On the First Sunday of Lent, I wrote that I was working on making Lent a more positive experience this year - one that focused on the things that God has done for me, rather than a focus on the things I was "giving up" for God. So, how'd it go?

I'm happy to say that my mantra of change the focus helped me to have a more positive experience this past Lenten season. It is challenging to look at the chaos that sometimes filles our lives and instead of getting trapped in negativity to instead focus on the many gifts we've received from God. It wasn't a perfect Lent, by any means, but I feel more energized and more connected to God.

This doesn't imply that we should stick our heads in the sand and become milquetoast, ignoring the world around us. Our mission is no less than to change the world, to represent the power of mercy and compassion in overcoming evil, and to accomplish this we have to be bold and unafraid. But I think we can change the world and still maintain a positive outlook, and that's exactly why I'm continuing to use my mantra of change the focus.

I'm reminded of my mother, who incorporated these kinds of sayings into her life. One of her phrases that I've paraphrased into my own is "why put it down when you could put it away." I find myself repeating that, too, when I walk in the front door and want to toss my baseball cap on the counter. Put it away, I tell myself, and then open the closet and toss it on the shelf where it belongs. (Don't be mislead - this doesn't work all of the time and I'm still guilty of clutter all over the house). But it is a simple way to make a positive change, and I'm hopeful that I can do the same by focusing on God's gifts.

"Feed my lambs." "Tend my sheep." "Feed my sheep." These were requests from Jesus to care about others. To change the world by changing the focus from power and might to mercy and compassion. And that, friends, will change the world.

Peace,
-Deacon Mark

Saint Andrew Parish Children's Garage Sale

Save the date for this year's Children's Garage Sale on Saturday, May 10, 2025 from 8am - 12pm. This event will be held in the Saint Andrew Gymnasium at 1658 West Addison (corner of Addison and Paulina). Donation days and times are set (see updated flyer at the very bottom below ⬇️). The first donation date is Sunday, May 4th from 9am-12pm noon). Start cleaning out your closets, garages, attics and storage units now!

If you'd like to be volunteer or help coordinate this event please reach out to Julie Richards at julie@standrew.org.

Mother's Day Collection

Next week's second collection on Mother's Day will support Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Your donation helps provide critical assistance to those in need throughout Cook and Lake counties. Please be generous in supporting the vital work of Catholic Charities. You may donate online to this collection at https://www.givecentral.org/customizable-online-giving/299/event/26884 Thank you!

Fr. Sergio's New Appointment

We are saddened by the recent announcement that Fr. Sergio Romo, pastor of Saint Andrew Parish for 16 years has been appointed by Archbishop Cardinal Cupich to be the new pastor at Saint Gertrude Parish in Edgewater even as we celebrate this next step in his ministry!

Fr. Sergio will have his final Mass at Saint Andrew Parish at 4:00pm on Saturday, June 14, 2025 with a reception to follow. We encourage parishioners to attend and to send Fr. Sergio off with our prayers and support

Better Together Covenant

A LITTLE MORE INFO ABOUT THE COVENANT

As part of the covenant between Saint Andrew and Saint Benedict, we are called to unite

some of our efforts to follow Christ and extend His mercy to all, while maintaining our

unique identities.

We commit to:

Communion: Emphasizing the Eucharist

Community: Uniting in discipleship

Compassion: Welcoming all with love

[depending on the channel/space, add small icons to illustrate each of the bullet points]

The Guiding Principles of the covenant include:

1. Intentional Actions: Purpose-driven outreach to parishioners and the community

2. Support Schools: Each parish continues to support its school

3. Volunteer Engagement: Recruit and inspire new volunteers for outreach and

evangelization

4. Targeted Outreach: Identify and reach out to underserved individuals

5. Transparency: Maintain clear communication and transparency throughout the

process

Next week, we will meet the members of the covenant team.

