National Eucharistic Pilgrimage – Monday June 29
We are now just a little over a week away from the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage's visit to the Diocese of Fall River on Monday, June 29. Thank you to everyone who responded to the interest survey last week.
I am happy to report that we will be providing bus transportation from St. Francis Xavier Parish at no cost. We will gather in the parish parking lot at 5:30 p.m. and travel to the beginning of the procession at Our Lady of the Assumption Church. From there, we will walk with the Blessed Sacrament through the streets of New Bedford to Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish and then to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, where Mass will be celebrated at 7:30 p.m.
For those who would like to return home after Mass, a bus will depart from Mount Carmel at 9:00 p.m. St. Francis Xavier Parish has also been invited to participate in the first hour of Eucharistic Adoration following Mass, from 9:00–10:00 p.m. Those who wish to remain for Adoration may take a second bus departing Mount Carmel at 10:00 p.m.
A sign-up sheet is now available in the church entryway for those planning to ride the bus. There is no cost to participate. Signing up is not a binding commitment, but it will help me estimate attendance and communicate any updates as the event approaches.
This promises to be a beautiful and historic evening centered on Our Eucharistic Lord. I hope many parishioners will be able to join us.
I am happy to report that we will be providing bus transportation from St. Francis Xavier Parish at no cost. We will gather in the parish parking lot at 5:30 p.m. and travel to the beginning of the procession at Our Lady of the Assumption Church. From there, we will walk with the Blessed Sacrament through the streets of New Bedford to Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish and then to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, where Mass will be celebrated at 7:30 p.m.
For those who would like to return home after Mass, a bus will depart from Mount Carmel at 9:00 p.m. St. Francis Xavier Parish has also been invited to participate in the first hour of Eucharistic Adoration following Mass, from 9:00–10:00 p.m. Those who wish to remain for Adoration may take a second bus departing Mount Carmel at 10:00 p.m.
A sign-up sheet is now available in the church entryway for those planning to ride the bus. There is no cost to participate. Signing up is not a binding commitment, but it will help me estimate attendance and communicate any updates as the event approaches.
This promises to be a beautiful and historic evening centered on Our Eucharistic Lord. I hope many parishioners will be able to join us.
Happy Father's Day!
This Sunday, we give thanks to God for the gift of fathers and fatherhood. A very happy Father's Day to all fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, and spiritual fathers in our parish family.
Thank you for your love, sacrifice, guidance, and example. May God bless you abundantly today and always.
Thank you for your love, sacrifice, guidance, and example. May God bless you abundantly today and always.
This Week at St. Francis Xavier School
It was a bittersweet week at St. Francis Xavier School as we brought another wonderful school year to a close.
On Monday, our students participated in the annual Step-Up Day, visiting the classrooms they will enter next year and meeting their future teachers. As part of the day, our rising sixth, seventh, and eighth graders gathered in church for a special Mass as they prepared for the year ahead. During the homily, I shared the advice of legendary football coach Lou Holtz, who challenged his players each day to do what is right, do their best, and show people that they care.
Tuesday brought our annual Field Day, always one of the highlights of the final week of school.
Then on Wednesday, we celebrated our final school Mass before beginning summer vacation. Reflecting on the story of Elijah and Elisha, I encouraged the students to think about what they would carry forward from this school year. My hope is that beyond everything they learned in the classroom, they will carry with them the lessons of faith, character, kindness, and perseverance that are at the heart of a Catholic education.
Following Mass, our faculty gathered for a group photo and later an end-of-year celebration at the rectory. It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the many blessings of the past year and to give thanks for the dedicated teachers and staff who make our school such a special place.
We truly have a remarkable school community. As our students, faculty, and families begin a well deserved summer break, we thank God for a successful year and look forward with excitement to all that lies ahead.
On Monday, our students participated in the annual Step-Up Day, visiting the classrooms they will enter next year and meeting their future teachers. As part of the day, our rising sixth, seventh, and eighth graders gathered in church for a special Mass as they prepared for the year ahead. During the homily, I shared the advice of legendary football coach Lou Holtz, who challenged his players each day to do what is right, do their best, and show people that they care.
Tuesday brought our annual Field Day, always one of the highlights of the final week of school.
Then on Wednesday, we celebrated our final school Mass before beginning summer vacation. Reflecting on the story of Elijah and Elisha, I encouraged the students to think about what they would carry forward from this school year. My hope is that beyond everything they learned in the classroom, they will carry with them the lessons of faith, character, kindness, and perseverance that are at the heart of a Catholic education.
Following Mass, our faculty gathered for a group photo and later an end-of-year celebration at the rectory. It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the many blessings of the past year and to give thanks for the dedicated teachers and staff who make our school such a special place.
We truly have a remarkable school community. As our students, faculty, and families begin a well deserved summer break, we thank God for a successful year and look forward with excitement to all that lies ahead.
Women of Grace Summer Study Begins July 15
I had the opportunity to meet with the leaders of our Women of Grace group this past week, and I am excited about the plans they are putting together for the coming year.
