Last Weekend in the Church • Thank God for AC • Plans Ahead!
This weekend is our last set of Masses in the church before renovations begin and I just want to say thank you. I began working on this project three years ago this spring, and I’m so grateful that we’ve finally made it to this moment. Your prayers, enthusiasm, and generosity have brought us here.
We start next weekend (June 15–16) in the school gym, where we’ll hold all weekend Masses for the summer. I hope you’ll join us! There will be coffee and donuts on the blacktop after Masses, and kids are welcome to enjoy the jungle gym nearby.
A few quick updates and reminders:
- Yes, for the summer, the gym will have air conditioning! We’ve worked hard to ensure it’ll be a comfortable worship space, thanks be to God (and a couple very helpful parishioners).
- Thank you to everyone who has donated to the renovation campaign. As I mentioned a few weeks ago, we’ve slightly exceeded our $300,000 pledge goal, and about 80% of pledges have already been paid-- a tremendous show of support.
- The campaign continues into October. Please keep up with your pledges as you’re able. Every dollar beyond our goal helps reduce the amount we need to take from parish savings.
- Our parish depends on the weekly collection to operate. Even during renovation, we rely on your support. If you haven’t already, this is a great time to set up recurring online giving:
Weekday Masses (June 9–13) will be held downstairs in the Parish Hospitality Room, and I’ll be sharing photo updates throughout the summer here by Flocknote.
SFX School Graduation this Sunday at 2pm
Join us this Sunday, June 9, at 2:00pm in the church for our School Baccalaureate Mass, followed immediately by the Commencement Ceremony. All are welcome to attend the Mass as we give thanks for our 18 graduating students and send them off with our prayers and blessings.
Congratulations to these young men and women as they begin a new chapter! Thank you to their parents for the many sacrifices made to provide them with a Catholic education. A special word of thanks to Mrs. Shaughnessy and Mrs. Rogers, who have worked tirelessly to make this a joyful and meaningful send off. Your dedication to our students is a true gift!
Congratulations to these young men and women as they begin a new chapter! Thank you to their parents for the many sacrifices made to provide them with a Catholic education. A special word of thanks to Mrs. Shaughnessy and Mrs. Rogers, who have worked tirelessly to make this a joyful and meaningful send off. Your dedication to our students is a true gift!
Help Needed: Church Move-Out This Sunday at 4:00pm
We need your help this Sunday, June 8th at 4:00pm (right after the school graduation) as we begin clearing out the church for renovation. Everything from the sanctuary and walls will need to be moved either into storage or down to the school gym for our summer Masses.
Whether you’ve signed up or not, all are welcome to come lend a hand!
What to bring:
Whether you’ve signed up or not, all are welcome to come lend a hand!
What to bring:
- A laundry basket to help carry missalettes and pew cards
- A Phillips head screwdriver: we’re hoping to loosen every screw fastening the pews to the floor so they can be moved more quickly
Even if you can only stay a little while, your help will make a big difference. Thank you!
I’ve put together a detailed move-out plan to help us stay organized:
Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll Drive @ SFX This Weekend
This weekend, our local Knights of Columbus from Fairhaven will be at the doors after Mass collecting donations for their annual Tootsie Roll Drive. Donations support programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For every gift, you’ll receive a piece of candy as a small thank-you. Thank you for your generosity!
Welcome Seminarian Evan Mello!
I’m very happy to share that our parish will be hosting one of our diocesan seminarians for the summer. Evan Mello will be with us throughout June and July.
Evan is actually a familiar face. He spent time at SFX last August before beginning his first year of seminary, and he returned in February for a brief pastoral assignment in the area. He has just completed his first of about seven years of formation at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD.
Evan is originally from North Attleborough, where his home parish is Transfiguration of the Lord. During his time with us, he’ll be assisting at Mass, shadowing me in parish duties, and serving part time at Sacred Heart Nursing Home in New Bedford.
Please join me in giving Evan a warm welcome back to St. Francis Xavier!
Evan is actually a familiar face. He spent time at SFX last August before beginning his first year of seminary, and he returned in February for a brief pastoral assignment in the area. He has just completed his first of about seven years of formation at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD.
