Feast of the Baptism of the Lord this Weekend
This weekend, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Historically, this feast is closely connected to Epiphany. In the early Church, Epiphany was not only about the visit of the Magi, but about several moments when Jesus was “revealed” to the world: the adoration of the Magi, his baptism in the Jordan, and the wedding feast at Cana. Over time, these moments were given their own place in the calendar, and the Baptism of the Lord came to mark the conclusion of the Christmas season.
This feast stands at an important turning point in the life of Jesus. At his baptism, the Father’s voice is heard, the Holy Spirit descends, and Jesus is publicly revealed as the beloved Son. From that moment, he steps out of hidden life and begins his public ministry. That is why the Church places this feast at the close of Christmas: it brings the mystery of the Incarnation to a kind of fullness and points us forward toward Jesus’ mission.
It is also a beautiful opportunity for each of us to reflect on our own baptism. In baptism, we were claimed by God, named as his sons and daughters, and given a share in the life of Christ. That gift is not something we outgrow, but it shapes who we are every day.
I encourage you to watch the short video below from Fr. Mike Schmitz, which reflects on the incredible gift we have received in baptism and why it is something worth celebrating, remembering, and living out more intentionally.
This feast stands at an important turning point in the life of Jesus. At his baptism, the Father’s voice is heard, the Holy Spirit descends, and Jesus is publicly revealed as the beloved Son. From that moment, he steps out of hidden life and begins his public ministry. That is why the Church places this feast at the close of Christmas: it brings the mystery of the Incarnation to a kind of fullness and points us forward toward Jesus’ mission.
It is also a beautiful opportunity for each of us to reflect on our own baptism. In baptism, we were claimed by God, named as his sons and daughters, and given a share in the life of Christ. That gift is not something we outgrow, but it shapes who we are every day.
I encourage you to watch the short video below from Fr. Mike Schmitz, which reflects on the incredible gift we have received in baptism and why it is something worth celebrating, remembering, and living out more intentionally.
Weather Advisory for This Weekend
With winter weather expected from Saturday night into Sunday morning, I encourage parishioners, if possible, to consider attending the 4:00pm Mass on Saturday. As always, please use good judgment and discretion when making plans to travel.
Mass will be celebrated as scheduled, but your safety is most important. If weather conditions make it unsafe for you to travel on Sunday morning, please do not put yourself at risk. The Lord understands, and prudence is always the right choice.
Please take care, and stay safe.
Mass will be celebrated as scheduled, but your safety is most important. If weather conditions make it unsafe for you to travel on Sunday morning, please do not put yourself at risk. The Lord understands, and prudence is always the right choice.
Please take care, and stay safe.
Please note that Adoration & Apps, originally scheduled for tonight, Friday, January 9 at 6:00pm, has been postponed as our musician Liz is ill. We keep her in our prayers and will share a new date once it is rescheduled. Thank you for your understanding.
Looking to Pray More in the New Year?
If you’re looking for a way to deepen your prayer life this year, I invite you to consider participating in our Eucharistic Adoration program. Here at St. Francis Xavier, we are blessed to have an almost perpetual presence before the Blessed Sacrament.
We are always grateful for parishioners who are able to commit to a regular weekly hour, but we are especially in need of substitutes. Being a substitute is a wonderful option if your schedule is unpredictable or if you’re not able to commit to a set time each week. Our automated system will send a text or email when coverage is needed, and you can simply accept or decline based on your availability.
If you would like to learn more about becoming a substitute adorer, please contact the parish office or reach out directly to our Adoration Coordinator Mary Cardoza at 774-526-1444.
We are always grateful for parishioners who are able to commit to a regular weekly hour, but we are especially in need of substitutes. Being a substitute is a wonderful option if your schedule is unpredictable or if you’re not able to commit to a set time each week. Our automated system will send a text or email when coverage is needed, and you can simply accept or decline based on your availability.
If you would like to learn more about becoming a substitute adorer, please contact the parish office or reach out directly to our Adoration Coordinator Mary Cardoza at 774-526-1444.
Women of Grace Morning Retreat Recap
Thank you to all who attended the Women of Grace morning retreat last Saturday. Many were deeply moved by the presentation offered by Denise Gannon, who reflected on the power of forgiveness through her own personal testimony, including the loss of her son, Officer Sean Gannon, who was killed in the line of duty in 2018 while serving as a Yarmouth police officer.
We are grateful for Denise’s witness. Special thanks as well to Amy Plante and her helpers for organizing and hosting the morning.
