Clarence: An Advent Story

Twenty-four years have passed since this story was sent out, chapter by chapter, to a number of families. As the cover letter expresses, I am not pretending to be a children’s book author, but rather using this story to share with them the process I was going through to prepare to receive the order of deaconate. The symbol for this was the burning bush to go on my stole, but I couldn’t just tell them. It had to be a game... and so Clarence and his adventure were born.

I edit this again in gratitude for what Clarence has brought to me in his dorky yet lovable way. His gift was a first attempt at expressing the immensity of Schoenstatt’s spirituality in a way that a child could understand. Clarence started to teach me how to move from being a student to a pastor, a shepherd. The lamb learns to accept himself and his defects, a process not unlike my own, where, as a priest, you are in the public eye while still being a simple child of God.

More than anything, Clarence, as part of my shared imagination, is my child. I want to celebrate his 24th Birthday. And so to you who inspired me to encounter the cowlicked lamb and put his adventure down on paper, I dedicate this re-edition to you. Thanks for being part of the Clarence experience for me.

With my blessings and love!

Fr. Mark Joseph Niehaus, I.S.P.

Madison, Wisconsin

November 25, 2025

Feast of St. Catherine of Alexandria