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Don’t Miss Your Chance to Give!
School Supply Drive Ends August 8
Let’s send students back to class with what they need! Saint Clement’s Social Justice Ministry invites you to participate in our Back-to-School Drive supporting the Religious Education Program at Our Lady of Mercy, our sharing parish. Your donations will provide essential supplies to families experiencing financial hardship and help equip students for a successful year of learning and faith formation.
You may drop off the items in the designated bins in the church vestibule until August 8th.
Prefer to shop online? No problem! Have your items shipped directly to:
Saint Clement Church
Attn: Christa Kingsley
642 W. Deming Place
Chicago, IL 60614
Our Lady of Mercy will collect all donations the week following the drive.
🙏 Thank you for your continued generosity and partnership in helping our neighbors grow in faith and knowledge as we build up the Kingdom of God together.
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Mark Your Calendars to Join Us for Our First Annual Fall Service Day!
Saturday, September 20
Mark your calendars and join us for the first Annual Fall Service Day at Saint Clement on Saturday, September 20th. It will be a wonderful opportunity for Saint Clement families to make a tangible difference!
This will be a new way to serve together. You will be able to choose from the list of sites on the registration form and go as a group to the site. There will be transportation provided for two of the sites so if you are without a car…no problem. All three options have a limited number of spots and will be on a first come first serve basis. Note that each site has a different start time—please plan accordingly.
1. Mission of Our Lady of Angels
(Volunteers should be 18 or older)
Work with Sister Stephanie and crew at Mission of Our Lady of Angels. We will have bus transportation to and from their campus at 3814 W. Iowa Street. As always, Sr. has endless options to help the mission serve their community needs to keep serving the 1000+ neighbors in their area. Bus will leave Saint Clement at 8:30 a.m. and depart the site at 1:00 p.m. to return to Saint Clement.
2. Feed My Starving Children
(Volunteers should be 6 or older and if under 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult)
Join other Saint Clement families to pack nutritionally balanced food to be sent to an area of the world suffering from starvation. There will be two buses taking volunteers to Feed My Starving Children in their facility at 740 Wiley Farm Court, Schaumburg. Prepare to enjoy a fast-paced packing session with complete information on FMSC organization and just how many people you will be helping to save from starvation. Buses will leave Saint Clement at 10:30 a.m. and depart the site at 2:30 p.m. to return to Saint Clement.
3. Misericordia Home
(Volunteers should be 18 or older)
Assist the recreational director in running the outdoor games for the residents of Misericordia Home. Misericordia is a home that helps people with developmental and intellectual disabilities to live independently. Your support helps enrich the lives of the residents. You will need to arrive at their campus (6300 N Ridge Avenue) by 9:45 a.m. and should be done by 12:30 p.m.
Ready to serve? Registration will open soon! Keep an eye on upcoming issues of The Plaza or visit clement.org/serviceday for more details and to sign up once it’s live.
| | | | | Be the Reason Someone Feels Welcome This Summer | |
Summer is in full swing at Saint Clement, and our community events are buzzing with life! From coffee and donuts after Mass to wine on Wednesday nights, these gatherings thrive because of volunteers like you.
Whether you’re new or a longtime parishioner, lending a hand is a joyful, easy way to build community and make a difference.
Sunday Morning Coffee & Donuts
Welcome parishioners with coffee, donuts, and a smile after the 8:00, 9:30, or 11:15 a.m. Sunday Masses.
Sign up to help at Coffee & Donuts
Wine Down Wednesday
Help set the tone for these relaxed evenings by pouring wine, greeting guests, or cleaning up.
Sign up to help at Wine Down Wednesday
Sundays Uncorked
Twice a month we enjoy refreshments together after the 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Sunday Masses. Offer a hand if you can!
Sign up to help at Sundays Uncorked
We can’t wait to serve alongside you!
