PALM SUNDAY
This Sunday is Palm Sunday, and we will follow our usual weekend Mass schedule. Palms will be available at the doors as you arrive. They will be blessed at the beginning of Mass, and you are welcome to take them home as a remembrance of the start of Holy Week.
HOLY WEEK 2025
Holy Week is this coming week! Read below for the schedule here at SFX. I encourage you to participate as much as you are able.
Holy Thursday
9:00am Divine Office
7:00pm Mass of the Lord's Supper with washing of the feet
Following the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, the Blessed Sacrament will be transferred to the Altar of Repose in the Sacred Hearts chapel. The church will remain open for quiet prayer from 8:30–11:00pm. All are invited to spend time with the Lord in this solemn vigil, recalling His agony in the garden.
*Please note there will be no Adoration from 9:00am onward on Holy Thursday so that the church may be prepared for the Triduum. Adoration will resume on Monday after the 9am Mass.
*Please note that we’ll be taking a break from the organized bus tour for the Seven Church devotion this year. However, I encourage you to consider making the visits on your own as a beautiful Holy Thursday tradition.
Good Friday
9:00am Divine Office
3:00pm Celebration of the Lord's Passion
5:30 – 6:30pm Confessions
7:00pm Stations of the Cross
The Divine Mercy Novena begins today! Copies will be available at church. Or click here to read more about it and access the prayers for the 9 days.
Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday
April 19 Holy Saturday
9:00am Divine Office
9:30 – 10am Confessions
3:00 – 4:00pm Confessions
7:30pm Solemn Easter Vigil
*This year at the Easter Vigil, we are blessed to welcome four men into the Church—three catechumens who will be baptized and one candidate who will be received into full communion. All are welcome to attend this beautiful liturgy. Please keep these men in your prayers as they prepare to receive the Sacraments of Initiation!
April 20 Easter Sunday
8:00am Mass
10:30am Mass
Capital Campaign & Church Renovation Update
I’m overjoyed to share that, thanks to your generosity, we have officially surpassed our fundraising goal—with over $300,000 in pledges for our renovation campaign! This is a tremendous achievement and a testament to your love for our parish and your desire to see St. Francis Xavier shine as we approach our 100th anniversary on September 13, 2025.
In December, I submitted all necessary documentation to the bishop for final approval. Shortly afterward, I was informed that a new diocesan commission would be reviewing all church renovations going forward. That committee visited SFX at the end of February, and I had the opportunity to give a full presentation on the scope of our project and our hopes for the 100th.
The committee offered thoughtful feedback, which was then shared with the bishop. I met with Bishop da Cunha last week to review their recommendations, and I’m happy to report that the bishop has approved nearly every element of our renovation plan as presented in September, including the bathroom in the narthex and the painting of the church's ceiling.
One change worth noting: while I strongly advocated for it, the bishop and committee have recommended not including a mural on the upper back wall of the sanctuary. They felt that a printed mural could appear too busy and might draw attention away from the beautiful altars being installed. Instead, the bishop has chosen the second option of a simple yet elegant stenciled design, which I believe will still enhance the space beautifully. (See rendering below) In hindsight, this may be for the best, as our contractor had never installed a printed mural at that scale before. We can always revisit the idea of a mural in the future.
In December, I submitted all necessary documentation to the bishop for final approval. Shortly afterward, I was informed that a new diocesan commission would be reviewing all church renovations going forward. That committee visited SFX at the end of February, and I had the opportunity to give a full presentation on the scope of our project and our hopes for the 100th.
The committee offered thoughtful feedback, which was then shared with the bishop. I met with Bishop da Cunha last week to review their recommendations, and I’m happy to report that the bishop has approved nearly every element of our renovation plan as presented in September, including the bathroom in the narthex and the painting of the church's ceiling.
One change worth noting: while I strongly advocated for it, the bishop and committee have recommended not including a mural on the upper back wall of the sanctuary. They felt that a printed mural could appear too busy and might draw attention away from the beautiful altars being installed. Instead, the bishop has chosen the second option of a simple yet elegant stenciled design, which I believe will still enhance the space beautifully. (See rendering below) In hindsight, this may be for the best, as our contractor had never installed a printed mural at that scale before. We can always revisit the idea of a mural in the future.
