Friday was a night of praise and farewell at St. Clare Parish in Wind Lake. The event, "An Evening with Father John Hemsing," was a going-away party for Hemsing.

Hemsing, who has been pastor at St. Clare's for the past 12 years, is leaving for his new assignment at Lumen Christi Parish in Mequon. About 200 people gathered to wish Hemsing well, said Mary Schopp, parish council chairperson and one of the event's organizers.

Hemsing came to St. Clare in March 1996 and is responsible for its community involvement and outreach.

Schopp said plans for the evening had been in the works since last fall. There was a supper and some speeches were given. Schopp also arranged for Norway Town Chairman Jean Jacobson to issue a proclamation declaring June 7 and 8 as Father John Hemsing Weekend.

Because Jacobson wasn't available Friday evening, Town Clerk Camille Cohen presented Hemsing with a plaque.

To help Jacobson prepare the proclamation, Schopp provided her with a list of Hemsing's accomplishments and good works. Among the items on the list were: St. Clare youth doing mission work at the church's sister parish in Gallup, New Mexico; Norway Helping Hands Program; Pregnancy Help Center in Milwaukee; Fox River Ministerium and other programs.

Hemsing's awareness of other community needs led him to open St. Clare's doors for group meetings and activities such as the Wind Lake Blood Drive, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and other events.

"Father John was a devoted pastor, good community person and enjoyed by many people who crossed paths with him," Schopp said.

On Friday night, Hemsing spoke of "his early days at St. Clare and how welcomed all the parishioners made him feel," Schopp said. "He thanked all of the parishioners for allowing him to be our pastor."

The list of Hemsing's accomplishments also was sent to the Archdiocese for documentation in putting together St. Clare's Parish Profile for the next priest who might be assigned there, Schopp said.

"One doesn't realize how much we have to offer until we try and think of all these things. What a great tribute to parish and community involvement," Schopp said.

"Since Father John arrived in March 1996, St. Clare Parish has seen a growth from about 430 families at that time to 795 families now. We have many active ministries within our church, too. It has been a joy and privilege working with Father John and I feel this is a small token of our appreciation of his years of dedication in his work."

Hemsing was presented a chasuble with the San Damiano Cross on the garment as a going away present from the parish. A chasuble is the outer vestment worn by a priest at Mass.

Phyllis Sides is a reporter for The Journal Times. This column, about the good stories of good people in Racine County, appears each week. She can be reached at (262) 631-1714 or by e-mail at

psides@journaltimes.com