Pastoral Letter Blog

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

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

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

Dear Brothers and Sisters, There are moments in life when God sends us a messenger—not just to speak to us, but to pierce our hearts, to awaken our souls, and to remind us that His mercy is stronger than any hatred, pain, or loss. This is one of those moments. We are blessed with a rare opportunity at Immaculate Conception Parish to hear firsthand the extraordinary testimony of Immaculée Ilibagiza. Her testimony is not just a story—it is a living proclamation of the Gospel. From the darkness of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, when almost everything she loved was taken from her, she emerged not hardened by bitterness, but transformed by the supernatural grace of forgiveness. For 91 days, she hid in a bathroom no bigger than a closet, praying the Rosary until her heart was remade in the image of Christ’s mercy. When she finally stepped out, she chose not vengeance, but love—echoing the very words of our Lord on the Cross: “Father, forgive them.” In a world starving for compassion, reconciliation, and true faith, Immaculée’s witness is a rare light. Her story will challenge you, move you to tears, and ignite in you a deeper hunger for holiness. On the night she comes to Immaculate Conception Parish, God will be speaking to us through her. This is not just an event—it is an invitation from Heaven to encounter Christ’s mercy in a new and life-changing way. Come. Bring your family. Bring your friends. Fill the church. And leave forever changed. It will be on Thursday, September 4 th , doors open at 5:30pm. We ask you to register ahead of time either online or calling the parish office with a $10 cash donation. This week we are also hosting the Encounter School of Ministry. It is a summer intensive course that summarizes 4 quarters into 4 evenings. Drawing from the richness of our Catholic heritage, we seek to teach, equip, and activate disciples to demonstrate the love of God through the power of the Holy Spirit in their sphere of influence. The presenters will be Deacon Joe Cooley, Kasia Intrieri, and Mike DelVecchio. Come immerse yourself in the Holy Spirit! Get a survey of the Year 1 Encounter school curriculum and whet your appetite for more of what the Lord wants to do through you, with you, and in you! It's perfect for anyone desiring to attend the Encounter School during the year but unable to do so due to distance or schedule. It is also ideal for those discerning their enrollment in the school but needing further discernment. Come join us! Become a revival! 6-9pm, August 25-August 28, 2025 -- Eucharistic worship begins at 5pm each evening WHERE – HOW TO REGISTER God Bless, Fr. Steven

