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Thank You for Your Generosity to This Year's Jesse Tree!
 Throughout Advent, Saint Clement parishioners once again reached out to those in need to share in the joy of the season. Through the generosity of parishioners, we were able to donate more than $14,000 in gift cards and donations, as well as more than 1,500 items of clothing, toys, and more, to the 12 charities we work with through the Jesse Tree.
The following gives a breakdown of the distribution:
- Catholic Charities Toy Shower: 153 toys; 79 of these were for children ages 11-15, which we had a special emphasis on this year!
- Early Start Home Daycare: 78 items of coats, hats, gloves, gift cards and toys
- H.O.M.E.: $2428 in gift cards and donations
- Lakeview Nursing & Rehabilitation Center: 107 individual gifts of clothing, gift cards and blankets
- La Rabida Children's Hospital: $585 in gift cards, 196 items of toys, books and clothing
- Lincoln Park Community Shelter: $780 in gift cards and donations, 121 individual gifts, as well as general supplies
- Madonna House: 67 individual gifts of women's and children's clothing, toys, gift cards, as well as other needed items
- The Night Ministry: $1,420 in gift cards and donations, 70 items of men's and women's clothing, sheets, and other necessities
- Our Lady of Mercy: $2,050 in gift cards, 155 items of coats, gloves, hats and scarves
- Our Lady of Solace: $1,525 in gift cards and donations, 247 items of diapers, personal care bags and clothing
- Solidarity Bridge: $5,090 in donations for medical supplies and treatments
- St. Vincent de Paul Center: 287 items of children's and adult clothing, and other basic necessities
 The Fahey Center was filled with bags and bags of gifts collected for the Jesse Tree!
We are incredibly grateful to the more than 35 volunteers who contributed to making this year's Jesse Tree a success - all the tag makers, tree decorators, re-stockers, gift sorters, door watchers, wrappers, shoppers, charity liaisons, and particularly the committee team leaders, who generously gave of their time for this project.
Thank you to all Saint Clement parishioners who donated so generously to the agencies who count on us at Christmas and throughout the year!
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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 Jerry Quandt.
 "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. We have been parishioners at Saint Clement since my wife, Pam, two kids, Elena and Matthew, and I moved back from New York City over three years ago. As a family, we have found a spiritual "home base" at the 9:30 a.m. Chapel Mass. My son, Matthew, has frequently asked on Sunday mornings over the breakfast table, "Who is saying Mass today "Jesus" (e.g. Fr. Manny) or "God" (e.g. Fr. Shelby)? This only reinforces for me that another generation of Catholics is forming in their faith. This makes me happy. Saint Clement has not only offered our family a spiritual home base, it has offered us support and service to enable and empower us to live, pray and serve in the example of Jesus. My wife and I have both participated in the Strengths for the Journey Program, providing us a wonderful insight into the gifts we have to offer each other, our family, our professional life and our community. Today, you will find both of us utilizing those strengths in neighborhood work we do, in community programs we spearhead, and in our professional lives. It has also served our relationship, bringing us closer, and more in tune with each other, making us better partners and parents. Additionally, our children participate in the religious education program at Saint Clement every Sunday. This program has ensured that the message of Jesus that they receive in church each Sunday comes to life for them outside the one-hour experience as well. While I have referenced two very specific examples of stewardship which has touched our lives, Saint Clement Parish is chock-full of stewardship programs that touch both our parishioners directly, as well as our broader community. It is the combination of all of these opportunities to give, pray and serve that makes this parish so rich in spirit. And why I love calling this place home. Which begs the question, "what is this worth?" I am sure those of you who are into finance might be able to make a specific calculation. I, however, find this gift immeasurable. So I will take a line from the gospel according to Matthew as inspiration, as we reflect upon this question: "Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God." -- Matthew 22:15-21" |
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.
Thursday, January 22 @ 7:00 p.m.: Catholicism 101: first of 10 sessions ( Chapel); register here or contact Christina Bax with questions
Saturday-Sunday, January 24-25: Monthly Food Collection (Church Vestibule)
Sunday, January 25 @ 8:00 p.m.: Young Adult Community Happy Hour (Burwood Tap)
Friday, January 30 @ 7:00 p.m.: New Parishioner Welcome Dinner (Centennial Hall); new parishioners will receive an evite invitation, or contact Maggie Hanley
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Did You Know?
Anchor Ball Tickets are Now On Sale!
March 21 at the Marriott Magnificent Mile
 Our annual parish-wide fundraising gala is less than two months away! This black-tie optional event features an exclusive live and silent auction, dinner and drinks, live music and dancing! Purchase your tickets or sponsorships now. Ticket prices increase on March 1, so don't delay!
The silent auction committee is still accepting donations. Items such as restaurant gift certificates, spa treatments, sport and concert tickets, vacation home rentals, and golf packages are greatly appreciated. Please contact Whitney Breen or Carrie Tracy if you'd like to make a donation, or download our donation form.
Please contact our event chairs Natalie Recker or Angie Kolbusz if you have questions. We hope to see you at the ball!
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