ANNOUNCEMENTS
Statement of Apology
by the Catholic Bishops of Canada
to the Indigenous Peoples of This Land
by the Catholic Bishops of Canada
to the Indigenous Peoples of This Land
The Pastoral Letter
of His Excellency, Bishop Crosby, OMI:
"To Inform, To Encourage, To Heal"
of His Excellency, Bishop Crosby, OMI:
"To Inform, To Encourage, To Heal"
Image credit: THE RESTORATION OF IDENTITY PROJECT: Turtle Sculpture by Solomon King, Anishinaabe artist and stonemason
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In response to the recent discoveries of unmarked graves
on the site of former Residential Schools across Canada,
His Excellency, Bishop Crosby, OMI, issued a Pastoral Letter entitled:
To Inform, To Encourage, To Heal.
on the site of former Residential Schools across Canada,
His Excellency, Bishop Crosby, OMI, issued a Pastoral Letter entitled:
To Inform, To Encourage, To Heal.
Please click on the image above to access His Excellency's letter, along with multiple resources including:
- A brief history of Residential Schools in Canada,
- Expressions of Apology, and
- Actions and Commitments Towards Reconciliation,
MASSES at ST. CLEMENT,
July 2021
July 2021
July 21, 2021
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
As the Province has entered Step 3 of the Reopening Plan, we are able to accommodate as many people as possible provided that physical distancing is observed and that all Covid protocols are followed. For details, please see below.
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
As the Province has entered Step 3 of the Reopening Plan, we are able to accommodate as many people as possible provided that physical distancing is observed and that all Covid protocols are followed. For details, please see below.
COVID-19 PROTOCOLS
VACCINATIONS and ATTENDING MASS: The Holy Father Pope Francis has suggested that it is a moral imperative that people be vaccinated so as to prevent the potential for infection and the spread of Covid-19. All Catholics (clergy and laity) are urged to obtain both doses of an anti-Covid-19 vaccine. Should a Catholic wishing to attend Mass not yet have obtained his or her vaccination, they should take all precautions to see that they do not infect others and see to it that they obtain their vaccinations as soon as is possible. Those feeling ill or showing signs of Covid-19 infection should not attend Mass and should contact their physician or nearest hospital.
The following protocols are now to be observed
in the Diocese of Hamilton:
in the Diocese of Hamilton:
- The percentage capacity restrictions are lifted. Each church can now accommodate as many people as possible provided that physical distancing of 2 metres (6 feet) between individuals or family units is observed.
- Mask wearing remains required. Masks should be fitted properly to the face.
- Hand sanitizing, though not required, is strongly recommended for all entering the church.
- Cleaning procedures for pews, washrooms, confessionals and reconciliation rooms are relaxed so as to only require regular cleaning in accordance with pre-Covid-19 routines, with the only exception being when someone with suspected or known Covid-19 has attended, in which case the space should be disinfected as per the previous pandemic requirements.
- Churches should be ventilated where possible. This involves opening windows and utilizing fans to exhaust air from the church.
- The use of holy water is still not permitted at the entrances of the church.
- Hymnals, missals and prayer books may be returned to pews; singing is permitted but only an Instrumentalist and Cantor are permitted to lead the singing. Choirs are not permitted at this time.
- Bulletins, envelopes, pamphlets and newspapers may again be distributed.
- Votive light stands may be reopened, subject to notices requiring appropriate distancing of 6 feet (2 metres).
- Crying rooms and small chapels/devotional areas may be used again as long as 6-foot distancing per persons or family groups is maintained.
- Confessionals may be used. However, mask wearing will be required. Priests should employ double masking or use of the N95 mask so as to prevent contamination in closed confessionals. Confessionals should be aired out after each use.
- Collections may again be taken up using baskets in the traditional fashion. All Ushers involved in taking up collections should ensure that they wear masks while undertaking this task and use a collection basket with a long handle to maintain the 6-foot (2-metre) distancing. The passing of baskets is discouraged. The collection of offerings at the doors of the church may continue for the time being.
- Liturgical ministries (Extraordinary Ministers of Communion, Lectors, Altar Servers) are to be reintroduced as per pre-pandemic practice, as long as they maintain the 6-foot (2-metre) distance.
