Saint Clement's Parent Association Donates Gym Equipment

Saint Clement Parent Association (SCPA) has been accumulating these points for several years, and when they heard that Saint Margaret of Scotland School (SMOS) was in need of some new gym and recess equipment, they decided that this was the perfect way to use them. 

Saint Clement's growing partnership with SMOS is really making a difference. Scholarships provided through our Clement Commits portion of the To Teach Who Christ Is Capital Campaign were instrumental in their dramatic 48 percent increase in enrollment for the current school year. Recently, SMOS teachers came to Saint Clement School for an afternoon of professional development and mentoring on Responsive Classroom practices. Over the summer, a group of 25 young adults helped get their school ready to welcome students for the new school year by sprucing up the classrooms and playground area. And we are currently working on a volunteer program to provide lunchroom and recess monitoring assistance so their teachers can get a much deserved break during the school day*. 

 SCPA's donation of gym and recess equipment is also making a difference. Research shows that positive recess experiences correlate with positive academic outcomes! On October 20, our Student Council officers and three SCPA representatives joined Saint Clement School Principal Melissa Dan on a field trip to SMOS to deliver the equipment. The kids were thrilled and all had a great time. Here is what the participants have to say:

 "I loved being able to meet new students and just having fun. It made me think that we are all just thirteen year olds, and no matter where we live, we all have the same goals and enjoy activities."  

-- Eve Roebke, Saint Clement Student Council President

"Thank you for all you have done, bringing new equipment so we can have some fun. You have helped our wonderful school with some very fun tools. Once again, I thank you for your good deed, for helping not only the school, but also me!" 

-- Jacinta Anyiam, Saint Margaret of Scotland Student

Our parish spirituality of stewardship is truly alive in our partnership with SMOS. And, as that cold winter weather sets in -- eat more soup**!

*If you are interested in learning more about this new service opportunity, contact Maggie Hanley.

**Anyone can drop off Campbell's Soup Labels (and BoxTops) at the parish reception desk and they will be delivered to the school

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 Angela Deichmann.

"When I moved to Chicago from New Orleans in 2005, I was attracted to Saint Clement as it provided an Adoration Chapel. I later learned all that Saint Clement had to offer and how Scott and I, as a family, could give back to our community. Saint Clement Parish and the entire community is a big part of our family and our lives. From attending Sunday Mass with our two daughters, Avery (5) and Caroline (3), to participating in the many service opportunities within the parish, to working with Father Ken on the Faith in the Next Generation Initiative, to Avery attending Saint Clement School, we have made Saint Clement an extension of our family and a place we call our spiritual home. 

 

Through serving on the Saint Clement Moms Service Committee, our family has been able to share our God-given gifts to bless others in many ways: preparing and serving dinner at the Ronald McDonald House and Lincoln Park Shelter; preparing sack lunches for the Homeless; bringing our daughters to the Friday morning Hospitality for the Homeless; and volunteering for Service Day. Through these activities with Saint Clement, we have been able to teach and demonstrate to our daughters the importance of how to use our blessings from God to bless others. 

 

I also Co-chaired the Saint Clement Moms Faith and Family Committee. We organized a Family Advent Retreat that focused on passing on the Catholic Faith to our children and incorporated the Faith in the Next Generation Initiative. As part of co-chairing the Faith and Family Committee, we had the opportunity to plan the 2014 Epiphany Mass, a Lenten Retreat for Saint Clement families, and assist with monthly Baptism Classes for parishioners. Scott enjoys his involvement with the Saint Clement Dads and is currently serving on the Finance Committee for the church.  

 

In addition to donating our time, we financially contribute to the Sunday Giving Commitment as well as the To Teach Who Christ Is Capital Campaign, which supports parishes, education, and other ministries. We are wholeheartedly involved and invested in Saint Clement because we have witnessed firsthand the power of Saint Clement's philosophy of "Belong, Pray, Serve, Give, and Learn" and have incorporated it into our daily lives."