From Father Steven - May 19, 2024

Father Steven Clemence • May 17, 2024

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

 

Please see the letter below from Deacon Mateus. He was recently ordained a transitional Deacon and is preparing to be ordained to the priesthood next year. Deacon Mateus is assigned to our parish for a full year and we welcome him to Immaculate Conception.

 

God Bless,

Fr. Steven

 

Dear Parishioners of Immaculate Conception,   

 

As you may have seen me in these past two weeks, I am Deacon Mateus Martin. On May 4th I was ordained a Transitional Deacon. Now, in gratitude to the Lord, I want to share with you a little about where I come from and how the Lord called me to the seminary. 

 

I am originally from Curitiba, a beautiful city in the southern part of Brazil. I am the youngest of six siblings, and I have 15 nephews and nieces back home. As the youngest of six children in a Catholic family, I grew up observing how my parents related to each other. Despite their occasional differences and challenges, they always forgave each other and moved forward together. On Sundays, they would pray Morning Prayer with us and teach us about the faith and its significance in our lives.   

 

As I grew older, my interest in the Church gradually faded. I thought my life revolved around my career as I pursued Mechanical Engineering until I attended the World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro. I was struck by the words of Pope Francis’ homily: “Sing to the Lord a new song” (Psalm 95:1). I asked myself: what does this new song mean? I understood it was not just about music but the song of my life. At that moment, I felt that my ears were attuned to listen to and sing this “new song”; it seemed that my entire playlist had changed.  I could understand that the song playing in my ears before was the song of me thinking only of myself. This powerful reflection awakened my desire to serve God, and I decided to pursue a life of service by entering the seminary. That same year, I arrived at the Redemptoris Mater Seminary in Boston and started learning English. Then, I pursued studies in Philosophy and Theology to prepare for the priesthood. 

 

During my formation at the Redemptoris Mater Seminary, I have discovered many aspects of my life that were previously unknown to me. The Lord led me to discover that I am not alone, and that the mission in the Church He is entrusting to me is so much greater than I could have imagined. It is out of gratitude to the Lord, I felt compelled to serve others as He has served me. In fact, as part of my formation in the seminary, I spent four years in mission, starting in Hawaii and the Islands of Kiribati and ending in Louisiana and Laredo, Texas. These four years equipped me with many experiences that helped shape the mission I am living today. The Lord has given me the grace to find consolation in his word and to trust in his divine providence, even in times of doubt. Today, I can confidently say that He has always been by my side and has never failed me. The only thing I am sure of is that He already knows what is best for me and will provide everything I need in his own time.   

 

As you may already know, Cardinal Sean O’Malley assigned me to Immaculate Conception as a Transitional Deacon two weeks ago. This Parish has been the place that has always supported and nurtured my vocation. I have fond memories of celebrating Christmas, Easter and summer vacations at Immaculate Conception. Additionally, this is the Parish where I was assigned for my Neocatechumenal Way Community 11 years ago, which has been a cornerstone in my formation. They have known me since my first day in the seminary. The Ordination at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston on May 4th was a wonderful and joyous celebration, and my parents came all the way from Brazil to share it with me. I am grateful to the Lord for making that day so special for all those who participated. The joy I experienced was indescribable, and I look forward to celebrating Deacon Gabriel Hanley's upcoming priestly ordination. 

 

As the year goes on, I am confident that I will be blessed with countless moments of joy while serving as a deacon at Immaculate Conception Parish. I would like to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for all the love, prayers, and support that you have offered me so far. Your encouragement means a lot to me, and I promise to do my best to serve you all with the help of the Lord. 

 

God Bless,

Deacon Mateus

 

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