Clergy
Fr. Peter Wojcik Pastor
Fr. Peter Wojcik Pastor
Fr. Peter Wojcik was born in Lublin, Poland. He arrived in Chicago in 2003 to undertake graduate studies in theology at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake in Mundelein. As a seminarian, he undertook pastoral assignments in his home parish of Saint John Brebeuf in Niles and Our Lady of the Wayside in Arlington Heights.
Fr. Peter was ordained a deacon by Cardinal Francis George in 2007 and then a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago in 2008. His first assignment as a priest was at Saint Francis Xavier Parish in Wilmette, where he served for four years. During that time, Fr. Peter studied bioethics at Georgetown University and participated in a year-long residency as a hospital chaplain at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge.
In 2012, Fr. Peter enrolled at Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern and moved to Saint Clement as a resident priest. For the six years that Fr. Peter lived at Saint Clement, he enjoyed being a part of the community by celebrating Mass, hearing confessions, participating in God Squad and Theology on Tap, and most importantly, by getting to know parishioners. In addition to his studies at Kellogg, Fr. Peter served as a chaplain at Children’s Memorial Hospital (now Lurie Children’s) and engaged in healthcare consulting. After graduating from Kellogg, Fr. Peter was asked by Cardinal George to serve as regional associate superintendent for Catholics Schools where he supported 93 parish schools.
In 2015, Cardinal Blase Cupich appointed Fr. Peter Archdiocesan Director of Catechesis and Youth Ministry and a year later entrusted to him the responsibility of restructuring and then overseeing, with Fr. Ron Lewinski, the Department of Parish Vitality and Mission. This involved supporting 16 different offices of the Archdiocese including: Kolbe House Jail Ministry, Campus Ministry, Liturgical Trainings Publications, and all pastoral agencies of the Archdiocese. He also served as the Cardinal’s Liaison to Ethnic Ministries, Archdiocesan Pastoral Council and Archdiocesan Women’s Committee.
In 2016, Fr. Peter joined the Renew My Church team and took responsibility for overseeing the final stage of parish renewal called Building the New Reality. In 2020, as part of Building the New Reality, Fr. Peter began serving as the pastoral leader of the Faith Hub, a movement of pioneers of pastoral renewal across the Archdiocese.
On July 1, 2020, Fr. Peter was named as the pastor of Saint Clement Parish. In addition to his pastoral responsibilities as the Pastor of Saint Clement, Cardinal Cupich has requested that Fr. Peter continue his role of overseeing the spiritual and pastoral movement of renewal across the Archdiocese of Chicago through Building the New Reality, as well as remain the pastoral leader of the Faith Hub.
Fr. Peter teaches negotiation and change management at Quinlan School of Business at Loyola University and is a member of the Alpha US Board as well as the Vatican’s Centesimus Annus pro Pontifice Foundation.
pwojcik@archchicago.org
Fr. Matthew Litak Associate Pastor & Director of Formation
Fr. Matthew Litak Associate Pastor & Director of Formation
Fr. Paul Barwikowski Associate Pastor & Director of Liturgy
Fr. Paul Barwikowski Associate Pastor & Director of Liturgy
Father Pawel (Paul) Barwikowski was born in Pisz, Poland in January 1988. In 2007, he became a seminarian of the diocese of Elk, Poland where he completed the first three years of the priesthood formation. In 2009, he was transferred to Bishop Abramowicz Seminary located in Chicago. While he was leaving Poland to come to Chicago, the Bishop of the diocese of Elk said to him, “I’m letting you go, because the Church is universal. Serving in Poland or in the United States, you will still be serving the same Church.” With the permission and blessing of his Bishop, Fr. Paul joined the group of three men that came to Chicago in 2010. In 2011, He was accepted into the Major Seminary of the Archdiocese of Chicago located at Mundelein. He was ordained a Priest of the Archdiocese on May 21, 2016. Since then, Fr. Paul served two different communities. His first assignment was St. Andrew Parish located in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood and after 7 months was transferred to St. Constance Parish in Chicago where he spent last 5 years serving as an Associate Pastor and Administrator. In July 2021, Fr. Paul was appointed an Associate Pastor of St. Clement Parish where he will be serving as the Director of Liturgy.
pbarwikowski@archchicago.orgFormation and Community
Rachel Espinoza Director of Family Formation & Evangelization
Rachel Espinoza Director of Family Formation & Evangelization
Rachel Espinoza joined the Saint Clement staff in June 2015. She directs the religious education program for parish children, sacramental preparation, Liturgy of the Word for Children, and family catechesis. She offers training and support for the catechists at Saint Clement and collaborates in providing adult faith formation in the parish. She also guides the Faith Formation Committee called Faith in the Next Generation.
