From Father Steven - May 17, 2026

Father Steven Clemence • May 15, 2026

 

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

 

This weekend we celebrate the ordination of Father Javier! It is always a great privilege for us to witness the transformation of a young man into a priest, a servant of God configured to Christ. This weekend, I would like to reflect with you on the different vocations to which God calls His people.

 

The first vocation, as we see in the Book of Genesis, is matrimony. We hear that God created man and woman to complement one another. “It is not good for the man to be alone.” Therefore, it is natural for a man and a woman to be united in marriage. However, marriage is not about seeking the satisfaction of one’s own needs in another person. Rather, the sacrament of matrimony is a sacrament of self-giving and service. Husband and wife are called to serve one another in love. Matrimony is defined as “the covenant by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, and which is ORDERED TOWARD THE GOOD OF THE SPOUSES and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament” (Canon 1055 §1). Marriage, then, is a path by which God sanctifies us through self-giving love, just as Christ gave Himself for us. Spouses become a gift to one another, and it is in this gift of self that true joy is found.

 

Some people receive a different call. If it is natural for a man and woman to be united to one another, then it is supernatural for a person to be united entirely to God. The religious vocation anticipates the reality of heaven by seeking union with God already in this life. One can be called to become “eunuchs for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven,” living celibacy for the love of God and His Kingdom. This includes consecrated virgins who live in the world while dedicating their lives entirely to the Lord and those who do not get married.

 

Others are called to religious life as sisters, nuns, brothers, or monks. There are many religious communities and institutes through which a person is consecrated to God according to a particular charism or mission. Some are called to serve through teaching, serving the poor, caring for the sick or children, immigrants, or those most in need. There are also contemplative communities whose principal work is prayer and total dedication to the Lord, often lived in cloistered monasteries.

 

Finally, we also have the priestly vocation. This call invites men to act in the person of Christ the Head (in persona Christi capitis) in the world. Through ordination, a man is configured in a profound way to Jesus Christ. This does not mean that the individual ceases to be himself; rather, by the grace of God, he is united to Christ in a unique and sacramental way. The priesthood is not only for a select few. Many saints throughout history have spoken about how God calls many men to this vocation. Sometimes there is hesitation because a person feels unworthy or inadequate. Yet throughout Scripture we see that God often chooses ordinary people with weaknesses and imperfections. The Apostles and the saints were not extraordinary because of their own abilities, but because they allowed God’s grace to work through them. As the saying goes, God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called. As you can see in Fr. Gabriel, Fr. Victor, and myself, we are very ordinary and imperfect men. It is the grace of God that enables us to do what we do. A man may feel incapable of becoming a priest or discouraged by his sins and limitations. Yet, just as Peter told Jesus, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man,” we remember that it is not we who choose Christ, but Christ who chooses us.

 

Ultimately, our primary vocation is holiness. We are all called to become saints. The particular path we take—whether marriage, religious or single life, or priesthood—is secondary to the greater call to holiness. Those called to matrimony are called to holy matrimony, to become holy husbands and holy wives. Those called to religious life are called to become holy sisters, brothers, monks, and consecrated virgins. Those called to the priesthood are called to become holy priests. Each vocation is not an end in itself, but a path by which we are led to heaven and united more fully with God.

 

God Bless,

Fr. Steven

 

From Father Steven - June 28, 2026

By Father Steven Clemence • June 26, 2026
Dear Brothers and Sisters, I hope you are doing well in these beautiful summer days! Please see the letter below from Fr. Victor about his experience here at Immaculate Conception. God Bless, Fr. Steven ============================== It is hard to believe that 24 months have already passed since I arrived here in Marlborough. Transitioning from a small but active parish in the Virgin Island to this huge and multi-cultural community was a “big & holy” shock for me. Life on the island moved with a gentle rhythm, but not here in IC. What impressed me right on my first day was the daily exposition of the Blessed Sacrament , an hour before the Mass. That means people start to come around 6:30 in the morning. It is not just a handful of 5-10, but an average of 30-50 people gathered every single morning is incredible. Even at the height of winter, maybe a third, but they still come. Again, astonishing are the number of couples receiving the sacrament of Matrimony . I am so happy & delighted to witness many weddings every month in our church. When I first arrived, the sacrament of confessions was 3 days a week. But last year during the Jubilee, the frequency was increased to 6. The schedule was adjusted after Easter, it is daily except Fridays & Sundays. Where are those penitents coming from? Being a multicultural community, we have Masses in English, Portuguese and Spanish. It is a great joy to be working with Stephen Hanley in OCIA [Order of Christian Initiation for Adults]. Through this ministry, I am reminded that everyone has their own unique faith experience and conversion stories to tell. I am so privileged to be a part in preparing them for the reception into the Catholic Church as well as the Sacraments of Confession, Eucharist and Matrimony. Truly, the Holy Spirit moves . I bring Holy Communion to our homebound brothers and sisters and administer the anointing of the sick when requested or necessary. Being with the sick together with their families reminds me what it means to be a shepherd with his flock through every season of life. Periodically, I also celebrate the Mass at five nursing and assisted living homes. This ensures our beloved elderly, isolated and frail residents are provided spiritual nourishment, strength and healing. I am grateful for our pastor’s vision of deep understanding of our community’s needs particularly to our seniors. Thus, the “Friends in Faith” was formed. Very grateful, as it came with 4 ladies: Margaret, Christine, Nancy and Delma equipped with their kindness, generosity, knowledge and expertise we began to “navigate” our way. We meet every 2nd Tuesday of the month. Activities vary, from getting to know the saints to topics that will enrich our faith. But most important of all is that we are able to interact with one another, build friendships, find some sense of belonging and family , and time to pray with someone and for one another. So far, we had 2 field trips, like a “mini-pilgrimage.” Last September Stephen H. organized an enriching trip aimed at tracing the early beginning of the Catholic Church in Boston. We visited many historical places and ended at the Holy Cross Cathedral. This June, we went to St. Benedict Abbey at Still River in Harvard, MA. Their collection of relics of saints is something to behold. It was like being “ in heaven while on earth,” surrounded by hundreds of saints. On both occasions, we concluded with the celebration of the Mass as our expression of praise & thanksgiving to God. I am always excited to see our diverse community gather together for a big feast as the Solemnity of Corpus Christi , the Body of Christ. The colorful sawdust carpet by our talented parishioners in front of our church, is not only a labor of love but a testimony of creativity . It was simply awesome! Our tri-lingual Mass in English, Spanish & Portuguese, followed by the Eucharistic procession ended at the foot of Immaculate Conception Church. The procession spoke beautifully, yet boldly of our core belief that Jesus Christ is truly present in that “small piece of host” - body, blood, soul & divinity. Jesus has kept his promise, “I will always be with you.” This very act reminds me of our spiritual journey towards our true home with God. For all these immense gifts, I bless God. Likewise, no word is enough to express my gratitude to all of you, truly our God is amazing! God Bless, Fr. Victor

