Welcome back, Deacon Tony!
Thank you to everyone who attended the second night of our Lenten Mission last night and helped us welcome back Deacon Tony to St. Francis Xavier. I’m so grateful for the insights he shared with us on the Eucharist as food for the journey. If you weren’t able to join us, you can still listen to the talk here:
Click here to listen to the recording of the 2nd Mission Talk.
We were also blessed by the music of Allison Messier, whose beautiful voice helped lift our hearts and minds to God. Before the Holy Hour began, she sang a Latin piece, Vexilla Regis. It was amazing! You can actually hear her sing it on YouTube as well.
We were also blessed by the music of Allison Messier, whose beautiful voice helped lift our hearts and minds to God. Before the Holy Hour began, she sang a Latin piece, Vexilla Regis. It was amazing! You can actually hear her sing it on YouTube as well.
Next Lenten Mission Talk this Thursday!
Join us this Thursday, April 3rd, at 7 PM as we continue our Lenten Mission series and welcome Father George Harrison! Fr. Harrison is a retired priest of the Diocese of Fall River. His last assignment was as pastor of Corpus Christi Parish in East Sandwich. He is a gifted preacher. I hope you can make it!
SFX Lenten Mission Series Schedule 2025
A Sign of the Times
I came across a graph this week that I wanted to share with you. It shows religious attendance over the past year by state—and, as you’ll see, Massachusetts ranks number 7 in the country for the lowest level of religious practice.
In a certain sense, this is oddly consoling. It reminds us that we live in a particularly difficult part of the country when it comes to Mass attendance and religious engagement. I know many of you carry this burden personally. I often hear your sorrow—especially about children and grandchildren who no longer attend church. One of you recently shared with me: “I have several children, many grandchildren, and over 50 nieces and nephews… and almost none of them go to Mass! It breaks my heart.” These are hard times, indeed.
And yet—there are signs of hope. I meant to mention how heartening it was to see the church nearly full for each of our Ash Wednesday liturgies. People are still seeking God. They’re still open to faith. We simply have to keep praying, keep looking for those quiet opportunities, and keep inviting.
And yet—there are signs of hope. I meant to mention how heartening it was to see the church nearly full for each of our Ash Wednesday liturgies. People are still seeking God. They’re still open to faith. We simply have to keep praying, keep looking for those quiet opportunities, and keep inviting.
At the School this week...
On Monday, our students had the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation during our Lenten confessions with Eucharistic Adoration (in the gym as it was raining). We are grateful to Fr. Dan Nunes (St. Luke’s Hospital) and Fr. Mike Racine (St. Lawrence, Holy Name, and St. Francis of Assisi) for coming to assist. After hearing confessions from our middle school students, one of them remarked how exceptionally well-prepared and thoughtful our students were. That is thanks in large part to Miss Martin, our Theology teacher, who does a wonderful job helping our students examine their consciences and approach the Sacrament with reverence and sincerity.
On Tuesday, we celebrated the Solemnity of the Annunciation with a school-wide Mass. Our Sacred Music Choir, led by our gifted Mrs. Girouard, has been learning Latin chant this year, and they beautifully honored Our Lady with two Marian pieces: Ave Maria and Alma Redemptoris Mater. Very beautiful to hear.
In my homily, I reflected with the students on Our Lady’s “yes” at the Annunciation and how each of us is invited to say “yes” to God’s plan in our own lives. I shared two quotes from one of my favorite saints, St. Josemaria. One reads:
"Among those around you—apostolic soul—you are the stone fallen into the lake. With your word and your example you produce a first circle… and it another… and another… and another… Wider each time. Now do you understand the greatness of your mission?"
I encouraged them to see Mary’s “yes” as the beginning of a ripple effect that continues to bless the world today. I concluded with another quote from St. Josemaria as a reminder of how important it is to seek God’s will and be His servants, like Mary. He said:
In my homily, I reflected with the students on Our Lady’s “yes” at the Annunciation and how each of us is invited to say “yes” to God’s plan in our own lives. I shared two quotes from one of my favorite saints, St. Josemaria. One reads:
"Among those around you—apostolic soul—you are the stone fallen into the lake. With your word and your example you produce a first circle… and it another… and another… and another… Wider each time. Now do you understand the greatness of your mission?"
I encouraged them to see Mary’s “yes” as the beginning of a ripple effect that continues to bless the world today. I concluded with another quote from St. Josemaria as a reminder of how important it is to seek God’s will and be His servants, like Mary. He said:
Today, we had a half day at school, and in the afternoon we offered our faculty and staff a time of Lenten reflection. We prayed the Stations of the Cross with meditations especially for teachers and spent some quiet time in Adoration, with the opportunity for Confession.
