What a weekend! With the nor'easter making its way through New England, I hope everyone stays safe and dry. While some nearby parishes have adjusted their schedules because of the weather, we are planning to celebrate all of our scheduled Masses here at St. Francis Xavier. That said, please use your best judgment if travel conditions in your area are unsafe. Your safety comes first.
We also have a wedding at the parish this evening, so please keep the bride and groom in your prayers. They certainly picked a wedding day they won't soon forget! Let's pray for their joyful celebration, for everyone's safe travels, and that the power stays on! God bless, and I look forward to seeing many of you at Mass this weekend if you're able to join us safely.
We also have a wedding at the parish this evening, so please keep the bride and groom in your prayers. They certainly picked a wedding day they won't soon forget! Let's pray for their joyful celebration, for everyone's safe travels, and that the power stays on! God bless, and I look forward to seeing many of you at Mass this weekend if you're able to join us safely.
This Week at SFX School
We had a wonderful School Mass on Monday with some very special guests. Many of you will remember Fr. Steven Booth, who is home briefly between military assignments and joined us for Mass. Fr. Steve has just completed two years serving as a Catholic chaplain at Naval Air Station Sigonella in Sicily, Italy, ministering to U.S. service members and their families. In the coming weeks, he will report to Norfolk, Virginia, where he will deploy as chaplain aboard the USS Eisenhower.
It was a joy to welcome Fr. Steve back to St. Francis Xavier and to have him speak with our students about his unique vocation of serving both the Church and our country's military. He asked me to pass along his greetings to the parish and his sincere thanks for your continued prayers. Please keep him in your prayers as he begins this next assignment, bringing the sacraments and the presence of Christ to the sailors entrusted to his care.
Also pictured is our new school Facilities Manager, Michael Girouard, who recently returned from a deployment in the Middle East with the Navy Reserve. It was fun to see him and Fr. Steve comparing notes after Mass. They discovered that Michael had actually passed through Sigonella just a few weeks ago on his journey home.
We also celebrated our annual School Advisory Board Day, welcoming members of our School Advisory Board to Mass and then into the school to meet with our eighth grade student leaders (see photo below). The students shared thoughtful ideas about ways St. Francis Xavier School can continue to grow and better serve our families. It was a wonderful opportunity for our Board to hear directly from the students as we continue planning for the future of our school.
It was a joy to welcome Fr. Steve back to St. Francis Xavier and to have him speak with our students about his unique vocation of serving both the Church and our country's military. He asked me to pass along his greetings to the parish and his sincere thanks for your continued prayers. Please keep him in your prayers as he begins this next assignment, bringing the sacraments and the presence of Christ to the sailors entrusted to his care.
Also pictured is our new school Facilities Manager, Michael Girouard, who recently returned from a deployment in the Middle East with the Navy Reserve. It was fun to see him and Fr. Steve comparing notes after Mass. They discovered that Michael had actually passed through Sigonella just a few weeks ago on his journey home.
We also celebrated our annual School Advisory Board Day, welcoming members of our School Advisory Board to Mass and then into the school to meet with our eighth grade student leaders (see photo below). The students shared thoughtful ideas about ways St. Francis Xavier School can continue to grow and better serve our families. It was a wonderful opportunity for our Board to hear directly from the students as we continue planning for the future of our school.
Respect Life Sunday - Oct 4th
Next weekend we will join Catholics throughout the country in observing Respect Life Sunday, the beginning of Respect Life Month. Each October, the Church invites us to renew our commitment to cherish and protect every human life, from conception until natural death.
This year, I would especially like our parish to remember children whose lives were very brief, particularly those lost through miscarriage, as well as children lost to abortion, and to pray for their parents and families. Many families carry the memory of these children quietly for many years.
Throughout the weekend, white carnations will be available near the statues of Our Lady and St. Anne at the front of the church. Before or after Mass, anyone who wishes is invited to take a carnation and place it in the arrangement there in memory of a child whom you carry in your heart. There is no need to give a name or identify the circumstances of the child's loss. It is simply an opportunity for us to remember these children before God and to entrust them, their families, and the cause of life to the maternal intercession of Our Lady.
We will also have information available in the vestibule throughout Respect Life Month about ways that we can pray, offer support, and work for the protection and dignity of human life.
This year, I would especially like our parish to remember children whose lives were very brief, particularly those lost through miscarriage, as well as children lost to abortion, and to pray for their parents and families. Many families carry the memory of these children quietly for many years.
Throughout the weekend, white carnations will be available near the statues of Our Lady and St. Anne at the front of the church. Before or after Mass, anyone who wishes is invited to take a carnation and place it in the arrangement there in memory of a child whom you carry in your heart. There is no need to give a name or identify the circumstances of the child's loss. It is simply an opportunity for us to remember these children before God and to entrust them, their families, and the cause of life to the maternal intercession of Our Lady.
