This Week at St. Francis Xavier School
This past Sunday, we celebrated a beautiful Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2026 (the 100th graduating class in the history of St. Francis Xavier School!) It was a joyful day, made even more special by the opportunity to gather for the first time in our newly renovated church for this important milestone.
I would like to thank Mrs. Rogers and Mrs. Shaughnessy for the tremendous work they put into making the day such a success. I am also grateful to our teachers, staff, and parents for the countless ways they have supported and formed these young men and women throughout their years at SFX. Please keep our graduates in your prayers as they begin the next chapter of their lives.
I would like to thank Mrs. Rogers and Mrs. Shaughnessy for the tremendous work they put into making the day such a success. I am also grateful to our teachers, staff, and parents for the countless ways they have supported and formed these young men and women throughout their years at SFX. Please keep our graduates in your prayers as they begin the next chapter of their lives.
Above: A newspaper article about the very first commencement ceremony of SFX
This week also brought celebrations for some of our youngest students, with our Preschool Celebrations and Kindergarten Graduation. One of the great strengths of SFX School is our early childhood program. We are blessed with exceptional teachers and staff who help our youngest students grow academically, socially, and spiritually in a loving and faith filled environment.
If you know a family looking for a Preschool 4 program for this coming fall, we still have a small number of openings available. We would be happy to welcome them to our school community.
On Thursday, we were also blessed to welcome several Incarnate Word Missionary Sisters and seminarians, whose community serves at St. Anthony of Padua and Immaculate Conception Parishes in New Bedford. They visited our students and spoke about the historic consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Earlier this week, the School Advisory Board met to review the many blessings of the past year and to look ahead to the future. We discussed what has been an exceptionally strong year for the school, both financially and in our fundraising efforts, and we are encouraged by enrollment projections for the coming year. Much of this success is due to the dedicated leadership of Mrs. Rogers and Mrs. Shaughnessy, together with the hard work of our faculty, staff, parents, and volunteers. We also reflected on the recommendations that emerged from our recent NEASC accreditation process.
As we prepare for our final week of school, there is much to be grateful for. Thanks to the dedication of our faculty, staff, families, volunteers, and benefactors, St. Francis Xavier School is in a very strong position as we look ahead to the 2026–2027 school year. Please keep our students, teachers, and staff in your prayers as we finish the school year well and give thanks to God for His many blessings.
Congratulations, Deacon Lucas!
Congratulations to Deacon Lucas DaCosta, who was ordained a Transitional Deacon last Saturday at St. Mary's Cathedral.
I would like to thank the many parishioners who attended the ordination and supported Lucas on this special day. If you were with us for Mass last weekend, you know that Deacon Lucas assisted at all of our Masses and preached his first homily. His ordination marks the culmination of eight years of prayer, formation, and study in preparation for ministry in the Church.
Deacon Lucas has now completed his formal seminary studies and has been assigned by Bishop da Cunha to serve at St. Mary's Parish and School in Mansfield, where he began his ministry this week. We were also happy to welcome a number of parishioners from Mansfield who joined us last weekend to support him.
Deacon Lucas was grateful for the many cards, messages, prayers, and words of encouragement he received from parishioners. Thank you for the role you have played in supporting him throughout his years of formation.
Please continue to keep Deacon Lucas in your prayers as he begins his ministry as a deacon. Let us also continue to pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life, that more young men and women may generously respond to the Lord's call.
I would like to thank the many parishioners who attended the ordination and supported Lucas on this special day. If you were with us for Mass last weekend, you know that Deacon Lucas assisted at all of our Masses and preached his first homily. His ordination marks the culmination of eight years of prayer, formation, and study in preparation for ministry in the Church.
Deacon Lucas has now completed his formal seminary studies and has been assigned by Bishop da Cunha to serve at St. Mary's Parish and School in Mansfield, where he began his ministry this week. We were also happy to welcome a number of parishioners from Mansfield who joined us last weekend to support him.
