Pastoral Letter Blog

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

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

Dear Brothers & Sisters, Imagine a world where billions of people have never heard the name of Jesus. Picture villages where people walk miles to attend Mass because there is no church nearby. Envision communities where faith is alive yet fragile—tested by poverty, isolation, or persecution. And imagine churches filled to capacity every Sunday, even when those attending know they are targets of terrorists simply because of their faith. These are places where preaching the Gospel and bearing witness to its truth is no easy task—where believers are mocked, opposed, despised, or, at best, merely tolerated and pitied. Yet, for that very reason, these are precisely the places where our missionary outreach is most desperately needed. The absence of faith is often tragically accompanied by a loss of life’s meaning, a neglect of mercy, grievous violations of human dignity, the disintegration of families, and countless other wounds afflicting our society. Celebrated each year on the second-to-last Sunday of October, World Mission Sunday is the day when Catholics around the world unite to support the missionary work of the Church. Established by Pope Pius XI in 1926, it remains the only annual global collection that directly supports the 1,124 mission territories where the Church is young, struggling, or persecuted. On this day, every parish, in every diocese, in every country, joins in prayer and generosity to ensure that missionaries can continue their vital work—building churches, forming priests, supporting catechists, and serving communities in need. Pope Francis—before his passing—left us a powerful theme that resonates profoundly in this Jubilee Year: “Missionaries of Hope Among All Peoples.” In his message, the Holy Father reminds us that hope lies at the very heart of the Christian mission, calling every baptized person to become a “messenger and builder of hope” in a world so often overshadowed by uncertainty and despair.  Today, there are many places where the Christian faith is regarded as absurd—something for the weak or the naïve. In such settings, other securities are prized: technology, money, success, power, or pleasure. But who will announce God’s love to them if not us? Christ Himself has chosen and commissioned us to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that He has commanded” (Mt. 28:19–20). Let us not be afraid to live our faith boldly. This does not mean parading it about like a political banner—no need to wield your rosary like a sword at the grocery store—but it does mean standing firm for what we know to be true: the sanctity of life, from conception to natural death, and the enduring dignity of every human person. As Jesus prayed before the great events of His life, let us also begin with prayer—both personal and communal. This Wednesday, we will have an opportunity to come together from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for adoration, praying for peace in our world. From there, let us become missionaries of love and hope first in our own homes and among those nearest to us. And finally, let us set the world ablaze with the fire of God’s love—through our words, our deeds, and perhaps even a smile that makes others wonder what divine secret we’re keeping—just as St. Ignatius inspired Francis Xavier on his journey to the Far East. God Bless, Fr. Steven

Dear Brothers & Sisters, I write to you this week to share a powerful and life-changing devotion that has brought countless blessings to individuals, families, and entire communities throughout the centuries—the Consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary . This spiritual practice is more than a simple act of piety; it is a profound commitment to grow closer to Jesus through His Mother, Mary. Why consecrate ourselves to Mary? As Catholics, we believe that Mary plays a unique role in the plan of salvation. She is not only the Mother of Jesus but also our spiritual Mother, given to us by Christ Himself as He hung on the Cross (John 19:26–27). Just as she nurtured and guided Jesus in His earthly life, she desires to nurture us in our spiritual lives, always pointing us to her Son. When we consecrate ourselves to Mary, we are not worshiping her—we are entrusting ourselves to her motherly care and guidance, allowing her to form us into better disciples of Christ. As St. Louis de Montfort, one of the foremost promoters of Marian consecration, beautifully put it: “To Jesus through Mary.” He taught that by giving ourselves entirely to Mary, she gives us entirely to Jesus, in the most perfect and pleasing way. This consecration is a voluntary act of love. It is a renewal of our baptismal promises, made with Mary as our model and advocate. Many saints and popes, including St. John Paul II, who took “Totus Tuus” ("Totally Yours") as his papal motto, have emphasized the transforming grace that comes from Marian consecration. St. Maximilian Kolbe called it “the quickest, easiest, surest and most perfect way to become a saint.” Practically speaking, consecration involves a period of preparation—traditionally 33 days—during which we reflect on Scripture, Marian devotion, and the call to holiness. Various methods exist. One of the most famous is by St. Louis de Montfort. Here in the parish we will use Fr. Michael Gaitley’s 33 Days to Morning Glory which is spiritually enriching and accessible. There is a book which we will encourage people to purchase that will guide us through this process. If someone has any difficulty in acquiring this book, please contact the parish office. I encourage every member of our parish family, whether young or old, to prayerfully consider making this consecration. Whether you are seeking a deeper relationship with Jesus, struggling in your spiritual life, or simply looking for a way to grow in faith, turning to Mary is a sure path. She is a gentle, powerful intercessor who will never lead us astray. One could do this consecration by oneself. However, we are planning to begin a parish-wide preparation for Marian Consecration next month, starting on Wednesday November 5 th . All three communities will do this consecration together. It will conclude with an Act of Consecration during the Trilingual Mass on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Dec 8 th . Additionally, Bishop Reed has also invited us to serve as one of the host churches for a special “Day of Prayer for Harmony in Our Nation and Peace in the World.” On Wednesday, October 22, from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Immaculate Conception will be open for Eucharistic Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. What a blessing it is to welcome such a day of prayer! In a time marked by deep division in our nation and turmoil across the world, we are called to bring everything before Jesus, the Prince of Peace. As we sit in silence before the Eucharist, we are reminded that true harmony and reconciliation are possible—not through our efforts alone, but through Christ, who tears down walls of division and unites us, when we open our hearts to Him. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed on the altar throughout the day, concluding with Benediction at 7:00 PM in the Upper Church. Morning Mass will be held as usual in the Lower Church. In order to support this day of Adoration, we ask that at least two adorers be present for each hour while the Eucharist is exposed. I encourage parishioners to consider committing to one hour of prayer during this sacred time. To help coordinate coverage of 2–3 people per hour, an online sign-up is available through our website via Signup Genius, or you may call the parish office directly. While all are welcome to come and pray at any time, we rely on scheduled commitments to ensure continuous presence before the Blessed Sacrament throughout the day. God Bless, Fr. Steven

