From Father Steven

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
As we celebrate Little Christmas this weekend, we prepare ourselves, not only to receive the Three Kings, but our bishop, Cardinal Sean O’Malley. Next Saturday, January 11th, he will come here to Immaculate Conception to celebrate with us the reopening of the Church at the 4:30pm Mass. It is always a special moment when the bishop comes to visit his flock. He comes here as the successor of the Apostles. Please join us for the mass and a reception afterwards!

Also, I would like to share with you an email sent out last week from a parishioner. I believe it speaks on behalf of all of us. He was one of many people who shared his time (a lot) and talent helping us with the project of the Church restoration.

“No - it is not hump day. It is the day we say “Wasn’t That Easy!”

It is beautiful and rewarding to be back in the Upper Church. We are grateful for so many people.

We are thankful for so many workers and contractors, including Ridgemont Construction, Santella Electric, Monnick Supply and many local businesses who worked so hard.

The lighting looks fantastic due to vision of Lighting Breakthroughs. Fredrick’s patience and artistic approach resulted in a stunning presentation. Now he can tell future clients that he did the lighting at Immaculate Conception Church in addition to the Boston Basilica.

Thanks for Don creating and updating the schedule. We quickly learned that you looking at the schedule and politely glancing at us means “Are you done yet?”

The seats worked great due to Rob, Robbie, and the Knights. We look forward to the pews arriving next month.

The sound system came together nicely under the direction of Gabe with the able assistance of Troy, Julius, and their team from the Power Sound of New England.

The electrical system would not have gotten done without John, Bill, Carlos, and Gil. In addition, the painters hid all our mistakes and also pitched in at the last moment in Christmas Eve for a few finishing touches. Without your assistance Fr Steven would not have a game (lighting controller) that he enjoys more then Mario Cart.

All the hard work would have been wasted if we did not have the finishing touch of Linda, Ann, Pascoalina, and so many others. The nativity scene prepared by Beto is stunning. We may need to expand the church next year as the scene continues to expand. You all continue to make everything look good.

I apologize to those who I failed to mention. The final thank you goes to everyone. Without all of the hard work and prayers we would never had accomplished what we did. Merry Christmas and God Bless You.”

This letter was written by Frank Dougherty, who assisted us as the project manager. He was on top of every detail, to make sure that our Church would be as beautiful as it could be. Thank you, Frank on behalf of all of us for your leadership, your determination, with the perfect dose of perseverance not giving up with all the challenges. We also need to thank his wife Denise, and his daughters Sarah and Julia who shared their father with us during this time!

I would also like to thank Mayor Arthur Vigeant, the Firefighters, the building department and the many people that came together to make sure the Church was ready to reopen.

Finally, a world of gratitude to St. Matthias, St. Michael’s and St. Anargyroi for accommodating us with holy water celebrations, weddings and funerals, liturgical vessels and vestments. Also, all the local churches from different denominations for their prayers and support.

THANK YOU!
God bless,
​Fr. Steven