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Your Voice Matters!

At Saint Clement Parish, we need to hear from you! How well does our parish support your spiritual growth? Do you feel connected to others in our faith community? Are there ways we can better invite you to share your gifts?

This spring, we invite all parishioners to take part in a 15-minute survey to help shape the future of our liturgies and ministries. Your honest feedback will guide us as we strive to grow from members to believers to disciples of Jesus.

The survey will be open from March 26 – April 30, and all responses will be confidential. Over the summer, we’ll review the results and share what we’ve learned with the entire parish.

TAKE SURVEY TODAY

Thank you for being a vital part of Saint Clement Parish. Your input will help our community thrive!

For our Lenten Almsgiving, we are partnering with Matikwe Home, a compassionate care facility near Durban, South Africa, run by the Sisters of the Daughters of Charity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Matikwe Home provides essential medical care and dignity to terminally ill individuals from impoverished backgrounds, welcoming up to 15 patients, 60% of whom are women between the ages of 33 and 57.

In collaboration with the Sisters, the IKhwezi Foundation, founded by Father Brett under the Archdiocese of Durban, is leading a project to relocate and expand Matikwe Home, ensuring better care and greater reach for those facing life’s final challenges.

Your generosity this Lent can make a lasting impact, extending Christ’s hope, love and mercy to those most in need. Please consider making a donation to support this mission of compassion and care.

Give your Almsgiving today!

Living Fully Alive in Christ: Revisiting Our Powerful Lenten Parish Mission

Transcripts & videos available!

A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Lisa Fortini-Campbell for leading us on a powerful and transformative Lenten Parish Mission at the start of Lent, helping us reflect on how to break the chains holding you back from living fully alive in Christ!

If you missed our Lenten Parish Mission, or if you'd like to revisit the powerful messages shared, we have great news! You can find video recordings and transcripts from the event on our website, offering you a chance to dive deeper into the themes of renewal, reflection, and God’s call to live fully alive in His grace.

Review the Mission transcripts & videos here

Seeking to Belong

Share a meal, make a difference: Join us for a Community Lunch

Sunday, April 6, following 11:15 a.m. Mass, in Fireside Hall (in the school)

Let’s come together for an afternoon of food, fellowship, and giving back at our next community meal together! Join us on Sunday, April 6 following 11:15 a.m. Mass. In addition to sharing a meal, we'll be working on a service project together--preparing sack lunches to be delivered to Lincoln Park Community Services' shelters. This event is a beautiful way to connect with our parish family while making a difference for others in need. All are welcome!

Register & join us!

Reminder: You Are Seen, Known, and Loved – Join the Affirmed Community!

Did you know that Saint Clement has a welcoming space for members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community? The Affirmed Community is a group dedicated to building a sense of belonging within our parish, where all are seen, known, and loved by God and this faith community.

We gather monthly on the 1st Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. to connect, grow in faith, and support one another on our spiritual journeys. Whether you’re looking for meaningful conversations, fellowship, or simply a space to be yourself, we welcome you with open arms.

Upcoming Events - 4/2 & 4/4

We will have a panel discussion on Wednesday, April 2nd and host Stations of the Cross on Friday, April 4th.

To join Affirmed Community, Register Here!

Questions? Email Joseph Schneider

Journey to Faith: Conversations with New Catholics

Saturday, April 12, 9:30 a.m. Hospitality, 10-11:30 a.m. Program, in the Chapel

Join our Growing in Grace ministry and hear from several recent OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) graduates as they share their powerful testimonies of conversion and what led them to embrace the Catholic faith. OCIA is the process through which adults explore Catholicism, deepen their understanding of Scripture and Church teachings, and ultimately discern whether to enter the Church through Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Their journeys are often filled with profound questions, moments of grace, and a deep desire to know Christ more fully. For lifelong, cradle Catholics, listening to these stories offers a fresh perspective on the beauty of the faith, a renewed sense of gratitude for the sacraments, and an opportunity to reflect on one’s own spiritual journey.

Register & join us!

Focus Group for Growing in Grace

We want to hear from you!

