From Father Steven - November 17, 2024

Father Steven Clemence • November 15, 2024

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters, 

 

As we have been praying for the faithful departed and for the souls in Purgatory especially this month, I came across this article that I thought you would enjoy reading.

 

God Bless,

Fr. Steven

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As we journey through this season of grace, it is a fitting moment to reflect on a vital aspect of our Catholic faith—our duty and privilege to pray for the souls in Purgatory. In our fast-paced world, it is easy to overlook the reality of purgation and the immense mercy of God that extends even to those who have not yet attained the full perfection necessary to enter the glory of Heaven. Yet, the Church teaches us that these souls, though assured of eternal salvation, still require our prayers, acts of charity, and offerings of sacrifice.

 

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that "all who die in God's grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of God" (CCC 1030). This state of purification is what we refer to as Purgatory. It is not a place of punishment, but a merciful process by which the soul is made ready to behold the face of God.

 

Why We Pray for the Dead

As members of the Body of Christ, we are called to support one another, both the living and the dead, in our shared pilgrimage towards eternity. Our prayers for the souls in Purgatory are an act of love, charity, and solidarity with those who have gone before us. The Church has always taught that those who have departed this life in grace but still require purification can be helped by the prayers and sacrifices of the living. In the Book of Maccabees, we find the example of the faithful offering prayers for those who have died, so that they might be freed from their sins (2 Maccabees 12:46). This practice has been passed down through the centuries as a sign of our communion with the saints and the faithful departed.

 

We may sometimes forget that our prayers are not just for those we knew personally, but for all souls who are in need of God’s mercy. It is a beautiful expression of our faith that we can intercede for others, knowing that God hears our petitions, and His mercy is infinite.

 

How We Can Help the Souls in Purgatory

There are many ways we can offer our prayers for the souls in Purgatory. The most powerful prayer is the Holy Mass, for in the Eucharistic celebration, Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross is made present to us. By offering Mass for the dead, we unite ourselves to Christ's eternal offering, bringing grace and mercy to those who are in need of purification.

 

In addition to the Mass, we can pray the Rosary, especially the prayers for the dead—such as the “Eternal Rest” prayer. Offering indulgences, fasting, and performing acts of charity can also be of great benefit to the souls in Purgatory. As St. John Paul II often reminded us, our acts of love, no matter how small, have eternal consequences, especially when offered for the sake of others. Another way to support the souls in Purgatory is by participating in the tradition of “praying for the dead” during the month of November, particularly on All Souls' Day (November 2), when the Church specifically remembers and prays for all the faithful departed. This is a time for us to recall the reality of death and the importance of our intercession.

 

A Call to Compassionate Solidarity

As we approach the end of this liturgical year, let us remember the souls of those who have gone before us and entrust them to God’s mercy. Let us also examine our own lives and ask God to purify us from any attachments to sin or imperfection, so that when our time comes, we too may be ready to enter into the fullness of His glory. It is a gift and a responsibility to be able to pray for the dead, as it reflects our deep belief in the communion of saints and the mercy of God. In this life, we are bound together in prayer, and that bond does not end with death. The souls in Purgatory are still part of our family in Christ, and they need our help. Let us not neglect them, but offer them our prayers, especially in this holy season.

 



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