Word of God Sunday
This Sunday the Church celebrates sixth annual Word of God Sunday, a day established by Pope Francis to renew our love for Sacred Scripture and to remind us that the Word of God is meant to be at the center of our prayer, our faith, and our life as Christians.
One of Pope Francis’ hopes for this day was that we would move beyond seeing the Bible as something distant or difficult, and instead come to know it as the living Word through which God speaks to us today.
Below are three short videos from Fr. Mike Schmitz that I highly recommend in connection with Word of God Sunday.
Ways to Read the Bible
One of Pope Francis’ hopes for this day was that we would move beyond seeing the Bible as something distant or difficult, and instead come to know it as the living Word through which God speaks to us today.
Below are three short videos from Fr. Mike Schmitz that I highly recommend in connection with Word of God Sunday.
Ways to Read the Bible
Maybe you used to read the Bible for inspiration, for its great stories, or for answers to the big questions in life. But now, it sits on your nightstand gathering dust. Perhaps you gave up reading it because it seemed irrelevant to your everyday life or because it became too hard to follow. If so, Fr. Mike Schmitz offers several reasons for you to pick up your Bible again, see it with new eyes, and allow it to transform your life.
The Bible in 10 Minutes
The Bible is amazing... but sometimes confusing and hard to read. How can we understand the whole story? From Ascension and Fr. Mike Schmitz—creators of the Bible in a Year podcast—comes a beautiful, clear, shareable summary of the story of salvation: the Bible in 10 Minutes. If you've never had the whole narrative summarized for you (or if you could use a refresher), this video will change your perspective on humanity's relationship with God.
How Do You Pray with the Bible?
You know you should be praying. But do you ever wish someone would show you how? Fr. Mike starts by showing us how to pray with the Bible with a time-honored method called lectio divina. Typically it consists of five steps:
1) Read a short snippet of Scripture, a few verses. (This is the “lectio” part.)
2) Meditate on those verses. Think about what you read. Is there any hidden meaning, anything you didn’t notice at first?
3) Pray about what you read. Talk with God about the passage.
4) Meditate again and maybe read the passage again in light of what God spoke to you.
5) Contemplate. Rest with what you just prayed about. Ask God what you should take away from the passage. Ask him what he’s telling you to do next.
Fr. Mike walks us through a Scripture passage involving John the Baptist where he employs the steps of lectio divina.
1) Read a short snippet of Scripture, a few verses. (This is the “lectio” part.)
2) Meditate on those verses. Think about what you read. Is there any hidden meaning, anything you didn’t notice at first?
3) Pray about what you read. Talk with God about the passage.
4) Meditate again and maybe read the passage again in light of what God spoke to you.
5) Contemplate. Rest with what you just prayed about. Ask God what you should take away from the passage. Ask him what he’s telling you to do next.
Fr. Mike walks us through a Scripture passage involving John the Baptist where he employs the steps of lectio divina.
I also encourage you read the Sunday Gospel reflections I send out each week from Dr. John Bergsma. (See "Explanation of the Readings" below.) They do a wonderful job of opening our eyes to what is happening in the readings and helping us appreciate more fully the Word of God we hear at Mass.
Weekend Mass Safety Update
I announced at Masses last weekend about a new safety practice we are starting at weekend Masses.
In September, at the request of the bishop and in light of several incidents around the country at houses of worship, I formed a parish safety committee made up of parishioners with a range of experience and expertise. We’ve been meeting to review safety practices and procedures, including assisting with the recent safety meeting for adorers. We’re still reviewing our Adoration safety plan.
They also helped me review our Religious Ed practices and make thoughtful improvements where needed, including keeping the building locked during classes with monitored entry.
What I shared last weekend is the first concrete step coming out of that work as it relates to our weekend Masses.
Our church has a unique layout. We have one main entrance, and once Mass begins, everyone’s attention is directed toward the altar. That means late entry happens behind the congregation and can go unnoticed. Several parishioners have shared with me that this feels unsettling.
So beginning last weekend, we are now locking the main entrance about ten minutes after Mass begins.
Latecomers will still be welcomed, and the doors will always allow people to exit normally at any time. The purpose of this is to prevent unsupervised entry during Mass and to make sure access happens in an orderly and attentive way.
Outside the door, there will be a clearly marked button. (See photo below.) Pressing it will quietly alert an usher seated in the back of the church, who will come and let the person in. Once the door is locked, I ask that only the ushers handle opening it, so there’s one clear and consistent process for everyone. In almost every case, this simply means opening the door and welcoming someone, just with a bit more intention and awareness than before.
We’ve also seen a recent incident at a nearby parish in Taunton where someone entered in the middle of Mass and caused a disruption. Thankfully, no one was hurt. Situations like that remind us why having a monitored point of entry during Mass is helpful.
I want to be clear about two things. First, this is not about fear. It’s about stewardship of a space entrusted to us and care for one another. Second, this is not the final word. I want your feedback. Feel free to reach out to me.
We’re doing this together, carefully, thoughtfully, and prayerfully. Thank you for your trust.
