Renovation Updates – Week Eleven
The high altar has been built!
This week marked a milestone in our renovation. The high altar now stands once again in our sanctuary! First installed at OLPH in 1905, this historic wooden altar was carefully taken apart back in May so that every piece could be repaired and repainted. On Wednesday, the crew began the meticulous work of reassembling it here at St. Francis Xavier. (Its only about an inch longer than our back wall - almost like it was made for SFX!) By Thursday, the final gold accents were touched up, restoring its full beauty after the transport here.
Here below you can see the stages of the assembly.
The columns and capitals were also finally finished this week. The columns have been painted that brownish beige color, while the existing capitals (which used to be a flat beige that hid much of their detail) are now painted white with gold accents to really bring out the beauty of these original elements of SFX Church. The capitals feature the traditional four figures of the Evangelists: the ox (St. Luke), the man/angel (St. Matthew), the lion (St. Mark), and the eagle (St. John), each drawn from Scripture and representing the unique way their Gospel proclaims Christ.
The corbels (the decorative pieces at the base of the arches) have also been painted to match, and they look beautiful!
We also asked the crew to add a decorative moulding around the top of the lower wall in the sanctuary. It’s a small touch that’s going to make a big difference.
The large air returns from the old HVAC system have been patched up for a much more seamless look, as you can see here.
The crew has also pulled up about half of the old carpet throughout the church. Soon, they will be removing the layer of adhesive so that the original hardwood floors underneath can be refinished.
Work also continued this week on the new entryway bathroom, which is beginning to take shape, as well as on electrical upgrades throughout the church which is being handled by some of our dedicated parishioners.
Thank you for your continued support, and if you'd like to contribute to the renovation, you can donate here (Select 100th Anniversary):
Upcoming Mass Locations
With school restarting on Tuesday, our weekday Mass schedule will shift a bit as we transition back into the school year. Here is the tentative schedule:
- Mon, Aug 25 – 9:00am Mass (Gym)
Confessions, 6:30pm Mass & MOM (Gym) - Tue, Aug 26 – 9:00am Mass (Hospitality Room)
- Thu, Aug 28 – 9:00am Mass (Hospitality Room)
- Fri, Aug 29 – 9:00am Mass (Hospitality Room)
- Sat, Aug 30 – All Masses (Gym)
- Sun, Aug 31 – All Masses (Gym)
- Mon, Sept 1 – 9:00am Mass followed by Confessions (Gym)
7:00pm MOM (Gym) - Tue, Sept 2 – 9:00am Mass (Hospitality Room)
- Thu, Sept 4 – 9:00am Mass (Hospitality Room)
- Fri, Sept 5 – 9:00am Mass (Hospitality Room)
- Sat, Sept 6 – All Masses (Gym)
- Sun, Sept 7 – All Masses (Gym)
- Mon, Sept 8 – 9:00am Mass (Hospitality Room)
Confessions & MOM (Hospitality Room) - Tue, Sept 9 – 9:00am Mass (Hospitality Room)
- Thu, Sept 11 – 9:00am Mass (Hospitality Room)
- Fri, Sept 12 – 9:00am Mass (Hospitality Room)
- Sat, Sept 13 – 9:00am Mass (Hospitality Room)
4:00pm Mass in the Church 🎉
St. Vincent de Paul “Pop-Up” Fundraiser — Tomorrow (Saturday)
Tomorrow, 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 tomorrow 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 tomorrow and showing your support. Your generosity truly makes a difference for those in need.
Blessing of Backpacks — This Weekend
At all Masses this 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.
Special Screening Opportunity – Maximilian Kolbe Film
A parishioner has encouraged us to host a local screening of the forthcoming film about St. Maximilian Kolbe (Debuting Sept 12th), and even knows the director, saying this movie is going to be excellent!
I’ve signed us up to possibly host the film at the AMC in Dartmouth on Sunday, September 14th at 4:00pm (time and date to be confirmed once funding is complete).
Here’s how it works: we must sell enough tickets in advance for the theater to book the screening. Tickets are $18 each, and we have just 8 days to sell 80 tickets in order to reach the goal. If the goal isn’t met, you’ll be refunded.
I’ve signed us up to possibly host the film at the AMC in Dartmouth on Sunday, September 14th at 4:00pm (time and date to be confirmed once funding is complete).