Deacon Lucas was grateful for the many cards, messages, prayers, and words of encouragement he received from parishioners. Thank you for the role you have played in supporting him throughout his years of formation.
Please continue to keep Deacon Lucas in your prayers as he begins his ministry as a deacon. Let us also continue to pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life, that more young men and women may generously respond to the Lord's call.
Summer Assignment for Seminarian Noah Pollard
We also extend our prayers and best wishes to seminarian Noah Pollard, who has been assigned by Bishop da Cunha to St. John of God Parish in Somerset for the summer, where he will be working with Fr. Jason Brilhante.
Noah recently completed his first year of seminary formation. Last month, he participated in a pilgrimage to Portugal with Providence College, visiting many holy sites, including the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. Noah shared that it was a blessed experience.
We are grateful for Noah's continued generosity in responding to the Lord's call and look forward to welcoming him back to SFX later this summer. Please keep Noah in your prayers as he continues his formation for the priesthood and begins his summer assignment in Somerset.
Let us also continue to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life from our parish and throughout the Diocese of Fall River.
Noah recently completed his first year of seminary formation. Last month, he participated in a pilgrimage to Portugal with Providence College, visiting many holy sites, including the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. Noah shared that it was a blessed experience.
We are grateful for Noah's continued generosity in responding to the Lord's call and look forward to welcoming him back to SFX later this summer. Please keep Noah in your prayers as he continues his formation for the priesthood and begins his summer assignment in Somerset.
Let us also continue to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life from our parish and throughout the Diocese of Fall River.
Office Transition
After much prayer, reflection, and consultation, I have recently made changes to the staffing structure of our parish office.
As part of this transition, the position of Administrative Assistant has been eliminated, and Andrea Oliver has concluded her service to St. Francis Xavier Parish.
I am grateful to Andrea for her more than five years of dedicated service to our parish and for the many ways she has assisted parishioners, staff, and volunteers during that time. Please join me in thanking her and wishing her every blessing in the years ahead.
Over the coming months, I will continue evaluating the administrative needs of the parish and will share additional information as plans develop.
For the summer, the parish office will be open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The office will be available by appointment on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. If you need assistance, please call the parish office at 508-995-7600.
Thank you for your patience, support, and prayers as we move through this transition.
As part of this transition, the position of Administrative Assistant has been eliminated, and Andrea Oliver has concluded her service to St. Francis Xavier Parish.
I am grateful to Andrea for her more than five years of dedicated service to our parish and for the many ways she has assisted parishioners, staff, and volunteers during that time. Please join me in thanking her and wishing her every blessing in the years ahead.
Over the coming months, I will continue evaluating the administrative needs of the parish and will share additional information as plans develop.
For the summer, the parish office will be open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The office will be available by appointment on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. If you need assistance, please call the parish office at 508-995-7600.
Thank you for your patience, support, and prayers as we move through this transition.
Altar Boy Boot Camp & Sacristan Day
In the coming days, I will be announcing the dates for our annual Altar Boy Boot Camp and Sacristan Day. These are wonderful opportunities for young people to become more involved in the life of our parish and to serve the Lord in a special way.
Boys in grades 3–12 who have received their First Holy Communion are invited to serve as altar boys, assisting at the altar during Mass and other liturgies. Girls in grades 3–12 are invited to serve as sacristans, helping prepare the church for Mass, caring for the sacred vessels and liturgical items, and assisting with the many details that help our celebrations run smoothly.
These ministries are an important way for young people to grow in their faith, learn responsibility, and develop a deeper love for the Mass. If your child may be interested in serving in either of these roles, please keep an eye out for upcoming dates or feel free to reach out to me directly.
Boys in grades 3–12 who have received their First Holy Communion are invited to serve as altar boys, assisting at the altar during Mass and other liturgies. Girls in grades 3–12 are invited to serve as sacristans, helping prepare the church for Mass, caring for the sacred vessels and liturgical items, and assisting with the many details that help our celebrations run smoothly.