I am now working with the contractor to finalize permits and detailed planning. Construction is expected to begin in mid-June, once school graduation events have wrapped up, and will continue through the summer.
During the renovation, Masses will likely continue on the same schedule but will be held in the school gymnasium. Mary Cardoza and I are also working on a plan for Adoration to continue, likely in a space within the church that is away from the construction zone.
Most importantly, mark your calendars: we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the dedication of our church on Saturday, September 13th. Bishop da Cunha has accepted my invitation to celebrate the 4:00pm Mass with us that day, and I hope to host a reception afterward in the school gym. All are welcome!
Thank you again for your continued generosity. As a reminder, the pledge campaign runs through October 2025, and we will continue to hold a monthly offertory collection for the campaign. Contributions of any size are always welcome and help us minimize the use of parish savings as we bring this project to completion.
During the renovation, Masses will likely continue on the same schedule but will be held in the school gymnasium. Mary Cardoza and I are also working on a plan for Adoration to continue, likely in a space within the church that is away from the construction zone.
Most importantly, mark your calendars: we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the dedication of our church on Saturday, September 13th. Bishop da Cunha has accepted my invitation to celebrate the 4:00pm Mass with us that day, and I hope to host a reception afterward in the school gym. All are welcome!
Thank you again for your continued generosity. As a reminder, the pledge campaign runs through October 2025, and we will continue to hold a monthly offertory collection for the campaign. Contributions of any size are always welcome and help us minimize the use of parish savings as we bring this project to completion.
Thank you, Sr. Therese!
Sister Therese gave a beautiful and hope-filled reflection on Mary last night for the fourth and final night of our Lenten Mission. Her words were a gift to us all. Several of you shared how much you enjoyed the four-week format this year—thank you! And a big thank you to everyone who came out to the mission nights.
If you weren’t able to join us, you can listen to the recording here.
If you weren’t able to join us, you can listen to the recording here.
Living Stations - Tonight Friday April 11 at 7pm
Tonight, 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.
40 Days for Life - Tomorrow 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 tomorrow 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 tomorrow 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.
Tenebrae Liturgy - Wednesday at 7:30pm
Join us this Wednesday evening, April 16th, at 7:30pm for our annual Tenebrae Liturgy for Holy Week!
Thank you for supporting our teens!!
A huge thank you to everyone who donated last weekend to support our teens attending the Steubenville Youth Conference in Ohio this June. Thanks to your generosity, we raised nearly $3,000! This is a major help to our kids and their families. Thank you! If you’d still like to contribute, feel free to hand me any donations after Mass or drop them off at the parish office during the week.
Congratulations to our Confirmandi!
This past Saturday at the 4:00pm Mass, 25 of our young men and women received the Sacrament of Confirmation. It was a beautiful celebration of their “yes” to the gifts of the Holy Spirit and their commitment to live as disciples of Christ. Please keep them in your prayers! Special thanks to Phil Martin, DRE, their catechists Louise Hebert and Bob Mullin, and the musicians Jono Babbitt and Allison Messier. Allison beautifully sang Veni Creator Spiritus as the students came forward and were anointed. So prayerful and reverent!
Parish Pastoral Council Meeting This Monday
The next meeting of the Parish Pastoral Council will take place this Monday, April 14th. If there’s something you’d like the council to consider, I encourage you to either email me or speak with one of our members: Robin Bachstein, Mary Cardoza, Holly Clavell (chair), Mario Correia, Marisa Hamel, Jay Hamel, Mary Hadley, Kevin Kowzic, Phil Martin (DRE), Bethany Pollard-Kowzic, Dc. David Pepin, Amy Plante, Haley Rogers (principal), John Teixeira, or Ann Wynn.
In your kindness, please pray for the repose of the souls of the following individuals:
Raymond R. Almeida, 82, of Fairhaven passed away Saturday, March 15, 2025 at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford. He was the father of SFX parishioner, Rachel Almeida. His funeral was held at SFX on Monday, April 7th. Click here to read his obituary.
Raymond R. Almeida, 82, of Fairhaven passed away Saturday, March 15, 2025 at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford. He was the father of SFX parishioner, Rachel Almeida. His funeral was held at SFX on Monday, April 7th. Click here to read his obituary.
On the Bulletin Cover this weekend...