Winter Weather This Weekend
As you know, a winter storm is expected Sunday afternoon into Monday. It looks like the Masses will be fine but perhaps consider coming to either the 4:00pm Saturday Mass or the 8:00am Sunday Mass.
As is our normal practice, the 9:00am Monday Mass will still be celebrated. However, conditions Monday morning do not look safe for travel, and you are strongly encouraged to use prudence, remain at home, and take care to stay safe.
As is our normal practice, the 9:00am Monday Mass will still be celebrated. However, conditions Monday morning do not look safe for travel, and you are strongly encouraged to use prudence, remain at home, and take care to stay safe.
I anticipate holding confessions at 5:30pm on Monday as usual. As always, please use good judgment and only come out if it is safe to do so.
Adoration Canceled Over the Next Week
Adorers have already been notified that Eucharistic Adoration is canceled beginning tonight, January 23 at 7:00pm and will resume Thursday, January 29 at 9:30am due to the winter storm and below zero temperatures.
Because of the extreme cold expected during overnight hours next week, there will also be no overnight Adoration Thursday night into Friday morning or Friday night into Saturday morning.
Thank you for your understanding.
Because of the extreme cold expected during overnight hours next week, there will also be no overnight Adoration Thursday night into Friday morning or Friday night into Saturday morning.
Thank you for your understanding.
School Open House Will Take Place as Scheduled This Sunday
We have been watching the weather closely for Sunday and are hopeful that the heavier snow will hold off until later in the afternoon. At this time, the School Open House is planned to take place as scheduled on Sunday from 12-2pm.
If you know anyone who is planning to attend, please help spread the word and encourage them to check our social media channels for updates in case the weather takes a different turn or plans need to change.
Please keep our school and the prospective families who will be visiting us in your prayers, and pray for a strong and successful turnout.
If you know anyone who is planning to attend, please help spread the word and encourage them to check our social media channels for updates in case the weather takes a different turn or plans need to change.
Please keep our school and the prospective families who will be visiting us in your prayers, and pray for a strong and successful turnout.
New Public Adoration Hours
After some recent safety conversations, we have decided to adjust the public hours of Eucharistic Adoration.
Previously, Adoration was open to the public until 8:30pm Monday through Thursday and until 8:00pm on Fridays. Going forward, public Adoration will conclude one hour earlier: at 7:30pm Monday through Thursday and at 7:00pm on Fridays. Adoration continues overnight, but only scheduled adorers may remain in the church during overnight hours.
Thank you for your understanding as we make this adjustment.
Previously, Adoration was open to the public until 8:30pm Monday through Thursday and until 8:00pm on Fridays. Going forward, public Adoration will conclude one hour earlier: at 7:30pm Monday through Thursday and at 7:00pm on Fridays. Adoration continues overnight, but only scheduled adorers may remain in the church during overnight hours.
Thank you for your understanding as we make this adjustment.
Public Adoration Hours
Monday: 9:30am–7:30pm
Tuesday–Thursday: 6:30am–7:30pm
Friday: 6:30am–7:00pm
Saturday: 7:00am–2:45pm
Monday: 9:30am–7:30pm
Tuesday–Thursday: 6:30am–7:30pm
Friday: 6:30am–7:00pm
Saturday: 7:00am–2:45pm
Donation to Abundant Hope Pregnancy Resource Center
As you know, parishioner Jay Hamel organized a donation drive ("baby shower") to benefit Abundant Hope Pregnancy Resource Center in Attleboro, collecting baby items for mothers in need. The donations were picked up this week, and the response from our parish was truly remarkable.
From December through January, Jay coordinated efforts between the parish, the high school youth group, and the school’s campus ministry club. Thanks to your generosity, the vehicle that arrived to collect the donations was completely full and overflowing, as you can see above. The director of Abundant Hope later emailed to say she was overwhelmed by the generosity shown.
As we mark the National March for Life in Washington, DC today and conclude the annual 9 Days for Life, we can be proud of the concrete ways our parish is supporting mothers and families in need right here in our community.
A sincere thank you to Jay Hamel for leading this effort, and to all the parish families, students, and donors who made it possible.
From December through January, Jay coordinated efforts between the parish, the high school youth group, and the school’s campus ministry club. Thanks to your generosity, the vehicle that arrived to collect the donations was completely full and overflowing, as you can see above. The director of Abundant Hope later emailed to say she was overwhelmed by the generosity shown.
As we mark the National March for Life in Washington, DC today and conclude the annual 9 Days for Life, we can be proud of the concrete ways our parish is supporting mothers and families in need right here in our community.
A sincere thank you to Jay Hamel for leading this effort, and to all the parish families, students, and donors who made it possible.
Women of Grace
Paint Night - Feb 10th
Women of Grace invites the women of our parish to an art night at The Knights of Columbus in Mattapoisett on Tuesday, February 10th. The art class starts promptly at 6:30 p.m. No talent needed to participate. Our art teacher Megann Bodeau will guide you step by step. Cost for supplies is $37. Come and enjoy fellowship and fun while creating the above masterpiece to take home. Please rsvp by texting Amy Plante at 508-951-8866 or amyplante122@gmail.com. Space is limited, so rsvp soon.
