From Father Steven - May 18, 2025

Father Steven Clemence • May 16, 2025

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

 

This Jubilee year has been incredible! We have a new Archbishop, a new Pope, a new Deacon, and a new Priest! So many blessings have already come our way—and there are still many more to come!


Among the priests here, we often say—jokingly but sincerely—that all the amazing “craziness” is part of the Jubilee grace. We’ve had countless hours of confessions, nearly 100 children receiving their First Communion, and over 100 people preparing for Confirmation. We’ve celebrated two ordinations and have more than 20 couples getting married this season—and the number keeps growing!


The Jubilee Talks have been nothing short of amazing. The speakers and topics have truly inspired us. This is a special year of grace! We’ve seen people return to the faith, others being healed from deep wounds of the past, and so much more. We could almost write a book—and it’s only May!

This weekend’s Gospel reminds us of Jesus’ command: “Love one another.” We were created out of love and for love. I once said in a homily that our spiritual DNA isn’t made of A-T-C-G—but L-O-V-E. Yet, we all know that love can be hard to live out. Past wounds, grudges, fears, and the inability to forgive can hold us back. But Christ wants to help us overcome those obstacles! He wants to lift every barrier that keeps us from reaching out to others. As the Psalms proclaim, He heals the brokenhearted and binds up our wounds. And as Jesus says in the Gospel of Luke: “He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives, recovery of sight to the blind, to set the oppressed free” (Lk 4:18). Christ wants to help us be free—from anything that keeps us from fully living our identity as beloved sons and daughters of God.


That’s why I want to invite you to our UNBOUND Conference, happening next Saturday, May 24th, from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. This powerful ministry helps break spiritual bondage that can lead to sin, restoring peace and freedom in our lives. Sometimes, forces beyond our understanding keep us stuck in harmful patterns. But as Scripture tells us, “For freedom, Christ set us free” (Gal 5:1)! Jesus offers that freedom through deliverance—a mighty work of God that floods the soul with His love and mercy. It brings us into a deeper encounter with the Father, through the Face of Christ’s mercy and the power of the Holy Spirit. This is where we belong.


If you’ve been seeking a closer relationship with God, this may be the step you’ve been waiting for. And even if you feel you don’t need this in your own life, you likely know someone who does. Invite them! We’re still in the Easter season, a time to proclaim the Resurrection of Christ to the world—especially to those closest to us. There is a registration cost for the conference, but please don’t let that be a barrier. If financial assistance is needed, reach out to the parish office. We’re here to help.



Christ is passing by—and He wants to touch your life. He wants you to be free, to be healed, and to be joyful, even amid life’s struggles. Take full advantage of this Jubilee Year! Come to Adoration (daily from 6–7 PM), join our Wednesday Talks (7–8 PM), and go to Confession. Let’s give God another chance to work in us!

 

God Bless,

Fr. Steven

 

