Habamus Papam!
We have a Pope!
What a whirlwind the last 24 hours have been! I hope you were able to watch the coverage live. I was watching on EWTN, and it was a joy to see Fr. (now Msgr.) Roger Landry, former pastor of St. Anthony’s in New Bedford and longtime friend of SFX, as one of the commentators.
I’m excited for the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope. Like many of you, I had never heard of Cardinal Prevost before yesterday, but he seems to be a very experienced and down to earth shepherd. I have heard a number of good things about him. I read his first homily this morning, and was very impressed.
I’m excited for the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope. Like many of you, I had never heard of Cardinal Prevost before yesterday, but he seems to be a very experienced and down to earth shepherd. I have heard a number of good things about him. I read his first homily this morning, and was very impressed.
Let us commit to praying for the new Holy Father daily. I once heard a story about an African bishop who had the chance to meet Pope Pius XII around 1950. The bishop asked, “Your Holiness, do you sleep well at night?” Pius replied, “Yes, I do. But why do you ask?”
The bishop answered, “When I was little, we had someone at home who taught us to say a Hail Mary every night so that the pope in Rome could sleep peacefully despite his many concerns. I’ve prayed it every night since. And I was curious to know if it worked.”
Don’t underestimate what a single Hail Mary, said with faith, can do. It’s an easy resolution to make: promise yourself to say one Hail Mary today, especially tonight, so that our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, may sleep in peace, even as the weight of the Church rests on his shoulders.
Pray that he may be a shepherd after the heart of Jesus Christ. Perhaps you can pray a decade or even a full Rosary for our new pope. What matters most is that we, as sons and daughters of the Church, pray for Peter.
The bishop answered, “When I was little, we had someone at home who taught us to say a Hail Mary every night so that the pope in Rome could sleep peacefully despite his many concerns. I’ve prayed it every night since. And I was curious to know if it worked.”
Don’t underestimate what a single Hail Mary, said with faith, can do. It’s an easy resolution to make: promise yourself to say one Hail Mary today, especially tonight, so that our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, may sleep in peace, even as the weight of the Church rests on his shoulders.
Pray that he may be a shepherd after the heart of Jesus Christ. Perhaps you can pray a decade or even a full Rosary for our new pope. What matters most is that we, as sons and daughters of the Church, pray for Peter.
Image: SFX school students watching Pope Leo's election
Good Shepherd Sunday
Image: Jesus as the Good Shepherd, mosaic, 5th c. Galla Placidia Mausoleum, Ravenna, Italy.
As we give thanks to God and pray for our new Holy Father, we fittingly celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday this weekend, the Fourth Sunday of Easter. On this Sunday each year, the Church proclaims a Gospel passage from John 10, where Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. This image has ancient roots in both Scripture and Christian art, and the Church has long seen in it a model for pastoral ministry.
In 1965, Pope St. Paul VI also designated this Sunday as the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, urging Catholics around the world to pray for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life. You can read here Pope Francis' Message for this Sunday released in March.
This past fall, the Diocese of Fall River invited parishioners to participate in the Called by Name campaign by nominating young men in whom they recognized the qualities of a good priest or Church leader. I recently received the list of submitted names from our parish. On Holy Thursday, I personally wrote to each of them to share the news of their nomination and to encourage them in discerning God’s call for their lives.
Please keep these young men in your prayers, and pray especially for one young man from our parish who is currently applying to enter seminary for our diocese. I hope to share more news with you soon.
Every Tuesday after the 9:00am Mass, we pray for vocations using the white card in the pews. This weekend, we will offer that prayer together at the end of all the Masses.
And as we pray for more shepherds, we also give thanks for the many priests who have faithfully served us over the years: those who baptized you, gave you your first communion, or inspired your faith. We pray, too, for the repose of the souls of the many pastors who shepherded this parish across the generations.
The following list of SFX pastors was compiled by Fr. Williams:
In 1965, Pope St. Paul VI also designated this Sunday as the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, urging Catholics around the world to pray for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life. You can read here Pope Francis' Message for this Sunday released in March.
