IN THIS ISSUE
Parishioners Thankful for Experience at Urban Mission Retreat
Stories of Stewards
Opportunities to Pray.Serve.Give.
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Parishioners Thankful for Experience at Urban Mission Retreat

 

The weekend of November 21-22, 32 Saint Clement parishioners joined together for the fifth annual Urban Mission Retreat, a weekend set aside to allow participants the opportunity to expand their view of Chicago through service while exploring the connection to their faith. The overnight retreat was held at the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels in West Humboldt Park, a Mission devoted to serving those most in need, hosting monthly food pantries, clothing giveaways, youth and senior programming, and more. This retreat was run by Saint Clement parishioners, and funded by the donations of the retreat participants and generosity of Saint Clement Church and School.

 

The weekend began with a simple supper, followed by an inspiring talk by the Mission's Sister, Stephanie Baliga. Sr. Stephanie spoke about the history of the neighborhood, some of the reasons families find themselves in the cycle of poverty, and provided us with insight into the lives of the neighbors. She also gave an overview of the work Fr. Bob Lombardo, the priest who runs the Mission, and the Franciscans of the Eucharist do for those in need. Sr. Stephanie encouraged retreatants to continue to "be Christ to the poor" and to always look to encounter Jesus in interactions with the neighbors and others in need.

 

Parishioner Ed Duffy reflected on the weekend: "The retreat provided us with the opportunity to get outside our comfort zones to live the Gospel and serve the least of our brothers, though they live just five miles from us in Humboldt Park."

 

Saturday morning began with Mass led by Fr. Bob. The remainder of the morning was spent directly serving the members of the West Humboldt Park community, as our retreat group assisted with the third annual prayer service, breakfast, and turkey giveaway hosted by the Mission for 150 families. During the morning prayer service, six parishioners led members of the community in song while Fr. Bob encouraged all to reflect on what they were grateful for this Thanksgiving season. Breakfast then took place in the dining hall downstairs, as volunteers served nearly 500 neighbors a hot, sit-down meal. Following breakfast, approximately 150 families received a turkey and food basket to complete their Thanksgiving meal. Thank you to the Saint Clement School students, families and other volunteers for donating and putting together the beautiful food baskets!

 

Parishioner Andrew Welbig reflected on his retreat experience: "For all the work we did while at the retreat I still feel like I received more than I gave. The people of Humboldt Park were so grateful for everything we did and their hope and optimism is beyond anything I've ever experienced in my own life. It was a very uplifting experience being able to be around them and to better get to know other people from Saint Clement. I'll be going back soon!"

 

Following the breakfast and giveaway, retreatants were joined by three neighbors of the Mission community, Betty, Rene, and Josiah. This insightful conversation provided retreatants with a personal look into the neighborhood and where the neighbors draw their sense of strength. Their strong faith in God and hope for their community was incredibly apparent, and all left inspired. 

 

Parishioner Marisa Foyle stated, "The retreat was a wonderful opportunity to step out of my routine and spend some time in an unfamiliar part of the city. Listening to some of the neighbors and serving them food was a moving and humbling experience. These people reminded me that those who lack material wealth are often the richest in faith. Fr. Bob and the sisters do so much for the community, and I am grateful to them and to other inspiring individuals who dedicate their lives to service. I definitely would like to become more involved in the OLA mission, as well as other service opportunities in the future.

 

Heartfelt thanks goes to parishioners Michelle Lammers, Megan Carroll, Kari Kristan, and Erin Neal for their tireless work preparing for the weekend. Thanks to the generosity of retreatants, the parish was able to donate $1,300 to the Mission to support its many ministries.

 

Saint Clement has been involved with the Mission for more than five years. Parishioners volunteer at the Mission on a monthly basis and have been able to create a rich relationship with the Mission staff and the West Humboldt Park community, for which we are truly grateful. To learn more about the work of the Mission, please visit its website

 

Stories of Stewards

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 Amber Myszka.

 

"I learned recently that I came to Saint Clement for the first time as a toddler almost 30 years ago for my aunt's and uncle's wedding. Over two decades later, I came to 7:00 p.m. Mass with my then
boyfriend (now husband), Eric. From the first time we attended Mass, we felt welcomed and encouraged at Saint Clement. The homilies were inspiring and thought-provoking, the priests were welcoming, the parishioners were friendly, and the church and the music were truly beautiful. 