Evan is originally from North Attleborough, where his home parish is Transfiguration of the Lord. During his time with us, he’ll be assisting at Mass, shadowing me in parish duties, and serving part time at Sacred Heart Nursing Home in New Bedford.
Please join me in giving Evan a warm welcome back to St. Francis Xavier!
Huge News: SFX Parishioner Accepted as Seminarian for the Diocese!
I’m overjoyed to share that Noah Pollard, a young man from our very own parish, has been accepted by Bishop da Cunha to begin priestly formation for the Diocese of Fall River!
Noah is the son of Kevin Kowzic and Bethany Pollard-Kowzic. He grew up here in New Bedford and has been attending St. Francis Xavier for several years, attending with his family at the 8:00am Mass on Sundays. His mother, Bethany, serves our parish generously through the Millions of Monicas apostolate and the Elijah Cup prayer ministry.
This August, Noah will begin his formation at Our Lady of Providence Seminary in Rhode Island, where he will take classes first at Rhode Island College, then at Providence College. Fr. Steve Booth, Lucas DaCosta, and I also attended OLP.
We are so proud of Noah and excited for this next step. He’ll begin assisting at some of our weekend Masses this summer alongside Evan Mello. Please join me in congratulating him and keeping him in your prayers!
Noah is the son of Kevin Kowzic and Bethany Pollard-Kowzic. He grew up here in New Bedford and has been attending St. Francis Xavier for several years, attending with his family at the 8:00am Mass on Sundays. His mother, Bethany, serves our parish generously through the Millions of Monicas apostolate and the Elijah Cup prayer ministry.
This August, Noah will begin his formation at Our Lady of Providence Seminary in Rhode Island, where he will take classes first at Rhode Island College, then at Providence College. Fr. Steve Booth, Lucas DaCosta, and I also attended OLP.
We are so proud of Noah and excited for this next step. He’ll begin assisting at some of our weekend Masses this summer alongside Evan Mello. Please join me in congratulating him and keeping him in your prayers!
Sign up Now! Training for New & Returning Altar Boys and Sacristans
Image: ABBC 2024
Altar Boy Boot Camp will take place July 1–3, 2025, for boys entering grades 3–12 who have received First Communion and whose families regularly attend Mass at St. Francis Xavier. This fun and faith-filled week includes training, prayer, and a field trip. If your son is interested in serving at the altar, please contact me to sign up!
Image: Sacristan Day 2024
Sacristan Training for Girls will be held in July (exact date TBD) for girls entering grades 3–12 who have received First Communion and regularly attend Mass at SFX. Sacristans help prepare the altar and sacred vessels for Mass, a beautiful and reverent way to serve the Church. If your daughter is interested in serving as a sacristan, please contact me to sign up!
In your kindness, please pray for the repose of the souls of the following individuals:
Paul G. “Bobby” Penha, 90 of New Bedford, passed away peacefully on Sunday June 1, 2025, in Saint Luke’s Hospital. He was the beloved husband of 40 years to Marianna (Fortes) Penha. He was a long time parishioner of St. Francis Xavier. He and Marianna have been active in Music Ministry for many years, serving in the choir at St. Theresa's and as cantors at St. Julie Billiart Church in Dartmouth for 13 years. His Funeral Mass was celebrated here at SFX this morning, Friday, June 6th. Click here for his obituary.
Janice Pimental, 85, of Acushnet, long time parishioner of St. Francis Xavier and weekly attendant at the 4:00pm Saturday Mass, 85, passed away Wednesday June 4, 2025. She was the loving wife of the late Ronald V. Pimental; they had been married for 55 years.
Paul G. “Bobby” Penha, 90 of New Bedford, passed away peacefully on Sunday June 1, 2025, in Saint Luke’s Hospital. He was the beloved husband of 40 years to Marianna (Fortes) Penha. He was a long time parishioner of St. Francis Xavier. He and Marianna have been active in Music Ministry for many years, serving in the choir at St. Theresa's and as cantors at St. Julie Billiart Church in Dartmouth for 13 years. His Funeral Mass was celebrated here at SFX this morning, Friday, June 6th. Click here for his obituary.
Janice Pimental, 85, of Acushnet, long time parishioner of St. Francis Xavier and weekly attendant at the 4:00pm Saturday Mass, 85, passed away Wednesday June 4, 2025. She was the loving wife of the late Ronald V. Pimental; they had been married for 55 years.
