You may have noticed that there was no newsletter last weekend. I took a few days of vacation the week before, and by the time I returned I did not have enough time to put something together to send out. Thank you for your understanding, and we will be back to the regular schedule this week.
Lenten Trivia Night & Chowder Supper
Last Weekend to Buy Tickets
Next Friday evening we will host our Trivia Night in the school gym. It should be a fun evening together during Lent, and all are welcome. If you would like to attend, you can reserve your spot this weekend or by calling the parish office.
Those who wish are welcome to attend Stations of the Cross at 6:00pm in the church (**please note the earlier time that night**), and then join us afterward in the school gym. The trivia night itself will begin at 6:30pm.
We will be serving clam chowder, along with cheese pizza for those who may not be chowder fans. Andrew Hamel, who led our very successful trivia night last year at the VFW, will once again guide us through the evening. There will be a prize for the winning team.
You are welcome to form a team of up to eight people ahead of time and sit together when you arrive, or simply come and join a table. This could even make for a simple Lenten “date night”, pray together at Stations, then enjoy a relaxed and fun evening downstairs.
We also want to be mindful of parents with young children. A kids’ movie will be playing in the art room just off the gym for those who may have difficulty finding a babysitter.
Tickets will be on sale after all Masses this weekend, March 14–15.
Lent is a season of prayer and sacrifice, but it is also a season of community. I hope many of you will join us for what promises to be a joyful evening together as a parish.
Those who wish are welcome to attend Stations of the Cross at 6:00pm in the church (**please note the earlier time that night**), and then join us afterward in the school gym. The trivia night itself will begin at 6:30pm.
We will be serving clam chowder, along with cheese pizza for those who may not be chowder fans. Andrew Hamel, who led our very successful trivia night last year at the VFW, will once again guide us through the evening. There will be a prize for the winning team.
You are welcome to form a team of up to eight people ahead of time and sit together when you arrive, or simply come and join a table. This could even make for a simple Lenten “date night”, pray together at Stations, then enjoy a relaxed and fun evening downstairs.
We also want to be mindful of parents with young children. A kids’ movie will be playing in the art room just off the gym for those who may have difficulty finding a babysitter.
Tickets will be on sale after all Masses this weekend, March 14–15.
Lent is a season of prayer and sacrifice, but it is also a season of community. I hope many of you will join us for what promises to be a joyful evening together as a parish.
Men's Night Next Thursday
Holy Hour for Peace
Monday March 23rd at 5:30PM
Bishop da Cunha has asked all parishes throughout the diocese to host a Holy Hour for Peace sometime between March 9 and March 23, joining with Catholics across the country who are praying for renewal in our hearts and in our nation.
At St. Francis Xavier, I will dedicate the 5:30–6:30pm hour of Eucharistic Adoration on Monday, March 23rd for this intention. Parishioners are welcome to stop by during that time to pray for peace. Prayer sheets based on the bishops’ guide will be available in the church, and I will also be in the confessional as usual during that hour for anyone who would like to receive the sacrament.
A listing of other Holy Hours being held in the Diocese can also be found here:
At St. Francis Xavier, I will dedicate the 5:30–6:30pm hour of Eucharistic Adoration on Monday, March 23rd for this intention. Parishioners are welcome to stop by during that time to pray for peace. Prayer sheets based on the bishops’ guide will be available in the church, and I will also be in the confessional as usual during that hour for anyone who would like to receive the sacrament.
A listing of other Holy Hours being held in the Diocese can also be found here:
Stations of the Cross This Evening
**Please note that Stations of the Cross next Friday, March 20, will be at 6:00pm rather than the usual 6:30pm due to the chowder and trivia night taking place in the school gym.
This Week at SFX School
Earlier this week we were honored to welcome the Maronite sisters who joined us for Eucharistic Adoration with our students. It was a beautiful time of prayer together, and you can see a photo from the visit above.
This afternoon the entire school also gathered to pray the Stations of the Cross together as part of our Lenten observance.
This afternoon the entire school also gathered to pray the Stations of the Cross together as part of our Lenten observance.
I also want to remind everyone about our St. Francis Xavier School Benefit Banquet, which will take place on Friday, May 8th. The theme this year is Carnaval, and it is always a great evening in support of our school. I’m including the event graphic above, and tickets can be purchased at the link that follows. The banquet has sold out the past two years, so if you are planning to attend, I encourage you to reserve your tickets soon.
We are also currently gathering items for both the silent auction and the live auction, which are an important part of the evening. If you or someone you know might be able to donate an item, experience, or service, we would be most grateful. Please contact Mrs. Rogers at the school if you would like to help.
Thank you for supporting St. Francis Xavier School and the many good things happening here.
Thank you for supporting St. Francis Xavier School and the many good things happening here.
Women of Grace Holy Hour Recap
Thank you to all the women who came out on Tuesday evening for our Women of Grace Holy Hour. It was a wonderful turnout and a beautiful time of prayer.
Many thanks to Amy Plante for organizing the evening, and to Sister Therese of the Maronite Servants of Christ the Light for leading such a prayerful time of reflection.
Many thanks to Amy Plante for organizing the evening, and to Sister Therese of the Maronite Servants of Christ the Light for leading such a prayerful time of reflection.
*A Note About the Writer of these Weekly Reflections
As you know each week in this newsletter I share the Gospel reflections of Dr. John Bergsma, a Catholic theologian whose insights have been a blessing to many.
A couple of weeks ago, Dr. Bergsma’s 17-year-old son passed away after a battle with brain cancer. At the link below you can read a very moving message that Dr. Bergsma shared about his son on the family’s GoFundMe page.
