Advent & Christmas 2025:
Celebrating God’s Peace, Hope, and Love at Saint Clement Parish in Chicago
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.
Prepare Your Heart
Advent is a time of preparation—not just for Christmas, but for encountering Christ anew.
We invite you to begin your Advent journey with The Little Blue Book for daily prayer and reflection, a companion designed to help you pause, pray, and notice God’s presence in your everyday life.
Through the Jesse Tree (Nov. 22–Dec. 13), our annual Advent Giving Tree, parishioners can extend Christ’s love to others by supporting local organizations with clothing, toys, and gift cards. Each tag taken from the trees in the church or chapel represents a person or family we lift up in love and generosity this season.
Our Advent Wreath Blessing (Nov. 29) at 9 a.m. invites you to bring your home wreath to church to be blessed—a simple yet powerful ritual to center your heart in the hope and promise of Advent.
Our Advent Healing & Reconciliation Service (Dec. 4) offers all a peaceful evening to encounter God’s mercy and begin anew through the sacraments of healing: anointing of the sick, and reconciliation (confession).
Women of the parish are invited to Advent by Candlelight (Dec. 9), a sacred evening of prayer, reflection, and song—an oasis of peace in the midst of December’s bustle.
Moments of Joy and Community
Advent also invites us to pause for joy—to delight in the simple moments that remind us of God’s goodness.
Breakfast and photos with Santa at our Jingle & Mingle (Dec. 7) brings together the young and the young at heart for a morning of laughter, pancakes, and Christmas wonder. It takes a lot of elves to put on our event, so if you’re interested in volunteering at brunch or volunteering for the gym activities, we would appreciate your help! Please note - Pre-sale registration for the brunch closes at 3 p.m. Friday 12/5. Walk-ins are welcome to the event, but if joining for brunch, walk-in guests may be asked to wait for a later seating time depending on availability.
As the season unfolds, our Growing in Grace ministry for those ages 55+ gathers for their event, “Golden Gifts: Finding Grace in What We’ve Received” (Dec. 13), sharing stories of grace and gratitude, recognizing how God’s goodness has been revealed in the ordinary and the unexpected. They’ll gather for conversation, creativity, and Christmas blessings (and are invited to bring cookies or a treat to share!).
And on Gaudete Sunday (Dec. 14)—a day of rejoicing—we invite you to join us for Mass wearing a festive Christmas sweater and enjoy Coffee & Donuts and fellowship after the morning Masses. Following the 4:30 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. Masses, we 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!
Worship and Wonder
The beauty of Advent culminates in moments of worship that draw us into the mystery of God’s presence.
We’ll celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (Dec. 8)—a holy day of obligation honoring Mary, who was held free from sin from her very conception, preparing the way for Christ’s coming. Mass will be celebrated at 7:00 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 7:00 p.m.
On Dec. 13, we welcome the return of Handel’s Messiah, a beloved Saint Clement tradition now in its 50th year. The Family-Friendly Messiah Concert (11 a.m.) invites children and families into the joy of music and storytelling, while the Full Messiah Concert (7 p.m.) offers an evening of breathtaking choral and orchestral beauty that ushers in the Christmas season. Can you offer a bit of time in service to our parish community for either Messiah performance? Sign up to volunteer!
Finally, our journey leads us to the celebration of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses (Dec. 24 & 25), where we come together in awe and gratitude for the birth of Christ—God with us, Emmanuel. See our Holiday Mass Schedule below!
Will you be in town for Christmas? Consider offering a little time in service to your parish family to help us create a prayerful experience for our Christmas Eve & Day Masses. We especially need Greeters and Eucharistic Ministers. There will also be a TRAINING on Sunday, December 7. Contact Caroline Jaros for more information!
Holiday Mass Schedule
Christmas Eve
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24
3:00 p.m. - Church*, Chapel, School
*Note, children’s Christmas pageant held at the 3:00 p.m. Church Mass
*Church Mass is also Livestreamed
5:00 p.m. - Church, Chapel
9:30 p.m. - Carol Service
10:00 p.m. - Midnight Mass in Church
Midnight Mass is also Livestreamed
Christmas Day
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25
9:30 a.m.
11:15 a.m.
New Year’s Day
THURSDAY, JANUARY 1
10:00 a.m. - Mass for Mary, Mother of God