Dear Brothers & Sisters, From time to time, it is good to pause and reflect on all that God is doing in our lives. This is what I would like us to do together this weekend. In our personal lives, God pours out countless graces upon us each day—some we recognize, others we may overlook. But when we take a moment to reflect, we can clearly see His hand guiding and sustaining us in so many ways. Looking back on our past, how many blessings has He given us? How many gifts have we received from Him? The same is true in our parish. Before the summer break, our Director of Faith Formation, Cecilia Melo, presented me with a report of all the activities that took place this past year. It was truly moving to see the abundance of retreats, pilgrimages, and sacraments celebrated in our community. Cecilia highlighted the growth in Mass attendance and in the number of children enrolled in CCD. Last year alone, we welcomed 441 students into our program, along with 39 adults in the OCIA (formerly RCIA). Throughout the year, about 10 retreats were offered for children, youth, and adults. In addition, we launched two new ministries: the Friends of Faith group and the Bereavement Ministry . Since January, we have also received the immense grace of being named a Jubilee Parish. This has allowed us to expand opportunities for confession and adoration. Now, confessions are offered almost daily (except Sunday), and adoration is available both mornings and evenings. Each week, Jubilee talks are held in our parish communities, drawing an average of 50 participants per night. If you have not yet attended, I encourage you to join us. Upcoming topics include “Consecrated Hope” by Sister Bernadette (10/8) and “Walking through Loss with Hope” presented by members of our Bereavement Group (10/15). As part of our Jubilee celebrations, we have also hosted major events such as 24-hour Adoration, a Mass with Bishop Reed, a Mass at the Cathedral followed by a Blessed Sacrament procession through the streets of Boston, two Ordinations, Catholic Fest, the Corpus Christi Procession, and more. These are just a glimpse of the many graces God has poured into our parish life. Behind each event are beautiful stories that cannot be measured, and more blessings are still to come. Of course, with so many wonderful things happening, a few inconveniences may arise—such as crowded parking, long lines for confession, or limited meeting spaces. But aren’t these good problems to have? Another challenge is that at times it may seem the priests are not available. In truth, that is usually because we are ministering to those most in need. Still, we are here for you, and most of the time we are available. Please never hesitate to reach out. I do ask one special favor: if you or a loved one becomes sick, hospitalized, or faces difficulties, please let us know. We already pray for all of you daily, but knowing your needs allows us to pray more specifically and serve you more directly as your priests. There is so much good happening in our parish and in our lives. Let us not get discouraged by small inconveniences or daily irritations. Instead, let us keep our eyes fixed on heaven. As our newest Saint, Pier Giorgio Frassati, used to say: “Verso l’alto—towards heaven!” God is good, all the time. Let us never forget that! God Bless, Fr. Steven

