Kathy Eslinger

"Saint Clement holds a very special place for me. I came here in 1985 after three years of teaching at St. Rita Catholic School on the east side of Milwaukee. The principal at the time, Dawn Murphy, had started working here with my very good Marquette friend, Ann Reiser. She asked me to interview for a new position. I grew up in La Grange, so this was like coming home! I started working in a classroom of 32 very active first graders. It lasted for many years and now I love having 24 students in our "corner office" overlooking beautiful Saint Clement Church. I have the great pleasure of sharing my classroom with Miss Kasey Chertack. She and I have co-taught for seven years. It is an adventure each and every day. She has brought such joy and passion to my teaching here at Saint Clement School.  

My family has grown up here at Saint Clement Parish. My husband, Michael, and I, have two daughters who were baptized at Saint Clement Church, attended Saint Clement School, and now are very beautiful, caring women. The education they have received prepared them very well to continue the Jesuit tradition at St. Ignatius College Prep, Marquette University, and Loras College.

I believe that I am a part of Saint Clement, not just as a first grade teacher, but a nurturer to those who need loving care. In the 'Rainbows for All God's Children' program I help coordinate and facilitate meetings to help children dealing with divorce or death in their families. I am also committed to our Liturgy team to make each prayer service and service activity a school-wide event. I help to coordinate the students and try to get as many students involved to feel a connection to our Catholic tradition.

Service projects are a central piece of what happens in our first grade religion curriculum. At a young age, the students learn how to give to others. We make sandwiches for the homeless, conduct Lenten projects, and now hold a two-day Bake Sale event to raise money for those who need us. Today for example, extra school supplies have been sorted, boxed and labeled by 6- and 7-year-olds to donate to a needy school.

The annual Clement Service Day has now become a part of my yearly activities to keep connected to the service projects offered at Saint Clement Parish. I love helping with the primary students to show them how we can make a difference in someone else's life."

Fran Kucich

"When I moved from New York to Chicago, I was looking for a parish that would make me feel as though I was 'home.' At the invitation of a neighbor 30 years ago, I started attending the Chapel Mass and was stirred by the music, inspiring homilies, and sense of community.

After one December Mass, I visited a school-parish event called the Greenery Sale and was immediately impressed by the hospitality and friendliness of the parents; the true Christmas spirit was palpable! That was my first glimpse into the school community. When the eldest of my two daughters was of school age, I submitted an application for Pre-K (called Pre-School back then!) and was overjoyed when receiving her acceptance letter. Two years later, her sister followed the same path, and we were on our way to being immersed in Saint Clement life. I am now doubly blessed to have two of my grandchildren attending Saint Clement School!

Over the years I've had the good fortune of sharing in many parish stewardship opportunities, such as working for Sister Jackie in the Religious Education program, volunteering at the Lincoln Park Community Shelter, and baking bread for Mass. I have worked at Saint Clement School since 1987, in the office and school library, and teaching Math to the middle school students; currently I am in my third year of acting as Assistant Principal, which has afforded me the opportunity to view many facets of the school and parish life. Whether we are working on the parish's Service Day or a Student Council service project, the chance to interact with so many staff members, students and parents willing to selflessly share their time and talent, inspires me each and every day. Saint Clement is a unique community that truly offers its members many opportunities to pray, serve, give, learn, and belong. For that, I am very grateful!"