Thank you, Fr. Harrison!
Fr. Harrison gave a fantastic and inspiring talk last night on the Sacrament of Confession for the third night of our Lenten series. Thank you to all who came.
If you weren’t able to join us, you can listen to the recording here.
It’s well worth a listen!
If you weren’t able to join us, you can listen to the recording here.
It’s well worth a listen!
Deanery Penance Service this Tuesday April 8th
Image: The Return of the Prodigal Son (Rembrandt)
A regional Lenten Penance Service will take place this Tuesday, April 8th, at 6:30 PM at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in New Bedford. Several priests will be available to hear Confessions—it's a wonderful opportunity to receive the grace of the Sacrament before Holy Week.
Last Lenten Mission Talk this Thursday!
Join us this Thursday, April 10th at 7 PM for the final Holy Hour in our Lenten Mission series as we welcome Sister Therese Maria Touma of the Maronite Servants of Christ the Light in Dartmouth, MA. I hope you can make it!
Support our local Sisters!
Giving Circle Lenten Challenge 2025
The Maronite Servants of the Christ the Light invite you to join our Giving Circle of supporters.
We are seeking 100 sustainable givers who will commit $50 or more per month to help support our mission of service. Your generosity allows the sisters to continue ministering to the community, providing spiritual guidance, and bringing Christ’s light and love to those in need.
The Maronite Servants of the Christ the Light invite you to join our Giving Circle of supporters.
We are seeking 100 sustainable givers who will commit $50 or more per month to help support our mission of service. Your generosity allows the sisters to continue ministering to the community, providing spiritual guidance, and bringing Christ’s light and love to those in need.
The Sisters are also looking for volunteers, especially men, who might be willing to help with some spring yard cleanup (raking, etc.) on their property in Dartmouth. They could use help either today Friday, April 4th from 4–7 PM or on Monday, April 7th from 4–7 PM. Even if you can’t arrive right at 4, any amount of time you can give would be a blessing.
Their property is large, and they simply can’t manage it on their own. Would you consider lending a hand to some religious sisters?
If you're interested, let me know and I’ll connect you with Mother Marla.
Their property is large, and they simply can’t manage it on their own. Would you consider lending a hand to some religious sisters?
If you're interested, let me know and I’ll connect you with Mother Marla.
Laying to Rest One of Acushnet’s Finest
This past Tuesday, we had the privilege of celebrating the funeral Mass of Don Guenette here at St. Francis Xavier. Don was a lifelong, devout parishioner of our parish, a former detective with the Acushnet Police Department, and a manager at Titleist.
In the homily, I shared the remarkable story of Don’s miraculous healing as a young boy from a life-threatening asthma condition. During a severe episode, he and his family were visiting St. Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal, the shrine built by the humble and holy St. André Bessette. After lighting a candle in prayer, Don found himself healed. He never experienced another episode. That moment remained a powerful witness in his life, leading him to return to the shrine on many occasions.
I shared a few words from St. André that beautifully reflect the way Don lived. This was one of my favorites:
In the homily, I shared the remarkable story of Don’s miraculous healing as a young boy from a life-threatening asthma condition. During a severe episode, he and his family were visiting St. Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal, the shrine built by the humble and holy St. André Bessette. After lighting a candle in prayer, Don found himself healed. He never experienced another episode. That moment remained a powerful witness in his life, leading him to return to the shrine on many occasions.
I shared a few words from St. André that beautifully reflect the way Don lived. This was one of my favorites:
Don truly was one of Acushnet’s and our parish’s finest. May he rest in the peace of Christ.
Steubenville Youth Conference parish fundraiser this weekend
At all Masses this weekend (April 5/6), a young person from our parish will share a brief word about our upcoming diocesan trip to the Steubenville Youth Conference in Ohio this June. We’re inviting parishioners to sponsor one of our teens for just $20 to help make this life-changing experience possible.
Our teens will be at the doors after Mass—thank you in advance for your generosity and support of our youth!
Our teens will be at the doors after Mass—thank you in advance for your generosity and support of our youth!
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:
Patricia A. (McGrath) Davignon, 86, of Acushnet, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, March 28, 2025. She was the wife of the late Raymond A. Davignon for 60 years. She was a long time parishioner and worked at St. Francis Xavier school for over 30 years as a teacher's aide. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated tomorrow, Saturday, April 5th at 1:00 PM at St. Francis Xavier. Click here to read her obituary.
Beverly K. Cioper, 94, of Acushnet passed away on Monday, March 31, 2025 at home after a brief illness. She was a homebound member of SFX parish, formerly of OLPH in New Bedford. Click here to read her obituary.
Stop by Tomorrow to Support Our Neighbors in Need
Our St. Vincent de Paul Society will be holding a Drive-Thru Donation Pop-Up tomorrow 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.
Parish Confirmation - Tomorrow Saturday April 5th
Tomorrow 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.
Do you realize the significance of your own Confirmation? Watch this video!
Click here to watch this YouTube video.
This video focuses on Confirmation, explaining the connection to Pentecost, the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit that deepens and perfects baptismal grace, and the mission that accompanies reception of the Sacrament.
