As pointed out in the writings of Fr. John Foley, SJ, we see a trio of "Bible Heroes" expressing their lack of worthiness in this week's readings. Isaiah says Woe is me, I am doomed! For I am a man of unclean lips; Paul says For I am the least of the apostles, not fit to be called an apostle; and Peter says depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.

It is hard to imagine that these three, some of the greatest witnesses in the Bible, consider themselves unworthy. If they're not worthy, what might that mean for normal folks like us?

But in reality, they're in the same boat as we are, because we're all unworthy when confronted with the incredible vast goodness of God. As Fr. Foley writes, "None of them can any longer pretend that they shine like the stars because they see the real star bursting with light. The experience of God let them understand that they are far, far less than God. This is not bad, it is good. A falsely supposed importance cannot make us holy. But God can make us holy."

We pray at Mass using the words Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed. But that doesn't mean that we're not worthy to worship God, or that we're somehow misplaced being in Church in the presence of the Risen Lord in the Eucharist. Instead, it means that we must have humility, recognizing that what God offers us isn't because we've earned it. It has nothing to do with whether we are or are not worthy.

When we compare ourselves to the infinite mercy of God, we come up short. When we are confronted with the ability of God to love indiscriminately, we come up short. Humbled by the recognition that we are not the center of the universe, that there are things greater than ourselves, greater than our desires, we are not worthy.

But God responds in a most amazing way. Because instead of setting some impossible goal in order to deserve God's love, instead it is provided as a gift. Freely given! All of the hurt and pain and sin that makes us not worthy of God's love doesn't make us worthless in God's eyes. Instead, we receive God's love not as a reward for being worthy, not as prize for being perfect, but as a gift because God is infinite love.

God Bless,
Deacon Mark

Saint Andrew Lenten Fish Fry! Friday, March 7th.

Enjoy a Chicago tradition! The Saint Andrew Lenten Fish Fry! Please join us for two (2) Fish Fry events during Lent.

Saint Andrew Gymnasium - 1658 West Addison (corner of Addison and Paulina)

Friday, March 7, 2025 (ticket purchase available now)

Friday, April 11, 2025

Doors open for both at 5pm and remain open until 8pm. All orders are served with fries and coleslaw. Soda and cake are available for purchase. Pre Order your dinner for the best service. Payment can be made on line or at the door.

Pre Order your Fish or Mac and Cheese Dinners HERE.

Wearin' The Green 2025!

It's Wearin' the Green season which means it's time to get excited for the 21st Annual Saint Andrew's fundraiser and community celebration. The event website, www.Wearinthegreen.com, is also chock full of helpful Wearin' the Green information and is your place to purchase admissions, sponsorships, benefactor tables, advertiser spots, make donations, etc. Online tickets are available until February 26th and walk ins always welcome at the door.

Still have questions? Email the event co-chairs Kathy Stenander (kathystenander@yahoo.com) and Maggie Murphy (mpmurphyxo@gmail.com).

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:

February 9, 2025

+Cheryl Glass, +Ursula Kokott, Miriam Piedra and +Michael Babbitt

February 16, 2025

+Philip Meer Castillo and +Miriam Piedra

Live Stream:

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

School News

Baby Bulldogs Winter Session

Registration is Now Open! Baby Bulldogs is a weekly meeting for infants, toddlers and their caregivers. Come join the fun! Baby Bulldogs meets in the Saint Andrew gym on Thursdays from 9-9:45am. Sessions are January 30 through April 24 (no class on March 20).

If you have any questions, please contact Anne Japsen at annejapsen@gosaintandrew.com

We look forward to seeing you there!

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, February 2 at 10:00am in the auditorium and is for both parents and students. We look forward to seeing you then!

Stewardship and Finance Report

December, 2024 Offering:

Envelope Collection - $13,189

Automated Giving - $28,091

Loose Cash - $5,257

Total Offertory - $46,537

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 - $1,915,569

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

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

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 Wearin' the Green! Saint Andrew's largest fundraiser and parish celebration is on Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 6pm - 11:30pm. If you'd like to help volunteer for this event, please reach out to Julie Richards at julie@standrew.org.

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Pastoral Letter by Deacon Mark Purdome