Tickets on Sale This Weekend & Next
SFX Spring Fling Dinner Dance - Fri. May 15
I’d like to invite everyone to our upcoming Spring Fling Dinner Dance on Friday, May 15 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Mattapoisett. It should be a really enjoyable night and a great chance for us to spend some time together as a parish outside of Mass.
The evening will run from 6:30–10:00pm and will include dinner, music, and dancing, with entertainment provided by Noah DesRoches, DJ. There will also be a cash bar available.
Tickets are $25 per person or $45 per couple. There are several ways to sign up. You can register using the Google Form at the link below, sign up after Mass on the weekends of May 2/3 or May 9/10, add your name to the clipboard in the church entryway, or call the parish office to be added to the list.
Payment can be made at the weekend Masses, at the parish office, or now electronically via Venmo (@sfxparish). A QR code will be available in the church entryway for easy access.
The deadline to register is Monday, May 11, so that we can have an accurate count for food.
I hope many of you will be able to come. It’s always good for us to have opportunities like this to enjoy each other’s company and build up our parish community.
The evening will run from 6:30–10:00pm and will include dinner, music, and dancing, with entertainment provided by Noah DesRoches, DJ. There will also be a cash bar available.
Tickets are $25 per person or $45 per couple. There are several ways to sign up. You can register using the Google Form at the link below, sign up after Mass on the weekends of May 2/3 or May 9/10, add your name to the clipboard in the church entryway, or call the parish office to be added to the list.
Payment can be made at the weekend Masses, at the parish office, or now electronically via Venmo (@sfxparish). A QR code will be available in the church entryway for easy access.
The deadline to register is Monday, May 11, so that we can have an accurate count for food.
I hope many of you will be able to come. It’s always good for us to have opportunities like this to enjoy each other’s company and build up our parish community.
Diocesan Catholic Appeal May 1 - June 30
The Diocesan Catholic Appeal began yesterday on May 1. You may have already received a letter in the mail, or should be receiving one shortly, with information about making a donation.
I ask you to please support this important appeal, which helps fund the essential ministries of our diocese and supports the work of the Gospel in so many ways across our local Church.
This weekend at Mass, we will watch the brief promotional video highlighting some of the needs within our own diocese.
Thank you in advance for your generosity.
I ask you to please support this important appeal, which helps fund the essential ministries of our diocese and supports the work of the Gospel in so many ways across our local Church.
This weekend at Mass, we will watch the brief promotional video highlighting some of the needs within our own diocese.
Thank you in advance for your generosity.
First Holy Communion - This Sunday
Please keep our First Communion class in your prayers as they prepare to receive their First Holy Communion this Sunday, May 3 at a special 2:00pm Mass. This is a beautiful and important moment in their lives, as they receive Our Lord in the Eucharist for the very first time. All are welcome to attend and share in this joyful occasion for our parish.
Please note that we will not be holding our usual May Crowning on Mother’s Day weekend this year. Instead, the crowning of the Blessed Mother will take place at the First Holy Communion Mass that Sunday.
Please note that we will not be holding our usual May Crowning on Mother’s Day weekend this year. Instead, the crowning of the Blessed Mother will take place at the First Holy Communion Mass that Sunday.
This Week at St. Francis Xavier School
It was another blessed week at St. Francis Xavier School.
Our school is in high gear preparing for the School Benefit Banquet this coming Friday. Thank you to Mrs. Rogers, her team, and the many parents and volunteers who have been working so hard behind the scenes to make it all come together. It’s shaping up to be a wonderful night. Please keep the evening in your prayers for its success.
Our school is in high gear preparing for the School Benefit Banquet this coming Friday. Thank you to Mrs. Rogers, her team, and the many parents and volunteers who have been working so hard behind the scenes to make it all come together. It’s shaping up to be a wonderful night. Please keep the evening in your prayers for its success.
I’m also very happy to share that we raised $17,000 from the 5K race a few weeks ago. Thank you to Mr. Nadeau, Mrs. Rogers, and all who helped make that such a great success.
Our admissions season is going very well, and we are expecting strong enrollment for next year. There may still be a few openings in Pre-K4. We’re also planning a Spring Open House (see the graphic below) for families exploring school options in the area. Word of mouth makes a huge difference, so thank you for helping to spread the word about our school.
Our admissions season is going very well, and we are expecting strong enrollment for next year. There may still be a few openings in Pre-K4. We’re also planning a Spring Open House (see the graphic below) for families exploring school options in the area. Word of mouth makes a huge difference, so thank you for helping to spread the word about our school.
