The Confirmation Mass this past Monday evening was truly glorious! Every aspect of it was inspiring—the gentle presence and words of Bishop Binzer, the inspiring music which included not only trumpet and flutes and bass, but also our adult choir enhanced by a number of small children, the presence of the Knights of Columbus, and of course our 7th and 8th grade children, their sponsors and families and so many others. The Bishop was generous in his use of the Oil of Chrism during the anointing. Our Father God was generous in his outpouring of grace, not only on our confirmandi, but also on everyone present. I pray that our now fully-initiated teens stay devoted to the Eucharist and to their parish. St. Clement needs their youthful enthusiasm to be all that the Lord wants us to be.
It’s important that I thank our DFF, Colleen Gerke, and our 7th and 8th grade teachers, Ms. Donna Muchmore and Ms. Megan Hilgefort, music minister Marty Cunningham, and those who worked with these folks to make the evening a memorable experience for all.
This past Saturday, a deeply committed member of St. Clement passed into the heavenly arms of her Lord and creator. Pat Ballard, who served our parish for 44 years as receptionist and secretary and youth minister, and in many other ways, died at the age of 90. Up until a couple of weeks before her death when she went into the hospital with pneumonia in both lungs, and heart issues, Pat was a faithful participant in our daily Mass. Someone noted that she was even planning some activity with them before going into the hospital; but the Lord had other ideas. Her Mass of Christian Burial was this past Friday morning.
On Thursday, the family of Elizabeth Krzynowek celebrated the passing of their mother, who was a long-time St. Clement parishioner, and laid her body to rest at St. Mary Cemetery. I didn’t know Elizabeth for she had been in a retirement home on the east side of Cincinnati for a number of years. Fr. Lou celebrated the Mass of Christian Burial for her husband Joe in 2009. Several of our elder parishioners noted how active Betty was years ago when living in St. Bernard and what a dear person she was.
This coming Saturday, December 8, is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, a holy day of obligation in our country since it is under this title that our Blessed Mother is Patroness of the United States. To make it easier for you to fulfill your obligation to celebrate Mass, we are adding a Vigil Mass on Friday evening, December 7th, at 7:00 p.m. Thus, there will be two Masses in Mary’s honor on the holy day: Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m., and Friday evening at 7:00 p.m.
We now enter the hope-filled season of Advent and begin a new Church year. Please note the Giving Tree in the commons which offers us an opportunity to “adopt” families in need. Also help yourself to some of the many materials on the tables in the commons which can provide inspiration to you during the four weeks leading up to the joy-filled season of Christmas. You’re invited also to sign up for an opportunity to carry one of the Advent Wreath candles in the opening procession of our weekend Masses. A blessed Advent to all!