From Father Steven - October 20 2024

Father Steven Clemence • October 18, 2024

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters, 

 

With the election right around the corner, this is a very important time right now for our country. As we are inundated with political ads  on our TVs, radios, cell phones, computers, it is easy to be confused. It is important as Catholics to know what we are voting for and ensure that our vote is consistent with our faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church exhorts that as Christians, we are co-responsibles for the common good. Therefore, there is a moral obligation to pay taxes, to exercise the right to vote and to defend one’s country.” (CCC 2240).

 

As your priest and pastor, I cannot endorse a candidate nor tell you what to do. However, it is my duty as your shepherd to instruct the flock entrusted to me by the Lord in matters of faith and morals. Therefore, I write this letter to help you discern which way to go in these elections. It is not only about the presidential candidates, but it also includes the ballot questions of Massachusetts. One of them, Question 4, deserves special attention (the Limited Legalization and Regulation of Certain Natural Psychedelic Substances.) Psychedelic drug research is showing signs of hope for those suffering from mental health conditions, however, Question 4 goes too far. If passed, Q4 would allow the use of 5 federally illegal psychedelic drugs (psilocybin, psilocyn, DMT, mescaline, and ibogaine) outside of the safeguards of the medical community, and Massachusetts would be the first state in the country to allow these 5 psychedelics to be grown at home, consumed without supervision, and freely shared with others. We’re not arguing against the medicinal benefits. It just needs to be done right. It needs to be done safely. And the way this is written doesn’t do that.

 

Last month I received a video produced by a Catholic Organization prior to the elections of another country. I believe that it helps us to see faith in the political arena. In short, it exhorts Catholics to be aware of what they are voting for and its consequences. Here is the translation of its transcript: 

 

“The suffering from religious persecution by socialists’ governments cannot help but awaken our conscience at this dramatic time in our elections! As priests, we cannot be complacent, for we know that the audacity of the wicked is due to the omission of the good. We cannot pray to God for religious freedom and then vote for candidates who support countries governed by socialists that today persecute over 360 million Christians. We cannot pray to God as Christians and vote against the Gospel. We cannot pray to God for life and then vote for candidates who support abortion. Abortion is not a public health issue; it is a crime, an attack on innocent lives. We cannot pray to God for the expansion of the Gospel and then vote for candidates who want to close churches and oppose evangelical values. We cannot pray to God for the family and then vote for candidates who support the breakdown of the family structure as we know and Christian morality. We cannot pray to God for our children and vote for those who want to impose gender ideology and sexual immorality on them! We cannot pray for God to protect young people from drugs and then vote for those who advocate drug legalization. We should not pray for freedom and democracy and then vote for those who desire censorship and control of the media… Your vote is worth a life, it is worth democracy, it is worth freedom. What future do you desire for your children and grandchildren? The decision is in your hands. May God bless our country, our state, and may the name of Jesus be exalted in our land.”

 

Issues vary from country to country, but our Catholic obligations are the same – vote based on our faith. In front of all of it, we need to ask ourselves, what do you think we, as Catholics, should do? Who should we vote for? I urge you to pray to the Lord and inquire exactly who says what. Do not go by what other people say. Investigate for yourselves. The future of our children, our Church and our nation is all in our hands. Let us pray about our voting choices and be responsible Catholics for our actions.

 

God Bless,

Fr. Steven

 

From Father Steven - June 28, 2026

By Father Steven Clemence • June 26, 2026
Dear Brothers and Sisters, I hope you are doing well in these beautiful summer days! Please see the letter below from Fr. Victor about his experience here at Immaculate Conception. God Bless, Fr. Steven ============================== It is hard to believe that 24 months have already passed since I arrived here in Marlborough. Transitioning from a small but active parish in the Virgin Island to this huge and multi-cultural community was a “big & holy” shock for me. Life on the island moved with a gentle rhythm, but not here in IC. What impressed me right on my first day was the daily exposition of the Blessed Sacrament , an hour before the Mass. That means people start to come around 6:30 in the morning. It is not just a handful of 5-10, but an average of 30-50 people gathered every single morning is incredible. Even at the height of winter, maybe a third, but they still come. Again, astonishing are the number of couples receiving the sacrament of Matrimony . I am so happy & delighted to witness many weddings every month in our church. When I first arrived, the sacrament of confessions was 3 days a week. But last year during the Jubilee, the frequency was increased to 6. The schedule was adjusted after Easter, it is daily except Fridays & Sundays. Where are those penitents coming from? Being a multicultural community, we have Masses in English, Portuguese and Spanish. It is a great joy to be working with Stephen Hanley in OCIA [Order of Christian Initiation for Adults]. Through this ministry, I am reminded that everyone has their own unique faith experience and conversion stories to tell. I am so privileged to be a part in preparing them for the reception into the Catholic Church as well as the Sacraments of Confession, Eucharist and Matrimony. Truly, the Holy Spirit moves . I bring Holy Communion to our homebound brothers and sisters and administer the anointing of the sick when requested or necessary. Being with the sick together with their families reminds me what it means to be a shepherd with his flock through every season of life. Periodically, I also celebrate the Mass at five nursing and assisted living homes. This ensures our beloved elderly, isolated and frail residents are provided spiritual nourishment, strength and healing. I am grateful for our pastor’s vision of deep understanding of our community’s needs particularly to our seniors. Thus, the “Friends in Faith” was formed. Very grateful, as it came with 4 ladies: Margaret, Christine, Nancy and Delma equipped with their kindness, generosity, knowledge and expertise we began to “navigate” our way. We meet every 2nd Tuesday of the month. Activities vary, from getting to know the saints to topics that will enrich our faith. But most important of all is that we are able to interact with one another, build friendships, find some sense of belonging and family , and time to pray with someone and for one another. So far, we had 2 field trips, like a “mini-pilgrimage.” Last September Stephen H. organized an enriching trip aimed at tracing the early beginning of the Catholic Church in Boston. We visited many historical places and ended at the Holy Cross Cathedral. This June, we went to St. Benedict Abbey at Still River in Harvard, MA. Their collection of relics of saints is something to behold. It was like being “ in heaven while on earth,” surrounded by hundreds of saints. On both occasions, we concluded with the celebration of the Mass as our expression of praise & thanksgiving to God. I am always excited to see our diverse community gather together for a big feast as the Solemnity of Corpus Christi , the Body of Christ. The colorful sawdust carpet by our talented parishioners in front of our church, is not only a labor of love but a testimony of creativity . It was simply awesome! Our tri-lingual Mass in English, Spanish & Portuguese, followed by the Eucharistic procession ended at the foot of Immaculate Conception Church. The procession spoke beautifully, yet boldly of our core belief that Jesus Christ is truly present in that “small piece of host” - body, blood, soul & divinity. Jesus has kept his promise, “I will always be with you.” This very act reminds me of our spiritual journey towards our true home with God. For all these immense gifts, I bless God. Likewise, no word is enough to express my gratitude to all of you, truly our God is amazing! God Bless, Fr. Victor