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Serve our neighbors in need through Friday Sack Lunch & Hospitality
Every Friday morning, our parish offers breakfast, sack lunches, and welcome to our neighbors in need in front of the parish rectory. We invite you to consider serving in our Friday ministry, either helping with hospitality or dropping off sack lunches (or both!).
We also invite you to consider preparing lunches for Lincoln Park Community Services. Prepare six sack lunches at home and drop them off at LCPS Fullerton (600 W. Fullerton) or Sedgwick (1521 N. Sedgwick) before Friday at 9:30. Click here to learn more.
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Already a volunteer? Sign-up for an upcoming date through the parish App! Don't have the App? Simply text stclementapp to 77977.
- Once in App, click CONNECT --> CCB --> GROUPS --> Friday Sack Lunch --> NEEDS
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If you are new to this ministry, and interested in volunteering, please fill out this interest form.
We thank you for answering the call to serve one another! If you have any questions, please contact Christa Kingsley or Katie Bak.
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Monthly Food Drive
August 30/31
Our Monthly Food Drive will be the last weekend of the month. August donations will benefit Franciscan Outreach.
Please bring your collection of non-perishable goods to the collection bins in the Church vestibule that weekend. Thank you for your support!
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Chicago Shares on sale after Masses
August 30/31
The Justice Ministry will sell Chicago Shares on the plaza after all Masses on August 30/31. Any shares donated back to the parish are passed out on the first Friday of the next month during Friday Hospitality to our neighbors in need.
Chicago Shares offers a way for the community to respond to the needs of the homeless and most vulnerable among us. Through the Chicago Shares program, parishioners can purchase voucher booklets worth $5 to be distributed to those in need instead of cash, to be redeemed at participating stores and restaurants for food and toiletry items (no alcohol or tobacco products). Thank you for your support!
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Prepare & serve dinner at Lincoln Park Community Services
Twice a month, Saint Clement volunteers serve dinner for the Guests at LPCS! Volunteers can participate by cooking onsite at LPCS or by preparing part of a meal at home and dropping it off. The listings below are the next available dates. Thank you!
New to this ministry? Fill out the interest form here and we will add you the volunteer group so you can sign up via the links below.
1521 N. Sedgwick location (from 6:00-8:00 p.m.):
600 W. Fullerton location (from 6:00-8:00 p.m.):
Contact Christa Kingsley with any questions.
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Catholic Charities Soup Kitchen
On the 3rd Friday of the month, Saint Clement volunteers assist Holy Name Cathedral's sponsored Supper Service Meal Ministry at Catholic Charities. They serve over 200 individuals and need help packaging meals and serving dine-in guests. Your service is greatly appreciated and has a strong impact on our neighbors in need of a meal and fellowship.
Volunteers are to report to Catholic Charities (721 N. La Salle) by 3:30 p.m., will begin serving at 5:00 p.m., and be wrapping up by 6:30 at the latest. There is free parking on site. Thank you for your support of the Catholic Charities Soup Kitchen!
Upcoming dates:
- Friday, August 15 from 3:30-6:00 p.m.
Contact Christa Kingsley to sign up!
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Serve with Purpose in our Liturgical Ministries!
As you will be joining us for Sundays in the summer, we encourage you to serve as a liturgical minister even just one time this summer. Each person’s contribution matters in the liturgy. We are not meant to be spectators at Mass, but active participants—each with something unique to offer.
The Mass is like a family meal—and just like any meaningful meal, it’s more beautiful when everyone helps. Some set the table, some serve, others prepare behind the scenes. When we each take a role, we help create a welcoming, prayerful, and life-giving experience for all.
Would you consider greeting others, proclaiming the Word, assisting at the altar, preparing behind the scenes as a sacristan, or serving as a Eucharistic Minister? Don't worry, we’ll provide all the training you need to feel confident and supported.
Sign up to serve here!
Questions? Contact Jeremy Kiolbassa.
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Share your gift of music with our parish!
