Holy Mother Church has been around for thousands of years, since Pentecost of the year 33 A.D. (Anno Domini, Year of the Lord). Soon into the growth of the Church were the liturgical seasons, at first growing from the Paschal Mysteries (Our Lord’s Life, Death and Resurrection) as proclaimed by the Apostles then written down by the Four Evangelists, and then formalized into the calendar that we know now. Thus, Holy Mother Church and her bishops, priests and deacons have been preaching on the themes of Lent for almost just as long.

Let us turn back the pages of time in the history of Holy Mother Church to hear the preaching of Saint Theophilus (Greek name meaning “Friend of God”) of Antioch, who was a bishop. He was the Patriarch (or bishop) of Antioch from the year 169 until 183. He succeeded Eros of Antioch c. 169 and was succeeded by Maximus I c. 183. His death probably occurred between 183 and 185. His was born a pagan, not far from the Tigris and Euphrates, and was led to embrace Christianity by studying the Holy Scriptures, especially the prophetic books.

From St. Theophilus:

“If you say, ‘Show me your God,’ I will say to you, ‘Show me what kind of person you are, and I will show you my God.’ Show me then whether the eyes of your mind can see, and the eyes of your heart hear.
        It is like this. Those who can see with the eyes of their bodies are aware of what is happening in this life on earth. They get to know things that are different from each other. They distinguish light and darkness, black and white, ugliness and beauty, elegance and inelegance, proportion and lack of proportion, excess and defect. The same is true of the sounds we hear: high or low or pleasant. So it is with the ears of our heart and the eyes of our mind in their capacity to hear or see God.

God is seen by those who have the capacity to see Him, provided that they keep the eyes of their mind open. All have eyes, but some have eyes that are shrouded in darkness, unable to see the light of the sun. Because the blind cannot see it, it does not follow that the sun does not shine. The blind must trace the cause back to themselves and their eyes. In the same way, you have eyes in your mind that are shrouded in darkness because of your sins and evil deeds.

A person’s soul should be clean, like a mirror reflecting light. If there is rust on the mirror his face cannot be seen in it. In the same way, no one who has sin within him can see God.
        But if you will you can be healed. Hand yourself over to the doctor, and He will open the eyes of your mind and heart. Who is to be the doctor? It is God, who heals and gives life [sight] through His Word and wisdom. Through His Word and wisdom He created the universe, for by His Word the heavens were established, and by His Spirit all their array. His wisdom is supreme. God by wisdom founded the earth, by understanding he arranged the heavens, by His knowledge the depths broke forth and the clouds poured out the dew.

If you understand this, and live in purity and holiness and justice, you may see God. But, before all, faith and [God at the center of your life] must take place in your heart, and then you will understand all this.”

This week I will be away on vacation in Nashville, TN, visiting my very good friend and recently ordained brother priest, Fr. Joe. Though I will be away, you all will remain in my prayers.

Summer Camp 2026

We are thrilled to offer summer options for our families.

• We will hold our traditional summer camps for registered Saint Andrew students during the first two weeks of the summer break. Registration is on Wednesday, March 11 at 9am. (Protip: make sure your account is updated prior to registration.)

• The parish is offering Totus Tuus in June. Totus Tuus, open to all children, is a summer, week-long Catholic youth program dedicated to sharing the Gospel and promoting the Catholic faith. Registration for grades 1-6 is open.

• Saint Andrew Summer Adventure Camp will be offered for the majority of the remaining summer weeks. Adventure Camp Registration for SA students, their friends, and neighbors in the community is open. 

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! Sign up for a tour here: schedule a tour New student applications for the 25-26 can be found here: New Student Application