From Father Steven - April 21, 2024

Father Steven Clemence • April 19, 2024

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

 

On the fourth Sunday of Easter, we celebrate the Good Shepherd. Every year we hear a passage from chapter 10 of John, which speaks of the essence of the shepherd. In the Eternal City of Rome, this weekend is marked by the ordinations of new priests, those chosen to follow Christ’s footsteps as shepherds for God’s flock. This weekend I would like to reflect on the vocation to the priesthood. 

 

St. John Bosco says that most men are called to the priesthood, yet some may not answer the call due to various reasons. Perhaps they were not raised in a faith-filled household, denied the opportunity for devotion to Mary and the Eucharist, or were afraid to choose a different vocation than their parents expected. The allurements of the world may have also dimmed their interest in the things of God. 

 

We often encounter young boys who manifest a profound love for Jesus, delighting in play-acting the mass, whose dream is to be an altar server, or even who are fascinated about Jesus (even those who are not Catholics or have not received any sacraments). Such signs are not to be dismissed as mere childishness, but rather as potential sparks for a vocation. Pope Saint Leo the Great says that the mere thought of a vocation is already a sign of it. Just as one may never consider becoming a librarian (with due respect), so too do those who are not called to the priesthood never wonder about that possibility.

 

Many of the youth at some point ask themselves what if God calls him to be a priest. However, fear of failure, inadequacy, or lack of worthiness may prompt them to dismiss it. Yet, becoming a priest requires only a willingness to surrender to God’s will. Jesus declares, “The shepherd is the one who lays down his life for the sheep” (similar to the vows of marriage). Nowhere He suggests that a priest must be pious, holy, smart, or possess any extraordinary abilities. When Christ calls his apostles, He does not measure them up or test their abilities and worthiness. He simply calls them.

 

It is our solemn duty as parents, grandparents, godparents, friends and fellow believers to encourage the young people to think about their vocation. For those who do, we must urge them to act upon it. Fear is an inevitable companion, but it must not paralyze them. Otherwise, the devil will whisper more doubts and will convince them that they are not called to be a priest.

 

Personally, I felt many of these feelings. I was never an altar server, I didn’t know how to pray, I wanted to get married and have children. Faith played a very small part of my childhood, and no one ever mentioned to me about becoming a priest. As my brother entered the seminary I began to question my calling, wondering “what if God calls me too to become a priest?” I was certain that it was not for me nor was I cut out for it…but we are not the ones to decide.

 

Then, how can we help children, youth and men to discern their vocation? First of all we need to pray for them, as Jesus teaches, “ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” (Mt 9:38), Second, speak to them. Third, we will have a meeting on Tuesday, April 30th at 7:00pm-8:00pm in the church for any youth, young adults, or any man (ages 13+) who would like to inquire about, learn more about it, or has ever considered becoming a priest before. It will be an informal conversation. I invite the parents to talk to your children. Even those who have once expressed interest but no longer feel the same should come. I will also arrange a meeting for younger boys in the future as well as for women who may feel the calling to religious life.

 

Life with God is awesome, too bad that we are afraid of risking it. Sometimes a glimpse into the religious lives can expand our horizons and reveal the boundless possibilities that God has in store for us. As an example, can you believe that two nuns just ran a half-marathon (in their habit) in Naples, FL, and are very happy? St. Paul says in the second reading today, what we shall be has not yet been revealed. Therefore, do not be afraid of following the voice of Jesus our shepherd.

 

God Bless,

Fr. Steven

 

