From Father Steven - April 21, 2024

Father Steven Clemence • April 19, 2024

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

 

On the fourth Sunday of Easter, we celebrate the Good Shepherd. Every year we hear a passage from chapter 10 of John, which speaks of the essence of the shepherd. In the Eternal City of Rome, this weekend is marked by the ordinations of new priests, those chosen to follow Christ’s footsteps as shepherds for God’s flock. This weekend I would like to reflect on the vocation to the priesthood. 

 

St. John Bosco says that most men are called to the priesthood, yet some may not answer the call due to various reasons. Perhaps they were not raised in a faith-filled household, denied the opportunity for devotion to Mary and the Eucharist, or were afraid to choose a different vocation than their parents expected. The allurements of the world may have also dimmed their interest in the things of God. 

 

We often encounter young boys who manifest a profound love for Jesus, delighting in play-acting the mass, whose dream is to be an altar server, or even who are fascinated about Jesus (even those who are not Catholics or have not received any sacraments). Such signs are not to be dismissed as mere childishness, but rather as potential sparks for a vocation. Pope Saint Leo the Great says that the mere thought of a vocation is already a sign of it. Just as one may never consider becoming a librarian (with due respect), so too do those who are not called to the priesthood never wonder about that possibility.

 

Many of the youth at some point ask themselves what if God calls him to be a priest. However, fear of failure, inadequacy, or lack of worthiness may prompt them to dismiss it. Yet, becoming a priest requires only a willingness to surrender to God’s will. Jesus declares, “The shepherd is the one who lays down his life for the sheep” (similar to the vows of marriage). Nowhere He suggests that a priest must be pious, holy, smart, or possess any extraordinary abilities. When Christ calls his apostles, He does not measure them up or test their abilities and worthiness. He simply calls them.

 

It is our solemn duty as parents, grandparents, godparents, friends and fellow believers to encourage the young people to think about their vocation. For those who do, we must urge them to act upon it. Fear is an inevitable companion, but it must not paralyze them. Otherwise, the devil will whisper more doubts and will convince them that they are not called to be a priest.

 

Personally, I felt many of these feelings. I was never an altar server, I didn’t know how to pray, I wanted to get married and have children. Faith played a very small part of my childhood, and no one ever mentioned to me about becoming a priest. As my brother entered the seminary I began to question my calling, wondering “what if God calls me too to become a priest?” I was certain that it was not for me nor was I cut out for it…but we are not the ones to decide.

 

Then, how can we help children, youth and men to discern their vocation? First of all we need to pray for them, as Jesus teaches, “ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” (Mt 9:38), Second, speak to them. Third, we will have a meeting on Tuesday, April 30th at 7:00pm-8:00pm in the church for any youth, young adults, or any man (ages 13+) who would like to inquire about, learn more about it, or has ever considered becoming a priest before. It will be an informal conversation. I invite the parents to talk to your children. Even those who have once expressed interest but no longer feel the same should come. I will also arrange a meeting for younger boys in the future as well as for women who may feel the calling to religious life.

 

Life with God is awesome, too bad that we are afraid of risking it. Sometimes a glimpse into the religious lives can expand our horizons and reveal the boundless possibilities that God has in store for us. As an example, can you believe that two nuns just ran a half-marathon (in their habit) in Naples, FL, and are very happy? St. Paul says in the second reading today, what we shall be has not yet been revealed. Therefore, do not be afraid of following the voice of Jesus our shepherd.

 

God Bless,

Fr. Steven

 

