CONGRATULATIONS TO FATHER DOMINIC CLEMENTE ON HIS APPOINTMENT AS PASTOR OF ST. EDWARD PARISH
WHEREAS, it is with great pleasure that the Members of this Chamber learned of the recommendation of Father Dominic Clemente for pastorate of St. Edwards Parish; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Chicago has been informed of this significant appointment by the Honorable Margaret Laurino, Alderman of the 39th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Father Dominic grew up on Chicago's Northwest side where he attended St. Celestine Elementary School and St. Patrick High School; and
WHEREAS, as a young man, Father Dominic aspired to becoming a Broadway Producer with a career in the performing arts that is until he answered God's calling to a bigger stage and a wider audience. As early as seventh grade, Father Dominic new he was bound to the priesthood and the thought of dedicating his life to being a celebrant and sharing the spirit of God's word, remained with him throughout his growing up years; and
WHEREAS, Father Dominic attributes his aspiration to become a priest to the good priests he knew from his home parish, St. Celestine, who made the priesthood look exciting and attractive. After Father Dominic began college, he stated thinking and praying about priesthood more and more and eventually decided to enter the college seminary; and
WHEREAS, Father Dominic attended St. Joseph College Seminary at Loyola University Chicago in January 2010 after transferring in as a sophomore. While there, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy. In 2012, attended the University of St. Mary of the Lake, also known as Mundelein Seminary, and completed his studies earning a Masters in Divinity degree; and
WHEREAS, Father Dominic was ordained as a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago on May 21, 2016, at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago. The next day he celebrated his first Mass at St. Celestine Catholic Parish, Elmwood Park, where he attended elementary school; and
WHEREAS, Father Dominic was interviewed for a June 2017 TIME magazine article, on the topic of millennial priests called "The God Squad: the next generation of Catholic Priests". The author describes him as follows: "The next priesthood is bound by this strong sense of mission. Some seminarians may trade knowledge of bishops like baseball cards, but by the time they are in churches, they are more focused on outreach. Father Dominic Clemente, 27, of Chicago, started his church's first ever youth program, filmed videos for the church's website, and hopes to develop a new relationship with the Muslim Community Center down the street"; and
WHEREAS, while serving as Associate Pastor at St. Edward Parish, Father Dominic has consistently demonstrated to the parishioners of St. Edwards, his deep devotion and effective leadership as a priest and they have warmly welcomed his presence. His dedication to the parish has been inspiring to many and visible daily in the kind, compassionate, and caring guidance he provides to those in need; and
WHEREAS, in acknowledgement of his dedication and service to St. Edward Parish, Father Clemente was recommended by the Priest Placement Board and Episcopal Vicar, Bishop Mark Bartosic to become the next pastorate of St. Edward Parish. Father Dominic received the good news from Father Anderson that Cardinal Cupich accepted the recommendation and has requested him to serve as Pastor; and
WHEREAS, Father Dominic was honored to accept the Cardinal Cupich's request and will be appointed Pastor of St. Edward Parish effective July 1, 2019; and
WHEREAS, Father Anderson has extended his confidence, along with Archdiocesan leadership, that Father Dominic will continue serve the parish community as pastor with his priestly witness, hallmark energy, and good humor; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here this tenth day of April, 2019, do hereby extend our most heartfelt congratulations to Father Dominic Clemente on his appointment as Pastor of St. Edward Parish; and
MARGARET LAURINO Alderman, 39th Ward
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to Father Dominic Clemente as a sign of our respect and good wishes.