From Father Steven - September 7, 2025

By Father Steven Clemence • September 5, 2025
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Next Monday, 9/15, the Church will celebrate the memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows. In this jubilee year, we are called to console the sorrowing. The intention of our 7:30 a.m. daily Mass that day will be for all who are in need of consolation. Loss is never easy. If a dollar slips from our pocket, we feel upset—more so if it is $20 or $100. When what we lose carries emotional value, the pain is even deeper, because it cannot be replaced. Those are only objects, yet they can cause sadness. How much more difficult it is to lose a loved one. Even when illness makes death seem inevitable, it remains painful. Sudden loss is harder still. Moments of grief can weigh heavily, like a storm cloud blocking the sun. Mary, the Mother of Jesus, shared a profound bond between her Immaculate Heart and the Sacred Heart of her Son. She shared His joys, but also His deepest sorrows as she witnessed His suffering. I once read an exhortation on the EWTN website that said: “If you are enduring intense sorrow, flee to our Blessed Mother. Take refuge in her Immaculate Heart, and implore her maternal consolation and guidance. For she who endured unspeakable grief will never fail you as your spiritual mother. As St. Louis de Montfort said: If you put all the love of all the mothers into one heart, it would not equal the love of Mary’s Heart for her children.” Here in our parish, we will begin a bereavement ministry on October 14. Meetings will take place Tuesday evenings (time to be announced) in the lower church. Using a Scripture-based program, we will encounter the healing power of God’s Word. We invite you—or someone you know who is grieving—to come and be consoled by the Lord. Humanity has reached the moon, explored the depths of the sea, and advanced technology beyond imagination. Yet we still have no human answer to death. Only Christ holds that answer. We must listen to Him, encounter the Risen Lord, and discover that death is not the end. I also recommend My Son Carlo by Antonia Salzano Acutis, the mother of Saint Carlo Acutis. She testifies to the power of Christ and how He sustained her through the sudden loss of her son. I have only read the first chapter, and it is already inspiring. Whatever pain of loss you carry, God desires to console your heart and strengthen you to endure the storm. We never fully “get over” a loss, but we learn to live with it. Yes, it is hard, but not impossible. Please join us for the special Mass on Monday, 9/15, for all who need consolation. And remember, you are welcome to speak with one of the priests if you would like to share more about your loss. God Bless, Fr. Steven

From Father Steven - August 31, 2025

By Father Steven Clemence • August 29, 2025
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Labor Day weekend usually marks the end of summer. Schools are back in session, traffic returns to normal, and we settle into our regular schedules. It is also important that we bring our spiritual lives back on track. After a long stretch of work, difficulties, and challenges, summer often gives us the opportunity to slow down a bit. Even some of our daily tasks get set aside during these months. We may travel to visit family, or they may come to see us. In other words, we step away from our routines—and our prayer life can also be affected. That is why it is so important to return to the practices we should live by every day. To begin, it is always good to make a thorough confession after the summer, so that whatever may have happened during those months will not weigh us down as we move forward. Missing Mass on Sundays or holy days of obligation (such as August 15th, the Assumption of Mary) is a mortal sin. We know the Ten Commandments (putting other things before God, taking His name in vain, not honoring Sunday as a holy day, dishonoring father and mother, harming others—even through actions, thoughts, or words—sins against chastity, stealing, lying, coveting another’s spouse or goods). Along with these are the seven capital sins: pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, anger, and sloth. These sins can become like extra weight that we grow accustomed to carrying, often without realizing that they drag us down and hold us back. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that mortal sin “destroys charity [love] in the heart of man by a grave violation of God’s law; it turns man away from God, who is his ultimate end and his beatitude, by preferring an inferior good to Him” (CCC 1855). The consequence is the loss of grace and love in our hearts. If mortal sin is not forgiven through the Sacrament of Reconciliation—which requires repentance and the firm resolve not to commit that sin again—it can lead to eternal separation from God in hell (CCC 1861). St. Paul warns us that “whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord,” bringing judgment upon themselves (1 Cor 11:27–30). Let us take advantage of this Jubilee Year, in which God pours out special graces to be forgiven and to forgive. Here at the parish, confessions are available Monday through Friday from 6–7 pm, and Saturdays from 1–3 pm. If you prefer, you may also call the office to schedule an appointment outside these times. Or, if you wish, you can seek out another priest and arrange a time with him. What is most important is that we confess our sins and reconcile with God. We can also return to the daily habits of prayer. From the moment we open our eyes, we are called to praise God, as the psalms remind us. Praying the Angelus or the prayer to our Guardian Angel is a wonderful way to begin the day. Picking up a spiritual book during the day helps us lift our thoughts to heaven. At some point, it is also good to visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament—whether in adoration or simply sitting in the church—and to pray the Rosary with our Blessed Mother. The Chaplet of Divine Mercy is another beautiful way to stay connected to God. At the close of the day, we should give thanks for the blessings received and ask forgiveness for any failings. And of course, let us never forget to pray before meals. Whenever possible, try to attend daily Mass. It is one of the greatest opportunities to draw near to the Heart of Jesus. Not only does it bring us salvation, but it also strengthens us in our love for one another. Finally, I would like to share that I will be away for two weeks for some rest and spiritual formation. During this time, Fr. Gabriel and Fr. Victor will be available for any needs. If there is an urgent matter, please speak to them or contact Lee Ann. Although I will be away, I will continue to pray for each of you every day. God Bless, Fr. Steven