You are warmly invited to join a FOCUS GROUP to share your ideas and hopes for the next series of Growing in Grace ministry offerings. We all own this ministry so your feedback will be invaluable in shaping the path forward. We also encourage those who feel called to step into leadership roles to help bring these visions to life. We hope you will sign up for one of the following times and share your ideas! 

• April 2, Noon via Zoom
• April 24, 7:00 via Zoom

• If you would really like to participate, but can’t make either of the scheduled sessions, an alternate session is on April 27, 3:00 via Zoom.

Please note, the Zoom link will be sent before each session to those who registered.

We are looking forward to seeing you on April 12th for our next event (see above) and at one of the focus groups.

Register here for Focus Group

Growing as a Believer

Embark on a Pilgrimage of Faith with the Jubilee Journey Passport!

This Jubilee Year, join us as Pilgrims of Hope. The Jubilee Journey Passport guides you to sacred sites across our Archdiocese, including Holy Name Cathedral, Saint Clement Parish, Saint Hyacinth Basilica, Saint Mary of the Lake, and Queen of All Saints Basilica. Deepen your faith through special activities and reflections at each location.

Your passport includes details on Mass times, reconciliation, adoration hours, and key visitation points. After completing each activity, receive a Visa Stamp to track your progress.

Pick up your Jubilee Journey Passport today in the Saint Clement church vestibule and begin your pilgrimage of faith, renewal, and hope.

Creation Care Corner

Consider a Lenten Plastic Fast

Plastic waste is a huge and growing problem. Only 9% of the 9 billion tons of plastic produced has been recycled. There is very little demand for the plastic you do recycle. 40% of all plastic is designed to be used once and tossed. Plastic doesn’t decompose easily and can last 100s of years. The waste clogs landfills and waterways, and poses hazards to animals and fish life. It breaks up into ever smaller microplastics getting into our air and food chain with unknown health effects.

What you can do:

▪ Say NO to single-use plastic. Carry your own cups, bags, to-go containers, utensils and forget the straws.

▪ Say NO to bottled water and pop. Carry refillables.

▪ Choose more biodegradable/recyclable materials like glass, paper, cardboard, and metal instead of plastic... and then recycle those items.

▪ Avoid products with excessive plastic packaging and parts. If it leaves behind plastic waste, seek alternatives.

Recycle what you can't refuse, reduce, or reuse.

Worship & Sacraments

Join us in worship!

Weekend Mass & Presider Schedule

WELCOME! We invite you to join us in worship this weekend at one of our Masses. If you're homebound or out of town this weekend, stay connected by joining our livestream.

Saturday, March 29

• 5:00 p.m.: Fr. Brett Williams

Sunday, March 30

• 8:00 a.m.: Fr. Brett Williams
• 9:30 a.m.: Fr. Peter Wojcik
• 9:30 a.m. Chapel: Fr. Tom Hickey
• 11:15 a.m. (also livestreamed): Fr. Peter Wojcik
• 4:30 p.m.: Fr. Brett Williams
• 7:00 p.m.: Fr. Peter Wojcik

April Weddings

Congratulations to the members of our parish family celebrating the sacrament of marriage this month! May God's blessings and graces be with them in the years ahead, through all their joys and sorrows.

Adoremus

Thursday, April 3, following 6:00 p.m. Mass

Join us for an evening of prayer and meditative chant music, led by members of Schola Clementis. Adoration will include sung Vespers, and confession will be offered throughout the evening. The evening will conclude with Benediction. Let this sacred time deepen your faith and draw you closer to His presence.

Experience the Healing Power of Confession

Thursday, April 3, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as confession, offers spiritual healing and reconciliation with God. It’s a chance to seek forgiveness, find peace, and renew your relationship with Him. No matter how long it's been, God’s mercy is always available to us.

Join us on Thursday, April 3 at 6:30 p.m., as we will have additional priests available to hear confessions. You're welcome to just join us for confession without participating in Adoremus/Adoration (see above).

