Renovation Updates
Last weekend was amazing. A beautiful new beginning for the second century of St. Francis Xavier Church. Bishop da Cunha was so impressed by the work and delighted to be with us for the celebration. Thank you again to everyone who made the weekend so beautiful, and thank you to all who have praised the ongoing work. I’ve even heard from people who are away from the parish saying how beautiful and inspiring it is. My hope is that it will draw many in our area back to their faith and to worship the Lord with us in this beautiful house of prayer.
We were able to record the 4:00pm Mass last weekend, and I’ll be sending out the link shortly for anyone who wasn’t able to join us. You can also visit our Facebook page to see photos of the renovated church. I plan to share more photos in the near future.
The contractors took this week off, so there’s no new progress to report but there is a very exciting surprise in the entryway for you to see when you come to Mass this weekend!
Also, the entryway bathroom lock finally arrived and was installed on Thursday, making it fully usable. We are still awaiting the baby changing station. Thank you for your patience as we wrap up the last small details.
I look forward to sharing more updates with you in the coming weeks as the remaining pieces come together.
Also, the entryway bathroom lock finally arrived and was installed on Thursday, making it fully usable. We are still awaiting the baby changing station. Thank you for your patience as we wrap up the last small details.
I look forward to sharing more updates with you in the coming weeks as the remaining pieces come together.
I Am Away This Weekend
I am away on Long Island this weekend celebrating the wedding Mass of a long time friend. I’m grateful to the priests covering in my absence:
– 4:00pm Mass & Confessions: Fr. George Harrison
– 8:00am Mass: Fr. John Paul Gallant
– 10:30am Mass: Fr. George Harrison
Please keep the couple in your prayers. I’ll be back Sunday afternoon and look forward to seeing you all next weekend!
– 4:00pm Mass & Confessions: Fr. George Harrison
– 8:00am Mass: Fr. John Paul Gallant
– 10:30am Mass: Fr. George Harrison
Please keep the couple in your prayers. I’ll be back Sunday afternoon and look forward to seeing you all next weekend!
The Elevator Is Working!
We’re happy to report that the elevator is now working again! We’re sorry for the inconvenience last weekend, but the crew was able to repair it on Tuesday. One of the door contacts (which signals to the system that the elevator door is closed) had worn out and needed to be replaced. Thank you for your patience while it was out of service.
100th Anniversary T-Shirts & Sweatshirts
Special T-shirts and sweatshirts have been created to mark the 100th anniversary of our church. Samples will be available in the entryway this weekend so you can see the sizes. Order forms will be provided to take home and return with your purchase. We’re hoping to see many parishioners wearing them at the 100th anniversary celebration on Sunday afternoon, September 28. Youth altar servers and sacristans will receive a special discount.
**Please RSVP This Weekend**
We’re planning a special celebration for the 100th anniversary of the dedication of our church.
Please join us next Sunday, September 28th, 12:00–4:00pm at St. Francis Xavier School for food, fun, and fellowship as a parish family. There is no cost to attend, but please RSVP THIS WEEKEND so we can plan food accurately.
You can RSVP by signing up at Mass on the clipboard in the entryway or by filling out the Google Form below. Just let us know how many from your household are coming so we have a good headcount.
The afternoon will include races for all ages, a photo area, and a DJ with karaoke.
Please join us next Sunday, September 28th, 12:00–4:00pm at St. Francis Xavier School for food, fun, and fellowship as a parish family. There is no cost to attend, but please RSVP THIS WEEKEND so we can plan food accurately.
You can RSVP by signing up at Mass on the clipboard in the entryway or by filling out the Google Form below. Just let us know how many from your household are coming so we have a good headcount.
The afternoon will include races for all ages, a photo area, and a DJ with karaoke.
Update on the Audio System
Thank you to everyone who shared feedback last weekend about the audio sounding muffled in the back of the church. We’ve been actively working on it and have already made adjustments to improve the sound.
The speakers themselves are the same as before, but we installed a new amplifier. We’ve been fine-tuning its settings and recalibrating the speakers for a wider, clearer sound. While the installer is on vacation this week, everything is fully operational for Masses and other events, and we’re continuing to make small improvements to optimize the sound even more when he returns.
Thank you for your patience as we finish this final fine-tuning stage.
The speakers themselves are the same as before, but we installed a new amplifier. We’ve been fine-tuning its settings and recalibrating the speakers for a wider, clearer sound. While the installer is on vacation this week, everything is fully operational for Masses and other events, and we’re continuing to make small improvements to optimize the sound even more when he returns.
Thank you for your patience as we finish this final fine-tuning stage.
New Listen Wi-Fi Hearing Assistance System
We’re excited to share that new Listen Wi-Fi assisted listening system installed a couple of weeks ago is now up and running! A heartfelt thank you to the anonymous donor who made this possible.
For those who would like to try it out this weekend:
For those who would like to try it out this weekend:
- Download the Listen Wi-Fi app (link below) to your smartphone.
- Connect at church to the SFX Acushnet Wi-Fi network (Network name: SFX Acushnet and Password: 125main02743).
- You can stream the audio directly to your Bluetooth hearing aids or listen using your own earbuds or AirPods connected to your phone.