From Father Steven - June 21, 2026

By Father Steven Clemence • June 18, 2026
Dear Brothers and Sisters, I hope you are enjoying this beautiful start of summer! Please see the letter below from Gabriella Lindhurst, our Director of Music. Happy Father’s Day!! God Bless, Fr. Steven —————————————————————————————— My name is Gabriella Lindhurst, and I am the Music Director at Immaculate Conception Parish. As many of you know, I began serving in this role in January, and my experience here has been wonderful. Everyone has been incredibly welcoming, and I am grateful for the kindness and support I have received from parishioners, staff members, cantors, and volunteers. Over the past several months, I have enjoyed getting to know many members of our parish community, and I look forward to meeting many more in the months and years ahead. I am originally from Southborough, Massachusetts, and much of my love for sacred music grew out of my involvement in my home parish. As a child, I served as an altar server, learned to play the organ there, and eventually began accompanying Masses as an organist and serving as a cantor. Throughout my school years, I also sang in school and church choirs. Looking back, these experiences helped shape both my faith and my vocation as a church musician, and they continue to influence the way I approach music ministry today. Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. What began as a childhood interest gradually became a vocation and a ministry. Along the way, I pursued studies in music and sacred music at Assumption University and the University of Notre Dame, but some of my most meaningful lessons have come through serving the Church and helping others encounter God through prayer and music. That is what continues to inspire me in my work as Music Director today. If you regularly attend one of our English Masses, you have likely seen me at the organ or piano. One of the great joys of my position is helping to lead the congregation in song each week. I have enjoyed getting to know the different communities that make up our parish through the Masses, as well as through my work with the children who attended CCD this year. I am continually inspired by the voices of parishioners who join together in worship, and I believe that sacred music plays an important role in helping us pray and participate more fully in the liturgy. One of the things that has impressed me most about Immaculate Conception Parish is the strong sense of community that exists here. Whether through worship, faith formation, service, or fellowship, so many people generously share their gifts for the good of the parish. Music ministry is one of the many ways that people can become involved, build friendships, and deepen their faith while serving others. Over the past several months, I have become increasingly excited about the future of music ministry at our parish. One of my goals for this fall is to reestablish the Adult Choir. I have heard many wonderful things about the former choir, and I look forward to bringing this ministry back. Rehearsals will be held on Thursdays beginning at 6:00pm, and the choir will primarily sing at the Saturday 4:00pm Mass, as well as for special liturgies throughout the year. Our first rehearsal will be on Thursday, September 3rd. The Adult Choir is open to anyone who enjoys singing and would like to share their time and talent in service of the liturgy. If you have ever considered joining a choir, I warmly encourage you to come to a rehearsal and give it a try or reach out for more information. Choir membership is a wonderful opportunity to serve the parish, grow in friendship with fellow parishioners, and participate more deeply in the liturgy. I am also excited to begin a new Children’s Choir this fall that will be separate from CCD. All children ages 7 and up are welcome. Rehearsals will be held on Thursdays from 4:30pm–5:30pm, and the choir will sing once each month at the 11:00am Mass. Our first rehearsal will be on Thursday, September 10th. The Children’s Choir will help young people develop musical skills, build confidence, and learn about the important role music plays in our Catholic faith. Most importantly, it will give them another opportunity to become active participants in the life of the parish while sharing their gifts with our community. If you are interested or have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at gabriella5110@gmail.com, I would be happy to speak with you. As we prepare for the fall, I ask for your prayers for all of our music ministries. Please also consider whether God may be calling you, your children, or another member of your family to become involved. Whether as a choir member, cantor, instrumentalist, or simply as a member of the congregation singing with enthusiasm, every voice contributes to the prayer of our parish community. Thank you again for the warm welcome you have shown me over these past several months. I am grateful to be part of Immaculate Conception Parish, and I look forward to continuing to grow with all of you in faith, fellowship, and song.  God Bless, Gabriella