Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
"And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart."
Luke 2:19
Announcements
The parish office will also be closed on Friday, December 30 and Monday, January 2 in recognition of New Years.
Have a wonderful and blessed New Year!
Pastoral Letter by Deacon Eric Sorensen
“Mary invites us to ponder in our hearts the mystery of her Son,
Jesus, truly God and truly man.”
We return once again to Bethlehem, accompanying the shepherds, to see the One announced by the angel as the Savior of the world. With them, we stand before the mother and contemplate the child wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger, because there was no room in the inn. We are told the “Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.”
Mary invites us to ponder in our hearts the mystery of her Son, Jesus, truly God and truly man. He came for all of us and for our salvation. So, we ask him to banish any darkness from our hearts and to send us out to bring his light into the world.
The light that Christ brings is the blessing of God’s peace; all that makes life full; and transforms the world into a place that cherishes and preserves, rather than neglecting and destroying. Christ’s gift of blessing is to let us know the Father and the Father’s plan: that all will be one, united as one family, and able to recognize in each other - the dignity of God’s adopted children.
It is in her own heart that Mary reflects upon all that has taken place, and in silent contemplation finds herself discerning where it is that God is taking her. To be the Mother of God is to give birth to God’s presence in her life. To live in the image of Mary is to do the same.
This New Year’s Day we ask that God will bless us with peace and with fullness of life. We ask that the Holy Spirit will come upon us and transform us completely into people that the world can recognize as adopted children of God. We ask, just like Mary, in silent contemplation to say Yes to God; rather than us planning and determining what will be. We can’t do this on our own, as the name given the child reminds us: Jesus, which means “God saves.”
Christmas Appeal
Saint Andrew Parish depends on the special generosity of people like you during the Christmas Season. Every parish is invited to make a special gift through our annaul Christmas Appeal. Please take a moment to read Fr. Sergio's letter that was mailed to the homes of registered parishioners about this appeal and the needs of the parish at this time. The letter can be found at http://standrew.org/post/2022-christmas-appeal/
Save the Date - Wearin' the Green 2023!
As we turn the corner into the new year, it's time to think about Saint Andrew's biggest fun and fundraising of the year. Wearin' the Green features gourmet food, open bar, live auction, silent auction, live band, and so much more. Mark your calendars for the evening of Saturday, March 4, 2023 and make plans to join us!
Volunteer
Current Volunteer Opportunities:
Ministry of Care:
Parishioners are needed to pray with Catholic parishioners who are in local nursing home and assisted living facilities and to bring them Holy Communion. Please contact Deacon Mark at mark@standrew.org.
Mass Schedule
Weekend Mass Schedule:
Vigil - 4:00pm Mass
Sunday - 9:00am and 11:00am 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 25, 2022
All Parishioners
Sunday, January 1, 2023
All Parishioners
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Live Stream:
Watch our live stream of Sunday Mass at www.standrew.org/sundaymass
Christmas Masses:
The following Masses will be celebrated for the Solemnity of Christmas:
Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24, 2022: 3:00pm Family Mass - 5:00pm Christmas Eve Mass
Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25, 2022: 9:00am Mass - 11:00am Mass
School News
Baby Bulldogs registration is open! Tell your friends and neighbors about this fun program designed for infants and toddlers in our community. Baby Bulldogs will meet on Thursday mornings from 8:45 -9:30 in our gymnasium from January 19th - April 27th. There will be gross motor and musical play. Here is a sneak peek of the fun to be had Baby Bulldogs Fun with Ms. Coakley.
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 23-24 school year are now open! Existing families, do not forget to register your new preschoolers. Applications are due February 1. 23-24 SAS Application
Religious Education News
Religious Education for 2022-23 is in session for students between grades K and 8th grade. Please visit www.standrew.org/re to learn more about the program and to register.
Our next in-person session is Sunday, January 8, 2023 at 10:00am and includes a parent meeting.
Stewardship and Finance Report
November Offering:
Envelope Collection - $8,387
Automated Giving - $19,717
Loose Cash - $2,564
Total Offertory - $30,668
Monthly Budgeted Expenses: $38,500
Enrich - Expand - Grow Capital Campaign
Income - $1,897,927
Interest on Income - $37,963
Total Income - $1,935,890
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) - $38,291.36
Annex (Demolition) - $55,795.38
Annex (Utilities Disconnect) - $18,210
Annex (Environmental Remediation) - $38,780
Total Expense - $1,030,193.74
BALANCE - $905,696.26
Revised 11/23/2022
Parish Staff
Parish Staff:
Pastor: Rev. Sergio Romo
Associate Pastor: Rev. Silvanus Kidaha
Pastoral Associate: David Heimann
Deacon: Mark Purdome
Deacon: Eric Sorensen
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
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