Happy Grandparents Day!
This weekend we celebrate National Grandparents Day. At all of our Masses, I was happy to offer a special blessing for all grandparents in our parish, as well as for those who have been like grandparents through their love, wisdom, and faithful example.
In this weekend's bulletin, I also included an excerpt from Pope Leo's message for the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, celebrated each July. I've included a link below if you'd like to read his message in its entirety.
In this weekend's bulletin, I also included an excerpt from Pope Leo's message for the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, celebrated each July. I've included a link below if you'd like to read his message in its entirety.
At SFX School This Week
It has been another exciting week at St. Francis Xavier School! Last Friday, we held our annual Blessing of the Backpacks, asking God to bless our students, teachers, and staff as we began another school year together. (You can see a photo above.)
On Wednesday evening, we welcomed parents for Back-to-School Night, where families had the opportunity to meet their children's teachers before Mrs. Rogers and Mrs. Shaughnessy presented an outstanding State of the School Address. They shared many encouraging updates, including our successful NEASC accreditation visit, a record breaking year of fundraising, exciting progress on our new school field (which we hope to have completed by mid-October), and our strongest enrollment since 2018. They also challenged all of us to continue inviting new families to consider St. Francis Xavier School, reminding us that our best form of advertising has always been the recommendations of our own parents and parishioners.
Mrs. Rogers also introduced our next major improvement project: the "Bare Necessities" Campaign, which will focus on renovating the school's four student bathrooms that have served generations of SFX students. (Yes...the name is a bit of a bathroom pun! 😅) You'll be hearing more about this project throughout the year, with our parish collection for the school taking place the last weekend of November.
Yesterday, we wrapped up the week with an outstanding Touch-a-Truck, welcoming so many families to our campus. Thank you to everyone who attended, and a very special thank you to Bryan Nadeau, whose countless hours of work made the event possible, along with all of our sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and supporters.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support of St. Francis Xavier School. It has been a wonderful beginning to what promises to be an exciting year ahead.
On Wednesday evening, we welcomed parents for Back-to-School Night, where families had the opportunity to meet their children's teachers before Mrs. Rogers and Mrs. Shaughnessy presented an outstanding State of the School Address. They shared many encouraging updates, including our successful NEASC accreditation visit, a record breaking year of fundraising, exciting progress on our new school field (which we hope to have completed by mid-October), and our strongest enrollment since 2018. They also challenged all of us to continue inviting new families to consider St. Francis Xavier School, reminding us that our best form of advertising has always been the recommendations of our own parents and parishioners.
Mrs. Rogers also introduced our next major improvement project: the "Bare Necessities" Campaign, which will focus on renovating the school's four student bathrooms that have served generations of SFX students. (Yes...the name is a bit of a bathroom pun! 😅) You'll be hearing more about this project throughout the year, with our parish collection for the school taking place the last weekend of November.
Yesterday, we wrapped up the week with an outstanding Touch-a-Truck, welcoming so many families to our campus. Thank you to everyone who attended, and a very special thank you to Bryan Nadeau, whose countless hours of work made the event possible, along with all of our sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and supporters.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support of St. Francis Xavier School. It has been a wonderful beginning to what promises to be an exciting year ahead.
Religious Ed Registration Now Open!
Registration for the 2026–2027 Religious Education Program is now available at the link below.
Please note: A Mandatory Parent Orientation will be held on Sunday, September 20, 2026, in the St. Francis Xavier School Gym.
6:00–6:30 p.m. – Parents of 2nd Grade students preparing for First Holy Communion
6:30–7:00 p.m. – Parents of students in Grades 1–8 who attend public school
7:00–7:30 p.m. – Parents of 9th Grade students (and older students preparing 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.
Please note: A Mandatory Parent Orientation will be held on Sunday, September 20, 2026, in the St. Francis Xavier School Gym.
6:00–6:30 p.m. – Parents of 2nd Grade students preparing for First Holy Communion
6:30–7:00 p.m. – Parents of students in Grades 1–8 who attend public school
7:00–7:30 p.m. – Parents of 9th Grade students (and older students preparing 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.
Rel. Ed. Volunteer Needed
We're looking for one volunteer to be present in the lower level of the church during Religious Education classes on the first and third Sundays of the month from 9:15–10:15 a.m. The role is very simple: greet late arriving students and families, answer the door as needed, and be a welcoming presence while classes are in session. You're welcome to bring a book, pray, or quietly work on something while you're there.
An Inspiring Day of Formation
This past Thursday afternoon, the priests of our diocese gathered for a workshop led by Fr. John Riccardo, a priest from Michigan and the founder of ACTS XXIX, an apostolate dedicated to evangelization and parish renewal. Many Catholics have come to know Fr. Riccardo through his talks, podcasts, and the widely used Rescue Project, which helps parishes present the heart of the Gospel (the kerygma) in a fresh and compelling way.
