The Fifth Sunday of Lent
"O my people, I will open your graves and have your rise from them." Ezekiel 37:12
Announcements
Lenten Collection:
From the material profit of our fasting and abstaining, we are invited to give to those in need at the end of our Lenten journey. This year, Saint Andrew will offer the monetary benefits of our fasting and abstaining to the relief efforts from the Turkey and Syrian Earthquake through Catholic Relief Services.
Stations of the Cross:
The Stations of the Cross are prayed as a community every Friday during Lent at 6:30pm. Please join us in recalling the journey Christ made towards his crucifixion and our redemption from sin.
Pastoral Letter by Deacon Eric Sorensen
"If you believe you will see the glory of God.” Jesus did raise Lazarus from the dead, but now he raises all who believe … from death to eternal life.
I have been present to many Funerals and Vigils for the Deceased and subsequently their Committals in my years of service. It is a time to pray for the deceased and to comfort the family and friends who mourn, as they face the reality of their loss and express their grief. This is how it was for Martha and Mary, as many had come to comfort them about their brother, Lazarus. Still Martha pleaded, “Lord, if you had been here my brother would not have died.” A familiar petition at this moment of final separation. Yet, our faith “believes that all the ties of friendship and affection which knit us as one throughout our lives do not unravel with death.”
But every so often I was present not just to console, but to witness a family celebration of the passing of their loved one. Sometimes only in relief of the end of the suffering endured. Other times in the joy of the life they had shared, and now continue to share in love; as the bonds of love do not end with death, but are eternal. Every so often they shared their spiritual experiences of their deceased’s passing, still present to them in their moments of silence, through the love in their hearts; even in whispers and sights from beyond. Such spiritual experiences always affirmed my own experiences at the deaths of my mother, brother, father and Rita’s grandmother and father. Truly, we believe “not in a God of the dead, but of the living.”
Such spiritual experiences make me reflect on poor Lazarus being ‘awaken;’ returning to this world. But such reflections would miss the truth revealed by Jesus that Lazarus was ‘asleep.’ He would not yet have known the joys of heaven, as Jesus had not yet died and arisen – opening the gates of heaven for all of us. Still, Martha said that her brother had been dead for four days, and warned of the stench. Yet, Jesus reveals the Truth, “I am the resurrection and the life, whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.”
So it is, as it was revealed with the Samaritan women at the well, and with the opening of the eyes of the blind man, and so too with Martha and Mary … with all of us, “If you believe you will see the glory of God.” Jesus did raise Lazarus from the dead, but now he raises all who believe from death to eternal life. It is through our journey of faith, through our eyes of faith that we confidently profess, just as Martha professed, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming (and is now present) in the world.”
Encounters with God - Lenten Parish Mission 2023
The annual Lenten Mission is our parish's premier faith formation experience. Parishioners of all age groups are encouraged to attend. Held jointly with Saint Benedict Parish, this year's mission features parishioners who will share personal stories and conversations of how God is present and transforms lives.
Join us on Sunday, March 26, 2023 from 4pm to 5:45pm in the chapel to hear from Ellie McCain, Kathleen Balscik, and Jeanete Heiner.
On Monday, March 27, 2023, from 7:00pm to 8:45pm at Mrs. Murphy and Son's Bistro, 3905 N Lincoln Ave we will hear from John Muldoon and Amy Quick.
and on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 from 7:00pm to 8:45pm at Mrs. Murphy and son's Bistro. 3905 N Lincoln Ave we will hear from Liz Vincent, Rafael Perello, and Dennis O'Toole.
Holy Week Schedule
Please join us for the liturgies during our most sacred part of the year.
The complete schedule for Holy Week is below.
PALM SUNDAY
Saturday, April 1, 2023
4:00pm Blessing of Palms & Mass
Sunday, April 2, 2023
9:00am &11:00am Blessing of Palms & Mass
TRIDUUM & EASTER
Thursday, April 6, 2023
7:00pm - Mass of the Lord's Supper
8:00pm to 11:00pm - Adoration
Friday, April 7, 2023
3:00pm - The Lord’s Passion
Saturday, April 8, 2023
11:00am - Blessing of Easter Baskets
8:00pm - The Easter Vigil
EASTER SUNDAY
Sunday, April 9, 2023
9:00am and 11:00 am Easter Sunday Masses
Join Us for Our Second Lenten Fish Fry
Please join us for Fish Fry #2 on Friday, March 31, 2023 in the Saint Andrew Gymnasium where we fry up fresh fish, french fries, mac and cheese, and a whole lot of fun as we gather as a parish community! We are always looking for volunteers for the Fish Fry. Contact Mike Kelly at kellymb0908@yahoo.com to find out more
Don't want to wait in line? Purchase your meal in advance at www.standrew.org/fishfry Don't miss this wonderful Lenten event!
Give Blood
The Knights of Columbus, and Vitalant (formerly LifeSource), will be holding a make-up date for the Blood Drive originally scheduled in December. The new drive will be on Sunday, April 2, 2023 in the Social Center/Chapel. Donation times will be available starting at 9:00am until 2:00pm. Individuals who registered before must re-register. Sign up for the drive at www.standrew.org/blooddrive
Volunteer
Current Volunteer Opportunities:
Saint Andrew fish Fry:
Saint Andrew Parish will sponsor the second Fish Fry of the Lenten season on Friday, March 31, 2023 from 5-8pm in the Saint Andrew Gymnasium. To volunteer for this event, please reach out to Mike Kelly at kellymb0908@yahoo.com
Mass Schedule
ANNOUNCING THE RETURN OF SUNDAY EVENING MASS
Saint Andrew will once again offer Mass on Sunday evenings at 5:00pm starting Sunday, April 16, 2023
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, March 26, 2023
+Marta Gerdes, +Marta Licor, +Justine Leonard, +Charles Michalski and +William Walsh
Sunday, April 2, 2023
+Kevin Cooney, +Rosy Carvajal and +Marte Vinzons
Live Stream:
Watch our live stream of Sunday Mass at www.standrew.org/sundaymass
School News
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 23-24 school year are now open! Existing families, do not forget to register your new preschoolers. Applications are now being accepted. 23-24 SAS Application
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. Students are currently in the last few weeks of our program for the academic year which will include in-person classes for students with their volunteer catechists. The next class is Sunday, March 26, 2023 at 10:00am.
Stewardship and Finance Report
February Offering:
Envelope Collection - $7,619
Automated Giving - $19,518
Loose Cash - $3,171
Total Offertory - $30,308
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 - $1,905,558
Interest on Income - $39,409
Total Income - $1,944,967
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
Total Expense - $1,026,432
BALANCE - $918,535
Revised 3/7/2023
Parish Staff
Parish Staff:
Pastor: Rev. Sergio Romo
Associate Pastor: Rev. Silvanus Kidaha
Resident Priest: Rev. Emmanuel Madu
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
