At Mass a couple of weeks ago I spoke of the importance of supporting young families with children. Saying as the Church, “We are pro-family,” or even as a parish, “All our welcome” requires more from us than promoting teachings and policies. On a very practical level this means offering our support to parents at Mass, especially when their children may become squirmy or noisy. Being pro-family at Mass means resisting the temptation to stare and give a dirty look when these things happen. Parenting in today’s world is hard enough. We don’t need to add to their burden, especially when they come to our parish community for spiritual nourishment.

On the other end of the life spectrum, we have our senior citizens who, although smaller in number, and impeccably well-behaved at Mass, also deserve our community’s support. While they may not suffer the stares that parents may face, they often endure the challenge of biases, neglect and mistreatment. This was perhaps most apparent a couple of months ago when President Biden faced incredible pressure to step down from the race for reelection to the office of President. The concern is not so much as to whether he was competent enough to remain in the race, but rather in how he was treated by those closest to him, as well as the media and the general public. 

I was immediately reminded of the time when my family had to have the conversation with my father, that his disability had progressed to the point it was no longer safe for him to drive. As someone who loved to drive, and was known for simply “going for a ride,” this was a very difficult milestone he had reached. And it required of my family the utmost sensitivity and compassion. Sadly, this seemed to be in short supply with the question of President Biden’s role as the Democratic nominee. 

Pope Francis has repeatedly reminded the faithful of the important role that the elderly play in our Church and in the world. Our seniors are a treasure trove of knowledge and wisdom from the long lives they have lived. Their active participation in society is crucial in helping communities from repeating past mistakes. More than that though, they can be a testament to younger people of productive and joy-filled lives that can be had, even with the advance of years.

While the Constitution of the United States does not make provisions for this type of role in our democracy. Our Church, and by extension, our parish can and should make space for our older parishioners. Sadly, when so much of our parish’s activities and resources are devoted to the youngest members of our community, it is very easy to lose sight of other groups within our parish. But, as our parish continues to move beyond the pandemic, it’s time to begin addressing these shortcomings.

To that end, I would like to invite our senior parishioners to “Breakfast with the Pastor” (coffee and donuts) in the former chapel space on Sunday November 3rd, immediately after the 9:00 AM Mass. I look forward to reconnecting with our seniors, and listening to their needs and concerns. Reminders will be sent as the date approaches.

Fr. Sergio

Book and Bake Sale

Sunday, October 6th is the book and bake sale.  The sale will take place in the gym from 9am-3pm.  There are a couple of ways to help! 

1. Volunteer to help set up or work the event! Volunteer Here

2. Donate your yummy baked goods!

Baked goods may be dropped off in the gym on Saturday, October 5, from 3:00p.m. –

7:30p.m. or Sunday, October 6, at 8:30am. Please label any baked goods that contain nuts!

You can sign up to bake on the volunteer link above.

3. Gather up your old books to be donated!

Book drop off options:

• You can drop off your books at the gym doors from Monday, September 30 through Friday,

October 4, at school during morning drop-off and/or pick-up times;

• Drop them off in the gym on Saturday, October 6, between 3:00p.m. and 7:00p.m.;

• Reach out to Kristine Callahan at kristinelmoran@hotmail.com to schedule other drop off

options.

4.Come enjoy the day!

Hundreds of gently used books to be sold!

Delicious baked goods generously donated by Saint Andrew families

Cupcake Decorating * Arts and Crafts * Fun Raffles

Proceeds from this year’s sale will benefit the 8th grade class

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!

Bulldog Buddies

Bulldog Buddies is a class for students who turn two years old by September 1, 2024.  Our experienced teachers and engaging curriculum offer children the opportunity to experience our school setting in a safe, nurturing environment along with their caregivers.

Classes will meet on:

Tuesdays and Fridays

October 1 - November 22nd (No class on November 8th)

8:00 am - 9:30 am

Click here to register.​​​​​​​

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