Feast of Christ the King this Weekend
Image: Christ Pantocrator by Vasnetsov (c. 1896)
This weekend we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, the great conclusion of the Church’s liturgical year. The feast itself is actually a relatively new one. Pope Pius XI established the Feast of Christ the King in 1925, in the aftermath of WWI, at a time when secularism and atheistic ideologies were growing rapidly across the world. The Holy Father wanted to remind Catholics that no earthly power or government is absolute. Only Christ is King, and our true citizenship is in His Kingdom.
When the feast was first instituted, it was celebrated on the last Sunday of October, placing it just before All Saints’ Day. This served as a reminder that Christ reigns over the saints and over history itself.
In 1970, after the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, the Church moved Christ the King to the final Sunday of the liturgical year, where it now serves as the grand finale of everything we have been praying and living throughout the year. This change also made the feast a more explicit preparation for Advent, when we turn our hearts toward the coming of the King.
This year is especially meaningful as it marks the 100th anniversary of Christ the King being celebrated on this final Sunday. And here at St. Francis Xavier, we feel that anniversary in a unique way, as we ourselves just celebrated our church’s 100th anniversary. As we give thanks for a century of faith here in Acushnet, we also renew our faith in the One who has been King over every moment of our parish’s life.
When the feast was first instituted, it was celebrated on the last Sunday of October, placing it just before All Saints’ Day. This served as a reminder that Christ reigns over the saints and over history itself.
In 1970, after the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, the Church moved Christ the King to the final Sunday of the liturgical year, where it now serves as the grand finale of everything we have been praying and living throughout the year. This change also made the feast a more explicit preparation for Advent, when we turn our hearts toward the coming of the King.
This year is especially meaningful as it marks the 100th anniversary of Christ the King being celebrated on this final Sunday. And here at St. Francis Xavier, we feel that anniversary in a unique way, as we ourselves just celebrated our church’s 100th anniversary. As we give thanks for a century of faith here in Acushnet, we also renew our faith in the One who has been King over every moment of our parish’s life.
May Christ the King reign in our hearts and in our parish always.
CTK Holy Hour - Sunday 11:30am-12:30pm
This weekend’s feast holds a special significance for the men of the Sacred Heart Apostolate of our parish. For many years, the 10:30am Mass has served as the commissioning Mass for their newly elected officers. The men will be present at the 10:30am Mass this Sunday, though there will be no commissioning ceremony this year.
To mark the 100th anniversary of this feast, the men will lead a Holy Hour of Adoration immediately following the 10:30am Mass, from 11:30am–12:30pm.
All are welcome to join them as they offer this Holy Hour to Christ the King, in reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
To mark the 100th anniversary of this feast, the men will lead a Holy Hour of Adoration immediately following the 10:30am Mass, from 11:30am–12:30pm.
All are welcome to join them as they offer this Holy Hour to Christ the King, in reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Two Reflections for CTK:
Bishop Barron (1 Minute)
Sr. Mary Mediatrix (3 Minutes)
All are invited to join us for Mass at 9:00am on Thursday, November 27th as we gather to give thanks to the Lord for the many blessings He has poured out upon our parish, our families, and our lives. It’s a nice way to begin your holiday before the day becomes busy with preparations and company.
*Please there will be no Adoration from 5:30pm on Wednesday until 9:30am on Friday.*
Below is a link to a few Thanksgiving prayers you can use with your family at home.
*Please there will be no Adoration from 5:30pm on Wednesday until 9:30am on Friday.*
Below is a link to a few Thanksgiving prayers you can use with your family at home.
Support SFX School Next Weekend
Next weekend we will take up our annual St. Francis Xavier School Collection. You may remember that this collection used to take place in September, but we have moved it so that it lines up with Giving Tuesday, which falls on December 2. Giving Tuesday is a national day of charitable giving that comes right after Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. It is meant to invite people to pause, reflect, and support the organizations that make a real difference in their communities.
