Parish
St. Clement Parish is located in beautiful historic Lakewood, Ohio on Lincoln Avenue (just north of I-90 west). It was established on April 27, 1922, to help meet the needs of Lakewood’s growing Catholic population. The parish celebrated its first Mass in the lower-level of the new church building on December 25, 1922. The upper-church was completed by April of 1923 and the first Mass celebrated there on Easter Day, April 1, 1923.
The St. Clement community is a family with whom all can celebrate their faith and share talents and ideas. In striving to meet the needs of our parish family, participation in our various ministries and in the life of the parish is encouraged. Together we can be a strong, vital sign of the presence of the Catholic Church in the Lakewood community.
Our highest priority is the daily celebration of the Holy Eucharist, the “source and summit of the Christian life”. Everything we do flows from that worship experience or toward it. That is the moment the believing, worshiping church community gathers and realizes its identity as a family of faith.
School
In September 1924, St. Clement School opened its doors to 350 students under the direction of the Sisters of St. Joseph. Our 1927 addition to the school more than doubled its original size with eight rooms and a gymnasium. In 1947, a convent was built on church premises for 18 Sisters of St. Joseph. In 1958, six more classrooms were added onto the thriving school. In September 1958 another addition of six classrooms was built which comprised the junior high. After many successful years of providing quality Catholic education to its children, St. Clement School merged with the St. Luke and St. James parish schools in August 2005 to become Lakewood Catholic Academy serving kindergarten through 8th grade. In 2020 our convent and school buildings were demolished.
Pastor
St. Clement continues the tradition of offering multiple and varied opportunities for spiritual growth and social interaction under the leadership of Father Kevin P. Elbert as the Pastor of St. Clement, St. James, and St. Luke in Lakewood. Fr. Kevin P. Elbert was asked by Bishop Edward C. Malesic to become the Pastor of St. Clement and St. James effective 12/01/2023.
Fr. Elbert is a native of North Eastern Ohio having grown up in Middleburg Heights. After a life in the secular world as a lawyer and karate instructor, Fr. Elbert felt the call to the priesthood. He attended both Borromeo and St. Mary Seminary of Cleveland and after many years of prayer and study in seminary formation Fr. Elbert was ordained to the holy priesthood on May 15th, 2010.
Mission Statement
As a Eucharistic Community we, the people of St. Clement Parish, believe the Lord is present among us and calls us to grow in His life. We commit ourselves to share that life in our love and concern for others.
St. Clement Parish Prayer
Almighty Father, we join our voices together to sing Your praise. Help us to grow stronger as a community of faith and action.
Lord Jesus, You call each of us to spread the Good News of Your salvation. Guide us to follow You and teach us the true meaning of Your way.
Loving Spirit, open our hearts to the voice of our loving God. Give us the strength to be living witnesses of God, grace to all in our parish, our neighborhood, our world.
Holy Trinity, we ask Your blessings upon St. Clement Parish. Protect us on our prayerful journey as we celebrate Your everlasting love. Amen.
St. Clement of Rome Prayer
We beg you, Lord, to be our help and our support. Free us from our troubles; take pity on the lowly; raise up those who have fallen; give help to the poor, health to the sick, and bring home those who have wandered away. Feed the hungry, ransom captives, give strength to the weak and courage to the faint-hearted.
Additional Details
Can be found by clicking on the Centennial menu above or link below:
Joining
To become a member of our parish community, please call the parish office (216.226.5116) for an appointment to register. Anyone over 18 years of age, still living at home, should register as a single adult.
Location
