2022/05/30: The Holy Spirit Among Us
Inspired & led by the Holy Spirit: Sharing stories as we approach Pentecost
As we prepare to celebrate Pentecost, the birth of the church and the beginning of our story as the church, we come to celebrate the power of the Holy Spirit that in every "time and age" leads and directs our church. During this week before Pentecost, we will hear from parishioners sharing how they have seen the Holy Spirit at work. We hope that as you read these stories, you will recognize your own call to active participation, discipleship and community here at Saint Clement.
Reflection from Kelly Foyle
Anchor: Belong
As a Catholic school principal, I tend to think a lot about why people come to a place, and, more importantly, why they stay. Ten years ago, I visited Saint Clement and heard an announcement inviting young adults to attend a weekend retreat. Being an introvert and not knowing anyone, the thought of a weekend away with complete strangers was a bit daunting. But I ended up jumping right in…and I’ve never looked back.
At Saint Clement there have always been groups, programs, and activities offered that have met my needs and interests, from women’s small group to volleyball, from serving in various liturgical ministry roles to speaker events. I used to spend so much time at Saint Clement that my students thought I lived there! And I realize I have stayed all these years because I have felt that I BELONG.
Over the past twelve months, as my professional role and obligations have changed, I haven’t been as present in our parish. But I know I always have a spiritual home and that when I am able to come I can serve and support our wonderful community. (In fact, even though I may only serve as a sacristan once a month, it’s one of the most spiritually rewarding things I get to do -- the 7:00 p.m. Mass is such an incredible opportunity to connect with God and others as one week closes and the next one begins.)
The Holy Spirit is doing amazing work in our parish community, where everyone is encouraged to find their niche and belong. I invite you to pray for the Holy Spirit to show you how to get involved deeper in some of the offerings and ministries this summer. Sure, you could stick your toe in, but I personally think it’s better if you go ahead and just jump.
To learn more about volunteering at Mass through our liturgical ministries, click here.
To learn more about our community groups, such as our young adult community and more, click here.
Video reflection from Reginald Laws
"The Holy Spirit leads us through our faith, our hope and our charity. And it's those things that unite us to really be a part of the community."
A testament to the Holy Spirit moving among us at Saint Clement
Reflection from Lisa Friedlander, Director of Youth Group
We just wrapped up our 12th season of youth group and the Holy Spirit was definitely at work! Since we were finally able to be fully in person again, we decided to focus on becoming comfortable with spontaneous group prayer. This is not always a comfortable thing for Catholics and certainly not for teenagers but we prayed about it and called on the Holy Spirit to lead the way. When our just graduated high school seniors began their youth group journey a few years ago, only the adult leaders led the group in prayer at our meetings. We shifted over the years to asking for teen volunteers to lead the prayers. They did a great job, but they always volunteered ahead of time and either recited a traditional prayer or wrote their own prayer and read it to us. This year, for the first time, and for sure with the help of the Holy Spirit, we asked teens right then and there to volunteer to lead us all in prayer. It was slow going at first (ok, we actually had to beg those first few times!) but eventually, multiple teens would volunteer to lead us and the prayer that poured forth was beautiful, heartfelt and spontaneous. Our most grace-filled moment of prayer came when one of our seniors, who had only ever volunteered to lead prayer when she could sign up ahead of time and with another person, raised her hand and led us in spontaneous prayer. It was such a beautiful moment and a true testament to the Holy Spirit moving among us!
To learn more about God Squad, our youth group for current 8th-12th graders, contact Lisa Friedlander.