Our special project this year, which several of our school fundraisers are supporting, is focused on improving the fields and fencing at the school. Every day our students play on the soccer field at recess, and it is in great need of renewal. Our hope is to replace it with a new turf field that will be safer and more durable for our children. We are also planning to install new fencing along the back perimeter of the school property for security, as well as updated fencing around our PreK playground.
On Giving Tuesday we will be reaching out on social media to invite our wider community to participate. But here at the parish, next weekend’s collection is an important way for our parish family to partner with the school in this work.
Mrs. Rogers, Mrs. Shaughnessy, and I are truly grateful for your support and your love for our school.
Our special project this year, which several of our school fundraisers are supporting, is focused on improving the fields and fencing at the school. Every day our students play on the soccer field at recess, and it is in great need of renewal. Our hope is to replace it with a new turf field that will be safer and more durable for our children. We are also planning to install new fencing along the back perimeter of the school property for security, as well as updated fencing around our PreK playground.
On Giving Tuesday we will be reaching out on social media to invite our wider community to participate. But here at the parish, next weekend’s collection is an important way for our parish family to partner with the school in this work.
Mrs. Rogers, Mrs. Shaughnessy, and I are truly grateful for your support and your love for our school.
Women of Grace - Save the Date - Fri Dec 12th
Coordinator Amy Plante and I are planning a special Mass for all women on Friday evening, December 12th at 7:00pm, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the unborn and the special patroness of our Women of Grace group.
We will also be welcoming a couple sisters from the Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará, who serve at St. Anthony’s and Immaculate Conception in New Bedford. They will share with us about their community, charism, and mission. The evening will include a special fundraiser in support of their work.
Please mark your calendars. We hope many ladies will be able to join us for this night, with fellowship and refreshments to follow.
We will also be welcoming a couple sisters from the Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará, who serve at St. Anthony’s and Immaculate Conception in New Bedford. They will share with us about their community, charism, and mission. The evening will include a special fundraiser in support of their work.
Please mark your calendars. We hope many ladies will be able to join us for this night, with fellowship and refreshments to follow.
New SFX Parish Website!
I’m excited to share that our newly redesigned parish website is now live! It’s a beautiful design that highlights the life of our parish and makes it easier for people to find information, connect with us, and see the great things happening at St. Francis Xavier.
A special thank you to parishioner Holly Clavell, our Parish Council chair and the one who oversees much of our IT support, for her hard work in redesigning and executing this project so well.
Please take a moment to explore the new site at the link below!
A special thank you to parishioner Holly Clavell, our Parish Council chair and the one who oversees much of our IT support, for her hard work in redesigning and executing this project so well.
Please take a moment to explore the new site at the link below!
Knights of Columbus Turkey Raffle – Thank You!
The Knights of Columbus asked me to pass along their sincere thanks to everyone who purchased a turkey raffle ticket last weekend. They shared that over $500 was raised here at St. Francis, contributing to more than $1,600 raised overall.
Best of luck to all who bought a ticket, and thank you for your support!
Best of luck to all who bought a ticket, and thank you for your support!
Sung Advent Vespers
Starting Nov 30th, for the four Sundays of Advent, our parish will celebrate Sung Solemn Vespers each Sunday evening at 7:00pm, and all are warmly invited to come.
Vespers is the Church’s ancient evening prayer, one of the “Hours” of the Liturgy of the Hours prayed by Catholics around the world. It consists of psalms, Scripture, and quiet reflection as the day draws to a close. It’s a peaceful, prayerful way to mark the Advent season by slowing down, sitting with God’s Word, and preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ.
Our musicians, Jono and Allison, will lead the sung Vespers, so even if you’ve never prayed Vespers before, you’ll be able to enter in easily. Please join us as we pray and wait for the Lord together this Advent.
Big Local Catholic News: Massachusetts Woman on the path to Sainthood
This week the Vatican announced that the cause for canonization of Ruth Pakaluk has officially been opened, giving her the title Servant of God. Ruth was a remarkable wife, mother of seven, and a passionate witness to the dignity of human life. She lived in the Worcester area and died in 1998 at the age of 41 from breast cancer.
