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 Kathy Bentley: 

We moved to Chicago 20 years ago. Coming from Wisconsin and a very special parish on the east side of Milwaukee, we wanted to find a church where there was a great community and the people in the parish were engaged. We initially joined Saint Michaels of Old Town and to this day still have wonderful memories of the church community there. However, we started building our family and were searching out something more. So many of our friends recommended Saint Clement. The talk in the community was that this is the parish where you will love raising your children and they were right.

I remember the first time we went to church there and the first person that welcomed us on the steps was Mary Cele Doyle. From that moment and seeing her authentic welcoming nature, we were hooked. She asked about our family and seemed genuinely happy that we were there. A short while later, Fr. Ken joined Saint Clement and we instantly felt it was the right church for us. He always answered our toddler's questions and went out of his way to be a warm presence in the eyes of the children seeking him out. It made us so happy that our children were able to receive that.

Since that time, my children have been enrolled in the wonderful religious education program at Saint Clement with Mary DuQuaine at the helm and we have been fortunate to experience some amazing talented priests that have come through Saint Clement. Their inspiring homilies only made us feel closer to the church and this parish. We continue to grow with our faith by being involved with the Finance Council, Refugee program, Eucharistic ministry, as well as seeing our children become altar servers.

I think of how over the years I have used the services that Saint Clement has to offer families. My family has benefited from all the help Flo Merkl-Deutsch has given us in Theology as we raise our boys in a private non-catholic school. It has rounded out their education and has helped me answer all their emerging questions in a more intellectual, informative manner. There is always someone you can go to that will be more than willing to guide you as you try to raise your children with Catholic traditions and spirituality. We have been lucky - no, we have been blessed -- to be a part of this community.

In recent months, Saint Clement launched "Our Parish Anchors" to help us as parishioners better understand what is expected of us, as well as what we can expect of our parish. The guide outlines five key anchors; we are invited to embrace and incorporate them into our daily faith life. In this simple way, "Our Parish Anchors" provides us with a realistic framework for exploring and growing our Catholic faith here at Saint Clement Parish. Likewise, the anchors strengthen Saint Clement's commitment to us in a spirit that is consistent with our Parish Mission and Vision.

Saint Clement's Ninth Annual Service Day held on April 26 well exemplifies the anchor "To Serve." Since its inception in 2006, this parish wide Service Day is an example of how parishioners and parish staff were able to work together to bring an idea to fruition. The parish staff along with volunteer leaders provides support and guidance to create the day. We as parishioners clear our calendars to volunteer our time freely in a variety of roles at a variety of locations. The result is the ability to participate as a parish body in a meaningful, faith-filled event that brings people together in service to their community.

If you would like to learn more about "Our Parish Anchors," please visit our website.