Holy Hour for Peace
This Monday March 23rd at 5:30PM
Bishop da Cunha has asked all parishes throughout the diocese to host a Holy Hour for Peace, joining with Catholics across the country who are praying for renewal in our hearts and in our nation.
At SFX, we 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 SFX, we 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:
Wednesday, March 25th
7:00 PM Mass
Solemnity of the Annunciation
Living Stations of the Cross
Next Friday
March 27th 7:00PM
Stations of the Cross This Evening at 6:00 PM
**Please note that Stations of the Cross this 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
It was a great week at St. Francis Xavier School!
There were even some reported leprechaun sightings in the building on Tuesday, though I’m not sure if any of the students’ traps were successful...
We also celebrated St. Joseph’s Day with a school Mass at the church, which was a beautiful occasion. In my homily, I spoke with the students about how St. Joseph is such a powerful example of holiness, not because he did anything extraordinary in the eyes of the world, but because he lived his ordinary life with great faithfulness. He went to work, cared for his family, and did what God asked of him. That’s the path to holiness for most of us, too. It’s a consoling reminder that sainthood is found in that daily effort to do the right thing. After our Lord and our Lady, the greatest saint in history was not a pope or a bishop, but a father and a worker!
I’d also ask for your prayers in a special way this week. We have a major visit coming up as part of our reaccreditation process with NEASC. A team of educators from schools across New England will be with us, meeting with members of our community and getting to know our school after reviewing a comprehensive self study prepared by our faculty and staff over the past year. Mrs. Rogers and Mrs. Shaughnessy have put an enormous amount of time and effort into this, and we are very grateful. Please pray that the visit goes well, that they see the many ways our school shines, and that any feedback they offer helps us continue to grow. We’ll all be breathing a sigh of relief when the visit is complete!
Admission season is also in full swing, and Mrs. Rogers and Mrs. Shaughnessy have been very busy meeting with prospective families. If you are considering enrolling your child at St. Francis Xavier School next year, please be aware that the deadline to apply for the diocesan FACE scholarship is at the end of this month. I’ve been told that there are fewer applications this year, so this is a great opportunity to make Catholic education more affordable. Thank you, as always, for helping to spread the word about our school to your family and friends.
And finally, a reminder to see below for ways you can help with our upcoming School Benefit Banquet and info about our upcoming SFX School 5k Brew Run.
There were even some reported leprechaun sightings in the building on Tuesday, though I’m not sure if any of the students’ traps were successful...
We also celebrated St. Joseph’s Day with a school Mass at the church, which was a beautiful occasion. In my homily, I spoke with the students about how St. Joseph is such a powerful example of holiness, not because he did anything extraordinary in the eyes of the world, but because he lived his ordinary life with great faithfulness. He went to work, cared for his family, and did what God asked of him. That’s the path to holiness for most of us, too. It’s a consoling reminder that sainthood is found in that daily effort to do the right thing. After our Lord and our Lady, the greatest saint in history was not a pope or a bishop, but a father and a worker!
I’d also ask for your prayers in a special way this week. We have a major visit coming up as part of our reaccreditation process with NEASC. A team of educators from schools across New England will be with us, meeting with members of our community and getting to know our school after reviewing a comprehensive self study prepared by our faculty and staff over the past year. Mrs. Rogers and Mrs. Shaughnessy have put an enormous amount of time and effort into this, and we are very grateful. Please pray that the visit goes well, that they see the many ways our school shines, and that any feedback they offer helps us continue to grow. We’ll all be breathing a sigh of relief when the visit is complete!
Admission season is also in full swing, and Mrs. Rogers and Mrs. Shaughnessy have been very busy meeting with prospective families. If you are considering enrolling your child at St. Francis Xavier School next year, please be aware that the deadline to apply for the diocesan FACE scholarship is at the end of this month. I’ve been told that there are fewer applications this year, so this is a great opportunity to make Catholic education more affordable. Thank you, as always, for helping to spread the word about our school to your family and friends.
And finally, a reminder to see below for ways you can help with our upcoming School Benefit Banquet and info about our upcoming SFX School 5k Brew Run.
Men’s Group Recap
It was an awesome night for the Men’s Group yesterday as we gathered for our usual third Thursday. This time providentially falling on the Solemnity of St. Joseph. We had a great turnout of about 65 men from our parish and from across the diocese.
A special treat for the evening was provided by Ellie Hamel, who baked traditional zeppole for the feast day. They were outstanding. Thank you, Ellie!
A special treat for the evening was provided by Ellie Hamel, who baked traditional zeppole for the feast day. They were outstanding. Thank you, Ellie!
Jay Hamel, who leads the Men of St. Joseph, gave a fantastic talk on St. Joseph. He explored the development of the Church’s understanding of St. Joseph over time, addressed some of the common questions about his life, such as his age and his response to Mary’s pregnancy, and shared about an apparition of St. Joseph here in the United States.
Thank you, Jay, for the great work you do in bringing men together and helping to build a strong community here in our parish and throughout the area.
Please save the date for our next Men’s Group gathering: Thursday, April 16th.
Thank you, Jay, for the great work you do in bringing men together and helping to build a strong community here in our parish and throughout the area.
Please save the date for our next Men’s Group gathering: Thursday, April 16th.
