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Lent 2015: Focus on Prayer
Strengths for the Journey Gathering
Lenten Prayer Fair
Opportunities to Pray.Serve.Give.
Did You Know?



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Lent 2015: Focus on Prayer
Prayer Wisdom: What is Prayer?

There is no singular definition of prayer that captures its multifaceted nature. Yet how we understand prayer certainly affects how we approach and practice it. Take a moment to think: How would you define prayer? 

Here are just a few of the many ways to think about prayer. Which one appeals to you? Do any challenge you? Take some time to discuss them with your family or friends:  

"Prayer is a conversation with one who we know loves us."  --  St. Teresa of Avila

"Prayer is the raising of one's mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God."  -- St. John Damascene

"Prayer is centered upon God. It is an emptying of oneself not for its own sake, but for the sake of being filled with God and entering into a deeper relationship with Him."  -- United States Catholic Catechism for Adults

"Prayer is the practice of spending time with God."  -- Dr. Carolyn Woo

 

Strengths for the Journey Gathering

 

On February 11, about 100 parishioners who have participated in our parish's the Strengths for the Journey program came together for an evening of gratitude, reflection and sharing. Our Strengths for the Journey program runs continually throughout the year and provides the means for our parishioners to discover their God-given gifts in a small group context over four weekly sessions.

 

The gathering began with dinner and fellowship, allowing former strengths group members to reconnect and share how they have incorporated the knowledge of their strength into their daily lives. Each table was then encouraged to discuss how they have developed their strengths in their work lives, community and family.

 

Christina Bax spoke to the group about different types of prayer and Fr. Ken capped off the evening with a wonderful reflection.

 

If you were unable to attend the Strengths for the Journey dinner,

 

 

If you are interested in participating in a Strengths for the Journey session, sign up or contact Lisa Friedlander.

 

Lenten Prayer Resource Fair

To prepare for Lent 2015 and our parish-wide 10,000 hours of prayer challenge, Saint Clement hosted a Prayer Resource Fair on February 8 after the 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Masses. The resource fair featured about a dozen prayer stations staffed with their own experts explaining various styles of prayer, as well as members of existing groups. If you couldn't make it, download our prayer resources guide and to help Saint Clement log more than 10,000 hours of prayer during Lent. Record your prayer time here!

 
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, February 21 @ 8:00 p.m.:Concerts Under the Dome presents Schola Antiqua of Chicago (Church)

Saturday-Sunday, February 21-22: Monthly Food Collection (Church Vestibule)

Sunday, February 22 @ noon: Family of Faith Field Trip: Church Liturgical Scavenger Hunt (Church); RSVP to Karen Koski

Sunday, February 22 @ 8:00 p.m.: Young Adult Community Happy Hour (Burwood Tap)

Monday, February 23 @ 7:00 p.m.: El Salvador trip informational meeting (Priest's Dining Room)

Wednesday, February 25 @ 7:00 p.m.: Young Adult Book Club (Chapel); contact Kimm Mering

Save the Date!

Saturday, March 21: Anchor Ball

Did You Know?
Festival of Forgiveness, Lent 2015
February 27 to February 28, starting at noon

This year, Lent offers a unique opportunity to seek healing by participating in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. From noon on Friday, February 27 to noon on Saturday, February 28, Catholic churches around the Archdiocese of Chicago will be open for hearing confessions. Area churches and times available for confessions:

Holy Name Cathedral, open 24 hours

St. Vincent De Paul,  February 27, 5:00-9:00 p.m. 

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, February 2, 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

St. Alphonsus, February 2, 6:00-8:00 p.m.; February 2, 9:00 a.m.-noon

Assumption, February 27, 11:35 a.m.-12:05 p.m., 12:30-1:30 p.m., 5:00-6:00 p.m.; February 2, 11:00 a.m.-noon, 4:00-4:45 p.m.

St. Michael, February 28, 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Saint Clement, February 28, 4:00-4:45 p.m.
Photo credits: Top bar images 1 & 2 by John Zich, www.zrweddings.com; image 3 & 4 by AmyBoylePhotography.com.