Renovation Updates – Week Nine
As you can see, the ceiling throughout the church and sanctuary is now about 90% complete and should be fully finished at the start of next week. Once that’s done, the upper painting will be completed, and all the scaffolding will come down!
In the photo of the sanctuary above, you can see the back wall stenciling is basically done, and some decorative molding has been added to frame the back wall and to separate the painted sky from the side walls.
After that, the sanctuary flooring (sample above) will be installed so that the finished altars from Our Lady of Perpetual Help can be brought over. Decorative painting throughout the church will continue, and the new wainscoting will be installed around the walls.
The final step will be refinishing the hardwood floors under the carpeting, just in time for our 100th anniversary on September 13th.
This week I also met with the contractors to discuss a special decorative detail that will be added to the arches throughout the church. I’m looking forward to sharing more once that work begins.
The final step will be refinishing the hardwood floors under the carpeting, just in time for our 100th anniversary on September 13th.
This week I also met with the contractors to discuss a special decorative detail that will be added to the arches throughout the church. I’m looking forward to sharing more once that work begins.
Thank you for your continued support, and if you'd like to contribute to the renovation, you can donate here (Select 100th Anniversary):
Preparing the Sanctuary for Our Reopening
As we approach the joyful reopening of our church, there are a few important items we need for the sanctuary so that it is ready for worship on day one. If you feel called to sponsor one of these items, it would be a lasting gift to our parish for decades to come.
Candlesticks for the Side Altars
For the first time in over 40 years, we will have two beautiful side altars in our church. Traditionally, each altar has six candlesticks used during Mass. The originals have long since disappeared, so I have searched for matching candlesticks to the set on our main altar. While new ones cost about $500 each, I was able to find gently used ones for $375 each.
For the first time in over 40 years, we will have two beautiful side altars in our church. Traditionally, each altar has six candlesticks used during Mass. The originals have long since disappeared, so I have searched for matching candlesticks to the set on our main altar. While new ones cost about $500 each, I was able to find gently used ones for $375 each.
Cost to sponsor all six candlesticks for one side altar: $2,250 (two sets needed).
We do not need candlesticks for the high altar. Back in 2022, I was able to save the stunning candlesticks from the high altar at Our Lady of Perpetual Help. (You can see them in the above pictures on the altar in the gym in order to see the scale - they won't be going on main altar!) They are in excellent condition and will soon shine again in our sanctuary.
Refillable Oil Candles
For over a decade, we have used a refillable candle system, which looks beautiful, is easier for our sacristans to care for, and saves money over time. These new candles will be used in the candlesticks for the high altar and the side altars.
Set of 6 for one side altar: $1,200 (two sets needed)
Set of 6 for the high altar: $1,750
These are a one-time investment that will serve our parish for decades, just as the set Monsignor O’Connor purchased for the main altar over 10 years ago is still in use today.
For over a decade, we have used a refillable candle system, which looks beautiful, is easier for our sacristans to care for, and saves money over time. These new candles will be used in the candlesticks for the high altar and the side altars.
Set of 6 for one side altar: $1,200 (two sets needed)
Set of 6 for the high altar: $1,750
These are a one-time investment that will serve our parish for decades, just as the set Monsignor O’Connor purchased for the main altar over 10 years ago is still in use today.
Altar Cloth for the Main Altar
A new altar cloth for the main altar will cost $650.
If you would like to sponsor any of these items, please contact me directly (rjh@sfxparish.com). Your generosity will help prepare our sanctuary to welcome Our Lord in the Eucharist for many years to come.
A new altar cloth for the main altar will cost $650.
If you would like to sponsor any of these items, please contact me directly (rjh@sfxparish.com). Your generosity will help prepare our sanctuary to welcome Our Lord in the Eucharist for many years to come.
InVocation Weekend August 9/10
This weekend is the first ever "InVocation Weekend" throughout the Diocese of Fall River which is a special time to focus on fostering vocations to the priesthood.
We are blessed that one of our own parishioners, Noah Pollard, will be entering his first year of formation this fall at Our Lady of Providence College Seminary in Providence, RI. Noah will be speaking at all Masses this weekend about his journey and vocation.
All the priests of the Diocese have been asked to share an update from the Vocations Office, including some exciting news about new seminarians in our diocese.
At the doors of the church, you’ll find InVocation Weekend cards with information about how you can pray for vocations in our diocese and how to invite young men to consider the priesthood. Please take one home and join us in this important mission of prayer.
All the priests of the Diocese have been asked to share an update from the Vocations Office, including some exciting news about new seminarians in our diocese.
At the doors of the church, you’ll find InVocation Weekend cards with information about how you can pray for vocations in our diocese and how to invite young men to consider the priesthood. Please take one home and join us in this important mission of prayer.
New Doors in the Gym!
This weekend you’ll notice the brand-new safety doors installed in the school gym - one of the goals of our annual Call of the Heart fundraiser at the SFX School Benefit Banquet. These doors are a major upgrade for student security and an important step in improving our school facilities.
The work isn’t finished yet, a few more exterior doors around the building will be replaced in the coming days. Thank you to everyone whose generosity made this possible!
The work isn’t finished yet, a few more exterior doors around the building will be replaced in the coming days. Thank you to everyone whose generosity made this possible!
SFX School Has a New Website!
As of this week, St. Francis Xavier School also has a brand new website design! Thanks to the hard work of our staff who brought this together, we now have a fresh new look to showcase our school. Take a look, and please share it with families who may be looking for the premier Catholic elementary school on the South Coast.
