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+ 20 C M B 12 +
Welcome New Parishioners!
Opportunities to Pray.Serve.Give.
Did You Know?
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+ 20 C M B 12 +

 

Sunday marked the Solemnity of the Epiphany, which is the revelation of God the Son as a human being in Jesus Christ. Western Christians commemorate the visitation of the Biblical Magi (or Wise Men, or Three Kings) to the Baby Jesus, and thus Jesus' physical manifestation to the Gentiles.

ChalkingTheDoorKitThanks to Clement Moms, Saint Clement families were able to participate in the tradition of "chalking the door" -- a way to celebrate and literally "mark" the occasion of the Epiphany of the Lord. Chalking kits were handed out after the Chapel Mass, including an instruction sheet and piece of chalk.

A family holds a short service of prayer to ask God's blessing on their dwelling and on all who live, work with and visit them. In this way, we invite Jesus to be a guest in our home, a listener to each conversation, a guide for troubled times, and a blessing in times of thanksgiving. Family members then take turns chalking the home. Chalking can also be done at the entrance of an apartment, dorm room, or even a hospital room.

ChalkedEntrywaySo, what is "+ 20 C M B 12 +"? The letters represent the initials of the three wise men, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, and can also be interpreted to mean Christus Mansionem Benedicat, or "May Christ Bless This House." The numbers represent the year, 2012.

Plan to celebrate next year by chalking your door on or before the Epiphany, traditionally the 12th day after Christmas, but celebrated on the Sunday between January 2 and 8.

Welcome New Parishioners!
 

Parishioners new to Saint Clement were welcomed warmly Sunday after the 9:30 a.m. Mass with a New Parishioner Reception. All enjoyed coffee and pastries in the Fahey Center, thanks to the Welcome & Hospitality Committee.

 

During the reception, the 30 in attendance had an opportunity to meet parish staff and Welcome & Hospitality members, and learn more about the parish and ways to get involved. Fr. Ken Simpson spoke about the parish's commitment to Pray, Serve & Give, and some of the various ways one can do so through Saint Clement. 

 

Parishioners were also encouraged to attend some upcoming events such as the Catholicism series, Strengths for the Journey groups, the Young Adult Winter Retreat, and Prayer Day, among others. It was a wonderful morning of fellowship and welcoming! Thank you to all new parishioners who graced us with your presence.

 

The annual New Parishioner Welcome Dinner will be held at 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 17 in Fireside Hall.  All those who registered in the parish within the past year will receive an invitation in the coming weeks. Parish staff and representatives from the various ministries and committees at Saint Clement will be in attendance. We hope you can join us!

Opportunities to Pray.Serve.Give.

  

For more information on upcoming events, please view the latest bulletin.

 

Saturday, January 14 @ 9:30 a.m.: Centering Prayer (Chapel)

 

Monday, January 16 @ 1:15 - 3:00 p.m.: Afternoon Book Club discusses The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga (Fahey Center I)

 

Monday, January 16 @ 7:00 p.m.: Human Concerns Commission Meeting (Chapel)

 

Tuesday, January 17 @ 6:30 a.m.: Saint Clement Men's Communio (Chapel)

 

Tuesday, January 17 @ 9:30 a.m.: Focus on Sunday Scripture (Fahey Center I)

 

Tuesday, January 17 @ 7:00 p.m.: Reconciliation Service for Religious Ed Families (Church)

 

Tuesday, January 17 @ 7:15 p.m.: Young Adult Volleyball (School Gym); contact Brian Slosson 

 

Thursday, January 19 @ 8:15 a.m.: A Mother's Rosary (Chapel)

 

Thursday, January 19 @ 2:00 - 8:00 p.m.: Eucharistic Adoration; Rosary at 6:00 p.m.; Benediction at 7:30 p.m. (Church)

 