On Friday, we celebrated National Principal Appreciation Day, and as a school we expressed our gratitude for Mrs. Rogers and all that she does. She truly gives her all each and every day, and we are very blessed to have her.
We also celebrated our First Friday School Mass, which fell on the feast of St. Joseph the Worker. In the homily, I spoke with the students about how they can begin even now to find God in their work, and how one day, in their future vocations and careers, they are called to grow in holiness through ordinary life, just as St. Joseph did in his work as a carpenter.
Finally, please take a moment to read the reminder below about the second collection taking place next weekend in connection with the benefit banquet.
We also celebrated our First Friday School Mass, which fell on the feast of St. Joseph the Worker. In the homily, I spoke with the students about how they can begin even now to find God in their work, and how one day, in their future vocations and careers, they are called to grow in holiness through ordinary life, just as St. Joseph did in his work as a carpenter.
Finally, please take a moment to read the reminder below about the second collection taking place next weekend in connection with the benefit banquet.
Reminder: Second Collection for SFX School - Next Weekend May 9/10
Please note that the St. Francis Xavier School Benefit Banquet will take place this Friday, May 8. We are grateful that tickets sold out several weeks ago, which is a wonderful sign of support for our school.
This year, the special project we are supporting through our Call of the Heart is our fields and fencing project. This includes transforming our soccer field into a new turf field, installing new fencing around the back portion of the property, and adding updated fencing around our Pre-K play area. With the support of our community, we are hoping to complete this project this summer.
I have scheduled a special collection for the school next weekend (May 9/10). Funds from this collection will go directly toward the Call of the Heart, the same collection that is taken at the benefit banquet. My hope is that those who may not be attending the banquet might still consider supporting the school and its mission. If you are able, you might consider making a donation that weekend, perhaps even in the amount of a ticket ($75).
Thank you in advance for your generosity and for your continued support of our parish school.
This year, the special project we are supporting through our Call of the Heart is our fields and fencing project. This includes transforming our soccer field into a new turf field, installing new fencing around the back portion of the property, and adding updated fencing around our Pre-K play area. With the support of our community, we are hoping to complete this project this summer.
I have scheduled a special collection for the school next weekend (May 9/10). Funds from this collection will go directly toward the Call of the Heart, the same collection that is taken at the benefit banquet. My hope is that those who may not be attending the banquet might still consider supporting the school and its mission. If you are able, you might consider making a donation that weekend, perhaps even in the amount of a ticket ($75).
Thank you in advance for your generosity and for your continued support of our parish school.
Important Safety Update
Over the past few months, following the recommendation of our parish safety committee, I have been looking into ways to strengthen safety in the church, especially during times of Adoration. I’m grateful to share that we have now installed a new emergency button in the church as an added layer of protection.
In conversations following our January safety meeting for participants in our Adoration program, a number of parishioners shared that they do not always have their phone with them during Adoration, or that in a stressful moment it might be difficult to make a call. That feedback was very helpful and led me to look for a way to ensure that help could be reached quickly if ever needed.
This button, provided through Guardian MPS, is located near the organ console, beside the baptismal font (see photo above). It is simple to use: lift the clear cover and press and hold the red SOS button for a few seconds.
This is intended as a backup option, especially helpful if someone does not have a cell phone with them or does not feel safe making a call. If needed, pressing the button will immediately alert an emergency response service, who will contact 911 and dispatch police to the church.
The button should be used in situations such as:
- if you feel unsafe or in danger
- if someone is acting in a concerning or threatening way
- in the event of a medical emergency
- or if you are unable to call 911 on your phone
As always, if you are able, calling 911 directly remains the primary option.
Below is a link to a brief safety handout that includes these instructions along with a few reminders that came out of our January meeting with local police, as well as some additional practical guidance. Printed copies of this handout will also be available at the door of the church beginning Monday.
Thank you, as always, for your devotion to the Lord in Adoration. Please know that your safety is taken seriously, and every effort is being made to ensure that the church remains a peaceful and secure place for prayer.
In conversations following our January safety meeting for participants in our Adoration program, a number of parishioners shared that they do not always have their phone with them during Adoration, or that in a stressful moment it might be difficult to make a call. That feedback was very helpful and led me to look for a way to ensure that help could be reached quickly if ever needed.
This button, provided through Guardian MPS, is located near the organ console, beside the baptismal font (see photo above). It is simple to use: lift the clear cover and press and hold the red SOS button for a few seconds.
This is intended as a backup option, especially helpful if someone does not have a cell phone with them or does not feel safe making a call. If needed, pressing the button will immediately alert an emergency response service, who will contact 911 and dispatch police to the church.
