From Father Steven - September 14, 2025

Father Steven Clemence • September 12, 2025

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

 

Saint Augustine defines sacraments as visible signs of an invisible reality. We have all heard about the sacraments and we know them, but we do not always fully understand what they mean. This week, I would like to reflect with you a bit more on the sacraments.


God has chosen specific ways to share His divine nature with us. There are concrete actions which, when carried out with the right intention and proper form, bring about special graces for the recipient. The Catechism of the Catholic Church summarizes the definition of a sacrament as “efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us. The visible rites by which the sacraments are celebrated signify and make present the graces proper to each sacrament. They bear fruit in those who receive them with the required dispositions” (1131). That is a lot to take in, but each term is important. Let us begin with “efficacious.” It means that each sacrament has an effect on the recipient. We may not feel the effects immediately, but they are always there. Perhaps you have heard someone say they walked out of Mass the same way they came in. That is impossible! Even if we do not see or feel them, special graces are at work in our souls.


Each sacrament imparts different graces. The seven sacraments were instituted by Jesus and entrusted to the care of the Church. No one has the power to change or modify them, not even the Pope; they are Christ’s gift to us. The sacraments are regulated by the Church in terms of who may minister them, how, and where they are celebrated. Their effectiveness does not depend on the personal holiness of the minister, but on the action itself and the openness of the recipient. As the Church teaches: the grace of the sacrament works by the action performed, not by the performer. This means our openness to sacramental grace is essential for the sacrament to bear fruit. If we close ourselves off, God respects our freedom. That is our greatest danger—that we can reject God’s grace. For example, when a couple chooses not to marry in the Church, they ultimately refuse the graces God desires to give them. Similarly, when someone sins and refuses to go to confession, God cannot forgive them, because they have chosen to remain apart from the sacrament of reconciliation. I do not intend to enter deeply into sacramental theology here, but I want to share these key ideas with you.


This is also the time when our parish begins sacramental preparation. Whether a person is a child, a youth, or an adult, everyone can receive the sacraments with the proper preparation and instruction. Recently, our Archdiocese made a change regarding the Sacrament of Confirmation for teenagers: it is now offered in 7th grade. For younger children, we provide a two-year program for sacramental preparation. Our goal is not simply to “sacramentalize,” but to truly catechize—to form them in faith.


The sacraments are the way to salvation. They make present here on earth the invisible reality of heaven that God longs to share with us. Therefore, if you or someone you know has not yet received one or more of the sacraments—Baptism, Eucharist (Communion), Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders, Reconciliation (Confession), or, for those in danger of death, Anointing of the Sick—this is the time to consider it.

If someone is not Catholic but wishes to receive the sacraments—that is, to become Catholic—we also form a group each year for the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (formerly known as RCIA). Please see the religious education section of the bulletin for more information.

Catechetical instruction is a volunteer based initiative. We are always in need of volunteers to help us. If you feel called to help in this important ministry, please call the office and let us know.


Finally, we are resuming our Jubilee Talks after the summer break. They are offered every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m., following Adoration. Let us take advantage of the opportunities God places before us, and let us not refuse the graces that prepare us for heaven.

 

God Bless,

Fr. Steven

 

