George Clements facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Clements
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Fr. George H. Clements giving Holy Communion, 1973. Photo by John H. White.
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George Harold Clements
January 26, 1932 |
| Died | November 25, 2019 (aged 87) Hammond, Indiana, U.S.
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| Occupation | Roman Catholic priest, activist |
| Years active | 1957–2019 |
| Children | 4 (adopted) |
George Harold Clements (born January 26, 1932 – died November 25, 2019) was a special Catholic priest. He was known for being the first Catholic priest in Chicago to adopt a child in 1981. Father Clements also played a big part in the Black Catholic Movement. This movement helped bring African-American culture into the Catholic Church's worship and activities. He became a church leader in Chicago in 1969 and was very active in civil rights work.
Contents
The Life of Father Clements
Early Years and Becoming a Priest
George Harold Clements was born in Chicago, Illinois, on January 26, 1932. His father, Samuel George, worked for the city of Chicago. His mother was Aldonia (Peters) Clements.
George went to Corpus Christi Elementary School in Chicago. He then graduated from Quigley Academy Seminary in 1945. Later, he studied at St. Mary of the Lake Seminary. He earned degrees in Sacred Theology and Philosophy. On May 3, 1957, Clements became a priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago.
Important Moments in His Life
- 1945: He was the first Black student to graduate from Quigley Academy Seminary.
- May 3, 1957: He became a Roman Catholic priest in Chicago. Cardinal Samuel Stritch led the ceremony.
- 1960s: He marched with Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. in Alabama, Mississippi, and Chicago. These marches were for civil rights.
- 1969: He became the pastor of Holy Angels Church in Chicago. He stayed in this role until 1991.
- 1980: He created the "One Church-One Child" program idea.
- 1981: The Vatican allowed him to adopt his first child. This made him the first Catholic priest in Chicago to adopt. He later adopted four children.
- 1994: He started the "One Church-One Addict" program.
- 1999: He started the "One Church-One Inmate" program.
- May 4, 2007: He celebrated 50 years as a Roman Catholic priest.
His Passing
Father Clements had a stroke on October 12, 2019. He passed away on November 25, 2019, at a hospital in Hammond, Indiana. He died from a heart attack at 87 years old. His death was confirmed by his friend, Father Michael Pfleger, and his four adopted sons.
Father Clements' Programs
One Church-One Child Program
Father Clements started the "One Church-One Child" program in Chicago in 1980. It began at Holy Angels Church. By 1988, it became a national program. The program's main goal was to use churches to find loving adoptive parents. It focused on finding homes for African-American children. These children often had to wait longer to be adopted.
One Church-One Inmate Program
In 1999, Clements began the "One Church-One Inmate" program. This program worked to help people in prison and their families. It aimed to help inmates move from prison life back into society. The program helped them become good, law-abiding citizens. It also focused on their spiritual healing.
Father Clements in Media
The Father Clements Story was a television movie made by NBC in 1987. It told the story of Father Clements' life. The movie starred Lou Gossett, Jr. as Father Clements. Malcolm-Jamal Warner played Joey, Clements' adopted son. Carroll O'Connor played Cardinal John Cody, who was the Archbishop of Chicago.
Honors and His Lasting Impact
- 1977: He was named "Priest of the Year" by the Association of Chicago Priests.
- 1981: He received the Jason Award from Children's Square U.S.A. for his work with young people.
- 1982: He won an award from the North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC).
- 1987: A Yoruba tribe in Nigeria named him an honorary chief.
- April 11, 2002: The Kentucky State Legislature honored him. They passed a resolution praising his dedication to people.
- May 2007: He celebrated his "Golden Jubilee." This marked his 50th year as a Roman Catholic priest.
