There is no monthly 24 hour Adoration for April as it falls on the feast day of Divine Mercy Sunday this year . But in place of that, we cordially invite you to come to our parish celebration of the Feast of Divine Mercy Sunday with a Holy Hour on April 7 from 2:30-4:00pm in which Jesus pours out His abundant graces upon souls who completely trust in His mercy. See additional details in our parish bulletin and on the table in the Gathering Space.
Christ Is Risen…Alleluia! The best way to “live” the miracle of Jesus’ Resurrection is to see your life and the world in a renewed way…actively noticing each day, signs of new life and hope that God wants to show you. The spring flowers and budding trees are extra signs of God bringing new life out of that which seemed dead. A special way to participate in Christ’s Easter Resurrection this year is joining other parishioners in our “Consecration to the Eucharist” devotion we are starting on May 1st (book order due by April 14). ...READ MORE
Holy Week / Triduum / Made for Mission: The liturgies, music, scriptures, and rituals of Holy Week are unparalleled in our Catholic faith and traditions. I look forward to seeing you at the inspiring liturgies of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil/Easter Morning as we reground ourselves each year in the amazing story of our Salvation. Our whole life revolves around the Suffering, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ…and these holy days help us deepen our ...READ MORE
24 HOUR EUCHARISTIC ADORATION: Sunday, MAY 5 from 11:40am until 11:40am to Monday, MAY 6, followed with Benediction. If you plan on coming during 6pm-7am, please call the parish office by to use a keypad code on the door in the Mary Shrine. Come spend some quiet time in Adoration! If you can commit to an hour, sign-up sheets are on the table in the Gathering Space or sign up online.
St. Clare Lenten Communal Reconciliation Service -Thursday, March 21 at 7:00 p.m. -An Examination of Conscience based on the 10 Commandments: 1. I am the Lord your God: you shall not have strange Gods before Me. Have I treated people, events or things as more important than God? 2. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. Have my words, actively or passively, put down God, the Church, the Pope or other people? 3. Remember to keep holy the Lord’s Day. Do I go to Mass every ...READ MORE
Plan Your Calendar for the Triduum - March 28, 29, 30 - Save these dates for a ‘game-changing’ Catholic experience! The Triduum (three days) - Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil - are the most in-depth, rich, holy days in our Catholic calendar. For many in our parish, they know from experience how powerful these liturgies are and plan their Easter weekend/break around these holy days. Especially here at St. Clare Parish, these beautiful liturgies take us deep into the Mystery of Christ’s love for us, as we enter into Jesus’ Last Supper, Crucifixion and Resurrection. Parents and grandparents have a great opportunity to ...READ MORE
Songs of Comfort REQUIEM by Gabriel Fauré - At the Cathedral of St. Peter, 200 W. Harrison St., Belleville, IL Sunday, March 3 at 2:30. Free Admission. Featuring Belleville Philharmonic Chorale & Cathedral of Saint Peter Choir, Richard W. Thompson, conductor and SWIC Community Choir Andy Jensen, conductor with Jennifer Rea, soprano, Chip Belpedio, baritone, and Chamber Orchestra. Presented by the Diocese of Belleville and Southwestern Illinois College.
Being Catholic in the ‘bigger’ Church - Lent is a great time for us to generously support our diocese and its ministries through the CSMA (Catholic Service and Ministry Appeal). Since many of the diocesan ministries directly support the poor, the unborn, the imprisoned, and so many others in need, think of your generous donation as part of your ALMSGIVING goal of giving to those in need to which Jesus calls us. We need some very generous donations to meet our goal of $54,992, but all gifts are...READ MORE
Incense at Mass - During the Lent and Easter Seasons, we use incense at the two Sunday morning Masses. It is not used at the Saturday Vigil Mass to accommodate those who may be sensitive to incense. Why incense? In Psalm 141 we pray, “Let my prayer rise before you like incense O Lord.” The Book of Revelation describes heavenly worship as follows: "The angel took his place at the altar…and the smoke of the incense went up before God and with it the prayers of God’s ...READ MORE
HOPE FOR THE JOURNEY - Wednesday, March 20 at 2:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Hope for the Journey is for anyone that has experienced the loss of a loved one, recent or not. We meet for prayer, encouragement, suggested reading, and to walk this journey with you...READ MORE
Each year during Lent, I think it is helpful to review some of our Catholic terminology as we hear words and phrases during this season that may still be new for some people. Fast – doing with less…less food, less negative words, less complaining, less material things; to eliminate something from my daily routine in order to make more room for God in my life. It is helpful to think of something that you want to keep doing without even after Easter. Abstinence – to do without meat for the day; ...READ MORE
Catholic Spirituality for Addictions - Millions of Americans are addicted to drugs or alcohol, and millions more struggle with an addicted family member or friend. Recovery from addiction and its impact requires professional treatment, but also a supportive community and a deepening relationship with God. St Clare of Assisi Parish is starting two caring ministries to focus on the spiritual part of recovery, and support family and friends of addiction: “Catholic in Recovery” and “iTHIRST Spiritual Companions.” An informational meeting will be held at St Clare, Monday Feb 12th in Conference Room 2 from 7-9 p.m. You are invited to learn more about the ...READ MORE
Lent: Learning to Pray, Fast, and ‘Be Generous’ - As we begin the Season of Lent on Wednesday, we will hear about the main themes of praying, fasting, and almsgiving (generously giving to those in need). We are meant to practice these virtues for 40 days…so that they become a regular part of our life throughout the whole year! As you think about what you will ‘give up’ for Lent, try to think of something you need permanently ‘given up’ in your life. In one sense, making a small sacrifice ...READ MORE
“Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46)...A good number of parishioners tell me that they have really “good intentions” to start coming to Eucharistic Adoration…but just can’t seem to “find the time.” It definitely takes a conscience choice and good planning to make prayer happen on a consistent basis. I know you hear me bring up Adoration a lot in my preaching and adult ed sessions. That’s because I know from experience how good it is for one’s heart, mind, and soul. I am especially amazed...READ MORE
Celebrating Catholic Schools - Each year at the end of January Catholic parishes around the country celebrate ‘Catholic Schools Week.’ We do this for several reasons: +To thank all of our parishioners for their prayerful and financial support of this important ministry in our parish. +To promote the value of Catholic schools to those who may not be familiar with this parish ministry that helps parents pass on the faith to their children...READ MORE
"The Messenger" Newspaper Renewal - Our diocesan newspaper The Messenger brings you stories of real people living their faith through compassion and good works. To subscribe to The Messenger use the envelope in your February packet or online www.bellevillemessenger.org or call 618-233-8670.
CHRISTMAS SEASON: During the Christmas Season (Dec. 25 until Jan 6th.) St Clare Church is beautifully decorated with several Christmas trees and red Poinsettias. Further joy is added to the atmosphere from the many people that attended the Christmas Services. All this created a beautiful environment to celebrate the birth of our Savior. For New Years Eve, I led a midnight prayer service for about 50 people. It was a unique way to celebrate ...READ MORE
Celebrating Our Youth Ministry!!! Here at St. Clare, we are blessed to have so many of our youth on fire with their Catholic faith. Their devotion and energy are inspiring. Here are some highlights: Our high school youth group continues to draw a full house each Sunday night, thanks to wonderful leaders Joey Lusk, Mary Beth and Louie Khouri and Julie Loyet, the youth’s supportive parents and the youth themselves. The weekly sessions offer faith formation, spiritual growth, prayer, peer support, fun and pizza. ...READ MORE