Falling Into Our Parish Anchors

As the weather gets colder, Saint Clement parishioners are just warming up to explore new ways to engage in our parish anchors:
Pray. Serve. Give. Learn. Belong.

This past Sunday, long-time parishioners and new ones alike joined together to pledge to engage in Saint Clement's five anchors after the 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. Masses. Another "mini" Fall Fest was held after the 7:00 p.m. Mass.
More than 24 parish ministries and groups were represented on the plaza, offering parishioners snacks while burgers and hot dogs were grilled in the back of the parish where more tables were set upfor socializing. Laughs were heard from the courtyard while children played on a moon bounce.
At Saint Clement we're blessed with a relatively large, definitely talented staff, but that's not enough to sustain the many ministries and functions of our parish. We rely on each other to volunteer out time and talent. If you missed Fall Fest, don't be discouraged from exploring our many ministries.
Visit clement.org to see the many ways you can Pray. Serve. Give. Learn. Belong.
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Stories of Stewards
As part of our ongoing engagement process, we have come to realize the i mportance 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 KK Neilsen Cleland.
"Where were you in 1988? We were here! Aric and I were newbies to Saint Clement, but it didn't take long for us to feel like we had found a "home." Amidst the scaffolding and unfinished renovation of the church at the time and having both sung in choir together in college, the Saint Clement Choir became part of our weekly experience. We were starting our careers, single, we both lived in the neighborhood and we found the choir to be the perfect place to make friends and sing.
Looking back over the last 26 years, it's hard to imagine our lives without Saint Clement. It's where we were married 21 years ago. It's where our boys were baptized. It's where we felt compelled to be involved and volunteer. It's where we go each week to feel connected to something much larger than ourselves; to celebrate mass with all of you -- our friends, our Chicago family. Even if we don't know your individual names, it's great to see you each week and to feel your collective presence; to see your children be baptized and remember how special those moments were for us.
It's been an honor to serve on Clement Service Days with so many new faces and old friends. It's been fun dancing at Anchor Balls, serving on committees with you and eventually watching our three boys become part of the tradition of giving of their time to the parish. And, it has been a blessing when many of you held us in your hearts when you knew we needed prayers for a parent or grandparent.
Over these last 26 years, our journey has provided amazing blessings and a few bumps in the road, but the consistent presence of Saint Clement and our sense of belonging to this special community has always been the true North for us. Whether it is the magic of the high holidays or the season of green and ordinary time, Saint Clement is a place where the world feels right.
Our household motto has always been, "When you can. . . do." Whether it is in our time or with our financial resources, we try to make a meaningful contribution because we can. It's our small way to show our thanks."
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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, October 4 @ 1 p.m.: Pet Blessing in honor of the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi (Church Courtyard)
Monday, October 6 @ 1:15 p.m.: Afternoon Book Club discusses Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis (Fahey I); contact Rick Jones
Wednesday, October 8 @ 7:00 p.m.: Jesse Tree Kick-off Meeting (Fahey I); contact Georganne Palffy
Sunday, October 12 @ 8:00 p.m.: Young Adult Community Wine & Cheese Social (Chapel)
Tuesday, October 14 @ 7:00 p.m.: New Lector Training (Church); contact Flo Merkl-Deutsch
Wednesday, October 15 @ 7:00 p.m.: Young Adult Community Book Club (Fahey II); contact Kimm Mering
Thursday, October 16 @ 7:00 p.m.: Eucharistic Minister Training (Church); contact Flo Merkl-Deutsch
Sunday, October 19 @ 1:30 p.m.: Saint Clement Day of Reflection (Catholic Theological Union, 5416 South Cornell ave); contact Mary DuQuaine to register
Sunday, October 19 @ 8:00 p.m.: Eucharistic Minister Training (Church); contact Flo Merkl-Deutsch
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Did You Know?
Sacred Presence Spirituality Groups
Fall Sessions Currently Underway
Are you searching for a sense of meaning? Are you looking for a deeper sense of spirituality in your everyday life? Sacred Presence Spirituality Groups meet for prayer and reflection using texts from saints and spiritual writers, like Teresa of Avila and Thomas Merton, for inspiration. We hope that in this way, together, the spiritual writings will open up and perhaps touch our souls in the midst of our daily lives.
The series aims to help each person find the presence of God, self, and others in little ways and to create and nurture a sacred space in everyday life.
Fall groups will be held on six consecutive Mondays and Fridays. The Monday co-ed group started this week, but you can still join us for the next five Mondays at 6:30 p.m. Our Friday group, for women only, begins at 12:30 p.m. today. Participants may attend all sessions, or drop in as they are able. Contact Mary DuQuaine for more information or to register.
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