Check the website for more info. Saint Andrew https://standrew.org/better-together-covenant/ or Saint Benedict https://parish.stbenedict.com/covenant

Mass Schedule

Weekend Mass Schedule:

Daily Mass takes place Monday thru Friday at 9:00am in the church.

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, May 4, 2025

+Michelle Frank, + Aurora Vinzons, +Clarence Solar, Jr. +Rick Coster, + Nicola Colucci

+ Jim Sturm, +Ethan Luaders and +Earl Luaders

Sunday, May 11, 2025

+Shirley Albright, Elizabeth O. Buchowski and Rocio Cambron

Live Stream:

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

Religious Education News

Religious Education for the 2024-25 year has completed for grades K through 8. Please visit www.standrew.org/re to learn more about the program. Registration for the year ahead will begin in June. We look forward to seeing you then!

Stewardship and Finance Report

March, 2025 Offering:

Envelope Collection - $8,961

Automated Giving - $18,063

Loose Cash - $5,686

Total Offertory - $32,710

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 - $1,915,569

Interest on Income - $40,296

Total Income - $1,955,865

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

Church Boiler - $313,845

School Boilers - $609,248

Total Expense - $1,949,525

BALANCE - $6,340

Revised 01/06/2025

School News

Parents are Partners

Save the Date! Join us for our next Parents Are Partners event on Thursday, May 1, at 6:30 PM in the Auditorium. We’re excited to welcome Erin Anderson for an engaging and informative workshop on Executive Functioning and Attention.This event is open to all—you don’t need to be a school family to attend. Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to gain insights and strategies that support learning and development!

Discover the Difference with Saint Andrew School!

Are you seeking a nurturing and enriching educational environment for your child? Look no further than Saint Andrew School, where Catholic Education comes to life through faith, excellence, and community. Our dedicated faculty inspires students to achieve their full potential academically, spiritually, and socially. At Saint Andrew, we blend rigorous academics with character-building values, fostering a sense of purpose and belonging. Experience our vibrant campus, where every student is known, loved, and challenged to grow. Choose Saint Andrew School today and invest in a brighter future for your child. Enroll now and join our family! We have an upcoming tour on May 13 at 9am. Sign up for a tour here: schedule a tour New student applications for the 25-26 can be found here: New Student Application

Volunteer

Current Volunteer Opportunities:

We are actively looking for individuals to be a part of the ministry of lectoring and distribution of Holy Communion. Please contact mark@standrew.org if you are interested in these important ministries.

Next up is Wearin' the Green! Saint Andrew's largest fundraiser and parish celebration is on Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 6pm - 11:30pm. If you'd like to help volunteer for this event, please reach out to Julie Richards at julie@standrew.org.

Saint Andrew Lenten Fish Fry! Saint Andrew will host two Lenten Fish Fry's. Friday, March 7, 2025 and Friday, April 11, 2025 from 5pm-8pm. If you are able to volunteer for these great events, please reach out to Julie Richards at julie@standrew.org.

Parish Staff

Parish Staff:

Pastor: Rev. Sergio Romo

Associate Pastor: Rev. Zhao Melchior Huaimin

Pastoral Associate: David Heimann

Deacon: Mark Purdome

Business Manager: Esperanza Benavides

Fundraising/Development: Julie Richards

Office Manager: Christina O’Malley

Receptionists: Terry Ryan, Christine Chua, Veronica Salazar. and Elizabeth Moreno

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

Calendar

Parish and School Photo Directory

We are pleased to announce that Saint Andrew will participate in the creation of a photo directory for the photo and school. Our directory invites families and individuals to sit for a portrait photograph from which you will receive a free 8x10 photo and a copy of the photo directory.

You can help us make this a successful venture for the entire parish by signing up today! We have been given 4 days of portrait sittings from Wednesday, June 4 to Saturday June 8, 2025. Appointments are available most days until 8:00pm.

To learn more and to sign up for your photo session, please visit www.standrew.org/photodirectory

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Pastoral Letter by Deacon Mark Purdome