From Father Steven - February 23, 2025

Father Steven Clemence • February 21, 2025

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

 

This week’s readings urge us to love our neighbors. It is certainly not easy, but not impossible either. Let us reflect on what God is asking us and how we can do it.

 

The greatest and most important tenet of our faith, and the first commandment is to love God and Him alone. The other day someone came to my office asking how we can love God. There are many ways to love God, talking to Him, listening to what He has to tell us, and putting into practice what He revealed to us. Another way we have to love God is to love everything that he created and to love Him in other people. Sometimes we don’t see God in other people. We forget that every single person was created in His image and likeness. Therefore, God can be seen in each person. Surely if we look at a person’s actions, we might not see God. However, He is present in that person in one way or another. Then, it flows from there what Christ will tell us what the other commandment is, “love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mt22:39)

 

One important observation is that these are not merely laws or suggestions which we can follow or break. The Jews see the 10 commandments as the “words of Life.” That is, these are the words that give us (eternal) life. Sometimes we understand only the legality of the law. We don’t understand the spirit through which it was passed onto us. A father does not have to create a law for his children saying that it is wrong to stick the finger into a power outlet. He teaches his children that it will hurt them if they do that. God in his pedagogy with the people of Israel and by extension with ourselves, he also teaches us what to do and what to avoid. These teachings that are meant to help lead us to heaven are handed down to us through the optic of the legal/judiciary mentality of the Roman Law. It is no longer a matter of doing the will of God or following the path to holiness, but rather to follow the dictate of the law.

 

Returning to the original topic of our reflection, we can now read that through a different way. The love of the other person, it is no longer a matter of personal preference, but rather, it is a path to salvation. It is interesting to observe that Christ will say to “love” one another. He never said that we have to like other people. Then he adds on, love “as I have loved you.” (Jn 13:34). Here we qualify what kind of love we are to give, that is, the same that we have received. Then the moment that we understand that by loving each other is the path to salvation, why should we not do it? What could prevent us from loving the other? Of course, to love the people that love us is easy, and to love the ones that are good to us is also natural. However, what about loving the people that persecute, hurt, and despise us? Let us look at St. Stephen while he is being stoned, or St Paul as he writes to the persecuted Christian community of Rome “bless those who persecute you.” (12:14). There are so many other testimonies of countless Christians that showed love to their executioners. Then, again, why should we not follow their example? One may add that he does not have the graces or he is not a saint like them, which is a valid response. I insist on asking the same question, what prevents us from being like them? We were all created in the same image and likeness of God. We all received the same Holy Spirit. We all received the same blessings through the sacraments.

 

In this Jubilee year, God wants to give many special graces. These graces are all means to help us to go to heaven by putting into practice that which God has called us. That is why we will be doing many activities this year to help flourish the graces in us and reject sin and the disordered desire for worldly things. I would even dare to say that God allows difficult people in our lives as a way to help us, not the contrary. In the life of St. Therese of Lisieux, we learn how challenging her mother superior was and how providential she was to make her a saint. Then, starting in Lent, we invite you to come to adoration and take advantage of the sacrament of confession Monday, Wednesday, Friday in English, Tuesday in Spanish, Thursday in Portuguese (Monday to Friday 6-7pm). We are also preparing talks every week where everyone is welcome to attend.

 

God Bless,

Fr. Steven

 

From Father Steven - November 2, 2025

By Father Steven Clemence • October 31, 2025
Dear Brothers & Sisters, This weekend is a special one as we honor the Communion of Saints. We ask for the intercession of the Triumphant Church in heaven and pray for the Suffering Church in purgatory, especially as we celebrate All Souls’ Day. The Second Vatican Council teaches that the Church exists in three states: the Militant (or Pilgrim) Church on earth, the Triumphant Church in heaven, and the Suffering Church in purgatory. United in the Communion of Saints, the Triumphant Church intercedes for us, while we are called to pray and offer sacrifices for the souls in purgatory, helping them complete their purification and enter into the presence of God. Catholic theology teaches that when a person dies, he or she does not become a star or an angel, nor does the soul enter heaven immediately. Each person faces a particular judgment, which determines whether the soul goes to heaven or hell. Those who have loved God and their neighbor, dying in a state of grace—that is, remaining faithful to God until the end—are saved through Christ and destined for heaven. However, some souls must first undergo a period of purification before they can behold God face to face. I often explain it this way: when children play outside, they must wash their hands before sitting at the table. Sometimes the dirt requires extra scrubbing to be completely clean. I remember as a child my mother once used a brush so strong that it almost felt like my skin was coming off—it was painful. In a similar way, the souls in purgatory are cleansed from the remaining effects/consequences of sin. Some mystics describe this purification as a fire consuming their souls. This is why it is so important that we pray for the souls in purgatory and for our loved ones who have passed away. The greatest gift we can offer them is a plenary indulgence, which may be obtained each time we visit this parish, designated as a Jubilee Church. Another powerful act is to offer a Mass for their intention. The Sacrifice of Christ made present on the altar is the most effective prayer for the departed. You may contact the parish office to schedule a Mass intention. We ask for a $15 donation, allowing us to unite our prayer with a personal sacrifice—just as St. Joseph and the Blessed Virgin Mary offered two turtle doves at the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. We can also visit cemeteries and pray for the departed. In the United States, we honor the deceased on Memorial Day, but as Catholics, we especially remember the faithful departed on All Souls’ Day. Other ways to assist them include praying the Rosary, spending time in Eucharistic Adoration, and offering other devotional prayers for their intentions. We are also introducing the opportunity to honor the faithful departed (or the living) by offering liturgical memorials. Each weekend, the bread and wine, candles, and sanctuary lamp used in our liturgies may be offered for your chosen intention. A $50 donation is requested for each of these three memorials. Many parishes provide this beautiful opportunity, and we believe it will help strengthen our community’s prayer for the deceased. Additionally, we continue to keep the Book of Remembrance by St. Joseph’s Altar, where all submitted names will be remembered in prayer. However, nothing compares to the grace of offering a Mass or obtaining a plenary indulgence on their behalf. Some saints have said that when we help release a soul from purgatory, that soul will intercede for us before God for the rest of our lives. Let us, then, dear brothers and sisters, make it our mission to help as many souls as possible reach heaven. Each time we come to IC, let us take advantage of the plenary indulgence available during this Jubilee year. Remember, by going to confession, receiving Holy Communion, we may obtain one plenary indulgence per day for eight days as long as we and praying for the intentions of the Holy Father and visit the parish each day. In other words, with one confession and communion, you can receive multiple indulgences. As so many saints have interceded for us, let us now help the future saints—the souls in purgatory—on their journey to eternal joy. God Bless, Fr. Steven

