Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
"The LORD appeared to Abraham by the terebinth of Mamre, as he sat in the entrance of his tent, while the day was growing hot. Looking up, Abraham saw three men standing nearby. " Luke 10:4-5
Announcements
The parish office is open from 8:00am to 7:00pm Monday thru Friday, from 9:00am to 3:00pm on Saturdays, and from 9:00am to noon on Sundays.
Pastoral Letter by Deacon Eric Sorensen
“So, let us not be consumed with what we do, but how we do it -- how we serve. Then, we too may choose, as Mary did, 'the better part.'"
I often sit by a beautiful stain glass window of this Gospel reading from Luke. Martha appears welcoming, carrying a basket of fruit and a jug of wine. She seems mindful of her need to offer hospitality, as Mary sits at Jesus’ feet. This is also reflected in our first reading of Abraham’s offering of hospitality to his three visitors. It was, at that time, a sacred duty to welcome strangers. Perhaps, a scared duty that has not borne the tests of time.
Honestly, I sympathize with Martha’s need to serve. I have been called to serve most of my life. It is the calling of being a Deacon, the servant, from the Greek word, diakonia, that Luke uses for Martha’ service. Through Scouting, school activities, employment, my marriage and family, my diaconate, I have tried to serve the needs of others. And we, as Christian, are called to be welcoming, to serve, to love and offer charity to those in need. Yet, “Mary has chosen the better part.” So, what is Jesus telling us?
We know the difference between a job and a ministry is openness -- to willingly be open to something greater than ourselves. Abraham did not recognize at first the divine nature of his visitors, yet he was open to serving them and then sat and listened. We know the blessings he received from such visitors. Martha may have known that it was the Lord, but she was so busy with legitimate responsibilities of hospitality that she wasn’t open. Her compliant showed she was more concerned about her duties than her guest. She had set her priorities, her job, over being presence to Christ, offering appropriate service, diakonia.
I know that my service hasn’t always been appropriate, but when my heart is open, my service has a focus of diakonia. For I witness Christ’s presence in those I serve, and receive his blessings of love and joy welling up in heart. So, let us not be consumed with what we do, but how we do it -- how we serve. Then, we too may choose, as Mary did, “the better part.”
Register for Religious Education
We have begun accepting new applications for Religious Education for students between grades K and 8th grade. Please visit www.standrew.org/re to learn more about the program and to register. We focus on learning the faith together as a family as well as prepare children for the reception of the Sacraments. The first day of Religious Education will be Sunday, September 11, 2022 at 10:00am
Interested in Catholicism?
Saint Andrew is starting the process for adults who wish to join the Catholic Church. If you know someone who is curious about Catholicism, would like to join the church from another Christian denomination, or would like to inquire about Baptism as an adult, let them know about the Rites of Christian Initiation for Adults and share with them the following webpage http://www.standrew.org/learn/rcia/ to find out more. Interested individuals can also email david@standrew.org to inquire.
Volunteer
Current Volunteer Opportunities:
Fall Fling:
We are looking for volunteers to help with the planning of our fall fundraiser, the Fall Fling which will take place on Saturday, September 24, 2022 and includes a golf outing and evening party. It's our 20th year of hosting this event!!! Registration will go live later this month. Stay tuned for more information. Contact julie@standrew.org to express interest.
Broadcast With Us:
Saint Andrew Parish continues to need volunteers to help with live streaming broadcasts of our Masses and special events. Please volunteer if you have or are willing to learn skills in how to use audio, visual, and live streaming equipment. Contact David Heimann at david@standrew.org
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, July 17, 2022
+Jose Riesco, Jr. and Cllixto Maso
Sunday, July 24, 2022
+Thomas Cooney Family, Dockery Family +Jose Riesco, Jr, and +Cllixto Maso,
Live Stream:
Watch our live stream of Sunday Mass at www.standrew.org/sundaymass
School News
Saint Andrew School is looking for a dynamic Middle School math/science teacher for the 22/23 school year! Contact Principal Sarah Casavechia at sarahcasavechia@gosaintandrew.com if you are interested.
We have limited seats still available for the 2022/23 School Year!
Please contact Anne Japsen in Admissions at annejapsen@gosaintandrew.com for more information. Come join us and experience what makes our Blue Ribbon School so special. www.gosaintandrew.com
Religious Education News
We have begun accepting new applications for Religious Education for students between grades K and 8th grade. Please visit www.standrew.org/re to learn more about the program and to register.
The first day of Religious Education will be Sunday of September 11, 2022 at 10:00am.
Stewardship and Finance Report
June Offering:
Envelope Collection - $6,260
Automated Giving - $18,872
Loose Cash - $2,956
Total Offertory - $28,088
Monthly Budgeted Expenses: $38,500
Enrich - Expand - Grow Capital Campaign
Income - $1,887,114
Interest on Income - $36,665
Total Income - $1,923,779
Consulting Operating Expense - $180,000
Archdiocesan Contribution - $196,800
Church Lighting (Actual) - $250,517
Church Lighting (Consultant) - $10,480
Church Windows (Actual) - $157,120
School Addition - $187,310
Total Expense - $982,227
BALANCE - $941,552
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
