Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
"For though one may be rich, one's life does not consist of possessions." Luke 12:16
The parish office is currently keeping summer hours. The new office schedule will be as follows. The office will be opened from Monday thru Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm, on Saturdays from 9:00am to 3:00pm and on Sundays from 9:00am to noon.
Join us for Mass every weekend at the 4:00pm (vigil) Mass on Saturday, or on Sunday at 9:00am, 11:00am, or 5:00pm.
I am by no means a gardener, unlike my predecessor to whom I am indebted to a wonderful garden on my balcony, the fruits of which are being shared around our campus. Just this last week a sunflower bloomed in the garden. It was quite the sight to see; a few weeks ago it was nothing more than a tall stalk of big leaves, then slowly the bud of the flower was beginning to take shape until finally blooming.
Last weekend I was over at a family friend’s house for a birthday party, and they shared with me that they had an unusual flower bloom in their garden! The flower, or more like a weed, goes by the name of the devil’s trumpet, and we learned that there is a stark contrast between the devil’s trumpet and the sunflower.
For one, they noticed that the devil’s trumpet did not last more than a day in the sun. This is striking because the sunflower thrives in the sun, so much so that from sunrise to sunset the sunflower will orient itself toward the sun, always facing the sun. This amazing detail about a sunflower’s constitution was noted by St. Teresa of Avila, a 16th C Carmelite nun and doctor of the Church, she noted in writing to her community that we should imitate the sunflower in our daily life—keeping our soul oriented toward Jesus, the Son of God. Spiritually then, it comes as no surprise that the devil’s trumpet cannot withstand being before the radiance of the sun.
But there is more, the devil’s trumpet is highly toxic and very dangerous to ingest, causing hallucinations and respiratory depression. In some parts of the world, it is referred to as the “mad-apple”. From this we can hear the spiritual overtones of the Garden of Eden. When sin enters into the soul by our own actions or from another who sins against us, lies enter into the mind distorting our perception of God as a loving Father. Mortal sin can be likened to the high toxicity of the flower, because it cuts off the soul from sanctifying grace, plunging her into darkness. In stark contrast, the Sunflower is more than safe to be around; its very seeds are a delicious treat for both birds and baseball players. Sunflower oil can be used in cooking.
So, what we see in this flowery spirituality is the clear choice between life with God, or life without Him. It echoes the words of Moses, “This day I am giving you a choice. You can choose life and success or death and disaster. I am commanding you to be loyal to the LORD, to live the way he has told you, and to obey his laws and teachings” (Deuteronomy 30: 16-18).
Saint Andrew is looking for individuals to enhance the beautification of our church and campus with an eye for the design and maintenance of our exterior landscape and interior decorum. If you have a knack with flowers, plants, and making the ordinary look extraordinary, please sign up for the Sacred Grounds Committee by going to https://standrewchicago.flocknote.com/sacredgroundscom to join the Flocknote Group. We'll contact you to organize the committee and align your talents with this important work!
Save the date for this year's Fall Swing!! The event is set for Saturday, September 27, 2025 so start getting your foursomes ready for golf and your sitters booked. Golf will begin at 3:30pm at Sydney Marovitz Golf Course followed by dinner at Mrs. Murphy's Irish Bistro (note, new dinner location). You don't have to be a golfer to participate! It's just plain fun! If you can't make golf, please join us for dinner! Sponsorships are also available. Click HERE to register for golf, dinner and sponsorships.
Thank you to everyone who participated from June 4-8 in the photography sessions for the Parish and School Photo Directory. Because of the previous turn out and because of those who expressed interest even though they couldn't make it, Universal Photography has offered us an additional date for sessions in September and possible two dates. If you are interested in being part of the directory and having your photo taken, please visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdUsXO_5sZeM5L5JJnlPTBibugbZ41AByTTPXT2aLoObMfIQA/viewform?usp=header and fill out the poll so that we can gauge interest.
Friday, August 15, 2025 is the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary. Given the prominence of the feast in our Catholic tradition, we will have Mass both at 9:00am and 6:30pm.
Mary is the most important intercessor for us for God and this solemnity 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!
Weekday Mass Schedule:
Daily Mass takes place Monday thru Friday at 9:00am in the church.
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 3, 2025
+Humberto Alcantara, +Patrick Donoghue and +Deceased members of the Meer-Castillo family
Sunday, August 10, 2025
+Humberto Alcantara and Deceased of the Hallera family
Live Stream:
Watch our live stream of Sunday Mass at www.standrew.org/sundaymass
Religious Education for the 2024-25 year has completed for grades K through 8. Please visit www.standrew.org/re to learn more about the program. Registration for the year ahead will begin in June. We look forward to seeing you then!
May, 2025 Offering:
Envelope Collection - $6,555
Automated Giving - $18,514
Loose Cash - $5,029
Total Offertory - $30,098
Monthly Budgeted Expenses: $38,500
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 - $1,915,569
Interest on Income - $40,296
Total Income - $1,955,865
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 - $6,340
Revised 01/06/2025
Discover the Difference with Saint Andrew School!
Are you seeking a nurturing and enriching educational environment for your child? Look no further than Saint Andrew School, where Catholic Education comes to life through faith, excellence, and community. Our dedicated faculty inspires students to achieve their full potential academically, spiritually, and socially. At Saint Andrew, we blend rigorous academics with character-building values, fostering a sense of purpose and belonging. Experience our vibrant campus, where every student is known, loved, and challenged to grow. Choose Saint Andrew School today and invest in a brighter future for your child. Enroll now and join our family! We have an upcoming tour on May 13 at 9am. Sign up for a tour here: schedule a tour New student applications for the 25-26 can be found here: New Student Application
Vacation Bible School
Rising Kindergarten through rising 4th grade students, take a “Road Trip” with us and join us for Vacation Bible School! VBS will take place at Saint Andrew School on August 10, 11, and 12 from 5:00pm-7:30pm. Dinner will be served.The cost is $75/student or $100/family. Tell your friends and neighbors, all children in the community are welcome. Spots are limited, register today!
Current Volunteer Opportunities:
We are looking for volunteers for this years Fall Swing fundraiser. The event will take place on Saturday, September 27th. If you're looking for a fun committee to join, please contact Julie Richards at julie@standrew.org.
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.
Parish Staff:
Parish Administrator: Rev. Hank Lyon
Associate Pastor: Rev. Zhao Melchior Huaimin
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, and Elizabeth Moreno
Engineer: Steven Ackerman
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
Rising Kindergarten through rising 4th grade students, take a “Road Trip” with us and join us for Vacation Bible School! VBS will take place at Saint Andrew School on August 10, 11, and 12 from 5:00pm-7:30pm. Dinner will be served.The cost is $75/student or $100/family. Tell your friends and neighbors, all children in the community are welcome. Spots are limited, register today!