“Saint Clement serves as the cornerstone of our family. The community has become an integral part of our weekly routine, and we eagerly anticipate attending Mass in its beautiful space each week. Saint Clement is the spiritual foundation upon which Paula and I have built our marriage, raised our daughters, and envisioned our future. It is the primary reason we chose to make our home in Chicago, despite numerous reasons to consider leaving the city. We felt it was our duty to contribute to the LCF campaign to ensure that Saint Clement endures for our family and others for generations to come.”

“Saint Clement has provided such an incredible way for me to explore and grow my relationship with God over the last three years. I’ve been able to engage in small group discussions, serve my community and other young adults in the parish, and have been able to experience the Holy Spirit at work during prayer ministry. I feel so blessed to be a part of this community and to be surrounded by so many others navigating the busyness of city life with faith at the forefront. I’m looking forward to seeing the parish continue to grow and flourish through this campaign, and in the years to come!”

“My first experience of Saint Clement was in the summer of 1997 during an eight-week internship in Chicago. I was impressed by how welcoming the Saint Clement community was. I returned to Lincoln Park and St Clement in the fall of 2009.  While I had been a member of several parishes in the intervening years, I never felt like I truly belonged. After the first mass back at Saint Clement, I remember thinking, ‘I’m home!’ 

As Saint Clement has been blessed with tremendous growth in the past few years, I’m thrilled to see so many new people experience that same sense of belonging. Every day there are so many opportunities to engage with the Saint Clement community. You can feel the energy and excitement! I am grateful for the opportunity to support the Saint Clement community through my family’s commitment to the Legacy. Community. Future. campaign. I can’t wait to see what God has planned for us!”

“We felt so inspired to give to the Legacy. Community. Future. campaign because we have seen the direct impact of this community in our lives, our children's lives and in those around us. As we don't have family in the city, Saint Clement has become the nucleus of our community here. Not only have we been blessed by the opportunity to grow in our own faith but also have experienced so many pivotal life moments here - like our son's baptism (and daughters soon!) and new friends coming to faith in Jesus through Alpha. This community has been there for us through life's highs and lows... like the outpouring of love and support when my mom passed - the cards, prayers, meals, check-ins, and when we had over 40 people from Saint Clement make the drive on a weekday to attend the funeral service in Kalamazoo. We have witnessed so many ways that the Holy Spirit is working through Saint Clement Parish to bring people closer to the Lord and we feel blessed that God has invited us to play a part in the plans that He has for our neighborhood and our city. By giving to the campaign, we want to help fuel the ministries that invite others to explore what a life of faith in Jesus and in His Church can mean for them.”

"The question before us is what can we do to ensure that the Saint Clement we know today will be here for future generations. I really believe Saint Clement will be desperately needed in the future in ways we probably don’t fully understand, just like past generations did not understand what we would need today. It is not the quantity of what is given to the campaign, but rather the spirit in which you are willing to participate.”

When our family first pledged to support Saint Clement, we were motivated by a deep sense of gratitude for the impact this extraordinary community has had on our lives. Over the years, the parish, school, and staff have gone above and beyond in fostering an environment that enriches not only the academic and spiritual lives of our children but also our entire family.  

First and foremost, Saint Clement has been a profoundly positive influence in shaping our children’s values, education, and sense of belonging. The school has provided a strong foundation for all of our children. For our oldest, whose experience at Saint Clement set the stage for future success, and our younger children, who continue to benefit from the care and commitment of the faculty and staff. 

We’ve also seen firsthand the tireless efforts of the parish leadership, school administration, and teachers to create a special, welcoming community. They consistently go beyond what’s expected, not only ensuring the success of today’s programs but also laying the groundwork for a sustainable future. Their dedication inspired us to consider how we could do more. 

As we thought about Saint Clement’s future, we saw this campaign as a long-term investment in a community we hold dear. We view it as a 10-year commitment to help preserve and grow Saint Clement’s impact—not just for our family, but for all families who will benefit from its presence in years to come. By pledging, we hope to support initiatives that strengthen the sense of community and ensure the school and parish continue to thrive. 

Ultimately, Saint Clement has given us so much more than we could have hoped for. It has provided a place of growth, connection, and faith for our children and a foundation of community for our family. We are honored to give back in this way and hope it inspires others to consider what Saint Clement has meant in their own lives. 

It is hard to believe this marks our family’s 10th year at St Clement School! As Shea (8th) goes through all her final activities (Christmas concert, play production, sports games…) and traditions (Halloween party, D.C. trip, graduation festivities…), it has prompted a period of reflection for us. We had heard wonderful things about the school when we were going through the application process 11 years ago, with one word in particular continually popping up: Community. At that point, ‘community’ equated to some vague idea of hanging out with a tight knit group of people and attending many gatherings together. And yes, that certainly has been true! But we had no idea back then how integral the teachers and administrators were to making Clement the BEST community possible.  