Dear Brothers & Sisters, Believe it or not, it’s almost October already! We see the leaves changing colors, apple-picking season beginning, and pumpkins already appearing. We also know that October is the month of the Rosary (and of Pro-Life as well). The feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, on October 7th, is one of the most important celebrations we have in October. Since the Rosary is so central for us Catholics, this day is very special. This week, Pope Leo XIV has asked all Catholics to pray the Rosary daily during the month of October for peace. “I invite everyone, each day of the coming month, to pray the Rosary for peace—personally, in the family, and in community,” he said. Here in the parish, we will have a day of prayer for harmony in our nation and peace in the world on Wednesday, October 22nd 7:00am—7:00pm in the Upper Church. We will have a period of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and conclude with praying the rosary together. In the midst of so much senseless violence here and abroad, we must turn to Christ. During His time, Israel was occupied by the Romans. There was much tension, conflict, and animosity. In the midst of all that, Jesus told his disciples, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Mt 5:44). He did not command us to take up arms or to respond to violence with more violence. Love is the only response to evil. In WWII, and throughout history, we saw testimonies of thousands of martyrs who chose love over their own lives. Only love can change the heart of man. Much can be said and argued in the polarized world we live in, and in the face of so many inequalities. If God makes the sun rise over the good and the wicked, and the rain fall on the just and the unjust, why should we not do the same? If we are children of God, we are called to be like our Father (Mt 5:45). This is His will: to love one another as He has loved us (Jn 13:14). October is also the month of Pro-Life. As I write every year, to be Pro-Life does not mean to care only for babies. It is not merely an anti-abortion movement either. As the term itself says, Pro-Life means to be in favor of LIFE. It does not matter when or who…life is life. There is a phrase we often use: “from conception to natural death.” It means that we are all called to care for each other from the time we are conceived until the Lord calls us to His Kingdom. Yes, it includes fetuses, babies, children, teenagers, young adults, adults, and the elderly, from all financial, racial, and cultural backgrounds. In short, we are called to LOVE ONE ANOTHER PERIOD! There are no but’s or if’s. The call to love does not mean that we have to like others or even agree with their positions. Love means love. And in case someone still wonders about the true meaning of love, just look at a crucifix, or reflect on everything God has done for us.  This month, we will have a bassinet at the entrance of the church to support Birthright. This non-profit group offers love, friendship, and support to women who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant. Birthright is interdenominational and is not involved in any political activities or lobbying. Its focus is on loving the mother, reminding her that there is hope, and ensuring she is not alone. They provide information about pregnancy, childbirth, adoption, community programs, and childcare. They also offer referrals for public assistance, medical support, financial resources, housing, legal aid, and social services. Finally, they provide free pregnancy tests and maternity and baby items. The bassinet will be there if anyone would like to donate diapers, baby items, most needed items include “onesies”, sleep and play outfits (size 0-9 months) snowsuits, jackets, sweaters, receiving blankets, diaper bags and crib sheets. Birthright is located across the street in the Victoria building. You can also visit their website to learn more about their mission. Many of their volunteers are our parishioners, and they make a huge difference in people’s lives. As Saint Mother Teresa says, “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” So let us love greatly…and pray the Rosary so that more people may know this love! God Bless, Fr. Steven

Dear Brothers & Sisters, Please see the letter below from Stacey Militello from Saint Vincent de Paul. They are doing so much to help those in need in our area. Please support their Friends of the Poor Walk next Saturday. If you can’t join the walk, please consider donating to them. Every donation is very much appreciated. God Bless, Fr. Steven