Rachel earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Catechetics from Franciscan University and a Master of Divinity degree from the University of Notre Dame. She has worked professionally in parish ministry for five years and is a certified Pastoral Associate of the Archdiocese of Chicago. She is also an author for Liturgy Training Publications and wrote Sunday Prayer for Catholic School Teachers (2015-2016) and Sunday Prayer for Teens (2016-2017).
“The question of how we are educating in faith is not rhetorical, it is essential. The response calls for courage, creativity and the decision to take paths which are at times yet uncharted. The catechesis, as a component of the process of evangelization, needs to go beyond the simple realm of scholastics, in order to educate believers, beginning with children, to encounter Christ, living and working in his Church. It is the encounter with [Christ] that gives rise to the desire to know him better and thus to follow Him to become his disciples.” ~ Pope Francis, May 29, 2015
respinoza@clement.org773 - 281 - 0371
Kelly Deehan Campus Minister
Kelly Deehan Campus Minister
Kelly Deehan joined the staff of Saint Clement School in August 2021 as Campus Minister. She works within the school collaborating with teachers, parents, and the parish staff to help form our students and families. She also coordinates liturgies and opportunities for prayer and service.
Kelly grew up on the Eastern Shore of Maryland with her parents and older brothers. She earned her Bachelors of Art in Theology and Religious Studies with a Minor in Digital Design from the Catholic University of America. She then received her Masters of Arts in Theology from the University of Notre Dame through the Echo Program. During her two years in Echo, she served in parish ministry in the Diocese of Knoxville. Kelly is passionate about family formation, befriending the saints, and going on coffee walks.
“It is Jesus that you seek when you dream of happiness; He is waiting for you when nothing else you find satisfies you; He is the beauty to which you are so attracted; it is He who provoked you with that thirst for fullness that will not let you settle for compromise" St. John Paul II
kdeehan@stclementschool.org773-348-8212
Lisa Friedlander Director of Youth Group
Lisa Friedlander Director of Youth Group
Lisa Friedlander joined the parish staff in April 2013 as our Director of Youth Group. Her primary responsibilities include God Squad (our youth group).
Lisa joined our faith community in 1999, was married here and baptized her two children here. Her son and daughter are current students at our school. Through the years Lisa has been involved in many of our ministries as a volunteer and we are excited to now have her as a member of our staff.
lfriedlander@clement.org773 - 281 - 0371 ext. 147
Martina Ricca Amate House Fellow Outreach Coordinator
Martina Ricca Amate House Fellow Outreach Coordinator
Martina Ricca joined the Saint Clement staff through the Amate House Fellowship program as the Coordinator of Community Outreach in July of 2021. She will collaborate with Nicole and Fr. Matt to continue current service programs and hopefully build new opportunities to work towards social justice in the community. In addition, Martina looks forward to assisting in new faith formation workshops and sessions with a great emphasis on Catholic Social Teaching to best prepare the Saint Clement community to serve others in the greater Chicago area.
Martina, a Texas native, recently graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. A cradle Catholic, Martina was actively involved in her church’s youth and service programs. Eager to find a faith community in college, she attended her first mass at St. Mary’s, the campus church. Upon first entering the church, she was made aware of the extent to which the Lord wanted her there, and His desire was infinitely more than her own. It was during her time working at St. Mary’s that she encountered the homeless in an intimate, honest way. This sparked her desire to seek a year of service opportunity that would allow her to see, know, and love those individuals. She is passionate about anything and everything “Texas,” Mexican food, football, and her family.
martinaricca@clement.org
Mary Schwarz Core Leadership Team and Support of Young Adults
Mary Schwarz Core Leadership Team and Support of Young Adults
Mary Schwarz was born and raised in Rhode Island, as the youngest of 4 children in a loving Catholic family. She did her undergraduate studies in English at Grove City College (PA), earned a Masters in Philosophy from Franciscan University of Steubenville, and just completed her PhD in philosophy from the University of Dallas, where she wrote her doctoral thesis on the theme of personalism and existential hospitality. Her years of ministry have primarily focused on spiritual direction and formation for college and young adults. She has a passion for prayer, evangelizing, coffee, biking, and spending quality time with new and old friends.
mschwarz@archchicago.orgLiturgy and Music
Lori Howard Associate Director of Liturgy
Lori Howard Associate Director of Liturgy
Lori Howard joined the staff as the Interim Liturgy Manager in April 2021, moving to the Associate Director of Liturgy position in July 2021. She has a Master of Business Education in Marketing from Loyola University of Chicago. She once owned her own wedding consulting business and has been a serial volunteer at Saint Clement School.