These are people who:

• Became “Granny Annie” to our Gracie when we forgot about Grandparents Day (Ms. Annie).

• Affirmed us, “I promise you I will treat your children as my own,” during Dylan’s 2nd grade back-to-school night (Mrs. Connolly).

• Stay late on Fall Fridays to teach high school entrance exam prep, stay late to coach multiple volleyball away games, stay late so everyone knows the different processes for various high school admissions scenarios (Ms. Terrasi).

• Not only executes the greatest school musical production year-after-year, but also makes sure all the little details are handled- like ensuring the kids lockers are decorated the night before the show so they feel special (Ms. Bax).

• Wraps Gracie’s hands with tape everyday so she doesn’t get blisters on the monkey bars at recess (the Nurse).

These are only a snapshot of memories over the years, but there are SO many more. We have been so blessed to have an extended family at Clement who care so deeply about our children. 

We commit to the Annual Fund every year to cover the costs of school that tuition does not cover, in other words, to keep the school running. We commit to the Legacy Fund once to ensure “Community” at Clement continues to be this special place for all of our children now and in the future. For our family, that community is grounded in the amazing teachers and administrators for whom this Fund will help retain and grow.

If you have any questions about the Legacy Fund at all, please do not hesitate to reach out!

The best piece of advice we received during our school search process was to remember that it is about choosing our community. It was important to us to ensure that our community reflects our values. We were—and are—so impressed with how Saint Clement lives out values and commitment to students and greater community: doing your best, being kind, and reaching for ambitious goals.

The longer we have spent in this community, the more reasons we have to be grateful. The teachers go above and beyond, the administration is constantly striving to make our school the best it can be, and the families we have gotten to know have become just that: family.

We support the Legacy. Community. Future. campaign, and specifically the School Excellence Fund, to say thank you for all of this and to set up our community for the future. Our gift is in appreciation for the amazing teachers and administrators that make Saint Clement great. And in gratitude to our school and parish leadership for having the vision to invest in our community now so that our children will see the benefits in perpetuity. As parents of first grade and PK3 students, we are looking forward to the next decade (and beyond) at Saint Clement—this is personal for us, and it is to all other families in the community.

We're so proud to support this campaign alongside you, and we’re excited to see all of the great things that come from our collective support in the years to come.

In 1905, Northside residents secured approval, designed plans, and rallied parishioners to create a parish and school closer to home. They purchased land and constructed enough of the school to celebrate their first Mass on Christmas Eve. However, the work had just begun. The parishioners took on debt and spent years fundraising through numerous events and social gatherings. The parish’s financial report was read aloud every January. In 1916, the debt was finally paid off, and construction of Saint Clement Church began. It took two years to complete the exterior and another ten years to finish the interior.

These generations worked tirelessly for 23 years to improve lives—our lives. I am filled with gratitude for those who invested so much effort in creating this community. Though we didn’t grow up in Chicago, these efforts built the community that has made it home for us. Our sons, MJ and Dylan, have grown so much since starting school here. The teachers constantly amaze me with their exceptional support, whether it’s highlighting milestones or cheering at after-school activities. They nurture the kid’s personality as much as their academic progress. The parish community is active and vibrant. The staff offers countless opportunities to enrich faith and connect with others. Mass, Sacraments, and the people truly guide our family’s moral development. It’s so special seeing my son’s face light up when his basketball coach—a young church parishioner—is at the same Mass. When MJ had a faith question, he proudly said he’d just ask Fr. Peter after Mass. His interest and comfort in engaging with his faith clearly shows how well Fr. Peter and Fr. Brett relate to parishioners. This community surrounds you with good, supportive people, and that fosters the growth of more good people.

We donated to the Legacy Campaign because it is an investment benefiting each teacher, student, and parishioner today. It also ensures these wonderful people and beautiful buildings remain, so future generations can find a community of good on the Northside. Our contribution is part of this generation's effort to maintain the admirable history of Saint Clement Parish and School.

Have you ever wondered if the grass is greener for your child at another school? My name is Kristen Peck, and I would like to tell you about my experience at Saint Clement from an insider’s perspective. As a current stay-at-home parent of three kids that all attend SCS, it was not always this way, in fact, I first encountered Saint Clement School as a young professional looking for a teaching job. I had just left my former employer of three years in the public sector of my home town, Minooka CCSD 201, to move to the city with my husband Michael. I was pregnant, jobless, and boldly looking for a teaching position for art (not exactly dime-a-dozen or perfect stage in life but here I was!).  Michael’s business was being seeded here and I had heard through word of mouth that Saint Clement School was hiring my position. I went for it.