Holy Thursday Pilgrimage to Seven Churches

Join us on a Holy Thursday Pilgrimage to seven historic Chicago churches. The tradition of visiting churches on Holy Thursday has origins dating back to the Middle Ages. After a journey to Rome, pilgrims would visit the basilicas of the Holy City to pray and venerate the various holy sites and relics. In 1300 A.D. Pope Boniface VIII declared the first Holy Year, granting a special indulgence to those who met certain conditions. One of these conditions was a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls.

Over time the number of churches grew to seven. This practice is often attributed to St. Philip Neri, who would embark upon a “Seven Churches Walk” with pilgrims in the early hours of the morning. Pilgrims would visit the churches and pray before the blessed sacrament in each. This tradition has been adopted all over the world, especially in urban areas where churches are in close proximity.

The tour will be hosted by Jeremy Kiolbassa and will offer historic and architectural commentary on each of the sites. Space is limited to 50 participants based on the capacity of the bus.

The tour leaves immediately after the Holy Thursday Mass on April 17th (approximately 8:30pm) and will return to Saint Clement for a concluding prayer at midnight.

The cost to attend is $35 and includes a seat on the luxury coach bus, prayer booklet, refreshments, and a special gift.

Register & join us

Join Us for Holy Week and Easter Services

As we journey through Holy Week and celebrate the joy of Easter, we invite all to join us at Saint Clement Parish for this sacred time of prayer, reflection, and worship. Together, we will pray and remember Jesus' saving action—His passion, death, and resurrection. Let us come together as a community to deepen our faith and celebrate the incredible gift of salvation He offers to each of us. All are welcome to experience the hope and joy of this holy season.

See our Holy Week & Easter schedule here

OCIA Second Scrutiny

Registration for Spring-Fall 2025 OCIA Open

Excerpt of Update from Fr. Brett Williams and Ed Harasim, OCIA Coordinators

Please support and pray for our elect, who are preparing for baptism at the Easter Vigil. Our OCIA community will gather at the 9:30 a.m. chapel Mass this Sunday, March 30 for the second Scrutiny. The entire Saint Clement parish community surrounds them in their journey of faith, so the rites are celebrated at the various Masses at which our community prays.

Read full update here.

Sharing Our Gifts

Registration for Service Day closes on April 11

Join us on Saturday, May 3

Service Day is taking place on Saturday, May 3rd, and we are excited to have you join us for this beloved Clement event!

Come participate with us for in-person service 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and optional 5:00 p.m. Mass and dinner at Saint Clement. Visit clement.org/serviceday for Service Day details and schedule.

Everyone is welcome — individuals, couples, and families! Children aged 5+ are encouraged to join and should be included in your registration. We’ll share team assignments and service site details with all registered participants in April.

Register today!

Have any questions? Reach out to Christa Kingsley.

Serve with Purpose in our Liturgical Ministries!



HOSPITALITY MINISTERS WANTED

Are you a people-person who enjoys meeting new people? Are you looking to meet new friends at the parish? Become a Minister of Hospitality! These joyful volunteers welcome our parishioners and guests each weekend and are an essential part of every Mass. As a Minister of Hospitality, you will: 

• Welcome guests as they arrive.
• Assist with seating, collection, and handing out printed programs.
• Help to count how many attend each Mass.
• Perfect for those who enjoy meeting new people.

We are especially looking for volunteers to help with Holy Week and Easter.

Our next training sessions are Sunday, April 6th at 12:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Questions? Contact Jeremy Kiolbassa.

Sign up to serve here!

2025 Annual Catholic Appeal Update Together We Bring Hope

Thank you to the 93 donors who have already pledged their support to the 2025 Annual Catholic Appeal! Because of your generosity, we have raised $99,385 in pledges toward our parish goal of $169,356.

The Annual Catholic Appeal offers us an opportunity to come together and affirm that “together we bring hope.” In addition to supporting vital ministries and services throughout the archdiocese, the Appeal supports the funding of priest development, low-income parishes and schools, and initiatives for justice, peace, and respect for life.

If you haven’t yet made your pledge, please prayerfully consider how you can support this important effort. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference.

Join us in bringing hope—make your gift today by clicking this link.

Thank you for your continued generosity!

