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

 

 




From Father Steven - March 22, 2026

By Father Steven Clemence • March 20, 2026
Dear Brothers and Sisters, As you may be aware, we are starting our next Bereavement Ministry on March 31st. This is the third session we are offering to those who have suffered the loss of a loved one. The loss can be a recent one or one from years ago. We will be following the Catholic program called Seasons of Hope. I encourage you to participate to find support and comfort within our faith-filled community. God Bless, Fr. Steven ——————————————————————— Bereavement Ministry: Seasons of Hope to Begin As we mourn together, our parish bereavement team of Nancy Papp, Mark Vital, and Nancy Wells would like to personally invite anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one to attend Immaculate Conception’s next bereavement session which will begin on Tuesday evening, March 31st at 6:30 pm in the Lower Church and continue for six consecutive Tuesday evenings ending on Tuesday, May 5th. There are no stages to grief. We all experience grief in our own unique way, and healing is an intentional process, where we gather as a community of faith to become disciples of hope. It is through prayerful reflection, practical learning, and personal fellowship that we mourn. We will be following the Catholic program called Seasons of Hope . It is a 6-week program based on Scripture that focuses our faith on the spiritual side of grieving. Our mission is to support and accompany those going through the grieving process through Scripture, prayer, reflection, and simple activities. The program centers on Jesus Christ and is founded in the wisdom, traditions, and practices of the Church. It provides an opportunity for those who are grieving to be together, share their experiences, listen to God, and to each other, and be heard and comforted. St. John of the Cross, a Carmelite and Doctor of the Church, said: “In sorrow and suffering, go straight to God with confidence, and you will be strengthened, enlightened and instructed.” Fr. Mike Schmitz (many of you know him from his Bible in a Year podcast) was asked in an interview once about suffering. He responded: “God doesn’t always take the pain away. God doesn’t take the grief away. God doesn’t undo your loved one’s death. But with hope, our faith in God can console us.” Once again, we warmly invite those mourning to “come and be comforted.” Please call Lee Ann at the parish office to register. This program has helped hundreds of people mourn the loss of a loved one. We are delighted to bring this ministry to you again and hope and pray you will consider attending. Thank you and please keep us and those we serve in your prayers. The Bereavement Team: Nancy Papp, Nancy Wells, Mark Vital

From Father Steven - March 15, 2026

By Father Steven Clemence • March 13, 2026
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Last week we heard the terrible news from the Diocese of Providence regarding the abuse of minors by clergy. Any form of abuse of minors is always despicable. In this particular case, not only is there the problem of the priests themselves, which would be unacceptable, but it seems that there were also problems in the hierarchy/administration as well. Once I heard an expression that portrays well this issue: one is way too many. Every victim counts. It is very unfortunate that so many cases of abuse happened in the past, and even worse when they happened in the Church, where it should be a safe place for every person. For many years, anything related to abuse was always a big taboo that no one ever spoke about, much less reported. In 2002, the Boston Globe reported the systematic abuse that happened in the Archdiocese of Boston for decades. The Church has failed its people. Even if there were only one single case, one is too many. With the arrival of Cardinal Sean O’Malley, many rules and procedures were adopted to guarantee the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops also changed their protocols to never allow any sort of omission of abuse. Mandatory training for all volunteers who have contact with children and yearly background checks for all volunteers are some examples of what was adopted. There was also some support offered to victims. However, there are more out there who have never reached out. The problem is far from its resolution. Although many changes have taken place in the Church, we must remain vigilant. Abuse remains a terrible reality in many parts of society—from schools to sports and other institutions—and the Church must always strive to be a place where children and vulnerable people are protected and safe. Nowadays, there is also a call to protect vulnerable people, such as the elderly and anyone with special needs. Although there is a policy that requires certain people to report any form of abuse to the authorities (mandated reporters), it is the duty of every person to protect their neighbor. I would like to plan a day or evening to offer training from the Archdiocese to everyone who would like to participate. There we can also explain all the efforts that are being made in the Church to promote a safe environment for anyone who comes to the parishes in the Archdiocese of Boston. On a related topic, for anyone who has suffered any sort of abuse, we also want to offer help. There can be a stigma that pushes victims away because of shame. A person can even feel guilty for having allowed such a thing. God is there to help us take things off our chest and from our souls. This can be expanded to other kinds of traumas that we keep only to ourselves. How many times have we heard in the past that people bring such things to their tombs? God is here to help us carry our burdens. We priests are also available to listen and offer whatever resources may assist anyone who is suffering. There is help that can be offered, whether through professional counselors, victim assistance, or independent resources. On the spiritual side, we do know that God heals our wounds, accompanies us in our journeys, and helps us carry our crosses. In moments like this, when human failures are so evident, we are reminded that our hope ultimately rests in Christ. Only He can help us live by His grace. Only He can console us when we are tired and burdened. Only He can bring us to green pastures to refresh our soul. Only He is the way, the truth, and the life. Let us then follow Him up to the Cross, because if we die with Him, we shall also live with Him. And if people need our help, let us not neglect their needs. Let us be there for them, to listen, or even hold their hands in their journey. No one should be left behind…no one.  God Bless, Fr. Steven