I recall being terrified as a child by any thought or mention of Jesus’ second coming, and much of the language coming out of Revelation. It was too big—often dark, too abstract—somewhat terrifying. I couldn’t help but get swept up in the great unknown of it. Even today I struggle with it, and Mark’s use of “tribulation,” sun “darkened,” moon not showing its “light,” stars “falling from the sky.” It catches my breath.
The Nativity at the 4:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass has always been a festive, joyful occasion for Saint Clement families. The Christmas Nativity is fun for the children and gives them a sense of leadership and confidence. Most importantly it enhances their understanding of the meaning of the Christmas Scriptures and creates memories for your family and the parish community.
Where do you hold back in life?
The readings this weekend have made me reflect on that question. I spent a morning to sit with that question and write out where I hold back and why I hold back in my life. I then spent the rest of the day reflecting and praying on if I felt I could push through these. It was a really great exercise on pressing pause during a hectic week and finding out what more I could do with this amazing gift of life. I encourage you to take some time this week to do the same, because all of us do hold back in our life.
My mother recently celebrated a “milestone” birthday. As my siblings and I discussed what to plan for her celebration and how to make her feel special, we knew one thing for certain—what she would want most of all is for all of us (her mother, her husband, her kids, her grandkids) to attend Mass together. So, we confirmed with her a Sunday date and Mass time, and then my siblings and I planned the rest of her celebration to follow Mass.
BACK IN THE day, if you found yourself overwhelmed in the presence of a stranger, unable to take your eyes off and entirely distracted, but were too shy and awkward to do anything, too scared to smile and say “hello,” you could go home and compose a classified ad to be placed in the Chicago Reader in a section in the back called Missed Connections. Yes, Virginia, there really was such a thing. And it went on for pages at a time.
On Thursday, October 11, Father Larry Dowling met with our parishioners to discuss the current Church crisis.
He invited everyone to read and sign this open letter to the U.S. Bishops. We encourage you to sign and let your voice be heard for reform and accountability.
All our sport teams at Saint Clement had a exciting Fall 2018 season! Many of our teams qualified for playoffs and made the Saint Clement community so proud.
8th Grade Girls Volleyball - Coach Donna Terrasi
In today's Gospel (Mark 10:35-45), Jesus is closing in on Jerusalem, the destination where he will be crushed by the ruling authorities. Two of his closest followers, James and John, ask him for special seats of honor and positions of power when Jesus finally arrives “in his glory.” Although it’s an undignified request it shouldn’t surprise us. It might also anger us, just as it does Jesus’ other friends, perhaps because we and they didn’t think of asking first.