Thank you from the Sisters
I would like to thank everyone who so generously supported last weekend's Missionary Cooperative Appeal. Thanks to your generosity, our parish raised nearly $4,000 to support the Dominican Sisters of Santa Maria of the Rosary in their missionary work among the poor in Quito, Ecuador. The sisters were deeply grateful for the warm welcome they received at St. Francis Xavier and asked me to pass along their heartfelt thanks. They have now continued on to mission appeals in California and Florida.
If you were unable to contribute last weekend but would still like to support their mission, you may place an envelope marked "Missionary Cooperative Appeal" in this weekend's collection or make a gift through our Online Giving page. Although our parish supports the missions every year through this appeal, we welcome a visiting missionary community every other year. We look forward to welcoming another missionary congregation in 2028 to learn more about the Church's missionary work throughout the world.
If you weren't able to see the Missionary Sisters' presentation last weekend, you can view their PowerPoint by clicking the link below.
If you were unable to contribute last weekend but would still like to support their mission, you may place an envelope marked "Missionary Cooperative Appeal" in this weekend's collection or make a gift through our Online Giving page. Although our parish supports the missions every year through this appeal, we welcome a visiting missionary community every other year. We look forward to welcoming another missionary congregation in 2028 to learn more about the Church's missionary work throughout the world.
If you weren't able to see the Missionary Sisters' presentation last weekend, you can view their PowerPoint by clicking the link below.
Special Collection for Venezuela Earthquake Relief
At the request of Bishop da Cunha and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, our parish will take up a second collection next weekend, July 18–19, to assist those affected by the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela. Thousands have lost their lives, and many more have been left without homes, clean water, medical care, and other basic necessities.
Please prayerfully consider making a donation to support the Church's humanitarian relief efforts for those suffering from this tragedy. Thank you for your generosity and for keeping the people of Venezuela in your prayers.
Please prayerfully consider making a donation to support the Church's humanitarian relief efforts for those suffering from this tragedy. Thank you for your generosity and for keeping the people of Venezuela in your prayers.
A Few More Words of Thanks
Below are a few words of gratitude from some of the teens who attended this year's Steubenville Youth Conference a couple weeks ago. Thank you for making this unforgettable experience possible through your generosity and prayers.
"Parishioners, I’m so grateful for your help in sending everyone to Steubenville! It was an amazing experience, and changed so many of us fundamentally! Your help was essential in improving the faith of the youth in our Church and my faith as well, thank you!"
"Thank you so much to everyone who donated money to the Steubenville trip! This experience was so great and seeing thousands of teenagers who want to grow closer to God is something I will not forget. I loved this trip so much, thank you for making it possible!"
"I would like to give the most gracious thanks to all of the parishioners who donated and gave me along with my friends the amazing opportunity to attend the Steubenville Conference this year free of charge. This experience was truly life changing and to be able to say I saw Jesus Christ so close and personal to me during adoration on our second night is mind blowing truly. The closeness and emotions throughout the 2,000 teenagers in the room was so strong and unexplainable. Personally before the conference it was hard for me to believe the Catholic teaching that the Eucharist is truly the Body of Christ and not just a symbol. This all changed in Eucharistic adoration. I felt God right in front of me at that moment. This solidified the Catholic teaching that the Eucharist is truly Christ's body and I wouldn’t have been able to wrap my head around it any other way. This conference was truly life changing and your generosity made this experience possible for me and many others. Thank you again!!!
"Parishioners, I’m so grateful for your help in sending everyone to Steubenville! It was an amazing experience, and changed so many of us fundamentally! Your help was essential in improving the faith of the youth in our Church and my faith as well, thank you!"
"Thank you so much to everyone who donated money to the Steubenville trip! This experience was so great and seeing thousands of teenagers who want to grow closer to God is something I will not forget. I loved this trip so much, thank you for making it possible!"
"I would like to give the most gracious thanks to all of the parishioners who donated and gave me along with my friends the amazing opportunity to attend the Steubenville Conference this year free of charge. This experience was truly life changing and to be able to say I saw Jesus Christ so close and personal to me during adoration on our second night is mind blowing truly. The closeness and emotions throughout the 2,000 teenagers in the room was so strong and unexplainable. Personally before the conference it was hard for me to believe the Catholic teaching that the Eucharist is truly the Body of Christ and not just a symbol. This all changed in Eucharistic adoration. I felt God right in front of me at that moment. This solidified the Catholic teaching that the Eucharist is truly Christ's body and I wouldn’t have been able to wrap my head around it any other way. This conference was truly life changing and your generosity made this experience possible for me and many others. Thank you again!!!
