Bulletin - December 4, 2022 (2024)

"Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths."

Matthew 2: 3

Announcements

The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is Thursday, December 8, 2022. This is the patronal feast of the United States and a holy day of obligation. Mass will be celebrated at 7:00pm in the main church.

The Knights of Columbus Blood Drive will take place in our Social Hall/Chapel on Sunday, December 4 from 9:00am to 2:00pm. They are still accepting donors through the day of the drive. Donors can also sign up in person or online at http://www.tinyurl.com/KCSTANDREW2022BD

Pastoral Letter by Deacon Eric Sorensen

"In this Robert Baden-Powell, who founded the Boy Scouts, has taken note of the primacy of being prepared: our duty to God and to others, and being morally straight, which is the essence of the preaching of John the Baptist."

“Be Prepared!” We all know about preparation! We’re busy! Planning for all that must be done these holidays. It starts with Halloween. We have thought of the decorations and candy needed. Then Thanksgiving, invitations were sent or travel plans booked. Meanwhile, we are pulling out the Christmas lights and mounting the tree. After that we make sure the gifts are purchased and wrapped and placed under the tree. We plan; we arrange; we anticipate every detail for the perfect holiday event. We are prepared!

Perhaps, we are just taking the Scout Motto to heart: “Be Prepared.” Robert Baden-Powell, who founded the Boy Scouts, wrote in his 1908 handbook, “to be prepared meant that you are always in a state of readiness in mind and body to do your duty.” And as the Scout Oath promises, one’s duty pertains to one’s “Duty to God and Country, Duty to other people, and Duty to ourself.” This is all achieved by each scout being physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight. In this Robert has taken note of the primacy of being prepared: our duty to God and to others, and being morally straight, which is the essence of the preaching of John the Baptist.

In the Gospel we hear John desperately crying out with the words of the prophet Isaiah: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” John’s warning is not just for the religious leaders of his time, but for all us, for all time. He cries out for us to “Prepare the way” through repentance, and to “make straight our paths” by restoring our allegiance to God. Especially during this season of Advent, in which we prepare by remembering the First Coming of the Son of God, and anticipate his Return.

Yes, the Church plans, arranges and anticipates every detail to help us focus on the reason for the season. John’s calling us to recognize the Kingdom of Heaven, which is now at hand. The Son of God has already been born, grown, and ascended into Heaven … and promised to Return again. Additionally, he has revealed that God is not far off, but is already in our midst. In this John the Baptist recognizes and serves as a model for the Church in discerning the presence of our Savior in our lives, in our communities, in our world.

Indeed, Scouts are asked to be prepared, and so must we as people of faith. We too have a Duty to God and to others, as our primary focus. We too are called to be morally straight by repenting our ways and aligning with Christ’s ways. We too must recognize the reason for the season in Christ’s presence in our lives; in his promise to return in glory; and in his plan of salvation for us all … for the whole world. Yes, in this way we will “Be Prepared” for the Perfect Event, the Kingdom of Heaven!

Advent and Christmas Schedule

Saint Andrew will hold two evening events in the preparation for Christmas during the season of Advent

Advent Evening of Reflection: CHRIST THROUGHOUT THE AGES - Wednesday, December 14, 2022 from 6:30pm to 7:30pm in the church: Explore the role of art in telling us the story of the Holy Family as they gave birth to Jesus and cared for one another. This main presentation is accompanied by a youth program for children grades K - 5 so that parents may enjoy the program.

Come to the Manger: Saturday, December 17, 2022: Enjoy a light show on the church, caroling on the street corner, and hot chocolate and cookies in an evening to celebrate the season as a parish family. The caroling and light show will take place at 5:00pm, 5:30pm, & 6:00pm.

Christmas Masses: The following Masses will be celebrated for the Solemnity of Christmas:

Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24, 2022: 3:00pm Family Mass - 5:00pm Christmas Eve Mass

Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25, 2022: 9:00am Mass - 11:00am Mass

The Giving Tree!

The Giving Tree in Church is up and stocked with ornaments for the next two (2) weekends Masses. There is also a tree placed in the school. Each ornament has a label on the back signifying a particular child's name, age, grade and gender to help families shop for winter warmth items. Take one or multiple ornaments. Remember to spend no more than $25 per child and purchase only 2 winter warmth items (hat and gloves, hat and socks, scarf and hat, etc). Once you have shopped for each child, please include these items in a zip lock bag along with the ornament and drop off at the rectory or school (bins will be provided). Please have your shopping completed by Thursday, December 15, 2022. Thank you for your support of this years Giving Tree!!

