Christmas is fast approaching and the signs are everywhere, music in the stores, trees decorated with colorful lights, office parties it is hard not to be aware of the Season. However with all the hustle and bustle it is easy for us to forget the true meaning of Christmas and what is at the heart of the festive celebration.

Last Sunday we began the Season of Advent and the beginning of the Church year. We began the Advent journey which is a time to prepare for Christ coming to us a new. The theme running through out the Advent Season is to be watchful, be alert, be prepared. While we prepare for Christmas in so many ways we also need to prepare ourselves spirituality so that the Christ Child is born again in our hearts, our homes and our Community. In the busyness of these days let us not lose sight of the gift that is being offered to us. God is offering Himself to us assuring us that He has not abandoned us but waits patiently for our return.

Throughout the Advent Season the readings call us to be alert and ready not wighted down by the cares and worries of daily life rather to trust in the love that God has for all of us. In preparing ourselves for the birth of Christ Pope Francis calls on us to “awaken from our slumber” and always be aware of the presence of God and to welcome Him into our daily lives. The Pope also points out that the Lord always visits us in our lives especially when we least expect it. God according to the Pope conceals Himself in the most common and ordinary situations of our life, we need to be aware of this and not only wait for Him to reveal Himself in extraordinary events. As we prepare to welcome Christ once again this Christmas, and as we begin our Advent journey let us do so though our acts of kindness and by preparing spirituality through prayer to welcome the Christ Child with faith and hope in our hearts. May this time of waiting and preparation deepen our awareness of God's presence and love in our life.

Happy Advent!

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

The patron saint of the United States is the Immaculate Conception of Mary which the Church celebrates this year on Monday, December 9, 2024. In union with the whole Church, we will hold Mass at 9:00am and 6:30pm in the main church in keeping with this solemnity. Please join us as we pray for our nation and commit ourselves to the intercession of Mary.

Sign Up for Biddy Basketball

It's basketball season! That means the start of Saint Andrew's Biddy Basketball which will begin on Sunday, January 5, 2025 for PreK-3rd graders. The registration portal for Biddy Basketball is now open and as few as 20 spots remain. Find out more and register at www.standrew.org/biddy

The Giving Tree Project

Since 2015, Saint Andrew Church and School has partnered with Saint Mary of the Lake and St. Thomas of Canterbury, located in the Uptown neighborhood, with a Christmas service project through a Giving Tree. Saint Andrew has helped students ranging from Pre-K thru 8th grade stay warm over the cold, winter, Chicago months.

We are very proud to announce that ALL 285 ornaments have been passed out or chosen off the Giving Trees! It's time to shop and purchase those two (2) NEW winter warmth items which may include hats, gloves/mittens, scarves and socks and spend no more than $25 per student. Please refrain from purchasing candy, novelty gifts, coats, etc. Once done shopping, please place the two items into a zip lock bag, along with the ornament and return to Saint Andrew School or the Saint Andrew Rectory building. All items will need to be turned in no later than Friday, December 13, 2024.

Thank you so much for your generous support!

This year's Advent Speaker Series will take place on Saturday evenings after the 4:00pm Mass and is entitled "Christmas Around the World." We will explore how Christmas is celebrated in Nigeria, China, and the Philippines through the witness of our own parishioners.

Our next gathering will be on Saturday, December 14, 2024 after the 4:00pm Mass. We will be listening to stories from Fr. Melchior about the celebration of Christmas in China... where Christmas has been celebrated longer than it has been in the United States! The presentation will be enjoyable for every age group and include some food to share!

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 8, 2024

+Gwendolyn McCarten and deceased family and +Fernando Vinzons, Jr.

Sunday, November 15, 2024

+Catherine DeBendetto, +Andrew Peters and +Rita Roberts

Live Stream:

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

School News

Free Throw Contest

The Knights of Columbus are sponsoring their 29th annual free throw contest in the gymnasium on Sunday, December 15 following the 11am Mass. This fun event is open to all children ages 9-14. Contestants should bring the attached registration form. The winners of the local contest then advance to a District, Regional and State Level contest.

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!

We have limited seats for the 24-25 school year! 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

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, December 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

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

Calendar

K of C Free Throw Contest

The Brownson Council #1030, Knights of Columbus, will hold their 29th Annual

Free Throw Contest, in memory of Sir Knight Rudy Trejo, on Sunday, December 15th, starting at Noon in St. Andrew’s Gym.

The contest is open to all boys and girls, between the ages of 9 and 14 as of Jan 1, 2024.

Each contestant will be given 15 shots and the best score in each age group of boys

and girls will be awarded a Wilson basketball, a champion sweatshirt and will advance to the District Competition.

Registration forms can be picked up at the gym/school office or at the gym on the day of the contest. Contestants should bring the completed forms, with a parent/guardian signature to the contest.

Also, if you are interested in volunteering to help the Knights with the Free Throw contest,

please contact Tom Kaiser at 630-699-2079/TJKaiser@Sprynet.com

2025 Season of Stewardship

Every year, parishioners are asked to participate in the Annual Stewardship Appeal by making an assessment of their TIME, TALENT, and TREASURE and discerning how God is calling them to use these gifts in the coming year.

Parishioners are invited to continue to pray and discern what their commitment will be in the coming year and then to complete their commitment cards. We ask for every household to complete their commitment by December 8, 2024 by returning the card in the Sunday offertory, returning it to the rectory, or completing the form online at www.standrew.org/stewardship.

The full stewardship brochure has helpful information about the state of the parish and thoughtful questions to help you on your discernment. Please find the brochure at https://standrew.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/STewardship-2024-5-Brochure-final.pdf

Keep in mind that the response card is not a contractual agreement but rather an exercise in thoughtful and intentional stewardship by all members of the parish. Thank you for all you do to support Saint Andrew Parish.

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Pastoral Letter by Fr. Melchior