From Father Steven - October 18, 2026

By Father Steven Clemence • October 16, 2026
Dear Brothers and Sisters, This week, we continue our observance of Respect Life Month in October. This weekend, I would like to share with you the importance of caring for the sick and the dying. Facing an illness can be very difficult and full of fear. It does not have to be a life-threatening illness; even a simple medical exam that detects some levels that are too high or too low can already cause anxiety. That is why caring for the sick is so important, all the more so when there is a serious illness. Last week, I injured my wrist while playing soccer and found myself in the emergency room. Many things were going through my head as I contemplated the possibility of having a broken bone. I have broken many bones before, and it was never much of a big deal. However, this time, there was the possibility of surgery. Additionally, having my arm immobilized would make life very difficult. I cannot imagine what goes through the head of someone having open-heart surgery, a hip replacement, or some other more serious intervention. In light of the difficulties we can experience with our health, we are always invited to lean on the Lord. He is our strength and our consolation. For those facing a serious illness, especially when there is a risk to life, Christ has given us a special sacrament, namely, the Anointing of the Sick. It is meant to help the sick live through their illness with faith, sustained by the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately, the sacrament has become known as the Last Rites or Extreme Unction. As a result, many people are afraid of receiving it, thinking that it means they are going to die. However, as its name indicates, the Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament for the sick, not only for those who are dying. It is best received when the person is still conscious and alert and can receive the sacrament with faith and devotion. Therefore, we encourage anyone who has a serious illness, or who knows someone who is seriously ill, to ask for this sacrament. Please do not wait until someone is at the point of death to call a priest. If you or a loved one is facing a serious illness or a significant decline in health, contact the parish office (or the local parish) so that we can offer the sacraments and spiritual support when they are needed. Moreover, in danger of death the Church mandates in Canon Law that the sick should be receiving Holy Communion more frequently while danger lasts. The strength of the Body of Christ can help the person remain strong in faith and trust in God. The Eucharist is also food for the journey home to the Father. Prayer for the sick is also very important. We earnestly ask that if you ever become sick or are admitted to the hospital, please call the parish office and let us know. An important part of our ministry is to pray for all of you, which we do daily before the Blessed Sacrament. However, it is especially meaningful when we can pray for a specific intention and a particular person. Although our resources are limited, the parish also has some ways to help those who are sick. Along with prayer, caring for the sick is very important, not only medically but also emotionally. We have all been sick before, and we know how frustrating and lonely it can be. It is easy to become sad when we feel weak, isolated, or dependent on others. A phone call, a flower, or some other gesture of kindness can go a long way in caring for the sick. I am always impressed by how gentle nurses can be with their patients. They understand that the way they treat and interact with a patient is one of the most important elements of care. We should do the same with those we know who are sick. Caring for the sick is not always about ending or removing their pain. Sometimes, it is about giving them the strength and love they need to carry their cross and follow in the footsteps of Christ on Calvary. By dying with Christ, they can also hope to rise with Him, as St. Paul teaches us. Finally, I would like to offer you a challenge for this week: reach out to someone who is sick, whatever the illness may be, and try to make a simple gesture of love toward that person. It does not have to be anything extraordinary. Sometimes, a small act of kindness can make a tremendous difference. Additionally, we must remember the caregivers. At times, caring for someone who is sick can be very difficult, demanding, and even overwhelming. Let us pray for them as well, reassure them that what they do is important, and let them know that they are not alone. As for my wrist, it should take six to eight weeks to heal. Hopefully, I will not need surgery! Your prayers are always welcome, as it is very difficult to keep up with the rhythm of parish life with only one hand. God Bless, Fr. Steven

From Father Steven - October 11, 2026

By Father Steven Clemence • October 9, 2026
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Please see the letter below from our new Deacon Rich Kearns. Our parish is blessed to have Deacon Rich assigned to us. Please keep him and his family in your prayers. God Bless, Fr. Steven --------------------- Dear Brothers and sisters, my name is Deacon Richard (Rich) Kearns and just four weeks ago, on September 12, I had the great blessing of being ordained a permanent deacon by Archbishop Richard Henning at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston. I am deeply grateful that my first assignment is here at Immaculate Conception Parish. My wife Valerie and I have been part of this parish community since St. Ann’s closed in 2004. Over the years, we have been blessed to serve in many ways, including bringing Holy Communion to the homebound, sick, and those in assisted living and rehabilitation facilities. I grew up on Long Island, New York, and later moved to Arizona, where I met Valerie while we were both engineering students at Arizona State University. We have been married for 31 years and have three adult daughters. I spent more than 30 years working in the high-tech industry, primarily with Intel and later The MathWorks, before retiring in 2025. My journey toward the diaconate has been a long one. I first felt called to the diaconate while we were living in Arizona, but at that time our children were young and we were preparing to move to Massachusetts. I came to understand that the timing was not right. Many years later, during COVID, Valerie and I began bringing the Eucharist to people who could not come to Mass. Visiting them, listening to their stories, praying with them, and bringing them Communion renewed that call. The last five years of formation have been a tremendous blessing, and a tremendous challenge. I am grateful to the Lord for guiding me through the academics and discernment. But I have come to realize that formation is not primarily about gaining academic knowledge. It is about the formation of the heart. Through this journey, God has changed me in ways I could not have accomplished on my own. As part of my pastoral formation, I also spent three months ministering at Old Colony Correctional Center. I was deeply moved by seeing some of the men take steps toward Christ and grow in their faith. Those who came to the chapel were each at a different point in their journey. Some were just beginning to seek God, while others were growing deeper in their faith. It reminded me that we are not so different from one another. We all come to Mass from different places in our own journey toward Christ. Since my ordination, I have felt a new responsibility to bring the needs, concerns, and prayers of this community to God, to intercede for you. Not because I am anything special, but because I now hold the people I serve differently in my heart. I have already had the joy of serving at several Masses and preaching, and over the coming weeks I will be rotating through our different daily and Sunday Masses so that I can meet more of you. One of the ministries closest to my heart is visiting those who cannot come to church and bringing them Christ in the Eucharist. Valerie shares that passion with me, and we look forward to continuing that ministry together. I am truly grateful to be here. Please pray for me as I begin this new chapter of service, and know that I will be praying for you. Your brother in Christ, Deacon Rich