First Sunday of Lent
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"The Lord God formed man out of the clay of the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life." Genesis 2:7
Announcements
Announcements
The parish office is open Monday thru Friday from 8:00am to 7:00pm, on Saturdays from 9:00am to 3:00pm.
Join us for Mass every weekend at the 4:00 pm (vigil) Mass on Saturday, or on Sunday at 9:00am, 11:00am, or 5:00pm.
Pastoral Letter - Fr. Melchior
Pastoral Letter - Fr. Melchior
The Meaning of Lent
This Wednesday begins our Lenten Season. We begin our Lenten journey not with a threat, not with fear, but with mercy.
When ashes are placed on our foreheads, we hear the words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” or “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” These words are not meant to discourage us. They are spoken by a God who loves us deeply. The ashes remind us that we are fragile, yes—but also that we are loved sinners, always invited back.
Lent has its roots in the mercy of God. We would not have a season of repentance if God were not merciful. We would not be called to return if God did not want us home. Every prayer, every act of fasting, every moment of charity during these forty days is simply our response to a God who never gives up on us.
Through the prophet Joel we hear, “Return to me with all your heart.” Not because God is angry, but because God longs for us. As Psalm 51 prays, “A clean heart create for me, O God.” That prayer only makes sense because we trust that God can and will renew us.
Lent is not about proving ourselves worthy. It is about opening our hearts to the mercy that is already being offered. The ashes we receive on Ash Wednesday are placed in the shape of the cross—the sign of Christ’s saving love. Even before we begin our penance, the cross tells us that mercy has the first word.
So let this Lent be rooted not in guilt, but in gratitude. Not in fear, but in trust. We walk these forty days confident that the God who calls us to repentance is the same God who is “gracious and merciful, slow to anger and rich in kindness.” And that mercy is the beginning of everything.
WTG 2026 is live!!
WTG 2026 is live!!
Please join us for Saint Andrew's largest fundraiser and community event on Saturday, March 7, 2026. All information can be found by clicking HERE. Tickets are still available along with a limited number of Benefactor Tables and Sponsorships. Don't miss out on the FACES of Saint Andrew Gallery, Class Baskets, Teacher Experiences, Live and Silent Auctions, Tuition Raffle, Fund A Need and much, much more. All are welcome!
Young Adult Group Meeting
Young Adult Group Meeting
SAYA – the St. Andrew’s young adult group – is back for 2026! We’re inviting all parishioners in their 20’s and 30’s to join us after the 5pm Mass as we plan evenings, events, and outings for the year ahead. Last year’s highlights included bonfires, game nights, film discussions, and dinners out. We’d love for you to join the fun the first and third Sunday of every month after the 5pm Mass! See ya there!
Friday Nights in Lent
Friday Nights in Lent
Every Friday night in Lent something special is happening at Saint Andrew. Join us for community. Join us for prayer. Join us for Adoration. The Lenten schedule for 2026 is below:
Feb 27 Stations & Adoration 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
March 6 Stations & Adoration 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Mar 13 Night of Mercy 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Mar 20 Stations & Adoration 6:30 PM / 7:00 PM
Mar 27 Fish Fry 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Holy Week Schedule
Holy Week Schedule
Services are in the main church unless otherwise noted.
PALM SUNDAY
Saturday, March 28, 2026
4:00pm - Blessing of Palms & Mass
Sunday, March 29, 2026
9:00am - Blessing of Palms & Procession & Mass - (chapel)
11:00am - Blessing of Palms & Mass
TRIDUUM & EASTER
Thursday, April 2, 2026
7:00pm - Mass of the Lord’s Supper
8:00pm to 11:00pm - Adoration (chapel)
Friday, April 3, 2026
3:00pm - The Lord’s Passion
Saturday, April 4, 2026
11:00am - Blessing of Easter Baskets
7:30pm - The Easter Vigil
Sunday, April 5, 2026
9:00am & 11:00am - Easter Sunday Masses
Mass Schedule
Mass Schedule
Weekday Mass Schedule:
Daily Mass takes place Monday thru Friday at 9:00am in the church.
