Our chapter’s Founder

John was born in Midlothian, TX on December 20th, 1958, to Julia and Joseph McClernon. Even as a little boy he started walking with Jesus and His mother Mary and would say a Hail Mary before hitting a homerun out of the ballpark. In college he attended a Charismatic prayer meeting and was profoundly touched by the Lord, and so began his lifelong love of Jesus.

John got his accounting degree and became a CPA. He moved to Dallas to establish residency to continue his education and get his master’s degree. His mother remembers praying to Padre Pio to stay with him throughout his life. When she entered the room John had stayed in and she was overcome with a strong scent of roses (a sign that Padre Pio would answer her prayer).

John joined the Community of God’s Delight in Dallas, a large Christian community that had a thriving young adult group, it was there that he met the other Mary in his life, the one destined to be his wife. On their first meeting they spoke about the reality of angels and when Mary walked away John thought “If I was a pioneer going across the country, that is the woman I would want at my side”. And so his adventure began, but John still felt the tug to give his heart to Jesus in the religious life and went to a monastery to discern a life as a monk. While there, he wondered if he would regret not marrying Mary and decided to put it in the Lord’s hands. He asked the Lord to guide him, opened the Bible, and randomly put his finger on Matthew 1:20 “…do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife…”

John and Mary were married on June 29, 1984. They had plans for Mary to work while John went to school for his master’s. John said to Mary one day “We have made these plans but have not asked the Lord what His plans would be in our lives. With that open door Mary conceived their first of five children, (Christopher, Clare, Catherine, David, and Stephen) who were the biggest gifts of his life.

John fulfilled his desire to have a religious vocation and became a Lay Dominican. He dedicated much of his free time to the Saints of the Church which resulted in 9 published books and 9 audio rosary productions.

He became an analyst for the Department of Justice. He loved his work and would end up staying with DOJ for the remainder of his life.

John was a wonderful and devoted father, husband, Dominican, and author. He always saw the best in people and loved his family throughout the many joys and sorrows of life. When John wasn’t working, he could be found at Church, at a family event, or watching Notre Dame football with his friends.