 

After attending mass for a few weeks, Eric and I first became involved in the Saint Clement community through volunteer experiences, specifically the Lakeview food pantry, Service Day and YAC events, making friends along the way. I also was able to take the opportunity to participate in retreats as well as an incredible trip to visit our sister parish in El Salvador. One of my favorite experiences with Saint Clement came in the form of my Strengths for the Journey group. Through this program, I met a compassionate and fun group of ladies who would become close friends and confidants as they invited me to join in their regular prayer group. 


 

After a couple of years here, Eric decided to become Catholic and he was baptized at Saint Clement at the Easter Vigil Mass. We
enjoyed participating in the RCIA program and feel a special connection whenever there are RCIA events at Mass. When we got engaged, Saint Clement was the first call we made to kick off our wedding planning and get started with the parish Pre-Cana program. As our wedding invitations went out, we were surprised to hear from my Canadian relatives that they were already very familiar with our church. Decades ago, when my aunt and uncle lived in Chicago, they were active Saint Clement parishioners and had married here themselves. After our wedding, I had an opportunity to hear my aunt's stories about her time at Saint
Clement. Her memories of the church and her experience with it so closely mirrored my own that it seemed as though she was talking about Saint Clement today. We were both encouraged by how the vibrant community has endured over time.

 

Supporting the church with our time and treasure is important to our family. The church has become a home to myself, Eric, and our newly baptized five-month-old son, James. While we may not have as much time to volunteer as we used to due to our responsibilities as new parents, we are able to give in other ways and thankfully ParishPay makes this very easy. It's important for us to give back to the community that has given us so much." 

 

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, December 6 @ 8:00 p.m.:Chicago A Cappella performs "Holidays a cappella" (Church)

Monday, December 8 @ 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., and 7:00 p.m.: Mass of the Immaculate Conception, a Holy Day of Obligation (Church)

Wednesday, December 10 @ 7:00 p.m.: Advent School of Prayer (Church); register by emailing Fr. Peter

Sunday, December 14: Deadline to return all Jesse Tree gifts (Fahey Reception)

Sunday, December 14 @ 8:00 p.m.: Young Adult Community Wine & Cheese Reception (Chapel)

Tuesday, December 16 @ 7:00 p.m.: Parish-wide Reconciliation Service (Church)

Wednesday, December 17 @ 7:00 p.m.:  Advent School of Prayer (Church); register by emailing Fr. Peter

Wednesday, December 17 @ 7:00 p.m.: Young Adult Community Book Club (Fahey II); contact Kimm Mering

Thursday, December 18 @ 6:30 p.m.: Saint Clement School Christmas Concert (Church)

Saturday, December 20 @ 3:00 p.m.: The Dorothy Day Story performed by Still Point Theatre Collective (Fireside)
There's Still Time to Give!
Sunday Giving Commitment Helps Form 2015 Budget

Please consider Saint Clement Parish when making your year-end charitable contribution decisions as we are still accepting pledges for the 2015 Sunday Giving Commitment. Here is a brief message from Stewardship Council Member Jerry Quandt:

 

Living in the Light of Christ

Stewardship comes in many shapes, sizes, acts, and actions. It enables us to live in light of Christ -- to be fulfilled and to share God's love with others. 

 

Saint Clement Parish is chock-full of stewardship programs that touch both our parishioners and our broader community. It is the combination of all of these opportunities to pray, serve, and give that makes this parish so rich in spirit. And, it is why I love calling this place home.

 

As a member of the Stewardship Council, I would like to thank you on behalf of the parish, and on behalf of all of those who are then touched by your generosity through the various stewardship programs Saint Clement continues to offer. I also invite you to participate in the 2015 Sunday Giving Commitment, if you have not already made your pledge.

 

I find these words from Pope Francis, who I believe is living the life of stewardship better than many of our popes in modern history, inspiring to me in my call to pray, serve, and give. I hope you find these words inspiring too!

 

We all have to think if we can become a little poorer, all of us have to do this.

How can I become a little poorer in order to be more like Jesus, who was the poor Teacher.

 

Commit Now

Click here

 

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