Do you sing, or play an instrument? Consider becoming part of the Saint Clement Music Ministry! We are in search of volunteer choristers, cantors, and instrumentalists to serve at all weekend Masses.
SCHOLA CLEMENTIS
This choir sings at the 11:15 a.m. Mass. Schola tackles advanced repertoire from Gregorian Chant and polyphony to modern music. The ability to read music is essential, and previous choral experience is recommended. Schola rehearses on Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m.
SERAPHIM CHOIR
This choir sings at the 7 p.m. Mass and is popular with young adults. Seraphim explores a variety of choral music, mostly in 3-part harmony. Seraphim rehearses on Sunday evening at 5:30 p.m.
ORCHARD STREET WORSHIP (O.S.W.)
O.S.W. Is our Praise & Worship ensemble which provides music for our 4:30 p.m. Sunday Mass. This group utilizes drum, guitar, synth, and vocals, and sings contemporary Christian music. They rehearse at 3:30 p.m. on Sundays.
CHAPEL CHOIR
The Chapel Choir sings every Sunday at the 9:30 a.m. Chapel Mass. This group sings a wide variety of styles from contemporary hymns to Gospel and beyond.
Whether you are an accomplished musician or an enthusiastic amateur, there is a place for you in our music ministry. Though we strive for excellence, you’ll find that each ensemble provides a welcoming and supportive environment.
To learn more about our ensembles and how to get involved, contact Scott Kumer, Assoc. Director of Liturgy & Music.
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Join our Love Your Neighbor ministry!
Love Your Neighbor is a ministry created especially for our parish family. We strive to fulfill the spiritual and material needs of our community and foster a sense of family support. We invite all members of our community to join us in growing together as a parish family.
To learn more about how to get involved, please visit clement.org/LYN.
| | | | | St. Mary of the Lake service opportunity | |
Saint Mary of the Lake in Uptown runs a weekly soup kitchen on Wednesday nights. With the growing number of refugees from South and Central America, the needs of the pantry continue to grow. As a part of this program, volunteers also provide sack lunches to the guests at the soup kitchen. These sack lunches ensure each guest who comes to the soup kitchen for dinner may also have a meal to-go.
Volunteers may signup to provide 5 sack lunches by emailing Joe Henry or signing up on St. Mary’s website HERE.
| | | Care for God's Creation is one of the tenets of Catholic Social Teaching | |
“...to defend the earth and to safeguard water is to protect life.”
— Pope Francis
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Creation Care Corner
Weekly Stewardship Recommendation:
Water Saving Tips
How you use water can have a significant environmental impact over time. It takes a lot of energy to pump the water to homes and to treat it to make it safe for use. Low flow shower heads, washers, and dishwashers reduce water waste and can save you money, as does turning off the water while you're brushing your teeth or shaving. Fully loading your washers and dishwashers before running also saves water. Got a leaky faucet or toilet? You might be wasting 200 gallons of water a day. Planning on outside watering? Check the forecast for rain. Also, consider drinking tap water instead of bottled water, to reduce packaging waste. The EPA sets the standards for tap water provided by public water suppliers that the FDA uses to set bottled water standards. Quality is often similar if standards are met.
More water saving tips can be found here
| | | | | Join the Laudato Si' Platform | |
“All of us can cooperate as instruments of God for the care of creation, each according to his or her own culture, experience, involvements, and talents.” (LS14)
The Archdiocese is one of nine dioceses around the world chosen to help launch the Laudato Si’ Action Platform. Saint Clement is encouraging all parishioners to register on the platform found at
https://laudatosiactionplatform.org/
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Volunteer with Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly!
Looking for a meaningful way to give back and connect with others in our community? Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly, located at 355 N. Ashland, offers several impactful volunteer opportunities to brighten the lives of isolated seniors in Chicago.
Food Bag Delivery (Monthly)
Help pack and deliver over 150 food bags each month to elderly neighbors in need.
