Seeking to Belong
There is a deep desire in our world right now to seek connection, purpose, and a sense of belonging. Whether it’s due to a change in life (graduating college, becoming a parent, or leaving a career) or simply wanting to recover from the isolation of recent years, we see many people coming through our doors searching for friendship, faith, and community.
If you find yourself in a stage of life where you are seeking—seeking to be known, to be supported, and to grow—our Seeker / Member pathway is for you. Through these experiences, you’ll discover a community where you are welcomed as you are, where you can build meaningful relationships, and where you can begin to take steps toward deeper membership in the life of our parish.
Look for the green stamp in our communications to find Seeker / Member opportunities throughout the year. Bookmark this page or follow us on the parish app and social media to stay connected.
Advent 2025: God is With Us
You Are Not Alone
The word Emmanuel means “God is with us.” During Advent, we prepare to welcome Jesus—the Emmanuel—who comes not only in the past at Bethlehem, but also today, in the midst of our lives. In a world that can often feel uncertain or lonely, Advent reminds us that we are never alone. God is present with us, offering hope, peace, and light in every season.
Beginning November 30, the First Sunday of Advent, we enter this sacred time together as a community—through prayer, reflection, and joyful gatherings that prepare our hearts to receive Christ at Christmas. Whether you are seeking peace, connection, or a renewed sense of faith, you are invited to journey with us at Saint Clement Parish this Advent. Here are a few of our upcoming Advent community events:
Jingle & Mingle with Santa – Sunday, December 7
Advent by Candlelight (for Women) – Tuesday, December 9
Gaudete Sunday – December 14 -- a day of rejoicing with festive sweaters and refreshments and fellowship after the Sunday Masses!
Sundays Uncorked: A Way to Relax & Connect
Twice a Month following 4:30 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. Masses
Looking for more ways to build meaningful friendships and community? Sundays Uncorked is where you can unwind, mingle, and meet new friends after Mass. Join us twice a month following the 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Sunday Masses for casual conversation, good vibes, and refreshing drinks. Whether you’re new to the parish or a familiar face looking to deepen connections, Sundays Uncorked offers a welcoming space to grow in faith and friendship. Mark your calendars for these upcoming dates:
December 14 - Gaudete Sunday - We’ll have a special Sundays Uncorked with a Christmas party in Fireside (in the school)! We encourage you to don a festive Christmas sweater and come enjoy snacks, drinks, games and crafts!
Come to Mass, stay for community. No registration needed—just show up and bring a friend!
Get Your Tickets for Our 50th Anniversary Performance of Handel's Messiah!
Saturday, December 13
11:00 a.m. - Family-Friendly Messiah
7:00 p.m. - Full Messiah Concert
Usher in the Christmas Season with a beloved tradition – Handel’s Messiah at Saint Clement. This year's concert holds special significance as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of our parish's first performance of Messiah in 1975. Please note, there will be no performance of Messiah in 2026, so be sure to join us this year!
The 60-minute morning concert is an interactive performance for all ages, including small children, hosted by Terri Hemmert of WXRT Radio. With soloists Nicole Besa, Marissa Simmons, Ryan Kirk, and Aaron Wardell, the evening concert is not to be missed. Both concerts will feature a 75-voice festival chorus and the Orchard Street Baroque Orchestra conducted by Jeremy J. Kiolbassa.
Volunteers Needed!
Can you offer a bit of time in service to our parish community for either Messiah performance? Sign up to volunteer! Thank you for your help!
Grief Group
Sundays, Jan. 11, 25, Feb. 1, 8; 12:30-2 p.m.
In the new year, our Love Your Neighbor ministry will be offering a four-session grief group that journeys through loss in light of the Paschal Mystery -- exploring the themes of life, suffering, death, and resurrection. Together, we will explore we can look to Christ’s story to gain hope in our own experiences of grief and healing. This group offers a space for community, shared understanding, and faith-filled reminders that hope and resurrection await even in our deepest sorrow.