Here’s how it works: we must sell enough tickets in advance for the theater to book the screening. Tickets are $18 each, and we have just 8 days to sell 80 tickets in order to reach the goal. If the goal isn’t met, you’ll be refunded.
Click below to watch the trailer, reserve your tickets, and track our progress:
Religious Ed Registration Now Open
We are excited to begin our 4th year using the Family of Faith curriculum from Sophia Press for students in grades 1–8 who attend public school. This program equips parents to embrace their role as the primary educators of their children in the faith.
There is a mandatory Parent Orientation on Sunday, September 21.
Classes begin Sunday, October 5th.
Classes begin Sunday, October 5th.
All young people in grades 1–8 in public school, 2nd graders in Catholic school, and all 9th graders in the parish are expected to register.
Special Mass for St. Monica This Monday
Next week we celebrate the feast of St. Monica, the great intercessor for those praying for the return of loved ones to the faith.
There will be a special Mass on Monday (August 25) at 6:30pm in the school gym, followed by the Millions of Monicas apostolate meeting at 7:00pm.
Our MOM group prays especially for children, grandchildren, and godchildren who have drifted from the Church. All are warmly invited to this Mass as we join St. Monica in prayer for the return of our loved ones to the practice of the faith.
There will be a special Mass on Monday (August 25) at 6:30pm in the school gym, followed by the Millions of Monicas apostolate meeting at 7:00pm.
Our MOM group prays especially for children, grandchildren, and godchildren who have drifted from the Church. All are warmly invited to this Mass as we join St. Monica in prayer for the return of our loved ones to the practice of the faith.
Save the Date - 100th Celebration Sept 28th
As you may have noticed, we did not hold our annual parish picnic this August. That’s because the Events Committee is planning a special celebration for the 100th anniversary of the dedication of our church when it reopens next month.
Please mark your calendar for Sunday, September 28th, from 12:00–4:00pm at St. Francis Xavier School. We’ll gather for food, fun, and fellowship as a parish family. The afternoon will include races for all ages, a photo booth, and a DJ with karaoke.
More details will be shared soon, but for now, be sure to save the date!
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 Maria Troncatti (16 February 1883 - 25 August 1969)
Feast Day: August 25th
Beatified in 2012
A Salesian sister, missionary nurse, and spiritual mother who spent 44 years among the Shuar people of the Ecuadorian Amazon bringing healing, education, and the light of the Gospel with remarkable courage and love.
A Salesian sister, missionary nurse, and spiritual mother who spent 44 years among the Shuar people of the Ecuadorian Amazon bringing healing, education, and the light of the Gospel with remarkable courage and love.
“The Lord does not leave us without rays of sun among the clouds and storms that sometimes surround us.”
“A glance at the Crucifix gives me the strength & the courage to work.”
Renovation Tile Fundraiser
As part of our church’s 100th anniversary, we are offering a specially designed memento: a tile in the Portuguese azulejo style, pictured above.
This tile is meant to be kept in your home as a reminder of the blessings of the past 100 years of St. Francis Xavier Church at the heart of Acushnet. The cost is $50, covering the manufacturing, with the remainder going directly toward our renovation campaign.
Payment will be due at pickup (cash or check preferred). I hope to have the tiles ready sometime in September. I'll keep you posted.
If you would like to purchase one or more, you can either sign up through the Google Form link below, or sign up in person at the table in the school entryway after all Masses over the next couple of weeks, where a sample tile will be on display. I do plan to order some extras, but I want to be sure we have enough for everyone, so please reserve yours ahead of time.
Payment will be due at pickup (cash or check preferred). I hope to have the tiles ready sometime in September. I'll keep you posted.
If you would like to purchase one or more, you can either sign up through the Google Form link below, or sign up in person at the table in the school entryway after all Masses over the next couple of weeks, where a sample tile will be on display. I do plan to order some extras, but I want to be sure we have enough for everyone, so please reserve yours ahead of time.
Great article for back-to-school from NCR
Women of Grace
Sept 20th
Reminder: Join us for Coffee and Donuts on Sundays after Masses!
Diocese of Fall River
Respect Life Month Annual Mass and Conference
Sunday Oct 12
Looking for a Bench Grinder
Does anyone happen to own a bench grinder that I could borrow for the next couple of weeks? Even better if it has a polishing wheel attached! I’d like to use it to polish the donated side altar candlesticks ahead of the church reopening. Thanks! Email me at Rjh@sfxparish.com
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.