Dear Friends of Saint Andrew Parish,
They weren’t rich or famous. They weren’t dressed in fine clothing. Powerful leaders did not seek their counsel. But despite all of this, they were given a unique blessing at the birth of the world’s Messiah. The shepherds at Bethlehem have the honorable distinction of being the first to have been told the good news that Jesus had been born. In addition, they were the first to see Mary and Joseph, and the infant Jesus lying in a manger. And finally, they were also the first to worship the Christ child as they returned home glorifying and praising God for what they had heard and seen. With the story of the shepherds, we are presented with a precursor of the Church, that hears the good news proclaimed, encounters Jesus, and worships him.
For 130 years, come this October, at the corner of Addison and Paulina, believers, have heard the good news proclaimed to them, they’ve encountered the Risen Lord, and they’ve worshipped and praised him in countless Masses and prayers. Like the shepherds of Bethlehem, we too are blessed by what we have heard and seen in our beautiful church and in our vibrant community.
We have heard and seen the good news that God is with us and has worked marvelous deeds in our children at our school and religious education program. We have heard and seen the tender compassion of our God in our parish’s support for our sister parish in Uganda. Every time we come together as a community and lifted each other up, we have heard and seen the Holy Spirit acting within our midst. The birth of Christ was not just a onetime event. Rather, it is an event that happens every time we gather, learn, and love as a community of faith.
None of that would ever be possible without the support of many Saint Andrew members throughout the years. I am thankful for the legacy that previous parishioners have left for us. I am equally thankful for the generosity of current parishioners and friends of Saint Andrew who support us today. During this time of year, it is traditional to support many worthwhile charities. I ask you to prayerful consider making a special gift to Saint Andrew Parish, so that we may continue our ministry here for another 130 years. As you are aware, inflation has raised the prices on everything. It has affected everyone, including our parish, except on a much larger scale. That is why your financial gift to Saint Andrew Parish at Christmas this year is more important than ever.
The parishioners of Saint Andrew are never far from my heart. Please be assured of my gratitude for your generosity, and of my continued prayers for you. I hope you can join me and other Saint Andrew parishioners in our liturgical celebrations this Christmas. Together we can join the shepherds in glorifying and praising God for all we have heard and seen.
May God bless you, and may you have a Merry Christmas!
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Sergio Romo
Make your donation at – https://www.givecentral.org/location/299/event/6048
