Pastoral Associate Christina Bax returns from Nairobi, Kenya
Christina Bax spent the first two weeks of June in Kenya as part of her mission immersion trip through the Archdiocese of Chicago's Office for Mission Education. Here are her reflections:
I am overwhelmed with gratitude for my recent mission immersion trip to Nairobi, Kenya. The warmth, joy, and gratefulness of the people we met will stay in my heart forever. Even amidst the material poverty, the spiritual wealth we encountered led me to a deep experience of God's presence and the Gospel message alive and at work.
At Saint Jude's Chapel, we received a welcome worthy of royalty as the parishioners presented each of us with the traditional cloth of the Maasai tribe, hosted a feast in the style of an African pot-luck, and engaged us in traditional singing and dancing. As the evening concluded, they sang an amazing, spirit-filled prayer for us, in which they gave thanks for God's goodness. As they sang, I was brought to tears as I realized that I now knew what the "choirs of heavenly angels" sound like (who knew they were fluent in Swahili?)!
As we left the Chapel and headed for home, my fellow travel companions reflected on the discomfort they felt in receiving so much from these wonderfully generous people without having anything to give in return. I was immediately reminded of the unconditional love God showers on each of us, which we are never fully able to repay. As we drove, I felt incredibly grateful for God's unconditional love, as well as the Kenyan men and women who embodied it for us that evening.
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Reception Welcomes our Newest Members
 On Sunday, June 1 the parish held a new parishioner reception for all those who had recently registered in the parish. Organized and hosted by the Welcome & Hospitality Committee, new parishioners were welcomed with coffee, fruit, and quiche following the 9:30 a.m. Mass in the Fahey Center. During the reception, parishioners had the opportunity to chat with members of the parish staff, Welcome & Hospitality members, and other new parishioners.
Fr. Ken introduced our Parish Anchors and the spirituality behind living and growing in our faith in relation to Belonging, Praying, Serving, Giving and Learning in the parish. Parishioners then had the opportunity to learn more about the parish and ways to get involved through various events, ministries and groups. It was a wonderful morning of community. Thanks to those new parishioners who took the time to attend, and for our Welcome & Hospitality Committee for hosting such a nice event.
New Parishioner Receptions go on hiatus over the summer. The next reception is scheduled for Wednesday, September 17 at 7:00 p.m. We hope you can join us!
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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 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
Tuesday, July 8 @ 7:00 p.m.: Theology on Tap: "Common Ground, Uncommon Excellence: Lessons from Catholic Relief Services" by Dr. Carolyn Woo, President and CEO of Catholic Relief Services (Plaza); register onsite or online
Sunday, July 13 @ 8:00 p.m.: YAC Wine & Cheese (Chapel)
Tuesday, July 15 @ 7:00 p.m.: Theology on Tap: "Pope Francis: Shake Up the Church" by Fr. Peter Wojcik (Plaza); register onsite or online
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| Did You Know?
Capital Campaign Phase I Complete
Parish Still Accepting Commitments
 We are getting closer to our financial goal of $6 million and continue to reach toward our participation goal of 1,000. We are grateful to the 550 parishioners who have already made a pledge -- thank you!
We have received commitments totaling over $5.3 million, but we still need your help to reach our goal! Be a part of securing the future of Saint Clement Parish by making your three-year commitment to the To Teach Who Christ Is Campaign. We need all parishioners to commit as generously as they are able in order for the Campaign to be a success.
If you need more information before making your commitment, please visit the parish website, contact Heather Kracik or Kim Carter of the parish staff, or email your questions to the campaign email address.
Additional pledge cards are available at the back of the church and chapel, from the parish receptionist, or from our parish website.
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