As Associate Director of Liturgy, Lori will be responsible for prepping for weekend Masses and school Masses, assisting with any special Masses, scheduling liturgical ministers and training new liturgical ministers. She will also serve as the baptism coordinator and the Out of Town wedding coordinator, helping Saint Clement parishioners who are getting married elsewhere with paperwork and prep.
lhoward@clement.org
Patrick Sinozich Assistant Director of Music
Patrick Sinozich Assistant Director of Music
Patrick joined the staff of Saint Clement in October of 2010. He holds degrees in piano performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and from Northwestern University. Patrick directs the Chapel Choir and assists Music Director Paul Nicholson with a myriad of tasks, including music library work and additional keyboard support in the church. In addition to his work at Saint Clement, he is deeply involved in the musical life of Chicago, directing several musical organizations and accompanying others. In 2014 the City Council of Chicago declared December 5, 2014 to be Patrick Sinozich Day, in honor of his outstanding artistic contributions to the city of Chicago.
psinozich@clement.org773 - 281 - 0371 ext. 150
Administration
Nicole Zenner Director of Parish Strategy and Planning
Nicole Zenner Director of Parish Strategy and Planning
Noemi Benavides Front Desk Coordinator
Noemi Benavides Front Desk Coordinator
Noemi joined the Saint Clement Parish staff in November 2021 as our Front Desk Coordinator. Noemi also serves as our Wedding Coordinator.
She graduated from Dominican University with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and she has a Master’s Degree in Project Management from Keller Graduate School.
Noemi has been married for 34 years, and is a parishioner of the same parish that she was married in, St. John Berchmans. She has volunteered in many parish events, was on the School Board and a Catechist. Noemi was born and raised in Chicago, mostly in the Logan Square area. She has two daughters, both graduated from Catholic Schools (Grammar and High School).
Noemi has worked in Corporate America in the Hardware Industry, and has been working for the Archdiocese of Chicago for the past 10 years, which includes the Pastoral Center and at the Parish level.
773-281-0371
nbenavides@clement.org
Mary Ellen Blanchard Collection / Gift Processing Associate
Mary Ellen Blanchard Collection / Gift Processing Associate
Mary Ellen joined Saint Clement Parish staff in August 2008 as Database Manager and Financial Stewardship assistant. In the summer of 2021, she moved to a part-time role as the Collection/Gift Processing Associate.
She graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Communications and a master’s degree from National Lewis University as a Reading Specialist. Before joining Saint Clement, Mary Ellen was a Real Estate Broker and owner/broker of a residential mortgage company. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, she is proud mother of two children and Grandmother of a delightful granddaughter.
mblanchard@clement.org773 - 281 - 0371 ext. 116
Kristene Hiepler-Hartwig Administrative Support Coordinator
Kristene Hiepler-Hartwig Administrative Support Coordinator
Kristene (she/her) was raised on a farm in a small-town farming community in Minnesota. She will tell you that there are more folks in her building in Chicago than there are in her hometown of Bellingham :). She attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, double majoring in Music and Communications, minoring in Religion. Kristene's post college journey has taken her to St. Paul, New York, Detroit, and now Chicago; through radio stations, syndicated television, construction sites, churches, and music venues. She and her husband Jim enjoy music, travel, walking the lake path, and discovering Chicago history. Kristene has two sons, one who stayed local and one who lives on the West Coast.
Kristene joined our parish in August 2021 as the Administrative Support Coordinator, supporting the office staff, and our Religious Education program. Her calling is to serve administratively and through her music. She enjoys connecting with people from all walks of life - at church, in social justice/anti-racism ministry, in music, and in exploring new places she's never been. "Road-trip" is music to the ears.
khieplerhartwig@clement.org773-281-0371
Joanna Krynski Communications Manager
Joanna Krynski Communications Manager
Joanna joined the Saint Clement Parish staff in April 2005, hired for the communications position. In 2014, after having her first child, she switched to the part-time Outreach and Adult Formation Assistant position. In October 2019, Joanna moved back to the communications role, becoming the Communications Manager. Her general duties include managing the parish's bulletin, website, e-newsletters, annual mailings, and social media.
