Flocknote

Sorry for getting this week's newsletter out later than usual! It's been a particularly busy couple of weeks around the parish, but I still wanted to send along a few updates and reminders before the weekend came to a close. I hope you enjoy catching up on what's happening around St. Francis Xavier, and I wish you a blessed week ahead!

Responding with Prayer and Hope

Many of you probably saw my column in this weekend's bulletin regarding the recent legislation signed by Governor Healey that significantly expands access to abortion in Massachusetts. Like many of you, I find this deeply discouraging. At the same time, our Christian response is never despair, but hope rooted in prayer, charity, and trust in God's providence.

Below I've included links to some statements and a video that I have found helpful in reflecting on these recent events. I hope they will encourage you as well.

In the weeks ahead, I'd like to invite our parish to unite in a renewed commitment to prayer for the protection of human life. Perhaps you might consider praying an extra Rosary or Divine Mercy Chaplet each week, making a Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament, attending an additional daily Mass, or offering a small sacrifice for the conversion of hearts and for expectant mothers facing difficult situations. These hidden acts of prayer and sacrifice matter more than we often realize.

As we approach Respect Life Month in October, I'll be sharing additional opportunities for us to pray together as a parish and to support mothers and families in need, including our annual Abundant Hope Pregnancy Resource Center Baby Bottle Campaign.

Please continue to pray for our elected leaders, for all mothers and their children, for those who work to defend the dignity of every human life, and for a renewed culture of life here in Massachusetts.

Bishop Byrne's Message

EWTN Article

Mass Citizens for Life

Special Mass Tomorrow Evening 8/24

The Millions of Monicas Prayer Apostolate invites everyone to a Special Mass tomorrow, Monday, August 24, at 6:30 p.m. As we anticipate the Memorial of St. Monica on August 27, this Mass will be offered for our loved ones who have fallen away from the practice of the faith. Together, we will ask St. Monica's powerful intercession and entrust our family members and friends to God's love and mercy. All are welcome to join us.

Religious Ed Registration Coming Soon

Registration for the 2026–2027 Religious Education Program will be opening soon! Please watch www.sfxparish.com for registration information, the class schedule, and the online registration form.

Children in Grades 1–9 who attend public school are encouraged to participate in our parish Religious Education program. Students in Grade 2 prepare to receive First Holy Communion, while students in Grade 9 (or older students who have not yet been confirmed) prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.

We look forward to another wonderful year of growing together in the Catholic faith. If you have any questions, please contact Phil Martin, Director of Religious Education, at PJM@sfxparish.com.

Volunteers Needed

As we prepare for another year of Religious Education, we are looking for a few additional volunteers to help us pass on the faith to the next generation. We are currently in need of a catechist and a classroom aide for our combined 3rd/4th grade class, which meets one or two Sunday mornings each month from 9:15–10:15 a.m. We are also looking for a volunteer to serve as a hall monitor during that same time. This role involves being present in the lower level of the church to greet visitors, monitor the entrance, and help provide a safe environment for our children. If you are able to help in either of these roles, it would be a tremendous gift to our parish and to our young people. Please contact me or Phil Martin for more information.

Welcome Filipa Melendez!

I'm happy to share that Filipa Melendez officially began her work as our Director of Parish Administration this past Thursday. If you stop by the parish office, please give her a warm St. Francis Xavier welcome!

Please also note our new parish office hours:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

We're very grateful to have Filipa on our team and look forward to all that lies ahead!

Help Us Welcome the Community This Thursday

The annual Acushnet Car Show takes place this Thursday evening (8/27), bringing tons of visitors right past St. Francis Xavier Church. Since our church was closed for renovations during last year's event, I plan to open the doors this year and invite the community to come inside to see the beautifully renovated church, spend a few moments in prayer, or just take a look around.

To make this a welcoming experience, I'm looking for a few volunteers who would be willing to spend an hour in the church between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. greeting visitors, answering questions, and helping create an inviting atmosphere. No special knowledge is required, just a friendly smile!

If you'd be willing to help, or if you know someone attending the car show who hasn't seen our renovated church, I hope you'll consider joining us. I think this could be a wonderful opportunity to welcome our neighbors and introduce them to the beauty of our parish.

Novena for the Nation Aug 19 - Oct 11

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the opening event of the Novena for the Nation last Wednesday organized by the Third Order Franciscans. It was a wonderful turnout and a beautiful way to begin 54 days of praying the Rosary for our nation.

If you weren't able to begin, it's not too late to start! I encourage you to join in at any time. Please see the graphic above for the schedule of the upcoming Wednesday evening Rosary gatherings at local churches.

Novena Prayers

Exciting News for Our Parish!

I'm delighted to share that Michael Correia, one of our longtime parishioners, has been accepted into the Permanent Diaconate Formation Program for the Diocese of Fall River!

Many of you know Michael through his faithful service as a catechist in our Religious Ed program, a member of the Men of St. Joseph, and through his ministry to our homebound parishioners. He has been a tremendous blessing to St. Francis Xavier Parish, and we are grateful for his generous response to God's call.

Formation for the permanent diaconate is a five year journey of prayer, study, and pastoral preparation. Please keep Michael and his family in your prayers as he begins this important next step, and be sure to congratulate him when you see him. We look forward with great hope to all that God has in store!

Men's Meat & Greet - Sept. 13

Buy Tickets

Women of Grace Event - Sept. 15th

Preorder Michelle's Book

Back to School!

It's hard to believe that summer is already coming to a close! This week we are gearing up for another wonderful year at SFX School, with our teachers returning for preparation and our students beginning the new school year with half days later this week.

We're especially excited to welcome several new faculty members and to begin the year with our strongest enrollment in several years. A tremendous blessing for our parish and school community! Please keep our students, families, teachers, and staff in your prayers as we begin this new academic year.

School Field Project Update

As you can see in the photo above, the new turf was rolled out yesterday! It is exciting to see this long awaited project finally taking shape after months of planning and preparation.

The next phases of the project include installing the walking track, completing the fencing, and finishing the surrounding landscaping. We are currently on track for completion by mid October, and with a little cooperation from the weather, perhaps even sooner.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support as we look forward to this wonderful new space for our school and parish community.

Touch-a-Truck Returns This September!

Event FB Page

Explanation of this Weekend's Readings

A Homily for this Sunday from Fr. Mike Schmitz

Baptism Congratulations to George!

Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. AJ and Sarah Tatton

Congratulations to the Cormier family, who celebrated several beautiful sacraments this past weekend. Please join me in praying that the Lord will continue to bless them abundantly as they grow together in the Catholic faith.

Diocese Respect Life Conference - October 11
Deadline: Sept 1

Register Here

Five Years Already!

Believe it or not, this past Tuesday marked five years since I arrived at St. Francis Xavier Parish. It's hard to believe how quickly the time has gone! It has truly been a tremendous blessing to serve here, to get to know so many wonderful parishioners, and to learn what it means to be a pastor. We've shared a lot together over these five years: joys, challenges, a church renovation! Thank you for your patience, encouragement, and support through it all.

Some of you may remember that last year I joked about all the "Dump Healey" signs appearing around town. At the time, I took comfort in the fact that Governor Healey spells her last name differently than I do. Well...this year I noticed several signs that accidentally spell it H-E-A-L-Y - my way! For just a brief moment, I wondered if someone was trying to send me a message. Thankfully, I don't think that's the case...at least I hope not!

In all seriousness, thank you for your kindness, your encouragement, your patience, and especially your prayers over these past five years. It is a privilege to serve as your pastor, and I look forward, God willing, to many more years together at St. Francis Xavier Parish and School.