Dear Brothers and Sisters, As many of you know, a group of 50 youth from our parish recently participated in the Youth Jubilee with Pope Leo in Rome. I had the privilege of accompanying them on this incredible journey. This week, I’d like to share with you what we experienced, and next week, some of the youth will share their own testimonies with you. We began our trip by arriving in Munich on Saturday, July 26th. Our first stop was the Marian shrine of Altötting in southeastern Germany, where we entrusted our pilgrimage to the Virgin Mary. This shrine is one of the oldest in Europe. From there, we traveled to the small Austrian town of Sankt Radegund to visit the church and tomb of Blessed Franz Jägerstätter. He was a farmer, husband, and father of three who refused to swear allegiance to Hitler. For his unwavering faith, he was imprisoned, tortured, and ultimately martyred. His powerful story is beautifully portrayed in the film A Hidden Life . He also had an incredible conversion before giving his life for Christ. The next day, we visited the Dachau concentration camp. There, we faced the harrowing consequences of hatred but also encountered inspiring testimonies of mercy and forgiveness. We had the honor of celebrating Mass at the Carmelite convent built on the grounds after the fall of the Nazi regime. That day happened to be the feast of St. Titus Brandsma, a Dutch Carmelite martyred in the camp and the only canonized saint from Dachau. Before he was killed by lethal injection, he gave his rosary to the nurse tasked with ending his life. In an act of love and forgiveness, he offered her an encounter with Christ. Years later, she repented and returned to the faith, moved by that very rosary. That night, we stayed at a beautiful hotel in Trento, having crossed the Alps. The following day, we visited Venice and the tomb of St. Mark the Evangelist. While we didn’t get a chance to ride the gondolas, we did enjoy exploring the canals during our free time. After celebrating Mass, we were warmly welcomed by a parish in Bologna, where the pastor generously provided us shelter. Although we slept on a hard floor, it was a welcome break for our backs after many hours on the bus! Our next stop was Loreto, where we visited the Holy House of Mary. According to tradition, this is the very house from Nazareth where the Virgin Mary lived, transported miraculously to Italy. The following day, we visited the beautiful city of Assisi, where we prayed at the tombs of Blessed Carlo Acutis, St. Clare, and St. Francis. It was truly a blessing. On our way to Rome, we stopped in Cascia to visit the tomb of St. Rita and venerate an Eucharistic Miracle preserved there. We reflected on the themes of vocation—both to marriage and religious life—as well as the power of forgiveness, all central to St. Rita’s life. We then spent four unforgettable days in Rome. On the first day, we visited St. Peter’s Basilica, entered through the Holy Door, and prayed at the tomb of St. Peter. Later, at Piazza Navona, we reflected on the life of St. Agnes and prayed before her relic. That day, we also visited the Colosseum, remembering the many martyrs who gave their lives for Christ.The next day, we joined over a million young people at a large field where Pope Leo addressed us. His message was truly inspiring—well worth reading—and his English flawless! That night, we camped under the stars with the other pilgrims. The following day, we attended a meeting of youth from the Neocatechumenal Way, with 120,000 participants. During the vocational call, four of our youth—three young men and one young woman—publicly expressed their desire to pursue a religious vocation. On our journey back, we stopped in Padua to pray at the tombs of St. Anthony, St. Matthias, and St. Luke. We concluded our pilgrimage with a final Mass at the Shrine of Altötting, joining 11,000 other American youth. There are no words to fully express what we experienced. From the sacred places we visited to the saints we encountered, from witnessing the transformation of the youth to the daily presence of God we felt—this pilgrimage was a profound gift. We carried all of you and your intentions in our hearts throughout the journey. We are deeply grateful to God and to each of you who supported us through your prayers and encouragement. If you would like to see some of the pictures from the Pilgrimage, they are on our website. God Bless, Fr. Steven

Dear Brothers and Sisters, I hope that you are all enjoying your summer with your loved ones! Please see the letter below from Deacon Javier. God Bless, Fr. Steven ============================ Dear Brothers and Sisters, This will be the first time that I write to you as Deacon Javier. I am happy to have this opportunity to share with you all a bit of my experience so far as a deacon. Just as a quick catch-up for everyone, right before the ordination in May, I was wrapping up my itinerancy in Samoa. Part of my formation in the seminary is to go on mission for a period of three years. I began in Washington DC for some months before being moved to Samoa for the remainder of my itinerancy. After this summer, I will return for one final year of school before the ordination to the priesthood next year. One thing about the mission that translates to being recently ordained is how everything feels new. Samoan culture is very much alive and landing in the midst of it having no prior experience can feel a bit overwhelming. In Samoa I felt like I was learning something new everyday about the culture or the language. In a similar way I now find myself in the parish where, oddly enough, even though it’s been my home parish for the duration of my formation it feels like I have to learn everything over again and then some. Regarding language, I’ve been trying to practice Portuguese at the 9am Mass. With some practice I can proclaim the Gospel but it might be another while before I can give a homily in Portuguese. I hope to take advantage of the remainder of this summer because it has flown by quickly. I am just coming back from a pilgrimage for the Jubilee. The Jubilee Year has left its mark on me. Through it I am reminded of the mercy and patience God has had with me. There was a moment in the seminary that I felt that I could no longer continue but I saw how God fought for me and for my vocation. He did so by giving me more than what I deserve because when I gave up, God did not give up on me. To have been ordained and enter the clergy in the Jubilee Year has been for me a sign of love and comfort. Love because I can see God’s election over my life to the priesthood. Comfort because with this election comes the graces necessary to live my vocation well. At the Prayer Vigil for Young People last Saturday the Pope invited all to say these words to the Lord: “Thank you, Jesus, for calling me. My desire is to remain as one of your friends, so that, embracing you, I may also be a companion on the journey for anyone I meet. Grant, O Lord, that those who meet me may encounter you, even through my limitations and frailties.” I can’t think of a better way to put into words what my experience has been this far. I’m grateful that the Lord called me to this vocation and in doing so saved me from many sufferings I would have caused myself, but there are those moments where I can’t help but smile at God’s sense of humor. We see many times in the Bible and in the lives of the Saints how God can work with any and every human limitation. In the end, I pray for one thing, that I may be an instrument in this orchestra of God that is the Church. I look forward to this year with you all! God Bless! Deacon Javier

