I’m sorry I didn’t get this note out before the weekend, but below are a few things I wanted to highlight as we head into the week of Christmas.
Adoration with Our Religious Ed Families
This morning, we gathered for an adoration prayer time with our fifth and sixth graders from Religious Ed and their families. We were blessed to be joined by Maronite Servants of Christ the Light, including Mother Marla and Sister Emily, who guided us during our time of prayer. They reflected with us on the Our Father and even taught us how to pray it in Aramaic, the language the Lord himself would have spoken, which is still used in their Eastern Maronite tradition.
As we approach Christmas, it is a beautiful thing to remember and support the religious men and women who serve the Church so faithfully. If you would like to consider making a Christmas gift to the Maronite Servants, you can find a link to their giving page below.
As we approach Christmas, it is a beautiful thing to remember and support the religious men and women who serve the Church so faithfully. If you would like to consider making a Christmas gift to the Maronite Servants, you can find a link to their giving page below.
This Week at SFX School
This past week at St. Francis Xavier School was a wonderful way to head into Christmas break. Earlier in the week, some of our students had the opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation, helping to prepare their hearts for Christmas.
On Thursday night, we gathered for the school Christmas concert, led by our art and music teacher, Mrs. Girouard. It was a great turnout, and the students did a fantastic job. It was a joyful evening and a beautiful way to share their talents with family and friends.
On Thursday night, we gathered for the school Christmas concert, led by our art and music teacher, Mrs. Girouard. It was a great turnout, and the students did a fantastic job. It was a joyful evening and a beautiful way to share their talents with family and friends.
On Friday morning, we celebrated Mass before our half day heading into vacation. We were blessed to be joined by parish seminarian Noah Pollard. I was also grateful to invite Boston Seminarian James Silva, who attends Our Lady of Providence seminary with Noah, to be with us. James is from Carver, and it was especially meaningful to have him present since his cousin is a student at our school.
I am also very proud to share that our students donated over $1,000 in gift cards to our St. Vincent de Paul Society to support families in need in our area. Thank you to Mrs. Shaughnessy, who coordinates this effort each year, and thank you to all of our school families who participated. These donations help supplement our parish Giving Tree, and together they support local families during this Christmas season.
I am also very proud to share that our students donated over $1,000 in gift cards to our St. Vincent de Paul Society to support families in need in our area. Thank you to Mrs. Shaughnessy, who coordinates this effort each year, and thank you to all of our school families who participated. These donations help supplement our parish Giving Tree, and together they support local families during this Christmas season.
On Thursday, some of our students also had the opportunity to sing Christmas carols for the residents of Alden Court Nursing Home, sharing a bit of Christmas joy with our neighbors down the street.
And check out the winner of our annual Christmas card contest at SFX School. This year’s winning design beautifully depicts the newly renovated altar at St. Francis. Congratulations to Mariel in Grade 8 on her wonderful artwork!
Christmas Mass Schedule
Wednesday Dec 24th
4:00 PM
Thursday Dec 25th
12:00 Midnight
8:00 AM
10:30 AM
New Year's Schedule
Wed Dec 31st 4:00 PM
Thurs Jan 1st 9:00 AM
Adoration Schedule for the Week Ahead
Please note that there will be no adoration this upcoming week due to the need to decorate the church earlier in the week. In addition, there will be no adoration on Friday or Saturday after Christmas. Adoration will resume next Monday morning, December 29, following the 9:00am Mass.
Please note that the church will remain open throughout the week for personal prayer, and you are always welcome to stop by.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Women’s Night Recap
It was a blessed evening on Friday, December 12, as we welcomed the religious sisters who serve at St. Anthony of Padua Parish and Immaculate Conception Parish. A wonderful group of women gathered as we celebrated and reflected on the gift of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
The sisters shared a beautiful presentation in the church, offering insight into their religious community, its history, and its charism. Following the presentation, a collection was taken, and the sisters were very grateful for the generous support they received. The evening concluded with refreshments.
