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 - June 7, 2026

By Father Steven Clemence • June 5, 2026
Car Show, Trinity Sunday, and Corpus Christi Dear Brothers and Sisters, I hope that this title hasn’t confused your minds! How is it possible that we can put all these three things together? Very simply, those are our hidden treasures that once a year they are celebrated. Every year I have always walked down the street to the corner of Prospect and Main St. to take a peek at the cars. Last year however, after all the masses, I adventured to look at all the cars. It is amazing how cool and awesome it was. But it is also “sad” that we don’t get to see them that often riding on the streets. Some of the cars are true hidden gems that are probably guarded very safely somewhere away from the curious eyes. The same can be said about our Celebration of The Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi). Those are true gems that often are not seen/spoken about. This week we will be celebrating the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, also known as Corpus Christi. In the old days we celebrated it on Thursday after Trinity Sunday, but here in the States it has moved to Sunday. For almost 1000 years, the Church has always celebrated this day with a procession with the Blessed Sacrament through the streets around the churches. Even before the Reformation, the Church has always believed and affirmed that “By the consecration, the transubstantiation of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ is brought about. Under the consecrated species of bread and wine Christ himself, living and glorious, is present in a true, real, and substantial manner: His Body and His Blood, with His soul and His divinity” (CCC 1413 quoting the Council of Trent). Unfortunately, many people nowadays do not believe in the real presence of Christ on the Eucharist. In spite of many miracles around the world and even recently, where the consecrated host became the tissue of a human heart, and the consecrated wine became real human blood, people refuse to believe in it. Recent studies have shown that even a major number of Catholics (including practicing Catholics) do not believe that Jesus is really present in the Eucharist, but it’s a mere representation of him. St. Alphonsus Liguori writes in a great reflection book titled Visits to the Blessed Sacrament , “Loving souls can find no greater delight than to be in the company of those whom they love. If we, then, love Jesus Christ much, behold we are now in his presence…let us console ourselves in his company; let us rejoice in his glory and in the love in which so many enamored souls bear him in the Most Blessed Sacrament.” We are called first of all to be close to Jesus under the sacramental species, not only when he is present inside the tabernacle, but above all when he is exposed. We will have the special grace to do our own Eucharistic Procession here in the Parish. Some parishioners will be working from the early hours of Sunday creating a sawdust carpet with holy images on Prospect St., which will be closed on Sunday. After the trilingual Mass at 11am (rain or shine) all three communities will gather for a procession through downtown Marlboro. It will be our time to take our greatest gem out “from hiding” and show it to everyone!!!! Last year we had a great attendance, and I invite you to reach out to family and friends and invite them to celebrate this awesome event with us! Finally, as I mentioned before, mark on your calendars the National Eucharistic Procession that will pass through Boston as part of the 250 th of the birth of our Country. There will be events on June 26-28 in Plymouth, Freedom Trail and Lexington. God Bless, Fr. Steven

From Father Steven - May 31, 2026

By Father Steven Clemence • May 29, 2026
Dear Brothers and Sisters, This year our nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence. Many celebrations have been taking place throughout these past months and will continue in the months ahead. The Catholic Church is also organizing events to mark this important milestone. A National Eucharistic Pilgrimage began in St. Augustine, Florida, and will travel through several cities significant to the history of the United States. Boston will host three days of the National Pilgrimage. On Friday, June 26, there will be celebrations in Plymouth. On the following day, there will be a Eucharistic Procession along the Freedom Trail, beginning at Boston Common at 10:00 a.m., followed by Mass at 4:30 p.m. at the Cathedral. On the final day, there will be Mass, Adoration, and a procession in Lexington. We would like to organize a group from the parish to participate in some of these events. We will publish more information at a later date, but you may also find details online. Another important event will take place on Friday, June 12 . All the bishops of the United States have decided to dedicate our country to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Following their call and the encouragement of our Archbishop, we will also consecrate our parish and ourselves to the Sacred Heart. To prepare ourselves for this consecration, we will pray the Novena to the Sacred Heart in all three languages. We will pray the first day together on Wednesday, June 3 , after Benediction at 7:00 p.m. (The novena prayers will be available at the entrances of the church beginning this weekend.) We will conclude the novena and make the Act of Consecration on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Friday, June 12 , also at 7:00 p.m. It will be similar to the consecration to Mary that we made last December. Although many people have seen the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus—such as the statue to the left of the main altar—some may not be familiar with the devotion itself. In 1673, during a time when the world had grown cold and had forgotten the tenderness and mercy of Christ’s love, Jesus appeared to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque on the feast of St. John in Paray-le-Monial, France. He revealed to her His Heart burning with love for humanity. In these visions, Jesus asked her to spread devotion to His Sacred Heart and instructed her on how the devotion should be practiced. The devotion as we know it today is largely based on these revelations to St. Margaret Mary. Jesus’ profound love for us is demonstrated through His willingness to sacrifice His life for our sake. The love flowing from His Heart motivated all His actions—His inner life manifested in His virtues, compassion, and sacrifice. Yet this great love is often met with indifference and ingratitude, even among the faithful. The purpose of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is to focus our hearts on receiving and returning His love with gratitude—with all our heart, soul, and strength—so that He may be glorified. From a theological perspective, consecration is not considered magic, protection from all hardship, or a guarantee of prosperity. Rather, its purpose is surrender, transformation, and the alignment of our lives with Christ’s love by becoming more patient, forgiving, compassionate, and self-giving toward others. On a different note, NEXT SUNDAY we will celebrate our annual trilingual Corpus Christi Mass at 11:00 a.m. There will be no 9:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. Mass that day. We will gather outdoors in the parking lot—rain or shine—to celebrate the greatest gift: the true Body and Blood of Christ. After Mass, we will process with the Blessed Sacrament through downtown Marlborough, singing and praising God. This year the procession will coincide with the car show, so please plan ahead and arrive early to find parking. Hopefully, as in past years, we will have a large crowd. If there are volunteers who would like to help with the sawdust carpet, please arrive around sunrise. God Bless you all, Fr. Steven