This summer, the group will be offering the Women of Grace Foundational Study, a wonderful opportunity for women to deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith, grow in prayer, and reflect on the unique gift and vocation of authentic Christian womanhood. Some parishioners may remember participating in this study years ago, while others may be encountering Women of Grace for the first time.
Whether you are new to the program or a longtime participant, this foundational series is a great way to reconnect with the mission and spirituality of Women of Grace as the group prepares for another year of study, fellowship, and growth in faith.
Please see the flyer below for additional details and registration information. All women are welcome.
Contact Amy at amyplante122@gmail.com
This summer, the group will be offering the Women of Grace Foundational Study, a wonderful opportunity for women to deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith, grow in prayer, and reflect on the unique gift and vocation of authentic Christian womanhood. Some parishioners may remember participating in this study years ago, while others may be encountering Women of Grace for the first time.
Whether you are new to the program or a longtime participant, this foundational series is a great way to reconnect with the mission and spirituality of Women of Grace as the group prepares for another year of study, fellowship, and growth in faith.
Please see the flyer below for additional details and registration information. All women are welcome.
Contact Amy at amyplante122@gmail.com
Altar Boy Boot Camp – July 1 & 2
Boys in grades 3–12 who have received their First Holy Communion are invited to join us for our annual Altar Boy Boot Camp on Wednesday and Thursday, July 1 and 2.
This two-day program is designed both for current altar servers and for boys who may be interested in becoming altar servers for the first time. We will begin each day with the 9:00 a.m. Mass and spend time learning the various responsibilities of serving at Mass, practicing ceremonies, and enjoying some fun activities together. A field trip is also planned.
Serving at the altar is a wonderful way for young men to grow in their faith, learn responsibility, and develop a deeper love for the Mass. Parents who would like their sons to participate are asked to contact me for additional details.
This two-day program is designed both for current altar servers and for boys who may be interested in becoming altar servers for the first time. We will begin each day with the 9:00 a.m. Mass and spend time learning the various responsibilities of serving at Mass, practicing ceremonies, and enjoying some fun activities together. A field trip is also planned.
Serving at the altar is a wonderful way for young men to grow in their faith, learn responsibility, and develop a deeper love for the Mass. Parents who would like their sons to participate are asked to contact me for additional details.
Sacristan Day – Coming in July
Girls in grades 3–12 are invited to consider serving as sacristans. Sacristans help prepare the church for Mass, care for the sacred vessels and liturgical items, and assist with the many details that help our liturgies run smoothly. Next month we will hold our annual Sacristan Day, a fun and hands on introduction to this important ministry. The date will be announced soon, but interested girls and their families are encouraged to begin considering this opportunity to serve the Lord and our parish.
Off to Steubenville Next Week
I will be here this weekend, but next week I will be traveling with several of the young people from our parish to the Steubenville Youth Conference in Ohio. We will be joining a couple of buses of pilgrims from around the Diocese of Fall River under the leadership of Oscar Rivera from the diocesan Office of Youth Ministry. I am very much looking forward to it.
Our pilgrimage begins bright and early on Thursday morning. In fact, I will be offering a 4:00 a.m. Mass for the pilgrims before we board the buses and begin the long drive west. 😬 If you happen to wake up at 4:00 a.m. and think of us, please say a prayer. If you are already awake at that hour, I suspect I should be praying for you! 😅
The conference is held each summer at Franciscan University of Steubenville, my alma mater and a place that remains very special to me. We will arrive on Thursday evening, spend Friday on campus, and then begin the conference Friday night. The conference continues through the weekend and concludes on Sunday. One of the featured speakers this year is Maggie Craig, a college classmate and good friend who I invited to speak at St. Francis Xavier School a few years ago. It will be wonderful to see her again.
Please keep all of our pilgrims in your prayers for safe travels and, even more importantly, for open hearts. Pray that our young people may encounter the Lord in a powerful way and return home strengthened in their faith.
I would also like to thank everyone who supported our Steubenville fundraiser this month. Thanks to your generosity, we not only reached our goal but exceeded it by nearly $1,000. This allowed us to fully fund the conference expenses for our pilgrims, and the remaining funds will be reserved to support future youth ministry activities here at SFX Parish. Thank you for investing in our young people and helping make this pilgrimage possible.
While I am away, we will be blessed to have visiting priests covering the parish Masses and other sacramental needs. I hope to send next week's newsletter from Ohio, but if it arrives a bit late, you'll know why!
Our pilgrimage begins bright and early on Thursday morning. In fact, I will be offering a 4:00 a.m. Mass for the pilgrims before we board the buses and begin the long drive west. 😬 If you happen to wake up at 4:00 a.m. and think of us, please say a prayer. If you are already awake at that hour, I suspect I should be praying for you! 😅
The conference is held each summer at Franciscan University of Steubenville, my alma mater and a place that remains very special to me. We will arrive on Thursday evening, spend Friday on campus, and then begin the conference Friday night. The conference continues through the weekend and concludes on Sunday. One of the featured speakers this year is Maggie Craig, a college classmate and good friend who I invited to speak at St. Francis Xavier School a few years ago. It will be wonderful to see her again.