We also have four portable units available at the church for anyone who needs a device.
More information and training will be offered soon, but if you’re comfortable with technology you’re welcome to give it a try right away.
More information and training will be offered soon, but if you’re comfortable with technology you’re welcome to give it a try right away.
Are you or someone you know interested in becoming Catholic or completing your Sacraments of Initiation (First Communion or Confirmation)? We will soon begin an OCIA class here at the parish for those preparing to receive the Sacraments or to be received into the Church. If you would like more information, please email me or speak with me after Mass.
Men’s Night Kickoff Recap
The Men of St. Joseph gathered on Thursday night for their first post summer meeting. Our speaker was our own parishioner, Chris Dumont, who serves with the Massachusetts State Police. Chris shared about his Catholic school upbringing and the formational values that shaped his life and career as a Massachusetts State Trooper.
He spoke especially about unity and teamwork, which played a critical role in his involvement with the 2013 manhunt for the Boston Marathon bombers. Chris gave a riveting account of how, with the help of others, he helped save the life of a man who had been shot during the manhunt. His story of faith, courage, and teamwork deeply moved everyone present.
We ended the night with a brief time of adoration, with the Sacrament of Confession available and several men taking the opportunity to go to confession. Special thanks to Jay Hamel for coordinating the Men of St. Joseph!
He spoke especially about unity and teamwork, which played a critical role in his involvement with the 2013 manhunt for the Boston Marathon bombers. Chris gave a riveting account of how, with the help of others, he helped save the life of a man who had been shot during the manhunt. His story of faith, courage, and teamwork deeply moved everyone present.
We ended the night with a brief time of adoration, with the Sacrament of Confession available and several men taking the opportunity to go to confession. Special thanks to Jay Hamel for coordinating the Men of St. Joseph!
In your kindness, please pray for the repose of the souls of the following individuals:
Richard Lamoine Bachstein, 85, passed away on Wednesday September 17, 2025 after a brief illness. He was the father of SFX parishioner Michael Bachstein. He was a long-time resident of Dartmouth, MA with his wife and high school sweetheart, the late Tamara (Dahlheimer) Bachstein.
His funeral service will be held on Monday September 22nd at 11 AM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. Visitation will be on Monday from 10-11 AM prior to the service.
His funeral service will be held on Monday September 22nd at 11 AM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. Visitation will be on Monday from 10-11 AM prior to the service.
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...
Venerable Áron Márton (28 August 1896 – 29 September 1980)
Birth into heaven: 29 September 1980
Declared Venerable in 2024
A Hungarian bishop of Alba Iulia who courageously defended his faith and his people, speaking out against anti-Semitism, enduring imprisonment under communism, and shepherding his flock with steadfast devotion throughout decades of persecution.
Declared Venerable in 2024
A Hungarian bishop of Alba Iulia who courageously defended his faith and his people, speaking out against anti-Semitism, enduring imprisonment under communism, and shepherding his flock with steadfast devotion throughout decades of persecution.
His Episcopal Motto: “Non recuso laborem” — “I do not refuse the work.”
Remembering Charlie Kirk
Many of us have been thinking about Charlie Kirk all week. As I mentioned last weekend, his tragic death in Utah on September 10 has deeply shaken people across the country. Charlie was a prominent Christian voice who devoted his life to encouraging young people to build strong families, live out their faith, and stand for their values.
Since his passing, many Catholic and Protestant churches have reported increased attendance. Parents bringing their children back to church for the first time in years, families rediscovering the importance of faith, and people responding to Charlie’s call to live as faithful citizens. Even here at SFX, a parent told me they plan to begin attending Mass again with their family because of what happened last week.
The National Catholic Register has published a couple articles this week about Charlie Kirk's faith and his impact on college students:
Several Church leaders have spoken about Charlie’s impact.
Bishop Robert Barron reflected on how Charlie used his freedom of speech to bring Christian principles into the public square. Up to his dying moment engaging in the kind of reasoned dialogue that has formed Western civilization at its best.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan compared his courage on college campuses to a modern day St. Paul, reaching places where the Gospel is seldom heard:
A vigil in Charlie’s honor is being organized here in Acushnet across the street from the church on Sunday, September 28 at 7:30pm.
Please continue to pray for the repose of his soul and for his family. We give thanks for the witness of his life and pray that his example helps lead many to Christ.
Attleboro 40 Days for Life Begins this Wednesday
One More Wednesday to Support SFX School!
Commemorative Tiles – Available This Weekend
The commemorative tiles for our parish’s 100th anniversary are now here. We will begin selling and distributing them at Masses this weekend in the entryway. You can also pick them up at the parish office during the week if that is more convenient.
Each tile is $50, and we do have extras available for those who did not pre-order. You may pay when you pick up your tile (cash or check preferred).
Thank you for supporting our renovation campaign through this special keepsake!
Each tile is $50, and we do have extras available for those who did not pre-order. You may pay when you pick up your tile (cash or check preferred).
Thank you for supporting our renovation campaign through this special keepsake!
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.
Procession Tonight in New Bedford
Baptism Congratulations! September 13, 2025
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.