There is something about this Gospel that can make us feel a little uncomfortable. The workers who labored all day received the same wage as those who arrived at the last hour. At first, it hardly seems fair.

But Jesus is not giving us a lesson in employment law. He is speaking about God’s generosity and mercy.

The workers who came late were not necessarily lazy. They were standing in the marketplace because nobody had hired them. When the landowner asks, “Why are you standing here idle all day?” they answer, “Because no one has hired us.” And so he gives them an opportunity.

The message is that God never gives up on anyone. It is never too late to turn towards God. Whether we have followed him for many years or only discover him towards the end of our lives, God's love is not earned like a wage. It is given as a gift.

Sometimes we can fall into the trap of comparing ourselves with others: “I have worked hard, I have sacrificed, I have been faithful—why should someone else receive the same?” But God's generosity is not a limited resource. Another person's blessing does not diminish our own.

Perhaps the challenge for us today is to move from “Is it fair?” to “Is it loving?”

The Gospel reminds us that God looks upon each person not simply according to what they have achieved, but with the eyes of a loving Father.

And perhaps that is good news for all of us—for none of us earns God's love. We receive it.

Installation of Fr. Hank as Pastor

We are pleased to announce that on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at the 11:00 am Mass, Bishop Siemianowski will be at Saint Andrew to preside over the Mass where Fr. Hank Lyons will be formally installed as pastor.

Several unique rituals take place during an installation Mass, and all parishioners are invited to attend.

First, the representative of the Archdiocese (Bishop Siemianowski) will read the official letter of appointment naming the pastor. Then Fr. Hank will publicly recite the Nicene Creed and take an oath of fidelity promising to carry out his duties in communion with the Church. Then there is an introduction to the important symbols of the church building symbolizing the responsibility the new pastor has to teach, govern and sanctify the parish.

We hope you will be able to join us for this important celebration and witness one of the unique and important customs of the Catholic Church.

Knights of Columbus Intellectual Disabilities "Tootsie Roll" Drive

On the weekend of September 26 and 27, after all the masses, the Knights of Columbus will be outside of the Church collecting for their Annual Intellectual Disabilities Drive. All of the funds collected, except for the cost of the candy, go directly to organized groups that service the needs of the intellectually disabled and learning disabled in local parishes, such as parish Spred programs, as well as in the community groups and the Special Olympics. Stop by to help out a good cause, and get yourself a Tootsie Roll. To donate online – visit our page web https://tinyurl.com/KnightsID2026 or scan the QR code.

If you would like to donate 1-2 hours of your time to volunteer for our Drive, please contact GK Tom Kaiser at 630-699-2079 or TJKaiser@sprynet.com for info.

Blessing of Pets

To commemorate the memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi, we will hold our annual blessing of pets on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 10:00 am. Bring your dog, cat, rabbit, hamster, or other beloved pet to the steps of the church to have them blessed. May they always remind us of our responsibility to care for and nurture all of God's creation.

Mass Schedule

Weekday Mass Schedule:

Daily Mass takes place Monday thru Friday at 8:30 am in the church.

Weekday Mass Schedule for September 28 through October 2, 2026

Monday, 8:30 am - Fr. Hank

Tuesday, 8:30 am - Fr. Melchior

Wednesday, 8:30 am - Fr. Hank

Thursday, 8:30 am - Fr. Melchior

Friday, 8:30 am - Fr. Melchior

Weekend Mass Schedule:

Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27, 2026

Saturday

4:00 pm Mass - Fr. Melchior

Sunday

9:00 am Mass - Fr. Hank

11:00 am Mass - Fr. Hank

5:00 pm Mass - Fr. Melchior

Confessions:

Confessions are heard in the main church at 3:00 pm 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, September 27, 2026

+Evelyn DeSagun, +Chester "Chet" Dominik, +Patricia Marik,

+Emilio Perello, and the deceased members of the +Hallera and +Castillo families

Sunday, October 4, 2026

+Chester "Chet" Dominik abd +Diana Espaldon

Live Stream:

Watch our live stream of Sunday Mass at www.standrew.org/sundaymass

Religious Education News

Religious Education for the 2026-27 year began for grades K through 8 on September 13, 2026. Please visit www.standrew.org/re to learn more about the program which takes place on Sunday mornings from 10:00 am to 10:50 am. We are still accepting students at any age. Sign up soon to help us make plans to support your child and your family on your journey of faith.

Stewardship and Finance Report

August 2026 Offering:

Envelope Collection - $11,531

Automated Giving - $18,659

Loose Cash - $6,567

Total Offertory - $36,757

Monthly Budgeted Expenses: $38,500

School News

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 upcoming school year can be found here: New Student Application

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.