From Father Steven - November 16, 2025

By Father Steven Clemence • November 14, 2025
Dear Brothers & Sisters, As we continue honoring the faithful departed during the month of November, I would like to speak about something that can sometimes feel uncomfortable or awkward—but is also very necessary: funerals. This week, I read an article in the National Catholic Register titled “Why Are Fewer Catholics Having Church Funerals?” It noted that over the past 20 years, the number of Catholic funerals in the United States has dropped by about 30%. The article went on to explain that many families now prefer holding funeral services at funeral homes rather than having a funeral Mass in church. One of the main reasons for this shift, according to the study cited, is that families of the deceased are often no longer religious. They may feel uncomfortable going to church, or they may not see the need for it. At times, the person who passed away was a faithful parishioner who attended Mass regularly. Yet when the moment of loss comes—with the grief, family tensions, and emotional exhaustion that follow—families often choose a simpler service rather than a funeral Mass. It is important, however, to understand the deep value of offering a Mass for someone who has died. From a psychological standpoint, it provides closure as we entrust the soul of our loved one to God. There is a beautiful prayer of commendation at the end of the funeral Mass, in which the priest commends the soul of the deceased into the hands of the Father. On a spiritual level, the value is even greater. The sacrifice of Christ made present on the altar has immeasurable power. To offer a Mass for the soul of a loved one has a profound effect—especially after death. In every Mass, Christ offers Himself for the salvation of souls. While a Mass cannot change the free choice of someone who rejected God, it can assist souls in purgatory on their journey to heaven. For that reason, it is vital that we not only pray for our departed loved ones but also have a Mass offered for them. Additionally, the graces of a funeral Mass extend to all who attend—especially to the family and friends who gather in faith and hope. A funeral Mass does not need to be complicated. In fact, simplicity often brings greater peace and focus. It is even recommended that each person plan his or her own funeral Mass in advance—choosing the readings and hymns, and letting loved ones know their wishes. This both expresses the person’s faith and eases the burden on the family, especially if they are no longer active in the Church. Our parish office can help you choose readings and music and answer any questions you may have. I would also like to mention that, technically, the words of remembrance is not part of the funeral liturgy. While the Archdiocese allows something brief at Mass, it is not preferable. The Mass is primarily an act of prayer and intercession for the soul of the deceased, rather than a time for praise or personal remembrance. Lastly, a quick word about cremation. Until relatively recently, the Church discouraged cremation because it could obscure the sign of our belief in the resurrection of the body. Although cremation is now permitted, the Church still requires that the cremated remains be properly buried. The same article I mentioned earlier noted the growing practice of scattering ashes or keeping them at home. While these gestures may come from love or sentiment, our faith teaches that the remains of the deceased should rest in consecrated ground—together with others who “sleep in Christ,” awaiting the resurrection. The word cemetery itself comes from the Greek koimeterion , meaning “dormitory”—a place of sleep, not of death. If you have the ashes of a loved one at home, please contact us; we will gladly assist you in arranging a proper burial. Here in our town, we are blessed to have three excellent funeral homes with compassionate and capable staff who can help you with any questions and guide you through the process. I hope this reflection helps you better understand the beauty and meaning of the funeral Mass—a sacred act of love, faith, and hope in the resurrection. God Bless, Fr. Steven

From Father Steven - November 9, 2025

By Father Steven Clemence • November 7, 2025
Dear Brothers & Sisters, This week, I would like to talk about a sensitive topic: food insecurity and the stigma that comes along with it. We were raised saying that we should be self-sufficient and independent, but at times God has other plans. Most parents wish that their children may have a good education, health, and a successful life. However, how do we measure success? Is it by the size of the house, the bank account or the 401K, or other accomplishments in life? None of the above! God measures us by humility, faithfulness to the sacrament, love! God’s only desire for us is salvation of our souls, that is, our holiness. It is important to set the parameters before we continue. It is not the first time that our country faces a difficult economic situation. I still remember the crisis of 2008. So many people were unemployed. Many families were unable to pay rent or mortgage, losing their houses. Many also did not have enough money to buy food. However, this reality is not part of a crisis, this is an ongoing issue that affects many families here and around the globe. Regardless of the reason for the financial instability, the point is that we always have had families that struggle to get to the end of the month. These families are not just those from Boston, downtown Worcester, or from another unprivileged condition. At times, they are people sitting next to us at mass, the parents of our children’s friends, or even someone who works, but does not get enough to sustain their families. It does not matter the reason for their struggle, what matters is that, this gives us an opportunity to help Jesus. You may remember the passage in which Jesus says that every time we clothe the naked we clothe him, and every time we feed a hungry person, we feed him. We do not know how much longer the government shut down will continue. We know that currently it is affecting families who are enrolled in food assistance programs. However, even if this gets resolved, we know that the struggle will continue. Therefore, what can we do? I will list a few ways in which we have to support one another. St. Vincent De Paul is a group from the Parish that assists people in various needs. They have boxes located in the exits of the church. By placing money in the poor boxes, we assist them in helping those in need. Here in town, we have the food pantry that also feeds many families. Although we can donate food to them, I was told that, if we were to donate money, they will be able to get even more food. I was told that the city, through the Mayor’s office, he is also able to provide some support. Here at the Parish we also have the community fridge located on the main street side of the church. There we can donate food. I’ve seen people who have cooked a meal and put it in several containers so that it’s easier for more people to have access to it. These are just a few ways to help those in need. You also can put money in an envelope and give it to the Parish office. We in turn will see who would be in the greatest need and give it to them. Jesus in the gospel teaches that when we give, we do not blow the trumpet. Instead, when we give we do it in secret, without letting the left hand know what the right hand is doing. God, who sees what we do in secret will reward us. Furthermore, we always give without counting the cost. Hasn’t God being generous to us? Let us then imitate our heavenly father. “Love one another as I have loved you.” This weekend we would like to thank all the men and women who serve our country: those who are serving and those who have served. Please keep them and their loved ones in your prayers as we commemorate Veteran’s Day. God Bless, Fr. Steven