Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." 1 Peter 4:10
Announcements
The parish office's hours are 8:00am to 7:00pm Monday thru Friday, from 9:00am to 3:00pm on Saturdays, and from 9:00am to noon on Sundays.
Join us for Mass every weekend at the 4:00pm (vigil) Mass on Saturday, or on Sunday at 9:00am, 11:00am, or 5:00pm.
Pastoral Letter by Fr. Sergio Romo
"Wisdom helps us to discern how to respond to the knowledge we ahve and act accordingly through new insight."
Dear Parishioners,
In just a few weeks, we will once again celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation with over 50 young parishioners from Saint Andrew and rejoice at the strengthening of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in their lives. I am struck by the importance of all of the gifts the Holy Spirit endows upon those who receive the Sacrament, but especially the gifts of Knowledge and Wisdom.
The two gifts work hand in hand as we navigate many different challenges in life. When we are blessed with Knowledge, we can often see the need before us and identify an erroneous opinion or behavior. But that is where Wisdom begins her work. Wisdom helps us to discern how to respond to the knowledge we have and act accordingly through new insight.
In our annual Season of Stewardship, I am challenging every parishioner to call upon the Spirit’s gifts of Knowledge and Wisdom to make a commitment to advance the mission of Saint Andrew Parish through the stewardship of their TIME, TALENT, and TREASURE. I ask that you make a demonstration of this commitment by completing the annual commitment card being mailed to you, found in the church pews, or available online at www.standrew.org/stewardship
It begins by seeking Knowledge. Start by examining your own gifts and the needs that surround you. Add to this inventory a deepening knowledge about the needs of Saint Andrew which can be found in this brochure and in our weekly online bulletin. These rescources celebrate the good news that Saint Andrew’s has survived significant challenges over these last few years!
And then I invite you to be guided by Wisdom. With all that is before you, how can you help Saint Andrew not merely survive, but thrive as a parish community? How can the gift of Wisdom inspire the generous use of your TIME, TALENT, and TREASURE as we journey together?
Please know that your contributions, no matter how small, will make a difference. Together, we can continue to build a stronger and more loving community at Saint Andrew and beyond.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our parish.
God bless,
Rev. Sergio Romo, Pastor
2025 Season of Stewardship
Every year, parishioners are asked to participate in the Annual Stewardship Appeal by making an assessment of their TIME, TALENT, and TREASURE and discerning how God is calling them to use these gifts in the coming year. This process will begin with witness from fellow parishioners given via video at all the Masses this weekend. Fr. Sergio will follow up with this introduction through a direct appeal next weekend at Masses (November 9/10) when parishioners are invited to complete their commitment cards. We ask for every household to complete their commitment by December 8, 2024 by returning the card in the Sunday offertory, returning it to the rectory, or completing the form online at www.standrew.org/stewardship.
The full stewardship brochure has helpful information about the state of the parish and thoughtful questions to help you on your discernment. Please find the brochure at https://standrew.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/STewardship-2024-5-Brochure-final.pdf
Keep in mind that the response card is not a contractual agreement but rather an exercise in thoughtful and intentional stewardship by all members of the parish. Thank you for all you do to support Saint Andrew Parish.
Young Adult Social Hour
It was so much fun we're doing it again... and again! Young Adults in the parish who are in their 20s and 30s are invited to join us in the old chapel (gathering hall) after the 5:00pm Mass on Sunday, November 17, 2024 to share some drinks and snacks as we build community here in the Lakeview neighborhood. The event is free. Thereafter, we will hold a young adult Social Hour on the First and Third Sundays of the month. Come join us!
Blessing of Athletes
Sports and athletics have been cherished at Saint Andrew for many decades. All of our young athletes are invited to come and receive a blessing for their safety and success in the current and upcoming sporting seasons at the 9:00am Mass on Sunday, November 3, 2024. Young athletes are encouraged to wear their sporting jerseys to Mass as a sign of their sport or sports.
Coffee with the Pastor
Fr. Sergio is hosting a "Coffee with the Pastor" for Senior Citizens on Sunday, November 3, 2024 after the 9:00am Mass to discuss how Saint Andrew Parish can better serve the needs of our seniors. Please come to the gathering hall (former chapel) after the Mass.
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, November 3, 2024
+Drury, Cassidy and Hood Families, +Bayani Alejo, +Miriam Piedra, +Diana Espaldon, + Michelle Frank, +Sergio Romo, Sr., + Diane Espaldon and +Ron Koziel
Sunday, November 10, 2024
+Fernando Vinzons, Jr.,+Bayani Alejo, +Miriam Piedra, +Mary, Willma, + William, William David, Chad and Chad, Jr Hussar, +Emma Horvath and +Verna Jasin
Live Stream:
Watch our live stream of Sunday Mass at www.standrew.org/sundaymass
School News
Baby Bulldogs
Registration is Now Open!
Baby Bulldogs is a weekly meeting for infants, toddlers and their caregivers. There will be free play followed by music and movement.
Where: Saint Andrew Gymnasium
When: Thursdays from 9:00 am - 9:45 am
Dates: October 10th through December 19th (no class on November 28th)
Cost: $75.00 for one child, $125.00 for two or more children
Register here
If you have any questions, please contact Anne Japsen at annejapsen@gosaintandrew.com
We look forward to seeing you there!
Come Join Us!
We have limited seats for the 24-25 school year! 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 24-25 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 will be Sunday, November 3 at 10:00am in the auditorium and is for both parents and students. We look forward to seeing you then!
Stewardship and Finance Report
September, 2024 Offering:
Envelope Collection - $9,378
Automated Giving - $20,484
Loose Cash - $4.874
Total Offertory - $34,736
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 - $1,915,019
Interest on Income - $40,276
Total Income - $1,955,295
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 - $5,770
Revised 07/30/2024
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