Fourth Sunday of Easter
"Amen, Amen, I say to you, I am the gae for the sheep... Whoever enters through me will be saved." John 10:7,9
Announcements
The parish office's hours are 8:00am to 7:00pm Monday thru Friday, from 9:00am to 3:00pm on Saturdays, and from 9:00am to noon on Sundays.
The Sunday evening Mass has now a part of our community's opportunities for Sunday worship. Please join us at 5:00pm on Sunday evenings in addition to our scheduled times of 4:00pm on Saturdays and 9:00am and 11:00am on Sundays.
Pastoral Letter by Deacon Eric Sorensen
"Perhaps we all need to call to mind that we are the children of God."
The responsorial psalm, 23 Psalm, is one of the most familiar and perhaps best loved psalms of them all. The Lord is my Shepherd paints a picture of a carefree existence, peaceful rest, and abundant assurance. We can almost see the days of King David, when he first began as a shepherd. As he was responsible for his sheep, likewise he saw the Lord as his guide and protector.
I know this psalm was a beloved prayer for my mother. As we might pray an Our Father, or a Hail Mary, or perhaps more effectively a personal prayer, my mother had her 5 children pray the 23 Psalm for our bedtime prayer. It was comforting before we slept to have this parent image ‘giving us repose beside restful waters.’ A shepherd to ‘guide and to walk with us even in the darkness of the night.’ ‘Ever by our side, he is always protecting us against evils, but also encouraging’ us to face them. With blessed assurance we would slip off to sleep knowing that ‘goodness and kindness will follow us all the days of our lives.’
I am reminded of this imagery, and my mother at every mass that I serve at. As the priest consecrates the bread and wine, I always kneel not only in reverence, but in awe at the greatness of his gift to be with us. As the priest holds up his Body for all of us to see, I see the stain glass window of the Good Shepherd directly behind Christ’s body. As the priest holds up the cup of his Blood, I see above the imagery of the paschal lamb embracing his cross of victory. It is always a profound experience seeing Jesus carrying a little lamb with such care and protection, reassuring me that ‘he is truly at my side.’ And seeing the paschal lamb reminds me of his gift of salvation, so as to ‘dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come.’
Perhaps this sounds a bit childish, but Jesus did say: “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Perhaps we all need to call to mind that we are the children of God. As such, perhaps we too will allow Jesus to embrace us so tenderly; as a parent with a child; as a Good Shepherd with a lamb; as Christ’s Eucharist with his flock. Then we will know, as King David knew, that Jesus surely ‘refreshes our souls, and guides us in the right paths for his name’s sake.’
Support the Children's Garage Sale
Mark Your Calendars for the Saint Andrew Children’s Garage Sale held in the Saint Andrew Gymnasium on Saturday, May 13, 2023 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Donation Drop Off Dates and Times
(Drop off location at 1658 West Addison
Saint Andrew Gymnasium)
*Sunday, May 7 from 9:00am – 12:00pm
Monday, May 8 from 2:45pm - 4:00pm
Tuesday, May 9 from 2:45pm – 4:00pm
Wednesday, May 10 from 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Thursday, May 11 from 11:45am – 1:00pm
Friday, May 12 from 2:45pm – 7:00pm
*Please note: First donation date is the week of the sale!
Donations can include:
● Gently used clothing (except underwear), shoes, coats for infants to pre-teens
● Maternity wear
● Baby gear (except car seats)
● Toys, games, puzzles and books
● Nursery and children’s furniture (except drop-side cribs)
● Baby/children’s decor
● Halloween costumes and holiday outfits
● Strollers
● Bikes, scooters, ride on toys
● Dolls and doll houses
We are looking for volunteers for donation collection, set-up, day of sale and clean up. Times are flexible and children are welcome. Please contact Julie Richards at julie@standrew.org.
Admission to the sale is a $1 donation and sales are cash or credit card. All proceeds benefit Saint Andrew Parish. Unsold items will be donated to charity.