Since SFX church will be under construction, I am celebrating her funeral Mass on Tuesday June 10th at 10 AM at St. Mary’s Church, Fairhaven. Burial will follow in Acushnet Cemetery. Visiting hours are omitted. Click here for her obituary.
Youth Group Meetings Last Week
Last week, both the school’s Campus Ministry Club and our High School Youth Group gathered for great sessions led by Jay Hamel. Jay gave a powerful talk on Our Lady of Guadalupe, sharing the historical context of the pagan and demonic practices present in the Americas at the time of European arrival, and how Our Lady’s miraculous apparition led to mass conversions to the Catholic faith.
He also shared scientific discoveries about the image on St. Juan Diego’s tilma, along with stories of recent miracles associated with Our Lady of Guadalupe.
He also shared scientific discoveries about the image on St. Juan Diego’s tilma, along with stories of recent miracles associated with Our Lady of Guadalupe.
They ended with games of giant volleyball!
Thanks to Jay and to all who participated!
Thanks to Jay and to all who participated!
Looking for deeper insight into this weekend’s readings? Check out this reflection from my favorite biblical scholar, Dr. John Bergsma
Adorers Needed!!
We are in need of adorers for the following hours:
- Wednesdays 4:30 PM-5:30 PM
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.
Parishioner Spotlight: Thank You, Phil Martin!
Our local Catholic high school, Bishop Stang, today shared a great spotlight video featuring Phil Martin, a longtime Theology teacher, department chair, and dedicated parishioner here at SFX.
Phil serves as our Director of Religious Education. He and his wife Colleen are deeply involved in the life of the Church and are raising their seven children in the faith, four of whom you’ve probably seen serving together at the 4:00pm Saturday Mass.
Please join me in thanking Phil for all he does for our parish and Catholic education in our region. We are so grateful for his witness, leadership, and example!
Phil serves as our Director of Religious Education. He and his wife Colleen are deeply involved in the life of the Church and are raising their seven children in the faith, four of whom you’ve probably seen serving together at the 4:00pm Saturday Mass.
Please join me in thanking Phil for all he does for our parish and Catholic education in our region. We are so grateful for his witness, leadership, and example!
Rosary Party This Sunday!
Parish Movie Night Next Saturday June 14th
To mark the final week of reading 33 Days to Eucharistic Glory, we’ll be hosting a special screening of the new documentary Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist (2024).
The movie will be shown Saturday evening, June 14th after the 4:00pm Mass, in the school gym (our first weekend holding Masses there while the church is under renovation). We’ll have pizza and snacks, and a free-will offering can be made if you’d like to contribute. If you’re able, we’d love for you to bring a dessert to share!
Please RSVP at the link so we can plan for food:
The movie will be shown Saturday evening, June 14th after the 4:00pm Mass, in the school gym (our first weekend holding Masses there while the church is under renovation). We’ll have pizza and snacks, and a free-will offering can be made if you’d like to contribute. If you’re able, we’d love for you to bring a dessert to share!
Please RSVP at the link so we can plan for food:
On the Bulletin Cover this weekend...
Blessed Edward Poppe (18 December 1890 – 10 June 1924)
Feast day: June 10th
Beatified in 1999
Though he died at just 33, Blessed Edward Poppe left a profound mark on the Church in Belgium through his Eucharistic devotion, tireless care for the poor, and spiritual writings composed while bedridden.
Feast day: June 10th
Beatified in 1999
Though he died at just 33, Blessed Edward Poppe left a profound mark on the Church in Belgium through his Eucharistic devotion, tireless care for the poor, and spiritual writings composed while bedridden.
Baptism Congratulations to Rosie Dandurand! June 1, 2025
2025 Catholic Appeal
May 1 - June 30
Thank you to all who have contributed to this year’s Catholic Appeal. As of this week, parishioners from SFX have pledged $12,010.00 to support the pastoral ministries of our diocese.
If you haven’t yet had a chance to give, there’s still time. You can donate online or pick up an envelope in the entryway.
If you haven’t yet had a chance to give, there’s still time. You can donate online or pick up an envelope in the entryway.
Local Pro- Life Standout
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.