From Father Steven - November 16, 2025

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

From Father Steven - November 2, 2025

By Father Steven Clemence • October 31, 2025
Dear Brothers & Sisters, This weekend is a special one as we honor the Communion of Saints. We ask for the intercession of the Triumphant Church in heaven and pray for the Suffering Church in purgatory, especially as we celebrate All Souls’ Day. The Second Vatican Council teaches that the Church exists in three states: the Militant (or Pilgrim) Church on earth, the Triumphant Church in heaven, and the Suffering Church in purgatory. United in the Communion of Saints, the Triumphant Church intercedes for us, while we are called to pray and offer sacrifices for the souls in purgatory, helping them complete their purification and enter into the presence of God. Catholic theology teaches that when a person dies, he or she does not become a star or an angel, nor does the soul enter heaven immediately. Each person faces a particular judgment, which determines whether the soul goes to heaven or hell. Those who have loved God and their neighbor, dying in a state of grace—that is, remaining faithful to God until the end—are saved through Christ and destined for heaven. However, some souls must first undergo a period of purification before they can behold God face to face. I often explain it this way: when children play outside, they must wash their hands before sitting at the table. Sometimes the dirt requires extra scrubbing to be completely clean. I remember as a child my mother once used a brush so strong that it almost felt like my skin was coming off—it was painful. In a similar way, the souls in purgatory are cleansed from the remaining effects/consequences of sin. Some mystics describe this purification as a fire consuming their souls. This is why it is so important that we pray for the souls in purgatory and for our loved ones who have passed away. The greatest gift we can offer them is a plenary indulgence, which may be obtained each time we visit this parish, designated as a Jubilee Church. Another powerful act is to offer a Mass for their intention. The Sacrifice of Christ made present on the altar is the most effective prayer for the departed. You may contact the parish office to schedule a Mass intention. We ask for a $15 donation, allowing us to unite our prayer with a personal sacrifice—just as St. Joseph and the Blessed Virgin Mary offered two turtle doves at the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. We can also visit cemeteries and pray for the departed. In the United States, we honor the deceased on Memorial Day, but as Catholics, we especially remember the faithful departed on All Souls’ Day. Other ways to assist them include praying the Rosary, spending time in Eucharistic Adoration, and offering other devotional prayers for their intentions. We are also introducing the opportunity to honor the faithful departed (or the living) by offering liturgical memorials. Each weekend, the bread and wine, candles, and sanctuary lamp used in our liturgies may be offered for your chosen intention. A $50 donation is requested for each of these three memorials. Many parishes provide this beautiful opportunity, and we believe it will help strengthen our community’s prayer for the deceased. Additionally, we continue to keep the Book of Remembrance by St. Joseph’s Altar, where all submitted names will be remembered in prayer. However, nothing compares to the grace of offering a Mass or obtaining a plenary indulgence on their behalf. Some saints have said that when we help release a soul from purgatory, that soul will intercede for us before God for the rest of our lives. Let us, then, dear brothers and sisters, make it our mission to help as many souls as possible reach heaven. Each time we come to IC, let us take advantage of the plenary indulgence available during this Jubilee year. Remember, by going to confession, receiving Holy Communion, we may obtain one plenary indulgence per day for eight days as long as we and praying for the intentions of the Holy Father and visit the parish each day. In other words, with one confession and communion, you can receive multiple indulgences. As so many saints have interceded for us, let us now help the future saints—the souls in purgatory—on their journey to eternal joy. God Bless, Fr. Steven