Dear Brothers and Sisters, Please see the letter below from Jackie, one of our parishioners, who is a FOCUS missionary at the University of Rhode Island. God Bless, Fr. Steven ============================ Dear Parishioners, My name is Jacqueline (Jackie) and I’ve been serving as a FOCUS missionary at the University of Rhode Island for the past year- you may recognize me from last summer when I gave a short talk about the mission. Thank you so much for your generosity in your prayers and financial gifts, the mission work we do would not be possible without you. FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) is an apostolate that sends missionaries to college campuses in order to share the Gospel and make disciples. We fulfill the Great Commission through the little way of evangelization. Each missionary invests deeply in a few and teaches them to do the same. We build them up in the habits of Christian disciples- helping them to grow in the life of prayer, the Sacraments, the teachings of the Church, and fellowship. Then we send them out to make more disciples. This is how we will reach the entire campus and the entire world. There was a team of missionaries at UMass Amherst while I was there for my undergraduate degree. Through their example of true Christian friendship and their witness to the faith, I was led to an encounter with Christ. The Father had begun to strip away any false images I had of who God was and who I was, leading me to security in the Truth, Jesus. In my junior year at UMass, I had opportunities to lead Bible studies and lead other women in the faith. My heart came alive while serving God and His Church, and I desired to answer the call to be His missionary. As I reflect on this first year of mission, I am in awe of the transformation in Christ I’ve seen in my students and in myself. To be invited into my students' lives and to be with them in the joys and sorrows is something I cherish deeply. I’ve gotten to teach them the beauty of our faith and the importance of a personal relationship with God. The Father wishes to bring home many of his children in this jubilee year of hope and we as missionaries get to share in the ache and the joy of this journey. I am blessed to be returning for another year to serve the students at the University of Rhode Island. FOCUS missionaries are responsible for fundraising their entire salary each year. If you would like to hear more about the mission or how you could support me with your prayers or financial gifts, please send me an email at jacqueline.chung@focus.org . Thank you in advance for your prayers, and be assured of my prayers for you. In the Hearts of the Holy Family, Jackie Chung