Candlelit Mass for Feast of the Presentation
Monday Feb 2
7:00PM
On February 2, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also traditionally known as Candlemas. This feast commemorates Mary and Joseph presenting the child Jesus in the Temple, where Christ is proclaimed as a light for all nations. Historically, Candlemas marks the close of the wider Christmas season and turns our hearts toward the light of Christ revealed to the world.
This year, the feast falls on a Monday. Mass will be celebrated at 9:00am and again at 7:00pm. The evening Mass will be candlelit and include music.
Beeswax candles will be blessed and distributed at both Masses. Parishioners are also welcome to bring candles from home to be blessed for personal prayer throughout the year.
All are invited to celebrate this feast of light.
Men’s Night Recap
Last night’s Men’s Night was one of our largest turnouts yet, with 65 men from around the diocese gathered to hear Fr. George Harrison speak on the priesthood of fatherhood. Fr. Harrison offered an engaging reflection, calling men to live godly lives and to lead their families to Christ.
The evening concluded with a half hour of Eucharistic Adoration and the opportunity for Confession, with many men making use of the sacrament.
The next Men’s Night will be Thursday, February 19.
The evening concluded with a half hour of Eucharistic Adoration and the opportunity for Confession, with many men making use of the sacrament.
The next Men’s Night will be Thursday, February 19.
Ministry Spotlight: Elijah Cup
One year ago, parishioner Bethany Pollard-Kowzic launched the Elijah Cup vocations ministry here at St. Francis Xavier, part of a national ministry of praying for vocations.
Parishioners are invited to take home an Elijah Cup kit for one week. The kit includes a chalice and prayer materials to help families and individuals pray for an increase in religious vocations, especially from our parish and within our diocese. The kit is picked up after a weekend Mass and returned to the church the following weekend. Above are photos shared by a parishioner praying with the Elijah Cup at home.
If you would be interested in taking the Elijah Cup home for a week, please contact Bethany at pollardslg@aol.com
Parishioners are invited to take home an Elijah Cup kit for one week. The kit includes a chalice and prayer materials to help families and individuals pray for an increase in religious vocations, especially from our parish and within our diocese. The kit is picked up after a weekend Mass and returned to the church the following weekend. Above are photos shared by a parishioner praying with the Elijah Cup at home.
If you would be interested in taking the Elijah Cup home for a week, please contact Bethany at pollardslg@aol.com
“The Calling of the Apostles Peter and Andrew” by Édouard Dantan
A Homily for this Sunday from Fr. Mike Schmitz (Starts at 8 minutes 45 seconds)
Fr. Mike shares a thought provoking story about a man who was willing to suffer for his faith under persecution, but later found his faith weakened by comfort and routine.
Start Preparing for Lent
Ash Wednesday is less than a month away. As in past years, we will again be distributing Magnificat Lenten Companion booklets. You may also want to consider choosing some spiritual reading now to help you enter more intentionally into the season.
Ascension Press has a new devotional called Crux, designed to help you live Lent well through daily reflections and Scripture that invite deeper prayer, reflection, and surrender to God. You can learn more about Crux at the link below.
Ascension Press has a new devotional called Crux, designed to help you live Lent well through daily reflections and Scripture that invite deeper prayer, reflection, and surrender to God. You can learn more about Crux at the link below.
You can also explore Ignatius Press’ Lenten book suggestions at the link below.
Feast of St. Francis de Sales Tomorrow
Tomorrow (Jan 24) we celebrate the feast of St. Francis de Sales, a saint well worth getting to know. He is especially helpful for ordinary Christians trying to live the faith well in everyday life.
I first read St. Francis de Sales’ most famous work, Introduction to the Devout Life, years ago in seminary, but I was reminded of it recently while speaking with a young man who shared that the book gave him a radically new perspective on his life and vocation. You can purchase it here or listen to it for free on YouTube.
Below are two short videos I encourage you to check out: one from Fr. Gregory Pine on learning how to pray from St. Francis de Sales, and another from Fr. Chris Alar on the life and teaching of St. Francis de Sales (the first ten minutes only).
I first read St. Francis de Sales’ most famous work, Introduction to the Devout Life, years ago in seminary, but I was reminded of it recently while speaking with a young man who shared that the book gave him a radically new perspective on his life and vocation. You can purchase it here or listen to it for free on YouTube.
Below are two short videos I encourage you to check out: one from Fr. Gregory Pine on learning how to pray from St. Francis de Sales, and another from Fr. Chris Alar on the life and teaching of St. Francis de Sales (the first ten minutes only).
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.
Adult Confirmation
The diocese is currently forming the next adult Confirmation class, with a registration deadline of February 20th. Adult Confirmation will take place in May at the Cathedral. Anyone who is interested, or who would like more information about the registration process, is invited to contact me directly
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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