Friday Ministry
FRIDAY SACK LUNCHES
For many years, Saint Clement parishioners have generously prepared sack lunches for the hungry, which are distributed from the parish every Friday morning.
In 2025, we have expanded our sack lunch program to also provide lunches once a week to each of the homeless shelters run by Lincoln Park Community Services (LPCS). Saint Clement and LPCS have celebrated a 40-year collaborative mission to serve the homeless men and women in our city helping them to get back to living life with dignity a mission that Christ called us to join.
The guidelines for what to include in each sack lunch is shared below. Volunteers are tasked with purchasing the items for and preparing the lunches in their homes, and then dropping it off at the appropriate location before Friday at 9:30 a.m. This is a great service opportunity for those with littles!
Contact Katie Bak or Christa Kingsley with any questions.
Returning volunteers sign up through our parish App
Download our app: search “saint clement” in the app store or text stclementapp to 77977
In the app, click CONNECT --> CCB --> GROUPS --> Friday Sack Lunch --> NEEDS.
Please note, you also will receive an email every week of the need.
New volunteers, please fill out this INTEREST FORM.
Introducing an Expansion to Our Sack Lunch Program
Saint Clement has started a second sack lunch collection day to supplement our Friday Sack Lunch Program. If you would like to sign up to bring lunches on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, these lunches will support the guests of St. Mary of the Lake's Soup Kitchen.
The lunches are prepared in the same way as those packed for our Friday Hospitality guests. However, they will be delivered to St. Mary of the Lake on Wednesday mornings and distributed to the more than 80 families served through their ministry.
Thank you for helping us extend Christ's care and hospitality to more of our neighbors in need.
Sack Lunch Guidelines
Each week, volunteers prepare six sack lunches at home and drop them off at Saint Clement Parish Office, LCPS Fullerton (600 W. Fullerton), or LPCS Sedgwick (1521 N Sedgwick) before Friday at 9:30 a.m. The lunches include:
1 lunchmeat sandwich on white or whole wheat bread/roll, cheese is optional but always a nice addition (no condiments); please wrap the sandwich or place it in a separate baggie.
2 hard-boiled eggs or pieces of string cheese
1 bag of potato chips or pretzels (or something similar)
1 piece of soft fruit (i.e. orange, banana, grapes)
Dessert (i.e. cookie, candy bar)
Beverage (i.e. juice box, can of soda, or small water/sport drink)
NEW — Friday Hospitality Ministry Transition
After many years of faithful service, Friday Hospitality is coming to an end. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the parishioners who have helped create, sustain, and support this ministry, including through the challenging years before, during, and after COVID.
In an effort to better serve our neighbors in need, we have decided to combine resources with St. Teresa of Avila Parish and support individuals and families where they are already gathering for assistance. As a result, Friday morning Hospitality at Saint Clement will conclude on October 1, 2026.
Throughout September, our dedicated Friday Hospitality volunteers will be informing guests about alternative resources available in the neighborhood, including services offered at St. Teresa's.
We warmly encourage our volunteers to continue their ministry at St. Teresa through:
Loaves & Fishes Dinner every Friday evening
Food Pantry every Saturday morning
Together, these programs welcome and serve hundreds of neighbors each week, offering opportunities to dine with dignity and receive groceries for the days ahead.
Additional information about volunteer opportunities and ways to get involved will be shared in the coming weeks. We are grateful for the tremendous impact Friday Hospitality has had over the years and look forward to continuing this mission of service through our partnership with St. Teresa.
Download Our App
Be sure to download our parish app to read the latest news, stay connected with groups, and sign up for our Friday Sack Lunch and Hospitality ministry dates! Simply search for Saint Clement in the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). Or, you can text stclementapp to 77977. It's that easy!