Dear Brothers and Sisters, Please see the letter below from Janet, one of our parishioners, who is a missionary teacher in the Caribbean. God Bless, Fr. Steven ============================ Hello! My name is Janet, I’m 31 years old, and I’ve been serving as a missionary teacher in the Caribbean for the past two years. As I now prepare to begin my third year, I’ve been reflecting deeply on this journey—one that has transformed my life in ways I could never have imagined. Before I answered the call to mission, I was in a season of searching—trying to find myself, questioning what my purpose was, and wondering what God wanted from my life. I felt like I was drifting, unsure of what direction to take. I had desires for meaning, for adventure, for something bigger than myself, but I didn’t quite know how to find it. It wasn’t until I took the leap of faith to serve in mission that things began to change. Coming to the Island, I had no idea what to expect. I didn’t know how I’d adjust to a new culture, to a simpler lifestyle, or to relying entirely on the providence of God. But I was willing to try. And it’s in that surrender that I found everything I didn’t even know I was looking for. In teaching children and sharing the faith with them, I discovered my vocation. There is something so powerful and humbling about watching young hearts come to know God, and knowing He is using me—just as I am—to help plant those seeds. Every classroom moment, every CCD class, every small conversation has become a sacred opportunity to witness God's love and truth. Mission life is not without its challenges. We live simply, depending on the generosity of others and trusting that God will provide for our needs. And He always does—but not always in the way I expect. Through this dependence, I’ve learned to see God in everything: in a donated meal, in the smile of a student, in the quiet strength that gets me through long days. I’ve learned that God’s plans are always better than mine, even when they take me far from what feels comfortable or easy. The past two years have brought me a joy I didn’t think was possible. Not a fleeting kind of happiness, but a deep, steady joy that comes from knowing I am exactly where God wants me to be. I’ve grown spiritually, emotionally, and in my identity as a daughter of God. I’ve learned to let go, to trust, to live in the present, and to love more fully. As I enter this third year of my mission, my heart is filled with gratitude and excitement. I know there are still challenges ahead, but I also know that God's grace will carry me through, just as it has from the beginning. This mission has become more than just something I do—it has become part of who I am. Please keep me, the children I teach, and all missionaries in your prayers. May we all continue to say "yes" to God's call, whatever and wherever it may be.  With love and joy, Janet

Dear Brothers and Sisters, I hope you are having a wonderful summer—visiting family and friends, enjoying beautiful places, and, above all, continuing your prayerful life with the Lord. It can be challenging at times to maintain our spiritual routine while on vacation. St. John Bosco exhorted young people to make time for recreation , not relaxation —there is a difference between having moments of fun and letting our guard down. Remember, the devil never rests; he is like a lion looking for someone to devour. A balanced life is always best: a little bit of work, a little bit of fun, and a little bit of prayer. Indeed, we should take advantage of the summer to do things we often don’t have time for during the rest of the year. On a separate note, in case you were not here last weekend, I announced that our Archbishop, Richard Henning, has extended my term as pastor for another six years. He is very pleased with what he hears about the parish, which is a reflection of your efforts and your prayers. I must confess that I, too, am very pleased to see the work that God is accomplishing in our community. There are many graces that God has bestowed on our people—many stories of individuals returning to the Church, receiving the sacraments after many years, and much more. One of the greatest privileges I have is witnessing God at work in people’s lives. Of course, we also share in the sorrows and struggles of our parishioners. But after these years, I can say that, counting both the joyful and the difficult moments, I am very happy to be your pastor. My primary duties are to teach, sanctify, and govern the parish. I have done my best to fulfill these responsibilities. I know I don’t have much to offer, so I kindly ask for your patience with my limitations. I too walk alongside you on this path of growing closer to the Lord. Mistakes have been made in the past, and there may be more in the future—hopefully fewer. Please continue to pray for me and for all priests. We truly need all the prayers we can get. Next week, I will accompany a group of 51 young people on a pilgrimage to Rome for the Jubilee of Youth. Fr. Gabriel will also be going, although with a different group. Fr. Victor will remain here with you, along with Fr. Cássio Dalpiaz, a longtime friend of mine from Brazil. He is a priest from Brasília and will soon be going to Portugal to complete his doctoral studies on the connection between Literature and Theology (he has done extensive work on the theology behind Tolkien’s writings). He speaks English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French. Some of the youth going to Rome are children of immigrants who faced difficult times not long ago. Thank God their situation has improved, though some families are still dealing with immigration-related issues. These young people are struggling to cover the full cost of the trip, so they will be asking for donations after Mass. Lastly, I’ve invited some parishioners to share their testimonies in the upcoming bulletins. I hope these stories help convey some of the beautiful things happening in our parish and in the lives of our people. Let us continue to pray that more souls may choose the “better part”—that is, to love and serve the Lord. God Bless, Fr. Steven