I grew up as a suburban kid. While I grew up within the city of Kansas City, Kansas, there was farmland between my home and my high school, and the overall environment was much more suburban than urban. After college, I moved to the outskirts of New York City in New Jersey, and while the population density was much greater than Kansas, it still had a suburban feel. And we raised our kids in Gurnee, which is definitely the 'burbs. 

I didn't discover I loved life in the urban jungle of the city until we moved to this area in 2015, but now I consider myself a city kid through-and-through. I love the hustle-bustle of the city, the crowded sidewalks, the rush of public transit, and the constant hum of people. Living in the city has a distinctly different set of rhythms to the 'burbs, yet in the midst of all of the people, it is a strange paradox that we might feel anonymous, or even alone.

On the Sixth Sunday of Easter, Jesus speaks directly into that urban isolation. He promises: “I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:18).

In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we see Philip entering the city of Samaria. Cities have always been melting pots of different cultures, struggles, and needs, and Philip plunged in, bringing the Gospel into the heart of the urban hustle. 

The result? Scripture tells us “there was great joy in that city.” This reminds us that the Holy Spirit is vibrantly alive on our street corners, in our high-rises, and on our crowded streets. The Spirit is the power that transforms a concrete jungle into a community of hope.

And the power of the Holy Spirit can break the sense of urban isolation, of being anonymous in the crowd, because the Advocate, as we hear in the Gospel, is literally "one who is called to walk alongside." Think of the Holy Spirit as your constant companion in the midst of the city, a companion that allows you to be a bringer of hope.

In our neighborhood, "hope" often looks like connection. In an environment where people are starved for authentic community, your willingness to be a friend, to share a burden, or to offer help is a powerful witness. You are showing the world that because of the Holy Spirit, no one has to be an orphan.

This week, let's challenge ourselves to be advocates for one another. We aren't just navigating these streets alone; we are walking them together, with the Holy Spirit who never leaves our side.

God bless,
Deacon Mark

Storytime

Infants and toddlers, join our FREE Storytime in Saint Andrew School! This is a fun and creative space to share stories, build imagination, and discover the joy of reading. The next time is May 19th at 8:30 am in the school. Hope to see you there!

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! 

• 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. 

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 school year can be found here: New Student Application