It is August; summer break is soon coming to a close. I hope this letter finds you well and that you have had a restful and enjoyable summer. As the new school year approaches, I am filled with excitement and anticipation for the wonderful experiences and growth that await our students at Saint Andrew.

Our mission at Saint Andrew is to provide a caring, safe, and supportive environment that instills Catholic values for each student. Our goal is to focus on the whole child; promoting individual academic success, developing spiritual awareness, building character, and encouraging service for the common good. As we embark on this new school year, we renew our commitment to these principles and to fostering a community where each student feels valued and supported. We are grateful for your trust and partnership in this important mission.

We look forward to welcoming all students and their families to our ice cream social on Monday, August 19 at 3pm. The first day of school for students in grades 1-7 will be Tuesday, August 20. Early Childhood and Kindergarten students will attend orientations and open houses leading up to their first day of classes on August 26.

I would like to thank you for entrusting us with the education and formation of your children. Together, we can make this school year one of growth, joy, and success for every student.

Enjoy the last weeks of summer. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Best,

Sarah Casavechia, Principal

Saint Andrew School

Registration for the Fall Swing Now Open!

Join us for the 22nd Annual Saint Andrew Parish Fall Swing on
Saturday, September 28th, 2024

The Party: Enjoy dinner and open bar from 7pm - midnight at The Piggery located on Irving Park Road and Ashland Avenue. All adults of the Church and School (ages 21+) are invited for food, drink, sign up party auction, paddle raffle and more! Open bar will be available from 7pm-10pm (cash bar from 10pm-midnight).

Pre-Party Golf: Scramble format for 80 golfers teeing off at 3:30pm at Sydney Marovitz Golf Course along Chicago's beautiful lakefront. Golfers will enjoy a complimentary ride from the golf course to The Piggery!!!

The Details: Cost for EARLY BIRD Golf & Dinner $225 per person and EARLY BIRD Dinner only $125 per person.

Starting September 9th, prices will increase to $250 per person for Golf and Dinner and $150 for Dinner only.

Click HERE to sign up!

August 15 - Holy Day of Obligation

The Feast of the Assumption of Mary is this Thursday, August 15, 2023. In our faith tradition, it is a holy day of obligation and our community will celebrate with Mass at 6:30pm that evening.

Mary is the most important intercessor for us and this feast recalls that her witness of holiness was so absolute that when she reached the end of her life, her whole self, body and soul, was brought into the heavenly abode. Mary our Mother, pray for us and show us the way to be with you and God forever!

Volunteer

Current Volunteer Opportunities:

We are actively looking for individuals to be a part of the ministry of lectoring and distribution of Holy Communion. Please contact mark@standrew.org if you are interested in these important ministries.

Save the Dates:

Two of our large events are scheduled for the Fall.

Fall Swing - Saturday, September 28, 2024

Running of the Bulldogs 5K - Sunday, October 20, 2024

Please reach out to Julie Richards at julie@standrew.org if you are interested in volunteering for these events.

Mass Schedule

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, August 4, 2024

+Florence Dougherty, +Sean Gibbons, +Will Vogel and +Deacon Eric Sorensen

Sunday, August 11, 2024

+Charlie Brandt III, and +Elaine Barrett

Live Stream:

Watch our live stream of Sunday Mass at www.standrew.org/sundaymass

School News

Ackermann Playlot Playdates

Come check in with your friends this summer. There will be an informal meet up for families on the playlot on August 13 at 10am. Bring a cup of coffee and a juice box to catch up with friends.

Bulldog Buddies

Bulldog Buddies is a class for students who turn two years old by September 1, 2024. Our experienced teachers and engaging curriculum offer children the opportunity to experience our school setting in a safe, nurturing environment along with their caregivers.

Classes will meet on:

Tuesdays and Fridays

October 1 - November 22nd (No class on November 8th)

8:00 am - 9:30 am

Click here to register.

Save the Dates

August 19- ice cream social 3pm
August 20- first day of school (grades 1-8)
August 26- first day of school (ECE-K)

Come Join Us!

Applications are now open for 24-25! 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 24-25 can be found here: New Student Application

Religious Education News

We are swiftly preparing for Religious Education for the 2024-25 year for grades K through 8. Please visit www.standrew.org/re to learn more about the program for the upcoming year and to register. Our first session will be Sunday, September 8 at 10:00am in the auditorium and is for both parents and students. We look forward to seeing you then!

Stewardship and Finance Report

June 2024 Offering:

Envelope Collection - $9,682

Automated Giving - $20,503

Loose Cash - $3,660

Total Offertory - $33,845

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 - $1,915,019

Interest on Income - $40,276

Total Income - $1,955,295

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

Church Boiler - $313,845

School Boilers - $609,248

Total Expense - $1,949,525

BALANCE - $5,770

Revised 07/30/2024

Parish Staff

Parish Staff:

Pastor: Rev. Sergio Romo

Associate Pastor: Rev. Zhao Melchior Huaimin

Resident Priest: Rev. Emmanuel Madu

Pastoral Associate: David Heimann

Deacon: Mark Purdome

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

Calendar

Blessing of Backpacks

SAVE-THE-DATE for the "Blessing of Backpacks" and other school gear which will take place at the end of every Mass on Saturday & Sunday August 24 & 25. Students at every level are invited to bring a school item (backpack, pencil case, books, or other) to be blessed for the upcoming school. The blessing serves as our collective prayer for all students to have a wonderful academic year in the many institutions our parishioners attend - Saint Andrew School, CPS, high school, college, etc.

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Pastoral Letter by Sarah Cassavechia