Many thanks to Amy Plante for organizing.
The sisters shared a beautiful presentation in the church, offering insight into their religious community, its history, and its charism. Following the presentation, a collection was taken, and the sisters were very grateful for the generous support they received. The evening concluded with refreshments.
Many thanks to Amy Plante for organizing.
I ask your prayers for the repose of the following souls:
Susan M. (Leblanc) Ferreira, age 71 of Acushnet, was unexpectedly reunited with her beloved late husband, Roger L. Ferreira, on December 15, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. A Memorial Mass for Susan took place at St. Francis Xavier on Saturday, December 20th.
The dream of St. Joseph (Georges de la Tour, 1640, Musée des Beaux-Arts, Nantes)
St. Vincent de Paul Society Thank You
Thank you to all who have supported our St. Vincent de Paul Society this month, both through the raffle held a couple of weeks ago and through the Giving Tree. Your generosity makes a real difference for individuals and families in need in our area.
As a reminder, the St. Vincent de Paul Society has placed collection envelopes in the pews for those who would like to make a gift during this time of year. These envelopes may be placed in the regular weekend collection basket. Thank you in advance for your continued support.
As a reminder, the St. Vincent de Paul Society has placed collection envelopes in the pews for those who would like to make a gift during this time of year. These envelopes may be placed in the regular weekend collection basket. Thank you in advance for your continued support.
Supporting Abundant Hope Through Our Youth Group
Jay Hamel and the Youth Group will be collecting baby items for Abundant Hope Pregnancy Resource Center throughout the entire month of December.
A pack-and-play has been set up in the back of the church to receive donations. Abundant Hope serves more than 70 babies every month, and they are especially grateful for new diapers of all sizes (newborn through size 7) and new warm clothing for infants and toddlers. Items will be delivered to Abundant Hope at the beginning of January.
Thank you for supporting this important work for mothers and babies in our community.
Thank you for supporting this important work for mothers and babies in our community.
A Quick Note About the Heat
If you happened to stop by the church on Thursday or Friday, you may have noticed that it was colder than usual upstairs. Because of this, adoration was canceled as a precaution. The issue turned out to be a broken actuator that allows steam from the boiler to reach the upper level of the church. It was replaced Friday night, and the heat is now fully restored.
Christmas Flower Donations
Envelopes are available in the entryway for anyone who would like to make a donation toward our Christmas flowers in memory of a loved one.
Please feel free to take an envelope and place your offering in the collection basket. Thank you for your generosity.
Please feel free to take an envelope and place your offering in the collection basket. Thank you for your generosity.
2026 Catholic Calendars
The 2026 Catholic calendars are available at the church doors. Please feel free to pick one up. Special thanks to Acushnet Creamery for once again sponsoring the calendars this year.
Save the Date: SFX Women’s Retreat Morning Jan 3rd
Please mark your calendar for a St. Francis Xavier Parish Women’s Retreat Morning on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 9:00am to Noon.
The retreat, titled “Can We Forgive Without Forgetting?”, will be led by Denise Gannon, who will reflect on forgiveness through her own faith journey and lived experience. The morning will include Mass, a light breakfast, a guest talk, Adoration, and Confession.
More details will be shared in the coming weeks, but we encourage women of the parish to save the date and plan to join us for this morning of prayer and reflection.
The retreat, titled “Can We Forgive Without Forgetting?”, will be led by Denise Gannon, who will reflect on forgiveness through her own faith journey and lived experience. The morning will include Mass, a light breakfast, a guest talk, Adoration, and Confession.
More details will be shared in the coming weeks, but we encourage women of the parish to save the date and plan to join us for this morning of prayer and reflection.
Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass Feb 8th
Contact the SFX office to register: 508-995-7600
Church Lost and Found
We currently have a basket of lost and found items, including hats, gloves, books, keys, and eyeglasses. If you think you may have misplaced something, please see me or a staff member, and we will be happy to help you check.
A Nice Moment in Adoration from this Week
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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