IN THIS ISSUE
Fair Trade Fair: More Than Just a Market
Parish's God Squad is Up to Lots of Good!
Opportunities to Pray.Serve.Give.
Did You Know?



QUICK LINKS  

 

 



Fair Trade Fair: More Than Just a Market


The Human Concerns Commission thanks everyone whhelped make this year's Fair Trade Fair a success. This includes the Boy Scouts of Saint Clement School who show up annually, doing a yoeman's job of helping vendors unload, set up, tear down, and carry out! Then there are the many parish volunteers who

helped with refreshments, assisted at the booths, and answered questions. Finally, the many shoppers who supported our fair trade artisans.

 

The real fair trade story, however, is the people behind the products. Connecting with these individuals is what fair trade is all about. Comments such as these were heard from shoppers on Sunday. "I felt proud to purchase a beautiful warm scarf hand made by an Afghan refueee (Bisnu) settled in Chicago through Catholic Charities. Her name is on my scarf.  She is real. And I feel so proud that I am connected to her through her beautiful work."  

 

From another: "I always like to buy the scented candles from Bright Endeavors. Whenever I use them I think about the work of this organization that helps young mothers in Chicago find a pathway out of poverty. They learn business and management skills as they produce and sell premium soy candles and bath products."

 

Another shopper commented on the wonderful scent of the Buena Vida coffee being brewed on site. For every bag sold, the organization provides one meal to a child at an orphanage in Honduras.

 

One vendor wrote, "I know our artisans are grateful for the opportunity to have their crafts showcased to such a welcoming community. We enjoyed interacting with parishioners and telling them some stories about our products and artisans."

 

Another vendor, Beads of Hope Africa, speaking of the women in Uganda whose jewelry she offers, noted that through sales of their handmade items, they are able to lift themselves out of poverty. Where once working for very low wages doing hard physical labor, these women are now able to work in a safe environment, receive fair compensation for their work and achieve economic security.

 

Your fair trade purchases make a difference!

 


Parish's God Squad Is Up to Lots of Good!
 

God Squad, Saint Clement's youth group for 8th-12th graders, has been up to some exciting things since we kicked off our new year this September! We traveled to Blessed Sacrament Youth Center, which serves the youth of the North Lawndale community -- one of the poorest neighborhoods in Chicago -- for fellowship, dinner and some great games of basketball. 

 

Our high school teens met with Fr. Ken and our other God Squad leaders to discuss the need to forgive and be forgiven in our lives. We met as a group and learned about the sacrament of marriage and our leaders shared their dating/engagement/marriage stories. 

 

Next up was a spooktacular afternoon at Fright Fest Great America. A frightfully good time was had by all! 

 

A group of God Squadders cooked and served dinner to the guests at the Lincoln Park Community Shelter. The shelter provides interim housing, meals, and a targeted array of social services to more than 300 people each year and is right in our neighborhood. A second group visited and played bingo with the residents of Sunrise Senior Living Center, also in walking distance of Saint Clement. 

 

Join us this year for many more great events like Service Day, a ski trip and Lock-In. Don't miss out on conversation topics like reconciliation and Eucharist adoration. Our next meeting is November 16 at 5:00 p.m. in the Parish Center. Join us!  Contact Lisa Friedlander with questions.  

 

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.
 
Sunday, November 9 @ 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.: Parish Blood Drive (School Gym); contact Maggie Hanley with questions or to volunteer

Sunday, November 9 @ 10:00 a.m.: Faith in the Next Generation presents "From Earth to Heaven" Mass for Families (Cabrini Shrine); tour and lunch to follow; RSVP to Darlene Kelly

Sunday, November 9 @ 8:00 p.m.: Young Adult Community Wine & Cheese (Chapel)

Thursday, November 13 @ 7:00 p.m.: Eucharistic Minister training (Church); contact Flo Merkl-Deutsch

Sunday, November 16 @ 10:30: Annual Advent Workshop (Centennial Hall)

Wednesday, November 19 @ 7:00 p.m.: Young Adult Community Book Club (Fahey II)

Saturday, November 22 @ 8:00 p.m.:Bella Voce and the Callipygian Players perform Handel's Messiah (Church)

Sunday, November 23 @ 8:00 p.m.: Young Adult Community Happy Hour (Burwood Tap)
Did You Know?
Parish Hosts Blood Drive This Sunday
Register in advance or walk-ins welcome!

 

Did you know women have about 10 pints of blood in their body, and men about 12? Did you know about one pint of blood is taken during a donation? Did you know your blood donation is processed and can be available for use within 24-48 hours? Did you know red blood cells can be stored for 42 days, plasma can be frozen and stored for up to 12 months, but that platelets expire after five days? Did you also know that donating one unit of blood can help save the lives of at least three people?

 

Become a statistic at Saint Clement's Blood Drive this Sunday, November 9 in the Saint Clement School gym. Heartland Blood Centers (HBC) will be on hand to administer the donations from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Appointments are appreciated, but walk-ins are also accepted. Contact Maggie Hanley to make an appointment or visit the HBC website.

 

If you're unable to donate your blood, consider donating your time. Volunteer to help greet and check-in donors during the following shifts: 11:00 a.m.-noon and noon-1:00 p.m. Bring a book or grab a friend to join you.

 

Please note: The childcare ministry during the 9:30 a.m. Mass will be on hiatus this week. Childcare will resume November 16.

Photo credits: Top bar images 1 & 2 by John Zich, www.zrweddings.com; image 3 & 8 by AmyBoylePhotography.com.