Vacation Bible School @ St. Ben's
Young parishioners looking for a dynamic way to grow in faith this summer are invited to join our neighboring parish in their Vacation Bible School taking place daily on July 18 through July 22 from 9am to 12:30pm. Cost is $80 per student or $150 per family. To find out more details and to register, visit Saint Benedict's website at https://parish.stbenedict.com/parish-news-blog/2022/3/29/gods-love-is-monumental-vacation-bible-school
Volunteer
Current Volunteer Opportunities:
Saint Andrew Children's Garage Sale:
Back by popular demand is the Saint Andrew Parish Children's Garage Sale. This event will be held on Saturday, March 13th in the gym from 8am - noon. Donation dates and times will be announced shortly. To volunteer for this event, please reach out to Julie Richards at julie@standrew.org.
Mass Schedule
ANNOUNCING THE RETURN OF SUNDAY EVENING MASS
Saint Andrew is once again offering Mass on Sunday evenings at 5:00pm
Weekend Mass Schedule:
Vigil - 4:00pm Mass
Sunday - 9:00am,11:00am and 5:00pm Mass
Confessions:
Confessions are heard in the main church at 3:00pm on Saturdays or by appointment.
Call 773-525-3016 or write info@standrew.org
Readings for the Week:
Mass readings are available on the U. S. Bishop's website
at https://bible.usccb.org/readings/calendar
Mass Intentions:
Sunday, April 30, 2023
+Levy Castillo Jalbuena and +Philip M. Castillo
Sunday, May 7, 2023
+Giovanna Lostumbo and +Aurora Vinzons
Live Stream:
Watch our live stream of Sunday Mass at www.standrew.org/sundaymass
School News
Do you have a friend or neighbor that is considering applying to the best school in Chicago? Sign up for a tour here: schedule a tour New student applications for the 23-24 school year are now open! Existing families, do not forget to register your new preschoolers. Applications are now being accepted. 23-24 SAS Application - https://stand-il.client.renweb.com/oa/?memberid=15758
Religious Education News
Religious Education for 2022-23 is in its final weekend for students between grades K and 8th grade. Please visit www.standrew.org/re to learn more about the program and to register. We will begin to offer make-up opportunities for students to complete missed sessions in the coming weeks. Have a wonderful summer vacation!
Stewardship and Finance Report
March Offering:
Envelope Collection - $7,504
Automated Giving - $20,581
Loose Cash - $3,718
Total Offertory - $31,803
Monthly Budgeted Expenses: $38,500
Annual Catholic Appeal
Many families in our parish have received the Annual Catholic Appeal mailing from Cardinal Cupich. On behalf of those served by the ministries, parishes and schools who receive funding from the Appeal, we thank you for your gifts. Please return your response as soon as possible. You may also make a pledge or donation directly through the Archdiocesan website at https://giving.archchicago.org/annual-catholic-appeal/about
Enrich - Expand - Grow Capital Campaign
Income - $1,909,407
Interest on Income - $39,931
Total Income - $1,949,337
Consulting Operating Expense - $215,000
Archdiocesan Contribution - $246,000
Church Lighting (Actual) - $250,517
Church Lighting (Consultant) - $10,480
Church Windows (Actual) - $157,120
School Addition (Architect Fees) - $34,530
Annex (Demolition) - $55,795
Annex (Utilities Disconnect) - $18,210
Annex (Environmental Remediation) - $38,780
Total Expense - $1,026,432
BALANCE - $922,906
Revised 4/4/2023
Parish Staff
Parish Staff:
Pastor: Rev. Sergio Romo
Associate Pastor: Rev. Silvanus Kidaha
Resident Priest: Rev. Emmanuel Madu
Pastoral Associate: David Heimann
Deacon: Mark Purdome
Deacon: Eric Sorensen
Business Manager: Esperanza Benavides
Fundraising/Development: Julie Richards
Office Manager: Christina O’Malley
Receptionists: Terry Ryan, Christine Chua, Mercedes Jairala
Engineer: Alfred Benkiser
Contact parish staff by phone at 773-525-3016,
electronically at http://standrew.org/get-in-touch/,
or by email at info@standrew.org
School Administration:
Principal: Sarah Casavechia
Assistant Principal: Shanna Eley
Reception: Trini Mahadeo
Admissions: Anne Japsen
Contact School Administration by phone at 773-248-2500
