It may be hard to imagine it so, in the midst of the chaos of life in a family. Especially when families gather together for the holidays - we get into each other's business, and each other's way; we're out of our comfort zones, and sometimes uncomfortably housed; we've eaten constantly yet there's always another meal to be planned.

Despite all of that (and perhaps even because of all of the chaos), our families are indeed holy.

I think the problem here is the Christmas carol Silent Night. It was composed in 1818 by Franz Gruber to lyrics by Joseph Mohr in Austria. I know it is a stretch to blame a Christmas carol, but how often we've sung the lyrics "Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright. Round yon virgin mother and child! Holy infant, so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace!" What a calm and peaceful scene it portrays! Happily sleeping infant. No chaos. No strand of lights out on the Christmas tree and no sinkful of dishes. We've got an ideal image of what it means to be holy, and it is totally unrealistic.

Fr. Ron Rolheiser posits that family life should be a sacrament, in the sense that it gives us a sense of the reality of God. But, he cautions, it is the reality of family life that is important, not an idealized image of perfection. "Our families are never the romanticized stuff of our dreams", he writes, "Nor are they ever the idealized families of literature and movies, where people are still attractive, interesting, and worthy of our understanding and sympathy even when they are petty, selfish, jealous, unfaithful, and sinful. As we know, understanding and sympathy in the midst of the muck and grime of real family life is considerably harder to crank up. All of that notwithstanding, however, unless there is present the kind of abuse that violates the soul, family life remains a sacrament—sometimes indeed because of its imperfections rather than simply in spite of them."

So while our families are not the Holy Family we celebrate today, they are indeed holy.

In whatever form of family you find yourself, from an extended family of generations to a family of carefully-selected friends, remember that you, too, are a member of another family - the family of God. And while it is far from perfect, it is holy.

Peace!

-Deacon Mark

Solemnity of Mary - January 1, 2025

The Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God is the First of January. In celebration of this holy day, Saint Andrew Parish will celebrate this solemnity with Mass on Wednesday, January 1, 2025 at 9:00am. Please join us in praying with Mary, our mother, and the whole Church. It is a great way to start the new year!

The Giving Tree Project - Thank you!!

We are very proud to announce that ALL 285 students at Saint Mary of the Lake and St. Thomas of Canterbury will be given a bag filled with winter warmth items. Our volunteer elves delivered 285 gift bags this week for all of the students to enjoy right before Christmas!

Thank you for your generous support Saint Andrew!

Support the Annual Christmas Appeal

Saint Andrew depends on the generosity of people like you who support its mission. At Christmas, we ask for your consideration in making a substantial gift during our annual Christmas Appeal. We depend on this appeal to make up for the budgeting shortfall we experience periodically in our ordinary Sunday offertory. Thank you for your constant support and have a blessed and wonderful Christmas! To make your contribution to the appeal visit www.standrew.org/christmasgift.

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.

Next up is The Giving Tree Project. Saint Andrew Parish has partnered with Saint Mary of the Lake and St. Thomas of Canterbury for the last 10+ years sponsoring a Giving Tree. If you'd like to help volunteer for this great cause, please reach out to Julie Richards at julie@standrew.org.

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, December 29, 2024

+Roberto Calderon, +Catherine Walsh and Deceased Members of the Vinzons' Family

Sunday, January 5, 2025

+Michelle Frank

Live Stream:

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

School News

Bulldog Buddies

Registration for the winter Bulldog Buddies session is open. We look forward to welcoming our Bulldog Buddies on Tuesday, January 7. Bulldog Buddies is a class for children who turn two years old by September 1, 2024. Our teachers and curriculum offer children the opportunity to experience our school setting in a safe, nurturing environment along with their caregivers. More information is attached. Bulldog Buddies Registration

Come Join Us!

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 25-26 can be found here: New Student Application

Religious Education News

The new year for Religious Education for the 2024-25 year has begun 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 next session is this weekend, Sunday, January 6 at 10:00am in the auditorium and is for both parents and students. We look forward to seeing you then!

Stewardship and Finance Report

November, 2024 Offering:

Envelope Collection - $7,389

Automated Giving - $19,586

Loose Cash - $4.294

Total Offertory - $31,269

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 - $1,915,444

Interest on Income - $40,289

Total Income - $1,955,733

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 - $6,208

Revised 11/12/2024

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, Veronica Salazar

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

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Pastoral Letter by Deacon Mark Purdome