Thank You for Making the 2009 Clement Service Day
a Great Success!
Although the weather didn’t measure up to expectations on April 25 this year, Clement Service Day exceeded all hopes for another successful Clement Service Day. Once again, our faithful stewards of Saint Clement put faith in action serving over 25 sites, and teaching our school age children the meaning of stewardship. More than 300 parishioners shared their gifts by painting, cleaning, picking up trash, entertaining seniors, supporting homeless teen mothers, cleaning and organizing.
The day began and ended with our call to praise God in gratitude for our blessings by recognizing the dignity of all persons, and serving those in need. Fr. Ken Simpson drew a parallel to the washing of feet in the Holy Thursday Liturgy, when we emulate Jesus, the Servant, in washing one another’s feet, recognizing that we are all servants and all in need of service.
Although this was the 4th annual Clement Service Day, enthusiasm and energy soared as high as the first one.
Here are a few comments from participants and recipients:
“The projects allowed us to focus on social justice and community involve-ment. In addition, it was a great way for us to feel grateful for our bless-ings. The service and 5pm Mass were meaningful and it was nice to catch up with friends at the dinner (delicious meal) and learn about other projects.” -Mary Ellen Johnston, Team Captain for Dignity Dinner and Misericordia,
“I just want to send you a Very Big Thank You! Your volunteers did an incredible job. Please extend a huge thank you to all who attended. As always we enjoyed working with your group and look forward to it every year.” -Carl Mainhart, Laboure House Coordinator
“…your volunteers were busy from the moment of arrival. The project to paint part of the school not only was accomplished, but it was done with care, hard work and dedication to detail. Both teams arrived ready to work and work they did. It was a pleasure to meet such wonderful faith-filled people. The reflection at the end of the project was beautiful and inspiring.” -Joan Desmond, Principal, St. Agatha Catholic Academy
“A huge thank you! The crew you sent worked so hard, and I know they deserve an award for being the mud-diest and messiest team of the day. They were great workers!” -Fr. Joseph Tito, Pastor, Our Lady of Mercy
“We were planting new grass and picking up trash for this facility. We all had a good time and the coordinator for this site was terrific to work with. Thanks again for organizing such a nice day for all our parishioners to come together in a such a fun and impactful way!” -Lori Hardwick, Team Captain, H.O.M.E.
A sincere
Thank You to all who put aside all other Saturday activity to serve others, and to the many people who gave so much time and effort to ensure another successful Clement Service Day.
The Core Committee: Sara Booms, Cheryl Bradley, KK Cleland, Hunter Craig, John Fitzgerald, Monique Fouant, Lisa Friedlander, Jill Haagensen, Jan Hann, Kerry Kane, Jennifer Kendall, Joanna Kuebel, Brian Kuszynski, Jodie Laughlin, Ryan Lents, Maureen McNicholl, Joe Quinn, Nick Vafakas, and Melissa Young.
Team Captains: Mike Beenblossom, Aric Cleland, Bill Cullen, Sherrie Davis, Jim Doyle, Hillary Ebach, Amparo Garcia, Bridget Gross, Jan Hann, Lori Hardwick, Beth Hattel, Norm Jeddeloh, Mary Ellen Johnston, Colleen Riley Kellas, Brian Kuszynski, Ryan Lents, Amanda and Griffin Lothrop, Eric Mariani, Tom Mathews, Marnie McHale, Matt Meyer, Amir Rafizadeh, Meghann Reilly, Rob Svendsen, Helen Wargel, Michael Warrell, and Melissa Young.
This event could not have happened without the support and help from the wonderful
parish staff, especially: Maggie Byrnes, Dave Erwin and Jim Kelley, Joanna Krynski, Mary Ellen Blanchard, Anne Coffey Rog, Fr. Ken Simpson, Flo Merkl-Deutsch, Kate Bradford, and Gael Day.