Saint Bernadette Soubirous (7 January 1844 – 16 April 1879)
Feast day: April 16th
Beatified in 1933
In 1858, a humble 14-year-old girl from Lourdes, France, reported experiencing a series of visions that would captivate the world and lead to the establishment of one of the most renowned pilgrimage sites in history.
Looking for deeper insight into this weekend’s readings? Check out this reflection from my favorite biblical scholar, Dr. John Bergsma
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.
God Bless the Romeiros!
This past week, you may have seen a group of men walking in our area, praying and singing. These are the Romeiros, participants in a centuries-old Lenten pilgrimage tradition from São Miguel in the Azores. The tradition dates back to 1522, when a devastating earthquake struck the island. In response, groups of men began walking from village to village during Lent, praying the rosary and visiting churches as an act of penance and devotion. Today, this tradition continues both in the Azores and in our local Portuguese-American communities.
I am proud to share that one of our own parishioners, Derek Arruda, organizes and leads this pilgrimage here in our area. His dedication helps keep this beautiful tradition alive in our community. Way to go, Derek!
I am proud to share that one of our own parishioners, Derek Arruda, organizes and leads this pilgrimage here in our area. His dedication helps keep this beautiful tradition alive in our community. Way to go, Derek!
SFX on the Diocesan TV Mass
This Sunday, April 13, at 11am the Diocesan TV Mass airing on ABC Channel 6 will feature our very own St. Francis Xavier School students and me! The Mass was filmed last week right here at SFX and was a wonderful opportunity for our students to take part in this ministry to the sick and homebound in our diocese. You can find the recording here on the Diocesan website. I especially encourage you to listen to our school’s Sacred Music Choir sing Ave Verum during Communion (around the 26:00 mark).
Monday Evening Prayer & Benediction Update
After some thought, I’ve decided to conclude our Monday Evening Prayer and Benediction gatherings, beginning last Monday, April 7th. While I’m grateful to those who would join us, attendance has been low for some time. Thank you for your understanding.
Thank you to the Veiling Crew!
A heartfelt thank you to Louise Hebert, Janice Moraux, Louise Desroches, and Katie, Jaxson, and Hudson Trahan for generously giving their time last Saturday to help veil all the statues in the church. I am grateful for your help with this tradition.
Men, RSVP for Meat & Greet!
From Jay Hamel: Men, Meat n Greet is a little over 3 weeks away on Saturday May 3 and we need to start getting a head count for ordering food. Barbecue, 50 lbs of bacon, catapults, cannons, paint ball guns, and throwing axes! Just click the link below and register so we can count you. You don’t pay online, you pay at the door. Thanks!
Click here to register.
Click here to register.
Diocese Priest Transfers Announced Last Weekend
I wanted to share with you the transfers announced last weekend around the Diocese. Please keep the following priests and parishes in your prayers as these transitions take place this summer!
His Excellency, the Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D., Bishop of Fall River, has made the following appointments:
Reverend John P. Garabedian, Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Our Lady Queen Martyrs Parishes in Seekonk, while remaining Associate Director of Vocations
Reverend Marek Chmurski, from Parochial Administrator at Saint Anthony-Saint Rita Parish in Mattapoisett, to Parochial Vicar at Christ the King Parish in Mashpee
His Excellency, the Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D., Bishop of Fall River, has made the following appointments:
Reverend John P. Garabedian, Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Our Lady Queen Martyrs Parishes in Seekonk, while remaining Associate Director of Vocations
Reverend Marek Chmurski, from Parochial Administrator at Saint Anthony-Saint Rita Parish in Mattapoisett, to Parochial Vicar at Christ the King Parish in Mashpee
Reverend Paul C. Fedak, from Pastor of Good Shepherd Parish in Martha’s Vineyard to Pastor of Saint Anthony-Saint Rita Parish in Mattapoisett.
Reverend Christopher D. Hughes, from Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Victory Parish in Centerville and Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Osterville, to Parochial Administrator of both.