Please keep all of our pilgrims in your prayers for safe travels and, even more importantly, for open hearts. Pray that our young people may encounter the Lord in a powerful way and return home strengthened in their faith.
I would also like to thank everyone who supported our Steubenville fundraiser this month. Thanks to your generosity, we not only reached our goal but exceeded it by nearly $1,000. This allowed us to fully fund the conference expenses for our pilgrims, and the remaining funds will be reserved to support future youth ministry activities here at SFX Parish. Thank you for investing in our young people and helping make this pilgrimage possible.
While I am away, we will be blessed to have visiting priests covering the parish Masses and other sacramental needs. I hope to send next week's newsletter from Ohio, but if it arrives a bit late, you'll know why!
Missionary Cooperative Appeal – July 4–5
Each year, our parish participates in the Missionary Cooperative Appeal through the Diocese of Fall River's Office for the Propagation of the Faith. This annual appeal supports the missionary work of the Church throughout the world and assists communities serving in areas of great spiritual and material need.
In addition to taking up the collection, parishes periodically welcome a visiting missionary to share about their work. This year, we will be pleased to welcome the Sisters of Santa Maria of the Rosary from Ecuador on the weekend of July 4–5. The sisters will speak at all Masses and offer a glimpse into the mission and ministry of their religious community.
I wanted to mention this now so that it may be on your calendar. We look forward to welcoming the sisters and learning more about the work of the Church in Ecuador.
In addition to taking up the collection, parishes periodically welcome a visiting missionary to share about their work. This year, we will be pleased to welcome the Sisters of Santa Maria of the Rosary from Ecuador on the weekend of July 4–5. The sisters will speak at all Masses and offer a glimpse into the mission and ministry of their religious community.
I wanted to mention this now so that it may be on your calendar. We look forward to welcoming the sisters and learning more about the work of the Church in Ecuador.
A Homily for this Sunday from Fr. Mike Schmitz
Diocesan Catholic Appeal May 1 - June 30
As we enter the final days of the 2026 Diocesan Catholic Appeal, I would like to thank the many parishioners who have already made a gift or pledge. To date, members of our parish have pledged more than $21,000 pledged by 118 families in support of the appeal.
The Catholic Appeal helps fund the essential ministries of our diocese and supports the work of the Gospel in countless ways throughout our local Church. If you have not yet had the opportunity to participate, I ask you to prayerfully consider making a gift before the appeal concludes on June 30.
Gifts may be made using the mailing you have received from the diocese or by clicking the link below to make a secure online donation.
Thank you for your continued generosity and support of the Church's mission.
The Catholic Appeal helps fund the essential ministries of our diocese and supports the work of the Gospel in countless ways throughout our local Church. If you have not yet had the opportunity to participate, I ask you to prayerfully consider making a gift before the appeal concludes on June 30.
Gifts may be made using the mailing you have received from the diocese or by clicking the link below to make a secure online donation.
Thank you for your continued generosity and support of the Church's mission.
Save Your Cans This Summer!
As summer barbecue season gets underway and the Fourth of July approaches, please remember to save your aluminum beverage cans and donate them to our parish can collection on the east side of the church.
Thanks to the dedication of a few generous parish volunteers, these cans are collected and redeemed, with all proceeds going to support the activities of our parish youth group throughout the year.
Empty cans may not seem like much, but they add up quickly and make a real difference. Thank you!
Thanks to the dedication of a few generous parish volunteers, these cans are collected and redeemed, with all proceeds going to support the activities of our parish youth group throughout the year.
Empty cans may not seem like much, but they add up quickly and make a real difference. Thank you!
Lift Operators Needed
We are currently in need of additional volunteers to assist with operating the church lift at our weekend Masses, especially the Saturday 4:00 p.m. Mass.
Lift operators arrive about 30 minutes before Mass and assist parishioners who use the lift to access the church. They also remain briefly after Mass to help them return downstairs.
This simple but important ministry helps ensure that all are able to participate fully in the life of our parish. If you would be willing to help in this way, please contact me for more information.
Lift operators arrive about 30 minutes before Mass and assist parishioners who use the lift to access the church. They also remain briefly after Mass to help them return downstairs.
This simple but important ministry helps ensure that all are able to participate fully in the life of our parish. If you would be willing to help in this way, please contact me for more information.
Tree Expertise Needed
I have recently been advised that we may need to address one of the trees on our parish property. Since I know very little about trees, I would be grateful for some expert guidance before making any decisions.
If you work in the tree care industry, are an arborist, or have experience with tree removal or maintenance, I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you. Likewise, if you can recommend a reputable local company or professional, please let me know.
One of the great blessings of parish life is the wide variety of talents and expertise found among our parishioners. Thank you in advance for any advice or assistance you may be able to offer.
If you work in the tree care industry, are an arborist, or have experience with tree removal or maintenance, I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you. Likewise, if you can recommend a reputable local company or professional, please let me know.
One of the great blessings of parish life is the wide variety of talents and expertise found among our parishioners. Thank you in advance for any advice or assistance you may be able to offer.
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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