Towards the end of the interview, I felt that I had to be transparent. Taking a deep breath, I announced that I was pregnant (my suit jacket was hiding the evidence) but that if hired I would take a short maternity leave and continue teaching. I thought I may not hear back from the administrators, but low and behold, they called a week later and offered me the job.

Coming from a public school working environment, I was able to notice differences in the Catholic school right away. First, I found a refreshing comfort in the ritual of starting the day with prayer accompanying the morning announcements. Hearing the children’s voices on the speaker and in the classrooms in unison felt both humbling and powerful, and connected us in our roots for starting the day on the right foot. Second, it was hard not to notice the ever-pulsing pace of the day, week, month, and school year that demanded a steadfast commitment to encompassing service and faith. From weekly mass, to the celebration of our faith-centered holidays, to Anchor Day charity giving, to feeding the homeless, to Service Day, and more, the academic schedule was rarely uninterrupted with our tireless dedication to these obligations.

Another asset to Saint Clement school that I had noticed were the hearts and minds of the teaching staff and the parent community. Parents were always quick to sign up for volunteer spots, to contribute to teacher gifts, and to lend a helping hand. Separately, in the teacher’s lounge, I felt a sense of relief to join in at lunch with an atmosphere of pleasantries and sincere conversation. I was not the type to gossip and complain as I had noticed the trend in public schools where I had worked and student-taught; and, I was relived to not be expected to join and attend the teacher’s union group and meetings, where dissatisfaction was incubated and nurtured. 

Experiencing these circumstances first-hand, I couldn’t wait for my first child to attend Saint Clement. It felt like an eternity before he was able to enter what was then the youngest option of entry for young students, in PreK4. He is now a seventh-grader, the older of two younger brothers who are in fifth and first grades. Our school has since grown to include PK3, a new 2-year-old program, additional support in counseling, administrative, and academic departments, as well as a very strong commitment to behavior management, insuring a safe and welcoming environment for all.

Does it surprise you, however, that despite all that the teachers and staff do for us, they earn only half of the salary that our neighboring CPS teachers make? I stepped up to the plate immediately when the call for a capital campaign materialized. The opportunity to support a long term capital investment to secure interest in a trust foundation to be paid out in support of increasing teacher salaries is very long overdue.  In addition to our pledge, I was also very excited to be a part of the dome repair and architectural updates knowing that this neighborhood gem was built over 100 years ago by founding members that I commissioned an artist, Romero Britto, to custom paint a picture of our church to memorialize the occasion. A print now hangs in the church upper lobby to commemorate this incredible undertaking of our church architecture.

I know firsthand how hard our teachers work day in and day out, late nights, and on weekends. I have seen the care and compassion from staff that encompasses each child in moments of struggle in order to overcome individual obstacles. It is no surprise that our children excel to the highest measurable outcomes when they have the support of our Saint Clement School community behind them. We are blessed beyond belief, and I hope that you will answer to call to participate in this long-awaited opportunity that our children’s educators most certainly deserve. You must be applauded for choosing Saint Clement for your child. Your gift will be a part of a legacy, and your child will be among the alumni who go into the world having been rooted in faith, grounded in tradition, and supported in community.

We moved to Chicago 22 years ago as newlyweds, knowing no one and with no personal ties to the city. Thankfully, Saint Clement was our neighborhood parish. It welcomed us warmly and provided a sense of stability in those early days as we began building our life here. At the time, we never could have imagined just how profoundly the Saint Clement community would shape and enrich our lives.

All three of our children have grown up within the Saint Clement parish and school—beginning with our first child’s baptism in 2008 and continuing through today. One has graduated and will be starting her Senior year at Saint Ignatius, and the other two just completed 7th and 5th grades. Saint Clement has been a constant source of blessings: lifelong friendships, a rich and values-driven education, a place for worship and reflection, countless community gatherings, and deeply meaningful volunteer opportunities.

We are endlessly grateful to Saint Clement. It is the heart of our Chicago experience and the main reason our family remains rooted in this city.

With that deep sense of gratitude, we feel indebted to this community that has given us so much. As we approach our final years as Saint Clement School parents, we find ourselves reflecting on the incredible journey. This year, our children will collectively reach 20 years of education at Saint Clement—a return on investment that is truly unmatched.

The teachers at Saint Clement have made a lasting impact on our family. Their dedication, passion, and commitment to nurturing both the minds and hearts of our children have left an indelible mark. We believe strongly that this work must be honored and supported.

That’s why it was an easy decision for us to participate in the Legacy. Community. Future. campaign. It’s a thoughtful and focused initiative designed to ensure Saint Clement continues to thrive for generations to come. We’re proud to play a small role in preserving and strengthening the legacy of this extraordinary community.