From Father Steven - March 24, 2024

Father Steven Clemence • March 22, 2024

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

 

As we commemorate Palm Sunday, we reflect on Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem. There are a few elements I wish to reflect with you.

 

The individuals who greeted Jesus were not Jerusalem's residents but rather a "crowd of people who had come up for the festival" (John 12:12-13). These pilgrims, departing from their homes to seek God in Jerusalem's Temple, recognized Jesus as the Messiah because they were receptive to God's grace. Their pursuit of God led them to abandon worldly desires and comforts.

 

The word "Hosanna" originates from Hebrew and signifies a cry for salvation or deliverance. It can be translated as "Lord, please come to save us" or "come to deliver us, I pray." When the people acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah, they cried out for deliverance from oppression.

 

It has an undertone of the prayers of the Hebrews when they were enslaved in Egypt asking God to free them from the oppression of the Pharaoh. Today we use that expression in the mass right before consecration. The meaning behind is to ask the Lord who is about to be present sacramentally in His Body and Blood to be delivered from our slaveries. It is a cry to be delivered from our sins. Easter comes to rescue us from the slavery of the Devil through sin and pass over to the freedom of Christ by grace.

 

Christ's choice to ride a donkey, rather than a white horse, is significant. Horses symbolize worldly power and oppression; both the Romans and Egyptians employed horses to instill fear. The people anticipated a Messiah who would lead Israel militarily, like a new King David. However, Christ's donkey ride signifies that His kingdom transcends worldly power; His strength lies in redeeming humanity through His death and resurrection. St. Paul writes to the Philippians, [Christ] humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross (2:8).

 

Upon Jesus’s arrival Jerusalem was “shaken”/”the city was in turmoil.” (Mt 21:10) This is a very interesting detail that often is overlooked. When the Magi came to Jerusalem at the birth of Jesus, the Gospel of Matthew says that Herod and the whole city of Jerusalem were “greatly troubled.”(2:3) They wanted to defend their kingdom. As they felt threatened then by a baby, so now again by a man riding a donkey. Yet, Christ's purpose was not to disrupt but to offer abundant life. His resurrection promises eternal life and the capacity for love, even amid suffering. Not as the world sees it, maybe with its comfort, nice and quiet. Jesus on Easter offers us Eternal Life. It means that man is only capable of love. The only response that comes from the heart of the redeemed man is to love, even in the darkest moments. This is what the saints experienced, and why they were able to forgive those who would torture them. St. Maximilian Kolbe’s only response, in the concentration camp of Auschwitz, was love and forgiveness.

 

The same Sunday that we proclaim the triumphant entrance of Jesus in Jerusalem we also proclaim the first account of his Passion (Matthew, Mark or Luke). Christ enters Jerusalem knowing His mission—to suffer and die for humanity's salvation. Multiple times He announces to his disciples the need for the Son of Man to be delivered in the hands of the elders, to suffer, and die in order to save us. Nothing will deter Him from doing the will of the Father. Scripture will say that it was the people of Jerusalem who will condemn him to die, not the pilgrims. Sometimes we hear that the people who welcome Jesus later will crucify him. It is those who reject Christ or pursue their own will may ultimately crucify Him. Those who encounter Christ, like the pilgrims return home transformed as their attitudes change, and their behaviors are different.

 

As we enter this Holy Week, let us prioritize God above all else. Let us participate fully in Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, and Easter Sunday, even if it requires taking time off. May we follow Christ's example, walking in His footsteps, sharing in His Cross, and ultimately rejoicing in His Resurrection and life. “Let us commemorate the Lord’s entry into the city for our salvation, following his footsteps, so that, being made by his grace partakes of the Cross, we may have a share also in his Resurrection and in his life.” (Opening Prayer of Palm Sunday).

 

God Bless,

Fr. Steven

 