This past fall, the Diocese of Fall River invited parishioners to participate in the Called by Name campaign by nominating young men in whom they recognized the qualities of a good priest or Church leader. I recently received the list of submitted names from our parish. On Holy Thursday, I personally wrote to each of them to share the news of their nomination and to encourage them in discerning God’s call for their lives.
Please keep these young men in your prayers, and pray especially for one young man from our parish who is currently applying to enter seminary for our diocese. I hope to share more news with you soon.
Every Tuesday after the 9:00am Mass, we pray for vocations using the white card in the pews. This weekend, we will offer that prayer together at the end of all the Masses.
And as we pray for more shepherds, we also give thanks for the many priests who have faithfully served us over the years: those who baptized you, gave you your first communion, or inspired your faith. We pray, too, for the repose of the souls of the many pastors who shepherded this parish across the generations.
The following list of SFX pastors was compiled by Fr. Williams:
Rev. Seraphim Ooghe, SS.CC. 1911-1918
Rev. André Larivière, SS.CC. 1918-1920
Rev. Charles DeBaetselier, SS.CC. 1920-1922
Rev. André Larivière, SS.CC. 1922-1935
Rev. Raymond Ebbers, SS.CC. 1935-1943
Rev. George J. Weisenborn, SS.CC. 1943-1953
Rev. Alexis Wygers, SS.CC. 1953-1963
Rev. Aurele E. Pepin, SS.CC. 1963-1973
Rev. Alan Nagle 1973-1974
Rev. Benedict Folger, SS.CC. 1975-1977
Rev. Paul Price, SS.CC. 1977-1992
Rev. Thomas McElroy, SS.CC. 1993-1996
Rev. Paul Caron 1996-2000
Rev. Richard Beaulieu 2000
Rev. John M. Sullivan 2000-2001
Rev. Daniel W. Lacroix 2001-2008
Rev. Msgr. Gerard O’Connor 2008-2017
Rev. Riley Williams 2017-2021
Rev. Ryan Healy 2021-
As we remember the many pastors who have served our parish over the decades, we entrust each of them to the mercy of the Good Shepherd.
Rev. André Larivière, SS.CC. 1918-1920
Rev. Charles DeBaetselier, SS.CC. 1920-1922
Rev. André Larivière, SS.CC. 1922-1935
Rev. Raymond Ebbers, SS.CC. 1935-1943
Rev. George J. Weisenborn, SS.CC. 1943-1953
Rev. Alexis Wygers, SS.CC. 1953-1963
Rev. Aurele E. Pepin, SS.CC. 1963-1973
Rev. Alan Nagle 1973-1974
Rev. Benedict Folger, SS.CC. 1975-1977
Rev. Paul Price, SS.CC. 1977-1992
Rev. Thomas McElroy, SS.CC. 1993-1996
Rev. Paul Caron 1996-2000
Rev. Richard Beaulieu 2000
Rev. John M. Sullivan 2000-2001
Rev. Daniel W. Lacroix 2001-2008
Rev. Msgr. Gerard O’Connor 2008-2017
Rev. Riley Williams 2017-2021
Rev. Ryan Healy 2021-
As we remember the many pastors who have served our parish over the decades, we entrust each of them to the mercy of the Good Shepherd.
Big News: The Renovation Project Has Begun!
I’m very excited to share that work has officially begun on our renovation project in preparation for the 100th anniversary of our church this September!
This past Tuesday, the work crew began at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in New Bedford, dismantling the high altar and preparing everything for restoration. Each of the altars (the high altar, main altar, and two side altars) will be repainted and restored over the next couple of weeks before being transported here to SFX.
Here’s a reminder of the work being completed this summer:
This past Tuesday, the work crew began at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in New Bedford, dismantling the high altar and preparing everything for restoration. Each of the altars (the high altar, main altar, and two side altars) will be repainted and restored over the next couple of weeks before being transported here to SFX.
Here’s a reminder of the work being completed this summer:
- Installation of the matching high altar, main altar, and two side altars from OLPH (entrance to the Adoration chapel will shift to the side hallway)
- New flooring in the sanctuary
- Decorative painting and stenciling of the sanctuary walls
- Full ceiling painting in the traditional night-sky style
- Removal of aisle carpeting and restoration of the original hardwood floors in the church
- Improved lighting
- Conversion of the left-side closet in the entryway into a restroom
- Installation of a glass partition in the entryway for temperature and sound control
Important Updates for June and the Summer:
Church Closing Date: The church will close on Monday, June 9th, so work can begin here. This allows for the 8th Grade Graduation Mass to be held in the church on Sunday, June 8th. We expect the church to be closed through August, with everything completed in time for our 100th Anniversary on September 13th.
