Saint Clement parish was founded in 1905, when a group comprised mostly of men and women of German heritage asked Archbishop Quigley for a parish to serve the large German-speaking population along Lincoln Avenue in the Lincoln Park Area. Saint Francis Rempe (later Monsignor) served as the first pastor of Saint Clement Church for a duration of 41 years until 1946. The Alcott School at Wrightwood was the site of the first Mass. Saint Clement School opened its doors in 1906 - classes were taught by the Franciscan Sisters of Joliet, (who were teachers at the school for over 70 years). Worshippers celebrated Mass at the school until the completion of the present church in 1918. Saint Clement School underwent a renovation in 1924 and 1925. Upon completion, students enjoyed the use of the present cafeteria, gym and entire third floor. Soon enough, the Saint Clement Parish welcomed neighborhood residents of all backgrounds. Today, we continue in the mission of faith and worship, sharing our talents, spirits and resources in the service of God. We are joined together on a journey of faith, striving to know God and gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be Catholic.
Who was Saint Clement?
The patron of the Church is Saint Clement, the third successor to Peter as Bishop of Rome and an early doctor of the Church. Saint Clement earned renown for his letter to the Corinthians. He endured imprisonment and exile to the marble quarries near the Black Sea (Crimea). Saint Clement was tied to an anchor and cast into the sea - hence, the use of the anchor as the symbol of Saint Clement School. Saint Clement died a martyr. Our legacy from Rome and Saint Clement dictates that we uphold high standards in the development of individuals for their role as adults in the community.
Adam J. Kaspar
Father Rempe