From Father Steven - October 26, 2025

By Father Steven Clemence • October 24, 2025
Dear Brothers & Sisters, We all had superheroes as part of our childhood. They had incredible powers and wore striking costumes with their emblem and a cape. Yet, not all superheroes wear capes. Some wear uniforms, and others are ordinary people who often go unrecognized. I imagine each of us grew up with a favorite superhero—whether it was a cartoon, an action figure, or even a poster on our walls. Some were ordinary people who received extraordinary gifts, like Spider-Man, the Hulk, the X-Men, Captain America, or the Flash. Others were born with special powers, like Hercules, Superman, Thor, Aquaman, or Asterix. The difference between them and their archvillains is that they used their powers to serve others, never for themselves. Their mission often demanded great sacrifice—even the risk of their own lives. They understood their calling and never turned away from it. But there are also heroes without superpowers or capes. They are ordinary citizens who respond to the call to serve and protect—firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and other first responders. They leave behind their loved ones to help people in danger and need. These are the real superheroes. They don’t have superhuman strength; their power comes from their hearts. This weekend at IC, we commemorate and honor them through the celebration of Firefighter Sunday. These men and women often go unnoticed when out of uniform. On most days, they live ordinary lives—but when danger strikes, they are the ones who show up and save the day. They pull people from wrecked cars, walk into burning buildings, dive into freezing waters, and expose themselves to hazardous situations. They sacrifice Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays, graduations, and countless family moments to remain ready to serve. Having served as their chaplain, I am deeply impressed by how they work together. They depend on one another completely. Each person uses their unique skills to support the team and accomplish their mission. Even when they cannot save someone, they remain there for each other—to console, to lift up, and to keep going. No matter the hour, day or night, they are always there for one another—and for us. There is yet another group of heroes whose powers surpass all others. They wear no capes and drive no shiny trucks, but their courage, love, and faith make them extraordinary. Who could be braver than firefighters, stronger than the Hulk, or more courageous than Superman? The one who loves his neighbor more than himself. The one who is merciful, forgiving, and willing to give his life for another. These are the Saints—Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Maria Goretti, Maximilian Kolbe, and so many others. They did not act only when called upon or faced with danger; they lived their mission every day—quietly, humbly, and faithfully. They made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives daily in love. Their strength came from a source that never runs dry. Their “sidekick” was greater than themselves—they walked with God and triumphed in every battle. Though they lived in the past, their presence remains alive among us. Next Saturday, November 1st, as we celebrate All Saints’ Day , (this is not a holy day of obligation this year), we invite you to join us in honoring these holy heroes. We will have our regular 7:30 a.m. Mass, followed by a trilingual Mass at 9:30 a.m. We will also have the opportunity to venerate many relics. And of course, we cannot forget the Virgin Mary—the greatest superhero of all. Like every loving mother, she helps even before we ask. She anticipates our needs and arranges help for us. She was the saints’ secret weapon, guiding and protecting them throughout their lives. If we desire to become saints ourselves, answering God’s call as they did, we need her assistance—now and at the hour of our death. On Wednesday, November 5th , we will begin a 33-day Consecration to Jesus through Mary , using 33 Days to Morning Glory by Fr. Michael Gaitley. Though you can make the consecration privately, we invite you to journey with us. Just as firefighters rely on their team, we too need each other on this spiritual journey. As the old saying goes, it takes a village. God Bless,  Fr. Steven