Parish Synod Listening Session

Parish Synod Listening Session

With the opening of the Synod of Bishops in Rome in October 2021, Pope Francis has called the entire People of God to listen, dialogue, pray, discern, and make decisions together for the purpose of  proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Bishop da Cunha expressed this call as “Journeying Together with Jesus on the Path of Faith & Hope.”  The hope is to reorient the local Church toward an inherent synodal attitude in decision making processes through communion, participation, and mission.

St. Francis Xavier Parish will carry out this call by  holding  an  in-person consultation session on Saturday, March 26 from 10am-12pm at SFX school gym to hear concerns, to determine how our parish can better serve people, and to deepen our celebration of the Eucharist in our local church.  An anonymous online survey will also be shared in the coming weeks for those unable to participate in the March 26 meeting.

What is the goal of the consultation session?  This gathering will give us the opportunity to hear from parishioners about their experience of journeying toward the face of Christ. The goal is to prayerfully discuss what the Church is doing well and what the Church can improve upon as we journey together.

What this is…The Synod Gatherings Session is an opportunity to share your perspective. Be prepared to also offer solutions and share elements of parish life that lead people into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church.

What this is not…The Synod Gathering is not an opportunity to point out all of the flaws of the Catholic Church without providing reasonable solutions that are rooted in truth.  We are guided by the principle caritas in veritate, charity in truth. More information can be found on the diocesan website: https://www.fallriverdiocese.org/synod-2021-2023/

School Open House

School Open House

Catholic Schools Week is coming up and as part of it we always have an open house day at our school, with the opportunity to tour and meet teachers, parents, and students. We are rightly proud of our excellent school and would like you to encourage any of your family and friends who are considering a Catholic Education for their children to join us on Sunday February 6th from 12:00 until 2:00pm.

Please know that there is financial aid available to qualified families and that parishioners of SFX are eligible for a parish subsidy.

Registration for next school year begins on February 7th.

Pro-Life Holy Hour

Pro-Life Holy Hour

On Friday, January 21st from 7pm-8pm in the church we will have a Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration for reparation and healing.

On that day, the national March for Life will take place in Washington D.C., as our nation marks the 43rd Anniversary on January 22nd of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that made abortion legal throughout the United States. Although, due to the pandemic, we could not organize our annual trip to ‘storm Washington’ this year, we will spiritually join the marchers that day.

We invite you to join us for this hour, which will include scripture readings, prayers, and a homily, as we ‘storm heaven’ and pray together for a greater respect for all human life, an end to abortion, and healing for all those effected.

Rwanda Shoes Fundraiser

Rwanda Shoes Fundraiser

TOTAL GIVING FOR SHOES FOR RWANDA: Thank you to all who made donations for the purchase of shoes for children in a Rwandan village. We raised $5,390.00 for shoes for the children and this amount will be forwarded to Father Leonard along with your prayer intentions to be delivered to Rwanda. Thanks to all those who volunteered to collect the funds.

Thanksgiving Food Baskets

Thanksgiving Food Baskets

Our parish Saint Vincent de Paul Society is collecting food for Thanksgiving through Friday, November 5th.  Please participate in this Corporal Work of Mercy by purchasing food for the homebound and the local needy for Thanksgiving baskets. SVDP is presently putting together the food baskets/boxes for delivery for the holiday.  If you would like to donate, please drop off items in the bin inside the church or at the parish office.  Grocery gift card donations are most welcome.

Thanks for your generosity!

Baby Bottle Campaign

Baby Bottle Campaign

Our 2021 Respect Life Baby Bottle Fundraiser bottles will be collected the weekend of October 30 & 31.  Please place your “filled” baby bottles in the basket at the entrance of the church.

Proceeds from this baby bottle drive benefit a local pregnancy resource center.  Your financial support helps the unborn and their parents.  Please fill a bottle with change, cash or a check to save and change lives!

Thank you to all who contributed to this cause of LIFE!