Spring is in the air!! And then, it’s gone again….AND THEN ITS BACK. Well, eventually it’ll stick around. The good news is the Cubs are back for sure. A blessed Palm Sunday to all of you as we welcome Our Lord as He makes His way into Jerusalem. Our Lord’s most sacred hour is soon approaching.

Something that has marked our campus since around the 1950s is the larger-than-life Crucifix which faces Addison Street. When I first drove up to our campus almost a year ago now, I was in awe of such spectacular glory. It is one of the many unique facets of our historical campus. Very few parishes have such artwork like we do of Our Lord’s presence so beautifully and publicly displayed.

It is now, if you have not already seen for yourself, my great joy as the Pastor of St. Andrew to share with you that the original back lighting of the Crucifix has been restored, thanks to the funds raised for our Lighting Project and the generous help of those who made this possible (still more to come in the illumination of our campus). Our Lord will be backlit every day starting at sunset and ending around sunrise. Our Lord Jesus is the Light for the world, illuminating every soul that receives Him (John 1). And so, once more shall Our Lord illuminate our campus and Addison Street.

I always marvel at Our Lord’s timing, of how He brings people and efforts together all at the seemingly perfect time. I mention this because the backlight for Our Lord was first turned on during our Parish event, Night of Mercy, hosted by the Franciscans of the Eucharist. The evening was centered around adoring Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, as the Sisters and many others invited people to come into the church from Addison Street to light a candle for peace, placing the light before Jesus. Many Confessions were heard that night, a powerful sacrament which takes away darkness from our souls and fills our soul with His radiant Light of divine Life. It is the Mercy of God which scatters the darkness and restores hope to Mankind. May Our Lord Jesus, once again illuminated, stir many hearts to find Him in the night on Addison Street.

From March 8th to 13th, I participated in the "Walking Together" program in Mundelein, attended by 20 priests from the Archdiocese of Chicago. 

The “Working Together” program is a renewal program for priests focus on ministry, companionship and mutual support. 

By May, I will have been in Chicago for two years; yet, my interactions within many of the priests remain quite limited, and I was very eager to get to know more of the local priests. Furthermore, while I had previously encountered the course material during my studies in Ireland and Chicago, I was keen to deepen my understanding—both intellectually and pastorally—within the context of a new culture.

Although I missed the opening sessions of the program duo to illness, I had set out hoping to get to know my fellow participants, but the first people I truly connected with were two compassionate laypeople who cared for me while I was ill. Through them, I learned that I need to pay greater attention to my own well-being, while simultaneously remaining responsive to the  needs of those around me.

The course content allowed me to revisit material from my earlier studies, and I felt very open to sharing my own insights and reflections with the group. This was, without a doubt, the most enjoyable and enriching part of the entire process for me. Since graduating from Loyola University Chicago in 2019, this was my first opportunity to gather and share with such a large group of fellow priests; it felt simultaneously familiar and novel—a truly refreshing experience that nourished my soul. Among the contributions made by the other priests, I was particularly drawn to the sharing of one priest. His insights were grounded and down-to-earth; whether speaking in small groups or during the larger plenary sessions, I consistently found inspiration and valuable lessons in everything he shared. 

Through this course of study, as a pastor, I have come to view myself as a caregiver—one who actively provides pastoral care that addresses the spiritual, psychological and physical needs of others. However, I have also realized that pastors themselves require care; specifically, I have recognized that—compared to the attention I devote to my spiritual and psychological well-being—I am often much slower to attend to my physical health. This is an area in which I need to grow in the future. Furthermore, this course has enabled me to learn  and to grow in companionship with  the  nineteen fellow priests and for this I truly grateful to God and to my fellow participants.  

High Stakes and Handbags: Not your grandmother's bingo!

Join us for our first annual Purse Bingo, an evening of fun, friends, and fabulous prizes! Bring your favorite snacks, grab your drinks (it’s BYOB!), and get ready to play for the chance to win designer handbags you’ll love to show off. Take a sneak peek at the gorgeous bags and purchase tickets HERE!

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 open! (Protip: make sure your account is updated prior to registration.)

• 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