a place of peace

The Jesuit Retreat House
5629 State Road
Parma, OH 44134

Phone: 440.884.9300
Fax: 440.885.1055
E-Mail: jrhcleve@att.net

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Copyright © 2000-2010 
Jesuit Retreat House - Catholic retreat center for religious retreats

Fr. Clem Metzger, S.J. A good and faithful servant of God
Entered into Life June 26, 1934 Entered Society of Jesus September 1, 1952 Ordained a Priest June 17, 1965 Entered into Eternal Life December 16, 2009

Take and Receive.  Thus begins a beloved prayer of St. Ignatius Loyola, one that expresses the loving desire to give everything over to God.  If ever there was one who lived up to the lofty standards of this prayer, it was Fr. Clem Metzger, S.J., former director of Jesuit Retreat House and spiritual guide whose life of generous ministry touched countless lives. 

Fr. Clem passed away peacefully on the evening of December 16, 2009 at Colombiere Center, the Jesuit medical facility located just north of Detroit.  Born in Shelby, Ohio in 1934, Fr. Clem entered the Society of Jesus in 1952 and was ordained a priest in 1965. 

In nearly 45 years of ordained ministry Fr. Clem ran the gamut of priestly service.  In addition to his directorship of Jesuit Retreat House in 1999-2008, he taught Latin and theology at St. Ignatius High School, and theology at Walsh Jesuit High School, maintaining with characteristic humor that “Mother Theresa would never have become a saint if she had to teach sophomores!”  Fr. Clem also served as chaplain in maximum-security prisons in Ohio and Michigan, and then as pastor at Gesu Parish in Toledo. 

Fr. Clem shared his considerable gifts - energy, humor, compassion - with everyone around him, and JRH was blessed to have had him at the helm.  Jan Leitch, board member of Jesuit Retreat House, recalled his unforgettable personality and passion for ministry. “When I think of Fr. Clem Metzger,” she said, “I smile at the idiosyncrasies: I remember the sweatshirt and scarf, and I hear his easily identifiable voice with his sighs and groans. Certainly his frugality helped to keep the retreat house functioning efficiently. He loved the house and considered it part of his ministry of stewardship to care for the building and property. I imagine that he would be more than willing to continue to assist God in the efficient running of the kingdom.”

Mary Jo Lupica, bookkeeper at Jesuit Retreat House perhaps said it best: “When you looked at Fr. Clem, you could see the face of Christ.”  May our friend Clem rest in peace with the God who loves him, and may we all continue to be inspired by his example of loving, generous service to God and others.

Candid Clem Photos of a contemplative in action Fr. Clem always enjoyed photography, so we think he would have approved of the collage below.  He was a man ever on the go, as the following photos will attest.
Clem was very proud of the golf cart given to the retreat house by some of his former students at Walsh Jesuit.	Few preachers could command the attention that Clem could, with his irresistible combination of passion and panache.
Clem was an avid gardener and outdoorsman, well-known for his penchant for riding our lawnmower in a white ballcap, cutting the wide swaths of grass on the JRH grounds.
Though a tireless worker, Clem took special pleasure in "chitty-chatting," as he would say, with everyone he met.   For staff, his lunch-table conversations were the stuff of legend.
Clem had a knack for securing donations, including this truck, which has become instrumental for hauling goods and equipment.
	While Clem's pilgrim journey on earth is over, we are comforted to know that he has finally reached the wonderful destination toward which he tireless trod during his full, well-lived life.  He passed peacefully and is now enjoying rest and peace in the embrace of the God who loves him.  He will always be close to our hearts, and we are comforted to know he will always have his eye on us to make sure we're not misbehaving in his absence!