Most have probably never heard of her, but I first learned about Ruth a couple of years ago when I came across her story in a book about the heroic lives of ordinary Catholics. I was struck by her conversion and the joy and courage with which she lived her faith.
Ruth had a dramatic journey. She was raised as an atheist, but experienced a profound conversion to Christianity and later entered the Catholic Church. She studied at Harvard, became a devoted wife and mother, and eventually emerged as a strong and articulate leader in the prolife movement here in Massachusetts, especially through her work with Mass. Citizens for Life.
I found her life incredibly inspiring, and I think many people today would benefit from learning about her witness. I encourage you to read the article below about the Vatican’s announcement, and to consider picking up her biography as well.
Most have probably never heard of her, but I first learned about Ruth a couple of years ago when I came across her story in a book about the heroic lives of ordinary Catholics. I was struck by her conversion and the joy and courage with which she lived her faith.
Ruth had a dramatic journey. She was raised as an atheist, but experienced a profound conversion to Christianity and later entered the Catholic Church. She studied at Harvard, became a devoted wife and mother, and eventually emerged as a strong and articulate leader in the prolife movement here in Massachusetts, especially through her work with Mass. Citizens for Life.
I found her life incredibly inspiring, and I think many people today would benefit from learning about her witness. I encourage you to read the article below about the Vatican’s announcement, and to consider picking up her biography as well.
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 James Alberione (4 April 1884 – 26 November 1971)
Feast Day: November 6
Beatified in 2003
An Italian priest who, inspired by the signs of the times, founded the Pauline Family and pioneered the Church’s use of modern media to bring Christ’s message to the world, making him a key figure in the Church’s evangelization in the 20th century
An Italian priest who, inspired by the signs of the times, founded the Pauline Family and pioneered the Church’s use of modern media to bring Christ’s message to the world, making him a key figure in the Church’s evangelization in the 20th century
“I don’t have silver or gold,
but I give you what I do have:
Jesus Christ, Way, Truth, and Life.”
but I give you what I do have:
Jesus Christ, Way, Truth, and Life.”
“You can resolve all your difficulties in front of the tabernacle.
Many times this will suffice instead of trying to find the answer to so many objections and difficulties.
This is all you need to find inner peace once again.”
Many times this will suffice instead of trying to find the answer to so many objections and difficulties.
This is all you need to find inner peace once again.”
In your kindness, please pray for the souls of the following individuals:
Angeline "Angie" Agnes Duchaine, 81, a resident of Acushnet and parishioner at St. Francis Xavier, passed away on Sunday, November 16. She was the beloved wife of Walter Duchaine. The date of her Funeral Mass here at SFX is TBD. Obituary is forthcoming.
SVDP Giving Tree
Message from our SVDP:
We would like to thank our parishioners and the school for the bountiful Thanksgiving donations!
We are setting up the Annual Giving Tree on Friday, 11/28. Please take a tag or two and bring back an unwrapped gift with the same tag attached by Dec. 14. If you are donating a gift card, please include the receipt.
If you or anyone you know needs a little help through the holidays, please let us know by calling Gayle at 508-971-3791. Thank you.
Men's Night Recap
We had a good turnout of over 30 men last night for our talk by Catholic speaker Brian Mercier, who shared a message about living the virtue of holy purity in our times. A big thank you to Jay Hamel for organizing the night!
Taizé in Swansea led by our Cantor Allison
Local Men's ACTS Retreat in January
THE HOLY FAMILY & ST. JOHN NEUMANN MEN’S RETREAT
LaSalette Retreat Center – Attleboro, MA
LaSalette Retreat Center – Attleboro, MA
January 8–11, 2026
Please consider joining neighboring parishes for a spiritually uplifting weekend, a fraternal getaway from the routine busyness of daily life. The weekend will be an opportunity to strengthen your faith, renew yourself spiritually and build or grow friendships with some great men. All Christian men age 21 and older are welcome to participate.
If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to me so I can put you in touch with the retreat leaders: rjh@sfxparish.com
Check out this encouraging article!
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.