Tech Support & Brain Fitness
Volunteer to assist in restarting the Brain Fitness Center—teach seniors basic technology skills and help them stay mentally active and connected.
Coffee and Conversation
Join us on the first and third Thursdays of each month for Coffee and Conversation. From 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. volunteers are needed to serve a light breakfast and, most importantly, spend quality time chatting with the elderly guests.
Whether you're looking to lend a hand or lend an ear, there’s a place for you at Little Brothers.
Get involved today!
Your time and presence can make a lasting impact.
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The Shared Table at Catholic Charities
Saint Clement volunteers serve a hot meal and provide a high-quality, restaurant-style dining experience to 100+ individuals experiencing food insecurity. Your service is greatly appreciated and has a meaningful impact on our neighbors in need. This service experience is fast paced, high energy, with various roles. Participating in setup and cleanup is required. Volunteers should arrive to Catholic Charities (721 N. La Salle) by 4:30 p.m., will begin serving at 5:00 p.m., and wrap up by shortly after 6:00 p.m. Sign up online as an individual here or contact volunteer@catholiccharities.net to sign up as a group!
- Date: Tuesdays, select Fridays
- Time: 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Location: Catholic Charities, 721 N. LaSalle (between Huron & Superior)
- Parking: Free on site
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Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago
Catholic Charities accompanies and serves those on the margins, partnering with mission-driven organizations and individuals every day. Charities provide volunteers with the opportunity to encounter those in need, make meaningful impact in our community and live their faith in the world. Help combat food insecurity in Chicago by volunteering at weekly Shared Table community meals, the Loaves and Fishes sack sandwich ministry or food pantries. Empower and uplift mothers and families who are economically vulnerable or escaping violence by supporting residents in Charities domestic violence transitional houses or host a diaper drive.
Sign up for these and other volunteer opportunities HERE
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Hearts Reunited: Volunteers needed for Archdiocese’s Kolbe House Jail Ministry Event
Saturday, August 9
Help us keep families strong and hope alive!
We are looking for volunteers to join the Hearts Reunited trip with the Archdiocese of Chicago Kolbe House Jail Ministry to accompany children to visit their dads in prison on Saturday, August 9th. The goal is to support development for children, strengthening family bonds and increasing emotional wellness for dads in prison thus leading to more successful return to the community following their sentences. You can support this cause by volunteering or by making a monetary donation. Learn more via this document. Contact Kelly Corley at Kellycorley@rocketmail.com. Thank you for your consideration!
| | | | | Mission of Our Lady of the Angels | |
Our Lady of the Angels is located in the Humboldt Park area of the city providing resources to those who are materially poor and sharing the Gospel with those they encounter. Volunteer opportunities include working in the food pantries and after school programs. All volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone.
If you have never volunteered at Mission OLA before, please sign up on the new volunteer form HERE first.
Please visit their volunteer page to learn more about ways to help!
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Specific volunteer needs
- We continue to need help on Mondays and Tuesdays, and Wednesdays for pantry prep, pantry, and our seniors' program respectfully.
- You can also sign up to pray for an hour at Adoration on Wednesday mornings.
- Help at our Back to School Block Party! Saturday, August 16 - 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sign Up for Volunteering Here
Calling all talented cleaners/ gardeners/ organizers!
I'm seeking individuals who are willing to come help on a certain day/time of the week each week (or every other week) + commit to a routine task. Example: Clean 2nd floor of school, do weeding in the convent front yard, clean the school bathrooms etc.
Please reach out to Sr. Stephanie at olamission@gmail.com
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Marillac St. Vincent (MSV) Harvest Hub Food Pantry - Volunteers Needed!
At Marillac St. Vincent, we understand that food insecurity is a pressing issue for many families in Chicago. Our Harvest Hub food pantries serve as a vital resource, providing essential nourishment to individuals and families facing financial hardships. Help support your neighbors in need!
