Dear Friends,
During the “stay in place” order in the state of Illinois, we are providing you with this weekly web page to foster your prayer life with you and your household. We are aware that some restrictions are easing but we have not as of yet determined the exact procedures for any opening of church facilities at Saint Andrew.
In the mean time, we would strongly urge you to join us virtually on Sunday morning, May 3, 2020 at 11:00am for Your Sunday Connection… Live! We will hold a zoom call for all parishioners to watch the pre-recorded homily for Sunday, have a chance to share and connect with one another, and even have virtual time for “coffee and donuts.” Register to join the call by clicking here.
We encourage you to utilize the video/streaming opportunities to see Mass provided by the Archdiocese of Chicago at https://radiotv.archchicago.org/television/broadcast-masses.
We also encourage you to take time, perhaps with your family, perhaps around the table, and share this “Your Sunday Connection” webpage. As you scroll through, read and pray along. A homily message from Fr. Sergio Romo is included.
Opening Prayer
Almighty ever-living God, lead us to a share in the joys of heaven, so that the humble flock may reach where the brave Shepherd has gone before. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. AMEN.
The Readings
Reading 1 ACTS 2:14A, 36-41
Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed: “Let the whole house of Israel know for certain that God has made both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and they asked Peter and the other apostles, “What are we to do, my brothers?” Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you,
in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is made to you and to your children and to all those far off, whomever the Lord our God will call.”
in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is made to you and to your children and to all those far off, whomever the Lord our God will call.”
He testified with many other arguments, and was exhorting them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand persons were added that day.
Reading 2 1 PT 2:20B-25
Beloved: If you are patient when you suffer for doing what is good, this is a grace before God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his footsteps. He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth. When he was insulted, he returned no insult; when he suffered, he did not threaten; instead, he handed himself over to the one who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body upon the cross, so that, free from sin, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you had gone astray like sheep, but you have now returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.
Gospel JN 10:1-10
Jesus said: “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever does not enter a sheepfold through the gate but climbs over elsewhere is a thief and a robber. But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice, as the shepherd calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice.
But they will not follow a stranger; they will run away from him, because they do not recognize the voice of strangers.” Although Jesus used this figure of speech, the Pharisees did not realize what he was trying to tell them. So Jesus said again, “Amen, amen, I say to you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.”
But they will not follow a stranger; they will run away from him, because they do not recognize the voice of strangers.” Although Jesus used this figure of speech, the Pharisees did not realize what he was trying to tell them. So Jesus said again, “Amen, amen, I say to you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.”
The Homily
Please click on the video link below to watch the homily for this week.
The Prayers of the Faithful
For the Church, that we may be a living witness to the need for repentance, individually and collectively, always returning to the Good Shepherd, who calls us each by name. We pray to the Lord. LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER.
For nations at war, and for all people affected by violence, that leaders may find a way to bring justice and peace to their lands. We pray to the Lord. LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER.
For those who respond to the voice of the Good Shepherd calling them to help shepherd the flock, for ordained and lay vocations among God’s people. We pray to the Lord. LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER.
For all who have suffered physical, mental, or emotional trauma, that they may find relief and comfort through the assistance of others. We pray to the Lord. LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER.
For all who have wandered far from the fold, that they may hear the voice of the Good Shepherd and be open to responding in hope and wonder. We pray to the Lord. LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER.
For those who are affected by COVID19 that God will help them through this terrible time and for the entire world as we face this pandemic. We pray to the Lord. LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER.
For the departed, who remain with us in our prayers and our memories, and for the promise of a joyful reunion, and especially for: Maria Martinez, Robert Ledvina, Aurora Vinzons, Mauricia Castillo, Ann Danaher, Charlie Sullivan, Carolina Betti, and Marjorie Ann Nelson. We pray to the Lord. LORD HEAR OUR PRAYER.
Sunday Offertory
Stewardship of Saint Andrew Parish is the responsibility of us all. Consistently throughout the year, we remind parishioners about stewarding the gifts of Time, Talent, and Treasure to support the mission of Saint Andrew Parish.
During this pandemic, there are many urgent needs, among those needs are caring for the financial obligations of Saint Andrew Parish. If you do not regularly contribute electronically ether weekly or monthly, please consider making a Sunday Offering online through Give Central through the link below.
Spiritual Communion
In many places in the world receiving Holy Communion is not possible. Catholics in these areas are encouraged to make “Spiritual Communion.” St.Teresa of Jesus wrote about this practice:
“When you do not receive communion and you do not attend Mass, you can make a spiritual communion, which is a most beneficial practice; by it the love of God will be greatly impressed on you”
You can make Spiritual Communion by the bringing this prayer to your heart…
“My Jesus, I believe that you are in the Blessed Sacrament. I love you above all things, and I long for you in my soul. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though you have already come, I embrace you and unite myself entirely to you; never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.”
Closing Prayer
Look upon your flock, kind Shepherd, and be pleased to settle in eternal pastures the sheep you have redeemed by the Precious Blood of your Son. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever. AMEN
Announcements
Last Chance to Order Flowers for Mother’s Day
Saint Andrew Parish is selling beautiful hydrangea plants for Mother’s Day (or ANY DAY) to help raise much needed funds!! Saint Andrew staff will (safely) deliver them to your house*. These beautiful flowers are $40 and all orders must be in by Monday, May 3, 2020. Order now!
A copy of the parish bulletin can be read by clicking on the link below.