Reverend Joseph Pasala, from Parochial Administrator at Saint Mary Parish in Norton, to Pastor of Good Shepherd Parish on Martha’s Vineyard,
Reverend William M. Rodrigues, from Chaplain at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, to Pastor of Saint Anthony and Saint Jude the Apostle Parishes in Taunton
Reverend Christopher Stanibula, from Parochial Administrator at Saint Anthony, Saint Jude the Apostle and Saint Mary Parishes in Taunton, to Pastor of Saint Mary Parish in Norton
Reverend Gregory A. Mathias, from Pastor of Our Lady of Victory Parish in Centerville and Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Osterville, to Pastor of Saint Mary Parish in Mansfield
Reverend Michael A. Ciryak, from Parochial Vicar at Saint John Neumann Parish in East Freetown, to Parochial Vicar at the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption in Fall River
Reverend Kevin A. Cook, from Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parishes in Seekonk, to Pastor of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Saint Lawrence Martyr Parishes in New Bedford.
Reverend Juan Carlos Munoz-Montoya, from Parochial Vicar at the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption in Fall River, to Chaplain at Saint Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford
Reverend Daniel M. Nunes, from Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in New Bedford and Chaplain at Saint Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, to Chaplain at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River.
Reverend Gregory K. Quenneville, Parochial Administrator of Saint Thersa of the Child Jesus Parish in South Attleboro, to Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
and Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parishes in Seekonk
Reverend William M. Rodrigues, from Chaplain at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, to Pastor of Saint Anthony and Saint Jude the Apostle Parishes in Taunton
Reverend Christopher Stanibula, from Parochial Administrator at Saint Anthony, Saint Jude the Apostle and Saint Mary Parishes in Taunton, to Pastor of Saint Mary Parish in Norton
Reverend Gregory A. Mathias, from Pastor of Our Lady of Victory Parish in Centerville and Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Osterville, to Pastor of Saint Mary Parish in Mansfield
Reverend Michael A. Ciryak, from Parochial Vicar at Saint John Neumann Parish in East Freetown, to Parochial Vicar at the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption in Fall River
Reverend Kevin A. Cook, from Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parishes in Seekonk, to Pastor of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Saint Lawrence Martyr Parishes in New Bedford.
Reverend Juan Carlos Munoz-Montoya, from Parochial Vicar at the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption in Fall River, to Chaplain at Saint Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford
Reverend Daniel M. Nunes, from Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in New Bedford and Chaplain at Saint Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, to Chaplain at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River.
Reverend Gregory K. Quenneville, Parochial Administrator of Saint Thersa of the Child Jesus Parish in South Attleboro, to Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
and Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parishes in Seekonk
Reverend Michael Racine, from Pastor of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Saint Lawrence Martyr Parishes in New Bedford and Parochial Administrator of Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in New Bedford, to Pastor of Saint Bernard Parish in Assonet and Saint John Neumann Parish in East Freetown, with residence at Saint Bernard rectory
Msgr. O'Connor Health Updates
Update from March 25th: I wanted to give you an update about my health situation. I am writing this on Tuesday due the bulletin deadline. Last week I finished my IV course of antibiotic (Vancomycin) and had the PICC removed. But now I have to take an oral antibiotic (Bactrim) for one month. CT scan revealed healing in the lungs and this new course of antibiotics is to make sure everything (bacteremia) is cleared up. I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow to get a more accurate opinion of where we stand. The new medication seems to have some side effects (nausea and sleeplessness) and I will talk to the doctor about that.
The good news is that I am getting stronger and I have been getting out each day for a walk and over the weeks the walk has become longer and the need for a break has been overcome!
I hope to start celebrating public Masses in the Cathedral this weekend... I realize that I should not rush my recovery and risk a setback, but I feel that it is time to get back at it. I may not be able to do full days but I should be able to do the most important thing which is to celebrate Holy Mass for my parish.
Finally I cannot thank you all enough for your prayerful support during this time. It has been a huge comfort to know that you are praying for me. Thank you for the many, notes emails, texts which I received in the last few weeks.
Update from April 1st: It is great to be back at the Cathedral albeit on a reduced schedule. I have a couple more weeks of medication and then hopefully my path to full recovery will start. Again, I cannot thank everyone enough for the prayerful support you have given me in these last few weeks.
New Christian Movie in Theaters
A new animated Christian film, The King of Kings, opens in theaters this weekend in time for Holy Week. Here is the description:
A father tells his son the greatest story ever told, and what begins as a bedtime tale becomes a life-changing journey. Through vivid imagination, the boy walks alongside Jesus, witnessing His miracles, facing His trials, and understanding His ultimate sacrifice. The King of Kings invites us to rediscover the enduring power of hope, love, and redemption through the eyes of a child.
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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