From Father Steven - March 10, 2024

Father Steven Clemence • March 8, 2024

 Dear Brothers and Sisters,

 

This week I came across a beautiful reflection from St. Peter. Chrysologus speaking about the three pillars of Lent: Prayer, Fasting, and Mercy (almsgiving). As we approach various parish events, let's consider how they can deepen our Lenten journey through these core practices. 

St. Peter exhorts us stating that “fasting is the soul of prayer, mercy (almsgiving) is the lifeblood of fasting. Let no one separate them…If you have only one of them or not them all together, you have nothing. So,” he continues, “If you pray, fast; if you fast, show mercy (give alms), if you want your petition to be heard, hear the petition of others. If you do not close your ear to others you open God’s ear to yourself.”

 

First, the Catholic Appeal launches this weekend here in the parish. While you may have received already the letter from the Cardinal, it is crucial to understand that this money goes beyond the organization of the Archdiocese. Instead, this money allows the Archdiocese to reach out to people that otherwise it would not be possible. It enables vital ministries like prison and hospital outreach, supporting those outside traditional parish structures. It also serves us with parish administration and other behind the scene necessities. St. Peter says “If you hope for mercy, show mercy.” Consider how much you can contribute this year. Our Parish Goal this year is $57,100 and remember, every bit counts. You can read more in the following pages and if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us.

 

Next week, our Lenten Parish Mission offers a unique opportunity for spiritual growth. Starting at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with adoration beforehand at 6:30 pm, it allows us to "fast" from our regular routines and dedicate ourselves to deepening our faith in preparation for Easter. St Peter says, “Let us use fasting to make up for what we have lost by despising others. Let us offer our souls in sacrifice by means of fasting.”

 

While not directly related to Lent, the Worcester Catholic Men's Conference on May 16th and the movie "Cabrini" are worth mentioning. The tickets for the Men’s conference are only $60 for adults and $30 for students. If anyone needs financial help to attend this event, please reach out to us at the parish office. This past Friday the main theaters started showing the movie about the life of St. Frances (Mother) Cabrini. It was made by the same producers as “Sound of Freedom,” and sounds very promising.

 

Finally, the following week, we offer a Penance service from 6:30-8:00 pm (or until the last penitent). This service, preceded by a Taize prayer at 6:00 pm, allows us to receive the sacrament of reconciliation and experience God's mercy firsthand. Remember, if God calls us to be merciful, let us come to receive His mercy first!

 

Remember, if you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to the parish office. We are here to support you on your Lenten journey.

 

God Bless,

Fr. Steven

 

 




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
By Father Steven Clemence August 22, 2025
Dear Brothers and Sisters, There are moments in life when God sends us a messenger—not just to speak to us, but to pierce our hearts, to awaken our souls, and to remind us that His mercy is stronger than any hatred, pain, or loss. This is one of those moments. We are blessed with a rare opportunity at Immaculate Conception Parish to hear firsthand the extraordinary testimony of Immaculée Ilibagiza. Her testimony is not just a story—it is a living proclamation of the Gospel. From the darkness of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, when almost everything she loved was taken from her, she emerged not hardened by bitterness, but transformed by the supernatural grace of forgiveness. For 91 days, she hid in a bathroom no bigger than a closet, praying the Rosary until her heart was remade in the image of Christ’s mercy. When she finally stepped out, she chose not vengeance, but love—echoing the very words of our Lord on the Cross: “Father, forgive them.” In a world starving for compassion, reconciliation, and true faith, Immaculée’s witness is a rare light. Her story will challenge you, move you to tears, and ignite in you a deeper hunger for holiness. On the night she comes to Immaculate Conception Parish, God will be speaking to us through her. This is not just an event—it is an invitation from Heaven to encounter Christ’s mercy in a new and life-changing way. Come. Bring your family. Bring your friends. Fill the church. And leave forever changed. It will be on Thursday, September 4 th , doors open at 5:30pm. We ask you to register ahead of time either online or calling the parish office with a $10 cash donation. This week we are also hosting the Encounter School of Ministry. It is a summer intensive course that summarizes 4 quarters into 4 evenings. Drawing from the richness of our Catholic heritage, we seek to teach, equip, and activate disciples to demonstrate the love of God through the power of the Holy Spirit in their sphere of influence. The presenters will be Deacon Joe Cooley, Kasia Intrieri, and Mike DelVecchio. Come immerse yourself in the Holy Spirit! Get a survey of the Year 1 Encounter school curriculum and whet your appetite for more of what the Lord wants to do through you, with you, and in you! It's perfect for anyone desiring to attend the Encounter School during the year but unable to do so due to distance or schedule. It is also ideal for those discerning their enrollment in the school but needing further discernment. Come join us! Become a revival! 6-9pm, August 25-August 28, 2025 -- Eucharistic worship begins at 5pm each evening WHERE – HOW TO REGISTER God Bless, Fr. Steven