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Dear Saint Clement Parishioners,
It has been a gift to serve here as your associate pastor and the temporary administrator while Fr. Peter is on his sabbatical. I am grateful for his support, confidence, and friendship.
Being here at Saint Clement has been a real blessing for my own human formation, my pursuit of holiness, and my growth as a priest. It has also been a lot of fun and a joy to witness the many ways the Holy Spirit is at work in this parish and right here on this little corner of Lincoln Park. Over the past year, I have seen how God continues to bring new life where we might not expect it.
This year our parish has the privilege of accompanying 75 people preparing for the Easter sacraments. 19 will be baptized, confirmed, and receive the Eucharist for the first time. 33 will be received into full communion with the Catholic Church and celebrate Confirmation and Eucharist. Another 23 Catholics are completing their sacraments of initiation.
Each of these people began with a question, a conversation, or a desire for something more. Journeying with them reminds me why Easter matters so much. The Resurrection is breaking into people's lives every day.
When I step back and reflect on all of this, I’m reminded again and again that Christ is alive! He continues to call people, renew hearts, and build community in ways that none of us could do on our own.
Throughout this season of Lent, we have sought to live our faith fearlessly, wrapped in God's mercy. Easter shows us why we can live with that confidence. Jesus has risen, he has conquered sin and death, and nothing can separate us from his love. May that same courage and mercy fill your hearts as you celebrate these holy days and rejoice in the hope of the Resurrection.
I invite you to enter Holy Week with us. Walk with the Lord through the Last Supper, the Cross, and the quiet waiting of Holy Saturday. Then, come celebrate the joy of Easter morning!
I also invite you to consider supporting our Easter Appeal. Our goal is to raise $65,000 to help sustain and expand the ministries that serve thousands of people in our parish and neighborhood each year.
Thank you for being part of this community and for the many ways you help make Saint Clement a place where people encounter Christ and find belonging.
May the joy of the Resurrection fill your heart, renew your hope, and bring you peace this Easter season.
Happy Easter!
Fr. Radley Alcantara, Associate Pastor
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