Fr. Riccardo offered a realistic but deeply hopeful look at the current state of the Church, reminding us that our fundamental mission has never changed: to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and invite every person into a life changing friendship with Him. It was an inspiring afternoon that gave me much to reflect on as we continue discerning how we can help St. Francis Xavier Parish grow in faith and become an even more welcoming, missionary community.
Although I wasn't able to attend Saturday's Parish Leadership Convocation because of our Touch-a-Truck event, I'm grateful that Fr. Riccardo was able to spend several days with our diocese, sharing this important vision for evangelization and renewal.
Fr. Riccardo offered a realistic but deeply hopeful look at the current state of the Church, reminding us that our fundamental mission has never changed: to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and invite every person into a life changing friendship with Him. It was an inspiring afternoon that gave me much to reflect on as we continue discerning how we can help St. Francis Xavier Parish grow in faith and become an even more welcoming, missionary community.
Although I wasn't able to attend Saturday's Parish Leadership Convocation because of our Touch-a-Truck event, I'm grateful that Fr. Riccardo was able to spend several days with our diocese, sharing this important vision for evangelization and renewal.
I'd also encourage you to check out Fr. John Riccardo's podcast, You Were Born for This. Each episode explores practical aspects of the Catholic faith and helps listeners learn to see the world through a more biblical worldview. I've included a link below if you'd like to give it a listen.
Thank You for Remembering Together
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Acushnet Fire Station on Friday evening as our community gathered to commemorate the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. It was heartening to see so many townspeople come together in prayer and remembrance.
A special thank you to Fire Chief Farland and the members of the Acushnet Fire Department for organizing, and to all of our parishioners who attended in support of our community.
May we never forget those who lost their lives, the families who continue to carry their loss, and the courage and sacrifice of the first responders who answered the call that day. May God continue to bless them all.
A special thank you to Fire Chief Farland and the members of the Acushnet Fire Department for organizing, and to all of our parishioners who attended in support of our community.
May we never forget those who lost their lives, the families who continue to carry their loss, and the courage and sacrifice of the first responders who answered the call that day. May God continue to bless them all.
Men's Meat & Greet Is On!
Despite today's rainy weather, the Men's Meat & Greet is still on! The event will be held indoors, so everything will go ahead as planned.
Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets. We look forward to seeing you this afternoon for what promises to be a great time of food, fellowship, and an inspiring talk by Fr. Chris Peschel. Safe travels, and we'll see you soon!
Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets. We look forward to seeing you this afternoon for what promises to be a great time of food, fellowship, and an inspiring talk by Fr. Chris Peschel. Safe travels, and we'll see you soon!
Women of Grace Event - This Tuesday, Sept. 15th
Purchase Michelle's new book online below:
SFX High School Youth Group
A Small Improvement for Our Young Families
We're happy to share a small improvement to our cry room! This past week we added a children's table along with coloring supplies and activities to help make the space a little more welcoming for our youngest parishioners.
We'll do our best to keep the coloring pages and activities refreshed throughout the month, so if your family uses the cry room during Mass, be sure to check it out.
We are grateful to all of our young families who faithfully bring their children to Mass each weekend. Thank you for making Sunday worship a priority in your family. We hope this small addition helps make your visit a little easier and a little more enjoyable.
We'll do our best to keep the coloring pages and activities refreshed throughout the month, so if your family uses the cry room during Mass, be sure to check it out.
We are grateful to all of our young families who faithfully bring their children to Mass each weekend. Thank you for making Sunday worship a priority in your family. We hope this small addition helps make your visit a little easier and a little more enjoyable.
SFX Parish Annual Appeal
Our Annual Parish Appeal mailing will be arriving in parishioners' mailboxes soon. Please take a few moments to look through the materials, which include our Annual Financial Statement and your annual appeal pledge card. We are deeply grateful for the generosity that makes the mission of St. Francis Xavier Parish possible.
We invite you to prayerfully consider your level of support for the coming year and, if you are able, to return your completed pledge card by the end of October. While we ask that pledge cards be returned this fall to assist with planning, any pledge may be fulfilled over the coming months through June, whichever is most convenient for you.
If you do not receive an appeal packet in the mail, or if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the parish office. Thank you, as always, for your faithful support of our parish and its mission.
We invite you to prayerfully consider your level of support for the coming year and, if you are able, to return your completed pledge card by the end of October. While we ask that pledge cards be returned this fall to assist with planning, any pledge may be fulfilled over the coming months through June, whichever is most convenient for you.
If you do not receive an appeal packet in the mail, or if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the parish office. Thank you, as always, for your faithful support of our parish and its mission.
A Homily for this Sunday from Fr. Mike Schmitz
Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Ben and Alexa Reis!
Contact the parish office for more information.
Maronite Servants of Christ the Light Gala
Novena for the Nation Aug 19 - Oct 11
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.