From Father Steven - July 21, 2024

Father Steven Clemence • July 19, 2024

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters, 

 

There is a lot going on the parish. Much more than what we can share at times. Today I asked Jackie Chung to speak about her calling and the new mission that she is about to start. Please keep her in your prayers and all the youth who are searching for their call. 

God Bless, Fr Steven

 

Dear Parishioners,

 

My name is Jacqueline (Jackie) Chung. I'm from Shrewsbury, MA, and Immaculate Conception is my home parish. It is here that I've received all of my Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation)! I am a regular at the 4:00pm Saturday Vigil Mass along with my parents- we usually sit in the front, left side of the Church. I have just graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a degree in Civil Engineering. My time at UMass was incredibly formative and I encountered Jesus in very real ways.

 

Going into my freshman year, I was committed to receiving the Sacraments, but my “why” was not strong. As an underclassman, everyone tells you to “get involved,” and “keep yourself busy.” I took this to heart and decided to sign up for some clubs and find ways to fill my schedule. Thanks be to God, one of the first clubs I signed up for was the NCSA (Newman Catholic Student Association). Shortly after that, a missionary reached out to me and invited me to an event… and then to her Bible Study. It was through these simple invitations and her contagious joy that I was led to an encounter with Christ. Suddenly, I found myself desiring to learn more about my Catholic faith and forming friendships centered around the Lord. I finally found what I had been searching for, the One that will truly satisfy. The One who calls me His beloved daughter. The One who has made me in His image and likeness. My relationship with God had never felt more alive.

 

During the summer, between my Sophomore and Junior year, I participated in FOCUS Summer Projects in Newry, Maine. This experience was another pivotal moment in my faith journey. I was surrounded by 40 other Catholic college students, worked a full-time job in food service, and had some of the best Catholic formation each week. We were taught by the missionaries living there with us how to lead Bible studies and formation groups. It was there that I learned how to live out the Christian life while managing a demanding work schedule.

It was through a FOCUS missionary that I was invited and led into a deeper relationship with God. It is my desire to invite other young college students to make Jesus the center of their lives and experience the great joy of the Gospel!

I'm writing all this to share some exciting news with you: during my senior year, I felt the call to give my life to the Lord in a radical way and become a full-time Catholic missionary with FOCUS! The Fellowship of Catholic University Students sends a team of missionaries to colleges all over the United States to evangelize our young people. I have been placed at the University of Rhode Island in Kingston, RI, and will be moving there in mid-August! 

 

Each FOCUS missionary has the unique opportunity to fundraise 100% of his/her mission budget. Part of the mission of FOCUS is to engage our family, friends and parish communities in the New Evangelization, inviting those outside of the college campus to participate as active members of our ministry through prayerful and financial support. This means that I will be funded by a support team of mission partners (individuals, families…etc.) who commit to supporting my mission on a monthly basis.

 

This is where you all come in! I would love to invite each of you to join my support team prayerfully and financially. If you are interested in hearing more about the good work FOCUS is doing on college campuses and joining my support team, you can visit this link: https://forms.gle/rK3TVWX9mCqBVeUL7 or scan the QR Code below with your phone. If it's easier for you, you may email your name and phone number to jacqueline.chung@focus.org. This will allow me to reach out to you and schedule an appointment soon!

 

Thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity. Be assured of my continued prayers for you all.

 

All Glory to God,

Jackie Chung                                                                                                                                                                     

 

From Father Steven - September 28, 2025

By Father Steven Clemence • September 26, 2025
Dear Brothers & Sisters, Believe it or not, it’s almost October already! We see the leaves changing colors, apple-picking season beginning, and pumpkins already appearing. We also know that October is the month of the Rosary (and of Pro-Life as well). The feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, on October 7th, is one of the most important celebrations we have in October. Since the Rosary is so central for us Catholics, this day is very special. This week, Pope Leo XIV has asked all Catholics to pray the Rosary daily during the month of October for peace. “I invite everyone, each day of the coming month, to pray the Rosary for peace—personally, in the family, and in community,” he said. Here in the parish, we will have a day of prayer for harmony in our nation and peace in the world on Wednesday, October 22nd 7:00am—7:00pm in the Upper Church. We will have a period of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and conclude with praying the rosary together. In the midst of so much senseless violence here and abroad, we must turn to Christ. During His time, Israel was occupied by the Romans. There was much tension, conflict, and animosity. In the midst of all that, Jesus told his disciples, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Mt 5:44). He did not command us to take up arms or to respond to violence with more violence. Love is the only response to evil. In WWII, and throughout history, we saw testimonies of thousands of martyrs who chose love over their own lives. Only love can change the heart of man. Much can be said and argued in the polarized world we live in, and in the face of so many inequalities. If God makes the sun rise over the good and the wicked, and the rain fall on the just and the unjust, why should we not do the same? If we are children of God, we are called to be like our Father (Mt 5:45). This is His will: to love one another as He has loved us (Jn 13:14). October is also the month of Pro-Life. As I write every year, to be Pro-Life does not mean to care only for babies. It is not merely an anti-abortion movement either. As the term itself says, Pro-Life means to be in favor of LIFE. It does not matter when or who…life is life. There is a phrase we often use: “from conception to natural death.” It means that we are all called to care for each other from the time we are conceived until the Lord calls us to His Kingdom. Yes, it includes fetuses, babies, children, teenagers, young adults, adults, and the elderly, from all financial, racial, and cultural backgrounds. In short, we are called to LOVE ONE ANOTHER PERIOD! There are no but’s or if’s. The call to love does not mean that we have to like others or even agree with their positions. Love means love. And in case someone still wonders about the true meaning of love, just look at a crucifix, or reflect on everything God has done for us.  This month, we will have a bassinet at the entrance of the church to support Birthright. This non-profit group offers love, friendship, and support to women who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant. Birthright is interdenominational and is not involved in any political activities or lobbying. Its focus is on loving the mother, reminding her that there is hope, and ensuring she is not alone. They provide information about pregnancy, childbirth, adoption, community programs, and childcare. They also offer referrals for public assistance, medical support, financial resources, housing, legal aid, and social services. Finally, they provide free pregnancy tests and maternity and baby items. The bassinet will be there if anyone would like to donate diapers, baby items, most needed items include “onesies”, sleep and play outfits (size 0-9 months) snowsuits, jackets, sweaters, receiving blankets, diaper bags and crib sheets. Birthright is located across the street in the Victoria building. You can also visit their website to learn more about their mission. Many of their volunteers are our parishioners, and they make a huge difference in people’s lives. As Saint Mother Teresa says, “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” So let us love greatly…and pray the Rosary so that more people may know this love! God Bless, Fr. Steven

From Father Steven - September 21, 2025

By Father Steven Clemence • September 19, 2025
Dear Brothers & Sisters, Please see the letter below from Stacey Militello from Saint Vincent de Paul. They are doing so much to help those in need in our area. Please support their Friends of the Poor Walk next Saturday. If you can’t join the walk, please consider donating to them. Every donation is very much appreciated. God Bless, Fr. Steven