Weekend Masses: Starting June 14th–15th, all weekend Masses (Saturday 4:00pm, Sunday 8:00am & 10:30am) will be held in the school gym. While the gym doesn't have air conditioning, I’m looking forward to seeing families gather afterward by the jungle gym. I’m also hoping we can have coffee and donuts on the blacktop after Sunday Masses.
Weekday Masses (June 9–17): While school is still in session and the gym is unavailable during the day, weekday Mass will take place in the hospitality room downstairs. It has air conditioning and may be comfortable enough to continue using for weekday Masses over the summer. I’ll reevaluate after June 17th.
Adoration Chapel: Starting June 9th, the current Adoration Chapel will no longer be accessible. We plan to move Adoration temporarily to the elevator room, where it began back in 2006. We hope to maintain the same hours. More details to follow.
Funerals & Baptisms: If your family is planning a funeral or baptism this summer, we can either host it in the school gym or make arrangements with a neighboring parish.
Thank you for your generous support that has brought us to this exciting moment! I’ll continue to keep you informed as we approach the start of construction here. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Church Closing Date: The church will close on Monday, June 9th, so work can begin here. This allows for the 8th Grade Graduation Mass to be held in the church on Sunday, June 8th. We expect the church to be closed through August, with everything completed in time for our 100th Anniversary on September 13th.
Weekend Masses: Starting June 14th–15th, all weekend Masses (Saturday 4:00pm, Sunday 8:00am & 10:30am) will be held in the school gym. While the gym doesn't have air conditioning, I’m looking forward to seeing families gather afterward by the jungle gym. I’m also hoping we can have coffee and donuts on the blacktop after Sunday Masses.
Weekday Masses (June 9–17): While school is still in session and the gym is unavailable during the day, weekday Mass will take place in the hospitality room downstairs. It has air conditioning and may be comfortable enough to continue using for weekday Masses over the summer. I’ll reevaluate after June 17th.
Adoration Chapel: Starting June 9th, the current Adoration Chapel will no longer be accessible. We plan to move Adoration temporarily to the elevator room, where it began back in 2006. We hope to maintain the same hours. More details to follow.
Funerals & Baptisms: If your family is planning a funeral or baptism this summer, we can either host it in the school gym or make arrangements with a neighboring parish.
Thank you for your generous support that has brought us to this exciting moment! I’ll continue to keep you informed as we approach the start of construction here. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.
One final note: the renovation crew is based out of state and will be staying in the area Monday through Friday while the work is underway. To help keep costs down, they’ve asked if anyone might know of rental lodging options that could be available for weeknights this summer. If you have any leads or suggestions, feel free to reach out.
Happy Mother's Day!
Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers!
At the end of all Masses this weekend, I will offer a special blessing for all mothers, including grandmothers, godmothers, expectant mothers, and spiritual mothers. This includes all women who nurture, guide, and care for others with a mother’s heart.
We give thanks for your love, your sacrifices, and your witness.
At the end of all Masses this weekend, I will offer a special blessing for all mothers, including grandmothers, godmothers, expectant mothers, and spiritual mothers. This includes all women who nurture, guide, and care for others with a mother’s heart.
We give thanks for your love, your sacrifices, and your witness.
May Crownings in Honor of Our Lady
This Sunday at the 10:30am Mass, members of our First Communion class will crown the statue of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in the church.
Then on Tuesday, May 13th, the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, our school children will attend the 9:00am Mass, followed by a procession to the statue of Our Lady of Fatima in front of the school. There, our 2nd graders will honor her with a special crowning.
You are invited to join us for the 9:00am Mass or simply come for the crowning outdoors.
Then on Tuesday, May 13th, the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, our school children will attend the 9:00am Mass, followed by a procession to the statue of Our Lady of Fatima in front of the school. There, our 2nd graders will honor her with a special crowning.
