Renovation Update
The contractors have officially packed up all their equipment and tools. The only work remaining is some decorative painting on a few of the arches, which will be completed in the next few weeks. With the side hallways and cry room now painted and newly carpeted, their part of the project is essentially finished.
Since reopening the church, I’ve had a long checklist of small items to organize and put back in place which I have been slowly chipping away. This past Tuesday, a group of men from the Men of St. Joseph kindly helped me bring a large amount of miscellaneous items and clutter downstairs to storage. I think you will notice this weekend that the church looks much tidier and more put together because of their efforts. I am very grateful for their help.
There are still several loose ends for me to address, but it is a tremendous relief to be moving closer and closer to full completion. Thank you for your patience and prayers throughout this entire process.
Since reopening the church, I’ve had a long checklist of small items to organize and put back in place which I have been slowly chipping away. This past Tuesday, a group of men from the Men of St. Joseph kindly helped me bring a large amount of miscellaneous items and clutter downstairs to storage. I think you will notice this weekend that the church looks much tidier and more put together because of their efforts. I am very grateful for their help.
There are still several loose ends for me to address, but it is a tremendous relief to be moving closer and closer to full completion. Thank you for your patience and prayers throughout this entire process.
Adoration Moving to the Main Church!
With the renovation now essentially complete, we will be moving Eucharistic Adoration to the main altar of the church until the Adoration Chapel is finished (timeline still to be determined). You are welcome to come and pray before Jesus in the Eucharist at any time during our public hours of adoration:
Mon 9:30am–8:30pm
Tues–Fri 6:30am–8:30pm
Sat 6:30am–2:45pm
For our scheduled adorers: the sign-in book will be located in the church entryway for the time being. The bookcase with our spiritual reading will be placed in the hallway to the right of the sanctuary, which will be its permanent home. Feel free to take a book for your hour of adoration.
For our overnight adorers: please be sure you have your keys for the front doors of the church.
A sincere thank you for your patience during these last five months of Adoration in the elevator room. It was strangely fitting, especially as we prepare to celebrate 20 years of Adoration at SFX next year, since adoration first began here in 2006 in that very room. God has a way of tying things together.
I will keep you updated as work continues on the Adoration Chapel. I’m grateful to the volunteers who are helping repaint the space, and grateful to each of you for your patience and devotion during this transition.
I will keep you updated as work continues on the Adoration Chapel. I’m grateful to the volunteers who are helping repaint the space, and grateful to each of you for your patience and devotion during this transition.
Advent Begins in Two Weeks...
Believe it or not, Advent begins in two weeks. These final days before the new liturgical year are a good time to think about how we want to enter into the season. Advent is meant to be quiet, simple, and prayerful, but it always goes by quickly. A little preparation now can make a big difference.
If you don’t already have an Advent wreath or Advent calendar at home, this is a great week to order one. Etsy has many beautiful handmade Advent calendars in a variety of styles and price ranges:
For those who want something prayerful to read during the season, both Ignatius Press and Ave Maria Press offer excellent Advent books:
Fr. Mike Schmitz is also offering a new free Advent video series this year from Ascenion called “Waiting Well.” You can sign up to receive the daily videos here:
And for those who use Hallow, they have a wonderful set of Advent traditions, prayers, and guided reflections to help you enter the season more deeply:
However you prepare, the goal is the same: Advent invites us to slow down and make room for the Lord. A few small decisions the next couple week can help us begin Advent with hearts ready to welcome Christ.
Parish Safety Committee Update
This week I had my first meeting with our newly formed Parish Safety Committee, and I’m really excited about the work ahead. The members of this committee are enthusiastic parishioners who care deeply about making St. Francis Xavier as safe and welcoming as possible for everyone.
Over the coming months, we will be working on crafting a comprehensive parish safety plan, conducting risk assessments of our property, looking at possible security enhancements, and improving our safety protocols at weekend Masses. If you ever have suggestions or concerns related to safety on our campus, please feel free to reach out to me directly: rjh@sfxparish.com.
I look forward to sharing the fruits of our discussions with you in the near future.
Turkey Raffle This Weekend
The Fairhaven Knights of Columbus will be at all three Masses this weekend (Nov 15/16) selling tickets for their annual turkey raffle. Tickets are $5 each, and there will be 10 chances to win, as the Knights are giving away ten turkeys this year. If you’d like to participate, please bring cash and see Tim Perry, Grand Knight, in the entryway.
Religious Education Holy Hour This Sunday
Our second Holy Hour for religious education students and their parents will take place this Sunday, November 16th, in the church. Adoration will begin around 9:15am, and will continue until about 10:00am.