Share your gifts by providing meals or time serving meals

Saint Clement offers many opportunities for parishioners to live their call to stewardship and justice by generously sharing their time, gifts, and talents in service with and for others. We invite you to help serve our brothers and sisters in need and hungry by providing a meal or time preparing and serving a meal.

• Learn more about our Friday Sack Lunch & Hospitality Program



• Learn more about other upcoming opportunities to help feed our neighbors in need, including at Catholic Charities, LPCS, or St. Mary of the Lake.

Join Us on a Pilgrimage to Rome During the Holy Year! 

Experience the beauty and history of our patron parish, San Clemente, on a transformative pilgrimage to Rome during the 2025 Jubilee Year—a rare and sacred time of grace, renewal, and pilgrimage for Catholics worldwide. Walk through the Holy Doors, visit historic basilicas, and deepen your faith in the heart of the Church. 

As part of this journey, you’ll also learn about the San Clemente Project and how you can financially support this important initiative to preserve and honor our parish’s spiritual heritage. 

We offer two pilgrimage options, led by Fr. Ken and Fr. Peter, each providing a unique journey of faith and discovery. With only 40 spots per pilgrimage, registration is first come, first serve—so don’t wait! 

• Learn more about the San Clemente Project here: Watch the Video
• Read pilgrimage details and sign up: Click Here 

For questions, please contact Delaney Paul.

We hope you will join us for this unforgettable journey of faith! 

Supporting Ukraine: Our Ongoing Commitment

As we continue to pray for peace and for all affected by the war in Ukraine, Saint Clement continues to support the efforts of Caritas Lublin, along with new initiatives.

One of the initiatives is Microscope for Kharkiv. This is a joint charitable project by the Association of Polish Ophthalmic Surgeons, Caritas Lublin, and Caritas-Spes Kharkiv. This initiative aims to raise funds for the purchase and delivery of a surgical microscope to the Military Hospital in Kharkiv, Ukraine. This hospital is facing a severe shortage of essential medical equipment needed to perform life-saving surgeries and care for both war victims and regular patients. Our support will directly help provide the tools necessary for doctors to save lives and restore sight to those in need.

We have donated $5,000 thus far to this initiative. Our brothers and sisters continue to need our support. We prayerfully invite you to consider contributing to the Ukraine Relief Fund.

Saint Clement’s foundation of faith and hope continues to grow through this campaign, ensuring the vitality of our parish for generations. We are so grateful to all who have donated thus far! As we enter the next phase of the campaign, our goal is to expand participation to 600 families by the end of the year. We invite an additional 160 families to consider joining us in 2025. We will not meet our goal of $10.8 million without everyone participating! To learn more about our campaign, click here.

Have questions? Please reach out to Delaney Paul, Director of Stewardship and Development.

Saint Clement School Updates

School Admissions Coffee & Tour

Tuesday, April 8, 8:45 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

Join the Saint Clement School Family! We invite you to sign up for our next Admissions Coffee & Tour at 8:45 a.m. Come learn more about our school from our pastor, principal, teachers, parents & students. If you're interested, sign up here.

To learn more about Saint Clement School, please visit stclementschool.org or contact Noreen Valle.

Saint Clement School Coaching Opportunities

Do you like sports and working with kids? There are several volunteer coaching opportunities at Saint Clement School where you can make a difference. Check out the list below and consider joining us in helping young athletes grow in skill and sportsmanship!

Coaching opportunities still open for the following:

• Boys & Girls Golf
• Track & Field
• Soccer

If you are interested in coaching, please reach out to Athletic Director, Tony Hoolehan for more information: ahoolehan@stclementschool.org, 219-776-6211.

Young Adult Community

Come find your crew!

If you're in your 20s and 30s, we invite you to learn more about our vibrant Young Adult Community (YAC)! The YAC offers many spiritual, service, and social opportunities and would love to get to know you and help you on your spiritual journey!

Read the latest YAC newsletter here!

Resources

Join Our Team -- Make a Difference in Our Parish Community!

Saint Clement Parish is seeking a full-time Assistant Manager of Events & Ministry Engagements to plan, organize, and execute parish events that foster spiritual growth and build a welcoming community. In this role, you'll coordinate events, manage logistics, and ensure all gatherings reflect our mission of hospitality. If you're passionate about community-building and creating meaningful experiences, we’d love to hear from you!