And finally, today is a special day—it's our principal, Mrs. Rogers' birthday! We are so blessed by her leadership and steadfast dedication to our mission here at SFX. Please join me in offering a prayer of thanksgiving for her today.
And finally, today is a special day—it's our principal, Mrs. Rogers' birthday! We are so blessed by her leadership and steadfast dedication to our mission here at SFX. Please join me in offering a prayer of thanksgiving for her today.
And while we’re talking about the school…
Check out this great article that came out yesterday about a new study highlighting the lifelong benefits of a Catholic school education:
Check out this great article that came out yesterday about a new study highlighting the lifelong benefits of a Catholic school education:
Enrollment is currently open at St. Francis Xavier School, so if you know someone who’s looking for a strong academic and faith-filled environment, send them our way—they’ll experience those same lifelong benefits with a St. Francis education!
We are in need of adorers for the following hours:
- 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:
Donald J Guenette, 74, a lifelong devoted parishioner of SFX, passed away on Wednesday March 26th after a long illness. Don was a graduate of SFX school, a daily Mass goer, leading the Rosary after Mass regularly, a legal Adorer, a member of the Men of the Sacred Heart assisting at the First Friday monthly Holy Hour, a member of the Men of St. Joseph, and a former parish CYO coach. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated here on Tuesday, April 1st at 11:00 AM. There will be a time of visitation with the casket in the church preceding the Mass from 9:30-11:00 AM. Click here to read his obituary.
Stop by Next Saturday to Support Our Neighbors in Need
Our St. Vincent de Paul Society will be holding a Drive-Thru Donation Pop-Up next Saturday, April 5th from 10 AM to 12 PM in the church parking lot.
They’ll be collecting grocery store gift cards, cash, and checks to benefit our neighbors in need. It’s a simple way to make a big difference—just drive through and drop off your donation!
We hope to see you there, and as always, thank you for your continued generosity.
They’ll be collecting grocery store gift cards, cash, and checks to benefit our neighbors in need. It’s a simple way to make a big difference—just drive through and drop off your donation!
We hope to see you there, and as always, thank you for your continued generosity.
CYO Season Comes to an End
Congratulations to our parish's CYO boys team for making it to the playoffs this season! I had the chance to attend their semifinal game on Tuesday night at Bishop Connolly in Fall River, where they played a tough game against Holy Name (Fall River). Although they didn’t take home the championship, they gave it their all.
A special thank you to Jose and Filipa Melendez, who faithfully coordinate all the boys’ and girls’ CYO teams for our parish. I’m so grateful for the countless hours they dedicate behind the scenes to make it possible for our students to compete, grow in teamwork, and experience good sportsmanship in a Catholic environment.
A special thank you to Jose and Filipa Melendez, who faithfully coordinate all the boys’ and girls’ CYO teams for our parish. I’m so grateful for the countless hours they dedicate behind the scenes to make it possible for our students to compete, grow in teamwork, and experience good sportsmanship in a Catholic environment.
Parish Confirmation - Next 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.
On the Bulletin Cover this weekend...
Blessed Natalia Tułasiewicz (9 April 1906 – 31 March 1945)
Feast day: March 31st
Feast day: March 31st
Beatified in 1999
A Polish educator and poet who, during World War II, courageously infiltrated Nazi Germany's forced labor camps to provide spiritual and educational support to Polish women laborers. Her unwavering faith and dedication led to her arrest and execution at the Ravensbrück concentration camp. In 1999, she was beatified as one of the 108 Martyrs of World War II.
Looking for deeper insight into this weekend’s readings? Check out this reflection from my favorite biblical scholar, Dr. John Bergsma
40 Days for Life - Saturday April 12th
Our parish will again be participating in the 40 Days for Life campaign along with St. Julie's on Saturday April 12th in Attleboro (the meeting point is in front of 152 Emory Street, Attleboro, MA). Parishioners will be there peacefully praying and witnessing to life from 6 AM to 2 PM. All are welcome to come for any time.
Easter flower envelopes are now available at the doors of the church. If you would like to contribute to the Easter decorations in memory of a loved one, please feel free to take one. Thank you in advance for your support in helping us beautify the church for the celebration of the Resurrection!
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.
Recording of the Last Men's Talk by Bud Miller
Bud’s talk was a really clear explanation of how to pray the way St Teresa of Avila taught. He has a very down to earth way of explaining it, and led us through an example of it at the end.
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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