Volunteers are needed at both locations:
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Lincoln Park @ St. Vincent DePaul Center, 2145 N. Halsted St
Tuesday 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM Shop with Neighbors
Wednesday 1:00 – 3:00 PM Unload Food Rescue & Stock Warehouse
Thursday 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM Shop with Neighbors
Friday 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM Unload Delivery Truck & Sort, Store, and Restock
East Garfield Park @ Foglia Family & Youth Center, 2859 W. Jackson Blvd
Monday 1:00 – 3:00 PM Sort Food Rescue, Set-Up, & Prep Store Shelves
Tuesday 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Set-Up & Prep Store Shelves
Wednesday 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Unload Trucks & Stock Warehouse
Wednesday 2:00 – 5:30 PM Shop with Neighbors
Thursday* 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Set-Up & Prep Store Shelves
Friday 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM Shop with Neighbors
* 1st & 3rd Thursdays @ 12:00 – 2:30 PM Older Adults Pantry & Shop with Neighbors
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Ready to Volunteer? Click here to complete online Volunteer Application.
Someone will be in touch with you soon!
Questions? Call (312) 943-6776 or email volunteers@marillacstvincent.org
| | | | Cradles to Crayons is a local non-profit that works to assist children affected by poverty by providing them with the essential materials to be successful in school. They provide items like books, cold-weather clothing, and shoes to families in need. Their Giving Factory is equipped with specific stations for sorting, organizing, and packaging donated items for distribution. Cradles to Crayons is looking for new volunteers to help fill weekly and weekend volunteer spots at the Giving Factory! Children and families are welcome. Please sign up online here. | | | | |
Semi-Retired? Retired? Ignatian Volunteer Corps May Be For You!
Join an upcoming information session!
Are you retired or finished raising your family? Do you want to give back, enrich your spiritual life, and build community with other mature adults? Through IVC you can make a difference in your community while living out the values of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Join us for an upcoming information session to learn more!
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Ignatian Spirituality Project
205 W. Monroe, Suite 317, Chicago, IL 60606 | info@ispretreats.org
Ignatian Spirituality Project (ISP) offers experiences of hope, healing, and belonging to individuals recovering from homelessness and addiction. Our spiritual programs create the reflective space for people to make real, transformative life changes.
ISP has various types of service opportunities, ranging from pastoral to logistical. Learn more via their flyer here or visit ispretreats.org/joinus
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English Literacy Volunteers Needed
Help adult immigrants learn English at Aquinas Literacy Center! Volunteer as a one-on-one ESL tutor for just 90 minutes a week at 1751 West 35th Street in Chicago. No need to speak another language; all tutoring is in English. Training is provided!
For more information, please contact Sabrina Poulin at sabrina@aquinasliteracycenter.org or (773) 927-0512. Aquinas Literacy Center is sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters.
| | | | | Outreach: An LGBTQ Catholic Resource | Welcome! God loves you! Outreach is an LGBTQ Catholic Resource created by Father James Martin, S.J. and several others. They hope to offer news, resources, and community for LGBTQ+ Catholics and their allies. Click here to learn more and check back for updates! | | | | |
Immigration Assistance Resources
Resources and information about organizations that offer pastoral, humanitarian and legal advocacy support for immigrants and refugees can be found at https://ow.ly/qs9f50UX4Ry. Please share these resources with anyone who could benefit from them.
| | | Supporting Local Organizations | | | | | |
Local Organizations' Wishlists
Support our community partners with the donations they need most!
If you are shopping online or looking for an easy way to support the work of Saint Clement's community partners, check out the online wishlists below. If you prefer not to shop on Amazon, you are welcome use those lists for ideas of what local organizations need most and to make purchases elsewhere.
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SAINT CLEMENT PARISH
642 W. Deming Place
Chicago, IL 60614
t. 773-281-0371
f. 773-281-2509
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