• Assistant Manager of Events and Ministry Engagements

Become part of a mission-driven team, where your work will have a lasting impact on the future of Catholic ministry.

Experience Saint Clement Anywhere: Download Our Parish App Now!

We invite you to download and explore our parish app today! You'll be able to sign up to serve as a Liturgical Minister or for our Friday Morning ministry, watch Fr. Peter's weekly video, and more! To download, simply search for Saint Clement in the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). Or, you can text stclementapp to 77977. It's that easy!

Click for a video overview of our parish app to learn more!

Join the Laudato Si' Platform

The Archdiocese is one of nine dioceses around the world chosen to help launch the Laudato Si’ Action Platform. Saint Clement will be going through this process and we are encouraging all parishioners to register on the platform found at laudatosiactionplatform.org.

Outreach: An LGBTQ Catholic Resource

Welcome! God loves you and we see 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 & check for updates!

One-man performance of the Gospel of Mark

Saturday, April 4, 7 p.m., St. Pauls UCC

St Pauls UCC is hosting an incredible one-man performance of the Gospel of Mark on Saturday, April 4th at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel. The complete Gospel of Mark runs two hours with a brief intermission. Actor Mark Huddle brings us into this intense story from Christ's baptism through resurrection.

The Fullerton Avenue entrance will be open; some parking is available on Kemper Avenue. St Pauls United Church of Christ is located at 2335 N Orchard Street, near Lincoln Avenue and the CTA Red Line. Due to construction, there is no wheelchair availability for this event. Register here

Emmaus Ministry for Grieving Parents

One-Day Spiritual Retreat

Saturday, April 5, 9:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., at St. Joseph Campus in Wilmette

Losing a child under any circumstance is horrific. Focusing on the spirituality of the grieving process 

can help tremendously. A ministry for parents whose child has died at any age by any cause, no matter how long ago. The day includes individual and group sessions, Catholic liturgies, Mass, quiet reflection, and prayer services. Parents are invited to share as little or as much as they like. No one is forced to talk; many people participate by listening. Refreshments, lunch and a light dinner are served. There is no cost, but free-will donations appreciated.

Please join us. All are welcome.

Registration: www.emfgp.org

For more information, call Liz Wallinger, Mandie’s Mom at 914-329-3434. Or call Diane Monaghan, Paul’s Mom, at 800-919-9332.

Palm Sunday Prayer Walk at Cook County Jail

April 13, 3:00 p.m., Cook County Jail

All are welcome to join Kolbe House Jail Ministry on Sunday, April 13 at 3 p.m. for the annual Palm Sunday Prayer Walk at Cook County Jail (2801 West 24th Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60623). We will commemorate the beginning of Holy Week with a family-friendly, ecumenical procession of palms, drumming, song and prayer around Cook County Jail. We will remember moments of Jesus' passion and connect them to the experiences of those impacted by violence and incarceration. Together, we will recommit to hope, healing, and human dignity as a Church and as a society. Groups are welcome and parking is available. For more information, contact Emily Cortina at ecortina@kolbehouseministry.org.

Venerable Fr. Augustus Tolton Writing Contest

The Tolton Ambassadors – Chicago is excited to announce the 2025 Venerable Augustus Tolton Writing Contest, open to students in grades 5 through 8 across the Archdiocese. This contest offers young writers a unique opportunity to explore the inspiring life of Father Augustus Tolton, the first recognized Black Catholic priest in the United States, and reflect on his enduring legacy. Essays must be submitted by Sunday April 6. See flyer for details.

REFLECT Retreat for Mid-Life Singles

April 25-27

Mid-life Singles (mid-30s to 50s): Are you looking for a renewed sense of purpose & belonging? Register today for a life-changing REFLECT weekend retreat at the Carmelite Renewal Center, in Darien, IL (in the southwestern suburbs), on April 25-27, 2025. Take a chance and get involved... you won't regret it! Visit www.ReflectRetreat.com, e-mail reflect.chicagoland@gmail.com, or call (630) 222-8303 for details.