From Father Steven - October 6, 2024

Father Steven Clemence • October 4, 2024

Dear Brothers and Sisters, 

 

Every year we present the current Fiscal Annual Report to provide financial transparency to our parishioners. The following page provides the 2024 Annual Report which was prepared by the Finance Council.  The report provides costs for the last two years and establishes the 2025 budget. The parish fiscal year ends in June so the 2025 budget was prepared for the period of July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025.


At the top of the report is the income summary. Income for 2025 is projected to be $1.17 million which is a slight decrease from $1.24 million last year. The categories are largely self-explanatory. The annual report does not include special collections for organizations such as the Church in Latin America, Relief efforts, and the Vatican. These funds were forwarded directly to the Archdiocese for proper distribution. Additionally, funds collected for Saint Vincent de Paul are also excluded, as they are sent directly to the organization each month. 


Last year we incurred expenses of $1,178 Million and we project expenses to be slightly less at $1.172 Million for this year. Last year we increased our Employee Compensation and Benefits cost due primarily to hiring a full-time position and a part time employee for a limited time to help us in the parish. For this year we are estimating a decrease in that line item to balance our payroll. We are fortunate to have three priests serving our communities which is reflective in the Clergy Compensation category. Additionally, maintenance expenses rose because several projects that were previously delayed were addressed last year. As homeowners know, there are often costly maintenance tasks that go unnoticed, such as the replacement of the chiller (AC), which will exceed $100,000! Last year we were assessed by the Archdiocese school tax, which all parishes contribute to unless they have a school. Since we had a school until recently, we never had this expense. This contribution is a percentage of our Mass offertory and aids in subsidizing schools in need, such as those in inner-city areas. In the past, IC School benefited multiple times from this fund. Lastly, the increase in fundraising expenses is primarily due to the car raffle we held in June. Although we plan to break even in our day to day operations, the total net income is projected to be a loss of $161,000. However, we have that money saved in the bank and it will cover the loss. Currently have a total of $1,323,315 in our bank accounts.


The financial stability of our parish is possible due to several factors. First and foremost is your generous support through parish collections, donations, and gifts/bequests, which we are always grateful. Every contribution, large or small, significantly benefits the parish. Secondly, our staff and finance council are committed to responsible stewardship of our expenses. Finally, numerous volunteers donate their time and talents to repair, renovate, and beautify our buildings. For example, landscaping companies like Green Leaf and WF Landscape care for our church grounds, while Metrowest Painting handled the façade painting, among others. Please remember to say a prayer for all those who generously contribute their time to support our parish.

 

God Bless,

Fr. Steven

 

From Father Steven - September 7, 2025

By Father Steven Clemence • September 5, 2025
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Next Monday, 9/15, the Church will celebrate the memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows. In this jubilee year, we are called to console the sorrowing. The intention of our 7:30 a.m. daily Mass that day will be for all who are in need of consolation. Loss is never easy. If a dollar slips from our pocket, we feel upset—more so if it is $20 or $100. When what we lose carries emotional value, the pain is even deeper, because it cannot be replaced. Those are only objects, yet they can cause sadness. How much more difficult it is to lose a loved one. Even when illness makes death seem inevitable, it remains painful. Sudden loss is harder still. Moments of grief can weigh heavily, like a storm cloud blocking the sun. Mary, the Mother of Jesus, shared a profound bond between her Immaculate Heart and the Sacred Heart of her Son. She shared His joys, but also His deepest sorrows as she witnessed His suffering. I once read an exhortation on the EWTN website that said: “If you are enduring intense sorrow, flee to our Blessed Mother. Take refuge in her Immaculate Heart, and implore her maternal consolation and guidance. For she who endured unspeakable grief will never fail you as your spiritual mother. As St. Louis de Montfort said: If you put all the love of all the mothers into one heart, it would not equal the love of Mary’s Heart for her children.” Here in our parish, we will begin a bereavement ministry on October 14. Meetings will take place Tuesday evenings (time to be announced) in the lower church. Using a Scripture-based program, we will encounter the healing power of God’s Word. We invite you—or someone you know who is grieving—to come and be consoled by the Lord. Humanity has reached the moon, explored the depths of the sea, and advanced technology beyond imagination. Yet we still have no human answer to death. Only Christ holds that answer. We must listen to Him, encounter the Risen Lord, and discover that death is not the end. I also recommend My Son Carlo by Antonia Salzano Acutis, the mother of Saint Carlo Acutis. She testifies to the power of Christ and how He sustained her through the sudden loss of her son. I have only read the first chapter, and it is already inspiring. Whatever pain of loss you carry, God desires to console your heart and strengthen you to endure the storm. We never fully “get over” a loss, but we learn to live with it. Yes, it is hard, but not impossible. Please join us for the special Mass on Monday, 9/15, for all who need consolation. And remember, you are welcome to speak with one of the priests if you would like to share more about your loss. God Bless, Fr. Steven

From Father Steven - August 31, 2025

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