I would like to take a moment to highlight something happening in the Church in the next couple of weeks. In the early part of October, Pope Leo XIV has called for a meeting to assemble the top leaders of the Church in the form of "heads of episcopal conferences." To break down what that means, it would be similar to the UN calling a meeting where all of the presidents or prime ministers of those countries came together in one place at the same time. In the case of the United States, we have a conference known as the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and our episcopal representative to this meeting is the president of the USCCB, Archbishop Coakley. 

The reason Pope Leo convened the meeting is to discuss an Apostolic Exhortation named Amoris Laetitia produced by Pope Frances ten years ago. An apostolic exhortation is the third most ranking document that defines the teaching of the Church just below that of a conciliar document (such as Vatican II) and an encyclical. (The most recent encyclical was Magnifica Humanitas issued by Pope Leo). 

I have been re-reading Amoris Laetitia so that I will better know what the conversations will be about and, after reading it, I wish more people would read it!

Amoris Laetitia literally means "the joy of love" and that is something to be celebrated. In particular, the gift of love celebrated in families, when families develop healthily and fully, is truly glorious. 

But there is often a deep gulf between the ideal and reality. Often families are hurting, relationships falter, expectations aren't met, sometimes catastrophically failing. Most of us are likely used to a Church which imposes rules on us that add a burden to the proposal of love being something of joy. And by "Church" I want to be clear. Sometimes that is the magisterium (bishops & priests) but also we see that parents, fellow neighbors, and friends who are also the "Church" put those burdens on one another, often out of wounded love that wounds others. 

If that is your experience, then I think you would find reading Amoris Laetitia refreshing. It is Pope Francis at his best, reminding us to walk with each other, progress systemically through our challenges and always starting from where we are. 

If you make it through all 300+ paragraphs of the very dense and rich language, you may come upon the part that was most controversial in the document. In the later paragraphs, Pope Francis wrote that there existed the possibility that individuals who didn't always meet all of the Church's expectations could still be externally in communion with the Church (i.e., someone who is divorced and remarried might still be eligible to receive the sacraments of the Church). If you remember anything about the document, you might have caught those headlines 10 years ago. 

The sad part of that dialogue is that it was a controversial headline that jumped over 300 paragraphs of rich and eloquent guidance on how to grow in love and love better. Often, Pope Francis isn't speaking for himself but is quoting Popes Paul VI, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI. He reflects on the Bible, centuries of teaching, and some personal wisdom he has picked up along the way. Pope Francis lays a vision that we are always in the process of becoming better and when we allow love to be nurtured, through our very bodies, in joyful relationship that marriage enshrines, then the potentiality of holiness becomes present to all of us, for all of us, even those not married, come from a family which is the genesis of God's love for us. 

I hope that we will all listen with attention to what Pope Leo XIV convenes in this meeting and what the bishops return with. I encourage all of you to take a moment and read some or all of Amoris Laetitia, and I look forward to the conversation we can continue to have before, through, and after this meeting and this unique moment of history in the Church. 

Programming for Infants and Toddlers

Tell your friends and neighbors about our programming for our youngest bulldogs! Baby Bulldogs is a weekly class designed for infants, toddlers, and their caregivers. Each session includes free play, followed by lively music and movement, perfect for building friendships and burning energy! Registration is open; classes began October 1 at 9am.

Storytime is a free weekly Storytime for families with infants and toddlers every Friday from 8:30 to 9:15 AM, beginning October 2. Each session includes storytelling, learning centers, and a take-home craft. The program provides a fun, creative space for kids to build reading skills while giving parents and caregivers a chance to connect.

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 

My name is Andrew Bilgri. I am a seminarian from the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois and the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. I grew up in Quincy, IL. I enjoyed academics, sports and the fine arts. I majored in music education at Illinois State  University. During college, I enlisted as an Army Musician in the Army Reserves. Life was good, but as I discerned God’s will for my life, I recognized the Lord was calling me to priesthood.  

After college, I started seminary with the Diocese of Peoria, IL, which laid a great foundation for my priestly formaCon. However, after three years, I needed to take a break. I returned home and worked as a teacher in the community. I continued serving in the Army Band too. As a layman, I grew closer to God. But the Lord made it abundantly clear to return to seminary. However, this time I am with my true home diocese while also beginning the path to become an Army Chaplain! 

My vocational journey has been like a game of football. The First Half was mixed with triumphs and imperfection. At Halftime, I took a knee and received inspiration from the Coach. Well…Halftime is over. The Second Half is here and my return to seminary will, by God’s grace, lead to victory - God’s will fulfilled and hopefully my priestly ordination in 2029! It is an honor to be assigned to St. Andrew’s Church. Please keep me in your prayers!

Born in Saint Louis I have been raised my whole life in southern Illinois. My home parish is Saints Peter and Paul in Collinsville. For work I spent many summers selling corn and produce at a small produce stand, and during college, and before entering seminary, I built control panels for FAST echnology group. My fascination with computers and video games inspired me to get a BS in Computer Science with a math minor from SIUE (Southern Illinois University Edwardsville). It was during college that I really deepened my faith and I would receive my first communion and confirmation in 2021. Along with my degree from SIUE. I am currently studying at Mundelein Seminary and I also just recently received my Masters in Philosophy from Saint Meinrad seminary which is in Saint Meinrad, IN.

Growing up I enjoyed playing baseball and bowling, in bowling I got 2nd in State and my best score is a 279. During my free time I enjoy reading, watching a new movie, or just spending time with others. I also have a deep devotion to Blessed Karl of Austria and love anything history related. I’m really looking forward to being at St. Andrew’s during my years at Mundelein, and I am excited to meet many new people and seeing what God has in store for me.

In Christ, Sean Sullivan.