“ONE PERSON CAN’T DO IT!”
Saturday’s key message was: be commited to personal growth in Jesus for the purpose of sharing it with others. Jesus’ mission is also ours from the time of our Baptism. One person can’t do it.
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From the two large parking lots to the four entrances to the beautifully painted spacious interior, I entered St. Clement’s to hear gentle organ music that continued until Mass began at 4:00 p.m. (There is a ramp on the North-West side of the church.) Vigil lights twinkled on both sides of the altar where four large candles awaited lighting. The elements (bread and wine) were carefully placed on a little covered table in the center aisle near the back of the church awaiting lay folks to carry them forward at the time of Communion. Priest and people SANG the responses which denotes this to be a HIGH Mass. The church was full. Along with Pastor Joseph G.Workman, there were two lay leaders, two altar girls and an altar boy serving. Four-page-laminated copies of the order of the Mass were stacked at the end of each pew. Many statues were reminders of Christ’s history.
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Dress was informal to casual. Stations of the Cross were neatly positioned between stained glass windows along the side walls. Air conditioning plus ceiling fans provided a very comfortable experience. Six ushers received the offerings which were presented with the gifts of bread and wine.
Hymn selections were posted in four easy-to-view locations and hymnals were available in the pew racks. “Rediscovering Catholicism” by Matthew Kelly will be the focus of small group discussions offered four times per week so that all can participate. The purpose is to learn anew and deepen an understanding of the Catholic faith and become equipped for the purpose of loving and encouraging others. One person can’t do it.
Dialog with the young children was proposed by Father Joseph using questions like, “Tell me something you learned about Jesus,” not only the usual “How was school today?” Kneelers were lowered and used for a time. Almost the entire congregation raised their hands in prayer for the singing of “The Lord’s Prayer.” The sign of peace (handshake and greeting) was exchanged during which time I met a friendly couple who came to St. Clement from St. Hedwig which was closed by the Diocese. Holy Communion was first brought to the handicapped followed by others proceeding to the altar in orderly fashion.
The six-page Parish Bulletin was filled to the brim with news and activities like: Need prayer or guidance? Call Poor Clares’ Prayer Line at 216-361-0783; On vacation? Find a Mass anywhere in the world, anytime, at www.masstimes.org.; Youth Group for 7th to 12th grade will be serving a Community Meal at Saint Luke’s; R.I.C.A. sessions for those interested in the Catholic faith will begin in September; Jobs for anyone seeking employment, CatholicJobs.com; Polka Mass; clambake and more.
Coffee and donuts are served after the 9:00 a.m. and ll:00 a.m. Masses. Father Joseph greeted all as they left at the North-West exit. I felt engaged for the entire hour. This is a beautiful place. stclementlakewood@cox.net; 216-226-5116; corner of Lincoln and Madison; www.saintclement.net. When I returned home, I "Googled" St. Clement and learned that he was ordained by Peter and became the fourth Pope and was Bishop of Rome. He wrote a letter to the Corinthians as he worked alongside Peter to reset some guidelines for the people. He is mentioned in Philippians 4:3. When I pulled down my Bible to look this up, I opened it to the exact page!
