Our thriving Young Adult Community celebrated the start of another year with its annual kick-off event held Friday, October 5. Despite being forced inside due to cool weather, more than 100 young adults in their 20s and 30s, both veteran and new members to the community, came together to enjoy a traditional cookout and evening of fun.

Young Adults in attendance had the chance to learn about many of our regular Young Adult events, such as Tuesday night volleyball, service at the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels, and our monthly wine and cheese social after the 7:00 p.m. Mass. They were also introduced to some of our new programming for  the year, including praying the rosary before 7:00 p.m. Mass, attending Adoration together at the Parish every third Thursday of the month, and our new and improved versions of the YAC Happy Hour and Clement Companion Program.

The kick-off also provided Young Adults a chance to meet their leadership board for the year -- a group of 14 Young Adults who meet monthly to plan a variety of social, service, and spiritual events and initiatives for their peers. The Board also serves as ambassadors linking the Young Adult Community to the wider Parish community, and was on hand to promote the upcoming Strengths for the Journey program, in addition to getting a record number of young adults to register as members of the parish.

Parishioner Camille Vicino said, "The young adult cookout was so much fun and a great way to meet people. I feel much more connected to the Parish after attending." Anna Bax also commented, "I was so glad this event took place! It was really nice to connect with other young adults, and Saint Clement Parish, too. I am already looking forward to next year's kick-off!"    

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 Megan Carroll.

"Before graduate school, I worked as nanny for a family that had just moved from Lincoln Park. They always raved about Saint Clement and attended Anchor Ball annually. They were thrilled when Father Hickey was transferred to my home town parish, Our Lady of Perpetual Help. I eventually moved to the city myself. Not yet knowing the lay of the land, I had a hard time finding a church in my neighborhood. Eventually, I moved to a new apartment in Lincoln Park. In a surprising turn of events, I discovered that Saint Clement was in my backyard.

Shortly after moving into the neighborhood, I met a couple of special people and Saint Clement felt like home. Whenever someone would ask for volunteers I would just say yes. I felt drawn to Saint Clement and could not stay away. People always ask me how I am motivated to be involved in so much. For me the reason was easy. I find the things people ask me to do as a calling to serve God. I have the time to give and I have the ability to serve, so why not?  ParishPay has been a great option for me to allocate my monetary offering to the church. As a social worker, I am not always able to give the amount of money I would like. But, I strive to make up for that in service.

I am involved with several groups at Saint Clement. I am in my third year teaching second grade Religious Education. As I mentioned, I am a social worker with Hospice. I witness the strong faith that seniors have at the end of their lives. The second graders in Religious Education are always in awe when I tell them 95 year olds are still saying the Lord's Prayer. I am also an usher at 7:00 p.m. Mass and a volunteer at Our Lady of the Angels Mission. I am new to the Young Adult Board and Pastoral Council this year. It is an honor to be so involved at Saint Clement and look forward to more opportunities in the future."  

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

"We are God's work of art, created in Christ Jesus for the good works which God has already designated to make up our way of life"  

(Eph 2:10).

This fall, Saint Clement will again offer the opportunity for parishioners to participate in the Strengths for the Journey program. More than 250 parishioners participated in this common journey during Lent, and have overwhelmingly expressed their gratitude and enthusiasm. Strengths for the Journey was designed to enrich each parishioner's awareness and understanding of their unique God-given gifts and the unique gifts of others, enhancing our homes, work, community, parish, and spiritual lives.

Participants meet in small groups once a week for four weeks beginning either the week of November 4 or November 11. Click here for more information, or here to register. Questions? Please contact Erin Neal, Coordinator of Parish Engagement.