Weekday Mass Schedule for February 23 through February 27, 2026
Presider:
Monday: 9:00am Fr. Hank
Tuesday 9:00am Fr. Melchior Zhao
Wednesday 9:00am Fr. Melchior Zhao
Thursday 9:0 am Fr. Melchior Zhao
Friday 9:00am Fr. Hank
6:30pm Stations Fr. Hank and Fr. Melchior
7:00pm Adoration Fr. Hank and Fr. Melchior
Weekend Mass Schedule:
For February 21 and February 22, 2026
Presider
Saturday Vigil: 4:00pm Mass: Fr. Melchior Zhao
Sunday 9:00am Mass Fr. Melchior Zhao 11:00am Mass Fr. Alec 5:00pm Mass Fr. Hank
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, 22 2026
+Philip M. Castillo, +Luca Joseph Richard Foley, +Ann Hogan and +Courtney Yanda
Sunday, March 1, 2026
+Joseph Siciliano and +Marijo Ward
Live Stream:
Watch our live stream of Sunday Mass at www.standrew.org/sundaymass
Religious Education News
Religious Education News
Religious Education for the 2025-26 year has begun for grades K through 8. Please visit www.standrew.org/re to learn more about the program. We are now in the portion of the program where families complete the review of their child's curriculum at home. Our next in-person meeting will be on Sunday, March 8 at 10:00am. We look forward to sharing more about Jesus!
Stewardship and Finance Report
Stewardship and Finance Report
November, 2025 Offering:
Envelope Collection - $12,737
Automated Giving - $20,269
Loose Cash - $5,792
Total Offertory - $38,798
Monthly Budgeted Expenses: $38,500
School News
School News
Baby Bulldogs
Our Baby Bulldogs program is gearing up for a fun and energetic spring session! Beginning January 22 through April 30, families with infants and toddlers are invited to join us every Thursday from 9:00–9:45am for a morning of connection and play. Each class includes free play followed by joyful music and movement that little ones love. (Please note: no class on March 19.) We meet in the Saint Andrew School Gymnasium, located at the northeast corner of Addison and Paulina. Registration is ongoing. Come be part of the fun with our littlest Bulldogs!
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 October 14th 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
Volunteer
Volunteer
Current Volunteer Opportunities:
We are looking for volunteers in 2026. Our first Lenten Fish Fry is scheduled for Friday, February 18, 2026 and the second one is Friday, March 27, 2026. Also, our largest fundraiser, Wearin' the Green, is set for Saturday, March 7, 2026. If you're looking for ways to volunteer, 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 Staff
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, Janice Hogan and Veronica Salazar
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
Calendar
Calendar
Please Make Your Gift to the 2026 Annual Catholic Appeal
Together we bring light
Many families in our parish should have received the Annual Catholic Appeal mailing from Cardinal Cupich. On behalf of those served by the ministries of the parishes and schools that receive funding from the Appeal, we thank you for your gifts. Please return your response as soon as possible. The Annual Catholic Appeal offers us an opportunity to join with others and affirm that “together we bring light.” 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.
As we consider God’s many gifts to us, we should also reflect our gratitude by using and sharing those gifts. Your financial support for the work of our parish, our archdiocese, and the Church throughout the world is one way to express that gratitude. Please make a donation as you are able to the 2026 Annual Catholic Appeal.
Parish Women's Group Invites You!
Parish Women's Group Invites You!
All women of the parish are warmly invited to join our new Women’s Group, which meets every Wednesday at 9:45am in the Church following the school Mass. It’s a welcoming, multigenerational group where we share faith, prayer, and fellowship—babies and toddlers are always welcome!
Chicago Catholic Community Connections
Chicago Catholic Community Connections (C4) is a multi-parish community group for people who are no longer young adults but not yet retirees. It is open to people in any state of life.
Join us at one of our upcoming events:
Friday, January 31st, 8pm-11pm - Candlemass Ball with Catholic Dance Society: We’re going dancing at the 2026 Candlemas Ball hosted by the Catholic Dance Society. See our website for details.
Friday, February 6th, 6pm-9pm - Game Night @ Stay & Play Cafe: Join us for board games and Puerto Rican food at Stay & Play Game Cafe. Cost is $5 for the game pass with $10 purchase of food. Kids welcome.
The full calendar is on our website at https://www.chicagocatholiccommunityconnections.com
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