Dear Brothers and Sisters, Saint Augustine defines sacraments as visible signs of an invisible reality. We have all heard about the sacraments and we know them, but we do not always fully understand what they mean. This week, I would like to reflect with you a bit more on the sacraments. God has chosen specific ways to share His divine nature with us. There are concrete actions which, when carried out with the right intention and proper form, bring about special graces for the recipient. The Catechism of the Catholic Church summarizes the definition of a sacrament as “efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us. The visible rites by which the sacraments are celebrated signify and make present the graces proper to each sacrament. They bear fruit in those who receive them with the required dispositions” (1131). That is a lot to take in, but each term is important. Let us begin with “efficacious.” It means that each sacrament has an effect on the recipient. We may not feel the effects immediately, but they are always there. Perhaps you have heard someone say they walked out of Mass the same way they came in. That is impossible! Even if we do not see or feel them, special graces are at work in our souls. Each sacrament imparts different graces. The seven sacraments were instituted by Jesus and entrusted to the care of the Church. No one has the power to change or modify them, not even the Pope; they are Christ’s gift to us. The sacraments are regulated by the Church in terms of who may minister them, how, and where they are celebrated. Their effectiveness does not depend on the personal holiness of the minister, but on the action itself and the openness of the recipient. As the Church teaches: the grace of the sacrament works by the action performed, not by the performer. This means our openness to sacramental grace is essential for the sacrament to bear fruit. If we close ourselves off, God respects our freedom. That is our greatest danger—that we can reject God’s grace. For example, when a couple chooses not to marry in the Church, they ultimately refuse the graces God desires to give them. Similarly, when someone sins and refuses to go to confession, God cannot forgive them, because they have chosen to remain apart from the sacrament of reconciliation. I do not intend to enter deeply into sacramental theology here, but I want to share these key ideas with you. This is also the time when our parish begins sacramental preparation. Whether a person is a child, a youth, or an adult, everyone can receive the sacraments with the proper preparation and instruction. Recently, our Archdiocese made a change regarding the Sacrament of Confirmation for teenagers: it is now offered in 7th grade. For younger children, we provide a two-year program for sacramental preparation. Our goal is not simply to “sacramentalize,” but to truly catechize—to form them in faith. The sacraments are the way to salvation. They make present here on earth the invisible reality of heaven that God longs to share with us. Therefore, if you or someone you know has not yet received one or more of the sacraments—Baptism, Eucharist (Communion), Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders, Reconciliation (Confession), or, for those in danger of death, Anointing of the Sick—this is the time to consider it. If someone is not Catholic but wishes to receive the sacraments—that is, to become Catholic—we also form a group each year for the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (formerly known as RCIA). Please see the religious education section of the bulletin for more information. Catechetical instruction is a volunteer based initiative. We are always in need of volunteers to help us. If you feel called to help in this important ministry, please call the office and let us know. Finally, we are resuming our Jubilee Talks after the summer break. They are offered every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m., following Adoration. Let us take advantage of the opportunities God places before us, and let us not refuse the graces that prepare us for heaven. God Bless, Fr. Steven

Dear Brothers and Sisters, Next Monday, 9/15, the Church will celebrate the memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows. In this jubilee year, we are called to console the sorrowing. The intention of our 7:30 a.m. daily Mass that day will be for all who are in need of consolation. Loss is never easy. If a dollar slips from our pocket, we feel upset—more so if it is $20 or $100. When what we lose carries emotional value, the pain is even deeper, because it cannot be replaced. Those are only objects, yet they can cause sadness. How much more difficult it is to lose a loved one. Even when illness makes death seem inevitable, it remains painful. Sudden loss is harder still. Moments of grief can weigh heavily, like a storm cloud blocking the sun. Mary, the Mother of Jesus, shared a profound bond between her Immaculate Heart and the Sacred Heart of her Son. She shared His joys, but also His deepest sorrows as she witnessed His suffering. I once read an exhortation on the EWTN website that said: “If you are enduring intense sorrow, flee to our Blessed Mother. Take refuge in her Immaculate Heart, and implore her maternal consolation and guidance. For she who endured unspeakable grief will never fail you as your spiritual mother. As St. Louis de Montfort said: If you put all the love of all the mothers into one heart, it would not equal the love of Mary’s Heart for her children.” Here in our parish, we will begin a bereavement ministry on October 14. Meetings will take place Tuesday evenings (time to be announced) in the lower church. Using a Scripture-based program, we will encounter the healing power of God’s Word. We invite you—or someone you know who is grieving—to come and be consoled by the Lord. Humanity has reached the moon, explored the depths of the sea, and advanced technology beyond imagination. Yet we still have no human answer to death. Only Christ holds that answer. We must listen to Him, encounter the Risen Lord, and discover that death is not the end. I also recommend My Son Carlo by Antonia Salzano Acutis, the mother of Saint Carlo Acutis. She testifies to the power of Christ and how He sustained her through the sudden loss of her son. I have only read the first chapter, and it is already inspiring. Whatever pain of loss you carry, God desires to console your heart and strengthen you to endure the storm. We never fully “get over” a loss, but we learn to live with it. Yes, it is hard, but not impossible. Please join us for the special Mass on Monday, 9/15, for all who need consolation. And remember, you are welcome to speak with one of the priests if you would like to share more about your loss. God Bless, Fr. Steven