From Father Steven - June 21, 2026

By Father Steven Clemence • June 18, 2026
Dear Brothers and Sisters, I hope you are enjoying this beautiful start of summer! Please see the letter below from Gabriella Lindhurst, our Director of Music. Happy Father’s Day!! God Bless, Fr. Steven —————————————————————————————— My name is Gabriella Lindhurst, and I am the Music Director at Immaculate Conception Parish. As many of you know, I began serving in this role in January, and my experience here has been wonderful. Everyone has been incredibly welcoming, and I am grateful for the kindness and support I have received from parishioners, staff members, cantors, and volunteers. Over the past several months, I have enjoyed getting to know many members of our parish community, and I look forward to meeting many more in the months and years ahead. I am originally from Southborough, Massachusetts, and much of my love for sacred music grew out of my involvement in my home parish. As a child, I served as an altar server, learned to play the organ there, and eventually began accompanying Masses as an organist and serving as a cantor. Throughout my school years, I also sang in school and church choirs. Looking back, these experiences helped shape both my faith and my vocation as a church musician, and they continue to influence the way I approach music ministry today. Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. What began as a childhood interest gradually became a vocation and a ministry. Along the way, I pursued studies in music and sacred music at Assumption University and the University of Notre Dame, but some of my most meaningful lessons have come through serving the Church and helping others encounter God through prayer and music. That is what continues to inspire me in my work as Music Director today. If you regularly attend one of our English Masses, you have likely seen me at the organ or piano. One of the great joys of my position is helping to lead the congregation in song each week. I have enjoyed getting to know the different communities that make up our parish through the Masses, as well as through my work with the children who attended CCD this year. I am continually inspired by the voices of parishioners who join together in worship, and I believe that sacred music plays an important role in helping us pray and participate more fully in the liturgy. One of the things that has impressed me most about Immaculate Conception Parish is the strong sense of community that exists here. Whether through worship, faith formation, service, or fellowship, so many people generously share their gifts for the good of the parish. Music ministry is one of the many ways that people can become involved, build friendships, and deepen their faith while serving others. Over the past several months, I have become increasingly excited about the future of music ministry at our parish. One of my goals for this fall is to reestablish the Adult Choir. I have heard many wonderful things about the former choir, and I look forward to bringing this ministry back. Rehearsals will be held on Thursdays beginning at 6:00pm, and the choir will primarily sing at the Saturday 4:00pm Mass, as well as for special liturgies throughout the year. Our first rehearsal will be on Thursday, September 3rd. The Adult Choir is open to anyone who enjoys singing and would like to share their time and talent in service of the liturgy. If you have ever considered joining a choir, I warmly encourage you to come to a rehearsal and give it a try or reach out for more information. Choir membership is a wonderful opportunity to serve the parish, grow in friendship with fellow parishioners, and participate more deeply in the liturgy. I am also excited to begin a new Children’s Choir this fall that will be separate from CCD. All children ages 7 and up are welcome. Rehearsals will be held on Thursdays from 4:30pm–5:30pm, and the choir will sing once each month at the 11:00am Mass. Our first rehearsal will be on Thursday, September 10th. The Children’s Choir will help young people develop musical skills, build confidence, and learn about the important role music plays in our Catholic faith. Most importantly, it will give them another opportunity to become active participants in the life of the parish while sharing their gifts with our community. If you are interested or have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at gabriella5110@gmail.com, I would be happy to speak with you. As we prepare for the fall, I ask for your prayers for all of our music ministries. Please also consider whether God may be calling you, your children, or another member of your family to become involved. Whether as a choir member, cantor, instrumentalist, or simply as a member of the congregation singing with enthusiasm, every voice contributes to the prayer of our parish community. Thank you again for the warm welcome you have shown me over these past several months. I am grateful to be part of Immaculate Conception Parish, and I look forward to continuing to grow with all of you in faith, fellowship, and song.  God Bless, Gabriella