IN THIS ISSUE
Catechists Celebrated at Appreciation Dinner
Stories of Stewards
Opportunities to Pray.Serve.Give.
Did You Know?



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Catechists Celebrated at Appreciation Dinner

 

"The 2012 Confirmation class has been blessed by having Emily Curly and Colleen Day teach them from the time they were just learning how to make the Sign of the Cross until they were each confirmed. Emily and Colleen did a beautiful job of preparing our children for Confirmation, but they did so much more than teach them the Catechism of our Catholic Church.

Emily and Colleen walked with these kids as they traveled the path from childhood to 'tweenhood to true teenagers heading off to high school. Week after week, they set the tone and led the way and in the process, became like favored aunts to our children. And, I guess, that's the greatest impact one human being can have on another: to give the gift of oneself so faithfully, over and over, year after year that you become family to one another. God bless Emily and Colleen in every possible way on each and every day of their lives."

- Catherine D. Nardi (Parent) 

 

Saint Clement's Religious Education program relies on its many volunteers -- just like Emily and Colleen -- to teach our parish children in Pre-K through 8th grade. There are nearly 40 catechists who volunteer their time to our parish. We celebrated them and the conclusion of another successful year at an appreciation dinner on May 30.

 

Catechists -- volunteers who contribute hours and hours of tireless service to this ministry -- meet most Sundays during the school year with their class and spend time and energy preparing each week, a wonderful gift of time and talent. Catechists are asked to "Echo Faith," meaning to go beyond just teaching doctrine, but to also help the children by setting an example and showing why our faith is so important to us.

Mary DuQuaine, Director of Catechesis, and Erin Neal, Catechesis Program Assistant

  

Oftentimes, we say faith is "caught, not taught." At Saint Clement the goal is to do both, to model our love for our faith and teach the meaning that is present in the richness of our Catholic tradition. The catechetical program at Saint Clement also offers many opportunities to foster parent engagement and strengthen faith in the family in everyday life.  

 

If you are interested in volunteering in the Religious Education program, please contact Mary DuQuaine.

Stories of Stewards  

 

As part of our ongoing engagement process, we have come to realize the importance of parishioners sharing their personal stories of how they have connected with Saint Clement as an important factor in their lives. As a feature twice a month, we share the stories and reflections of our engaged parishioners who are living a stewardship life of prayer, service, and giving. This week we hear from Helen Wargel.

 

HelenWargel"Life is a journey and so has been my life at Saint Clement. My journey at Saint Clement began more than 20 years ago when I moved to Lincoln Park and found the parish listed in the phone book. For about five years I merely attended Mass, recognizing familiar faces in the pews, but rarely engaging in parish events. Eventually, I stumbled upon my first connection when attending Theology on Tap. Then I received my first invitation to participate and became a member of the Young Adult steering committee. That invite worked because I'm still here, and I enjoy remaining involved!

 

Since then my engagement has grown in all areas of pray, serve, and give. One of my favorites is to serve as Eucharistic minister during Mass; it's a wonderful ministry to participate in, allowing me to connect in a small way with so many people. Over time, I've become more aware of the need to pledge my support each year through the Sunday Giving Commitment program so that we can continue to have the wonderful liturgies and programs that I enjoy. We must each be a good steward of what we have here at Saint Clement -- it reminds me of the song "We are many parts, we are all one body. And the gifts we have we are given to share..." In our parish, it really does take all of the parts.

 

I'm so happy that my journey brought me to Saint Clement and blessed my life with my fellow parishioners here. My community here has uplifted me in times of need, joined me in celebrations, and helped me along this journey. I look forward to continuing my journey with you. May each of you grow and recognize your blessings along your journey."  

 
Opportunities to Pray.Serve.Give. 

 

For more information on upcoming events, including our regular, weekly opportunities, please view the parish's master calendar.            

 

Saturday-Sunday, June 23-24: Monthly Food Drive at all Masses to support local food pantries; items needed include non-perishable items and hygiene products.

 

Sunday, June 24 @ 9:30 a.m. & 11:15 a.m. Masses: Bike to Mass Day, secured bike parking area, biking and environmental tips, refreshments and raffle, brought to you by the Environmental Committee.    

 

Monday, June 25 @ 1:15 p.m.: Afternoon Book Club discusses In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson (Fahey Center I); contact Rick Jones 

 

Wednesday, July 4: The Church and School campus will be closed in honor of Independence Day. Daily Mass will be held at 9:00 a.m. in the Church.

 

Sunday, July 8 @ 8:00 p.m.: YAC (Young Adult Community) Wine & Cheese (Chapel)

 

Monday, July 9 @ 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.: Marriage Information Night (Church). Pre-registration required; contact Gael Day

 

Tuesdays, July 10, 17, 24, 31 @ 7:00 p.m.: Theology on Tap, a 4-week outdoor speaker and conversation series for young adults in their 20s and 30s, married or single (held on the Plaza). Click here for details.  

Did You Know?

Welcome our Summer Seminarian,  

Radley Alcantara

 

My name is Radley Alcantara and I am in formation to be a priest in the Archdiocese of Chicago. I am new to Saint Clement and am looking forward to spending time in various parish ministries this summer. I will be helping out with the Ministry of Care program at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Theology on Tap, and a number of liturgical ministries over the next few months.   

 

I was born and raised in Portage, Indiana, and came to Chicago after graduating from Indiana University with a B.S. in Finance - Real Estate. It was during my time working in the Loop, in Commercial Real Estate banking, that I made the decision to enter seminary. I just finished my first year of studies at Mundelein Seminary and hope to be ordained in 2017!

 

This summer, I hope to learn more about the community here at Saint Clement, the great city of Chicago, and the Archdiocese. Thankfully, I have already had a warm welcome and had the opportunity to meet several parishioners through our trip to 22 de Abril in El Salvador. I am looking forward to a fun and exciting summer with all of you. So, if you see me around, please don't hesitate to introduce yourselves, as I am eager to get to know you! 

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): John Zich, www.zrweddings.com