The button should be used in situations such as:
- if you feel unsafe or in danger
- if someone is acting in a concerning or threatening way
- in the event of a medical emergency
- or if you are unable to call 911 on your phone
As always, if you are able, calling 911 directly remains the primary option.
Below is a link to a brief safety handout that includes these instructions along with a few reminders that came out of our January meeting with local police, as well as some additional practical guidance. Printed copies of this handout will also be available at the door of the church beginning Monday.
Thank you, as always, for your devotion to the Lord in Adoration. Please know that your safety is taken seriously, and every effort is being made to ensure that the church remains a peaceful and secure place for prayer.
Recording of Last Men's Night Talk
“Seeing Jesus Through the Eyes of St John” by Bud Miller
Thank You for Your Lenten Generosity
Thank you to everyone who participated in our Lenten offering boxes this year. Over the past few years, I’ve chosen a different charity for us to support together as a parish community during Lent.
This year, we directed those offerings to our parish Seminarian Fund, which has been in place for about the past 15 years to support young men from St. Francis Xavier who are in the seminary.
I’m very happy to share that we raised over $3,700 this Lent. Thank you for your generosity. Your support will go directly toward assisting Lucas da Costa and Noah Pollard, our parish seminarians, and, God willing, other young men from our parish whom the Lord may call to follow Him in discerning a vocation to the priesthood.
This year, we directed those offerings to our parish Seminarian Fund, which has been in place for about the past 15 years to support young men from St. Francis Xavier who are in the seminary.
I’m very happy to share that we raised over $3,700 this Lent. Thank you for your generosity. Your support will go directly toward assisting Lucas da Costa and Noah Pollard, our parish seminarians, and, God willing, other young men from our parish whom the Lord may call to follow Him in discerning a vocation to the priesthood.
A Homily for this Sunday from Fr. Mike Schmitz (Gospel starts at 8:00)
Holy One of the Week
Servant of God Élisabeth Leseur
(16 October 1866 – 3 May 1914)
Anniversary of Death: May 3rd
Wife, Convert, Socialite, Mystic, Lover of Beauty, Evangelist
A married French laywoman whose faith, hidden suffering, and persistent prayer led to the unexpected conversion of her atheist husband, who later became a Catholic priest.
“Let us love. Let our lives be a perpetual song of love for God, first of all, and for all human beings who suffer, love, and mourn. Let deep joy live in us. Let us be like the lark, enemy of the night, who always announces the dawn and awakens in each creature the love of light and life. Let us awaken others to the spiritual life.”
Adorers Needed
We are currently in need of committed adorers for the following hours:
Fridays 1:00 - 2:00 PM
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.
Fridays 1:00 - 2:00 PM
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.
May: A Month Dedicated to Our Blessed Mother
The month of May is traditionally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, a time when the Church invites us in a special way to turn to Our Lady with love and devotion.
One beautiful practice for this month is to pray the Rosary. Whether prayed at home, in the car, or even just a decade at a time throughout the day, the Rosary helps us to enter more deeply into the life of Christ through the eyes of His Mother.
You might consider listening to the recordings of the Rosary made by Monsignor O’Connor from our parish, which is linked below. I’m also including a link to a spiritual toolkit with helpful resources for prayer, including reflections from St. Josemaría Escrivá.
One beautiful practice for this month is to pray the Rosary. Whether prayed at home, in the car, or even just a decade at a time throughout the day, the Rosary helps us to enter more deeply into the life of Christ through the eyes of His Mother.
You might consider listening to the recordings of the Rosary made by Monsignor O’Connor from our parish, which is linked below. I’m also including a link to a spiritual toolkit with helpful resources for prayer, including reflections from St. Josemaría Escrivá.
Thank You, Caden
Caden Plante, a parishioner who has been working as a custodian at the church over the past few years, this week concluded his time with us. While attending Bishop Stang and more recently studying at Stonehill College, he has done a great job caring for our parish. As he looks ahead to new opportunities in his field of study this summer, we thank him for his work and wish him all the best.
Marian Antiphon Update
Over the past several months, we’ve been singing a Marian antiphon together at the end of Mass each Sunday. Going forward, rather than singing one every weekend, we’ll be using them during certain times of the year.
This weekend, as we enter the month of May, a month especially dedicated to Our Blessed Mother, we will begin singing the Regina Caeli at the end of Mass.