From Father Steven - November 2, 2025

By Father Steven Clemence • October 31, 2025
Dear Brothers & Sisters, This weekend is a special one as we honor the Communion of Saints. We ask for the intercession of the Triumphant Church in heaven and pray for the Suffering Church in purgatory, especially as we celebrate All Souls’ Day. The Second Vatican Council teaches that the Church exists in three states: the Militant (or Pilgrim) Church on earth, the Triumphant Church in heaven, and the Suffering Church in purgatory. United in the Communion of Saints, the Triumphant Church intercedes for us, while we are called to pray and offer sacrifices for the souls in purgatory, helping them complete their purification and enter into the presence of God. Catholic theology teaches that when a person dies, he or she does not become a star or an angel, nor does the soul enter heaven immediately. Each person faces a particular judgment, which determines whether the soul goes to heaven or hell. Those who have loved God and their neighbor, dying in a state of grace—that is, remaining faithful to God until the end—are saved through Christ and destined for heaven. However, some souls must first undergo a period of purification before they can behold God face to face. I often explain it this way: when children play outside, they must wash their hands before sitting at the table. Sometimes the dirt requires extra scrubbing to be completely clean. I remember as a child my mother once used a brush so strong that it almost felt like my skin was coming off—it was painful. In a similar way, the souls in purgatory are cleansed from the remaining effects/consequences of sin. Some mystics describe this purification as a fire consuming their souls. This is why it is so important that we pray for the souls in purgatory and for our loved ones who have passed away. The greatest gift we can offer them is a plenary indulgence, which may be obtained each time we visit this parish, designated as a Jubilee Church. Another powerful act is to offer a Mass for their intention. The Sacrifice of Christ made present on the altar is the most effective prayer for the departed. You may contact the parish office to schedule a Mass intention. We ask for a $15 donation, allowing us to unite our prayer with a personal sacrifice—just as St. Joseph and the Blessed Virgin Mary offered two turtle doves at the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. We can also visit cemeteries and pray for the departed. In the United States, we honor the deceased on Memorial Day, but as Catholics, we especially remember the faithful departed on All Souls’ Day. Other ways to assist them include praying the Rosary, spending time in Eucharistic Adoration, and offering other devotional prayers for their intentions. We are also introducing the opportunity to honor the faithful departed (or the living) by offering liturgical memorials. Each weekend, the bread and wine, candles, and sanctuary lamp used in our liturgies may be offered for your chosen intention. A $50 donation is requested for each of these three memorials. Many parishes provide this beautiful opportunity, and we believe it will help strengthen our community’s prayer for the deceased. Additionally, we continue to keep the Book of Remembrance by St. Joseph’s Altar, where all submitted names will be remembered in prayer. However, nothing compares to the grace of offering a Mass or obtaining a plenary indulgence on their behalf. Some saints have said that when we help release a soul from purgatory, that soul will intercede for us before God for the rest of our lives. Let us, then, dear brothers and sisters, make it our mission to help as many souls as possible reach heaven. Each time we come to IC, let us take advantage of the plenary indulgence available during this Jubilee year. Remember, by going to confession, receiving Holy Communion, we may obtain one plenary indulgence per day for eight days as long as we and praying for the intentions of the Holy Father and visit the parish each day. In other words, with one confession and communion, you can receive multiple indulgences. As so many saints have interceded for us, let us now help the future saints—the souls in purgatory—on their journey to eternal joy. God Bless, Fr. Steven

From Father Steven - October 26, 2025

By Father Steven Clemence • October 24, 2025
Dear Brothers & Sisters, We all had superheroes as part of our childhood. They had incredible powers and wore striking costumes with their emblem and a cape. Yet, not all superheroes wear capes. Some wear uniforms, and others are ordinary people who often go unrecognized. I imagine each of us grew up with a favorite superhero—whether it was a cartoon, an action figure, or even a poster on our walls. Some were ordinary people who received extraordinary gifts, like Spider-Man, the Hulk, the X-Men, Captain America, or the Flash. Others were born with special powers, like Hercules, Superman, Thor, Aquaman, or Asterix. The difference between them and their archvillains is that they used their powers to serve others, never for themselves. Their mission often demanded great sacrifice—even the risk of their own lives. They understood their calling and never turned away from it. But there are also heroes without superpowers or capes. They are ordinary citizens who respond to the call to serve and protect—firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and other first responders. They leave behind their loved ones to help people in danger and need. These are the real superheroes. They don’t have superhuman strength; their power comes from their hearts. This weekend at IC, we commemorate and honor them through the celebration of Firefighter Sunday. These men and women often go unnoticed when out of uniform. On most days, they live ordinary lives—but when danger strikes, they are the ones who show up and save the day. They pull people from wrecked cars, walk into burning buildings, dive into freezing waters, and expose themselves to hazardous situations. They sacrifice Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays, graduations, and countless family moments to remain ready to serve. Having served as their chaplain, I am deeply impressed by how they work together. They depend on one another completely. Each person uses their unique skills to support the team and accomplish their mission. Even when they cannot save someone, they remain there for each other—to console, to lift up, and to keep going. No matter the hour, day or night, they are always there for one another—and for us. There is yet another group of heroes whose powers surpass all others. They wear no capes and drive no shiny trucks, but their courage, love, and faith make them extraordinary. Who could be braver than firefighters, stronger than the Hulk, or more courageous than Superman? The one who loves his neighbor more than himself. The one who is merciful, forgiving, and willing to give his life for another. These are the Saints—Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Maria Goretti, Maximilian Kolbe, and so many others. They did not act only when called upon or faced with danger; they lived their mission every day—quietly, humbly, and faithfully. They made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives daily in love. Their strength came from a source that never runs dry. Their “sidekick” was greater than themselves—they walked with God and triumphed in every battle. Though they lived in the past, their presence remains alive among us. Next Saturday, November 1st, as we celebrate All Saints’ Day , (this is not a holy day of obligation this year), we invite you to join us in honoring these holy heroes. We will have our regular 7:30 a.m. Mass, followed by a trilingual Mass at 9:30 a.m. We will also have the opportunity to venerate many relics. And of course, we cannot forget the Virgin Mary—the greatest superhero of all. Like every loving mother, she helps even before we ask. She anticipates our needs and arranges help for us. She was the saints’ secret weapon, guiding and protecting them throughout their lives. If we desire to become saints ourselves, answering God’s call as they did, we need her assistance—now and at the hour of our death. On Wednesday, November 5th , we will begin a 33-day Consecration to Jesus through Mary , using 33 Days to Morning Glory by Fr. Michael Gaitley. Though you can make the consecration privately, we invite you to journey with us. Just as firefighters rely on their team, we too need each other on this spiritual journey. As the old saying goes, it takes a village. God Bless,  Fr. Steven