We will also have information available in the vestibule throughout Respect Life Month about ways that we can pray, offer support, and work for the protection and dignity of human life.
New Statement from Massachusetts Bishops regarding recently passed abortion law
Sept 25, 2026
Called by Name Sunday
Next Weekend Oct 3/4
Blessed Fulton Sheen
Prayer Cards Available
As we celebrate the beatification of Blessed Fulton Sheen, we have commemorative prayer cards available at the church doors this weekend. The front features the newly commissioned artwork created for his beatification, while the back includes a prayer asking for his intercession.
Please be sure to take one home as a keepsake and as a way to seek the prayers of this new American Blessed.
Please be sure to take one home as a keepsake and as a way to seek the prayers of this new American Blessed.
Blessing of the Animals
Sunday Oct 4th
In your kindness, please pray for the repose of the souls of the following individuals:
Edmundo de Oliveira Amaral, of Acushnet, Massachusetts, passed away on Sunday, September 20th at the age of 84. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St Francis Xavier Parish, on September 26, 2026, at 11:00 am. Burial in Acushnet Cemetery.
Manuel P. Lima, 90, of Northborough and formerly of Acushnet passed away Wednesday, September 23, 2026 in Beaumont Nursing Center. He was the husband of the late Dorothy C. (Orlowski) Lima with whom he shared 58 years of marriage. His funeral will be Friday, October 2, 2026 at 10 a.m. from the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford, MA 02745 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St. Francis Xavier Church, 125 Main St., Acushnet, MA. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, October 1, 2026 from 4-7 p.m.
School Advisory Board Member Needed
St. Francis Xavier School is currently seeking one new member to join our School Advisory Board. The Board works closely with Mrs. Rogers and I by offering guidance, expertise, and support as we continue to strengthen and grow our parish school. We especially appreciate members who can bring professional experience in areas where it can benefit our administration.
At this time, we are particularly looking for someone with a background or interest in marketing, graphic design, photography, communications, or branding. The Board meets several times throughout the year, and members also serve as a resource to our school leadership as opportunities arise.
If you have experience in one of these areas (or know someone who might enjoy giving back to Catholic education in this way) please contact Mrs. Rogers or I. We'd love to hear from you.
At this time, we are particularly looking for someone with a background or interest in marketing, graphic design, photography, communications, or branding. The Board meets several times throughout the year, and members also serve as a resource to our school leadership as opportunities arise.
If you have experience in one of these areas (or know someone who might enjoy giving back to Catholic education in this way) please contact Mrs. Rogers or I. We'd love to hear from you.
SFX High School Youth Group
Please note that the High School Youth Group scheduled for this Sunday evening has been postponed due to the storm. Mr. Hamel will be announcing a new date in October. Stay safe, and we look forward to gathering together soon!
Feast of St. Therese this Thursday!
A Homily for this Sunday from Fr. Mike Schmitz
A Message from the SFX CYO Director
Dear SFX Family,
After a wonderful and rewarding experience as the CYO Basketball Coordinator for St. Francis Xavier, I will be stepping down at the end of the upcoming season. We are looking for a volunteer to take over this role beginning next season.
Our CYO basketball program relies on dedicated volunteers to provide a positive, faith-filled environment where our young people can learn teamwork, sportsmanship, and the fundamentals of basketball. The coordinator oversees league administrative tasks, gym scheduling, and supports our volunteer coaches.
To ensure a smooth transition, I will personally provide complete onboarding and training throughout this season so that you'll be well prepared to step into the role next year.
If you are interested in learning more or would like to volunteer, please contact me at 508-441-8848 or sfxcyobasketball@gmail.com.
Thank you,
Jose Melendez
After a wonderful and rewarding experience as the CYO Basketball Coordinator for St. Francis Xavier, I will be stepping down at the end of the upcoming season. We are looking for a volunteer to take over this role beginning next season.
Our CYO basketball program relies on dedicated volunteers to provide a positive, faith-filled environment where our young people can learn teamwork, sportsmanship, and the fundamentals of basketball. The coordinator oversees league administrative tasks, gym scheduling, and supports our volunteer coaches.
To ensure a smooth transition, I will personally provide complete onboarding and training throughout this season so that you'll be well prepared to step into the role next year.
If you are interested in learning more or would like to volunteer, please contact me at 508-441-8848 or sfxcyobasketball@gmail.com.
Thank you,
Jose Melendez
CYO Program Sign Ups
Open to all youth Gr. 4-8
Upcoming Men's Night
Upcoming Women of Grace Programs
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.