The Regina Caeli (which means “Queen of Heaven”) is a beautiful Marian hymn dating back to at least the 12th century. It is traditionally sung throughout the Easter season, from Easter Sunday until Pentecost, and even replaces the Angelus prayer during this time. It is a prayer of joy, celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus and inviting Our Lady herself to rejoice because her Son has risen.
Here is the English translation of the prayer we will be singing in Latin:
Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia.
For He whom you did merit to bear, alleluia,
Has risen as He said, alleluia.
Pray for us to God, alleluia.
I’ve included a link below to a video that can help you become familiar with the melody so that we can all sing it together.
This weekend, as we enter the month of May, a month especially dedicated to Our Blessed Mother, we will begin singing the Regina Caeli at the end of Mass.
The Regina Caeli (which means “Queen of Heaven”) is a beautiful Marian hymn dating back to at least the 12th century. It is traditionally sung throughout the Easter season, from Easter Sunday until Pentecost, and even replaces the Angelus prayer during this time. It is a prayer of joy, celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus and inviting Our Lady herself to rejoice because her Son has risen.
Here is the English translation of the prayer we will be singing in Latin:
Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia.
For He whom you did merit to bear, alleluia,
Has risen as He said, alleluia.
Pray for us to God, alleluia.
I’ve included a link below to a video that can help you become familiar with the melody so that we can all sing it together.
Baptism Congratulations to baby Alma!
Save the Date: National Eucharistic Pilgrimage in New Bedford on Monday June 29th
Please save the date of Monday, June 29. The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage will be coming to New Bedford that evening as part of a historic journey across our country.
This pilgrimage is taking place in honor of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, under the theme “One Nation Under God.” It began over Memorial Day weekend in St. Augustine, near the site where the first Mass was celebrated in what is now the United States, and will travel up the East Coast through many of the original thirteen colonies before concluding in Philadelphia around the Fourth of July. Along the way, a group of young adult pilgrims will carry the Blessed Sacrament from place to place, with opportunities for Mass, Eucharistic adoration, processions, and prayer in each location.
The pilgrimage will be in our own Diocese of Fall River on June 29 and 30, with events taking place in Easton, New Bedford, and Fall River. In New Bedford, there will be a Eucharistic procession through the city, beginning at Our Lady of the Assumption Church and concluding at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. This will be a powerful public witness of our faith and a chance to walk together with Our Lord present in the Eucharist. It is also fitting as it will be the Feast of St. Peter, the fisherman, and the pilgrimage will be in "the Whaling City"!
I am hoping to organize buses from St. Francis so that our parish can take part together. This pilgrimage is also connected to the bishops’ intention to consecrate the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus during this anniversary year, making it a particularly meaningful moment for our country and for the Church.
More details will follow as the schedule is finalized, but it promises to be a grace filled evening and a beautiful opportunity for our parish to be part of something much bigger than ourselves.
This pilgrimage is taking place in honor of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, under the theme “One Nation Under God.” It began over Memorial Day weekend in St. Augustine, near the site where the first Mass was celebrated in what is now the United States, and will travel up the East Coast through many of the original thirteen colonies before concluding in Philadelphia around the Fourth of July. Along the way, a group of young adult pilgrims will carry the Blessed Sacrament from place to place, with opportunities for Mass, Eucharistic adoration, processions, and prayer in each location.
The pilgrimage will be in our own Diocese of Fall River on June 29 and 30, with events taking place in Easton, New Bedford, and Fall River. In New Bedford, there will be a Eucharistic procession through the city, beginning at Our Lady of the Assumption Church and concluding at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. This will be a powerful public witness of our faith and a chance to walk together with Our Lord present in the Eucharist. It is also fitting as it will be the Feast of St. Peter, the fisherman, and the pilgrimage will be in "the Whaling City"!
I am hoping to organize buses from St. Francis so that our parish can take part together. This pilgrimage is also connected to the bishops’ intention to consecrate the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus during this anniversary year, making it a particularly meaningful moment for our country and for the Church.
More details will follow as the schedule is finalized, but it promises to be a grace filled evening and a beautiful opportunity for our parish to be part of something much bigger than ourselves.
Eucharist Book Study Coming up at St. Anthony's, NB
St. Anthony of Padua Parish in NB will be hosting a parish reading of 33 Days to Eucharistic Glory beginning May 6 and concluding with a consecration on Corpus Christi, June 7. Anyone who has not yet made the consecration, or who would like to make it again in a group setting, is welcome to participate.
For more information or to sign up, please call the parish using the number on the flyer or contact Deb from SFX at arlenj@comcast.net
For more information or to sign up, please call the parish using the number on the flyer or contact Deb from SFX at arlenj@comcast.net
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.