A New Year Awakened by God’s Presence: Winter 2026 at Saint Clement Parish in Chicago
This Winter —
Find your place.
Find your strength.
As a new year unfolds, many of us feel the quiet pull toward renewal—toward connection, purpose, and a deeper rootedness in God. Winter invites us to slow down, reflect on what truly matters, and rediscover the strength that comes from belonging to a faith-filled community.
At Saint Clement, we believe this season holds a special opportunity to find your place in community and find your strength in faith. Whether you’re stepping into something new or returning after time away, you are warmly welcomed to join us in this season filled with meaningful conversations, spiritual growth, prayer, and celebration.
Come as you are—bring your hopes, your questions, and your need for rest or renewal. There is a place for you here at Saint Clement and our parish family is stronger with you in it.
Spaces to Connect, Stories to Share
Belonging begins with connection—the simple, powerful reminder that none of us walk this journey alone. This winter at Saint Clement, we offer spaces designed to help you find your place and draw strength from community.
Start the new year exploring life’s biggest questions with Alpha (beginning Jan. 15 or Feb.), a welcoming space for honest conversations about life and faith. Our New Year’s Women of Faith Series (begins Jan. 14) features guest speakers and a space for women to be grounded in faith, renewed in spirit, and to connect deeply with others.
Relax and recharge at Sundays Uncorked (select Sundays after evening Mass), gathering for refreshments and conversation. Life Groups (kick-off Jan. 25 for new participants) offer a small-group setting for faith-sharing and support, helping you build meaningful connections and grow spiritually. This offering is for new participants and begins with a meet-and-greet dinner on January 25. For those aged 55+ seeking deeper fellowship, Growing in Grace (Jan. 17, Feb. 7) meets regularly to share faith and friendship.
If you’re navigating loss, our Love Your Neighbor ministry offers our Grief Group (begins Jan. 11) to help you find hope and healing through Christ’s Paschal Mystery.
Music lovers won’t want to miss Concerts Under the Dome on February 28, featuring La Caccina’s Hildegard Redux, a stunning celebration of Hildegard von Bingen’s legacy and influence on contemporary composers. Looking ahead to March, we will offer a Lenten Women’s Series for more prayerful community for women, as well as a Men’s Executive Series for men to connect and grow in faith.
Whether you’re seeking conversation, inspiration, or simply a sense of home, these gatherings are your invitation to connect, be seen, and discover the strength that comes from belonging to a community of faith.
Deepening Faith, Discovering Strength
Whether you’re new to the faith or looking to grow deeper, winter is a wonderful season to explore the beauty of Scripture, the richness of Catholic tradition, and the heart of what we believe. This winter, Saint Clement offers opportunities to strengthen your faith and uncover the meaning behind the words we pray and the rituals we celebrate. Our Online Bible Course with Fr. Kartje, “Biblical Foundations of the Catholic Mass” (begins Jan. 8), invites you to explore the profound connections between Scripture and the liturgy from the comfort of your home, revealing how every part of the Mass is rooted in God’s Word.
For those ready to take a deeper dive, Beta offers a four-week journey into one of the most powerful statements of our faith—the Nicene Creed (begins Jan. 13). Each week, we’ll unpack its history, meaning, and relevance for our lives today, discovering how this ancient profession of faith continues to shape the Church and strengthen our relationship with Christ. These programs are more than classes—they’re invitations to grow in understanding, deepen your prayer, and experience the joy of living your faith more fully.
We’ll gather for Candlemas: Service of Healing & Light on February 2, a beautiful celebration inviting God’s healing presence as we welcome the light of Christ. Then on February 18, Ash Wednesday, we begin the season of Lent with solemn services that call us to repentance, renewal, and deeper commitment in our faith journey. Please also save the date for our Lenten Parish Mission (Feb. 19-20) which will be led by Matt Maher.
From Belief to Action: Sharing God’s Gifts
Faith comes alive when it’s lived for others. This winter, Saint Clement invites you to put love into action through opportunities that make a real difference in our community. Our parish family will gather for one of the most anticipated events of the year—the Anchor Ball on Saturday, February 21, a celebration of community and mission that helps sustain the work we do together.
Service is at the heart of who we are. Every Friday morning, our Hospitality Ministry offers a warm breakfast and even warmer smiles to our Lincoln Park neighbors. Parishioners also provide meals for local shelters, extending care and compassion beyond our parish walls.
Serving in our liturgical ministries is a powerful way to grow in your own faith, as you actively participate in the sacred liturgy and build meaningful relationships within our parish family. By offering your time and talents, you help create a worship experience that uplifts others and brings our community closer to Christ.
These acts of kindness—big and small—are ways we share the gifts God has given us, living out the Gospel in concrete, meaningful ways.