- The priest and ministers of Communion must sanitize their hands before and after distribution Communion.
- The individual dialogue with each communicant (The Body of Christ / Amen) is restored. (Both ministers and communicants must wear masks.)
- Only the priest (and concelebrants) are permitted to receive Communion from the chalice.
- Communion on the tongue is again permitted, however only the priest shall be permitted to dispense Communion in this fashion. The congregation is to be informed prior to distribution of Communion that those who wish to receive the Eucharist on the tongue may approach the priest for Communion after all others have received. Should the priest make accidental contact with the communicant's tongue, he shall immediately cease distributing Communion, step back, apply hand sanitizer, and then return to continue to provide Communion.
- The cleansing of vessels takes place in the same fashion as prior to Covid-19.
- It is recommended that the one-way movement for church entry and exit be retained.
- The dispensation from the Sunday Obligation remains in place.
- The celebration of the Sacraments can now take place as prior to Covid-19.
HERE AT ST. CLEMENT ... Printed and on-line bulletins will be published as of July 25th; meanwhile, we have online announcements! Please see below, and kindly share news with those without internet access. We also welcome announcements for the parish website. Please submit these by email to: stclements@rogers.com and they will be forwarded to our webmaster.
Summary of Other Online Announcements:
- Catholic Women's League News
- 2021 Liturgical Dates -- First Communion and Confirmation
- Updated, 26 June 2021: One Heart, One Soul!
- Prayer Vigils at Freeport Hospital
- Reminder: On-Line Parish Registration/Update Form
- Reminder: Pre-Authorized Giving
CATHOLIC WOMEN'S LEAGUE NEWS
Even though we are not getting together for meetings, we are still keeping in touch and keeping each other in our thoughts and prayers. St. Clement Catholic Women’s League would like to acknowledge and extend thanks to long-time members. The following members have been presented with special pins. We appreciate your continued commitment and support. Congratulations!!
It is still not too late to send in membership dues of $25. You can drop them off at the Parish Office; there is a mail slot in the door. Please make sure your name, address, telephone number and email address are on the envelope if not using the one provided with your offering envelopes. And please contact Nan (through the Parish Office, 519-653-6123) if you require assistance with membership.
We look forward to a time when we can meet together again, but until then please stay safe.
- 50-Year Membership -- Cynthia Stoyles, Kathy Coppes
- 60-Year Membership -- Gail Campbell
- 70-Year Membership -- Rose Barry
It is still not too late to send in membership dues of $25. You can drop them off at the Parish Office; there is a mail slot in the door. Please make sure your name, address, telephone number and email address are on the envelope if not using the one provided with your offering envelopes. And please contact Nan (through the Parish Office, 519-653-6123) if you require assistance with membership.
We look forward to a time when we can meet together again, but until then please stay safe.
2021 LITURGICAL DATES
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
- For St. Joseph students - Sunday, April 18th, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. in the Church.
- For St. Michael students -- The celebration (originally scheduled for April 25th) will be rescheduled for after the Provincial Lock-Down.
CONFIRMATION
St. Joseph students
(whose celebration was scheduled for June 1st)
and St. Michael students
(whose celebration was scheduled for June 3rd)
will be confirmed together.
The Sacrament of Confirmation
will be celebrated
on Wednesday, October 20th, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.
The celebration will take place within the Liturgy of the Word (no Mass)
and the Celebrant will be His Excellency Bishop Wayne Lobsinger, Auxiliary Bishop of Hamilton.
St. Joseph students
(whose celebration was scheduled for June 1st)
and St. Michael students
(whose celebration was scheduled for June 3rd)
will be confirmed together.
The Sacrament of Confirmation
will be celebrated
on Wednesday, October 20th, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.
The celebration will take place within the Liturgy of the Word (no Mass)
and the Celebrant will be His Excellency Bishop Wayne Lobsinger, Auxiliary Bishop of Hamilton.
ONE HEART, ONE SOUL!
Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul ...
