Changes coming to St. Francis Xavier

Change in Mass Times beginning July 4-5

Just a reminder that as part of the approved plan for One in Christ in the All Things New process, our ACC weekend Mass times will change the first weekend of July (July 4-5) and going forward. Bishop Patrick has directed that each assigned priest to an ACC have no more than three regularly-scheduled Masses per weekend. Weddings, funerals, and other occasional celebrations are not included in the three- Mass rule.

The new schedule is the product of surveying the members of the parishes and reflects the majority of the input we received, along with allowing more travel time and time to socialize for the clergy between Masses on Sunday. Everyone will be changing at least a little, and while this new schedule may take period of adjustment and cause inconvenience for some, that is balanced with the incomparable gift of the Eucharist and that we are able to celebrate it in all four of our churches regularly.

The new schedule as of July 4-5 will be:

Saturday:

4:00 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier (with confessions at 3:00 p.m.)

5:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart (with confessions at 3:30 p.m.) Sunday:

8:00 a.m. at Annunciation (with confessions at 7:30 a.m.)

8:30 a.m. at St. Stephen (with confessions at 8:00 a.m.)

10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart

10:30 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier

Weekday Mass schedules are not finalized but will likely remain the same as our current schedule.

Holy Hours of Prayer in Preparation for the 250th Anniversary of our Nation’s Founding

Thanks to those who have been participating in our Holy Hours, as encouraged by the US Bishops, for God’s blessings of healing, peace, and spiritual renewal for our country as we approach 250 years since our founding. We joined locally with the Bishops in the prayer for Consecration of our Nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus last week. The prayer is below if you wish to renew this Consecration in our homes or other settings:

O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus: You know the longings of our hearts, and you desire that we enjoy friendship with you. From your pierced side, you have poured out the wellspring of life, for which we thirst. Your heart burns with a love for all people to return to a right relationship with you. We celebrate the abundant gifts you have given this nation, founded on the self-evident truths that our Creator has endowed all people with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We make reparation for the offenses against you and against human dignity that have taken place in this nation. May our hearts be united to yours, so that our families and communities enjoy peace and happiness; may broken relationships be reconciled, injustices repaired, and the wounds of our land be healed. May your holy Catholic Church serve as a sign, pointing all people to your infinite love. O Desire of Nations and Nations and Center of History, we ask you to bless these United States of America. Who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!

Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us!