New Year’s Women of Faith Series
Wednesdays, Jan. 14 – Feb 4, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Women of Saint Clement are invited to start the new year with four Wednesday evenings of renewal, connection, and small-group sharing. Our New Year’s Women of Faith Series brings inspiring speakers and meaningful conversations on spiritual decluttering, friendship and mentorship, daily surrender, and faithful stewardship.
Whether you're seeking deeper prayer, supportive community, or a place to reflect with other women, this series is a beautiful way to begin 2025 grounded in God’s grace. All women are welcome—come to one week or all four. Further details and registration coming soon!
Alpha
Alpha is a series of conversations that explore life, spirituality, and faith in a fun, non-judgmental environment. It’s perfect for skeptics, the curious, anyone with doubts or those who want to talk about life’s real issues with new friends. Everyone is welcome to come and #TryAlpha.
Alpha Fall 2025 — Our Fall sessions have begun but check back soon for the dates of our Winter offering!
In the meantime, we invite you to pray for our Fall 2025 sessions, for the leaders, participants, and for the Holy Spirit to open hearts and guide every conversation. We also invite you to consider participating in another of our Fall opportunities.
“Alpha is truly an eye opening experience from a spiritual and emotional perspective.”
Young Adult Community
We are blessed to have the largest and fastest growing young adult population in the Archdiocese of Chicago. You can find out all the ways to be in community with peers age 20-39 through our many young adult encounters & experiences.
Affirmed Group
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.
To join Affirmed Community: Register here! Questions? Email Joseph Schneider
Growing in Grace
We are blessed to have a thriving group of parishioners, age 55+, who meet monthly to discuss life topics, purpose, and faith. We would love to have you join them. Learn more!
NEXT EVENT:
Golden Gifts: Finding Grace in What We’ve Received
Saturday, December 13, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
As we near the close of the year, Growing in Grace invites you to pause and reflect on the gifts & blessings that have touched your life — those moments of friendship, kindness, love, or quiet satisfaction that shimmer with meaning long after they’ve passed.
In this reflective session, we’ll share stories of grace and gratitude, recognizing how God’s goodness has been revealed in the ordinary and the unexpected.
Come join us for conversation, creativity, and Christmas blessings — a gentle time to remember that the unfailing love of Jesus still takes root and blooms within each of us.
In honor of the Christmas season, anyone interested is also invited to bring cookies, or other treats that you may want to share with the group.
Monthly Afternoon Book Club
Our monthly Afternoon Book Club will take a hiatus over the summer. But we can't wait to meet up again this fall. Please mark your calendars:
All are invited to join the monthly Afternoon Book Club on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. in Room 2W.
Book: Olga Dies Dreaming
Authored by: Xochitl Gonzalez
Questions? Please contact Rick Jones.
New Member Mass & Orientation
See next available date in registration form
If you are new to Saint Clement, WELCOME! Join us for a concise and informative orientation. Learn more about our mission and vision, as well as the unique role you play as part of the parish. This engaging class will aid you in your journey here through a spiritual gifts assessment, community time with other new members and staff. A meal will be provided. We are so excited to have you as part of this community of faith! If you missed our last orientation or would like to join to learn more, we encourage you to register for an orientation: Register & join us for Orientation!
Join the Jubilee Adventure with Flat Clement!
Meet Flat Clement, your travel companion for the Jubilee Year! Ready for some fun and faith-filled adventures, Flat Clement invites you to bring him along on your pilgrimage to parishes, shrines, and holy sites throughout the Archdiocese. Simply pick up your very own Flat Clement from the church vestibule, take him on your journey, and capture a photo of him at each sacred stop. You can also download the Flat Clement flyer. Whether it's visiting a parish, praying in front of a shrine, or attending Mass, Flat Clement is excited to be your special guest! Don’t forget to share your photos with us and tag us on social media using hashtag #flatclement to spread the joy and faith of this holy year. Pick up Flat Clement today and let the adventures begin!