We are grateful for Denise’s witness. Special thanks as well to Amy Plante and her helpers for organizing and hosting the morning.
Adoration Safety Meeting Recap
Thank you to everyone who attended the Adoration Safety Meeting last night (Thursday Jan 8). I am especially grateful to parishioner Mike Poitras, former Acushnet Chief of Police, for sharing his experience and practical guidance, as well as to Sergeant Keith Ashley of the Acushnet Police Department for being with us and offering helpful insight. We are very thankful for their time, support, and care for our parish.
What follows are reminders and points that I recall from the meeting and the Q&A. This may not be an exhaustive list, but it reflects many of the important themes that were discussed.
What follows are reminders and points that I recall from the meeting and the Q&A. This may not be an exhaustive list, but it reflects many of the important themes that were discussed.
- Always err on the side of caution. If you ever feel unsafe or in danger, call 911 immediately. Please do not feel embarrassed or hesitant about calling 911. Your safety comes first. Call 911 before calling anyone else. Call 911 instead of the Non-Emergency line of the Acushnet PD.
- Trust your instincts. If something feels “off,” that alone is reason enough to act, leave, or call 911. You don’t need proof or certainty.
- If you are in a situation where you cannot speak, you can still call 911. Dispatchers can determine your location through your phone, and you may be able to press numbers or respond silently to indicate that you need help. You can also apparently text 911 now as well.
- Be aware of your surroundings while in the church. If you are alone, it is encouraged to remain aware of who enters the church. For those using the kneelers near the altar during daytime Adoration, it was suggested to angle the kneeler at about 45 degrees so you can more easily see who enters the church.
- Do not confront someone who makes you uncomfortable. Avoid engagement. Distance and calling for help are the priorities.
- Consider positioning yourself in one of the front corners of the church, such as near the confessional or organ, where it is easier to turn and see the main entrance.
- Always keep your phone with you and turned on so you can quickly call 911 if needed.
- Always feel free to ask the adorer before you to remain for a few minutes if you feel uncomfortable for any reason.
- Report concerning behavior afterward. Even if nothing happened, alerting the parish office helps patterns be noticed. There is a camera in the entryway which records all who enter the church. (So there is no need to try to photograph someone to identify them later.)
- Women were encouraged to consider not bringing pocketbooks into the church, as they can sometimes make someone appear to be a target.
- Those who are legally permitted (21 or older) may consider carrying mace or pepper spray.
- Our public hours of Adoration end at 8:30pm on weeknights. After that time, only regularly scheduled adorers should be in the church. Visiting during non-public hours (8:30pm–6:30am) is discouraged, but if you must come during those hours, please clearly identify yourself as an adorer so as not to alarm others.
- If you ever feel in danger during Adoration in the main body of the church and are able to do so, it is permissible to take the Lord in the monstrance from the altar and move to the bathroom near the sacristy, locking yourself inside for safety. If you are unable to take the monstrance, it is still okay to leave Adoration and lock yourself in the bathroom.
- The Safety Committee and I will be reviewing the current door and security situation, including the possibility of keypad or fob access, as well as the potential installation of a panic button in the future.
- NOTES FOR OVERNIGHT ADORERS:
- Please be sure the front doors are shut firmly when you leave after being relieved by the next adorer.
- We are exploring the use of lanyards to help identify adorers and substitutes more easily.
- When walking to your car overnight, consider having your car remote in hand so you can easily activate the panic alarm if needed.
- Overnight adorers are encouraged to consider parking in the Town Hall parking lot, where there is better lighting and a clearer line of sight when leaving the church, rather than in the church's side parking areas with less visibility.
Thank you again for your attentiveness to these reminders and for your generosity in spending time with the Lord in Adoration. Your presence is a gift to the parish, and your safety matters deeply.
Mass Intentions Book Opens Wednesday
A Mass intention is a beautiful way to remember a loved one or a special intention in prayer by having it named at a particular Mass.
The Mass Book will reopen on Wednesday, January 14, when the office opens at 9:30am, and intentions will be accepted for the period of July 1 through December 31, 2026. Requests may also be made by calling the parish office.
The Mass Book will reopen on Wednesday, January 14, when the office opens at 9:30am, and intentions will be accepted for the period of July 1 through December 31, 2026. Requests may also be made by calling the parish office.
Renovation Update
The final piece of our recent church renovation was completed this week with the installation of the decorative stenciling on the side arches. With this, the work of Egan Church Restoration has officially come to a close. Photos are included below.
