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Young Adults Get a "Shot of Theology"
On April 11, several members of the Young Adult Community met for the first "Shot of Theology" gathering, which was held at John Barleycorn Pub in Lincoln Park. This new series is inspired by the popular summer series, Theology on Tap. It targets contemporary topics and issues relevant to our young adult community in their 20's and 30's. The "Shot of Theology" presentations are concentrated and focused in order to get to the heart of the topic in 30 minutes or less.
 At our first gathering, we were joined by Beth Knobbe, author and campus minister from Northwestern University's Sheil Center. Beth's talk was titled, "Happily Ever After Begins Now: Living and Loving the Single Life." Her talk centered around the idea that a successful relationship means more than finding the right person; it means being the right person. She discussed practical tips for using the single years to practice intentional relationships, discover our true selves, grow deeper in faith, and share our love with others.
"Beth gave a wonderful perspective about how we can feel called to single life and ways we can be generative and live intentionally while single, instead of just waiting and praying for the right person to come along and focusing on that alone," stated one of our young adult parishioners. "Beth gave us tips and suggestions on how to be our best selves in order to find our 'match made in heaven!'"
Our next talk will take place on May 9 at 7:00 p.m. For a description and listing of future "Shot of Theology" gatherings, please visit the Young Adult Community page on the Saint Clement website.
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Saint Clement Cub Scouts' Pinewood Derby
Cub Scout Pack 3000's annual Pinewood Derby roars into the record books! We'd like to thank the many Scout Leaders, parent volunteers, and track crew of Jeff Boyle and Tom Meyers for helping to pull off another fun and exciting event. The tradition of building wooden model racecars with a parent or other helper dates back to the 1950's, but the action is clearly 21st century with electronic race scoring and a host of sleek vehicles. Even Father Simpson showed up with a couple of his finely crafted "vintage" race cars! 
Each Den gave awards for speed and design, plus a Finals race was held for the top three fastest cars in each Den. Scouts and parents can see their friends at the final Pack Meeting of the year on May 16 where we'll announce the winners.  During the Derby, Saint Clement's Boy Scout Troop 3 hosted a pancake breakfast fundraiser. The Scouts did a great job and proved themselves not only to be excellent chefs but incredible salesmen and gracious hosts as well. Thanks also to moms, Angie Lapid, Cynthia Fabian, and Jeanne Kensik for their help and guidance getting everything set up. The boys had a blast and made some money for the Troop's high adventure program. Photos courtesy of Amy Boyle Photography |
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"Dynamic Catholics" Battle the Storm, Discuss Matthew Kelly's Book
The rain storm on Wednesday, April 17 was no match for the nearly 40 "dynamic" Catholics who came to Saint Clement to participate in lively discussions based on Matthew Kelly's The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic. This was the first in a series of four meetings, where the focus was Prayer, one of the "four signs" Kelly discusses in his book -- Prayer, Study, Generosity, and Evangelization.  The lively sharing of our own prayer life and its challenges led to a discussion on the development of a routine within a busy and demanding schedule. There was an awareness that life is better when time is set aside for prayer in which a relationship with God can develop. Being comfortable with one's own company seemed to be a common challenge to some, as more TV and other distractions were sought. This resulted in the lack of silence, which is so common in our urban environment. Our Pastor, Fr. Ken Simpson, shared his reflection and own experience in developing a life of prayer. He pointed to gratitude as a good starting point in our becoming aware of God's many gifts and presence in our lives. During the group discussions, Fr. Ken walked from table to table and listened to the conversations, and later commented on many of the questions raised. His presentation was the best summing-up of an evening where the dark and rain stormed outside, but in Fireside Hall there was warmth and light. The Parish Engagement Committee thanks all who helped with this first session, and all who attended. Please join us for the final two sessions, scheduled for the next two Wednesdays: May 1 and 8 at 6:45 p.m. in Fireside Hall. Please contact Lisa Friedlander with any questions. |
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Opportunities to Pray.Serve.Give.
For more information on upcoming events, including our regular, weekly opportunities, please view the parish's master calendar.
Weekend Masses in 2013: New Mass Journal initiative, to support our participation and reflection at Mass. Extra journals available in the church vestibule.
Sunday, April 28 @ 12:15 p.m.: Church Art & Architecture Tour (Altar)
Saturday, May 4 @ 9:00 a.m.: Sacrament of First Eucharist, Religious Education students; @ 11:00 a.m.: First Eucharist, School students (Church)
Sunday, May 5, following 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. Masses:
Thursday, May 9 @ 6:30 p.m.: Prayer Yoga (Fahey Center); contact Dina Wolf
Thursday, May 9 @ 6:30 p.m.: Saint Clement School Spring Music & Band Concert for Grades 5-8 (School Gym)
Thursday, May 9 @ 7:00 p.m.: YAC Shot of Theology discusses "Mercy & Justice: An Oxymoron or Christian Command" (John Barleycorn Pub, 658 W. Belden); contact Kim Riley
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Did You Know?
Call for Pastoral Council Nominations
Pastoral Council invites nominations for new members to serve on the Council with terms beginning Fall 2013. The Pastoral Council is the
central coordinating group of the parish, responsible for visioning, long-range planning and policy decisions of the parish, as well as
serving in an advisory role to the Pastor. Members serve for three-year terms and should be committed to attending monthly meetings on
the second Monday of each month, as well as serving on committees.
All nominations will be considered with the goal of achieving
diversity across the composition of the Pastoral Council. Please send
all nominations to Pastoral Council member Michael Zink.
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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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And finally...
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