"The diversity of ministers is essential to the fruitful celebration of the Mass. All of the faithful are summoned to a "full conscious and active participation" that burns with faith, hope and charity, by reason of their baptism." -- Paul Turner

Did you know that each week at Saint Clement 55 parishioners serve as Extraordinary Ministers of Communion at our liturgies, and 18 Ministers of Care bring communion to the sick in hospitals, nursing homes, and at home? In the earliest days of our celebration of the Eucharist, as we read in Acts of the Apostles, Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people.  (Acts 2:46)

We are no different from the earliest believers, and are called to serve in ministries that help to illuminate the mystery we celebrate as the Body of Christ.

Have you considered serving in this ministry? Training sessions will be offered on:

Thursday, October 16 at 7:00 p.m. in the church

Sunday, October 19 following the 7:00 p.m. Mass (meet in front of the altar following the closing hymn)

Thursday, November 13 at 7:00 p.m. in the church

Contact Coordinator of Liturgy Flo Merkl-Deutsch if you would like to join the team of Eucharistic Ministers or another Liturgical Ministry.

Image courtesy Amy Boyle Photography

One of the greatest lessons we can impart upon our children is that of embracing a life of stewardship - showing gratitude for the gifts given to us by God, and joyful sharing of these gifts with others. Our Children's Stewardship Offering Program is one way to help teach this lesson to our parish children.

The children's offering envelopes include a weekly home activity where the children write how they've given time to Jesus in prayer, service, and giving during the week. These envelopes are then brought to Mass and placed in the offering baskets. The money shared through the Children's Offering Envelopes goes directly to our fund for the homeless. Get back into the swing of the school year this fall by re-acquainting your family to this weekly exercise.

Here are some of the ways our parish children....

Pray: by going to Mass, in school, before meals and bed, for our soldiers, for those who are sick

Serve: by making a meal at Ronald McDonald House, by clearing the table, by cleaning my room

Give: hugs & love to Mom, by putting a dollar in the envelope, by having a lemonade stand for P.A.W.S.

To participate in the children's offering program, pick up offering envelopes (pictured above) in the back of church at the end of Mass each week, complete the form, and return it to Mass the following week.

On Saturday, Oct. 18 from 9:00 a.m. - noon, the Big Shoulders Fund and its Auxiliary Board will hold a Give Back Day. Volunteers will serve at St. Florian School (13110 S. Baltimore Ave.), one of the 90 schools Big Shoulders funds. There will be a variety of activities: cleaning, painting, landscaping, organizing, and more. Breakfast will be provided. 

If interested in joining the Saint Clement group, contact Maggie Hanley by Tuesday, October 7. We will look to form a carpool from Saint Clement. 

 The mission of the Big Shoulders Fund is to provide support to Catholic schools in the neediest areas of inner-city Chicago.