Renovation Updates – Week Ten
A lot of exciting progress was made this week! On Wednesday, the painting of the ceiling was completed, and by Thursday all of the scaffolding that had been in the church since mid-June was finally taken down and picked up. Thursday was also a big day: the altar pieces from Our Lady of Perpetual Help on Coggeshall Street were brought over at last.
Here you can see all the altars wrapped in protective sheets, waiting to be placed in the sanctuary next week. Included are the main altar, the two side altars, and the pieces of the high altar that will be assembled.
One of my favorite pieces is the beautiful decorative backing that will go behind the statue of Our Lady in the center of the altar. (see photo of it below from OLPH)
The work on the main arch was also completed this week, now fully painted and looking stunning!
Work is underway on finishing the sanctuary platform before the tile is installed. In the photo above, the raised step where the main altar will sit is called the predella.
Other projects around the church kept moving forward this week as well, thanks to our dedicated parishioners and volunteers. The entryway was prepped so final measurements could be taken for the glass enclosure that will separate it from the main body of the church.
And in the midst of preparing the closets for the new bathroom, workers found a little piece of parish history: a receipt from the original construction of the church from July 1925. It looks like Etienne Robitaille had purchased some sandpaper. Cool!
Thank you for your continued support, and if you'd like to contribute to the renovation, you can donate here (Select 100th Anniversary):
Sanctuary Furnishings — Thank You!
Last week, I shared a list of sanctuary items still needed for our renovation and I am so grateful to those parishioners who stepped forward to sponsor these pieces. Your generosity has been a tremendous blessing as we work to prepare our church for its 100th anniversary.
In September, I will be recognizing all those who have been instrumental in this project.
In September, I will be recognizing all those who have been instrumental in this project.
At this time, there is one additional opportunity to sponsor. We will be adding two new votive candle racks so that parishioners may light candles at the statues of the saints being placed around the church. (They will not be like the one in the photo but will match the ones that we currently have.) The cost to sponsor this addition is $700.
If you would like to sponsor a candle stand, please contact me directly.
If you would like to sponsor a candle stand, please contact me directly.
St. Vincent de Paul “Pop-Up” Fundraiser — Next Saturday
Next Saturday, August 23rd, our St. Vincent de Paul Society will hold a Pop-Up Fundraiser in the SFX School parking lot from 9:30–11:30am. This “pop-up” style collection (something they began during the pandemic) allows you to simply drive through the parking lot and drop off donations without even leaving your car.
They will be collecting gift cards, cash, and checks to support their work in assisting the poor in our area.
Please help them continue their mission by stopping by next Saturday and showing your support. Your generosity truly makes a difference for those in need.
They will be collecting gift cards, cash, and checks to support their work in assisting the poor in our area.
Please help them continue their mission by stopping by next Saturday and showing your support. Your generosity truly makes a difference for those in need.
Blessing of Backpacks — Next Weekend
At all Masses next weekend, August 23rd & 24th, we will offer a special Blessing of Backpacks for students of all ages. Children are invited to bring the backpack they will use this school year as we ask God’s protection over them and His guidance in their studies.
This blessing is a way for our parish to entrust our young people to the Lord at the start of a new academic year, praying that they may grow in wisdom and virtue, be kept safe from harm, and be faithful witnesses to Christ among their classmates and teachers.
This blessing is a way for our parish to entrust our young people to the Lord at the start of a new academic year, praying that they may grow in wisdom and virtue, be kept safe from harm, and be faithful witnesses to Christ among their classmates and teachers.
Looking for deeper insight into this weekend’s readings? Check out this reflection from my favorite biblical scholar, Dr. John Bergsma
On the Bulletin Cover this weekend...
Blessed Teofilius Matulionis (22 June 1873 – 20 August 1962)
Beatified in 2017
Imprisoned, tortured, and ultimately martyred under Soviet persecution, Archbishop Teofilius Matulionis stood unshaken in his faith, earning the praise of Pope Pius XI as ‘a hero’ and inspiring generations with his fearless witness to Christ.
Beatified in 2017
Imprisoned, tortured, and ultimately martyred under Soviet persecution, Archbishop Teofilius Matulionis stood unshaken in his faith, earning the praise of Pope Pius XI as ‘a hero’ and inspiring generations with his fearless witness to Christ.
"Just think how good and merciful the Lord is: He finds His flock in the woods, in the tundra, at midnight… I am thankful to Him with all my heart! Providence made sure that we, priest brethren, be sent where the believers are. Pastors follow their flock."
Women of Grace
Sept 20th
Second Annual Novena for the Nation
Aug 20 to Oct 12
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.
Visit of the Missionary Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe - This Monday
This Monday, August 18th, the Missionary Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which travels throughout our region and visited SFX a few years ago, will be in our school gym during the time of confessions (5:30–6:30pm) and the Millions of Monicas meeting (starting at 7:00pm).
You are welcome to come and pray before the image any time between 5:30pm and 7:00pm.
"The Missionary Images of Our Lady of Guadalupe are the only four images in the world commissioned by the Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City to travel as Missionary Images on a mission of the New Evangelization, to bring conversions, foster a Culture of Life, and promote the Civilization of Love for which St. John Paul II prayed."
You are welcome to come and pray before the image any time between 5:30pm and 7:00pm.
"The Missionary Images of Our Lady of Guadalupe are the only four images in the world commissioned by the Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City to travel as Missionary Images on a mission of the New Evangelization, to bring conversions, foster a Culture of Life, and promote the Civilization of Love for which St. John Paul II prayed."
Marian Image at St. Anthony's
Reminder: Join us for Coffee and Donuts on Sundays after Masses!
Support our Local Sisters
Four Years at St. Francis
This Monday, August 18th, marks four years since I arrived here at St. Francis. It has truly been a blessed four years with all of you, and I’m grateful every day for the privilege of serving this parish.
Some of you may have seen those yard signs around town that say “Dump Healey” (referring to the governor, of course). I like to think my ministry here has been helpful enough that you won’t feel the need to make your own signs saying “Dump Healy”, but if I start seeing them, I’ll take the hint!
Some of you may have seen those yard signs around town that say “Dump Healey” (referring to the governor, of course). I like to think my ministry here has been helpful enough that you won’t feel the need to make your own signs saying “Dump Healy”, but if I start seeing them, I’ll take the hint!
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
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