Why I Love Our Oktoberfest…When we were planning the very first Oktoberfest 24 years ago, it started out as a way to build community since at that time there were no parish-wide events that brought us together as a parish family. That goal of ‘community’ remains today and has expanded to the much larger community of the whole metro area as we keep our Oktoberfest as a very family-friendly event for everyone. As your pastor, I love seeing our parishioners of all ages volunteering together...READ MORE
Message from our Music and Liturgy Director, Stephen Eros - We are so fortunate at St. Clare to celebrate liturgies with great intentionality that embrace the rich traditions of our Catholic faith. Fr. Jim’s vision and leadership are the foundation for this, and it is an honor for me to carry out this dignified work with so many well-formed dedicated lay minsters, deacons, musicians, art and environment team members, and dozens more people behind-the-scenes. I want to acknowledge three recent donations ...READ MORE
Did you know St. Clare of Assisi sponsors a Cub Scout Pack? Cub Scouting is open to boys enrolled in K - 5th grades. Many of our members come from St. Clare School, however, we also welcome parishioners or friends from other schools! Scouting provides boys with an opportunity to serve their community while learning new skills. We realize that many boys are involved in sports and other activities, at school or in the community. We strive to make the experience of Scouting work for ... READ MORE
Tau Cross - Last weekend, one of our junior high students noticed the unique vestment I wore for the Feast of St. Clare. I wear it for various feasts of Franciscan saints since it has a beautiful, gold Tau Cross stitched onto the front, a symbol often associated with Francis and Clare. Be sure and stop by and see our beautifully carved Tau Cross made in Assisi from an old olive tree. The Tau Cross is now hanging in
our St. Clare devotional chapel (located next to our baptismal font). A brief history of this unique ...READ MORE
End of Year Financial Report 7/1/23 - 6/30/24 - Thank you all for the extra effort made in June to help meet the end of the year goal for the Operating Budget. Your generosity enabled us to finish the fiscal year on June 30 with a positive financial position. This continued support allows us to offer so
many programs and services to our parishioners and our community. Toni Stanton, Parish Business Manager...CLICK TO VIEW CHART
The Poor Clare Nuns invite you to join them for the Solemn Novena in honor of St. Clare. To be celebrated in the monastery chapel August 2 - 10, 2024. 7:00 p.m. Solemn Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament night prayers and Compline; 7:30 p.m. The Novena Service concluding with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The theme of this year’s Novena will be: St. Clare of Assisi - the Lady of Holy Love. You are welcome to bring your prayer petitions with you, or mail them to The Poor Clare Monastery, 300 North 60th Street, Belleville, IL 62223-3927. For dates and times...READ MORE
Gospel Hospitality - One of the key elements of Jesus' ministry was hospitality. He welcomed all people, especially those who had been excluded by others. We try hard to practice that here at
St. Clare Parish through such things as: + Welcoming liturgies that are also prayerful, + Our large ‘gathering space’ to socialize before & after Mass, + Welcome receptions for all new parishioners, +
“Donut Sundays” once a month, + Over 80 ministries that allows/encourages everyone to be
involved ... READ MORE