If his reflections have been meaningful to you over the years, you might also consider offering a prayer for his family or supporting them through a donation.
A couple of weeks ago, Dr. Bergsma’s 17-year-old son passed away after a battle with brain cancer. At the link below you can read a very moving message that Dr. Bergsma shared about his son on the family’s GoFundMe page.
If his reflections have been meaningful to you over the years, you might also consider offering a prayer for his family or supporting them through a donation.
A Homily for this Sunday from Fr. Mike Schmitz
Adorers Needed
We are currently in need of committed adorers for the following hours:
Tuesdays 1:30 - 2:30 PM
Wednesdays 2:30-3:30 AM
Wednesdays 11:30PM-12:30AM
If you are able to take one of these hours and spend time with Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, please contact Mary Cardoza at 774-526-1444.
Youth Living Stations - Help Needed
Notary Needed
A parishioner is currently working with me on some planned giving arrangements to support the parish, and we will need a notary present for the signing of some documents at the parishioner’s home within the next couple of weeks.
If anyone in the parish is a notary public, or knows a notary who might be willing to assist as an act of service, please reach out to me (rjh@sfxparish.com). Your help would be greatly appreciated.
If anyone in the parish is a notary public, or knows a notary who might be willing to assist as an act of service, please reach out to me (rjh@sfxparish.com). Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Elevator Temporarily Out of Order
Over the past couple of weeks we have been having some trouble with the church elevator lift, with different parts needing to be replaced. We thought the issue had been resolved, but unfortunately it stopped working again. The elevator company currently has another part on order, and we are hoping it will be repaired sometime this coming week.
I have to admit that this has been a source of frustration, especially since the lift is clearly beginning to show its age. In the long term, we will likely need to start exploring better and more reliable options.
If anyone in the parish has experience with elevators through your line of work, I would very much appreciate hearing from you. I would also be interested in speaking with anyone who has experience with ADA-accessible ramps, particularly longer or elevated exterior ramps, as we explore whether there might be a practical option that could allow access to the church when the elevator is unavailable.
If you have any insight or would be willing to share your experience, please feel free to reach out to me. Your advice would be most welcome.
I have to admit that this has been a source of frustration, especially since the lift is clearly beginning to show its age. In the long term, we will likely need to start exploring better and more reliable options.
If anyone in the parish has experience with elevators through your line of work, I would very much appreciate hearing from you. I would also be interested in speaking with anyone who has experience with ADA-accessible ramps, particularly longer or elevated exterior ramps, as we explore whether there might be a practical option that could allow access to the church when the elevator is unavailable.
If you have any insight or would be willing to share your experience, please feel free to reach out to me. Your advice would be most welcome.
In your kindness please pray for the repose of the souls of the following individuals:
Maria (Moura) Fernandes, 84, of Acushnet, passed away at St. Luke’s Hospital after a period of declining health. Her Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at St. Francis Xavier on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 11:00 A.M.
Pauline Aurora Ledoux, a beloved and devoted resident of Acushnet, passed away on February 18, 2026, at the age of 83. Her Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 10 AM in St. Francis Xavier.
40 Days for Life - Saturday March 21st
SFX parishioners will again be present for a day of prayerful vigil during the semi-annual 40 Days for Life campaign in Attleboro. The vigil takes place across the street from the last abortion clinic within our diocese (about 1 mile past La Salette Shrine).
Parishioners from SFX plan to be there from 6:00am to 2:00pm on Saturday, March 21st, along with participants from St. Julie Billiart parish. Those who wish to join them in prayer are welcome to do so.
In recent years there have also been counter protesters present at the location, and at times the atmosphere has been tense. For this reason, anyone considering attending should use prudence and be aware that the setting may not be suitable for children.
There is a sign-up sheet at the entrance of the church for those interested.
Parishioners from SFX plan to be there from 6:00am to 2:00pm on Saturday, March 21st, along with participants from St. Julie Billiart parish. Those who wish to join them in prayer are welcome to do so.
In recent years there have also been counter protesters present at the location, and at times the atmosphere has been tense. For this reason, anyone considering attending should use prudence and be aware that the setting may not be suitable for children.
There is a sign-up sheet at the entrance of the church for those interested.
Pray for those Preparing to Enter the Church this Easter
A couple of weeks ago, I attended the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion at the Cathedral in Fall River, celebrated by our bishop. This annual liturgy, held at the beginning of Lent, gathers men and women from across the diocese who are preparing to receive the Sacraments of Initiation or to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church at Easter.
During the ceremony, the Church formally recognizes their desire to follow Christ more deeply and offers them prayer and encouragement as they enter this final period of preparation before Easter.
We are blessed this year to have five individuals from SFX who are preparing for full initiation into the Catholic Church. I invite you to keep them especially in your prayers throughout this Lenten season, that the Lord may strengthen them as they continue their journey of faith and prepare to enter more fully into the life of the Church at Easter.
During the ceremony, the Church formally recognizes their desire to follow Christ more deeply and offers them prayer and encouragement as they enter this final period of preparation before Easter.
We are blessed this year to have five individuals from SFX who are preparing for full initiation into the Catholic Church. I invite you to keep them especially in your prayers throughout this Lenten season, that the Lord may strengthen them as they continue their journey of faith and prepare to enter more fully into the life of the Church at Easter.
A video about St. Joseph ahead of his feast day on Thursday
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-7:30pm
6:30am-8:45am, 9:30am-7:30pm
Wednesday
6:30am-7:30pm
Saturday
6:30am-8:45am, 9:30am-2:45pm
6:30am-7:30pm
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.