A Homily for this Sunday from Fr. Mike Schmitz
(Gospel Begins at 6:45)
Women of Grace Book Study Starting in April
Veiling of Statues During Lent
You will this weekend as you come into the church that some of the statues and sacred images have been veiled. This is an ancient tradition of the Church during the final weeks of Lent.
At first, it might seem strange to cover up what is beautiful. But the veils are meant to remind us that we are entering a more intense and focused time of preparation for the Sacred Triduum. With the images hidden, our attention is drawn more fully to the words of the Mass, especially the Passion, and it creates a sense of longing and anticipation for the joy of Easter, when everything is unveiled once again.
The veils also remind us that in this life we do not yet see everything clearly. Like living behind a veil, we await the day when all is revealed.
Thank you to Louise Hebert for coordinating this!
For a fuller explanation of this tradition, please see the article below.
At first, it might seem strange to cover up what is beautiful. But the veils are meant to remind us that we are entering a more intense and focused time of preparation for the Sacred Triduum. With the images hidden, our attention is drawn more fully to the words of the Mass, especially the Passion, and it creates a sense of longing and anticipation for the joy of Easter, when everything is unveiled once again.
The veils also remind us that in this life we do not yet see everything clearly. Like living behind a veil, we await the day when all is revealed.
Thank you to Louise Hebert for coordinating this!
For a fuller explanation of this tradition, please see the article below.
Bring Old Palms to Church This Weekend
A basket will be available in the church entryway this weekend for the return of old blessed palm branches, which will be respectfully disposed of.
Ave Regina Caelorum video
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
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.
Living Stations
Youth Actors Needed
Grades 2-12
Holy One of the Week
Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman
(December 29, 1937 – March 30, 1990)
An African American Franciscan Sister, teacher, and evangelist whose powerful witness helped call the Church in the United States to deeper unity, holiness, and love.
“People think they have to do big things in order to make change. But if each one would light a candle, we’d have a tremendous light.”
Holy Week 2026
Invitation from Bishop to the Chrism Mass
Tuesday March 31st
Elevator Update
I’m happy to share that the elevator is now back in working order. It has become increasingly difficult to repair due to its age.
This past week, I was grateful to meet with a parishioner and his son, who is an engineer. We walked through the building together to explore possible solutions, including the idea of an exterior ramp. Unfortunately, we concluded that a ramp would not be a viable option. His recommendation, which I think is right, is that the lift should be replaced in the future with a more standard elevator.
That’s obviously a significant project, and one that will require careful planning. I’ve also been giving some thought to how we might make better use of the basement space, and it may be that a future elevator replacement becomes part of a larger effort.
In the meantime, thank you for your patience whenever issues arise. And, as Mrs. Rogers likes to say, "what we really need is a money tree"… so if anyone has one growing in the backyard, let me know, or at least pray that one starts sprouting at parish!
This past week, I was grateful to meet with a parishioner and his son, who is an engineer. We walked through the building together to explore possible solutions, including the idea of an exterior ramp. Unfortunately, we concluded that a ramp would not be a viable option. His recommendation, which I think is right, is that the lift should be replaced in the future with a more standard elevator.
That’s obviously a significant project, and one that will require careful planning. I’ve also been giving some thought to how we might make better use of the basement space, and it may be that a future elevator replacement becomes part of a larger effort.
In the meantime, thank you for your patience whenever issues arise. And, as Mrs. Rogers likes to say, "what we really need is a money tree"… so if anyone has one growing in the backyard, let me know, or at least pray that one starts sprouting at parish!
40 Days for Life
Tomorrow 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). For GPS directions, type in "Cyril M. Angell Park" in Attleboro.
Parishioners from SFX plan to be there from 6:00am to 2:00pm tomorrow, 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.
Parishioners from SFX plan to be there from 6:00am to 2:00pm tomorrow, 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.
Pray for the Romeiros Lenten Pilgrimage
In the coming days, the Romeiros will be out on their Lenten pilgrimage, visiting local churches. Please keep them in your prayers, especially for their safety as they travel from place to place. They will be joining us for Mass tomorrow, Saturday, March 21st at 4:00pm here at SFX.
Some of our own parishioners take part in these local groups each year. I was recently learning more about the history of this tradition, which I had not fully appreciated. It dates back to the island of Sao Miguel in the Azores, especially following a series of devastating earthquakes in the early 1500s. In response, the people turned to God in repentance, forming groups of men who would travel on foot from church to church, praying for mercy, protection, and conversion of life.
That tradition continues to this day. During Lent, these groups (known as Romeiros) walk long distances, often beginning before dawn, stopping at churches and homes along the way to pray, sing, and encourage one another in faith. Here in New England, Azorean immigrants have faithfully carried on this custom, adapting it to our local area by traveling between parishes.
It’s a great witness of faith, and we are blessed to have it present in our community.
Some of our own parishioners take part in these local groups each year. I was recently learning more about the history of this tradition, which I had not fully appreciated. It dates back to the island of Sao Miguel in the Azores, especially following a series of devastating earthquakes in the early 1500s. In response, the people turned to God in repentance, forming groups of men who would travel on foot from church to church, praying for mercy, protection, and conversion of life.
That tradition continues to this day. During Lent, these groups (known as Romeiros) walk long distances, often beginning before dawn, stopping at churches and homes along the way to pray, sing, and encourage one another in faith. Here in New England, Azorean immigrants have faithfully carried on this custom, adapting it to our local area by traveling between parishes.
It’s a great witness of faith, and we are blessed to have it present in our community.
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
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