Holy Land Pilgrimage; "in the footsteps of Jesus"
 Recently Father Ken Simpson and 37 parishioners and friends ranging in age from mid-20's to 80's walked each other through a pilgrimage to Israel. While a pilgrimage includes the aspects of a tour or study trip, it also focuses in particular on visiting holy sites and prayer.
 Beginning on the Sea of Galilee; visiting Peter's mother-in-law's house, the headquarters of Jesus ministry in Galilee; walking in the desert at 117 degrees; dipping into the Jordan River near where Jesus and John did; seeing a stone water jar in Cana; going up to Jerusalem as it glows in the setting sun; standing and praying at the western wall of the Temple, all brings alive the Scripture we have heard all of our lives. Seeing and sensing these places helps one imagine the experience of Jesus and our ancestors in faith. Understanding the significance of "the land" puts the past and current events in context.
Each pilgrim would identify numerous 'favorite' experiences. Many at the end of the day would say it was the prayer. Reciting the Magnificat at the Church of the Visitation, celebrating the Mass of the place in Nazareth and Bethlehem and on the Mount of Beatitudes and the Mount of Olives, sometimes in a private cave chapel, sometimes in full view of hundreds of other travelers, bonded the group in prayer. As voices rose in song and the Word was proclaimed and Eucharist was shared, "pilgrimage" became a reality.
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Campaign Celebrated at Rooftop Party
 On the evening of Saturday, June 12, more than 200 parishioners gathered at Saint Clement School after the 5:00 p.m. Mass to celebrate their commitment to the To Teach Who Christ Is Capital Campaign.
Adults gathered on the school rooftop and thankfully, a summer storm took an alternate route and all were able to enjoy a beautiful evening. Dunlay's 4 Star Restaurant Group provided a wonderful meal while plans for the Teach Who Christ Is Capital Campaign were discussed and cheered.
Children ages four-14 were supervised by six of our school's teachers, bouncing basketballs in the gym, jumping in the bouncy house, and dancing to music spun by a DJ. Younger children also made crafts and watched movies in a classroom. The kids also enjoyed food catered by Dunlay's in the cafeteria with Smoke Daddy's mac & cheese a clear favorite.
It was a great kick off to summer and a fun way to celebrate the Capital Campaign. We would like to thank all the people who helped plan and volunteer at this special party, and more importantly, all the individuals and families whose generous pledges made a big difference and helped us get one step closer to our goal.
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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.
Saturday-Sunday, July 12-13 @ all Masses: Anointing of the Sick
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
Sunday, July 20 after the 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. Masses: Blessing for Expectant Parents and their Babies (Church)
Tuesday, July 22 @ 7:00 p.m.: Theology on Tap: "Faith and Athletics" by Sr. Stephanie Balgia (Plaza); register onsite or online
Saturday-Sunday, July 26-27: Monthly Food Collection (Church Vestibule)
Tuesday, July 29 @ 7:00 p.m.: Theology on Tap: "The Catholic Lens: What We Believe and Why It's Important" by Mary Deeley (Plaza); register onsite or online
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Theology on Tap 2014
Young Adults Gather Weekly on Plaza
Saint Clement's Annual summer speaker series for young adults, Theology on Tap, has returned this year with a full slate of impressive speakers! Join us for the five remaining sessions at 7 p.m. on the church plaza to engage with other young adults over a beverage and relevant topic. Why wait in line? Save time by registering online.
The 2014 TOT schedule includes:
Tuesday, July 15: Fr. Peter Wojcik, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, Office of Catholic Schools; "Pope Francis: Shake Up the Church"
Tuesday, July 22: Sr. Stephanie Balgia, Franciscans of the Eucharist of Chicago; "Faith and Athletics"
Tuesday, July 29: Mary Deeley, Pastoral Associate and Director of Christ the Teacher Instiatute; "The Catholic Lens: What We Believe and Why It's Important"
Tuesday, August 5: Fr. John Kartje, Assostant Professor of Biblical Studies, Mundelein Seminary; "I Believe in One Higgs Boson...Through Him All Things Were Made: Faith at the Frontiers of Science"
Wednesday, August 13: Fr. James Martin, SJ, Jesuit priest, author, and Editor at Large of America, the national Catholic magazine (live via Skype); "Jesus: Our Friend and Savior"
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