This video focuses on Confirmation, explaining the connection to Pentecost, the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit that deepens and perfects baptismal grace, and the mission that accompanies reception of the Sacrament.
Join us for Holy Mass this evening at 6 PM followed by devotions to the Sacred Heart with Stations beginning at 7 PM.
Please note there will be no Adoration after the 9am Mass tomorrow due to the veiling of the statues.
Living Stations - Next Friday April 11
Once again this year, on Friday, April 11th at 7 PM, the youth of our parish will present the Living Stations of the Cross. This moving and prayerful experience features powerful shadow scenes accompanied by narration for each station. I’m especially grateful to Mrs. Louise Hebert and Mrs. Mary Cardoza for their generous leadership in making this beautiful tradition possible.
On the Bulletin Cover this weekend...
Blessed Lindalva Justo de Oliveira (20 October 1953 - 9 April 1993)
Feast day: April 9th
Feast day: April 9th
Beatified in 2007
A Brazilian nun whose unwavering dedication to serving the elderly and courageous defense of her chastity led to her martyrdom in 1993.
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 - Next Saturday April 12th
Image from National Catholic Register
Our parish will again be participating in the 40 Days for Life campaign along with St. Julie's Parish 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.
Our parish will again be participating in the 40 Days for Life campaign along with St. Julie's Parish 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.
This weekend we veil the statues for Passiontide. Learn more below!
Protecting the Eucharist
You may have seen news coverage last week of a disturbing event in Kansas, where a satanic group held a “black Mass” inside the state capitol building. The group initially claimed they had stolen a consecrated host, though they later walked back that claim in court. Still, the situation is a sobering reminder that there are those in the world who seek to harm or desecrate the Eucharist.
Click here to watch the EWTN news video.
This is why, here at St. Francis Xavier, our altar boys are also trained to serve as “watchers” during the distribution of Holy Communion. They discreetly keep watch for anyone who does not consume the Blessed Sacrament and are prepared to either notify the priest or respectfully ask the individual to consume or return the host.
If you ever see someone walk away with the host at Mass, please notify the priest immediately. Or, if you feel comfortable, kindly speak to the person yourself. Thank you for helping us protect the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
Click here to watch the EWTN news video.
This is why, here at St. Francis Xavier, our altar boys are also trained to serve as “watchers” during the distribution of Holy Communion. They discreetly keep watch for anyone who does not consume the Blessed Sacrament and are prepared to either notify the priest or respectfully ask the individual to consume or return the host.
If you ever see someone walk away with the host at Mass, please notify the priest immediately. Or, if you feel comfortable, kindly speak to the person yourself. Thank you for helping us protect the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
High School Youth Group Recap
We had a great night at high school youth group this past Sunday, with about 15 teens from SFX and surrounding parishes joining us! Jay Hamel gave an awesome talk on the revelations of Divine Mercy, the Feast of Mercy celebrated the Sunday after Easter, and some of the powerful miracles connected to this beautiful devotion.
Click here to learn more about Divine Mercy.
Click here to learn more about Divine Mercy.
Congratulations to the SFX girls CYO - 2025 Champs!
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!
Parish Spring Clean up
We’re also incredibly grateful to Oliveira Brothers Materials of East Freetown for generously donating all the mulch for the property!
This effort was coordinated by The Castello Group, who donated last year. We’re grateful for their continued support in caring for our parish grounds.
New Hymn Board in the Church
You may notice a new (to us) hymn board now hanging near the sanctuary. This will display the numbers of the hymns. Many thanks to Jono Babbitt, our organist at the 4 PM and 10:30 AM Masses, for getting it securely installed.
Invitation from Bishop da Cunha to the Chrism Mass on Tuesday April 15th
St. Anthony's Passion Play at Brooklawn Park - Sunday April 13th
On Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 2pm in Brooklawn Park, come enter in to the Passion of Our Lord.
A Living Stations of the Cross will be presented by members of both St. Anthony of Padua Church in New Bedford and the Immaculate Conception Church. This Palm Sunday reenactment depicts the way of the cross, the suffering and death of Jesus Christ.
The actors will begin the presentation on the steps of St. Joseph’s church plaza, across from the park on Acushnet Ave. From there, the Way continues into the park, with those in attendance following the progress of the Way through the 14 Stations of the Cross.
A Living Stations of the Cross will be presented by members of both St. Anthony of Padua Church in New Bedford and the Immaculate Conception Church. This Palm Sunday reenactment depicts the way of the cross, the suffering and death of Jesus Christ.
The actors will begin the presentation on the steps of St. Joseph’s church plaza, across from the park on Acushnet Ave. From there, the Way continues into the park, with those in attendance following the progress of the Way through the 14 Stations of the Cross.
Our Lady of Purgatory Church is once again sponsoring its Annual Palm Sunday Bake Sale on Saturday, April 12, 2025 and Sunday April 13, 2025 after the Palm Sunday weekend liturgies. This is a great opportunity to purchase some tasty freshly baked Lebanese and American Pastries for your Holiday Family Celebrations. The Bake Sale will take place in the OLOP Parish Center, 4254 Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford, MA 02745.
Day Retreat in Lakeville
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.