Parish Staff

Parish Staff:

Pastor: Rev. Hank Lyon

Associate Pastor: Rev. Zhao Melchior Huaimin

Deacon: Mark Purdome

Director of Religious Education: David Heimann

Operations Director: Chris Kraszewski

Business Manager: Esperanza Benavides

Fundraising/Development: Julie Richards

Office Manager: Christine Chua

Receptionists: Terry Ryan, Janice Hogan and Veronica Salazar

Engineer: Steven Ackerman

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

Calendar

Generation to Generation

Saint Andrew Parish is kicking off the Generation to Generation: Answer the Call campaign. Our parish’s participation in the campaign, along with all parishes in the Archdiocese of Chicago, will meet needs of our parish and support Catholic ministries in Cook and Lake counties.

Our goal at Saint Andrew Parish is to raise $1,400,000 in pledges payable over five (5) years from our parish families. At least fifty percent of the funds from these pledges will go toward the parish needs listed below. The remaining fifty percent will go towards spiritually renewing our church, supporting our priests, and assisting vulnerable communities. When you receive your invitation to participate in this historic effort, please pray and discern a multi-year sacrificial pledge that is right for your family. Today, join us in praying for the success of the Generation to Generation campaign. Our share of the funds will support updating the electrical systems in our church and school as a first step toward installing modern air conditioning in both buildings through a phased approach.

Please visit https://standrew.org/generation-to-generation/ to learn more about the campaign and watch updated videos from Cardinal Cupich and from Fr. Hank about the campaign.

Blessing of Marathon Runners

Chicago is always an exciting place when the annual marathon is held. We want to pray for our runners and offer a special blessing to those running this year with a blessing that will take place at the 4:00 pm Mass on Saturday, October 10, 2026. Runners will be called up at the end of Mass to receive the blessing.

Catholic Community Connections

Chicago Catholic Community Connections (C4) is a multi-parish community group for people who are no longer young adults but not yet retirees. It is open to people in any state of life.Join us at one of our upcoming events:

Friday, October 2nd, 4:45 pm - 6:30 pm – Soup Kitchen volunteering @ St. Thomas of Canterbury: Join us for community-building through service. The soup kitchen is located at 4827 N. Kenmore Ave. No experience necessary. First-time volunteers must arrive at 4:45 pm for orientation. The soup kitchen is open to volunteers anytime between 3:30 pm and 7:00 pm, and meal service is from 5:30 pm -6:30 pm. Kids welcome with parent or guardian. Contact Mary Bridget (kustuschmb@gmail.com) with questions.
Saturday, October 24th , 10:00 am -11:30 am – Church Tour @ St. Ita: Catholic Church Tours and St. Gregory’s Hall are hosting an in-depth tour of the art and architecture of Saint Ita Church in Edgewater. Tickets are $35 for adults (some discounts available). See https://www.catholicchurchtours.com/events/saint-ita for details and to purchase tickets. Contact Angela (angela.parker.msc@gmail.com) to let C4 know you’re coming. Check out our full calendar at https://www.chicagocatholiccommunityconnections.com.

Opt In for Our Kids - a letter from Cardinal Cupich

Dear Parishioners and Catholic School Families,

As our children head back to the classrooms, I am writing to you about a significant opportunity to find additional funds to both public and nonpublic schools in our state. Congress passed a new federal tax credit program for 2027 that could generate hundreds of millions of additional dollars for both public and nonpublic school students in Illinois. For Illinois to participate in the program, Governor Pritzker must opt in.

As an advocate not only for Catholic education, but also for the education of all Illinois children, I ask that you contact the Governor to ask him say "yes" to this program. It will give Illinois taxpayers the choice to contribute to programs that will help all children in our state and receive a federal tax credit for their donation. These funds are truly needed. They could help Catholic school families cover tuition, after-school programming, supplies, technology or other much needed items. Donations could also be directed to support programming and other needs for public school students and their families. It could benefit just about every child and every school in our state.

If Governor Pritzker does not opt in, you can still donate to programs such as this, but to receive the tax credit, you will need to donate to a school program in another state. Recent polling suggests that in one year, as much as $2 billion could be generated to boost education programming in our state. According to that same poll, if Illinois does not opt in, Illinois taxpayers may send as much as $1 billion for educational services in other states.

The program allows taxpayers a 100% federal tax credit for contributions up to $1,700. Any family earning up to 300% of the regional median income may qualify for scholarship assistance. This means more than 90% of all K-12 students would be eligible for support in Illinois.

According to our polling data, Illinois taxpayers will contribute to the program regardless of whether Illinois opts in or not. Shouldn't Illinois dollars benefit Illinois school children?

Please visit https://www.ilcatholic.org/federal-scholarship-tax-credit-program/ for more information and to learn how to send a message to the Governor and ask him to opt-in to the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit. You can also call the Governor's office directly at 217.782.6830.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Archbishop Clase Cardinal Cupich

Archbishop of Chicago