From Father Steven - December 14, 2025

By Father Steven Clemence • December 12, 2025
Dear Brothers & Sisters, It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… I hope the nativity scene, the trees, the lights, the gifts, and the Christmas carols are helping you prepare for the big day! If not, hurry up with your preparations! This weekend we celebrate Gaudete Sunday , which translates to “ Rejoice Sunday .” This expression comes from the Introit (entrance antiphon) of the Mass: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near.” The priest wears rose (not pink!) as a sign of the sun that is just about to rise on the horizon, representing the imminent coming of Christ. Although we are living through one of the darkest times of the year, we know that the Light is coming. Sin and suffering have an end. We are almost there. The first reading speaks of how everything dead, feeble, or broken will be transformed—and will rejoice. St. Paul cautions us to be patient. The Lord is near, but not yet. We are very close, and if anyone is not ready, there is still time! A couple of weeks ago, we heard St. Paul’s exhortation: “It is the hour now for you to awake from sleep. For our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed; the night is advanced, the day is at hand. Let us then throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.” (Rom 13:11–12) However, not everyone rejoices at this time of year. I want to acknowledge all those who struggle during this season. For some, this will be the first Christmas without their father, mother, husband, wife, child, sibling, or another loved one. Whether they are far away, estranged, or have been called home to the Lord, not being able to celebrate such an important moment with them is very hard. Instead of laughter, there may be tears. Instead of a house full of people, there may be only a few—or no one at all. There are also people who must be away from their families this Christmas. I ask each of you reading this letter to say a prayer for them this weekend. In your Christmas gatherings, when you pray or say grace before the meal, remember them. If you know someone who has recently lost a loved one or is separated from their family, please be especially considerate. A small gesture can go a very long way. I also want to take this opportunity to publicly thank all the people who worked so hard these past days with the Novena, the Consecration to Mary, and the celebrations of the Immaculate Conception and Our Lady of Guadalupe. They did a fabulous job organizing everything, decorating, and cleaning up. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! And thank you as well to all of you who participated in these events—it would not have been the same without you. Finally, next week we are preparing for our Immaculate Conception Christmas Concert! It will be an opportunity for the whole parish to come together and celebrate each other’s cultures. Children and adults from all three communities are preparing to share their Christmas joy with us. I invite you all to come. It will take place Sunday, December 21 at 3 PM . Feel free to bring others as well. We will have refreshments afterward.  …and don’t forget to keep Christ in Christmas!!! God Bless, Fr. Steven

From Father Steven - December 7, 2025

By Father Steven Clemence • December 5, 2025
Dear Brothers & Sisters, The month of December is always filled with excitement as we prepare for Christmas. Even though the season can get a little busy—and yes, sometimes stressful—God offers us a beautiful time overflowing with grace. You’ve seen the saying, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” With all the wonderful events ahead, we will certainly keep Him at the center! As in the Christmas story, everything begins with Mary. This Monday, December 8 , we joyfully celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception , the patronal feast of our parish and of the United States. Because of its great importance for our faith, it is a Holy Day of Obligation , meaning we gather for Mass just as we do on Sundays. We will have our daily mass at 7:30am, then 12:10pm, and then the Trilingual Mass at 7:00pm followed by parish fellowship in Meehan Hall. At the evening Mass, those who have completed their 33-day preparation will make their Consecration to Mary —a beautiful milestone in their spiritual lives and a special moment for our parish family. (Reminder for all those doing the consecration to Mary: we will have an important meeting on Sunday, December 7, at 6:00 PM, regardless of whether you came on Wednesdays or completed the preparation on your own.) On Friday, December 12 at 7:00 PM We are very blessed and excited to welcome Archbishop Richard Henning , our shepherd and leader! He wants to come to the parish to meet YOU ! He is coming to celebrate the mass on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe , patroness of the Americas. During his first year in Boston, he has been visiting parishes and getting to know the people. Now that he is coming to us, we encourage you to be there to welcome him. We are preparing a wonderful evening for this special visit. Nearly 500 years ago, the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Juan Diego, bringing hope and unity to countless hearts. To prepare for this feast, the Archbishop has invited all parishes of the Archdiocese to pray a novena. Although we have already begun, you can join us every evening at 7:00 PM in the church. Come and join us! After this grace-filled week, we gather again on Sunday, December 21, at 3 PM for our Immaculate Conception Parish Christmas Concert ! Our children’s choir from each of our three communities has been joyfully preparing their songs, along with our parish choirs. We even have a special surprise in store! After spending Advent contemplating Mary’s faith, we now contemplate her beautiful “yes” —and through music, we quiet our hearts and adore the newborn King, even amid the rush of last-minute preparations. Finally, in this season of lights, lists, and long lines, let us not lose sight of the One we celebrate. Take a moment to slow down… recognize the wonderful things God is doing for us and through us. That is the greatest gift of all. Love is one of the few things that lasts forever. Let us give it generously—and receive it joyfully. May God fill your hearts with peace as we enter this blessed season together! God Bless, Fr. Steven