 30th at 6 PM in the Hospitality Room (roles will be assigned).
Rehearsal: Sunday, April 6th from 6-8 PM.
Students in grades 4-12 are invited to participate! If you're interested, please speak with Mrs. Louise Hebert or Mrs. Mary Cardoza or come to the Info Meeting on March 30th.
Important Dates:
Info Meeting: Sunday, March 30th at 6 PM in the Hospitality Room (roles will be assigned).
Rehearsal: Sunday, April 6th from 6-8 PM.
Parish Confirmation - Saturday April 5th
On Saturday, April 5th, at the 4:00 PM Mass, Bishop da Cunha will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation here at SFX. During this liturgy, 25 young men and women will be sealed with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and fully initiated into the Church.
As this Mass will likely be very crowded, please plan accordingly if you prefer to attend a different time. However, all are welcome to join in this celebration and support our young people as they take this important step.
Please keep our confirmandi in your prayers as they prepare for this sacrament, asking the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen them in their lifelong commitment to Christ.
School Benefit Banquet Tickets On Sale Now!
Join us for our Annual Benefit Banquet on Friday, May 2nd, at St. John Neumann in East Freetown.
Click here to purchase tickets, sponsor a teacher, or make a donation to Call of the Heart!
Click here for information on Benefit Banquet 2025 sponsorship levels.
Thank you for your support!
Click here to purchase tickets, sponsor a teacher, or make a donation to Call of the Heart!
Click here for information on Benefit Banquet 2025 sponsorship levels.
Thank you for your support!
On the Bulletin Cover this weekend...
Blessed Giuseppe Ambrosoli (25 July 1923 – 27 March 1987)
Dies Natalis: March 27th
Feast Day: July 28th
Feast Day: July 28th
Beatified in 2022
An Italian priest and physician who risked his life during WWII to rescue Jews from Nazi persecution and later dedicated over three decades to serving leprosy patients in Uganda.
Looking for deeper insight into this weekend’s readings? Check out this reflection from my favorite biblical scholar, Dr. John Bergsma
From Rectory to Credit Union
It’s been interesting watching all the construction happening across the intersection these past several weeks, as the old bank building is transformed into a new Taunton Federal Credit Union branch. What fascinated me most, though, was learning that this very site (112 Main Street) used to be the rectory for the SFX parish priests.
Before there was even a rectory in Acushnet, the parish’s Sacred Heart Fathers lived at the old Sacred Heart Church in Fairhaven (located at 382 Main Street) and would travel down to serve the parish. The first rectory was the house located at 198 South Main Street. This was sold in 1950, and the parcel across the intersection—where the bank now sits—was purchased, which had a house on it at the time. (Does anyone have a photo of the house?)
While looking through some old records, I found letters indicating that in the mid-1970s, the parish decided to sell the property to help fund much-needed repairs to the church. Interestingly, the sale wasn’t only about parish needs—a letter from parishioners involved in town government encouraged the bishop to consider the sale so that a bank could be built there, helping to serve the common good of the town which had no bank at the time—which, of course, is exactly what happened. The current rectory was eventually built around 1978.
Very interesting history!
Before there was even a rectory in Acushnet, the parish’s Sacred Heart Fathers lived at the old Sacred Heart Church in Fairhaven (located at 382 Main Street) and would travel down to serve the parish. The first rectory was the house located at 198 South Main Street. This was sold in 1950, and the parcel across the intersection—where the bank now sits—was purchased, which had a house on it at the time. (Does anyone have a photo of the house?)
While looking through some old records, I found letters indicating that in the mid-1970s, the parish decided to sell the property to help fund much-needed repairs to the church. Interestingly, the sale wasn’t only about parish needs—a letter from parishioners involved in town government encouraged the bishop to consider the sale so that a bank could be built there, helping to serve the common good of the town which had no bank at the time—which, of course, is exactly what happened. The current rectory was eventually built around 1978.
Very interesting history!
Speaking of the local area…
Have you seen that a brand-new bagel shop just opened inside New England Farms just down the street? It’s another location of the popular New York Bagel Co. which is in Fall River and Dartmouth. I tried it this week on the Solemnity of St. Joseph and I have to say - it was one of the best bagels I've ever had. As someone said to me recently, “It’d be dangerous if I lived within walking distance like you do.”
They’re apparently very busy on weekends, but I encourage you to stop in after Sunday Mass and give them a welcome to the neighborhood. Just don’t slip out after Communion to beat the bagel rush! But seriously, it’s great to have a new spot like this in town.
They’re apparently very busy on weekends, but I encourage you to stop in after Sunday Mass and give them a welcome to the neighborhood. Just don’t slip out after Communion to beat the bagel rush! But seriously, it’s great to have a new spot like this in town.
Update on Monsignor
From the Portland Cathedral Bulletin for this weekend: Monsignor O’Connor continues to recover, so thank you all once again for all your prayers and support! Please continue to keep him in your prayers, for a good and speedy recovery.
Congratulations to the Santiago Family!
Olivia Santiago, baptized at SFX, March 9th, 2025
*I accidentally put the wrong photo here last week.
*I accidentally put the wrong photo here last week.
Men, save the date!
Out of the Mouths of Babes
After Mass last weekend, a little girl came up to me very seriously and said she had a question. She asked:
"So Father Ryan, when you became a priest, the first time that you drank from the chalice at Mass, did you, like… make a sour face in front of everyone because you were drinking wine for the first time?"
I couldn’t help but laugh. I told her I managed to keep a straight face… but just barely.
"So Father Ryan, when you became a priest, the first time that you drank from the chalice at Mass, did you, like… make a sour face in front of everyone because you were drinking wine for the first time?"
I couldn’t help but laugh. I told her I managed to keep a straight face… but just barely.
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
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