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In 1996, I moved into my first apartment in the city at Pine Grove & Diversey. On a sunny morning, I was rollerblading in the neighborhood and happened by Saint Clement. The side door to the chapel was open, and I heard clapping and singing emanating from within. Wait, this is a Catholic church? These sounded like my kind of people.
A week later I returned, and have been ever since.
When I joined the parish, I knew no one. And truth be told, it took me several years to give back in ways beyond financial support. And once I did, I never looked back. For 5 years, I was a Kindergarten catechist on Sunday mornings. My main goal was that by the end of the year, they could all recite a Hail Mary and the Our Father. What I truly loved, was seeing the wonder of them discovering their faith and Jesus’ love for them. Another wonder came out of that, 12 years later, one of my students became our summer nanny. Giving back came full circle.
Fr. Hickey married Lawrence and I in 2006 and a year later our first child John was born and so it was time to join Clement Moms. I loved getting to truly know so many other women all at the same life stage. We’re a fun bunch and so what better way to contribute than to lead the social committee? After two years in that role, I moved on to chairing the philanthropy committee. Through that I came to work with the Madonna House. Being just a block from our house, I loved forging a relationship with the women and children there and the staff who cares for them. I came to be true neighbors with them. Giving came to my backyard.
Through the women I met in Clement Moms, I was asked to put my advertising background to work on Anchor Ball. For 7 years, I created the Paddle Raise video. I loved doing this! Over the years I got to know so many diverse individuals that comprise our parish family. It was a privilege to tell their story. And to be honest, I loved the immediate gratification of seeing the instant financial results. Giving can be thrilling.
During that time, I was asked to join the school board. I was honored that Melissa Dan and Fr. Ken wanted me to contribute to the school in such an important way. By far, the school board was the most challenging role in my time at Saint Clement. You choose to become a board member because you care about your kids, and want to enable the very best experience for them at the school. It is deeply personal. And yet as board members everyone comes to the table with different views of what that best experience is. Giving meant learning to respect our differences.
Now, I am content to give of my time, talent and treasure in the moments "in between" -- whether chaperoning school field trips, sorting items for the Jesse Tree or making a meal for a family in need -- I give in the small everyday ways.
Saint Clement is the epicenter of our lives. It’s why we choose to stay in the city, to raise our three kids here. John, Claire and Patrick are who they are because of this community.
Grounded in faith. Confident in their abilities. Inspired to be good humans in this world.
Saint Clement is the cornerstone of our family foundation. We give to help keep that foundation strong.
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