Adults Deepen Faith through Confirmation

 

Parishioner Amelia Bernier writes, "Confirmation did for me what the name implies; it confirmed my relationship with God, my desire to be a disciple of His word, and my place within the community of Christ."

Amelia is one of 36 adults who were confirmed at Saint Clement on Tuesday, December 3 by Bishop Francis Kane. These adult confirmandi approached the sacrament for a variety of reasons: some candidates are approaching marriage, while others have been asked to be godparents. Several men and women desired to deepen and strengthen their faith as a mature adult. Despite their initial reason for seeking Confirmation, many found the inspiration and growth of God's grace in the preparation and celebration of the sacrament.

In the words of Megan Trippel: "I feel Confirmation has strengthened my belief in Jesus and after it I feel closer to God in all ways, leading me to rely on Him much more." Francis Quintero agrees, commenting that "completing this Sacrament now gives me an understanding and yearning of actively seeking a relationship with God. This journey has given me the opportunity to grow and to eagerly seek the gifts of the Holy Spirit."

The adults who were confirmed at Saint Clement participated in preparation sessions offered at six different parish sites throughout the Vicariate. At Saint Clement, we walked with 19 of the confirmandi on their journey -- half of whom are Saint Clement parishioners, while the other half attends neighboring parishes. These 19 men and women met weekly at Saint Clement for two hours over the course of 10 weeks, exploring topics such as scripture, prayer, sacraments, and morality.

The preparation sessions touched candidates in a variety of ways. Jessica Alldredge shared, "One of the most important things I have taken away from our classes is my relationship to prayer. I have learned how to listen."  After a session in which Fr. Ken walked through the Mass, St. Alphonsus parishioner Brad Bullard commented, "Going to church is almost such a routine that I don't notice all of these small things. I don't think I will ever look at going to church the same way again."  As a result of the class discussions, Maggie Lonergan comments, "I am more comfortable sharing my faith with others."

The confirmandi have not only grown in faith on this journey, but also keenly recognize the role and mission they have been entrusted with through Confirmation. Matt Dorlack, a parishioner at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, says, "Getting confirmed is not only me affirming and strengthening my baptismal promises and receiving the Holy Spirit, to me it is like a promotion to become a better disciple of Jesus."  Tina Gravel, from St. Teresa of Avila, writes, "I want to be a vessel of good for the Catholic Church and to share with others (who are Catholic and not Catholic) what faith and the Church have done for me in my life now." 

Saint Clement is thrilled to have celebrated Confirmation with these adults and is eager to welcome their gifts and witness as members of Christ's body, the Church.

Saint Clement cooperates with other parishes in the area to confirm adults at various times of the year. If you are seeking to be confirmed please contact our Director of Evangelization, Christina Bax, at 773-281-0371.

Respect Life Committee Provides Prayer, Blankets, and Holiday Cheer  

Special Blessing for Expectant Parents and their Babies

As we journeyed through the season of Advent and reflected on the birth of Jesus, the parish offered a Blessing for Expectant Parents and their Babies on December 15 following the 9:30 a.m. Masses and the 11:15 Mass. This blessing was held for expectant parents, parents who are anticipating adoption, those hoping to start a family, and anyone in the parish who wished to express their hope and joy for our parish families. This blessing was initiated by the Respect Life Committee.

Visiting Heather's House

On December 20, 2013, the Respect Life Committee took dinner as well as blankets made by the committee's members to Heather's House, a residential facility for homeless women with children as well as those who are expecting. Accompanying the Respect Life group was that jolly old fellow Santa, whose visit was enjoyed by the staff of Heather's House and both the little ones and moms alike.

Learn More About the Respect Life Committee

Membership is open to all Saint Clement parishioners. We meet monthly, the evening of the second Tuesday. You are invited to join in our prayer and work, and help us share the truth about the dignity and sanctity of all human life. Contact Committee Chair Maria Munoz, M.D., for more information or visit the parish's Respect Life webpage. 

Accountability and Transparency: An Article from Cardinal George   

Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., Archbishop of Chicago, has written an article that we have been asked to share with our parishioners. As a result of the negotiations with the lawyers for some victims of sexual abuse, files of thirty priests who were removed from ministry because of child abuse are being made public next week. Please note, these are not new cases; all of them took place years ago and many of the priests involved are deceased. The monetary settlements with victims used funds from a revenue stream that is separate from donations or parish savings.  

A print-out of the article, entitled "Accountability and Transparency," is available in the church vestibule, or can be downloaded here.