Registration Open for Biddy Basketball

The favorite small-time league for neighborhood basketball is coming back! Sunday, January 15, 2023 is the kick off for the 2023 season of Biddy Basketball for children from Pre-Kindergarten through Third Grade. All games are held from 12:30 – 4:00 PM on Sunday afternoons in the Saint Andrew gymnasium. For more information and to register, visit www.standrew.org/biddy Registration closes December 21.

Current Volunteer Opportunities:

The Giving Tree Project:

We are looking for volunteers to help support this project. Since 2015, Saint Andrew Parish and School has partnered with Saint Mary of the Lake and St. Thomas of Canterbury in the Uptown neighborhood with a Christmas service project though a Giving Tree. The Giving Trees are up and stocked with ornaments in both the school and church. Please begin your winter warmth items shopping. The deadline for these items is Thursday, December 15th. Contact Julie Richards at julie@standrew.org for more information.

Supporting Asylum Seekers in Chicago:

The Archdiocese of Chicago and Catholic Charities is organizing individuals to care for and support families who are seeking asylum in the United States and have been repositioned in Chicago. A meeting will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. All are invited to join the call and discover more about the ways you personally, and we collectively can sponsor a family. The link to the call is https://bit.ly/WTS-Dec13

Ministry of Care:

Parishioners are needed to pray with Catholic parishioners who are in local nursing home and assisted living facilities and to bring them Holy Communion. Please contact Deacon Mark at mark@standrew.org.

Mass Schedule

Weekend Mass Schedule:

Vigil - 4:00pm Mass

Sunday - 9:00am and 11:00am 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, December 4, 2022

+Fernando Vinzons, Sr., +Enrique G. Rivera, +Redentork D. Rivera and +Lapus Family

Sunday, December 11, 2022

+Gwendolyn McCarten and Deceased family members

.

Live Stream:

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

Holy Day of Obligation:

Mass for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception will be celebrated at 7:00pm in the main church on

Thursday, December 8, 2022

Archbishop Cardinal Cupich has announced that the General Dispensation from attending Mass that was offered during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic was lifted Sunday, November 27, 2022. His announcement emphasizes that as children of God we are a family and the presence we share with one another is a space for God's grace to fill us and strengthen us. If there are any concerns an individual faces about this restored obligation, please speak with one of our pastoral staff who can assist you.

The full text of Archbishop Cardinal Cupich's lifting of the general dispensation to attend Mass can be found at https://www.archchicago.org/en/statement/-/article/2022/11/12/letter-from-cardinal-blase-j-cupich-archbishop-of-chicago-to-lift-the-general-dispensation-from-the-sunday-obligation

School News

It’s coming back! Tell your friends and neighbors, we are bringing back Baby Bulldogs. This great program is for infants and toddlers in the community. Baby Bulldogs will meet on Thursday Mornings from 8:45-9:30 in our gymnasium beginning January 19. Registration begins on December 1. Baby Bulldogs Registration

Come join us and experience what makes our Blue Ribbon School so special.

Please contact Anne Japsen in Admissions at annejapsen@gosaintandrew.com for more information on school tours! www.gosaintandrew.com

Religious Education News

Religious Education for 2022-23 is in session for students between grades K and 8th grade. Please visit www.standrew.org/re to learn more about the program and to register.

The next two weeks of Religious Education, students and parents will cover the material at home using the at-home guides provided picked up during the parent meeting. The next in-person class and parent meeting will be on Sunday, December 11 at 10:00am.

Stewardship and Finance Report

November Offering:

Envelope Collection - $8,387

Automated Giving - $19,717

Loose Cash - $2,564

Total Offertory - $30,668

Monthly Budgeted Expenses: $38,500

Enrich - Expand - Grow Capital Campaign

Income - $1,897,927

Interest on Income - $37,963

Total Income - $1,935,890

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) - $38,291.36

Annex (Demolition) - $55,795.38

Annex (Utilities Disconnect) - $18,210

Annex (Environmental Remediation) - $38,780

Total Expense - $1,030,193.74

BALANCE - $905,696.26

Revised 11/23/2022

Parish Staff

Parish Staff:

Pastor: Rev. Sergio Romo

Associate Pastor: Rev. Silvanus Kidaha

Pastoral Associate: David Heimann

Deacon: Mark Purdome

Deacon: Eric Sorensen

Business Manager: Esperanza Benavides

Fundraising/Development: Julie Richards

Office Manager: Christina O’Malley

Receptionists: Terry Ryan, Christine Chua, Mercedes Jairala

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

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