Even with the major renovation now complete, there continue to be a number of smaller items on my own to do list as we finish settling back into the church.
Even with the major renovation now complete, there continue to be a number of smaller items on my own to do list as we finish settling back into the church.
A Spiritual Practice for the New Year
As the new year begins, many people look for one small, realistic way to deepen their spiritual life. Ascension Presents offers two excellent and approachable resources: Bible in a Year or Catechism in a Year.
It’s not too late to begin one of them, even now in mid January. Links to both resources are included below.
It’s not too late to begin one of them, even now in mid January. Links to both resources are included below.
Image: Giotto. Baptism of the Lord. Fresco, 1305.
A Homily for this Sunday from Fr. Mike Schmitz:
On the Bulletin Cover This Weekend...
After the past few years of highlighting a modern saint or blessed on the cover of the weekly bulletin, I have decided to take a break from this feature for the time being. Beginning this weekend, the bulletin cover will use the standard liturgical artwork provided by our publisher. Thank you for your understanding.
New Parish Calendar
A few months ago, I asked whether parishioners were using the calendar on our website, which for many years was hosted through CalendarWiz. After some reflection, I’ve decided to move our parish calendar to a Google Calendar, which is now available directly on our website.
You can find it under the Parish Info menu by clicking Parish Calendar. This calendar will be kept up to date and includes our Mass, Adoration, and Confession schedule, as well as parish events as they are scheduled.
This change helps keep parish information in one place and avoids the need for multiple platforms.
You can find it under the Parish Info menu by clicking Parish Calendar. This calendar will be kept up to date and includes our Mass, Adoration, and Confession schedule, as well as parish events as they are scheduled.
This change helps keep parish information in one place and avoids the need for multiple platforms.
Take Home the Poinsettia
This Sunday marks the conclusion of the Christmas season. After the 10:30am Mass, parishioners are welcome to take a poinsettia home. Please leave the green buckets behind, as they are reused from year to year.
Please note that there will be a baptism following the 10:30am Mass, so the poinsettias will remain on the high altar for a time to allow the family to take photos.
Please note that there will be a baptism following the 10:30am Mass, so the poinsettias will remain on the high altar for a time to allow the family to take photos.
High School Youth Group This Sunday
The next High School Youth Group gathering will take place this Sunday, January 11 from 6:30–8:30pm in the SFX gym. Join us for our Christmas themed meeting with games, food, and time together. Pizza will be provided.
High school students and families are encouraged to let Mr. Hamel (jayhamel8@yahoo.com) know if they plan to attend so that enough food and supplies can be prepared.
High school students and families are encouraged to let Mr. Hamel (jayhamel8@yahoo.com) know if they plan to attend so that enough food and supplies can be prepared.
Save the Date: 2026 SFX Lenten Mission
Please mark your calendar for February 22–25, 2026, and plan to join us for our Parish Lenten Mission with Father James Sullivan, OP, of the Dominican Fathers of the Province of St. Joseph.
Father Jim is a nationally sought after preacher and retreat leader, currently assigned in Washington, D.C. I had the privilege of knowing him during my time in the seminary, including when he served for a period at St. John’s Seminary in Boston. Our school teachers will also remember him fondly from a retreat he led at SFX School.
I am very excited to finally be able to share this with you and look forward to welcoming Father Jim back to St. Francis Xavier. More details will be shared as we get closer.
Father Jim is a nationally sought after preacher and retreat leader, currently assigned in Washington, D.C. I had the privilege of knowing him during my time in the seminary, including when he served for a period at St. John’s Seminary in Boston. Our school teachers will also remember him fondly from a retreat he led at SFX School.
I am very excited to finally be able to share this with you and look forward to welcoming Father Jim back to St. Francis Xavier. More details will be shared as we get closer.
SFX School Play Next Weekend
Diocesan Annual Divorced and Separated Healing Mass Sunday Jan 25
National Eucharistic Pilgrimage Announcement
This week it was announced that a 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage will take place this summer along the East Coast of the United States in celebration of the 250th anniversary of our nation. The pilgrimage, themed “One Nation Under God,” will begin in late May in St. Augustine, Florida, and conclude in early July in Philadelphia, with stops through many dioceses along the way, including New England. Our diocese has been informed that the pilgrimage will pass through our on Monday and Tuesday, June 29 and 30. We look forward to receiving more details from the diocese about what will take place locally and how we can participate.
Check out the article below to learn more about this exciting national spiritual event.
Check out the article below to learn more about this exciting national spiritual event.
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.