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Join Friday Spirituality Group Through June
 A women's spirituality group continues to meet weekly on Friday afternoons through the end of June. The purpose is to invite parishioners to develop their personal spirituality in everyday life, and to support each other in the process.
We share short passages from some of the great women of the Catholic church: Teresa of Avila, Catherine of Siena, Therese of Lisieux. They are called mystics, as they feel an extraordinary closeness to God and came up with creative "ways in" to a deeper spiritual life. Their language is inspiring and vibrant, trying to convey an experience which is at the center of their lives and difficult to put in words. We read their wisdom and together try to make sense of it with our own experiences. We share women's wisdom with each other. And we try out "wise" ways to do so. We discover how gentle listening can open our minds and hearts.
Each week we give a short and simple 5-10 minute step for you to deepen what we learn from them to practice at home.
Here is feedback from some of the participants:
"I love the quiet focused space of our women's group. The gentle listening we strive for by using the tools of reflecting and mirroring is such a rare gift in this age of electronic devices and multitasking."
-Cheryl Morrison
I didn't know a thing about these saints when I started going to Women's Wisdom. I wanted to learn about these important women from a historical perspective, but I was unprepared for how intensely personal their writings spoke to me.
Theresa of Avila wrote with such beautiful imagery about the soul. ". . .so the works of a soul in grace are pleasing in the eyes both of God and of men, since they proceed from this spring of life, in which the soul is a s a tree planted." Considering a physical soul helped me understand it better.
I had never been one for journal writing, but Donata and Mary's "simple steps" (really--just five minutes!) for focusing on my thoughts made me pay attention to parts of my daily life that I ignore or don't give any importance to.
-Amanda Stenlund
Join us for future Women's Spirituality Group meetings, which are held at 12:30 p.m. Fridays through the end of June. Please register ahead of time via email to Mary DuQuaine at mduquaine@clement.org.
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Stories of Stewards
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 Dani Jachino:
 "I'll be honest, I was a fallen away Catholic for many years. As I attended Mass for family Communions, Confirmations, and graduations, I felt a strong urge to reconnect with my religion. So, one Christmas seven years ago, I walked the few blocks to Saint Clement. I went back the following week, then hopped on my computer and joined. However, I wanted to become an active part of this parish. I had never felt that way before. One reason I felt that way is because Saint Clement gives 10 percent of its first fruits to others in the community. I'm in the phase of my life where giving back is important, whether it's time, talent, or treasure. I attended my first Service Day that April and every one since. Service Day is a great example of our stewardship.
I participated in Strengths for the Journey the first time it was offered. Learning that my God-given strengths had made me successful in my career and the person I am today made me feel closer to God. I know I'm doing what he wants me to do. I continue to facilitate Strengths groups and learn something new each time. The readings that we use become more meaningful to me.
Last year, I became a Eucharistic minister. A friend had urged me to become one, but I wasn't ready - until that friend shared the Eucharist with me. Then I knew I wanted to be the one to share it with others. It is the most meaningful ministry to me. It is particularly moving to share the Eucharist with good friends.
In October, I joined Stewardship Council. I'm definitely giving of time and talent as a member of this Council. It feels like the perfect place for me. One of the Council's responsibilities is the Sunday Giving Commitment. I pledged the same day that I joined Saint Clement, seven years ago, and I renew each year. I believe it is our responsibility to keep Saint Clement the fantastic parish that it is and make it even better through the Capital Campaign. I use ParishPay for Sunday giving because it's the simplest way to go."
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The Plaza Summer Schedule
Saint Clement's electronic newsletter, The Plaza, will continue to be published over the summer, but we will be switching to every-other week. The next publication date will be June 27. If you would like your story featured in The Plaza, please send an email.
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Opportunities to
Pray Serve Give Learn Belong
For more information on upcoming events, including our regular weekly opportunities, please view the parish's master calendar.
Friday, June 13 @ 12:30 p.m.: Women's Spirituality Group (Fahey Center)
Sunday, June 15 @ 9:30 a.m.: Final Sunday morning childcare until next fall. Thank you to our many volunteers!
Monday, June 16 @ 1:15 p.m.: Afternoon book club discusses The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry (Fahey Center); contact Rick Jones
Wednesday, June 18 @ 7:00 p.m.: Young Adult Book Discussion (Fahey Center); contact Kimm Mering
Friday, June 20 @ 12:30 p.m.: Women's Spirituality Group (Fahey Center)
Friday, June 27 @ 12:30 p.m.: Women's Spirituality Group (Fahey Center)
Saturday-Sunday, June 28-29: Monthly Food Collection to help area food pantries; collection bins will be in the church vestibule
Friday, July 4 @ 9:00 a.m.: Independence Day Mass (Church); please note, the parish campus will be closed
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Theology on Tap Volunteers Needed
Annual Summer Program Begins July 8
 Theology on Tap (TOT), a summer speaker series for young adults, returns this year on six consecutive Tuesdays beginning July 8. With about 200 young adults attending each week's session, we need your help to make this event a success! We count on more than 60 volunteers to assist with set-up, cleanup, food/drink, and hospitality. Volunteering is a great opportunity for service and has proven to be a wonderful way to meet fellow young adults and become involved with the parish. If you'd like to volunteer, sign up here.
Summer Schedule Set
Theology on Tap will be held the following Tuesdays: July 8, 15, 22, and 29; August 5 and 13. Plan to see one or all of our great speakers!
Pre-Register Online
Spend less time in line and more time socializing by pre-registering online for TOT.
Get Connected!
Follow the Saint Clement Young Adult Community on Facebook for annoncements on TOT and other great programs, or contact Karol Grzesiak with any questions regarding TOT.
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