Assumption Holy Day Next Friday Aug 15th
Image: Assumption of the Virgin by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo (1680)
Next Friday we celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Church’s teaching that, at the end of her earthly life, Mary was taken body and soul into heavenly glory. This feast reminds us of the hope we share in Christ’s victory over sin and death.
The Assumption is a Holy Day of Obligation, a day when the Church calls us to gather for Mass and honor Our Lady in a special way. For us here in the Diocese of Fall River, it holds an even deeper significance, as Mary under this title is the patroness of our diocese.
Mass Schedule:
Vigil Mass: Thursday, August 14 at 5:30pm
Holy Day Masses: Friday, August 15 at 9:00am and 7:00pm
The Assumption is a Holy Day of Obligation, a day when the Church calls us to gather for Mass and honor Our Lady in a special way. For us here in the Diocese of Fall River, it holds an even deeper significance, as Mary under this title is the patroness of our diocese.
Mass Schedule:
Vigil Mass: Thursday, August 14 at 5:30pm
Holy Day Masses: Friday, August 15 at 9:00am and 7:00pm
Please note the parish office will be closed on Tuesday August 12, Thursday August 14, and Friday August 15th next week.
Looking for deeper insight into this weekend’s readings? Check out this reflection from my favorite biblical scholar, Dr. John Bergsma
(Mistakenly titled 17th Sunday)
On the Bulletin Cover this weekend...
Blessed Elvira Moragas Cantarero (8 January 1881 – 15 August 1936)
Beatified in 1998
A pioneering pharmacist turned Carmelite nun, Bl. Elvira Moragas Cantarero met martyrdom with serene courage during the Spanish Civil War, refusing to abandon her sisters and leaving a legacy of charity, faith, and fearless witness to Christ.
Beatified in 1998
A pioneering pharmacist turned Carmelite nun, Bl. Elvira Moragas Cantarero met martyrdom with serene courage during the Spanish Civil War, refusing to abandon her sisters and leaving a legacy of charity, faith, and fearless witness to Christ.
“May Jesus reign always in my heart! The Lord asks me to be humble, to weep over my sins, to love him much, to love my sisters much… to live recollected in him… completely surrendered to his divine will.”
“In this vale of tears, suffering will not be lacking, and we should be content to have something to offer to our most beloved Jesus… The most direct way to unite ourselves to God is that of the cross, so we should always desire it.”
“In this vale of tears, suffering will not be lacking, and we should be content to have something to offer to our most beloved Jesus… The most direct way to unite ourselves to God is that of the cross, so we should always desire it.”
Women of Grace
Save the Date
Sept 20th
Second Annual Novena for the Nation
Aug 20 to Oct 12
Images: Photos from 2024 Novena for the Nation Closing Procession
All are invited to join in a 54-day Rosary Novena for our nation, organized by a local young adult group from Our Lady’s Chapel in New Bedford. The novena begins on Wednesday, August 20 and concludes on Sunday, October 12.
Intention:
That the leaders and people of the United States of America will turn back to God, promoting respect for life at all stages, the sanctity of marriage, and the family.
Concluding Event – Sunday, October 12
We are honored to host the conclusion of this novena here at St. Francis Xavier. At 2:00pm, we will begin with a procession from the front steps of the church to the school grounds, followed by a Living Rosary.
Intention:
That the leaders and people of the United States of America will turn back to God, promoting respect for life at all stages, the sanctity of marriage, and the family.
Concluding Event – Sunday, October 12
We are honored to host the conclusion of this novena here at St. Francis Xavier. At 2:00pm, we will begin with a procession from the front steps of the church to the school grounds, followed by a Living Rosary.
Reminder: Join us for Coffee and Donuts on Sundays after Masses!
Maronite Catholic Feast Next Weekend in Fall River
Thank You for Your Prayers
Thank you to everyone who prayed for me and sent kind messages last Monday August 4th for the Diocesan Consecration of Priests to St. John Vianney. It was a prayerful evening with my brother priests, as we entrusted ourselves and our ministry to our patron saint.
I’m grateful to our diocese for organizing this as part of the “Stronger Priests, Stronger Parishes, Stronger Church” initiative, and for the encouragement we received from Bishop Bruce Lewandowski of Providence and even from a letter from the Bishop of Belley-Ars, France, where St. John Vianney served.
Please continue to keep me and all our priests in your prayers, that we may serve you with greater faith and devotion.
I’m grateful to our diocese for organizing this as part of the “Stronger Priests, Stronger Parishes, Stronger Church” initiative, and for the encouragement we received from Bishop Bruce Lewandowski of Providence and even from a letter from the Bishop of Belley-Ars, France, where St. John Vianney served.
Please continue to keep me and all our priests in your prayers, that we may serve you with greater faith and devotion.
Mass Times
Sunday: 8:00 AM | 10:30 AM
Saturday Vigil: 4:00 PM
M, T, Th, F, S: 9:00 AM
Sunday: 8:00 AM | 10:30 AM
Saturday Vigil: 4:00 PM
M, T, Th, F, S: 9:00 AM
First Friday: 9:00 AM | 6:00 PM
Adoration Times
Monday-Friday
6:30am-8:45am, 9:30am-8:30pm
6:30am-8:45am, 9:30am-8:30pm
Wednesday
6:30am-8:30pm
Saturday
6:30am-8:45am, 9:30am-2:45pm
6:30am-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.