The feast of Christ the King last weekend coincided with the 100th anniversary celebration of St. Clement Church in Santa Monica, a small parish with a big heart.

"The life of the parish is about the people," said Cardinal Roger Mahony in his homily, before a standing room only assembly of present and former parishioners Nov. 20. The cardinal spoke of the spirit of self-gift that is essential in parish life, and drew a parallel with the feast day's Gospel reading, in which Jesus was about to be executed was taunted and tempted by the leaders of the people, the soldiers and even those with whom he was to die.

Each time Jesus was told to "save himself" he refused each temptation, Cardinal Mahony said. "This is the Jesus who is our king --- the self-giving Jesus," the cardinal noted. "We, too, must take on the attitude of self-giving of Jesus for others."

And self-giving has been the attitude of St. Clement parishioners throughout its history that has seen economic changes, re-development, soaring property values and population shifts in the south Santa Monica area. Today there are 950 registered families in the parish, with a 40/60 split of English and Spanish speaking parishioners.

"These people have been so loyal to their parish through every change," observed Father Tomas Elis, pastor. "Many have lived their whole lives here --- were born here, went to school here and are staying here. Despite the winds of change they have been true to their patron, St. Clement, who is symbolized by an anchor. They have remained."

Arriving an hour early for Saturday's centennial celebration, Maria Luca and her daughter Patricia spoke proudly of St. Clement Church. Maria moved to the parish in 1957 and sent her four children to St. Clement School, and she and Patricia still live in the parish. "It's a great parish, a very welcoming parish," said Maria. "Father Tomas is doing a great job."

Doris and Anthony Rogers, married 59 years, boasted of sending their five children to the school when they moved into the parish in 1952. "I feel blessed to be here to celebrate," Doris Rogers said.

Added Bernie Endres, a German immigrant and parishioner since 1959: "I will be here until I die."