These ministries are an important way for young people to grow in their faith, learn responsibility, and develop a deeper love for the Mass. If your child may be interested in serving in either of these roles, please keep an eye out for upcoming dates or feel free to reach out to me directly.
Join St. Francis Xavier Parish for the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage
On Monday, June 29, the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage will visit New Bedford as part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of our nation. Pilgrims carrying the Blessed Sacrament will process through the city, followed by Mass and Eucharistic Adoration. St. Francis Xavier Parish has been invited to lead the first hour of Adoration from 9:00–10:00 p.m. that evening.
I would love to have a strong representation from our parish as we participate in this historic event centered on Our Eucharistic Lord.
Because parking is expected to be very limited, I am exploring the possibility of providing bus transportation from St. Francis Xavier Parish. The bus would bring pilgrims to the beginning of the procession and offer return transportation following Mass and again after our parish's hour of Adoration.
If you are interested in attending, please complete the Google Form linked below. This is not a final commitment, but it will help us determine interest and plan transportation.
I would love to have a strong representation from our parish as we participate in this historic event centered on Our Eucharistic Lord.
Because parking is expected to be very limited, I am exploring the possibility of providing bus transportation from St. Francis Xavier Parish. The bus would bring pilgrims to the beginning of the procession and offer return transportation following Mass and again after our parish's hour of Adoration.
If you are interested in attending, please complete the Google Form linked below. This is not a final commitment, but it will help us determine interest and plan transportation.
Become a Eucharistic Adoration Substitute
As summer schedules change, perhaps this is a good time to consider becoming a substitute adorer for our Eucharistic Adoration program.
We are always in need of substitute adorers who are willing to occasionally fill an hour when a regular adorer is unable to attend. Our automated scheduling system allows you to choose the days and times when you would like to receive requests by email or text message, making it easy to fit into your schedule.
Spending even one hour before the Blessed Sacrament can be a source of tremendous grace. Eucharistic Adoration is truly at the heart of our parish life and one of the great spiritual strengths of our community.
To sign up as a substitute adorer, please visit our Adoration website linked below. Those interested in covering overnight hours will need to speak with me or Mary Cardoza regarding church access and procedures.
Thank you for considering this important ministry of prayer before Our Eucharistic Lord.
We are always in need of substitute adorers who are willing to occasionally fill an hour when a regular adorer is unable to attend. Our automated scheduling system allows you to choose the days and times when you would like to receive requests by email or text message, making it easy to fit into your schedule.
Spending even one hour before the Blessed Sacrament can be a source of tremendous grace. Eucharistic Adoration is truly at the heart of our parish life and one of the great spiritual strengths of our community.
To sign up as a substitute adorer, please visit our Adoration website linked below. Those interested in covering overnight hours will need to speak with me or Mary Cardoza regarding church access and procedures.
Thank you for considering this important ministry of prayer before Our Eucharistic Lord.
A Homily for this Sunday from Fr. Mike Schmitz (from Father's Day 2023)
Diocesan Catholic Appeal May 1 - June 30
The Diocesan Catholic Appeal continues through the end of June. 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. Thank you again for your generosity.
Thank You
Thank you to Deb and Arlen Jones for their generous donation of a new American flag for our parish flagpole this week. How fitting that it was installed just as we celebrate Flag Day this weekend. We are grateful for their thoughtfulness and generosity in helping care for and beautify our parish property.
Regional St. Vincent de Paul Treasurer Needed
The New Bedford area St. Vincent de Paul District Council is currently seeking a Treasurer. If you have experience with finances, bookkeeping, accounting, or simply have strong organizational skills and would be willing to help, please consider serving in this important volunteer role.
You do not need to be a member of St. Vincent de Paul to serve as Treasurer.
For more information, please contact Robin Bachstein at 508-789-2631
You do not need to be a member of St. Vincent de Paul to serve as Treasurer.
For more information, please contact Robin Bachstein at 508-789-2631
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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