All are welcome to join us for this time of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.
All are welcome to join us for this time of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.
At the School This Week…
Our SFX School Sacred Music Choir and Middle School Choir elective had a wonderful opportunity to visit Alden Court Nursing Home, where they sang patriotic songs and brought so much joy to the residents.
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 Clelia Merloni (10 March 1861 – 21 November 1930)
Feast Day: November 20
Beatified in 2018
Founded the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, dedicated herself to serving the poor during Italy’s turbulent industrial era, and modeled heroic love and self-sacrifice by making the pierced Heart of Christ the center of her mission and life.
Founded the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, dedicated herself to serving the poor during Italy’s turbulent industrial era, and modeled heroic love and self-sacrifice by making the pierced Heart of Christ the center of her mission and life.
“Be careful to never let your heart be disturbed or get involved in things that upset it, but always work to keep it calm. In this way the Lord will build in your soul a city of peace, and your heart will be a place of delights. Every time you get upset, Jesus simply wants you to come back to silence and calm yourself again in all your works and thoughts."
“Try a little to distance yourselves from worldly distractions, and to spend a few half hours in recollection and prayer before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. You will see how enlightened your mind will be, how much your soul will be refreshed and comforted.”
In your kindness, please pray for the souls of the following individuals:
Millie Botelho, 65, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with ALS. Her Mass of Christian burial was celebrated in Saint Francis Xavier Church on Thursday, November 13 at 11:00 AM.
SVDP Thanksgiving Drive
The SVDP Thanksgiving food drive has started.
We are asking for nonperishable food donations of stuffing, cranberry sauce, olives, pickles, salad dressing, gravy, canned vegetables, boxed & canned potatoes, cake/brownie/cookie/cornbread mixes, jello/pudding mixes and coffee & tea.
Grocery gift cards are also needed and can be purchased at the parish office.
If you or anyone you know needs a little help through the holidays please let us know by calling Gayle at 508-971-3791.
Thinking About College? Share the Newman Guide
If you know any high school juniors or seniors who are beginning the college search this Fall, I encourage you to pass along a helpful resource: the Cardinal Newman Guide. The Newman Guide highlights colleges and universities that strive to offer a genuinely Catholic atmosphere where the faith isn’t just present, but woven into the culture, academics, and campus life.
Each year the Newman Society evaluates schools on their commitment to faithful Catholic teaching, strong campus ministry, and an environment that supports students in living their faith. It’s a great starting point for families who want their sons or daughters to grow not only academically but spiritually.
Each year the Newman Society evaluates schools on their commitment to faithful Catholic teaching, strong campus ministry, and an environment that supports students in living their faith. It’s a great starting point for families who want their sons or daughters to grow not only academically but spiritually.
Set of Former Adoration Chapel Doors Available
As part of the recent church renovation, the old set of glass double doors from the former Adoration Chapel are no longer needed. These are frosted glass doors with a clear cross design in the center of each panel, still in very good condition along with the metal frame itself.
Rather than storing them, I’d love for them to find a good home. If you think you could make use of them, please let me know. They are available at no cost on a first come basis.
If you’re interested, simply reply to this message and I can share measurements and arrange a time for pickup.
Rather than storing them, I’d love for them to find a good home. If you think you could make use of them, please let me know. They are available at no cost on a first come basis.
If you’re interested, simply reply to this message and I can share measurements and arrange a time for pickup.
A Beautiful Explanation of the Mass
A parishioner recently shared a wonderful video which came out in June that walks through the meaning and structure of the Holy Mass in a clear and engaging way. If you’ve ever wanted a fresh, inspiring look at what we celebrate each Sunday, I encourage you to watch it.
U.S. Bishops to Consecrate the Nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
It was exciting to read that, at their annual gathering this past week, the U.S. bishops approved a plan to consecrate the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart in June 2026. This will be a major part of the Church’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of our nation.
In preparation, the bishops will be offering prayer resources, a novena, and opportunities for dioceses and parishes to engage the faithful through adoration, works of mercy, and renewed devotion.
This act of consecration is meant to help our country recognize more deeply the kingship of Christ and invite the spirit of the Gospel into every aspect of our national life.
In preparation, the bishops will be offering prayer resources, a novena, and opportunities for dioceses and parishes to engage the faithful through adoration, works of mercy, and renewed devotion.
This act of consecration is meant to help our country recognize more deeply the kingship of Christ and invite the spirit of the Gospel into every aspect of our national life.
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.