The first Sunday of Lent. When I was a kid, the big question among my friends was "what are you giving up?" It was a big question for them because in my childhood friend group, I was the only Catholic. That meant that I was a bit of a novelty, for while other Christian denominations might choose this Lenten practice, it wasn't emphasized the way it was for Catholics. I soon discovered that this also led to a game of "gotcha", where my friends would be on the lookout for me to slip in my resolve. If I gave up sweets, for example, you can imagine how many times my friends would "accidently" ask me if I wanted a piece of candy.

Of course, as we age, our spiritual practices evolve as we search for the meaning behind the practice. For me, giving something up for Lent as a show of my resolve is no longer important. I don't make a big pronouncement each year that I'm giving something up, daring my friends to catch me when I inevitably slip. This also saves me from all of the mental gymnastics and justifications that I used to struggle with - one year, I gave up dessert, but reasoned that donuts were breakfast food so they didn't count!

The search for the meaning of our spiritual practices has led me in a different direction. Instead of giving something up, I take something on. Usually, it is something that resonates with where I am spiritually at the moment, or fills a hole that I'm experiencing in my spiritual life. It might be quiet contemplation time, spending some time reading Scripture, or taking on a charitable project.

Surprisingly, some of these practices "stick". I clearly remember that when I gave up dessert for Lent, I turned into a cookie monster on Easter, but sometimes, my current approach leads to a new spiritual practice that lasts far into the summer.

I'm not suggesting that you move away from giving something up for Lent. Instead, whether you give something up or take something on, I encourage you to do a deeper dive into what works for you as a spiritual practice. Lent encourages us to emphasize the why and not just the what. Pope Francis, in his Ash Wednesday homily last year, said "It is not about mere external rites, these must be actions expressing the renewal of our hearts."

Let us set out on the path, during these 40 days of Lent, to take a look inward and choose what really matters.

Wearin' the Green - Saturday, March 2, 2024

Tickets are on sale now for the 20th Annual Wearin’ the Green on Saturday, March 2, 2024! You can purchase tickets for $200 now through February 26th at www.WearinTheGreen.com . Don't miss out!!

Wearin’ the Green, Saint Andrew’s largest annual fundraiser, will be held on Saturday, March 2nd and will include dinner stations; open bar; live band; specialty bourbon & champagne bars; live and silent auctions; raffles & games and much, much more! We hope to see you on March 2nd to celebrate our vibrant Saint Andrew community!

If you would like to get involved and volunteer for this event, please contact Julie Richards at Julie@standrew.org or Maggie Murphy at mpmurphyxo@gmail.com.

Support the Archdiocesan Catholic Appeal

On behalf of those served by the ministries, parishes, and schools that receive funding from the Appeal, thank you to everyone who has supported the Annual Catholic Appeal. If you haven't yet returned your response envelopes, please do so as soon as possible. The Annual Catholic Appeal offers a wonderful opportunity to answer the call “Together at the table.” In addition to providing for ministries and services throughout the archdiocese, the Appeal also funds services that are of great help here in our parish. Please give what you can to the 2024 Annual Catholic Appeal. Find out more at https://give.archchicago.org/site/SPageNavigator/aca_donation_form_2024.html

Journey through Lent with Saint Andrew Parish

As we pray, fast and give... please note the parish collection on Holy Thursday which gathers the fruits of our fasting will be given to Nourishing Hope (formerly Lakeview Pantry). Please join us for the following lenten gatherings:

Stations of the Cross - During the season of Lent, join us in praying the Stations of the Cross on Thursday evenings (notice the change of days) at 6:30pm in the main church. This thoughtful guided meditation on Jesus' journey to his crucifixion is a powerful reminder of the depth of God's love for us. The first Stations of the Cross will be held on Thursday, February 15, and take place every Thursday through March 21.

Lenten Taize Service - Join us on Tuesday, March 19, 204 at 6:30pm in the main church for our Lenten Taize Prayer Service. This beautiful form of prayer through simple song and ritual lighting of candles is a wonderful way to prepare our hearts for the death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ.

Lenten Fish Fry - Save the date for our two annual Fish Fry events at Saint Andrew - Friday, March 8 and Friday March 22 from 5pm to 8pm. Pre-order your dinners HERE for the first Fish Fry!

Easter Mission - Parishes often have a 3-night spiritual enrichment around Easter time. Saint Andrew traditionally does this in partnership with Saint Benedict Parish. This year, the mission will be in the Easter Season starting on Sunday April 21 and last for three nights.

Volunteer

Current Volunteer Opportunities:

Be a part of Saint Andrew's winter event schedule by volunteering your time, talent and treasures.

Wearin' the Green 2024 - Saint Andrew's largest Parish fundraiser will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024. Join friends new and old as we come together as a parish community and support all things Saint Andrew! 21 and older guests will enjoy an evening of great food and drink, entertainment, silent and live auctions, raffles and games and much, much more! We are looking for volunteers to help in many capacities. Please contact Julie Richards if you are interested julie@standrew.org

Saint Andrew Lenten Fish Fry 2024 - Saint Andrew will host 2 Lenten Fish Fry events; Friday, March 8th and Friday, March 22. We are looking for volunteers to help in many capacities. Please contact Julie Richards if you are interested julie@standrew.org

Mass Schedule

RETURNING TO THE CUP

A set of videos have been produced by the Saint Andrew Parish staff to remind parishioners about the reasons we offer the receipt of the Precious Blood at Mass and how we receive it with the appropriate reverence. Please take the time to view these videos at www.standrew.org/returning-to-the-cup

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, February 18, 2024

+William and Annabel Drury, +Philip Meer Castillo and +Luca Foley

Sunday, February 25, 2024

+Gary Duerkoop and +Marcia Vinzons

Live Stream:

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

School News

Baby Bulldogs Registration- All are Welcome!

It's coming back! Baby Bulldogs will be back in January. This fun program is open to all infants, toddlers and their caregivers in our community. Registration is now open. Baby Bulldogs Winter 2024 Registration.

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 have begun Religious Education for the 2023-24 year for grades K through 8. Please visit www.standrew.org/re to learn more about the program for the upcoming year if you still need to register. We will have our next parent meeting and student classes on Sunday, March 10, 2024 at 10:00am in the school building for students and in the auditorium for parents. Please contact David Heimann at david@standrew.org if you have additional questions.

Stewardship and Finance Report

January, 2024 Offering:

Envelope Collection - $7,387

Automated Giving - $24,554

Loose Cash - $3,992

Total Offertory - $29,450

Monthly Budgeted Expenses: $35,933

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 - $1,913,342

Interest on Income - $40,260

Total Income - $1,953,601

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 - $4.077

Revised 1/12/2024

Parish Staff

Parish Staff:

Pastor: Rev. Sergio Romo

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

Bring the Children - They are welcome!

Children are always welcome at Saint Andrew! We especially make plans for children's participation at the 9:00am Mass. On the third Sunday of the month, we hold Family Mass in which the children's choir sings, there is a homily for children, and coffee and donuts. Starting, Sunday, March 3, 2024, the Liturgy of the Word for Children will return and run through early June offering children a rich opportunity to encounter the Word of God. Children's liturgy will take place on Sundays when there is no Family Mass or extraordinary holiday (such as Easter). The program is meant for Kindergartners through 4th grade. Shortly after Mass begins, children will process up to the priest and meet with a volunteer in the Saint Andrew Chapel. The children will return during the preparation of the altar for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Announcements

Pastoral Letter by Deacon Mark Purdome