The Ascension of the Lord
"The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them." Mt 28:16
Announcements
Thank you to all that volunteered, donated, and shopped at this year's Children's Garage Sale! A special thank you to Gretchen Kren and Katie Kelly for their leadership in chairing the event.
A profit of over $4,300 was raised for Saint Andrew Church and School! Many organizations benefited from the items that didn't sell at the sale like, Share our Spare, Bernie's Book Bank, Salvation Army, Catholic Charities and Pregnancy Resource Centers.
Pastoral Letter by Deacon Mark Purdome
"This paradox of goodbyes is at the heart of the Ascension."
Throughout our lives we experience many painful goodbyes. Friends move, children go to college, or we ourselves decide to relocate. And, of course, loved ones pass away, leaving empty holes in our hearts. These times might make us feel empty, that the color has been drained from the world leaving us in a state of "grey".
This usually isn't the end of the story. After processing the separation, we're often able to look at the relationship in a new way, either filling ourselves with memories or, in some cases, a realization that the painful goodbye can lead to a new way of being connected. I'm amazed these days by how it is possible to remain close to friends who have moved away, especially compared to my childhood. Email, Facebook, Instagram, and instant messages help to bridge the gap. I remember when Bridget and I were dating after college - I lived in New Jersey and she lived in Wisconsin, so we actually wrote physical letters to each other! Now that seems quite quaint!
In love, there is a fascinating paradox between being together and being apart. As much as we may initially dislike being apart from those we love, we also need that time to grow and bloom and become our whole selves. We need presence to form a relationship, and we need absence to help define how valuable we become to one another.
Fr. Ron Rolheiser puts it this way, "Presence is partly predicated on absence and there is something of our spirit that we can only give by going away. Why is this so? Because absence is sometimes the only thing that can purify presence."
This paradox of goodbyes is at the heart of the Ascension. Jesus says a painful goodbye, but because of that act our relationship with the divine was deepened and enriched by the gift of the Spirit. Something that seemed like an end, something that had a finality to it that broke the disciples' hearts, was also a defining moment that led to a new way of being connected to God. Our memories of Jesus sustain us, and our connection through the Spirit brings comfort and peace.
God Bless
-Deacon Mark
Interested in Becoming Catholic?
Saint Andrew is starting the process for adults who wish to join the Catholic Church. If you know someone who is curious about Catholicism, would like to join the church from another Christian denomination, or would like to inquire about Baptism as an adult, let them know about the Rites of Christian Initiation for Adults and share with them the following webpage http://www.standrew.org/learn/rcia/ to find out more. Interested individuals can also email david@standrew.org to inquire.
Save the Dates for Fall Fun!
Mark Your Calendars! Saint Andrew Parish Fall Fling and the Running of the Bulldogs 5K!
Fall Fling - Saturday, September 30, 2023, 3PM Golf Outing, 7PM Dinner
Running of the Bulldogs 5K - Sunday, October 22, 2023, 9AM
Email Julie Richards at julie@standrew.org to volunteer for these events. Stay tuned for more information closer to both events.
Volunteer
Current Volunteer Opportunities:
Mass Schedule
COVID RESTRICTIONS LIFTED
This past week, the Archdiocese of Chicago has lifted all restrictions related to the celebration of the Mass that were instated during the COVID pandemic. This extends to the Ministry of the Precious Blood and its distribution during Mass. We are beginning preparations to restore this ministry in the coming weeks. Please look for announcements and reminders how how to reverently participate in this ministry. This means we are also in need of additional parishioners to serve in the extra-ordinary ministry of communion. Please volunteer to be trained for this ministry by emailing our parish deacons at liturgy@standrew.org
Weekend Mass Schedule:
Vigil - 4:00pm Mass
Sunday - 9:00am,11:00am and 5:00pm 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, May121, 2023
+Jaime Alejo, +Deceased members of the +Drury, Kaufman, Cassidy and Hood families
Sunday, May 28, 2023
+Marietta Castillo Cananez and +Patrick Walsh, Jr.
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 - https://stand-il.client.renweb.com/oa/?memberid=15758
Religious Education News
Religious Education for 2022-23 grades K through 8 has concluded. Please visit www.standrew.org/re to learn more about the program for the upcoming year and to register. We will begin to offer make-up opportunities for students to complete missed sessions in the coming weeks. Have a wonderful summer vacation!
Stewardship and Finance Report
March Offering:
Envelope Collection - $7,504
Automated Giving - $20,581
Loose Cash - $3,718
Total Offertory - $31,803
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 - $1,909,407
Interest on Income - $39,931
Total Income - $1,949,337
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 - $922,906
Revised 4/4/2023
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