You are invited to join us for the 9:00am Mass or simply come for the crowning outdoors.
Women of Grace Recap
Thank you to everyone who joined the Women of Grace this past Wednesday evening for a beautiful talk by Sister Therese Maria Toume on Our Lady. I’m told she spoke powerfully about Mary, the feminine genius, and the God-given gift of receptivity that women embody.
Thank you to Amy Plante for coordinating the event, and to the women who help lead Women of Grace each month. And thanks to Jeffrey’s Pizza for providing a great dinner!
Thank you to Amy Plante for coordinating the event, and to the women who help lead Women of Grace each month. And thanks to Jeffrey’s Pizza for providing a great dinner!
On the Bulletin Cover this weekend...
Blessed Róża Maria Czacka (22 October 1876 – 15 May 1961)
Feast day: May 15th
Beatified in 2021
A Polish noblewoman who lost her sight at 22, transformed personal tragedy into a mission of compassion by founding the Society for the Care of the Blind and developing Polish Braille, dedicating her life to uplifting the blind and visually impaired in early 20th-century Poland.
Feast day: May 15th
Beatified in 2021
A Polish noblewoman who lost her sight at 22, transformed personal tragedy into a mission of compassion by founding the Society for the Care of the Blind and developing Polish Braille, dedicating her life to uplifting the blind and visually impaired in early 20th-century Poland.
Looking for deeper insight into this weekend’s readings? Check out this reflection from my favorite biblical scholar, Dr. John Bergsma
Parish Reading of 33 Days to Eucharistic Glory
We will begin a parish-wide reading and consecration on Wednesday, May 21, which is 33 days before the Feast of Corpus Christi on June 22. More details coming soon—but in the meantime, get your book ready and spread the word!
Organ Sound Update
I shared this update before Masses last weekend, but I wanted to include it here as well. As I mentioned in a recent Flocknote, the reconnected loft speakers have changed how the organ carries through the church—making it louder than expected, especially toward the back. Since then, we’ve made careful adjustments and continue to fine-tune the sound.
It’s been a bit of a challenge to gauge how the organ carries in an empty church versus a full one, but we’ve been listening to your feedback and doing our best to voice the instrument appropriately for the space. I believe we’ve now reached a much better balance.
Because the sound now comes from the rear, the front pews are actually quieter than they were before. If you’ve noticed the difference, feel free to try sitting in a new spot to see what works best for you.
As always, I appreciate your patience and your feedback .
I am away this Wed-Fri
This Wednesday through Friday, I’ll be away on our parish bus trip to Pennsylvania to see Noah, the live production by Sight & Sound Theatres.
For those joining us on the trip, you're welcome to attend Mass with me at 6:00am on Wednesday before we depart. The bus will leave promptly at 7:00am.
For those joining us on the trip, you're welcome to attend Mass with me at 6:00am on Wednesday before we depart. The bus will leave promptly at 7:00am.
Please note the office will be closed Wednesday through Friday.
In my absence, I’m grateful to Fr. Dan Nunes for covering the 9:00am Mass on Thursday (as well as his usual Wednesday), and to Fr. Jon Paul Gallant for offering the 9:00am Mass on Friday.
In my absence, I’m grateful to Fr. Dan Nunes for covering the 9:00am Mass on Thursday (as well as his usual Wednesday), and to Fr. Jon Paul Gallant for offering the 9:00am Mass on Friday.
Adoration at School with the Sisters this past Tuesday
Still a Few Spots Left in Our Pre-K 4 Program!
2025 Catholic Appeal
May 1 - June 30
“Hope Lights the Way” - The 84th Annual Catholic Appeal began May 1. Since 1942, the Appeal has helped people in all phases of life – from children, to youth, to parents, to the elderly. Gifts to the Catholic Appeal sustain the work of our Diocese, including numerous agencies, programs, and ministries providing food and shelter, educating children and adults, and meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of thousands. We encourage you to support the Appeal as generously as you can. You can make a one-time gift or a pledge with convenient payments throughout the year. You can give by mail, use a contribution card located in church, or make your gift or pledge online at the link below.
Recording of Meat N Greet Talk
Women's Discernment Retreat with the Maronite Sisters (June 6-8)
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.