Friday, January 20 @ 7:00 p.m.: Newberry Consort Concert; Lecture by co-director Ellen Hargis at 7:00 (Chapel), concert begins at 8:00 (Church); additional information and tickets are available here 

 

Saturday, January 21 @ 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.: Ministry of Care Training Session 1 of 2 (Centennial Hall); both sessions are required and session 2 will be at Holy Name Cathedral on January 28; cost for both is $35; please contact Fr. Manny Dorantes; more information available here 

 

Saturday, January 21 @ 9:30 a.m.: Centering Prayer (Chapel)

 

Tuesday, January 24 @ 6:30 a.m.: Saint Clement Men's Communio (Chapel)

 

Tuesday, January 24 @ 9:30 a.m.: Focus on Sunday Scripture (Fahey Center I)

 

Tuesday, January 24 @ 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.: Catholicism -- viewing of Episode 1, Part 1: Amazed and Afraid -- The Revelation of God Become Man; Fireside Hall; contact Christina Bax or RSVP here 

 

Tuesday, January 24 @ 7:15 p.m.: Young Adult Volleyball (School Gym); contact Brian Slosson 

 

Thursday, January 26 @ 8:15 a.m.: A Mother's Rosary (Chapel)

 

Thursday, January 26 @ 2:00 - 8:00 p.m.: Eucharistic Adoration; Rosary at 6:00 p.m.; Benediction at 7:30 p.m. (Church)

 

Saturday, January 28 @ 9:30 a.m.: Centering Prayer (Chapel)

 

Saturday, January 28 @ 1:00 - 6:00 p.m.: Midwinter Retreat for Couples, including Mass (Centennial Hall); details available here or contact Steve & Nicole VanderVoort

 

Sunday, January 29 @ 12:15 p.m.: Art & Architecture Tour (Church); meet at the front of the church  

 

Sunday, January 29 @ 5:00 p.m.: God Squad (Youth Group) Meeting (Fahey Center I)

 

Did You Know?
 

Catholicism: Journey around the World and Deep into the Faith

 

CatholicismCatholics around the nation have been drawn to the TV and DVD series Catholicism, a rich media experience that seeks to explore, through a global journey, the living culture of the Catholic Church. With creator and host Father Robert Barron -- a priest from our own Archdiocese of Chicago -- viewers will learn what Catholics believe and why, while being immersed in the art, architecture, literature, beliefs, and practices of the Catholic tradition.

 

Saint Clement will be offering the opportunity to view this series together over the coming year, while engaging this material through lively discussion and reflection on its application to our lives of faith. Join us for all 10 episodes or come when you can. All sessions will be hosted in Fireside Hall, located in the basement of Saint Clement School, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. To ensure your official Catholicism study guide, please register online or at the parish office one week prior to the session(s) you plan to attend. Drop-ins are always welcome, but materials will not be guaranteed. A one-time suggested donation of $20 will be appreciated to help us defray the costs of this highly-acclaimed study program.

 

Questions? Contact Christina Bax or visit our website for further information.

 

Upcoming dates and topics:

 

January 24: Catholicism Kick-off -Viewing of Episode 1, Part 1: Amazed and Afraid - The Revelation of God Become Man

 

February 7: Episode 1 (Part 2): Amazed and Afraid -The Revelation of God Become Man

 

March 6: Episode 2: Happy Are We - The Teachings of Jesus

 

April 10: Episode 3: The Ineffable Mystery of God - That Than Which Nothing Greater Can be Thought

 

May 8: Episode 4: Our Tainted Nature's Solitary Boast - Mary, Mother of God

 

June 5: Episode 5: The Indispensable Men - Peter, Paul and the Missionary Adventure

Submit Your Ideas
 
We hope you have enjoyed this week's issue of The Plaza. If you know of a parishioner living their life as a steward or a topic that would interest other parishioners, please submit your idea here.
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Photo credits: Top bar (left-right): (1) John Zich, www.zrweddings.com; (2, 3): Amy Boyle, www.amyboylephotography.com.