In my 28 years in Catholic education, I've witnessed the profound impact it has on young lives. I chose this path because I deeply value sharing my faith with our community. My husband and I have also entrusted our own children to Catholic education, recognizing its holistic approach that goes beyond academics to nurture the whole child. I see this transformative power firsthand every single day.

This year's theme, "United in Faith and Community," perfectly encapsulates the essence of Saint Andrew. Our faith is the cornerstone of our school. Students are not just taught about faith; they experience it daily through nurturing relationships with teachers, staff, and their peers. This supportive environment fosters a deep sense of belonging and helps them discover God's grace in their everyday lives.

Academic excellence is a hallmark of Catholic education, and Saint Andrew consistently excels. We are proud of our students' impressive achievements, including two National Blue Ribbons. However, we prioritize more than just test scores. We cultivate strong study habits while encouraging participation in extracurricular activities, ensuring a well-rounded education that prepares students for success in all aspects of life.

Service to others is deeply ingrained in our Catholic values. At Saint Andrew, students learn to embody the hands of Christ through meaningful volunteer work. Our service trips are just one example of the many ways our students give back to their community.

I am truly honored to be part of the Saint Andrew community. Thank you for this incredible opportunity to work alongside you.

Happy Catholic Schools Week!

Best,

Sarah Casavechia

Principal, Saint Andrew School

Join us for Candlemass

You know about Christmas but do you know about Candlemas? Sunday, February 2, 2025 is the feast of the Presentation of the Lord also know as Candlemas. It comes precisely 40 days after Christmas and the two celebrations are linked. Christ enters the world at Christmas but is celebrated as the light of the world on February 2. Thus the ancient tradition of having your household candles blessed at Mass on February 2 and the name "candle"-"mas." There will be a blessing of candles at all Masses next weekend and each family is invited to take a blessed candle home with them.

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. Important information will come out weekly to keep you up to date on everything Wearin' the Green. To read what was in the past week's WTG Special Edition Bulldog Bulletin, click HERE.

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:

Sunday, January 26, 2025

+Marietta Castillo Cavarez, +Andrew Christopher Taylor +Lorraine Hanson and

+Deceased members of Drury, Kaufman, Cassidy and Hood families

Sunday, February 2, 2025

+Michelle Frank and +Marcia Vinzons

Live Stream:

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

School News

Super School Sunday, January 26, 2025

8am: Prospective Family Tours

Reservations are recommended but not required. Contact Anne Japsen (annejapsen@gosaintandrew.com) for more information.

9am: Family Mass in Saint Andrew Church
10am: Annual Pancake Breakfast in our School Gym

Tickets can be purchased online:https://standrewchicago.flocknote.com/signup/193336 Presales: $12 per adult, $10 per child (2 years and under FREE). Tickets can also be purchased on the day of the event.Cash or QR Code only - $14 adults and $10 children

11am: Current Family Tours

Take a walk through your child's current classroom. Stop by next year's classroom to get a glimpse of the future.

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 Sarah Casavechia