The Epiphany star in our gospel rises in the east, because the east is the place of rising and resurrection. The star rises in the east because the “east” refers to “all peoples,” known and unknown. God chose the light of this star to announce the birth of the Savior to all, known and unknown...

The light of the star is a gentle light. It is not a spotlight forthose who seek fame or power. The gentle light of Christ the Lord gives our lives meaning and purpose if we embrace it. The Epiphany star reminds us that we are not the sun, but the gentle moon light of humanity.

Only the Magi, wise men from faraway lands saw the star in the heavens and knew a King had been born. The scribes did not see the star, nor Herod nor the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

We can learn from the gentle light of the Epiphany star, to see hope and goodness in others. We must put aside the pretentious robes of self-centeredness, greed and power. Otherwise, we will be like Herod, who preferred earthly success and power to the divine light of the star. Let us look to the wise Magi who were willing to discern God’s will and continue searching for the King until they found him. In doing so, they showed us how to surrender to the light of the Lord to find the gifts Jesus has for each of us.

From the manger, through the cross, to the empty tomb and resurrection on Easter morning, the Magi stand before the Lord on our behalf. Like the Magi we offer our gifts and talents to the new born king, the baby Jesus as we follow him on our journey of salvation. On this feast of Epiphany let us pray that Christwill shed his peaceful light on our troubled world.

The Giving Tree Project - Thank you!!

We are very proud to announce that ALL 285 students at Saint Mary of the Lake and St. Thomas of Canterbury will be given a bag filled with winter warmth items. Our volunteer elves delivered 285 gift bags this week for all of the students to enjoy right before Christmas!

Thank you for your generous support Saint Andrew!

Support the Annual Christmas Appeal

Saint Andrew depends on the generosity of people like you who support its mission. At Christmas, we ask for your consideration in making a substantial gift during our annual Christmas Appeal. We depend on this appeal to make up for the budgeting shortfall we experience periodically in our ordinary Sunday offertory. Thank you for your constant support and have a blessed and wonderful Christmas! To make your contribution to the appeal visit www.standrew.org/christmasgift.

Come Broadcast with Us!

Saint Andrew Parish continues to offer live streaming broadcasts of our Masses and special events in the church. That means we are in need of additional volunteer support this ministry. Please volunteer if you have or are willing to learn skills in how to use audio, visual, and live streaming equipment. We can teach you! OUR REQUEST IS URGENT AS WE HAVE UPCOMING WEEKENDS WITH NO COVERAGE. If interested, please contact David Heimann at david@standrew.org.

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 The Giving Tree Project. Saint Andrew Parish has partnered with Saint Mary of the Lake and St. Thomas of Canterbury for the last 10+ years sponsoring a Giving Tree. If you'd like to help volunteer for this great cause, please reach out to Julie Richards at julie@standrew.org.

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 5, 2025

+Michelle Frank and +Catherine Walsh

Sunday, January 12, 2025

+Fernado Vinzons, Sr.

Live Stream:

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

School News

Bulldog Buddies

Registration for the winter Bulldog Buddies session is open. We look forward to welcoming our Bulldog Buddies on Tuesday, January 7. Bulldog Buddies is a class for children who turn two years old by September 1, 2024. Our teachers and curriculum offer children the opportunity to experience our school setting in a safe, nurturing environment along with their caregivers. More information is attached. Bulldog Buddies Registration

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, January 6 at 10:00am in the auditorium and is for both parents and students. We look forward to seeing you then!

Stewardship and Finance Report

November, 2024 Offering:

Envelope Collection - $7,389

Automated Giving - $19,586

Loose Cash - $4.294

Total Offertory - $31,269

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 - $1,915,444

Interest on Income - $40,289

Total Income - $1,955,733

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 - $6,208

Revised 11/12/2024

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

Page updated

Report abuse

Announcements

Pastoral Letter byFr. Melchior