Greetings from Steubenville, Ohio!
Our group arrived safely yesterday after a long day of travel. About a dozen parishioners from St. Francis Xavier made the trip, joining nearly 100 pilgrims from across the Diocese of Fall River. We left yesterday bright and early at 5:00 a.m. and pulled into Steubenville just before 7:00 p.m.
The journey went very smoothly...until about half way through, when the air conditioning on our bus decided to call it a day! The last several hours were certainly warm, but everyone kept a good attitude, and we joked that it was an opportunity to "offer it up." Thankfully, we all arrived safely, if just a little more appreciative of air conditioning than when we left.
Today we've celebrated Mass together, toured the campus, and are now preparing for the opening session of the conference this evening. It's always inspiring to see so many teenagers gathered together, excited to grow closer to Christ.
As for me, I'm getting ready for what is traditionally a bit of a confession marathon! Hundreds of young people take advantage of the Sacrament of Reconciliation throughout the weekend, and it's always one of the most beautiful parts of the conference.
We will remain here through Sunday afternoon. Please know that our group will be keeping all of you and your intentions in our prayers throughout the weekend. We are especially grateful to everyone whose generosity helped make this pilgrimage possible for our young people. Your support has given them the opportunity to encounter the Lord in a powerful way, and we are deeply thankful.
As a special surprise for this 50th anniversary year of the Steubenville Youth Conferences, Pope Leo XIV recorded a personal video message for the tens of thousands of young people attending the conferences across North America this summer. Check out his message below!
The journey went very smoothly...until about half way through, when the air conditioning on our bus decided to call it a day! The last several hours were certainly warm, but everyone kept a good attitude, and we joked that it was an opportunity to "offer it up." Thankfully, we all arrived safely, if just a little more appreciative of air conditioning than when we left.
Today we've celebrated Mass together, toured the campus, and are now preparing for the opening session of the conference this evening. It's always inspiring to see so many teenagers gathered together, excited to grow closer to Christ.
As for me, I'm getting ready for what is traditionally a bit of a confession marathon! Hundreds of young people take advantage of the Sacrament of Reconciliation throughout the weekend, and it's always one of the most beautiful parts of the conference.
We will remain here through Sunday afternoon. Please know that our group will be keeping all of you and your intentions in our prayers throughout the weekend. We are especially grateful to everyone whose generosity helped make this pilgrimage possible for our young people. Your support has given them the opportunity to encounter the Lord in a powerful way, and we are deeply thankful.
As a special surprise for this 50th anniversary year of the Steubenville Youth Conferences, Pope Leo XIV recorded a personal video message for the tens of thousands of young people attending the conferences across North America this summer. Check out his message below!
Reminder: National Eucharistic Pilgrimage – This Monday June 29
The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage's visit to the Diocese of Fall River takes place this Monday and Tuesday!
Please note that we will be providing bus transportation from St. Francis Xavier Parish at no cost. We will depart from the parish parking lot this Monday evening 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 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.
Please note that we will be providing bus transportation from St. Francis Xavier Parish at no cost. We will depart from the parish parking lot this Monday evening 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 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.
Missionary Cooperative Appeal – Next Weekend, 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 next weekend, July 4–5. The sisters will speak at all Masses and offer a glimpse into the mission and ministry of their religious community.
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 next weekend, July 4–5. The sisters will speak at all Masses and offer a glimpse into the mission and ministry of their religious community.
We look forward to welcoming the sisters and learning more about the work of the Church in Ecuador.
Help Us Find Our Next Fifth Grade Teacher
SFX School has begun its search for a fifth-grade classroom teacher for the upcoming school year, and we're asking for your help in spreading the word. If you know an outstanding teacher (or someone working in education who may be looking for a new opportunity) please encourage them to consider joining our school community.
Teaching at St. Francis Xavier is a unique opportunity to work in an environment where our Catholic faith is lived openly each day, where teachers and families partner together in forming our students, and where a culture of respect, strong discipline, and academic excellence allows teachers to focus on what they do best: inspiring young people to learn and grow.
Many wonderful teachers discover Catholic school opportunities through the recommendations of friends, family, and parishioners. Please take a moment to share the job advertisement above with anyone who might be interested. Your recommendation could help us find the next outstanding member of the St. Francis Xavier School family.
Thank you for helping us spread the word!
Teaching at St. Francis Xavier is a unique opportunity to work in an environment where our Catholic faith is lived openly each day, where teachers and families partner together in forming our students, and where a culture of respect, strong discipline, and academic excellence allows teachers to focus on what they do best: inspiring young people to learn and grow.
Many wonderful teachers discover Catholic school opportunities through the recommendations of friends, family, and parishioners. Please take a moment to share the job advertisement above with anyone who might be interested. Your recommendation could help us find the next outstanding member of the St. Francis Xavier School family.
Thank you for helping us spread the word!
Women of Grace Summer Study Begins July 15
This summer, the Women of Grace will be offering the WOG 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
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 this 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.
Wednesday 9am Mass This Week
Please note that there will be a 9:00 a.m. Mass this Wednesday, July 1. Although Wednesday is ordinarily my day off, Mass will be celebrated that morning as part of our Altar Boy Boot Camp program.
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.
God Bless you, Anne Nolin!
Last Sunday, June 21, we recognized Anne Nolin as she prepares to move to Pennsylvania to be closer to family after many years of faithful membership in our parish.
Anne has generously served the parish in numerous ways over the years, including as a lector, choir member, adorer, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, daily Mass attendee, and faithful supporter of parish life. In recognition of her many years of service to the Church, Anne was also announced as this year's recipient of the Diocesan Marian Medal.
As a token of our gratitude, Anne was presented with a prayer shawl made by the women of the parish and a rosary handcrafted by parishioner Mark Hadley.
We thank Anne for her many years of dedication to SFX Parish and assure her of our prayers as she begins this new chapter. May God bless her abundantly.
Anne has generously served the parish in numerous ways over the years, including as a lector, choir member, adorer, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, daily Mass attendee, and faithful supporter of parish life. In recognition of her many years of service to the Church, Anne was also announced as this year's recipient of the Diocesan Marian Medal.
As a token of our gratitude, Anne was presented with a prayer shawl made by the women of the parish and a rosary handcrafted by parishioner Mark Hadley.
We thank Anne for her many years of dedication to SFX Parish and assure her of our prayers as she begins this new chapter. May God bless her abundantly.
Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Josh and Sarah St. Pierre!
Married in Christ on Saturday, June 20th at St. Francis Xavier
A Homily for this Sunday from Fr. Mike Schmitz
Thank You for Supporting the Catholic Appeal
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 $23,000 pledged by 133 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!
Altar Flower Donations
Parishioners are welcome to sponsor the flowers on the high altar in memory of a loved one, in honor of a special occasion, or as an offering of thanksgiving to God. The cost to sponsor the weekly altar flowers is $100.
If you are interested in reserving a week, please contact the parish office for availability.
If you are interested in reserving a week, please contact the parish office for availability.
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.
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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