School Stage Cleanup
A sincere thank you to those who came out this past week to help Mrs. Rogers, Mrs. Shaughnessy, Jono, and me clean out the storage area beneath the school stage. The stage will be receiving some much needed refurbishment this summer.
Cleaning underneath the stage felt a bit like opening a time capsule! We uncovered all sorts of items that had been tucked away over the years from old classroom materials and props to long forgotten odds and ends.
Cleaning underneath the stage felt a bit like opening a time capsule! We uncovered all sorts of items that had been tucked away over the years from old classroom materials and props to long forgotten odds and ends.
Sacristan Day – Thursday July 16
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. In a couple weeks we will hold our annual Sacristan Day, a fun and hands on introduction to this important ministry. Interested girls and their families are encouraged to consider this opportunity to serve the Lord and our parish.
Help Us Find Our Next Fifth Grade Teacher
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
Updated Summer Office Hours
To provide additional office coverage during the summer months, the parish office will now observe the following temporary schedule:
- Monday & Wednesday: 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Tuesday & Thursday: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Friday: By appointment only
Baptism Congratulations to Remi
A Homily for this Sunday from Fr. Mike Schmitz
An Update from Deacon Lucas
Greetings from Mansfield!
It's hard to believe that I've already been at St. Mary's for a few weeks. The time has been flying by as I've settled into parish life. So far, I've had the opportunity to assist with baptisms, help with the parish's summer programs, and begin learning the many joys (and surprises!) that come with serving in a busy parish. I've also been blessed to get to know Fr. Greg Mathias, the wonderful parish staff, and so many kind and welcoming parishioners. They have all made me feel right at home.
Now that the excitement of ordination has settled a bit, I've also had the chance to reflect on just how grateful I am for my home parish. As I look back on my ordination to the diaconate, I simply want to say thank you.
Over the years, so many of you have encouraged me, prayed for me, and played an important role in my vocation. That kind of support is something I have never taken for granted, and I truly don't know if I would be here without a parish like St. Francis Xavier behind me.
Thank you as well for the many cards, gifts, and kind words. Your generosity and thoughtfulness made my ordination weekend even more meaningful. Please know that I continue to pray for all of you with gratitude, just as I ask you to keep me in your prayers as I continue this first assignment and, God willing, prepare for priestly ordination next year.
I hope to see many of you back in Acushnet soon! If you ever happen to be in the Mansfield area, I'd love to see you at St. Mary's. I assist at various weekend Masses, so feel free to contact the parish office to find out which one I'll be serving.
God bless,
Deacon Lucas DaCosta
It's hard to believe that I've already been at St. Mary's for a few weeks. The time has been flying by as I've settled into parish life. So far, I've had the opportunity to assist with baptisms, help with the parish's summer programs, and begin learning the many joys (and surprises!) that come with serving in a busy parish. I've also been blessed to get to know Fr. Greg Mathias, the wonderful parish staff, and so many kind and welcoming parishioners. They have all made me feel right at home.
Now that the excitement of ordination has settled a bit, I've also had the chance to reflect on just how grateful I am for my home parish. As I look back on my ordination to the diaconate, I simply want to say thank you.
Over the years, so many of you have encouraged me, prayed for me, and played an important role in my vocation. That kind of support is something I have never taken for granted, and I truly don't know if I would be here without a parish like St. Francis Xavier behind me.
Thank you as well for the many cards, gifts, and kind words. Your generosity and thoughtfulness made my ordination weekend even more meaningful. Please know that I continue to pray for all of you with gratitude, just as I ask you to keep me in your prayers as I continue this first assignment and, God willing, prepare for priestly ordination next year.
I hope to see many of you back in Acushnet soon! If you ever happen to be in the Mansfield area, I'd love to see you at St. Mary's. I assist at various weekend Masses, so feel free to contact the parish office to find out which one I'll be serving.
God bless,
Deacon Lucas DaCosta
SFX School Summer Drama Camp
A reminder for current SFX School families: registration is still open!
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.