Joanna graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English/Creative Writing and Women Studies, earning the John Gerrietts Award for Excellence in Creative Writing—awarded to one graduating senior each year. During college, she held internships at the Field Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art (in their marketing and media relations departments, respectively). In June 2013, Joanna graduated (with distinction) from DePaul University, earning a Master of Arts degree in Writing and Publishing.
jkrynski@clement.org
Jim Masini Director of Infrastructure and Facilities Operations
Jim Masini Director of Infrastructure and Facilities Operations
Jim Masini began his archdiocesan career in 1992, after an 18 year stint in corporate purchasing. He began as a full-time Business Manager at St. William Parish and School and went on to shared-time roles of various lengths at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish and School, Divine Savior Parish, St. Bonaventure Oratory, St. Margaret Mary Parish and School, and St. Mary of the Lake Parish and School. He has worked with 13 pastors and weathered 2 Renew My Church transitions. He holds a BS in Biology and an MBA in Finance. He and his wife Linda have a daughter and son and 3 grandchildren and have been long-time parishioners at St. Bonaventure.
Gabriel Mayhugh Sr. Manager of Parish Systems
Gabriel Mayhugh Sr. Manager of Parish Systems
After years of serving at Saint Clement as the Director of Liturgy, in April 2021 Gabe began a new venture, serving as the parish's Sr. Manager of Parish Systems. He works on the various systems that keep our parish moving -- database, calendaring, technology, web work, and more. He's excited to help further our parish commitment to technology that not only informs, but also serves to connect us to one another and deepen our spiritual lives. This pandemic has taught us all that we need to find creative ways to connect and learn. We’ve started many new initiatives that will continue to help our parish reach out in these modern times, and Gabe will be working on these projects as well as continuing to serve as one of the parish musicians.
Gabe studied sacred music and organ performance at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and graduated with a B.M. in organ performance and sacred music. Following undergraduate work at Duquesne, Gabe studied liturgy at the University of Notre Dame, and graduated with a M.A. in theology, concentrating in liturgical studies.
Gabe grew up in Jeannette, Pennsylvania, a small town located on the outskirts of Pittsburgh. He had a fascination with organ at church and had a great love of the liturgy. Gabe began playing organ for Stations of the Cross and Masses in eighth grade and has since dedicated his life to liturgy and music in the church. In 2002, Gabe began work on the Saint Clement staff as Director of Liturgy. He departed Saint Clement in 2006 to work at Loyola University Chicago. Gabe spent three years working at Loyola University Chicago before returning to Saint Clement in 2009 to serve again as the Director of Liturgy. In 2021, Gabe switched to his current role as Sr. Manager of Parish Systems. Gabe lives in Chicago on the Northside with his wife and their two Wire Fox Terriers, Buster and Stewie.
gmayhugh@clement.org
Joannie Weber Director of Stewardship & Development
Joannie Weber Director of Stewardship & Development
Joannie joined the Saint Clement staff in 2022 as the Director of Stewardship and Development. She was born and raised in Duluth, MN, graduated from Villanova University, and worked for Goldman Sachs. She became a parishioner in 2014 when she and her husband moved to Chicago from Hoboken, NJ. Their three children attend Saint Clement School and Joannie has been an active volunteer for years through Clement Moms, Eucharistic Ministry, various SCPA activities, School Board Secretary, and co-chairing Anchor Ball. Joannie’s involvement in parish fundraising along with her 11 years of experience in the finance industry give her the foundation to be our Director of Stewardship and Development. Her focus will be to educate, invite, and inspire parishioners to practice stewardship. She plans to use her project management and organizational skills to coordinate and execute fundraising activities for the school and the church. She looks forward to strengthening existing relationships and building new ones with our parishioners, school families, and leadership. When she’s not at Saint Clement or cheering on her kids in their various sports and activities, Joannie enjoys getting creative with baking and crafting.
jrweber@clement.orgMaintenance
David Erwin Maintenance
David Erwin Maintenance
Dave joined Saint Clement Maintenance staff in July 2005. He is responsible for the cleanliness and orderliness of the church, chapel, and parish grounds. In addition, Dave works with staff and parishioners to ensure that the various meetings and activities have the proper set-up. Strong and kind, you will often find Dave helping parishioners and staff by carrying a “heavy load” for our outreach programs. Dave was born in Oak Park and has lived in the Chicago area his entire life. He enjoys music, movies and bike riding.
Jim Kelley Director of Plant Management
Jim Kelley Director of Plant Management
Jim joined Saint Clement in January 2000 as head of Maintenance. He is responsible for the overall cleanliness and safety of the parish which includes both the church and school buildings and grounds. Jim coordinates the daily activities of the parish maintenance staff and works with outside vendors as needed to keep the mechanical systems in good repair and working order. Jim has been married for 24 years and has two children.
jkelley@stclementschool.org7732810371