After four and a half years of service to Saint Clement Parish, our Associate Pastor, Fr. Manuel (Manny) Dorantes bid our parish community an emotional farewell on Sunday, June 16.
The Cardinal has asked Fr. Manny to pursue advanced studies at Northwestern University, where he will be entering the MBA program full-time, focusing on non-profit management. This past Sunday was Fr. Manny's final day in the parish. He spoke at each Mass and presided at the 9:30 a.m. church Mass, where he invited all the children around the altar during the Eucharistic prayer.
He also presided at the 7:00 p.m. Mass, his official "final" Mass at Saint Clement Parish. It was an incredibly emotional part of the day, where he gave a moving homily speaking to specific ways his life has been enriched by our community. After Communion, the Chapel Choir and Seraphim choir performed a song in Spanish that is very important to Fr. Manny, entitled, "Alma Misionera." This song was sung at Fr. Manny's ordination in 2010, and also has been sung by our sister parish in El Salvador during our parish visits.
At the end of Fr. Manny's final Mass, he called our pastor Fr. Ken Simpson forward and presented him with a piece of art that he had commissioned from a famous artist from his hometown in Mexico; the artwork is reflective of Saint Clement Church and the tree of life image on the dome. Fr. Manny also asked Fr. Ken to give him a blessing.
Our parish community came together after each Mass on Sunday, giving parishioners a chance to celebrate Fr. Manny and thank him for his years of service. The front lawn and plaza were decorated festively for the occasion, including a few Mexican-inspired details to celebrate Fr. Manny's heritage--green, white, and red balloons, and a hired empanada food truck providing parishioners with a variety of empanadas on the house.
Pictures of Fr. Manny were scattered about the reception, showcasing different interactions he had with our community--with the children and community of our sister parish in El Salvador; with children from the school and religious education program; presiding at Mass; 
and of course the famous picture of Fr. Manny in a Blackhawks' jersey, egging on the auction crowd at Anchor Ball! These pictures help to give testament to the great spirit and service Fr. Manny has shown us over the years.
Parishioners had the opportunity to relay their thanks and best wishes to Fr. Manny in a journal, or to drop off a card. There were also themed tables that had different gifts for Fr. Manny that he opened after the 9:30 a.m. Masses.
One table highlighted the God Squad, the parish youth group that Fr. Manny began. The gifts included a God Squad t-shirt and sweatshirt, and a scrapbook put together and presented by God Squad member Meg Rux. There were also personalized letters given to Fr. Manny from the members of the youth group.
Another table highlighted our sister parish, the community of 22 de Abril in El Salvador. Fr. Santos and the community sent Fr. Manny a commissioned piece of artwork from the workshop in their community. The artwork was a cross--one side represented the different ways Saint Clement has supported the community over the years, including the most recent contribution of a computer lab; the reverse side illustrated Oscar Romero and typical El Salvador art. The children in the community wrote him letters as well.
Yet another table highlighted the children of Saint Clement. Every child at the school wrote Fr. Manny a letter, which were bound in books for him. The Kindergarteners provided Fr. Manny with tips and advice on how to be a great student, which will come in handy soon! Other children also dropped off letters and cards for Fr. Manny.
The final table represented Fr. Manny's next step as a student at Northwestern University, and was decorated with "Wildcats" paraphernalia.
It was clear throughout the day that Fr. Manny will be missed, and that all wish him well.
Saint Clement is immensely grateful for the years of service Fr. Manny has given to the parish. His passion for social justice has compelled us to be more attentive to the needs of the poor and vulnerable, and inspired us to put our faith into action. His insight has challenged us in our faith and encouraged us to strive for deeper holiness, greater communion, and wider service. Our thoughts and prayers will be with Fr. Manny as he embarks on this next journey!
See page 2 of the June 16th bulletin to read Fr. Manny's final bulletin reflection, and a special note from Fr. Ken Simpson on page 3.
Fr. Manny's New Contact Information:
Fr. Manuel Dorantes
Director of Public Relations
Saint Joseph College Seminary
1120 W. Loyola Ave
Chicago, IL 60626
Twitter: @tweetingpriest
"I started attending Mass at Saint Clement about five years ago. I was still living in Hyde Park, but the trip was worth it for the great music, teaching, and welcoming atmosphere. When I moved up to the north side, I decided to make Saint Clement my home parish and started looking for ways to make some connections.