Acts 4:32
Acts 4:32
Our One Heart, One Soul campaign launched on the weekend of February 28th. If you have not received an information package, please contact the Parish Office (519-653-6123). You are also welcome to learn more by:
- Watching St. Clement's video. Please click here: HOME
- Visiting our dedicated web page for FAQ's and updates. Please click: ONE HEART, ONE SOUL!
- Visiting the diocesan website. Please click: www.oneheartonesoul.ca.
- Watching the beautiful video prepared by the Diocese. Please click: www.oneheartonesoul.ca/watch
JUNE 26, 2021 UPDATE
Dear Friends,
It has been a very good week for St. Clement’s!
The $20,000.00 matching gift came in -- and three other gifts, too!
This brings the parish’s totals to 200 gifts and $574,358.00:
104% of the minimum goal and almost 32% participation.
We are deeply grateful for your generosity!
Our heartfelt thanks for your kindness.
Please keep in your prayers the parishioners who are considering taking part,
that God may bless and guide them in their response.
Dear Friends,
It has been a very good week for St. Clement’s!
The $20,000.00 matching gift came in -- and three other gifts, too!
This brings the parish’s totals to 200 gifts and $574,358.00:
104% of the minimum goal and almost 32% participation.
We are deeply grateful for your generosity!
Our heartfelt thanks for your kindness.
Please keep in your prayers the parishioners who are considering taking part,
that God may bless and guide them in their response.
PRAYER VIGILS
at FREEPORT HOSPITAL
at FREEPORT HOSPITAL
Thursday, December 2, 2021 ... Thursday, January 6, 2022
9:00 to 10:00 a.m.
Where: Freeport Hospital, 3570 King St. East, Kitchener.
Parking: At Schneider Park (across the road).
9:00 to 10:00 a.m.
Where: Freeport Hospital, 3570 King St. East, Kitchener.
Parking: At Schneider Park (across the road).
All are welcome and urged to come out to pray and be a witness for God's unborn babies. Please pray for an end to abortion, and for the conversion of hearts. If you cannot physically attend, would you devote an hour praying?
Thank you and God bless you.
For more information, please email: kwc.prayervigil@rogers.com
Thank you and God bless you.
For more information, please email: kwc.prayervigil@rogers.com
ON-LINE PARISH "REGISTRATION" FORMS
As of February 26th, we have the option for people to register as parishioners electronically. Please click here to see ... PARISH REGISTRATION FORM
In addition to registering new parishioners,
this option allows current parishioners to:
In addition to registering new parishioners,
this option allows current parishioners to:
- Update their mailing address.
- Update their phone number(s).
- Provide or update Email addresses.
- Update family information (for example, marriages and births).
- Request offertory envelopes.
PRE-AUTHORIZED GIVING
At the request of parishioners, the option of Pre-Authorized Giving was made available on December 1st, 2019. This option has been a great blessing, especially throughout the pandemic, and is available to anyone who wishes to support the parish. The Authorization Form is available by request; please phone or email the parish office. It is also available by downloading the file below:
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Completed forms can be submitted electronically (scanned and emailed), or mailed, or placed in the collection basket. Changes in offerings are also made using the Authorization Form.
Offerings may be made on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis. Monthly offerings are processed on the 20th day of the month or very shortly thereafter. Weekly and biweekly Sunday offerings are normally processed on the following Tuesday.
Several times this year, likely due to pandemic issues, weekly donations were locked on the bank's website and processed late (that is, together with the following week's donation). We apologize for any confusion caused.
Again, your continued support of the parish has been a tremendous blessing. Our thanks to those enrolled in Pre-Authorized Giving and to all who have remembered St. Clement Parish. We deeply appreciate your generosity. God bless you!
Offerings may be made on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis. Monthly offerings are processed on the 20th day of the month or very shortly thereafter. Weekly and biweekly Sunday offerings are normally processed on the following Tuesday.
Several times this year, likely due to pandemic issues, weekly donations were locked on the bank's website and processed late (that is, together with the following week's donation). We apologize for any confusion caused.
Again, your continued support of the parish has been a tremendous blessing. Our thanks to those enrolled in Pre-Authorized Giving and to all who have remembered St. Clement Parish. We deeply appreciate your generosity. God bless you!